Multi-Projector Alignment via Color-Coded Test Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image projection systems struggle to accurately correct the positions of projected images from multiple projectors, as users find it difficult to visually recognize overlaps and deviations when using white test images, especially when projectors are far apart or project at different timings.
Innovation Solution
A control method for an image projection system that determines specific colors for pattern images projected by each projector based on a superimposition number, ensuring that superimposed images have a specific color, and adjusts the colors to be different from the specific color for easier visual recognition and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If white test images are projected at different timings for correction, then the correction process can be performed sequentially, but users cannot visually recognize the degree of overlap and deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by assigning different colors to test images from different projectors (e.g., red, green, blue) so that users can visually distinguish and recognize the degree of overlap and deviation between projected images. When images are projected simultaneously, the colored test images allow users to see which projector's image is misplaced and by how much, resolving the visibility issue while maintaining sequential correction timing.
2Area of stationary object
If projectors are positioned far apart to cover larger areas, then the projection coverage increases, but the alignment and overlap recognition becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By assigning distinct colors to each projector's test image, users can easily track and identify images from different projectors even when they are positioned far apart. The color coding allows users to visually follow the overlap patterns across large areas, making alignment recognition feasible regardless of projector separation distance.
3Productivity
If multiple projectors project simultaneously for efficiency, then the correction process is faster, but it becomes difficult to determine which projector's image deviates
Solution Approach 1:
Each projector is assigned a unique color for its test image (e.g., Projector 1: red, Projector 2: green, Projector 3: blue). When all projectors project simultaneously, users can immediately identify which projector's image is misplaced by observing which color appears in the incorrect position or does not overlap properly with others, thus maintaining both speed and identification accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If white test images are used for projection correction, then the images are neutral and do not interfere with content, but users struggle to visually recognize positions and overlaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses colored test images (red, green, blue, etc.) instead of white images. The colors provide strong visual contrast and differentiation, making it easy for users to recognize positions, overlaps, and deviations. The colored test images are temporary and only used during the correction phase, after which normal content projection resumes, thus maintaining adaptability while improving ease of operation during correction.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method for an image projection system including a plurality of projectors includes a determining step of determining, based on a stack number indicating the number of the projectors, projected images of which are superimposed one another, colors of pattern images projected by the respective projectors equivalent to the stack number and a projecting step of causing the respective projectors equivalent to the stack number to project the pattern images having the colors determined in the determining step. In the determining step, when the pattern images equivalent to the stack number are superimposed, the colors of the pattern images projected by the respective projectors equivalent to the stack number are determined such that the superimposed pattern images equivalent to the stack number have a specific color.