Multi-Projector Edge Blending Control Device

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-projection systems require users to input detailed settings for the edge blending process for each projector, leading to increased effort and time.

Innovation Solution

A control device that communicates with multiple projectors to automate the edge blending process by receiving designation information, generating overlap information, and transmitting it to the projectors to adjust the luminance of overlapping image areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If users input detailed settings for the edge blending process for each projector, then the edge blending process can be performed with precise control, but the effort and time required for input increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveedge blending control precisionVSAvoidtime for inputting settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the edge blending settings into two parts: common settings (overlap width, blending curve) that apply to all projectors, and projector-specific settings (projection area coordinates) that are automatically obtained. This allows users to input only the common settings once, while the system automatically generates and distributes the complete settings to each projector, thereby reducing input time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control device serves multiple functions: it acts as a central configuration point for common edge blending parameters, an automatic coordinate extraction system that obtains projection area information from each projector, and a settings distribution hub that transmits appropriate settings to each projector. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for users to manually input settings for each projector individually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If users input detailed settings for the edge blending process for each projector, then the edge blending process can be performed with precise control, but the complexity of the operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveedge blending control precisionVSAvoidease of inputting settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the edge blending settings into two parts: common settings (overlap width, blending curve) that apply to all projectors, and projector-specific settings (projection area coordinates) that are automatically obtained. This allows users to input only the common settings once, while the system automatically generates and distributes the complete settings to each projector, thereby reducing input time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically obtaining projection area coordinates from each projector and generating the appropriate edge blending settings without requiring user intervention for each projector. The control device autonomously completes the configuration process, making the operation simpler while maintaining precise control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If a control device automatically generates and transmits overlap information to multiple projectors, then the time and effort for setting input is reduced, but the complexity of the control device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for inputting settingsVSAvoidcontrol device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device serves multiple functions: it acts as a central configuration point for common edge blending parameters, an automatic coordinate extraction system that obtains projection area information from each projector, and a settings distribution hub that transmits appropriate settings to each projector. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for users to manually input settings for each projector individually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple projectors. It receives common settings from the user, automatically obtains projection area information from each projector, generates complete edge blending settings, and distributes them to the appropriate projectors. This intermediary role centralizes the complexity within the control device while simplifying the user interface and projector configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12212896B2Control device, multi-projection system and control method of control device

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A control device configured to communicate with a first projector which projects a first image in a first projection area, and a second projector which projects a second image in a second projection area having a first overlap area overlapping the first projection area to make the first projector and the second projector perform an edge blending process includes a reception section for receiving input of designation information including a direction in which an overlap width, a generation section for generating first overlap information including information representing first side in the first overlap area and information representing the overlap width of the first overlap area, and second overlap information including information representing second side in the first overlap area and the information, and a transmission section for transmitting the first overlap information to the first projector, and the second overlap information to the second projector.