Multi-Projector Image Correction via Partial Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image projection systems that use multiple projectors struggle to correct for differences in color and brightness between projected images without requiring a camera capable of capturing the entire image, as factors like camera conditions and sensitivities affect the correction process.
Innovation Solution
Each projector includes a projection section, an imaging section to capture part of its own image and adjacent images, and a correction processing section to adjust the image based on a target area, allowing for image quality matching without capturing the entire image, by comparing imaged values and applying correction values to ensure uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera capable of capturing the entire projected image is used for color correction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the full image capture task into multiple partial captures using multiple cameras positioned at different locations. Each camera captures only a portion of the projected image, and these partial images are then stitched together to form the complete corrected image. This segmentation approach eliminates the need for a single complex camera while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing unit as an intermediary that receives partial images from multiple cameras, performs image stitching, and generates the final corrected image. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by distributing the capture function across multiple simple cameras rather than requiring one complex all-capability camera.
2Device complexity
If multiple cameras are used to capture images for correction, then device complexity is reduced compared to a single full-capability camera, but measurement precision deteriorates due to differences in capture conditions and camera sensitivities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different correction processing to different regions of the image based on their specific characteristics. Each camera's captured portion is processed independently with adjustments tailored to that local region's capture conditions and camera sensitivity characteristics, ensuring consistent color accuracy across the entire stitched image despite variations in individual camera performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts correction parameters for each camera based on its specific sensitivity characteristics and capture conditions. The image processing unit modifies parameters such as white balance, exposure compensation, and color space transformation for each camera's input, ensuring that all partial images are normalized to a common reference standard before stitching, thereby eliminating sensitivity variations.
3Device complexity
If images are captured multiple times with a single camera or using multiple cameras, then device complexity is reduced, but the correction process becomes more difficult due to varying capture conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration and characterization of each camera's sensitivity and capture conditions before the actual correction process. This preliminary action includes capturing reference images under controlled conditions to establish correction lookup tables and parameter sets for each camera, which are then applied automatically during the correction process, significantly simplifying subsequent correction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the image processing unit continuously monitors the captured partial images and adjusts correction parameters in real-time based on detected inconsistencies. If color or brightness variations are detected between different camera captures, the system automatically refines correction parameters to eliminate these discrepancies, making the correction process more straightforward despite varying capture conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Projectors include a first projector that projects a first image and a second projector that projects a second image. The first projector includes a first control section that corrects the first image based on a first captured image produced by capturing an image of the range containing at least part of the first image and part of the second image and with reference to a target area contained in the range over which the first captured image is captured, and the second projector includes a second control section that corrects the second image based on a second captured image produced by capturing an image of the range containing part of the first image and at least part of the second image and with reference to the target area contained in the range over which the second captured image is captured.