Multi-Projector Alignment Using Luminance Gradients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for positioning projection images from multiple projector devices lack accuracy due to insufficient camera resolution, making precise adjustment of projection positions challenging, especially when the images need to be aligned in a continuous manner without visible seams.
Innovation Solution
A multi-projector system that includes two or more projection devices, an image output device, and an adjustment device, where the projection devices emit light with modulated images containing gradation regions with intersecting luminance gradients, allowing for precise adjustment of emission positions based on captured image analysis to achieve accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional camera-based positioning is used, then the positioning process is simple, but the positioning accuracy is insufficient when camera resolution is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the projection image by incorporating luminance gradient information and gradient direction information into the projection image data. This allows the positioning system to utilize not just the presence of markers but the directional and intensity characteristics of the projected light, thereby achieving higher positioning accuracy with the same camera resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical/optical marker recognition system with a computational imaging approach. Instead of relying on high-resolution cameras to capture and recognize physical markers, the system uses gradient analysis of the projected image itself to determine position, substituting physical marker recognition with computational image processing.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution camera is used to improve positioning accuracy, then the positioning precision improves, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the projection image to include luminance gradient and gradient direction information. This allows the system to extract more information from the same camera resolution, effectively achieving higher positioning accuracy without requiring a high-resolution camera, thus avoiding increased system resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational copy of the projection image with enhanced information (gradient directions and luminance gradients) that can be analyzed for positioning. This computational representation allows accurate position detection without needing physical high-resolution imaging equipment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If projection images are projected with overlap to ensure continuity, then the seamless projection is achieved, but the positioning difficulty increases due to image overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the projection image to include gradient direction information that uniquely identifies different regions. Even when images overlap, the gradient directions provide distinctive signatures that allow the system to differentiate and accurately position each projector's contribution, solving the position detection difficulty in overlapping regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the captured image is analyzed to determine actual projection positions, and this information is used to adjust and optimize the projection alignment. The gradient analysis provides feedback on the actual positioning, allowing the system to achieve seamless projection despite the complexity of overlapping images.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables precise alignment of projection images, ensuring a continuous and seamless projection by adjusting emission positions to match luminance gradients, thereby improving the accuracy and quality of the combined projection image.
Implementation Method 1
each of the projection devices includes a light emission unit configured to modulate light from a light source according to an input image to emit the light as the projection image
Implementation Method 2
the adjustment device includes a capturing unit being configured to capture the projection image projected on the medium to be projected and output a captured image
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-projector system includes two or more projection devices including a first projection device and a second projection device, an image output device configured to output an image to each of the two or more projection devices, and an adjustment device configured to adjust projection positions of projection images on a medium to be projected, the projection images being projected by the two or more projection devices, and a first projection image emitted by the first projection device, and a second projection image emitted by the second projection device being projected on the medium to be projected to have an overlapped region.