Multi-Projector Position Adjustment Using Color Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-projection display systems face challenges in accurately adjusting the position of projection images in extremely dark environments, such as darkrooms, due to the effect of inhibiting factors like the color array structure of color filters, leading to inaccuracies in determining the optimum projection position.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses two adjustment images with specific color patterns, where the first color and second color are alternately allocated to the patterns to ensure accurate overlap, allowing for high-accuracy position adjustment by calculating evaluation values based on image data taken in such environments, considering the Bayer array structure of color filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If position adjustment is performed manually by a user, then position adjustment can be achieved, but it requires great time and labor and high-level position adjustment technique

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition adjustment accuracyVSAvoidtime and labor for position adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs position adjustment automatically without requiring manual intervention. The image taking device captures adjustment images projected by the projectors, and the processing device automatically calculates displacement and determines optimal positions, enabling the system to adjust itself without human operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated optical-mechanical system. Instead of physically adjusting projectors, the system uses image capture and digital processing to automatically determine and correct positions, substituting human operation with electronic processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If displacement detection is performed using an image taking device with lower resolution, then processing requirements are reduced, but complicated image analysis processing is required and calculation volume is large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage data processing device requirementsVSAvoidspeed of displacement correction processes

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent focuses image analysis on specific local regions (overlapping areas between adjacent projection images) rather than processing the entire image. This localized analysis reduces the calculation volume and processing complexity while maintaining sufficient accuracy for position adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment image is divided into multiple regions, with specific attention to overlapping areas between adjacent projectors. By segmenting the image analysis task and focusing on critical regions, the system reduces overall processing complexity and improves execution speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Illumination intensity

If position adjustment is performed in an extremely dark environment, then the image taking device can capture images, but the color array structure of color filters creates inhibiting factors that prevent accurate position adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination condition for image captureVSAvoidposition adjustment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses adjustment images with specific color patterns (first and second colors in overlapping areas) that are designed to be distinguishable even in dark environments. The color contrast and specific hue selections help overcome the limitations of color filter arrays in low-light conditions, enabling accurate position detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent exploits the color array structure of the image taking device by designing adjustment images with specific color patterns that interact with the color filters. Instead of treating the color filter limitations as a pure obstacle, the system uses the color filtering effect to enhance the distinguishability of overlapping regions in dark environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS7724206B2Position adjustment method for projection images

Publication Date: 2010.05.25 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A position adjustment method for adjusting positions of two projection images projected from multiple projectors contained in a multi-projection display onto a projection surface such that the images overlap. A first step involves setting pixel values of colors such that a predetermined characteristic is exhibited in an overlapping area when the adjustment images are projected. A second step involves producing adjustment image data corresponding to the adjustment images. Colors of the adjustment images are allocated to patterns such that the patterns overlap when the adjustment images are projected. A third step involves giving the adjustment image data to the multiple projectors and calculating evaluation values associated with the image data that is obtained by taking an image of the projection surface on which the adjustment images are projected from the multiple projectors. A forth step involves performing position adjustment for the projection images based on the evaluation values.