Projection Device Image Stabilization via Accelerometer Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld projection devices experience image jitter and distortion due to user fatigue and tilting, which affects the quality of the projected image.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an accelerometer and motion detection module to measure movement and tilt, generating movement correction and skew correction factors to stabilize the image and correct distortions, respectively, using a scanning mirror unit within the projection device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a handheld projection device is made lightweight and portable, then ease of operation is improved, but image stability deteriorates due to user fatigue and hand shaking

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidimage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an accelerometer to continuously monitor device movement and feeds this information back to the control module, which adjusts the scanning mirror position in real-time to compensate for hand shaking and maintain stable image projection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical stabilization mechanisms (such as heavy mounts or tripods) with an electronic feedback system using accelerometer data and controlled mirror adjustment, enabling stabilization in a lightweight handheld device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the user holds the projection device for a substantial period, then productivity is maintained, but image quality deteriorates due to hand fatigue and shaking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The accelerometer continuously monitors device movement throughout operation and provides real-time feedback to the control module, which adjusts the scanning mirror to maintain image quality even during prolonged use when user fatigue sets in

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically compensates for movement without requiring user intervention or adjustment, using the accelerometer and control module to self-correct image stability issues during continuous operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If image stabilization features are added to a projection device, then image stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an accelerometer as an intermediary sensor to detect device movement, which then triggers control module adjustments to the scanning mirror, providing image stabilization through a relatively simple sensor-actuator chain rather than complex mechanical stabilization systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively stabilizes the projected image and corrects distortions caused by user movement and tilting, ensuring a clear and consistent image display even when the device is not held steadily.

Implementation Method 1

movement measurements are received from an accelerometer within a projection device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

using a scanning mirror unit within the projection device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9967530B2Image stabilization and skew correction for projection devices
Publication Date: 2018.05.08 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for generating a projected image are provided. Movement measurements are received from an accelerometer within a projection device. A determination is made as to whether the movement measurements indicate movement of the projection device. Upon determining that the movement measurements indicate movement of the projection device, a movement correction factor is determined based on the movement measurements to compensate for the movement of the projection device. The projection device is caused to generate a projected image according to the movement correction factor.