Projection Control Apparatus for Curved Surface Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image projection technologies distort images on curved surfaces, such as those found on aircraft bodies, during painting operations, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

The use of projection mapping technology with multiple projectors and a projection control apparatus that generates and adjusts projection data to account for the shape of the target surface, ensuring images are projected without distortion, even on complex curved surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional overhead projectors are used to project images onto curved aircraft surfaces, then the projection process is simple and quick to set up, but the projected images become distorted and inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection accuracyVSAvoidprojection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The curved aircraft surface is divided into multiple planar regions, with each region projected by a separate projector. The projection control apparatus divides the overall projection surface into multiple areas and assigns each area to a specific projector, allowing accurate planar projection on each segment while collectively covering the entire curved surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from single-projector 2D projection to multi-projector 3D spatial projection. By utilizing multiple projectors positioned at different locations and angles, the system can accurately project images onto complex three-dimensional curved surfaces that cannot be accurately covered by a single planar projection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple projectors are used to eliminate image distortion on curved surfaces, then projection accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection accuracyVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The projection control apparatus performs preliminary calculations to determine the optimal division of projection areas and positioning of multiple projectors before actual projection begins. By pre-calculating the projection parameters and area divisions based on the target surface geometry, the system minimizes on-site adjustment time while ensuring accurate projection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The projection control apparatus serves as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple projectors and the curved target surface. It automatically calculates projection parameters, divides projection areas, and controls each projector to ensure seamless and accurate composite projection without requiring manual alignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustments are made to correct projection distortion, then some accuracy can be achieved, but operational errors increase and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection accuracyVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automatic feedback control where the projection control apparatus continuously monitors and adjusts projection parameters based on the actual position and orientation of the aircraft surface. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for manual adjustments and ensures consistent projection accuracy throughout the projection process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3503543B1Image projection apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 SUBARU CORP
  • EP3503543B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3503543B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3503543B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image projection apparatus (2) includes: a projector (200); and a projection control apparatus (300). The projector (200) projects an image. The projection control apparatus (300) causes the projector (200) to project an information indicating a border (420) of a painting applied to a surface of a target (410) to be manufactured on the surface of the target (410).