Projection Image Correction Using Camera Coordinate Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projector systems require complex configurations with sensors to correct image projection and position, leading to increased costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

An image processing method that utilizes captured images from a camera to detect and correct projection image shape and position without the need for movement-detecting sensors, using statistical processing of image coordinates to determine when the difference between images is sufficiently small.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor is added to detect movement for image correction, then image accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an imaging device (camera) as an intermediary to capture images of the projection surface. By analyzing coordinate differences between captured images, the system indirectly detects movement and determines whether correction is needed, avoiding direct use of movement sensors while maintaining image accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based movement detection system with an optical imaging and computational analysis system. Instead of using sensors to directly measure movement, the system captures images and calculates coordinate differences to infer movement, substituting mechanical detection with optical and computational methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple captured images are processed to determine correction timing, then image accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the evaluation parameter from continuous sensor data monitoring to discrete image coordinate comparison. By capturing images at specific intervals and comparing coordinate differences against a threshold, the system reduces processing overhead while maintaining accurate detection of when correction is needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent processes only the necessary portion of image data by focusing specifically on coordinate differences of corresponding points between images. Rather than performing comprehensive image analysis, the system extracts and compares only the critical coordinate information needed to determine correction timing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12536771B2Image processing method, information processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An image processing method includes acquiring a first captured image that is produced by capturing an image of an object with an imaging device at first time and that contains a first point, acquiring a second captured image that is produced by capturing an image of the object with the imaging device at second time different from the first time and that contains a second point corresponding to the first point, and outputting first output information that is information for image processing based on at least one of the first and second captured images when a first indicator value generated based on the coordinates of the first point in the first captured image and the coordinates of the second point in the second captured image is smaller than or equal to a threshold.