Projection Inclination Guidance for Accurate Image Leveling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projection systems lack effective mechanisms for facilitating easy and intuitive inclination adjustment of projection apparatuses relative to a reference surface, making it difficult for users to accurately align and level the projection image.

Innovation Solution

An adjustment support device and method that generates and outputs guide information indicating the operation method of an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the inclination of a projection apparatus based on inclination information, using a processor to control the projection system and provide clear guidance for users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If no guide information is provided for inclination adjustment, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users struggle to accurately align and level the projection image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of inclination adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment support device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adjustment support device as an intermediary component that generates and displays guide information (such as graphical overlays showing inclination status and adjustment directions) to assist users in leveling the projection apparatus. This intermediary provides the necessary guidance without fundamentally altering the core projection function, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical inclination measurement and indication mechanisms with electronic/image processing-based solutions. Instead of using physical levels, gears, or mechanical indicators, the system uses image sensors, processors, and displayed graphical information to detect and guide inclination adjustment, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while improving user guidance.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If manual inclination adjustment is used without guidance, then the device structure remains simple, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates as users cannot accurately align the projection image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of inclination alignmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment support device
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the adjustment support device continuously monitors the inclination status of the projection apparatus (through sensors or image analysis) and provides real-time guide information indicating the current inclination state and the direction/amount of adjustment needed. This closed-loop feedback enables users to make precise adjustments until the desired horizontal/vertical alignment is achieved, thereby improving alignment precision without requiring complex automated adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces precision mechanical alignment systems (such as precision gears, cam mechanisms, or mechanical level indicators) with electronic detection and visual guidance systems. Using image sensors and graphical displays provides sufficient precision for alignment while maintaining simpler device structure compared to pure mechanical solutions.

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

3Ease of operation

If automated inclination adjustment is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of inclination adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment support device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the projection apparatus to partially serve itself by integrating the adjustment support device that automatically detects inclination status and generates appropriate guide information. The system uses the apparatus's own imaging capabilities and processing units to provide self-diagnosis and self-guidance for adjustment, reducing the need for external automated control mechanisms while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12585177B2Adjustment support device, adjustment support method, adjustment support program, and projection system
Publication Date: 2026.03.24 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US12585177B2 patent drawing
  • US12585177B2 patent drawing
  • US12585177B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An adjustment support device includes: a processor configured to perform a control of: generating guide information indicating an operation method of an adjustment mechanism for adjusting inclination of a projection apparatus with respect to a reference surface based on inclination information indicating the inclination; and outputting the generated guide information.