Interchangeable Projection Lens Automatic Orientation Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image projection apparatuses require manual user intervention to adjust settings when the projection optical system is changed, leading to mismatched image orientation and shift directions, which is cumbersome and often does not meet user expectations.

Innovation Solution

An image projection apparatus with an acquirer to gather information on interchangeable projection lenses and a controller to automatically set the image orientation and shift direction based on this information, ensuring seamless operation regardless of lens changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the projection lens unit is made interchangeable to change the projection optical system, then the adaptability and versatility of the apparatus is improved, but the device complexity increases and manual setting adjustment becomes necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to change projection optical systemVSAvoidcomplexity of setting adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection lens unit includes its own storage unit that automatically stores and provides setting information related to image orientation and shift direction. When a lens unit is attached or detached, the control unit automatically acquires this information and adjusts the apparatus settings without requiring user intervention, making the system self-configuring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors the attachment state of projection lens units and automatically adjusts settings based on feedback from the storage unit associated with each lens unit. This closed-loop system ensures settings always match the currently installed optical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If manual setting adjustment is required when the projection lens unit is interchanged, then the image orientation and shift direction can be changed, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to open menus and change settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of image orientation and shift directionVSAvoidconvenience of setting adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Setting information related to image orientation and shift direction is pre-stored in the storage unit attached to each projection lens unit. When the lens unit is attached, this information is automatically acquired and applied, eliminating the need for users to manually search menus and adjust settings during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the image orientation and shift direction are manually adjusted, then the settings can be changed to match the projection optical system, but the loss of time increases due to the arduous process of opening menus and changing settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of setting matchingVSAvoidtime for setting adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages its own settings by acquiring information from the storage unit in the attached projection lens unit and autonomously adjusting image orientation and shift direction parameters, eliminating the time users would spend on manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that automatically translates the setting information stored in the lens unit's storage unit into appropriate apparatus adjustments, streamlining the configuration process without requiring direct user interaction with menu systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3432066B1Image projection apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 CANON KK
  • EP3432066B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2B
  • EP3432066B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3432066B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An image projection apparatus (100) in which a projection lens (161) is interchangeable includes an acquirer (132) configured to acquire information on the projection lens, and a controller (133) configured to set, based on the information on the projection lens, at least one of an image orientation of a projection image and a shift direction of the projection image.