Projection Apparatus Mask Generation for Non-Planar Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projection technologies face difficulties in accurately rendering images on non-planar surfaces due to the need for manual adjustment of projection parameters, which is inconvenient and often requires recreating the projection content when the masked and unmasked regions are not correctly aligned.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that adaptively generate a mask pattern based on the contour of a non-planar region by projecting patterns with straight lines, identifying inflection points, and delineating a contour to mask the outer region, allowing for correct rendering of the unmasked region without manual parameter adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of projection parameters is used to correctly render projection content on non-planar surfaces, then the projection accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection accuracyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the non-planar surface characteristics and generates appropriate mask patterns without requiring manual user intervention. The projection apparatus performs self-adjustment by capturing images of the projection surface, analyzing the geometry, and autonomously creating the mask pattern that compensates for surface irregularities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes projection parameters based on detected surface characteristics. By analyzing the captured images and identifying geometric features of the non-planar surface, the system automatically adjusts projection parameters to optimize rendering accuracy for the specific surface configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of projection parameters is used to correctly render projection content on non-planar surfaces, then the projection accuracy is improved, but the time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection and analysis of the projection surface before actual content projection. By capturing images and generating mask patterns in advance, the system prepares the optimal projection configuration beforehand, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments during the projection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated detection and mask generation system performs the entire calibration process without human intervention, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual parameter adjustment while maintaining high projection accuracy on non-planar surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If mask pattern is generated to match non-planar region contour, then the rendering accuracy on non-planar surfaces is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverendering accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an image processing and pattern generation module that acts as an intermediary between the projection apparatus and the non-planar surface. This module captures surface images, analyzes geometric features, and generates appropriate mask patterns, thereby achieving accurate rendering without significantly complicating the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with software-based image processing and computational mask generation. By using digital image analysis and algorithmic pattern creation, the system achieves precise adaptation to non-planar surfaces without requiring additional mechanical components or complex hardware modifications.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11323675B2Method for generating mask, and projection apparatus for performing the same
Publication Date: 2022.05.03 CORETRONIC CORPORATION
  • US11323675B2 patent drawing
  • US11323675B2 patent drawing
  • US11323675B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for generating a mask and a projection apparatus for performing the method are provided. The method includes: projecting a first pattern onto a projection surface, wherein the projection surface includes a non-planar region, and the first pattern includes multiple first straight lines; shooting a first image of the projection surface on which the first pattern is rendered; finding at least one first specific line segment in the first image, wherein each first specific line segment includes at least one first inflection point; delineating a first contour based on the at least one first inflection point in a case of determining that the at least one first inflection point in the first image is suitable for delineating the first contour; and generating a first mask pattern based on the first contour in a case of determining that the first contour matches a region contour of the non-planar region.