Obstacle-Aware Projection Region Mapping With Visual Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projection technologies fail to clearly communicate to users which objects are recognized as obstacles, making it difficult to determine appropriate control for projecting images around these obstacles.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that detect a projection target, specify regions with and without obstacles, project a first image in the obstacle-free region, and indicate the presence of obstacles with a second image, allowing for both automatic and user-controlled corrections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the projector automatically determines the projectable region based on obstacle detection, then the projection can be performed smoothly without manual intervention, but the user cannot understand which object is recognized as an obstacle, making it difficult to determine whether appropriate control is performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic determination of projectable regionVSAvoiduser understanding of obstacle identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by displaying the projection image in a first color in the projectable region and in a second color in the non-projectable region. This visual differentiation clearly communicates to users which areas are suitable for projection and which contain obstacles, resolving the information loss while maintaining automatic operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the projection target into distinct regions: a first region where the projection image is displayed and a second region where an indication of obstacle presence is displayed. This segmentation provides clear visual feedback to users about obstacle locations while enabling automatic projectable region determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the projector displays only the projection image without indicating obstacle presence, then the display is simple and clean, but users cannot determine whether appropriate control is performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of displayVSAvoidobstacle presence information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses color changes to indicate obstacle presence by displaying the projection image in a first color and the obstacle indication in a second color. This approach maintains visual simplicity while providing clear information about obstacle presence, avoiding complex display mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary visual element (the colored indication) that mediates between the projection image and the obstacle information. This intermediary clearly communicates obstacle presence without complicating the overall display structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250310490A1Projection method and projection device

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A projection method includes: detecting a projection target; specifying a first region in which an obstacle is not present in the projection target and a second region in which the obstacle is present in the projection target based on a result of detecting the projection target; projecting a first projection image in a part or an entirety of the first region; and projecting a second projection image that is different from the first projection image and indicates that the obstacle is present in the projection target.