Video Projection Apparatus with Sensor-Based Keystone Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image and video projection systems fail to effectively correct geometric distortions and image artifacts such as keystone effects on imperfect surfaces due to incorrect assumptions about the projector-image relationship, leading to unacceptable projections.

Innovation Solution

A video image projection system that includes a sensor to detect and correct keystone effects and other distortions by communicating with a display generator to adjust image parameters like brightness, contrast, and color, allowing for manual or automatic correction, and incorporating features like gesture recognition and tactile sensing for interactive control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If existing projection systems use fixed geometric assumptions about projector-image relationship, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision deteriorate due to uncorrectable keystone effects and distortions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection system structureVSAvoidimage geometric accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a sensor to detect the actual projected image geometry and provides feedback to a processor that calculates correction parameters. The display generator then applies these corrections in real-time, creating a closed-loop feedback system that automatically compensates for keystone effects and surface distortions without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes image parameters (geometric transformation matrices, brightness, contrast, color) based on detected distortion conditions. By modifying these parameters software-based rather than through mechanical means, the system achieves high precision correction while keeping the physical device structure simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If projection systems project onto imperfect surfaces without correction, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to unacceptable image distortions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection setup convenienceVSAvoidimage quality on imperfect surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The projection system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by using the sensor to detect its own projected image quality. The processor automatically calculates the distortion characteristics and applies correction parameters without requiring user intervention or manual calibration, enabling the system to adapt to any surface automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and correction calculations before the user views the final image. By pre-calculating the correction parameters based on sensor data and applying them to the display generator output, the system ensures high-quality images on imperfect surfaces without requiring users to perform complex setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If a sensor is integrated into the projector device, then measurement precision is improved for detecting image distortions, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistortion detection accuracyVSAvoidprojector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the sensor, processor, and display generator into an integrated projection device. By combining these components that share common functional requirements (image processing and control) into a single unit, the system achieves precise distortion measurement while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If manual correction methods are used for keystone effects, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection system structureVSAvoidprojection setup speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment methods with an automated electronic correction system. The sensor and processor work together to automatically calculate and apply geometric correction parameters to the display generator, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust lenses or mirrors, thereby dramatically increasing setup speed while keeping the added electronic complexity minimal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8878858B2Video projection apparatus and methods, with image content control

Publication Date: 2014.11.04 VIDEA LLC

AI summary

A projected still or video image is controlled with light generated by a laser pointer, for example. A device with a projector and a display controller projects an image onto a surface, and an image sensor views the projected image. A handheld device outputs a beam of light. A controller receives information from the image sensor regarding the presence or movement of light from the handheld device interacting with the projected image on the surface, and a control function is implemented if the light from the handheld device interacts with the projected image in accordance with a stored predetermined visual interactions such as encircling, “scratching,” or other movements. The controller may be programmed to recognize light of a specific laser wavelength in conjunction with a control operation.