Projection System Manager Extending Touch Control Beyond Display Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-sensitive projection computing systems require users to interact within the projector display area, limiting flexibility and functionality, as they cannot utilize space outside the display area for control inputs.
Innovation Solution
A system with a projector unit, all-in-one computer, and a touch-sensitive mat, where cameras with a wider field of view than the projector display area detect user touch motions outside the display area, allowing for additional command definitions and system management without interfering with the projected image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users interact within the projector display area, then the system provides basic touch control functionality, but the flexibility and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the interaction space from the two-dimensional projector display area to a larger two-dimensional touch-sensitive mat area. By mapping camera-detected motions in the extended physical space to commands in the digital space, the system achieves greater control flexibility without being constrained by the projection boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive mat serves as an intermediary between the user and the projection system. The mat captures touch motions through integrated cameras and translates them into system commands, enabling control functionality that extends beyond the projector display area while maintaining seamless integration with the projection system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cameras with wider field of view are used to detect touch motions outside display area, then additional command definitions are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the projector unit, all-in-one computer, camera system, and touch-sensitive mat into an integrated projection system. By merging these components and their control functions into a unified system architecture, the patent manages the inherent complexity while enabling extended interaction capabilities through coordinated operation of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it detects touch motions on the mat, tracks user interactions, and enables command definition outside the display area. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, managing system complexity while expanding command capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If touch-sensitive mat with camera is used for extended interaction area, then user control flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive mat utilizes a thin film structure with integrated cameras and sensors, allowing for flexible manufacturing and deployment. This approach enables the mat to be produced as a relatively simple additive component that can be easily integrated with the projection system, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the enhanced functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An example system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes a projector unit to project an image on to a projector display area on a touch sensitive mat, an all-in-one computer attachable to the projector unit, and a camera communicatively coupled to the all-in-one computer, the camera having a lens with a field of view wider than the projector display area. The touch sensitive mat is communicatively coupled to the all-in-one computer.