Projection System Self-Calibration Using Internal Light Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in the projection system industry is the lack of readily available standard meters and tools for end users to perform accurate automatic white balance calibration in laser projectors, which is essential due to the different attenuation rates of blue laser diodes and yellow phosphors over time.
Innovation Solution
A projection system that includes a light source module, an image device, a first light sensor, and a second light sensor, with a processor that drives the light source to emit white lights and project full white patterns, allowing the sensors to generate color information and establish a corresponding relationship to calibrate the light source control signals automatically, eliminating the need for additional standard meters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external calibration using standard meters is used, then calibration accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The projection system performs self-calibration using its own internal light sensors and processing unit. The system automatically captures color information from projected test patterns, compares it against reference values, and adjusts light source control signals without requiring external standard meters or calibration equipment, thereby maintaining high calibration accuracy while eliminating additional equipment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual reference standard through software-stored reference color information, which acts as an intermediary between the physical light sensors and the ideal calibration target. This virtual reference enables accurate calibration comparisons without requiring physical standard meters, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
2Measurement precision
If external calibration with standard meters is used, then calibration accuracy is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to requiring specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The projection system autonomously performs the complete calibration process using its built-in light sensors and processing unit. The system automatically projects test patterns, captures color data, compares it with stored reference values, and adjusts light source control signals without user intervention or specialized tools, thereby achieving both high calibration accuracy and operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback control where the processing unit continuously monitors color information from internal light sensors, compares it against reference standards, and automatically adjusts light source control signals to correct any deviations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual calibration operations while maintaining high accuracy
3Productivity
If automatic white balance calibration is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens due to requiring multiple sensors and processing unit coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light sensors and processing unit perform multiple functions: they serve both as components for normal projection operation and as calibration measurement devices. The same light sensors used for monitoring projected images during operation are also used for capturing calibration data, eliminating the need for separate calibration hardware and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high calibration productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration function is merged with the normal operation function by using the same light sensors and processing unit for both purposes. The system combines calibration data capture, reference comparison, and control signal adjustment into a single integrated process that occurs during normal operation, thereby improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the calibration process by using internal sensors and a processor to automatically adjust light source control signals, improving calibration accuracy and ease of use without requiring additional equipment, thus enhancing the automatic white balance calibration process.
Implementation Method 1
driving the first light sensor to sequentially sense the white lights and correspondingly generate a first color information
Implementation Method 2
driving the second light sensor to sequentially sense the full white patterns and correspondingly generate a second color information
Implementation Method 3
The light source module has at least one solid-state light-emitting device... driving the at least one solid-state light-emitting device to generate output powers according to light source control signals, to sequentially emit white lights
Data Source
AI summary
A projection system includes a light source module, an image device, a first light sensor, a second light sensor, and a processor. The light source module has at least one solid-state light-emitting device. The processor is communicatively coupled to the light source module, the first light sensor, and the second light sensor and is configured to execute a calibration procedure.