Multi-Projector Image Alignment via Calibration Pattern Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projector systems for large panorama-like images require manual alignment of multiple projectors, which is time-consuming and lacks automatic realignment capabilities, especially when the projector location changes.

Innovation Solution

Equipping each projector with a camera to capture calibration-pattern images, allowing for automatic alignment and synchronization of image streams between projectors, using infrared or visible spectrum images, and incorporating timestamp information to prevent image tearing and adjust display settings dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual alignment method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A calibration pattern image serves as an intermediary reference object that enables automatic alignment. The calibration pattern includes recognizable features (such as distinctive shapes, patterns, or markers) that cameras on each projector can detect to determine relative positions and orientations, thereby achieving precise alignment without direct manual adjustment between projectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment adjustments with an automated optical detection and computational system. Cameras capture images of the calibration pattern, and processing systems automatically calculate transformation parameters to align projector images, substituting human manual operation with automated image processing algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual alignment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming alignment process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment speedVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration pattern image is prepared in advance with pre-defined recognizable features and spatial relationships. This preliminary preparation of the calibration pattern enables rapid automatic alignment, as the system only needs to detect and process the pre-configured reference features rather than performing complex real-time measurements during the actual alignment operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment system performs self-alignment automatically without requiring manual intervention. Each projector's camera captures the calibration pattern, the system processes the images to determine relative positions, and automatically calculates the necessary transformation parameters, enabling the system to align itself without human assistance and significantly improving alignment speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If automatic alignment with camera capture is implemented, then alignment precision and adaptability improve, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to location changesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration pattern image serves multiple functions: it provides geometric reference information for spatial alignment, contains recognizable features for feature detection, and can include calibration data for camera parameter estimation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate calibration mechanisms and maintains adaptability while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic realignment when projector locations change by capturing the calibration pattern again and recomputing transformation parameters. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to location variations automatically, maintaining alignment precision without requiring physical reconfiguration or manual realignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Area of stationary object

If multiple projectors are used for large panorama images, then area coverage improves, but alignment precision and image quality deteriorate without automatic alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection area coverageVSAvoidimage seam alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple projectors into a coordinated system where each projector displays its portion of the panorama image. The calibration pattern serves as a common reference that enables all projectors to align their images seamlessly at the boundaries, combining individual projector outputs into a unified large-scale panorama with precise seam alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20180091787A1Projector image alignment

Publication Date: 2018.03.29 INTEL CORP

AI summary

An example system for projector image alignment. The system for projector image alignment can include a processor to compare a first calibration-pattern image projected by a first projector and at least a portion of a second calibration-pattern image projected by a second projector and generate a geometric model of an aligned image for display by both the first projector and the second projector. The processor can also send a first projector portion of the aligned image to the first projector based on the geometric model of the aligned image.