Projector Calibration via Wavelength Channel Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional projector calibration methods are labor-intensive, subjective, and often compromise on image quality due to chromatic aberration, especially in complex projection systems with non-standard lenses or geometries, leading to inaccurate color representation and blending in multi-projector setups.
Innovation Solution
A calibration method and system that uses a camera and processing element to generate corrective pixel maps by projecting calibration patterns in non-overlapping wavelength bands, allowing for individual channel calibration of projectors to correct chromatic aberration, ensuring accurate color representation and sharpness by translating input pixels to their correct locations on the projection surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional calibration methods are used to calibrate projectors, then the calibration process can be completed, but the process is time and labor intensive and subject to technician judgment leading to compromised results
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically capturing calibration patterns, comparing actual pixel locations to expected locations, and generating corrective pixel maps without requiring manual technician intervention. The projector system itself executes the calibration process through automated feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration procedures with an automated computational system that uses camera capture, image processing, and algorithmic generation of corrective pixel maps to eliminate human judgment and manual adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional calibration methods are used, then general image calibration is achieved, but chromatic aberration causes different wavelengths to land in undesired locations reducing image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process segments the calibration into separate wavelength bands using non-overlapping filters. Each wavelength band (red, green, blue) is calibrated independently by capturing calibration patterns through specific bandpass filters, allowing separate corrective pixel maps to be generated for each channel to compensate for chromatic aberration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality correction by generating channel-specific corrective pixel maps for each wavelength band. Each map contains localized correction data tailored to the specific chromatic aberration characteristics of that wavelength channel, allowing precise correction rather than uniform adjustment across all colors.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate wavelength band calibration is performed, then chromatic aberration is neutralized improving image sharpness and color accuracy, but the system complexity increases with multiple filters and processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system uses a universal approach where a single calibration routine handles all wavelength bands sequentially. The same hardware components (projector, camera, filters) perform multiple functions by cycling through different wavelength bands, eliminating the need for separate calibration systems for each color channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process uses periodic action by sequentially cycling through different wavelength bands in repeated cycles. Each band is calibrated in turn through periodic activation of corresponding light channels and filter selection, allowing comprehensive calibration without requiring all filters to be active simultaneously.
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
The system effectively neutralizes chromatic aberration, resulting in improved image sharpness, contrast, and accurate color blending between projectors, reducing the need for manual adjustments and enhancing the overall quality of projected images.
Implementation Method 1
a phenomenon called chromatic aberration (also chromatic distortion or spherochromatism) affects the way different wavelengths of electromagnetic energy, including light, react to the optical path in different ways. Various wavelengths of energy bend and move different amounts as they travel through the optical path to the projection surface, landing in in undesired locations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to methods and systems for calibrating a projector. The method includes displaying a plurality of calibration patterns, where the calibration patterns are displayed separately by different wavelength channel bands, e.g., red channel, blue channel, green channel. The method then includes receiving by a processing element one or more calibration images. The method then includes determining one or more displacements corresponding to a plurality of pixels in the calibration image with respect to a plurality of pixels in the calibration pattern to adjust for distortions on a per wavelength channel basis.