Integrated Projector Image Capture for Briefing Locus Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional briefing systems require separate operation of a notebook computer and a laser pointer, leading to inconvenience and inefficiency, as the motion locus of the red indication point cannot be continuously displayed on the projection screen, and the image capturing unit needs frequent adjustment and external power supply, affecting portability and usability.

Innovation Solution

A projector integrating a projection control unit and a fixedly disposed image capturing unit, allowing simultaneous projection and image capture, with a wireless pointer that projects an indication point and sends selection signals, eliminating the need for external power and reducing location adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the image capturing unit is externally connected to the computer, then the system can capture images of the projection picture and indication point, but the briefer has to prepare an external power supply and frequently adjust the location of the image capturing unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the image capturing unit directly into the projector body, merging two previously separate devices (projector and image capturing unit) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for external connections and power supplies, and the fixed internal positioning removes the need for manual location adjustments during briefing operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The projector is designed to perform multiple functions: both projection of images and capturing of images containing the projection picture and indication points. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external image capturing devices and their associated power supplies and positioning adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the image capturing unit location is changed, then the unit can be repositioned for different briefing sites, but the reference coordinate of adjacent pictures becomes inconsistent and accurate locus calculation is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the image capturing unit into the projector, the system ensures a fixed, predetermined spatial relationship between the projection optics and the image capture sensor. This fixed relationship maintains consistent reference coordinates across different briefing sites and situations, enabling accurate locus calculation without requiring repositioning adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the briefer operates both the notebook computer and laser pointer, then the briefing control and indication can be managed, but it becomes troublesome and time-consuming to switch between operations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated projector-capturing unit system works in conjunction with the laser pointer to create a unified briefing control system. The captured images showing indication points are automatically processed to display motion loci, reducing the need for manual computer operations and allowing the briefer to focus on delivery rather than technical control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automatic feedback by capturing images of the projection picture with indication points and automatically displaying the motion loci of these points. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for manual tracking and control operations, streamlining the briefing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Speed

If the motion locus of the red indication point is displayed instantaneously, then the indication can be shown on the projection screen, but the audience cannot clearly view the selected important contents continuously

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovespeedVSAvoidloss of information
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The image capturing unit continuously captures images of the projection picture, and the system processes these images to display the continuous motion locus of indication points. This continuous capture and display process ensures that the audience can follow the motion path of important content throughout the briefing, rather than seeing only instantaneous positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables seamless display of marked key points on the projection screen, improving briefing quality by integrating projection and image capture functions, reducing operational complexity and enhancing portability with a single power supply.

Implementation Method 1

The projection control unit receives the screen image of the computer and projects it onto the projection screen to produce the projection picture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

The image capturing unit captures an image on the projection screen containing a region covered by the whole projection picture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage capture: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS7703926B2Projector capable of capturing images and briefing system having the same
Publication Date: 2010.04.27 K LASER TECH
  • US7703926B2 patent drawing
  • US7703926B2 patent drawing
  • US7703926B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A briefing system is used to project images onto a projection screen to form a projection picture. The briefing system comprises a pointer, a projector and a computer electrically connected to the projector. The computer outputs an image signal to the projector. The projector projects an image corresponding to the image signal onto the projection screen to form the projection picture. The indicator is used to project an indication point. The projector also captures the image of the projection picture and the indication point and transfers the image to the computer. The computer then calculates a location where the cursor on the computer screen should reach according to the location of the indication point on the projection picture and moves the cursor on the screen to there.