Projector Controller Object Detection Exclusion Zone Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laser-based digital projectors used in cinemas pose a risk of eye damage due to intense light emission, requiring larger exclusion zones that reduce seating capacity and revenue, as conventional safety measures like no-seating areas are not sufficient to protect audience members from high-intensity projector illumination.
Innovation Solution
A projector controller system with an object detector and control electronics that optically senses objects in a detection region beneath the exclusion zone and controls the projector to reduce or shut off intense light emission when an object is detected, using infrared light for detection and potentially visible light for warning, thereby maintaining seating capacity while ensuring eye safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If laser-based digital projectors are used to enhance picture quality, then picture quality is improved, but eye safety deteriorates due to intense light emission
Solution Approach 1:
The object detector performs preliminary detection of objects in the detection region before the intense light can cause eye damage. The controller receives detection signals and preemptively adjusts projector operation to prevent harmful exposure, resolving the contradiction by acting before the harmful effect occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the object detector continuously monitors the detection region and provides signals to the controller. The controller adjusts projector operation based on this feedback, dynamically balancing picture quality and eye safety by reducing intensity only when objects are detected in critical zones.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If exclusion zones are expanded to ensure eye safety, then eye safety is improved, but seating capacity deteriorates due to reduced available seating area
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the effective exclusion zone based on real-time detection. When no objects are detected, the full seating area is available. When objects enter the detection region, the controller dynamically reduces projector operation only in affected areas, maintaining seating capacity while ensuring eye safety through adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different control strategies to different spatial zones. The object detector identifies specific locations where objects are present, and the controller adjusts projector operation locally rather than globally. This allows seating areas outside the detection region to remain fully accessible while maintaining eye safety in the detected zones.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If real-time light intensity reduction is implemented to prevent eye damage, then eye safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to reduced light output
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by reducing light intensity only when and where objects are detected in the detection region. The object detector provides targeted signals, and the controller implements proportionate reduction in projector operation, maintaining full performance in areas without detected objects while ensuring eye safety in affected zones.
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 reduces the intensity of projector illumination in real-time when objects approach the exclusion zone, preventing eye damage and maintaining seating capacity by dynamically adjusting the light output, thus enhancing eye safety without reducing theater revenue.
Implementation Method 1
using infrared light for detection
Data Source
AI summary
A projector controller includes an object detector and control electronics, and is configured to protect audience members from intense light imposing an exclusion zone in front of a projector. The object detector is configured to optically sense a presence of an object in a detection region beneath the exclusion zone and above the audience members. The control electronics is configured to control the projector when the object detector indicates the presence of the object in the detection region. A method for protecting audience members from intense light imposing an exclusion zone in front of an output of a projector includes: (i) optically sensing a presence of an object in a detection region between the exclusion zone and the audience members, and (ii) controlling the projector when the presence of the object is sensed in the detection region.