Multi-Projector Display Alignment via Defined Overlap Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for configuring multi-screens with multiple projection apparatuses often result in mismatched images due to undefined overlap areas, leading to inconsistent display angles and overlap widths, especially when trying to maintain a predetermined overlap area across multiple locations.

Innovation Solution

A display control apparatus that defines an overlap amount for adjacent images, calculates correction parameters based on captured image data, and adjusts projection settings to ensure precise alignment and overlap, using a control unit to set correction parameters for each projector, thereby aligning pre-prepared images with projected images and maintaining a consistent overlap area across multiple locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a multi-screen is configured using existing techniques with undefined overlap areas, then the configuration process is simple, but the images from multiple projection apparatuses do not align properly and the overlap areas are inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage alignment precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines specific overlap area parameters (horizontal and vertical overlap amounts) to control the alignment and sizing of projected images. By changing these parameters, the system achieves precise image alignment while maintaining consistent overlap areas across multiple locations. The control apparatus calculates correction parameters based on these defined overlap areas to adjust projection positions and sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control apparatus receives information about the actual projection positions and sizes, compares them with the desired positions based on defined overlap areas, and generates correction parameters to adjust the projection apparatuses. This feedback loop ensures precise alignment while maintaining consistent overlap areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the overlap area is changed to adjust the display angle of view, then the projection coverage is adjusted, but the pre-prepared images no longer match the projected images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection coverage adaptabilityVSAvoidimage consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines the overlap areas and correction parameters in advance before actual projection. By pre-defining these parameters, the system ensures that pre-prepared images will match the projected images regardless of subsequent adjustments to display angle or coverage. The correction parameters are calculated based on the defined overlap areas to maintain image consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal control system that can handle different projection scenarios while maintaining consistent image alignment. The defined overlap area parameters and correction mechanisms work across different locations and configurations, ensuring that pre-prepared images match projected images in various situations.

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

3Ease of operation

If manual adjustment is used to align images, then flexibility is provided, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and user burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment flexibilityVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus automatically calculates correction parameters based on the defined overlap areas and projection apparatus information, without requiring manual user adjustment. The system performs self-alignment by generating and applying correction parameters automatically, reducing both user burden and adjustment time while maintaining flexibility through programmable parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3029562B1Display control apparatus, control method thereof and computer program
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 CANON KK
  • EP3029562B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3029562B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3029562B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A display control apparatus causes a plurality of images to be arranged and projected by a plurality of projection means. An obtaining means obtains an overlap value for indicating a width at which a portion of a first image and a portion of a second image overlap. A control means causes the plurality of projection means to project the plurality of images which includes at least the first image and the second image by overlapping the portion of the first image and the portion of the second image by a width based on the overlap value. Also, the control means causes the portion of the first image and the portion of the second image to overlap by the width based on the overlap value by changing a size of a projected image.