Projector Dynamic Object Scaling for Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Projectors that project images on a surface face operability issues due to changes in image size caused by varying distances between the projector and the projection surface, making it difficult for users to interact with virtual objects effectively regardless of the image size.

Innovation Solution

A projector system that includes a size detecting section to determine the size of the projection region, a size determining section to adjust the object size based on the detected region, and a projection control section to ensure the object is projected at an optimal size for user interaction, using a combination of hardware and software components like image processing and coordinate conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the projector projects an image on a projection surface, then the image size changes according to the distance between the projector and the projection surface, but the operability of the image of the object becomes unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage size adaptabilityVSAvoidoperability of image of object

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The projector dynamically adjusts the size of the object image based on the detected size of the projection region. The control unit receives information about the projection region size and automatically scales the object image to an appropriate size, making the object operable across various projection distances and screen sizes without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a feedback mechanism where the size of the projection region is detected and fed back to the control unit, which then adjusts the object image size accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the object maintains suitable operability regardless of changes in projection conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the projector includes a zoom function to change image size, then image size flexibility is improved, but the size of the object image becomes unsuitable for user operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage size flexibilityVSAvoidobject image operability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the object image size is adjusted to fit the projection region, then operability is improved, but storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject image operabilityVSAvoidinformation storage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of storing multiple versions of the object image at different sizes, the system changes the display parameter (size) of the object image based on the detected projection region. The control unit calculates the appropriate object image size as a parameter adjustment, avoiding the need to store multiple copies and thus conserving storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10431131B2Projector and control method for projector

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A projector includes a projection optical system configured to project an image on a screen, a size detecting section configured to detect a size of a region of the screen on which the image is projected, a size determining section configured to determine, on the basis of the size of the region detected by the size detecting section, a size of an object projected on the screen, and a projection control section configured to cause the projecting optical system to project the image including the object having the size determined by the size determining section.