Projector Image Size Calculation Without Distance Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projectors that calculate projection image size require a distance-measuring sensor, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A projector system that projects an image with a known length relationship, allowing users to input the length of the image on the projection surface and output the corresponding projection image length without the need for a distance-measuring sensor, using an optical device and processing device to calculate and display the image size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a distance-measuring sensor is provided to calculate projection image size, then the projection image size can be measured accurately, but the manufacturing cost of the projector is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection image size measurementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the distance-measuring sensor from the projector system entirely. Instead of measuring distance directly, the system uses a known reference object (first image) with predetermined length relationship to the projection image, allowing size calculation through proportional reasoning without physical sensing hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a two-dimensional code or reference image that contains encoded size information. This virtual copy of size data replaces the physical distance-measuring sensor, allowing the system to obtain projection image size information through image recognition and calculation rather than direct physical measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If a distance-measuring sensor is provided to calculate projection image size, then the projection image size can be measured accurately, but the device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection image size measurementVSAvoidprojector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the distance-measuring sensor and associated hardware complexity from the projector. The measurement function is replaced by software-based image recognition and mathematical calculation using the reference object's known dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical distance-measuring sensor system with an information-processing system. Instead of physical measurement, the system uses image capture, code recognition, and proportional calculation to determine projection image size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240305756A1Projector, method for controlling projector, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2024.09.12 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A projector includes an optical device and a processing device, the processing device executes projecting image light of a projection image having a first length and including a first image whose length relationship with the first length is known onto a projection surface by using the optical device, receiving an input of a second length that is a length of the first image on the projection surface, and outputting information indicating a third length that is a length of the projection image on the projection surface based on the second length and the length relationship.