Projector Network Connection via Projected Identification Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting multiple projectors via a network are susceptible to positional relationships between projectors and burden users with manual input of connection information, especially when projectors are spaced apart.
Innovation Solution
A projector system that includes a connection unit, storage unit, projection unit, image pickup unit, and control units to project and detect identification images, allowing for network connection information sharing by adjusting the projection direction to accommodate the positional relationship between projectors, thereby reducing operational burden and enhancing communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image pickup device is used to pick up a code projected by another projector, then the code can be detected for sharing connection information, but the detection fails when the distance between projectors is large because the image pickup area is limited to the projection surface and its peripheries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the image pickup area beyond the traditional two-dimensional projection surface by projecting the code not only on the projection surface but also on the peripheries including side surfaces. This spatial extension allows the image pickup device to capture the code even when projectors are positioned at larger distances or at angles relative to each other, thus resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and projector distance.
2Reliability
If connection information is set by manual input to the projector, then connection information can be accurately entered, but the operational burden on the user becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables automatic acquisition of connection information by having one projector project a code containing the connection information and another projector's image pickup device pick up and read this code. This copying mechanism eliminates the need for manual input while ensuring accurate transmission of connection information between projectors, thus resolving the contradiction between information accuracy and operational burden.
3Ease of manufacture
If the image pickup area is limited to the projection surface and peripheries, then the image pickup device can focus on correction processing and pointer detection, but the code from another projector cannot be picked up when projectors are spaced apart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the image pickup capability by directing the image pickup device to specifically capture images not only of the projection surface but also of the peripheries including side surfaces where the code may be projected. This localized expansion of the effective pickup area allows the device to maintain its specialized functions while also acquiring codes from other projectors even at larger distances.
Data Source
AI summary
A projector includes: a connection unit which connects to a network; a storage unit which stores connection information used for connection to the network; a projection unit which projects an image on a projection surface; a first projection control unit which projects a first identification image, with a direction of projection by the projection unit changed to a plurality directions; an image pickup unit which picks up an image of the projection surface; a first detection unit which detects a second identification image projected in an image pickup area of the image pickup unit by another projector, from the image picked up by the image pickup unit; and a second projection control unit which projects a third identification image showing the connection information stored in the storage unit, with the direction of projection being a direction corresponding to a position where the second identification image is detected.