Automated Projector Placement Using Depth Camera Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital projectors lack an automated method for optimal placement, which can hinder user experience in projected computing applications, especially for inexperienced users, due to the need for manual adjustment and lack of consideration for environmental obstructions and usability factors.
Innovation Solution
A computing device equipped with a depth camera and projector that scans the environment to generate a map, determines an optimal target location for projector placement based on usability factors such as viewing angle and reach distance, and moves to that location to provide an enhanced user experience for projected computing interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual placement method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to need for user expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated environment scanning and projector placement determination without requiring user intervention. The depth camera automatically maps the environment, identifies suitable projection surfaces, and determines optimal projector positions, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring expert user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary environment scanning and analysis before projector placement. The depth camera captures and processes environment data in advance, identifying suitable projection surfaces and determining optimal positions beforehand, so that when deployment occurs, the correct placement is already determined.
2Extent of automation
If automated placement is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to added sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device performs multiple functions: it acts as a depth camera for environment scanning, a processor for generating environment maps and determining optimal placement, and controls the projector. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the depth sensing, environment mapping, optimization calculation, and projector control functions into a single integrated computing device. Rather than having separate systems for each function, they are merged into one unified device that performs automated placement.
3Productivity
If optimal placement is determined using environment scanning, then productivity improves, but loss of time increases due to scanning and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs environment scanning and optimal placement determination as a preliminary step before actual projector deployment. By completing the analysis beforehand, the system ensures correct placement on the first attempt, avoiding the need for repeated adjustments and repositioning that would consume more time overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual trial-and-error placement with an automated computational system. Instead of mechanically moving the projector around and manually assessing placement quality, the system uses depth camera data and algorithms to automatically determine the optimal position, reducing the need for physical experimentation.
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
This solution enables automated optimal projector placement, improving user experience by ensuring clear, unobstructed, and ergonomic projections, making projected computing applications more accessible to users, even those without technical expertise.
Implementation Method 1
scan an environment of a user of the computing device using a depth camera of the computing device to generate an environment map
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies for automated optimal projector placement include a computing device having a depth camera and a projector. The computing device scans an environment of a user of the computing device with the depth camera to generate an environment map and determines a projection surface for a projected computing interaction based on the environment map and a usability factor. The usability factor may include application requirements, ergonomic factors such as viewing angle or reach distance, surface visibility features, or other factors. The computing device determines a target location for the projector based on the projection surface and presents the target location to the user. The target location may be determined to avoid obstructions or based on a projected image feature size or quality of the projected computing interaction. The computing device may project an indication of the target location at the target location. Other embodiments are described and claimed.