Projector Mode Switching via Range Sensor Distance Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digital projectors face challenges in adapting their behavior automatically based on varying projection distances, which affects the quality and type of content presentation, especially when moving between different surfaces or distances.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a range sensor and computing device to automatically change the projector's behavior from a first mode to a second mode in response to changes in projection distance, including control and presentation modes, by altering the representation, borders, or type of content, and allowing for gesture or voice input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the projector maintains a fixed behavior mode, then the control interface remains consistent, but the projector cannot adapt to different projection distances and surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to projection distanceVSAvoidbehavior switching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projector dynamically switches between control mode and presentation mode based on detected projection distance. The system uses a range sensor to continuously monitor distance and automatically transitions behaviors when distance thresholds are crossed, enabling the device to adapt to different usage scenarios without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through a range sensor that continuously measures projection distance and feeds this information back to the control logic. This feedback mechanism enables automatic behavior switching when the projection distance exceeds or falls below predefined thresholds, allowing the projector to respond adaptively to changing conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If the projector switches behavior modes automatically, then adaptation to distance changes is enabled, but manual control over presentation mode is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic mode switchingVSAvoidmanual mode selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The projector performs self-service by automatically detecting projection distance and switching between control and presentation modes without requiring user input. The range sensor continuously monitors conditions and the system autonomously determines when to transition modes, eliminating the need for manual mode selection while maintaining user-friendly operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (behavior mode) based on detected projection distance. When the distance parameter exceeds or falls below predefined thresholds, the projector automatically transitions between control and presentation modes, enabling automated adaptation to different usage scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the projector changes content representation based on distance, then content quality is optimized for the projection surface, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent presentation qualityVSAvoidcontent processing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projector modifies content representation parameters based on detected projection distance. When projecting onto nearby surfaces like hands or tables, the system adjusts content scale, resolution, and format to optimize quality for the specific projection distance and surface characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables seamless adaptation of projector behavior based on distance changes, enhancing user interaction and content presentation quality by maintaining scale and format adjustments, allowing for intuitive control and presentation modes without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

The change in projection distance is received as control input from a range sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRange sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP2634629B1Automatic projector behaviour changes based on projection distance
Publication Date: 2014.04.09 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2634629B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2634629B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2634629B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is disclosed one or more methods, systems and components therefor for varying the behaviour of a projector. The operations for varying the behaviour from a first behaviour to a second behaviour responsive to a change in projection distance from a first distance to a second distance, the behaviours comprising a control mode or a presentation mode.