Projector System Using Stereo Camera Segmentation to Avoid Presenter Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projection presentation systems restrict presenter interaction and cause discomfort due to projection light falling on the presenter, leading to disorientation and distraction for the audience, especially in front projection systems, and are often expensive and require specialized setups in rear-projection systems.
Innovation Solution
A projection system employing a stereo camera unit and software for foreground/background segmentation and gesture recognition, which modifies the projection to avoid the presenter and allows real-time interaction using gestures, using a projector camera system with a computer and projector to control the projection beam and enhance presentation visuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a front projection system is used, then the presenter can stand near the screen for natural interaction, but projection light falls on the presenter causing discomfort and distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the projected image into multiple portions and directs them to different locations on the screen, allowing the presenter to stand in front of the screen without being illuminated by projection light while still maintaining natural interaction with the presentation content
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces camera units and image processing as intermediaries to detect the presenter's position and gestures, then uses this information to dynamically adjust the projection, eliminating direct illumination of the presenter while preserving interaction capability
2Ease of operation
If the presenter stands in front of the screen for natural positioning, then interaction with audience is improved, but the presenter is blinded by projector light and cannot see the audience
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the projected image into segments and directing them to different screen areas, the system creates dark zones in front of the screen where the presenter can stand without being blinded by light, while maintaining visibility of the audience
Solution Approach 2:
The system preliminarily determines the presenter's position using camera detection before adjusting the projection, preventing the presenter from being illuminated in the first place rather than reacting after illumination occurs
3Loss of information
If projection is displayed on the screen, then presentation materials are visible, but text and graphics projected onto the speaker are distracting to the audience
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the projected content and spatially separates it from the presenter using multiple projection areas, ensuring that text and graphics are displayed only on the screen surface without overlapping the speaker, thereby eliminating audience distraction while maintaining information visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the presenter's position through camera units and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the projection areas in real-time, preventing projection overlap with the speaker and eliminating distraction
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a rear-projection system is used to avoid projection on the presenter, then the presenter is not illuminated, but the system becomes expensive and requires specialized projection surfaces and space
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a standard front projector combined with camera units and image processing capabilities that can be integrated into existing front projection setups, eliminating the need for specialized rear projection surfaces and complex behind-screen installations while achieving the same benefit of not illuminating the presenter
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical complexity of rear projection installations with electronic image processing and camera-based detection, using software algorithms to dynamically control projection areas instead of requiring specialized physical infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
A projection system that prevents projection light on a presenter and provides a gesture based interface for visual enhancements is disclosed. The system may include a projector camera system comprising a computer communicating an image to a projector, the projector projecting the image on a screen, a stereo camera unit mounted approximately in the plane of the screen or at the projector and directed toward the presenter and communicating with the computer, and software that interprets the stereo camera data to distinguish and manipulate foreground and background features. The foreground feature may be the presenter relative to the screen or to the audience and room, or the presenter's hand relative to the presenter. The invention employs imaging stereo camera algorithms and techniques developed for foreground/background segmentation, image manipulation, and gesture recognition.