Projector Touch Detection Using IR Brightness Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Projectors face challenges in accurately identifying touch inputs due to variations in infrared ray intensity caused by distance from the emitter and lens shading, leading to inaccurate object location detection.

Innovation Solution

A projector system that includes an infrared emitter, camera module, and processors to correct brightness using correction data, accounting for both distance-dependent intensity changes and lens shading, enabling precise touch input detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If infrared ray intensity is used to detect touch input, then touch detection capability is enabled, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to distance-dependent intensity variations and lens shading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch detection capabilityVSAvoidobject location detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calibration to generate correction data before actual touch detection. The correction data compensates for distance-dependent intensity variations and lens shading effects, enabling accurate touch detection throughout the projection area without being affected by these systematic errors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of infrared ray intensity by applying correction values that compensate for distance-related intensity decay and lens shading. This allows the system to maintain consistent detection sensitivity across different locations in the projection area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If correction data is generated to account for distance-dependent intensity changes, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch input recognition accuracyVSAvoidcorrection data processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The correction data is generated in advance through calibration procedures and stored for reuse. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during touch detection, reducing processing complexity while maintaining high accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-calibration to generate its own correction data without requiring external intervention. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system architecture by integrating the calibration functionality within the projector itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances the accuracy of touch input recognition by equalizing infrared ray intensities and correcting lens shading effects, improving the projector's ability to identify touch inputs accurately.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared emitter, comprising circuitry, configured to output infrared ray to a projection area where the image is projected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

based on infrared ray output from the infrared emitter being reflected by an object present in the projection area and received by the infrared camera module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

an infrared camera configured to generate an image by photographing the projection area using an image sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4692996A1Projector and method for identifying touch input thereof
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4692996A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4692996A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4692996A1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A projector is provided. The projector includes: a projection part including a light source configured to project an image, an infrared emitter comprising circuitry configured to emit infrared ray to a projection area where the image is projected, an infrared camera module including an infrared camera configured to generate an image by photographing the projection area using an image sensor, a memory storing correction data including correction values for correcting brightness of the image, and at least one processor configured to: correct brightness of an image obtained through the infrared camera module using the correction data, and identify whether a touch input for the projected image is entered based on the corrected brightness, wherein the correction data is generated based on first correction data and second correction data, the first correction data includes correction values for correcting a decrease in intensity of the infrared ray according to a distance from the infrared emitter, and the second correction data includes correction values for correcting lens shading.