Pulsed Infrared Projection for Shape-Matched Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection systems lack the ability to project images that accurately fit the shape of an object and measure its shape with high precision, especially in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A projection system comprising an invisible light projector, an imaging unit, and a visible light projector, which uses pulsed infrared light to project measurement patterns and capture images, allowing for precise shape measurement and image generation to match the object's shape, with a controller generating image data for accurate projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If continuous light is used for projection, then the projected image is bright and visible, but measurement precision deteriorates due to background light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pulsed invisible light projection instead of continuous projection. The invisible light projector emits light in periodic pulses that are synchronized with the imaging unit's capture timing. This periodic action allows the imaging unit to capture images only during the pulse emission periods when the measurement pattern is projected, eliminating interference from continuous background light and thereby maintaining high measurement precision while still providing sufficient brightness during the pulse duration.
2Measurement precision
If invisible light is used for measurement pattern projection, then measurement precision is improved by eliminating visible light interference, but the projected image becomes invisible to human eye
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the projection function into two separate projectors: an invisible light projector for measurement pattern projection and a visible light projector for image content projection. The invisible light projector (using infrared or ultraviolet light) projects the measurement pattern for precise shape measurement without visible light interference, while the visible light projector projects the actual image content that users can see. This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently without compromising either measurement precision or visible image quality.
3Measurement precision
If pulsed light emission is used, then measurement accuracy is improved by reducing background light interference, but energy consumption increases due to repeated pulsing
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsed light emission is implemented with optimized pulse parameters including pulse width, pulse frequency, and duty cycle. The pulse width is set to the minimum duration required for the imaging unit to capture a complete frame, and the pulse frequency is synchronized with the frame rate of the imaging unit. This optimization ensures that the light is emitted only when needed for measurement, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision. The system activates the invisible light projector and imaging unit in synchronized periodic intervals rather than continuous operation.
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 the projection of images that precisely follow the shape and motion of an object, improving measurement accuracy and enhancing the quality of projected images by reducing noise and improving signal-to-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
The invisible light projector emits pulsed invisible light to project the measurement pattern
Implementation Method 2
The imaging unit captures an image of the invisible light projected from the invisible light projector
Data Source
AI summary
A projection system includes an invisible light projector, an imaging unit, an image generator, and a visible light projector. The invisible light projector projects a predetermined invisible light image onto the object via invisible light. The imaging unit captures an image of the invisible light projected from the invisible light projector. The image generator measures a shape of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit to generate image data showing image content for projection onto the object in accordance with the measured shape. The visible light projector projects the image content shown by the image data onto the object via visible light. The invisible light projector emits pulsed invisible light to project the measurement pattern. The image generator generates the image data based on an image captured in accordance with a timing for the pulsed light emission.