Rear-Projected Expressive Head With Integrated Moving Projector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image projection systems for animating facial expressions on mannequins face challenges in maintaining alignment, registration, and focus, especially when the head moves, limiting the range of physical expression and realism.
Innovation Solution
A rear projection system with a compact LED projector integrated into a head-shaped figure, using a contoured rear projection screen and a platform to ensure proper focus and alignment, combined with appropriate lighting and sound effects, allows for lifelike animated facial expressions without the need for alignment or tracking feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the head is allowed to move freely to increase range of expression, then the range of physical expression and realism is improved, but maintaining alignment, registration and focus of the image becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The projector is integrally coupled to the head-shaped figure, merging the projection system with the moving figure. This integration ensures that the projector and screen move together as a single unit, maintaining alignment and registration even during free movement of the head.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses rear projection technology, projecting the image onto the back surface of the translucent face. This dimensional approach allows the image to be projected from behind the face, enabling free movement while maintaining proper image alignment on the front surface.
2Manufacturing precision
If a traditional projection system is used to maintain image focus and alignment, then image quality is improved, but the freedom of movement of the head is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the projector directly to the head-shaped figure, the system eliminates the need for separate mounting structures that would restrict movement. The projector becomes part of the figure itself, allowing unrestricted motion while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the head and projector to move together freely. The integral coupling ensures that the relative position between projector and screen remains constant during movement, maintaining focus and alignment dynamically throughout the range of motion.
3Manufacturing precision
If the projector is placed close to the face to achieve proper focus, then image sharpness is improved, but the system becomes more sensitive to movement and alignment changes
Solution Approach 1:
The integral coupling of the projector to the head-shaped figure ensures that even when placed close to the face for sharp focus, the system remains stable during movement. Both components move together as a unified system, preventing relative displacement that would cause alignment issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system is segmented into the projector unit and screen unit, both integrated to the head. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its function while maintaining relative stability through their integrated connection to the head structure.
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 free and unrestricted movement of the head-shaped figure while maintaining a clear, focused, and registered image, enhancing the realism and range of physical expression, and allowing for interactive and dynamic visual experiences.
Implementation Method 1
compact LED projector
Implementation Method 2
wide-angle lens
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems and methods for providing image projection and entertainment.