Remote Alignment System for Spherical Projectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing spherical projection systems, such as Science On a Sphere®, require on-site, manual alignment by a technician, which is time-consuming and inconvenient, especially during business hours, as the projector images often become misaligned over time, necessitating a remote alignment solution.
Innovation Solution
A remote alignment system utilizing cameras connected via Powered Over Ethernet cables to a computer processor, allowing remote access and control of projector adjustments, including focus, zoom, and orientation, through a graphical user interface on a client computer device, enabling technicians to align projectors from a distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If on-site manual alignment is performed, then alignment precision can be achieved, but technician presence is required during business hours which reduces operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote alignment system with cameras, video feeds, and software interfaces as intermediaries between the technician and the projection system. This allows the technician to perform alignment remotely without physically being present at the sphere installation, thereby achieving operational flexibility while maintaining alignment precision through virtual observation and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical presence of a technician physically walking around and adjusting projectors with an electronic remote alignment system. The system uses video cameras to capture projection images and software interfaces to control projector adjustments, substituting mechanical on-site operations with electronic remote control while maintaining the same alignment functionality.
2Productivity
If remote alignment is enabled, then technician presence is not required during business hours, but the system complexity increases with additional cameras and software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the remote alignment system to serve multiple functions: cameras provide both visual feedback for alignment and documentation purposes, the video feed system serves both real-time observation and recording, and the software interface handles both control and monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby improving productivity while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where cameras capture the projected images on the sphere, transmit video feeds back to the technician's location, and the technician adjusts projectors based on this visual feedback. This closed-loop feedback system enables precise remote alignment by allowing the technician to observe and adjust in real-time without physical presence at the installation site.
3Manufacturing precision
If iterative adjustment is performed, then alignment precision is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary actions by allowing the technician to perform alignment adjustments remotely before the actual projection events occur. The iterative adjustment process can be initiated and executed in advance through the remote alignment system, capturing video feeds and making corrections before the sphere projection shows, thereby improving precision while reducing the time lost during operational hours.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote alignment system in a spherical projector system includes a camera collocated with each projector to provide a live feed view of the surface of the spherical screen. The camera is electronically connected to the spherical projector system via Powered Over Ethernet connection injector cables. A client computer device running remote alignment software displays a graphical user interface that enables remote viewing of the projected images, manipulation of the camera, and manipulation of the projectors to remotely align of the spherical projector system. A method of remotely aligning the spherical projector system includes viewing the spherical screen remotely via live video camera feeds through remote access software; manipulating the projectors remotely via a remote alignment software interface to adjust focus, zoom, and/or orientation until alignment of the spherical projector system is achieved.