Robotic Mirror Projection System for High-Resolution Animation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection systems struggle to provide high-quality, high-resolution animated images or characters on large screens when viewed from close distances, often resulting in grainy or dull images due to limited pixel density and difficulty in maintaining dark areas on unused portions of the screen, especially in constrained spaces like theme park rides.
Innovation Solution
A projection system using a single projector and a mirror assembly to focus the image onto a smaller projection area on the screen, moving the projection area along a defined path to enhance resolution and brightness, while keeping non-projected areas truly black by concentrating light only on the image area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single projector is used to display images on a large screen, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image resolution and brightness deteriorate due to the large pixel size and grainy appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large screen into multiple smaller projection areas, with each area served by a dedicated projector. This segmentation allows each projector to maintain high resolution by projecting onto a smaller area, while the collective effect covers the entire large screen. The system uses multiple projectors (e.g., 90 projectors) arranged in a tiled configuration, where each projector displays an image segment that is stitched together to form the complete display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal multiplexing as an additional dimension to the spatial arrangement of projectors. Instead of all projectors displaying simultaneously, the system sequentially activates different projector groups to display different portions of the image at different times. This temporal dimension allows the system to achieve high resolution through sequential projection while maintaining the ability to display the complete image across the large screen area.
2Device complexity
If a single projector is used to display images on a large screen, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image brightness deteriorates due to the large projection area and light dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large projection area into smaller zones, each served by a dedicated projector. This segmentation concentrates the light output of each projector onto a smaller area, thereby increasing the brightness and illumination intensity of the displayed image. Each projector can deliver full power to its designated area without dispersing light across the entire large screen, resulting in higher overall brightness.
3Device complexity
If a single projector is used to display images on a large screen, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality deteriorates due to the large pixel size and grainy appearance when viewed from close distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large screen into multiple smaller projection areas, with each area served by a dedicated projector. This segmentation increases the effective pixel density by concentrating the projector's resolution capabilities onto a smaller area. Each projector can deliver its full resolution to a smaller zone, resulting in finer pixel density that is not lost when viewed from close distances, such as in theme park ride vehicles.
4Device complexity
If a single projector is used to display images on a large screen, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain dark areas on unused portions of the screen deteriorates due to light spill and gray appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the screen into distinct projection zones, each served by a dedicated projector with controlled light output. This segmentation allows each projector to be precisely controlled to project only onto its designated area, preventing light spill onto non-projected portions. The system can independently control each projector's illumination, ensuring that unused areas remain truly dark rather than appearing gray or illuminated.
5Manufacturing precision
If multiple projectors are used to display images on a large screen, then the image resolution is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large screen into multiple smaller projection areas, with each area served by a dedicated projector. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high resolution by concentrating the resolution capabilities of multiple projectors onto their respective smaller areas, rather than attempting to project the entire high-resolution image onto a single large area with one projector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal multiplexing as an additional dimension to the spatial arrangement of projectors. Instead of all projectors displaying simultaneously requiring complex synchronization, the system sequentially activates different projector groups to display different portions of the image at different times. This temporal dimension simplifies the synchronization requirements while maintaining the ability to achieve high resolution through sequential projection.
6Manufacturing precision
If multiple projectors are used to display images on a large screen, then the image resolution is improved, but the cost and complexity of producing input media and blending images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large screen into multiple smaller projection areas, with each area served by a dedicated projector. This segmentation simplifies media production by allowing each projector to receive and display its own portion of the image independently, rather than requiring complex coordination and blending of multiple simultaneous projections. Each projector can be fed with pre-prepared image segments that are easier to produce and synchronize.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal multiplexing as an additional dimension to the spatial arrangement of projectors. Instead of all projectors displaying simultaneously requiring complex synchronization and blending, the system sequentially activates different projector groups to display different portions of the image at different times. This temporal dimension simplifies the production and blending process by eliminating the need for complex real-time coordination of multiple simultaneous projections.
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
This solution significantly increases the effective resolution and brightness of the projected image, providing a high-quality, hyper-realistic animation experience with minimal maintenance and cost, while maintaining dark areas around the projection, even in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror assembly configured to reflect the projector output onto a projection surface or screen within a projection area or projected area/field that represents a fraction of the total screen area or size
Data Source
AI summary
A projection assembly and projection method for accurately reproducing animated and live characters, objects, and effects. The projection assembly uses a high precision robotic mirror system to achieve very high levels of image resolution, brightness, and contrast. The assembly includes a projector receiving an input image stream, and a mirror assembly is positioned proximate to the projector outlet. The mirror assembly uses positionable mirrors to reflect the projected images onto a display surface at positions that define an animation pattern on the display surface for the projected image or character. The assembly includes a motor controller assembly positioning the mirrors based on position data defining the animation pattern. The projected images may be provided in a projection area that is a fraction of the size of the display surface, such that the resolution and output light of the projector are concentrated on the display surface within this projection area.