Sensor-Based Projector Black Level Blending for Uniform Overlap Regions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for black level blending in projectors fail to account for varying tint and brightness intensities between projectors, leading to distracting overlaps and non-uniform black levels within a single projector, and are inefficient due to manual input and processing-intensive automated processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a computing device to control multiple projectors to project color channel images at varying video levels, acquire digital images with sensors, determine brightness functions for each projector point, and adjust video levels to blend black levels automatically, accounting for tint and brightness variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple projectors project overlapping images, then the coverage area is improved, but the black level uniformity deteriorates due to additive light in overlap regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting the black level compensation independently for different spatial regions of the projected image. Specifically, pixels in overlap regions receive different compensation values compared to non-overlap regions, allowing the system to maintain uniform black levels across the entire projected area despite the additive light effect in overlap zones.
2Device complexity
If manual input methods are used for black level blending, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to slow and guessing-based adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically measure, analyze, and adjust black levels without requiring manual user input. The camera captures the projected image, the processor analyzes the black level data including tint and brightness variations, and the system automatically calculates and applies compensation values to achieve uniform black levels across all projectors and regions.
3Productivity
If automated binary search methods are used for black level estimation, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex iterative computational methods with a direct measurement and calculation approach. Instead of using binary search or iterative algorithms to estimate black levels, the system directly captures the projected image with a camera, extracts black level data from the captured image, and computes compensation values through straightforward mathematical operations, significantly reducing processing complexity while maintaining high productivity.
4Device complexity
If non-specialized cameras are used for black level measurement, then device cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to noise dominance at high exposure values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the projectors project test images with known characteristics before the actual measurement process. The system projects images at multiple exposure values and uses the captured data to determine the optimal exposure settings for black level measurement. This preliminary characterization allows the system to configure the camera and processing parameters to maximize measurement precision while using non-specialized cameras.
Data Source
AI summary
A device controls at least two projectors to project color channel images at multiple video levels, with partial overlap in an overlap region. Using at least one sensor, the device acquires digital images of the projected color channels and determines functions of projected brightness relative to video level for each projector's points. The device selects brightness levels for points outside the overlap region to blend brightness inside and outside the overlap region when projecting black images. The device then determines video levels for each color channel using the functions and controls the projectors accordingly.