Subliminal Structured Light for Continuous Projector Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of projection mapping onto three-dimensional surfaces is complex due to the need for precise calibration of projectors, which is time-consuming and can be disrupted if the projector and surface move relative to each other during a show, requiring repeated off-line calibration.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that alter content bitplanes to subtract a structured light bitplane, allowing the structured light pattern to be projected and captured without interrupting the show, enabling continuous calibration by ensuring the projected image remains aligned with the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If structured light patterns are projected off-line for calibration, then calibration precision is achieved, but show time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the calibration function (structured light projection) with the content display function by integrating structured light bitplanes into content bitplanes. This merging allows calibration to occur simultaneously with show content projection, eliminating the need for separate off-line calibration sessions and thereby preserving show time while maintaining calibration precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous calibration during the show by projecting structured light patterns continuously alongside content bitplanes. This continuity eliminates interruptions and repeated calibration needs, allowing the calibration process to proceed uninterrupted throughout the show duration, thus improving productivity without sacrificing measurement precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If off-line calibration is performed, then initial alignment is achieved, but repeated calibration interrupts the show and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration actions by embedding structured light bitplanes within content bitplanes that are already being projected. This preliminary integration allows the calibration data to be captured and processed without requiring separate calibration sessions, thereby eliminating show interruptions and time loss while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous alignment precision by enabling repeated calibration during the show without interruptions. The structured light patterns are projected continuously alongside content, allowing real-time verification and adjustment of alignment, thus eliminating the need to stop the show for recalibration and preventing time loss.
3Measurement precision
If structured light patterns are projected separately, then calibration data can be captured, but the show is interrupted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration data capture process with the show content projection by combining structured light bitplanes with content bitplanes. This integration allows the camera to capture calibration data simultaneously with the show content being displayed, eliminating interruptions to show continuity while ensuring accurate calibration data is captured through the embedded structured light patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system and method for subliminally projecting structured light patterns is provided. A computing device alters at least a portion of a plurality of content bitplanes to subtract a structured light bitplane therefrom, such that pixels of the structured light bitplane and the plurality of content bitplanes, when altered, sum to a same respective brightness as corresponding pixels of the plurality of content bitplanes before alteration. A a projector projects the structured light bitplane and the plurality of content bitplanes having the structured light bitplane subtracted therefrom. A camera captures images of the structured light bitplane as projected by the projector, for example to calibrate the projector.