Underwater Image Projection System with Optical Deformation Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image projection systems face challenges in projecting accurate images on non-uniform surfaces, especially in water environments, due to optical deformation and surface irregularities, leading to unacceptable distortion when observed from outside the water or when projecting within a fluid environment.
Innovation Solution
An underwater projection system comprising an underwater projector and a system controller that communicates with the projector to receive and manipulate image content, generate correction maps based on boundary information, and adjust projections to compensate for optical deformation and surface irregularities, allowing for in-situ correction and robust image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image projection is performed in water environment with non-uniform surfaces, then the projection can reach the target surface, but optical deformation and surface irregularities cause unacceptable distortion when observed from outside water
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by projecting test patterns onto the target surface before the actual image, capturing images of these patterns, and calculating correction maps that compensate for optical deformation and surface irregularities. This pre-characterization of the projection environment enables subsequent images to be corrected in advance, resolving the distortion problem caused by water and non-uniform surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by capturing images of projected test patterns with a camera, comparing the captured images against expected patterns, and using this information to calculate and refine correction maps. This closed-loop feedback mechanism continuously optimizes the correction parameters to compensate for optical deformation and surface irregularities in the water environment.
2Manufacturing precision
If correction maps are calculated based on test pattern images, then distortion compensation is achieved, but additional time and processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the time-consuming correction map calculation as a preliminary action during system setup or calibration phase, rather than in real-time during normal operation. By pre-calculating correction maps based on captured test pattern images, the system avoids repeated computational overhead during actual image projection, thus reducing time loss while maintaining high distortion compensation accuracy.
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
The system effectively projects high-quality images on underwater surfaces by compensating for optical deformation and surface irregularities, providing consistent and distortion-free images as observed from outside the water feature.
Implementation Method 1
when the image is projected in one composition or fluid environment and the observer is located outside of this composition or fluid environment... resulting in unacceptable distortion
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater projection system includes a controller designed to generate a map based on the boundary of a projection area, receive image content, and generate a control output based on the image content and the map. A projector is in communication with the controller to project the control output through the fluid onto the projection area.