Ultra-Short-Throw Projector Alignment Using a Wide-Angle Camera

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual adjustment of projection pictures in ultra-short-throw projectors for alignment with screens is inaccurate and operationally challenging.

Innovation Solution

An ultra-short-throw picture and screen alignment method using a wide-angle camera to acquire images, determine the screen and projection positions, and adjust the projection picture's size and position automatically for precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual adjustment is used for aligning projection pictures with screens, then the adjustment process is simple to implement, but the alignment accuracy is low and operability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidoperability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated optical-electrical system. A camera captures the projection picture and screen position, converts these visual inputs into electrical signals, and uses processing circuits to automatically calculate and adjust the alignment, eliminating the need for manual operation while achieving high precision alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If automatic alignment using camera and processing circuits is implemented, then alignment accuracy and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic alignmentVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera in the patent serves multiple functions: it captures both the projection picture and the screen position information, providing dual-purpose data acquisition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and measurement devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving automatic alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If manual adjustment method is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the adjustment precision and efficiency are low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment efficiencyVSAvoidalignment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment system performs self-service by automatically capturing images, processing position data, and adjusting alignment without external intervention. The processing circuits autonomously calculate the required adjustments based on camera inputs, enabling the system to self-correct alignment issues and significantly improving adjustment efficiency while maintaining reasonable complexity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3934243B1Ultra-short-throw picture and screen alignment method, ultra-short-throw picture and screen alignment apparatus, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 CHENGDU XGIMI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3934243B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3934243B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This application provides an ultra-short-throw picture and screen alignment method which includes the steps: acquiring an image by a wide-angle camera and performing positioning according to the image to obtain a projection position when a current projection picture of an ultra-short-throw projector covers a screen; adjusting a size and a position of the current projection picture according to a position of the screen and the projection position, so that the position of the adjusted projection picture is overlapped with a target position. Hence, the image may be acquired by the wide-angle camera when the projection picture of the ultra-short-throw projector covers the screen, the projection position may be determined according to the accurate image, and the size and the position of the current projection picture may be adjusted according to the position of the screen and the projection position, so as to automatically adjust the position of the projection picture, so that the position of the projection picture is overlapped with the target position. The method is simple in adjustment mode and high in accuracy. This application further provides an ultra-short-throw picture and screen alignment apparatus, an ultra-short-throw projector, and a computer-readable storage medium all having the foregoing advantages.