Vehicle Front Projection System With Keystone Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
On-board entertainment systems in vehicles, particularly aircraft, face challenges in minimizing size, weight, and power consumption, and existing display technologies do not effectively address keystone correction issues when projecting images onto non-perpendicular or angled surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A front projection display system incorporating a pico projector with keystone correction optics, including a lens shifting system for physical correction and digital predistortion, paired with a retractable pico front projector screen, which can be motor-driven or manually operated, to ensure proper image projection without the need for manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional display system is used in a vehicle, then the display can be viewed by passengers, but the system occupies excessive space and increases weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical display systems (monitors, screens) with a projection system that uses optical components to display images on a retractable screen. The pico projector uses digital micromirror devices (DMD) and optical scanning to project images, eliminating the need for bulky display hardware while maintaining display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional screen-based display to a three-dimensional projection system that can be deployed only when needed. The retractable screen mechanism allows the display to occupy minimal space during storage and expand to full display size only during use, effectively utilizing the third dimension (vertical deployment) to resolve the space-functionality contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the projector is positioned at an angle to the screen, then the installation is flexible, but keystone distortion occurs in the projected image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements digital keystone correction that pre-distorts the projected image in the opposite direction of the expected distortion. The system calculates the required correction based on the projector's angular position relative to the screen and applies compensatory transformation to the image data before projection, thereby eliminating the need for manual alignment while maintaining image accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses lens shifting optics that can physically adjust the projection angle and position of the projected image. By changing the optical parameters of the projection system (lens position, tilt angle), the system can compensate for angular misalignment and project accurate images even when the projector is positioned at various angles to the screen.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual alignment adjustments are required for the projector, then the system can adapt to different positions, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated alignment system that uses sensors and feedback mechanisms to automatically adjust the projector's position and orientation. The system can detect the screen position and automatically align the projection, eliminating the need for manual adjustments by operators while maintaining adaptability to different installation positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the projector's angular position relative to the screen and automatically adjust projection parameters to maintain optimal image quality. The system uses sensors to detect misalignment and applies real-time corrections through lens shifting or digital transformation, making the system adaptable without requiring manual intervention.
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 provides a compact, efficient, and effective display solution that minimizes size, weight, and power consumption while ensuring clear image projection on aircraft, eliminating keystone distortion and optimizing passenger space.
Implementation Method 1
The keystone correction optics includes a lens shifting system that optically compensates projector screen positioning offset from a position perpendicular to the light being emitted from the pico projector.
Implementation Method 2
The pico projector includes means for providing digital keystone correction for predistorting the image to be projected when the projector screen is utilized that is not perpendicular to the light being emitted from the pico projector.
Data Source
AI summary
A front projection display system for a vehicle including a pico projector including keystone correction; and, a retractable pico front projector screen operatively connected to the pico projector. In one embodiment, a common housing contains the pico projector and the retractable pico front projector screen. In another embodiment the pico projector is mounted within the protective covering. In some embodiments the front projector screen is motor driven and in other embodiments it operated by hand. The present invention is particularly advantageous in an aircraft environment where size and weight considerations are imperative.