Virtual Space Connection Device Lens Flare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication technologies fail to create a realistic sense of presence between users in separate spaces, lacking effective methods to project conditions from one space onto another without causing a feeling of strangeness.
Innovation Solution
A virtual space connection device that transmits image and sound signals between two spaces, using projectors and cameras to create a virtual connection by projecting images of one space onto the other, while reducing lens flares through specific output region setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an image is projected onto a projection target unit in a virtual space connection system, then the sense of realism between separated spaces is improved, but lens flares occur that disrupt the immersive experience
Solution Approach 1:
The projection target unit is divided into a projection region and a non-projection region (including the camera hole). By segmenting the target surface, the system can control light projection only in appropriate areas, preventing projected light from entering the camera hole and causing lens flares while maintaining the realism benefit in visible regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the projection target unit are assigned different optical properties. The projection region allows light transmission for realistic imaging, while the camera hole region is designed to block or exclude projected light to prevent lens flares. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between achieving realism and avoiding harmful optical effects.
2Area of stationary object
If projected light enters the camera hole, then the projection coverage is maximized, but lens flares occur that reduce image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The projection target unit is segmented into distinct functional zones: a projection region for maximizing coverage and a camera hole region for maintaining image quality. This spatial segmentation allows the system to achieve both objectives simultaneously by directing light only to appropriate areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera hole is extracted as a separate functional element from the projection target unit. By removing this specific region from the projection area and positioning it to exclude projected light, the system eliminates the source of lens flares while preserving projection coverage in the remaining areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the projection target unit includes a camera hole for image pickup, then the virtual connection function is enabled, but the projected light causes lens flares that disrupt communication realism
Solution Approach 1:
The projection target unit is segmented into functional regions, with the camera hole positioned in a non-projection region. This segmentation enables the system to maintain both the virtual connection function (through the camera hole) and eliminate lens flares (by excluding the camera hole from the projection area).
Solution Approach 2:
The projection target unit acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the projector and the camera. By designing this intermediary with distinct projection and non-projection regions, the system enables the camera to capture images while blocking projected light from entering the camera hole, thus preventing lens flares.
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
Enables users in separate spaces to communicate smoothly and naturally, enhancing the sense of realism and reducing the occurrence of lens flares, which can disrupt the immersive experience.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a first picked-up image signal obtained by image-pickup by a first imaging unit in the first space
Implementation Method 2
projecting, by a second projector, an image based on the first picked-up image signal received from the first-space side onto a second projection target unit
Data Source
AI summary
A system receives, from a second space, a second picked-up image signal obtained by picking up by a second imaging unit, and projects in a first space an image on the basis of the second picked-up image signal. The system includes a region setting section that sets a specific output region, a signal processing section that generates post-processing image data by performing image signal processing on the second picked-up image signal in such a way that a luminance value of the image projected onto the specific output region becomes equal to or smaller than a specific value; and a device control section that causes projection of the image on the basis of the post-processing image data.