Projector optimization method and system

Number: 10057556
Published: 2018-08-21
Filed: 2016-01-28
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Grundhofer; Anselm; Willi; Simon Lukas
CPC: H04N9/3185; H04N9/3194; H04N9/3191; H04N9/3182; H04N9/3129
Verdict: Medium Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Projector optimization hardware/method.

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and system for optimizing a projector for projection of content. In one embodiment the method includes receiving by a processing element a plurality of test images corresponding to test patterns projected by the projector on a projection surface, where each of the test patterns include at least two points, comparing by the processing element the plurality of test images to assess one or more projector characteristics related to a distance between the two points, generating by the processing element a projector model representing the one or more projector characteristics, and utilizing the model to determine a projection path of the projector for the content.

Background

TECHNICAL FIELD(1) The technology described herein relates generally to methods and systems for optimizing one or more projectors.BACKGROUND(2) Image projectors are used to project images onto a projection surface, such as a screen. In some applications, video projectors are used to enhance, compliment, or otherwise augment objects on the surface to create a dynamic and enjoyable user experience, such as an amusement park attraction. For example, characters or objects may be projected on a surface that virtually “interact” with real objects on the surface.(3) Conventional video projectors have a number of limitations. In particular, conventional video projectors have limited color gamut and brightness. Due to these limitations, presentations using only conventional video projectors can appear dull and flat. Further, in situations where ambient lighting is present, the resulting image can appear washed out and unrealistic. On the contrary, laser projectors, such as laser scanning projectors, have increased brightness and color gamut as compared to conventional video projectors. In particular, laser projectors can project pure saturated, i.e. monochromatic red, green, and blue color tones, allowing a significantly wider color gamut than conventional video projectors.(4) In contrast to video projectors, laser projectors use galvanoscopic mirrors to steer the light. These mirrors are moved at such a high speed that, due to the limitations of human visual perception, the projected

Claims

1. A method for optimizing a projector for displaying content, comprising: receiving by a processing element a plurality of test images corresponding to two or more test patterns projected by the projector on a projection surface, wherein each of the test patterns comprises at least two points; comparing by the processing element the plurality of test images to assess one or more projector characteristics related to a distance between the two points; generating by the processing element a projector model representing the one or more projector characteristics; and utilizing the model to determine a projection path of light corresponding to pixels of the content as projected by the projector on the projection surface. 10. A method for generating a projector model of a projector for optimizing a projection path of content, the method comprising: capturing by a camera multiple pattern images of test patterns projected by the projector; analyzing the pattern images to determine a distance characteristic and an angularity characteristic for each test pattern as captured in each of the pattern images; creating a model database representing the projector based on the distance characteristic and angularity characteristic of each test pattern; and utilizing the model database to optimize the projection path of light corresponding to the content emitted by the projector on a projection surface. 17. A system for optimizing a projection path for projection of content, comprising: a laser projector for projecting the content; and a computer electronically connected to the laser projector, the computer comprising memory including a projector model database corresponding to a displaying behavior of the projector, wherein the computer is configured analyze the projector model to: determine a minimized length of the projection path of light on the projection surface for the content; and determine an optimal angularity between each point of the content along the projection path.