Method and system for projector calibration

Projector calibration hardware/method.

The present disclosure relates to a method for calibrating a projector. The method includes projecting a test pattern onto a scene or an object within the scene and capturing the test pattern using a camera. Once the test pattern image has been captured by the camera, the method further includes estimating by a processing element a perspective projection matrix, warping the estimated projection matrix based on a non-linear distortion function, and modifying the projector to project light based on the distortion function. The present disclosure also relates to a presentation or projection system including two types of projectors for projecting an output presentation having a second image overlaid on a first image.

TECHNICAL FIELD(1) The technology described herein relates generally to methods and systems for calibrating one or more projectors.BACKGROUND(2) Image projectors may be used to project images onto a projection surface, such as a screen or other surface. In some applications, video projectors may be used to enhance, compliment, or otherwise augment objects on the surface to create a dynamic and enjoyable user experience, such as, for example, 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) However, known calibration techniques for laser projectors require significant user interaction, are time-intensive, and are often not very accurate. As such, there is a nee