Relative surface travelling map projection process

Number: 11605320
Published: 2023-03-14
Filed: 2021-10-19
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Popp; Joseph M. et al.
CPC: G09G3/001; G01C21/365; G06V20/56; G09G3/002
Verdict: Low Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Surface-travelling map-projection show hardware/technique.

Abstract

A method to project content from a moving projector. The method includes analyzing an object to identify a projection surface; determining a first position of a projector relative to the projection surface; modifying a first frame of a content for projection onto the projection surface based on the projection surface and the first position of the projector; projecting the first frame of the content from the projector onto the projection surface; determining a second position of the projector relative to the projection surface; modifying a second frame of the content based on the projection surface and the second position; and projecting the second frame of the content from the projector onto the projection surface.

Background

FIELD (1) The described embodiments relate generally to systems and methods to project content on varying projection locations. BACKGROUND (2) Projection systems are used in many different environments to project content, such as images, movies, and the like, onto a projection surface. Projection systems may be used to project primary content in a specific location, such as a movie in a movie theater. Additionally, projection systems may be used to project content that may supplement real-world or live action entertainment, such as projecting content that enhances motion within a theme park (e.g., with animatronic motion or projection corresponding to a location within a ride). Conventional projection systems are typically static and configured to project on a predetermined projection surface or location. While there may be some projection systems configured to project onto different surfaces or locations, these typically require that the projector itself remain in a set position, e.g., the system may use two different projectors. (3) In certain instances, a fixed projector in a location may not be feasible or desired, and it may be desirable to have a projection location that can be varied, along with a projector that can be moved dynamically to update the projection location. However, movement of a projector while projecting can cause multiple issues on the projection quality, content, and viewer experience. For example, the brightness of the projected content may increase

Claims

1. A method to project content comprising: analyzing an object to identify a projection surface; determining a first position of a projector relative to the projection surface; modifying a first frame of a content for projection onto the projection surface based on the projection surface and the first position of the projector; projecting the first frame of the content from the projector onto the projection surface; determining a second position of the projector relative to the projection surface, wherein the second position is different from the first position; modifying a second frame of the content based on the projection surface and the second position, wherein modifying the second frame comprises scaling a brightness of a plurality of pixels based on a distance change of the projector between the first position and the second position; and projecting the second frame of the content from the projector onto the projection surface. || 10. A projection system comprising: a vehicle; a detector coupled to the vehicle such that movement of the vehicle moves the detector; and a projector in electrical communication with the detector and coupled to the vehicle such that movement of the vehicle moves the projector; wherein the detector analyzes objects within an environment to identify a first projection surface on a first object and a second projection surface on a second object and the projector projects content on the first projection surface from a first location of the vehicle; the projector continues to project content on the first projection surface as the vehicle moves away from the first location towards a second location until a projection angle of the projector relative to the first projection surface drops below a threshold due to the movement of the vehicle from the first location towards the second location; and the projector projects content on the second projection surface from the second location of the vehicle. || 18. A method to project content along a path comprising: identifying a first projection surface at a first location on the path; identifying a second projection surface at a second location on the path; projecting content onto the first projection surface from a first plurality of positions of a projector moving on the path; reaching a projection threshold for the first projection surface based on a position of the projector on the path relative to the first location, wherein the projection threshold is a projection angle of a projection distance relative to the projector and the first projection surface and the projection threshold is reached due to movement of the projector on the path; and projecting content onto the second projection surface from a second plurality of positions of the projector moving on the path.