PROJECTION MAPPING USING DYNAMIC BLEND MAPS

Number: 20260220871
Published: 2026-07-30
Filed: 2025-09-16
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: JIARATHANAKUL; Prutsdom, ROSE; David Robert Wyatt
CPC: G06T15/04; H04N9/3182; G06T3/08; G06T5/30; G06T5/70; G06T15/005; G06T15/503; G06T15/60; H04N9/3147; H04N9/3185; H04N9/3194; G06T2215/12
Verdict: High Hardware
First reported: 2026-W31 (2026-08-02)
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Abstract

A computer-implemented technique for projecting light includes generating, based on a pose of an object within the scene, projector calibration data associated with one or more projectors, and scene geometry data associated with the scene, one or more blend maps using a graphics engine, generating, based on the one or more blend maps and media to be projected via the one or more projectors, one or more blended projections, and causing the one or more projectors to project light upon the object based on the one or more blended projections.

Background

BACKGROUND Field of the Various Embodiments

The various embodiments relate generally to computer graphics, projection mapping, and real-time rendering, and, more specifically, to projection mapping using dynamic blend maps. Description of the Related Art

Projection mapping is a technique in which digital imagery is projected onto physical objects using one or more projectors in a way that conforms to the shape and surface features of an object. In projection mapping, blend maps, which are grayscale images applied to the output of each projector, are used to generate a uniform level of perceived brightness on a target object. Blend maps achieve the uniform level of brightness by compensating for the effect of the incident angle of projector light on the surface, as well as adjusting for regions where multiple projectors overlap. For example, a building façade can be illuminated with dynamic visuals that align with the architectural details to create immersive light shows. As another example, projection mapping can be used in entertainment venues (e.g., theme parks, theaters, interactive art installations, etc.) to transform physical props into animated storytelling elements. Industrial applications can also project assembly guides or safety indicators directly onto complex machinery to assist operators.

One conventional approach for projection mapping is to precompute blend maps and projection content in advance, including all brightness adjustments and al

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for projecting light, the method comprising: generating, based on a pose of an object within the scene, projector calibration data associated with one or more projectors, and scene geometry data associated with the scene, one or more blend maps using a graphics engine; generating, based on the one or more blend maps and media to be projected via the one or more projectors, one or more blended projections; and causing the one or more projectors to project light upon the object based on the one or more blended projections. || 11. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: generating, based on a pose of an object within a scene, projector calibration data associated with one or more projectors, and scene geometry data associated with the scene, one or more blend maps using a graphics engine; generating, based on the one or more blend maps and media to be projected via the one or more projectors, one or more blended projections; and causing the one or more projectors to project light upon the object based on the one or more blended projections. || 20. A system, comprising: one or more memories storing instructions, and one or more processors that are coupled to the one or more memories and, when executing the instructions, are configured to: generate, based on a pose of an object within a scene, projector calibration data associated with one or more projectors, and scene geometry data associated with the scene, one or more blend maps using a graphics engine, generate, based on the one or more blend maps and media to be projected via the one or more projectors, one or more blended projections, and cause the one or more projectors to project light upon the object based on the one or more blended projections.