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A hardware and software calibration technology to automatically stitch multiple projection sources.
About
BACKGROUND Stitching multiple projectors to create a larger display area provides an economical, modular, large-scale display solution. However current manual processes for stitching are challenging as: • Aligning the edges of each projector is difficult or often impossible • Overlapping the edges causes images to appear distorted or show duplicate 'ghosting' images • Processes are time consuming and it's difficult to provide a perfect alignment • Projectors attached to buildings often require ongoing adjustment as buildings expand and contract with temperature changes TECHNOLOGY Our solution solves these challenges with a set of wireless calibration sensors and an automated two-step process. The modular sensing units employ planar detectors that are placed in an array along the edges where projections meet. This novel hardware allows the stitching location to be precisely determined. Using a two-step process: 1. A software application displays a routine of black and white patterns to determine an optimal alignment between multiple projection sources (2px precision). 2. A fine scanning algorithm aligns the projectors to sub-pixel accuracy (<1px precision). This removes unwanted distortion artefacts, ghosting and provides a crisp and uninterrupted display area. This technology is ideal for immersive platforms, such as Augmented Reality head-mounted displays where the digital image overlays compete for contrast against changing, ambient light conditions.
Key Benefits
• Automatically recalibrates as required • Fast grey coding calibration software • Precise sub-pixel calibration • Works with 2D and 3D projections • Supports any projector resolution • Wireless modular design • Can be used with any number of projectors • Patent protected
Applications
This technology has applications for large scale projection systems (buildings or construction sites), floor projection systems, projection on to objects (Spatial Augmented Reality systems), advanced manufacturing, advertising screens, large area projector mapping for entertainment (such as the Olympic Games), and design applications.