A hardware and software calibration technology to automatically stitch multiple projection sources.
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:
- Aligning the edges of each projector is difficult or often impossible.
- Overlapping the edges causes images to appear distorted or show duplicate “ghosting” artefacts.
- Processes are time consuming and 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 of where projections meet. This novel hardware allows the stitching location to be precisely determined.
Using a two-step process:
- A software application displays a routine of black and white patterns to determine an optimal alignment between multiple projection sources (2px precision).
- 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.
Potential markets
This technology has applications for; large scale projection systems (buildings or construction sites); floor projection systems; projection onto objects (Spatial Augmented Reality systems); advanced manufacturing; advertising screens; large area projector mapping for entertainment (such as the Olympic Games); and design applications.
IP Status
This technology has patents granted in Australia (No. 201400683) and the United States (US9547222B2).
Partnering opportunities
UniSA Ventures is looking for partners to further develop the technology or license for their particular field of use.
