Researchers from Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories have
improved their multi-projector system to allow for the use of unlike
projectors. The system automatically combines and calibrates the images
from multiple networked projectors to create a single large display.
The system makes it possible to move a multi-projector setup from one
part of a store to another, for instance, with little more effort than
moving the projectors. This will enable large-scale projection in many
more settings, including retail stores and outside building displays at
night, according to the researchers.
The underlying principle of the system is that each projector is
self-contained, but can sense neighboring projectors, determine their
geometric location, and cooperate to create a combined display.
Supporting different types of projectors will make it easier to add new
projectors to an existing set up, or for two people who each have
different portable projectors to share them to create a larger display,
according to the researchers.
Practical multi-projector systems could be produced in two to five
years, according to the researchers. The researchers presented the work at
the Society for Information Display (SIDS) International Symposium 2004 in
Seattle, Washington, May 23 to 28.