My thoughts :
In the last five years, we have seen a flurry of projector-related publications and some exciting prototypes at graphics, vision and HCI conferences. Advances such as the use of rectangular LCD or DLP matrix have allowed us to overcome the geometric non-linearity of CRTs. This ability to achieve linear projection has been the key factor. Like many other devices, the reduction in cost and size and increase in performance of projectors have further added to the momentum. Linear projection has enabled many ideas in graphics and vision that are based on parametric approaches (e.g. pin-hole model) to be practically applied to projector-based systems. By treating the projector as the dual of a camera, traditional geometric and photometric techniques can be elegantly adopted for projector display.

However, we believe that projectors are capable of much more. Our goal is to embed projectors as part of an infrastructure as they become mobile and networked. By exploiting elements (that will become) available in a self-contained projector such as the camera module, a tilt sensor and wireless connection, we demonstrate many other modes of operation, corresponding algorithms and potential applications.

Technical contribution include a 'Shape-adaptive' projection paradigm, a new image transfer equation for quadric transfers (e.g. for image registration on spherical or cylindrical screens) and a robust global constistency method using local computation.

Abstract

Projectors are currently undergoing a transformation as they evolve from static output devices to portable, environment-aware, communicating systems. An enhanced projector can determine and respond to the geometry of the display surface, and can be used in an ad-hoc cluster to create a self-configuring display. Information display is such a prevailing part of everyday life that new and more flexible ways to present data are likely to have significant impact. This paper examines geometrical issues for enhanced projectors, relating to customized projection for different shapes of display surface, object augmentation, and co-operation between multiple units.

We introduce a new technique for adaptive projection on nonplanar surfaces using conformal texture mapping. We describe object augmentation with a hand-held projector, including interaction techniques. We describe the concept of a display created by an ad-hoc cluster of heterogeneous enhanced projectors, with a new global alignment scheme, and new parametric image transfer methods for quadric surfaces, to make a seamless projection. The work is illustrated by several prototypes and applications.

Prototype of a Single Unit (with projector, camera, tilt sensor, computing, wireless transponder and interface)

Shape-adaptive Projection

Object-adaptive Display

Ad-hoc Cluster of Autonomous iLamps (Projectors Units)

Ad-hoc Cluster for Quadric Curved Screens

iLamp refers to intelligent Locale-Aware Mobile Projector

PDF Copy (1MB)

Link to Video

Related SIGGRAPH 2004 paper, RFIG Lamps, on using handheld projectors with wireless tags (like RFID)

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Mitsubishi Projectors [Link]