Camera-less Smart Laser Projector

Abstract

Smart Laser Projector' (SLP) is a modified laser-based projector capable of displaying while simultaneously using the laser beam (at the same or different wavelength or polarization) as a LIDAR probe gathering information about the projection surface (its borders, 3d shape, relative position and orientation, as well as fine texture and spectral reflectance). This information can then be used to correct perspective warp, perform per-pixel contrast compensation, or even reroute the scanning/projecting path altogether (for tracking, feature discovery or barcode reading for instance). We demonstrate here raster-scan and vector graphics applications on two different prototypes. The first relies on a pair of galvanomirrors, and is used for demonstrating simultaneous tracking and display on the palm of the hand, depth-discriminating active contours (for spatially augmented reality surveying), and interactive games. The other relies on a single 2-axis MEMS mirror working in resonant mode, and is used to demonstrate edge enhancement of printed material and 'artificial fluorescence' - all with perfect projection-to-real-world registration by construction.