INTERACTIVE PROJECTION · 2D LIDAR

2D LiDAR for Interactive Projection

Position Detection for Responsive Projection and Immersive Digital Experiences

A 2D LiDAR can monitor a defined interaction plane around a projection area and provide scan measurements for detecting the position of people, hands or objects. Host software processes these measurements and maps physical positions to projected digital content.

Interactive Projection Position Detection Projection Mapping Host Software Integration
2D LiDAR for interactive projection systems
Scan Monitor interaction area
Map Convert physical position
Project Trigger digital response
02 HOW IT WORKS

How 2D LiDAR Enables Interactive Projection

A 2D LiDAR continuously scans a defined interaction plane around the projection area. When a person, hand or object enters that plane, the sensor provides measurement data that host software can process, transform and map to the coordinate system used by the projected content.

01 · SCAN

Monitor the Interaction Plane

The LiDAR scans the defined sensing plane continuously and measures targets that intersect the monitored area.

02 · DETECT

Identify Target Positions

Host-side processing uses the incoming scan measurements to identify relevant people, hands or objects and determine application-relevant positions.

03 · MAP

Transform to Projection Coordinates

Physical LiDAR coordinates are converted into the coordinate space associated with the projection surface through calibration and transformation logic.

04 · RESPOND

Update Projected Content

The interactive application uses mapped positions to control graphics, visual effects, game logic or other projected digital responses.

TYPICAL INTERACTION FLOW

From Physical Movement to Projected Response

Person / Hand / Object Physical interaction target
YB27 2D LiDAR Raw scan measurements
Host Processing Target and position calculation
Coordinate Mapping Physical to projection space
Projected Content Graphics, effects or game response
System responsibility: The LiDAR provides measurement data to the host system. Target processing, coordinate transformation, projection calibration and interactive behavior are implemented by the host software or interactive application.
03 SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

Interactive Projection System Architecture with 2D LiDAR

A LiDAR-based interactive projection system typically combines a sensing layer, communication interface, host processing platform and projection system. YB27 provides scan measurements, while the host system processes target positions and connects them to the projected digital content.

TYPICAL SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

From LiDAR Measurement to Projected Interaction

01
YB27 2D LiDAR Measures targets within the defined scan plane
02
Data Interface Ethernet UDP or RS232 depending on model
03
Host PC / IPC Receives and processes scan measurements
04
Interactive Application Maps positions and executes interaction logic
05
Projector & Surface Displays the responsive digital content
SENSING LAYER

2D LiDAR Measurement

The YB27 scans the interaction plane and provides measurement information for targets that intersect the monitored geometry.

DATA LAYER

Ethernet UDP or RS232

Ethernet UDP is available on CE and HE models, while CR models provide RS232 raw-data communication for serial host architectures.

PROCESSING LAYER

Host Position Processing

The host platform receives scan data and performs filtering, target identification, position calculation and coordinate transformation.

VISUAL LAYER

Projection & Digital Content

Mapped target positions are used by the interactive application to control projected graphics, effects, media or game behavior.

What the YB27 Provides

  • 2D scan measurements
  • Distance information
  • Echo intensity information
  • Angular position from scan geometry
  • Ethernet UDP or RS232 communication

What the Host System Provides

  • Scan-data reception and decoding
  • Target filtering and identification
  • Physical position calculation
  • Projection-coordinate calibration
  • Interaction logic and visual rendering
Integration note: YB27 does not output finished projection coordinates or include the final interactive projection software. The host system is responsible for converting LiDAR measurements into the coordinate space and interaction events required by the projection application.
04 PLACEMENT & GEOMETRY

Coordinate the LiDAR Scan Plane with the Projection Area

Interactive projection depends on the geometric relationship between the LiDAR scan plane, target movement and the projected surface. Sensor placement should allow relevant targets to intersect the sensing plane while the host system maintains a defined mapping between physical positions and projected coordinates.

CONCEPTUAL INSTALLATION

LiDAR Sensing and Projection Are Separate Layers

The projector creates the visible image, while the LiDAR measures physical targets in a defined scan plane. The host software links these two coordinate spaces.

PROJECTOR
YB27
2D LiDAR
Projection Field Visible digital content
LiDAR Scan Plane Physical sensing geometry
Coordinate Mapping Links sensing to content
01

Interaction Zone

Define the physical region where people, hands or objects are expected to influence the projected content.

02

Scan-Plane Position

Position the LiDAR so the scan plane intersects the intended interaction region rather than simply matching the projector’s optical field.

03

Projection Surface

Define the actual digital display area and its relationship to the physical coordinate system used for LiDAR-based detection.

04

Mounting Orientation

The sensor orientation determines the direction and position of the sensing plane relative to the projection surface and targets.

05

Occlusion & Line of Sight

People or objects may block other targets from the LiDAR’s line of sight, so the mounting geometry should consider expected visitor movement and target positions.

06

Calibration Reference

A stable relationship between LiDAR coordinates and the projected content area is required for consistent physical-to-digital position mapping.

Geometry Questions to Resolve Before Integration

Where is the projection surface?
Where will users interact?
Where can the LiDAR be mounted?
How should the scan plane intersect targets?
What areas may create occlusion?
How will physical and projected coordinates be calibrated?
Engineering note: The LiDAR scan plane does not need to be identical to the projector’s optical field. The important requirement is that the sensing geometry, target movement and projection coordinate system can be related through a defined host-side calibration method.
05 COORDINATE CALIBRATION

Map LiDAR Positions to Projection Coordinates

The LiDAR and projector operate in different coordinate spaces. For interactive projection, the host system establishes a relationship between detected physical positions and corresponding positions in the projected content. This calibration allows movement in the sensing area to produce a response at the intended location in the digital scene.

01

Receive LiDAR Measurements

The host receives YB27 scan measurements and identifies relevant target positions within the configured interaction geometry.

02

Define Physical References

Known reference positions establish the relationship between the LiDAR sensing geometry and the physical projection area.

03

Apply Coordinate Transformation

Host-side calibration logic converts detected physical positions into the coordinate space used by the interactive application.

04

Control Projected Content

The mapped position becomes an application input that can influence graphics, effects, media or game behavior at the intended location.

CONCEPTUAL DATA TRANSFORMATION

Physical Space → Digital Projection Space

The exact coordinate transformation depends on the installation geometry and the software architecture used by the integrator.

LiDAR / Physical Position Target location derived from the scan geometry
Projection Position Corresponding location in the digital content space

What Calibration Needs to Establish

A practical calibration process should create a repeatable relationship between the physical sensing area and the digital projection area.

Physical interaction boundaries Define the real-world area where target positions are relevant.
Projection boundaries Define the digital area corresponding to the physical interaction region.
Reference relationship Associate known physical positions with corresponding positions in the projected content.
Transformation logic Convert subsequent detected positions using the established calibration relationship.

What Can Affect Mapping Accuracy?

Sensor Position Moving or rotating the LiDAR can change the relationship between measured positions and the calibrated interaction area.
Projection Geometry Changes to the projector, projection surface or displayed area may require the mapping relationship to be recalibrated.
Target Processing Filtering and target-position calculations in the host software influence the coordinates supplied to the interactive logic.
Installation Stability A stable sensor and projection setup helps preserve the physical relationship established during calibration.
Important: YB27 provides LiDAR measurement data; it does not output finished projection coordinates. Calibration, coordinate transformation and interaction mapping are implemented in the host software according to the geometry and requirements of the final system.
06 YB27 MODEL SELECTION

Choosing a YB27 for Interactive Projection

Interactive projection systems typically need LiDAR measurement data that can be processed by a host PC, IPC or embedded controller. YB27 CE, HE and CR models provide different interface, range and angular-resolution options for different integration architectures.

ETHERNET RAW DATA
CE SERIES

YB27-15CE / 25CE

Ethernet UDP models for host-based LiDAR integration where raw scan measurements are transferred directly to a PC or industrial computing platform.

Interface Ethernet UDP
Range @ 70% 15 m / 25 m
Angular Resolution 0.15°–0.5°
Scan Frequency Up to 50 Hz
Scan Angle 270°
CONSIDER CE WHEN Ethernet UDP is preferred and the available CE resolution and range options fit the projection geometry.
RS232 RAW DATA
CR SERIES

YB27-15CR / 25CR

RS232 models for embedded or serial host architectures where LiDAR measurements need to be integrated through a direct serial communication interface.

Interface RS232
Range @ 70% 15 m / 25 m
Angular Resolution 0.5° / 1° / 2°
Scan Frequency Up to 50 Hz
Scan Angle 270°
CONSIDER CR WHEN The host architecture is designed around RS232 communication or an embedded controller rather than Ethernet networking.

Ethernet UDP or RS232?

The interface choice should follow the host architecture rather than the projection technology itself.

CE / HE: Ethernet UDP raw scan data
CR: RS232 raw scan data
Consider the available host ports and software architecture
Confirm how scan data will be received and processed

How Much Angular Resolution Is Needed?

Finer angular resolution creates denser angular sampling, but the useful configuration depends on target size, working distance, scan frequency and the complete installation geometry.

CE offers resolution options from 0.15° to 0.5°
HE offers options from 0.1° to 0.5°
CR provides 0.5°, 1° and 2° options
Validate target detection in the intended project geometry
RAW DATA + DIRECT SWITCHING

Need Host Data and Direct Zone-Based Outputs?

Selected YB27 CD and HD models combine Ethernet UDP raw scan data with configurable detection zones and direct PNP/NPN switching outputs. This can be useful when an installation needs host-side LiDAR processing together with independent zone-based signals for other equipment or control functions.

View YB27 Raw Data Models
Selection note: Do not select a LiDAR model from angular resolution alone. Working distance, target characteristics, scan frequency, mounting geometry, communication interface and host processing requirements should be evaluated together for the final interactive projection system.
07 INTEGRATION CHECKLIST

What to Define Before Building an Interactive Projection System

The most suitable LiDAR model and installation concept depend on the complete projection geometry, target behavior, communication interface and host-processing architecture. Defining these items early helps reduce uncertainty during sensor selection and system integration.

01

Projection Area

Define the dimensions, orientation and physical location of the surface or area where digital content will be projected.

02

Interaction Zone

Identify where users are expected to move, reach or place objects relative to the projected content.

03

Target Type

Specify whether the system needs to detect people, hands, larger objects or another defined target type.

04

LiDAR Mounting Concept

Determine possible sensor locations, orientations and line-of-sight conditions around the interaction area.

05

Working Distance

Estimate the distance between the LiDAR and the relevant target positions across the intended sensing area.

06

Host Platform

Define whether scan processing will run on a PC, industrial PC, embedded controller or another host computing platform.

07

Communication Interface

Confirm whether Ethernet UDP or RS232 is more suitable for the available host hardware and software architecture.

08

Calibration & Mapping

Define how detected physical positions will be related to the coordinate system used by the interactive projection content.

PROJECT INFORMATION

Send Us the Basic Application Geometry

For a more useful YB27 model discussion, provide as much of the following information as possible. We can then compare the available interface, range and resolution options against the intended interactive projection setup.

Projection surface dimensions
Active interaction-area dimensions
Expected target type
LiDAR mounting location or concept
Approximate working distance
Projector or display arrangement
Host PC / IPC / controller
Ethernet UDP or RS232 preference
Expected visitor or target movement
Coordinate-calibration concept

What Should Be Validated in the Final System?

Datasheet specifications help with initial model selection, but interactive performance should be validated in the real project geometry.

Target Detectability Confirm that the intended people, hands or objects are detected reliably across the required interaction area.
Coverage Verify that the LiDAR scan plane covers all positions required by the interactive experience.
Occlusion Evaluate how multiple visitors or objects may block the sensor’s line of sight.
Coordinate Mapping Validate the relationship between detected physical positions and the corresponding locations in the projected content.
Host Processing Confirm that the host can receive, process and use the LiDAR data at the required application update rate.
Application note: Final interactive performance depends on the complete system, including LiDAR placement, target characteristics, scan configuration, host processing, coordinate calibration and projection geometry. Application-specific testing is recommended before final deployment.
08 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About 2D LiDAR for Interactive Projection

These questions cover the main technical considerations when using 2D LiDAR for position detection, coordinate mapping and host-side integration in interactive projection systems.

1. How does 2D LiDAR work for interactive projection?

A 2D LiDAR scans a defined interaction plane and provides measurement data when people, hands or objects enter that plane. The host system processes the scan data, determines target positions and maps those positions to the coordinate system used by the projected content.

2. Where should LiDAR be installed for interactive projection?

The LiDAR should be positioned so its scan plane intersects the intended interaction zone and maintains suitable line of sight to the targets. The correct location depends on the projection surface, target movement, available mounting positions, working distance and expected occlusion.

3. Can 2D LiDAR detect hands in front of projected content?

Hands may be detectable depending on their size, distance, orientation, surface characteristics, angular resolution and the overall sensing geometry. Detection performance should be validated in the intended installation.

4. How are LiDAR coordinates mapped to projection coordinates?

The host software establishes a calibration relationship between physical LiDAR positions and the digital coordinate space used by the projection application. Detected positions are then transformed and mapped according to that calibration.

5. Does YB27 connect directly to a projector?

No. YB27 provides LiDAR measurement data to a host PC, industrial PC or controller through Ethernet UDP or RS232, depending on the model. The host software processes the data and controls the interactive projection content separately.

6. Which YB27 model is suitable for interactive projection?

CE models provide Ethernet UDP raw scan data, HE models provide Ethernet UDP with finer angular-resolution options, and CR models provide RS232 raw data. Model selection should consider working distance, target characteristics, angular resolution, scan frequency, host interface and installation geometry.

7. Can YB27 connect to interactive projection software?

YB27 can provide measurement data to a host system, but software compatibility depends on how the application receives and processes Ethernet UDP or RS232 data. Custom middleware, data parsing or application-side integration may be required.

8. Does YB27 include projection mapping or interactive software?

No. YB27 is the sensing component of the system. Projection mapping, target processing, coordinate transformation, interaction logic and visual-content behavior are implemented by the host software or interactive application.

Application reminder: Interactive performance should be evaluated as a complete system. Sensor placement, target characteristics, host processing, calibration and projection geometry all influence the final user experience.
INTERACTIVE PROJECTION · YB27 2D LIDAR

Planning an Interactive Projection System with 2D LiDAR?

Share your projection-area dimensions, interaction geometry, intended target, LiDAR mounting concept and host interface. We can help identify a suitable YB27 model for evaluation based on the required range, communication method and scan configuration.

Useful Project Information

The following details can help us understand the intended sensing geometry and narrow down the available YB27 model options.

Projection surface dimensions
Active interaction-area dimensions
People, hands or object detection
Approximate LiDAR mounting position
Expected working distance
Host PC, IPC or controller
Ethernet UDP or RS232 preference
Expected scan-frequency or resolution requirements
Final model selection and interactive performance should be validated in the intended project geometry.