JP2015060087A - Projector system, and control method of projector system - Google Patents

Abstract

A projector system capable of performing drawing without being influenced by the size of the screen or the installation position of the screen is provided.
A first projector 101 of a projector system 100 superimposes drawing data B1 based on pen operation information D1 of an electronic pen 40 input by a user H1 on first image data G1, and projects the image data onto a screen SC1. At the same time, the pen operation information D1 is transmitted to the second projector 102, and the second projector 102 superimposes drawing data B2 based on the pen operation information D1 received from the first projector 101 on the second image data G2. To project on the screen SC2.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a projector system including a plurality of projectors, and a projector system control method.

  In school classes or presentations, you may want to explain by writing letters or figures on the image projected by the projector. In this case, there is a method of inputting characters and figures by operating a pointing device such as a mouse on the screen of a personal computer (personal computer) connected to the projector and inputting image data.

Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic blackboard system that operates an electronic pen (pen-type input device) on an image projected on a screen and writes characters and figures.
Patent Document 2 discloses an interactive system that includes a plurality of projectors and a light-emitting pen and draws an object at a pen position detected by one of the projectors.

JP 2011-140154 A JP 2012-212445 A

However, in the electronic blackboard system of Patent Document 1 and the interactive system of Patent Document 2, the user can draw with the electronic pen only within the reach of the hand on the screen. Therefore, when an image is projected on a large screen that is viewed by a large audience, there is a problem in that it cannot be drawn on all areas of the screen. In addition, there is a problem that drawing cannot be performed when a screen is installed at a position out of reach.
Accordingly, there has been a demand for a projector system and a projector system control method capable of drawing regardless of the size of the screen and the installation position of the screen.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  [Application Example 1] A projector system according to this application example includes a first projector having a first image input unit to which first image data is input, and a second image to which second image data is input. A second projector having an input unit, wherein the first projector superimposes the first image data input from the first image input unit and drawing data input by an electronic pen. The image is modulated and projected, and the drawing data is transmitted to the second projector. The second projector receives the second image data input from the second image input means, and the first projector. The drawing data received from is superimposed and modulated and projected.

According to this application example, the image drawn with the electronic pen on the projection screen of the first projector can be projected on the projection image of the second projector. Therefore, when drawing with the electronic pen is performed on the projection image of one projector (first projector), this drawing can be reflected on the projection image of the other projector (second projector). Therefore, it is possible to draw without being influenced by the size of the screen or the installation position of the screen.
For example, drawing with an electronic pen is performed on a small screen that can reach the entire screen that is the projection surface of the first projector, and an image on which the drawing data is superimposed is displayed on the entire screen that is the projection surface of the second projector. Can be projected onto a large screen that is out of reach (or a screen that is installed at a location out of reach).

  Application Example 2 In the projector system according to the application example described above, the second projector performs a predetermined change on the drawing data received from the first projector, and superimposes it on the second image data. It is preferable to project.

  According to this application example, when the image drawn with the electronic pen on the projection screen of the first projector is superimposed on the projection image of the second projector, a preset change can be added to the drawing data. Therefore, the thickness and color of the drawing line can be changed according to the size of the screen and the installation location.

  Application Example 3 A projector system according to this application example includes a plurality of projectors that modulate and project image data input to the image input unit, and each of the plurality of projectors includes an electronic pen. Mode setting means for setting one of a first mode for transmitting drawing data input by another projector to a second mode and a second mode for receiving the drawing data from another projector, wherein the projector includes the first mode. When the mode is set, the drawing data is projected superimposed on the image data, and when the projector is set to the second mode, the drawing data received from another projector is used as the image data. It is characterized by being superimposed on the image and projected.

According to this application example, each projector includes the first mode and the second mode, and can be set to either the first mode or the second mode by the mode setting unit. Thereby, the degree of freedom of setting whether to use the projector in the first mode or the second mode is improved, and the convenience of the projector system is improved.
In addition, since the image drawn with the electronic pen on the projection screen of the projector set in the first mode can be superimposed on the projection image of another projector set in the second mode, It is possible to draw without depending on the installation position.
For example, a projector that uses a projector that projects on a small screen that can reach the entire screen in the first mode, and that projects on a large screen that cannot be reached on the entire screen (or a screen that is installed at a location that cannot be reached) Is used in the second mode. As a result, it is possible to draw on a large screen that is out of reach of the entire screen (or a screen that is installed at a position out of reach of the hand).

  Application Example 4 A projector system control method according to this application example includes a first projector having a first image input unit to which first image data is input, and a second projector to which second image data is input. A second projector having a second image input unit, wherein the first image data input from the first image input unit in the first projector; and A first projection step of superimposing, modulating and projecting drawing data input by an electronic pen; and a transmission step of transmitting the drawing data to the second projector; A receiving step of receiving the drawing data from the first projector, and the second input from the second image input means. Characterized in that it has the image data, and a second projection step of projecting the superimposed modulated the drawing data received from the first projector, a.

According to this application example, the image drawn with the electronic pen on the projection screen of the first projector can be projected on the projection image of the second projector. Therefore, it is possible to draw without being influenced by the size of the screen or the installation position of the screen.
For example, drawing with an electronic pen is performed on a small screen that can reach the entire screen that is the projection surface of the first projector, and an image on which the drawing data is superimposed is displayed on the entire screen that is the projection surface of the second projector. Can be projected onto a large screen that is out of reach (or a screen that is installed at a location out of reach).

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a usage state of the projector system according to the embodiment. The block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a projector system. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a projector system.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the following embodiment does not limit the invention according to the scope of claims, and all combinations of features in the embodiment are based on the invention. It is not always essential to the solution.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a usage state of the projector system 100 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the projector system 100 according to this embodiment includes two projectors 101 and 102 and an electronic pen 40. One projector 101 detects pen operation information D1 of the electronic pen 40 by the user H1 on the projection plane (screen SC1) to generate drawing data B1, and draws the drawing data into the image data G1 input from the video equipment V1. B1 is superimposed and projected onto the screen SC1. In addition, the projector 101 transmits pen operation information D1 to the projector 102 via the cable CA1. The other projector 102 generates drawing data B2 based on the received pen operation information D1, and superimposes the drawing data B2 on the image data G2 input from the video equipment V2 and projects the drawing data B2 on the projection surface (screen SC2).

  In the present embodiment, the screen SC1 is, for example, a small screen that can reach the entire screen, and the screen SC2 is a large screen that cannot reach the entire screen, or a screen that is installed at a position where the hand cannot reach. It is said.

In FIG. 1, pen operation information D1 is information such as coordinate information, line thickness, color, and the like that the electronic pen 40 has moved, and drawing data B1 and B2 are generated based on the information.
In FIG. 1, one projector 101 corresponds to a first projector, and the other projector 102 corresponds to a second projector.
Further, image data of the same video equipment may be input to the projectors 101 and 102.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of one projector 101 of the projector system 100 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the other projector 102 is configured similarly to the circuit configuration of the projector 101.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the projector 101 includes an image input terminal 6, an image projection unit 10, an OSD processing unit 16, an image signal processing unit 17, an image signal input unit 18, a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, and a light source control unit 22. , Input operation means 23, pen operation detection means 25, communication means 26, power supply terminal 30, power supply unit 31, and the like, which are arranged inside or outside the casing of the projector 101.

  The image projection means 10 includes a light source 11, three liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B, a projection lens 13, a liquid crystal drive means 14, and the like. The image projection means 10 modulates the light emitted from the light source 11 by the liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B, and projects the modulated image from the projection lens 13 to project the projected image on the projection surface such as the screen SC. indicate.

The light source 11 includes a discharge-type light source lamp 11a made of an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, or the like, and a reflector 11b that reflects light emitted from the light source lamp 11a toward the liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B. ing.
Light emitted from the light source 11 is converted into light having a substantially uniform luminance distribution by an integrator optical system (not shown), and red (R), green (G), and blue, which are the three primary colors of light, by a color separation optical system (not shown). After being separated into each color light component of (B), it enters the corresponding liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, 12B.

  The liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B are configured by a liquid crystal panel in which liquid crystal is sealed between a pair of transparent substrates. In the liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B, a plurality of pixels (not shown) arranged in a matrix are formed, and a driving voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal for each pixel.

When the liquid crystal driving unit 14 applies a driving voltage corresponding to the input image data to each pixel, each pixel is set to a light transmittance corresponding to the image information. Therefore, the light emitted from the light source 11 is modulated by passing through the liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B, and image light corresponding to image information is formed for each color light.
The formed image light of each color is synthesized for each pixel by a color synthesis optical system (not shown) to become color image light, and then enlarged and projected onto the screen SC or the like by the projection lens 13 to become a projection image.

  In the present embodiment, the projector 101 that projects using the light source lamp 11a as the light source is exemplified, but the present invention is also applicable to a projector that projects using an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source or a laser light source as the light source. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, the image projection means 10 is exemplified by a transmissive liquid crystal type projection optical system using three liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B, but a reflective liquid crystal display method or a micromirror device method ( A light modulation device of another display method such as a light switch display method may be employed.

  The control means 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), a RAM (Random Access Memory) used for temporary storage of various data, and the like, according to a control program (not shown) stored in the storage means 21. By operating, the overall operation of the projector 101 is controlled. That is, the control unit 20 functions as a computer together with the storage unit 21.

  The control means 20 is a mode setting means for setting either the first mode in which the pen operation information D1 from the electronic pen 40 is transmitted to the other projector 102 or the second mode in which the pen operation information is received from the other projector 102. 201 is comprised. When the projector 101 is set to the first mode, it operates as the first projector, and when it is set to the second mode, it operates as the second projector.

  The storage means 21 is composed of a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory or FeRAM (Ferroelectric RAM). The storage unit 21 stores a control program for controlling the operation of the projector 101, various setting data for defining operation conditions of the projector 101, and the like. In the present embodiment, drawing change information 211 that defines changes to the pen operation information of the received electronic pen 40 is stored. Changes include the line thickness and color to be drawn.

  The input operation unit 23 includes a plurality of operation keys for the user to give various instructions to the projector 101. The operation keys provided in the input operation means 23 include a power key for alternately switching on / off the power supply, an input switching key for switching a plurality of image input terminals 6 input to the image signal input means 18, and various types. There are a menu key for superimposing a setting menu for setting, a cursor key for the user to select a setting item from the menu, a determination key for determining various settings, an escape key for returning the screen being set, and the like. The input operation means 23 also performs an operation for changing an image drawn by the user with the electronic pen 40.

  When the user operates various operation keys of the input operation unit 23, the input operation unit 23 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation content of the user to the control unit 20. The input operation means 23 may have a configuration including a remote controller (remote control) signal receiving means (not shown) and a remote controller (not shown) capable of remote operation. In this case, the remote controller emits an operation signal such as an infrared ray according to the operation content of the user, and the remote control signal receiving means receives it and transmits it to the control means 20 as control information.

  The light source control unit 22 controls supply and stop of power to the light source 11 based on an instruction from the control unit 20, and switches between turning on and off the light source 11.

  Based on an instruction from the control unit 20, the communication unit 26 communicates with the other projector 102 and transmits or receives pen operation information of the electronic pen 40.

  The image signal input means 18 corresponds to a first image input means and a second image input means, and from a plurality of image input terminals 6 from an external image output device such as a video reproduction device or a personal computer. Image information (also referred to as image data) is input via a cable (not shown) or a communication device. The input image information is output to the image signal processing unit 17 based on an instruction from the control unit 20. Note that the image signal input unit 18 may include a receiving unit for wireless communication, optical communication, or the like, and input an image signal wirelessly from an external device. The image data input from the image signal input means 18 corresponds to the first image data and the second image data.

  The image signal processing unit 17 converts the image information input from the image signal input unit 18 into image data representing the gradation of each pixel of the liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B based on an instruction from the control unit 20. Here, the converted image information is classified into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color lights, and a plurality of pixels corresponding to all the pixels of the liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B. Consists of values. The pixel value defines the light transmittance of the corresponding pixel, and the intensity (gradation) of light transmitted through each pixel and emitted is defined by this pixel value.

  The OSD processing unit 16 performs processing for superimposing and displaying an OSD (on-screen display) image such as a menu image or a message image on the projection image based on an instruction from the control unit 20. The OSD processing unit 16 includes an OSD memory (not shown) and stores OSD image data representing graphics, fonts, and the like for forming an OSD image.

When the control means 20 instructs to superimpose the OSD image, the OSD processing means 16 reads the necessary OSD image data from the OSD memory, and outputs an image signal so that the OSD image is superimposed at a predetermined position on the projected image. The OSD image data is synthesized with the image data input from the processing means 17. The image data combined with the OSD image information is output to the liquid crystal driving means 14.
When there is no instruction to superimpose the OSD image from the control unit 20, the OSD processing unit 16 outputs the image data input from the image signal processing unit 17 to the liquid crystal driving unit 14 as it is.

  When the liquid crystal driving unit 14 drives the liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B according to the image data input from the OSD processing unit 16, image light corresponding to the image data is projected from the projection lens 13 and is projected onto the projection surface of the screen SC. A projected image is displayed.

  The power supply unit 31 is supplied with electric power such as AC 100V from the outside via the power supply terminal 30. The power supply unit 31 converts input power (AC power) into predetermined DC power and supplies the power to each unit of the projector 101. In addition, the power supply unit 31 stops supplying power (operating power) necessary for image projection to each unit (power-on state) and operating power supply based on an instruction from the control unit 20. It is possible to switch between a state (standby state) of waiting for an operation for turning on.

The pen operation detection means 25 is composed of an imaging device (not shown) and the like, and detects an operation position (coordinates) of the electronic pen 40 and a pen operation state such as a pressed state of each switch based on an instruction from the control means 20. Then, the detected pen operation information D1 is notified to the control means 20.
In the case of a second projector or a projector that operates exclusively in the second mode, the pen operation detection unit 25 may not be installed.

  Next, the operation of the projector system 100 of the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operations of the projectors 101 and 102 constituting the projector system 100. FIG. 3A shows the operation in the first mode, and FIG. 3B shows the operation in the second mode. The operation in the first mode corresponds to the operation of the first projector, and the operation in the second mode corresponds to the operation of the second projector.

  Each projector 101, 102 has a first mode and a second mode, and can be set to any mode by the mode setting means 201. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that the projector 101 is set to the first mode and the projector 102 is set to the second mode. Note that the circuit configuration of the projector 102 is the same as the circuit configuration of the projector 101. For this reason, the same reference numerals will be used in the description below.

[Operation in the first mode]
As shown in FIG. 3A, when the projector 101 set in the first mode detects a pen operation by the electronic pen 40 by the pen operation detection unit 25 (step S101), the control unit 20 detects the detected pen operation. Drawing data B1 based on the information D1 is generated (step S102), and the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the control unit 20 superimposes the drawing data B1 generated in step S102 on the image data G1 input from the image signal input unit 18, projects it by the image projection unit 10, and proceeds to step S104. Step S103 corresponds to the first projection step.

  In step S104, the control unit 20 transmits the pen operation information D1 detected in step S101 to the other projector 102 via the communication unit 26, and the process proceeds to step S105. Step S104 corresponds to a transmission step.

  In step S105, the operation flow ends.

[Operation in second mode]
As shown in FIG. 3B, when the projector 102 set to the second mode receives the pen operation information D1 by the communication unit 26 (step S201), the control unit 20 responds to the received pen operation information D1. Then, the modification defined by the rendering change information 211 is applied to generate rendering data B2 (step S202), and the process proceeds to step S203. Step S201 corresponds to a reception step.

  In step S203, the control unit 20 superimposes the drawing data B2 generated in step S202 on the image data G2 input from the image signal input unit 18, projects it by the image projection unit 10, and transitions to step S204. Step S203 corresponds to the second projection step.

  In step S204, the operation flow ends.

According to the embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
According to the projector system 100 of the present embodiment, an image drawn with the electronic pen 40 on the projection screen of one projector 101 (first projector) is superimposed on the projection image of the other projector 102 (second projector). Can be projected. In other words, when drawing with the electronic pen 40 on the projection screen of the first projector, the drawing can be reflected in the projection image of the second projector.

  According to the projector system 100 of the present embodiment, the drawing with the electronic pen 40 is performed on the small screen SC1 that can reach the entire screen set as the projection plane of the projector 101 (first projector). Then, an image on which drawing data by the electronic pen 40 is superimposed is a large screen SC2 (or a position where the hand cannot reach) where the entire screen set as the projection surface of the projector 102 (second projector) cannot be reached. And projected onto a screen SC2) installed on the screen. As a result, it is possible to draw on the large screen SC2 where the entire screen cannot be reached (or the screen SC2 installed at a position where the hand cannot reach). Therefore, it is possible to draw without being influenced by the size of the screen or the installation position of the screen.

  According to the projector system 100 of the present embodiment, when the image drawn with the electronic pen 40 on the projection screen of the projector 101 is superimposed on the projection image of the projector 102, the change defined by the drawing change information 211 is added. Since drawing data can be generated, the thickness and color of the drawing line can be changed according to the size of the screen and the installation location.

  According to the projector system 100 of this embodiment, the two projectors 101 and 102 have the first mode and the second mode, and can be set to either the first mode or the second mode by the mode setting unit 201. . Thereby, the degree of freedom of setting whether to use the projectors 101 and 102 in the first mode or the second mode is improved, and the convenience of the projector system 100 is improved.

  According to the projector system 100 of the present embodiment, the image drawn with the electronic pen 40 on the projection screen of the projector 101 set in the first mode is superimposed on the projection image of another projector 102 set in the second mode. Can be made. In other words, when drawing is performed with the electronic pen 40 on the projection screen of the projector set in the first mode, this drawing can be reflected in the projection image of the projector set in the second mode.

  According to the projector system 100 of the present embodiment, the projector 101 that projects on the small screen SC1 that can reach the entire screen is used in the first mode, and the large screen SC2 that cannot reach the entire screen (or can reach the entire screen). The projector 102 that projects onto the screen SC2) installed at a position that is not present is used in the second mode. As a result, it is possible to draw on the large screen SC2 where the entire screen cannot be reached (or the screen SC2 installed at a position where the hand cannot reach). Therefore, it is possible to draw without being influenced by the size of the screen or the installation position of the screen.

Moreover, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
(Modification 1)
In the above-described embodiment, the projector system 100 can be applied to a projector system including three or more projectors. In this case, it is sufficient to operate one projector as the first projector and the other projector as the second projector, and each projector is set to either the first mode or the second mode and used. It is good to do. Thereby, there can exist an effect similar to the above.

(Modification 2)
In the embodiment described above, the pen operation information received by the projector set in the second mode may be transmitted to another projector set in the second mode via the communication unit 26. That is, a plurality of projectors are connected in cascade, the first projector is set to the first mode, the second and subsequent projectors are set to the second mode, and the pen operation detected by the first projector is transmitted to the second and subsequent projectors. Thus, drawing data can be projected.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Projector system, 101, 102 ... Projector, 6 ... Image input terminal, 10 ... Image projection means, 11 ... Light source, 12R, 12G, 12B ... Liquid crystal light valve, 13 ... Projection lens, 14 ... Liquid crystal drive means, 16 ... OSD processing means, 17 ... image signal processing means, 18 ... image signal input means, 20 ... control means, 201 ... mode setting means, 21 ... storage means, 211 ... drawing change information, 22 ... light source control means, 23 ... input operation Means 25: Pen operation detection means 26 ... Communication means 30 ... Power supply terminal 31 ... Power supply unit 40 ... Electronic pen SC1, SC2 ... Screen.

Claims (4)

A first projector having first image input means for inputting first image data, and a second projector having second image input means for inputting second image data;
The first projector superimposes and modulates the first image data input from the first image input unit and the drawing data input by the electronic pen, and projects the drawing data to the first image data. 2 to the projector,
The second projector superimposes, modulates and projects the second image data input from the second image input unit and the drawing data received from the first projector. Projector system. The projector system according to claim 1,
The second projector performs a predetermined change on the drawing data received from the first projector, and projects the drawing data superimposed on the second image data. A projector system having a plurality of projectors that modulate and project image data input to an image input means,
Each of the plurality of projectors is configured to set either a first mode in which drawing data input by an electronic pen is transmitted to another projector or a second mode in which the drawing data is received from another projector. With means,
When the projector is set to the first mode, the drawing data is projected superimposed on the image data,
When the projector is set to the second mode, the projector system projects the drawing data received from another projector by superimposing the drawing data on the image data. A projector system comprising a first projector having a first image input means for inputting first image data and a second projector having a second image input means for inputting second image data. Control method,
In the first projector,
A first projection step of superimposing, modulating, and projecting the first image data input from the first image input means and the drawing data input by an electronic pen;
Transmitting the drawing data to the second projector, and
In the second projector,
Receiving the drawing data from the first projector;
A second projection step of superimposing, modulating and projecting the second image data input from the second image input means and the drawing data received from the first projector;
A control method for a projector system, comprising:

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