JP5685972B2 - Projector and projector control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a projector and a projector control method.

  When a presentation is performed using a projector that projects an image, there is a case where it is desired to perform projection by applying a so-called mask process that temporarily hides a part of the area on the screen. In such a case, it takes a lot of trouble to prepare an image subjected to mask processing in advance. Therefore, a projector that generates and stores a mask pattern and performs mask processing when projecting is disclosed (Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-102332 A

  When it is desired to use a plurality of mask patterns depending on the screen, for example, a so-called screen memo function for storing a plurality of screens may be used to perform mask processing using a different mask pattern for each screen memo. In the method of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to select and set a mask pattern each time, which is troublesome and may cause an image memo to be shown to the audience before mask processing.

  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 according to this application example includes an image input terminal that receives an image signal from an external device, an image signal processing unit that generates and outputs image data based on the input image signal, and a light source. An image projection unit that modulates projected light into image light according to the image data and projects the image light, an input operation unit that receives an input operation, and a mask pattern storage that stores a plurality of mask patterns An image storage unit that stores the image data , a mask setting storage unit that stores a first mask setting of which one of the plurality of mask patterns is used for each of the stored image data , and the projector A control unit that controls the operation, and the control unit converts the image data stored in the image storage unit into the image signal processing by a predetermined input operation. And outputting an instruction to the image signal processing unit that mask processing should be performed using the first mask setting stored in the mask setting storage unit, and the image signal processing unit The mask processing is performed based on the instruction from the control unit, and the image data is output.

  According to this application example, the mask setting indicating which mask pattern is used is stored for each stored image data, and the image data is projected with the mask pattern corresponding to the stored mask setting when the image data is read out. Is possible.

Application Example 2 In the projector according to the application example described above, the mask setting storage is further provided with an image input selection unit that includes a plurality of the image input terminals and selects any one of the plurality of image input terminals. The unit stores, for each of the image input terminals, a second mask setting for which one of the plurality of mask patterns is used when projecting the image signal input to the selected image input terminal, and the control The unit selects one of the plurality of image input terminals by the image input selection unit based on an input switching operation by the input operation unit, and also stores the second stored in the mask setting storage unit. An instruction to perform mask processing is issued using the mask setting, and the image signal processing unit performs the mask processing on the basis of the instruction from the control unit to perform the image data processing. And outputs a.

  According to this application example, the mask setting of which mask pattern is used is stored for each selected image input terminal, and the image is input by applying the mask pattern according to the stored mask setting when switching the image input terminal. The signal can be projected.

  Application Example 3 In the projector according to the application example, the control unit creates a mask pattern based on an image signal input to the projector and stores the mask pattern in the mask pattern storage unit.

  According to this application example, an image signal corresponding to a mask pattern that the user wants to use can be input to the projector, and a mask pattern corresponding to the image signal can be generated. Therefore, the user can freely create a desired mask pattern. Become.

Application Example 4 A projector control method according to this application example includes an image input terminal to which an image signal is input from an external device, an image signal processing unit that generates and outputs image data based on the input image signal, and An image projection unit that modulates and projects light emitted from a light source into image light according to the image data, a mask pattern storage unit that stores a plurality of mask patterns, and an image storage unit that stores the image data And a mask setting storage unit that stores a first mask setting of which one of the plurality of mask patterns to use for each of the stored image data , the projector control method comprising: a memo image storage step of storing in the image storage unit, among the plurality of mask patterns for each of the image data stored in the memo image storing step A first mask setting step for storing a first mask setting indicating whether or not to use a shift; and outputting the image data stored in the image storage unit to the image signal processing unit and storing the image data in the mask setting storage unit And a first mask step for causing the image signal processing unit to perform a mask process using the first mask setting.

  According to this application example, the mask setting indicating which mask pattern is used is stored for each stored image data, and the image data is projected with the mask pattern corresponding to the stored mask setting when the image data is read out. Is possible.

Application Example 5 In the projector control method according to the application example described above, a plurality of the image input terminals are provided, and any of the plurality of mask patterns is used when projecting the image signal input to the image input terminals. A second mask setting step for storing the second mask setting for each of the image input terminals, and selecting one of the image input terminals, and storing the second mask setting in the mask setting storage unit A second mask step for causing the image signal processing unit to perform mask processing using a mask setting of 2.

  According to this application example, the mask setting of which mask pattern is used is stored for each selected image input terminal, and the image is input by applying the mask pattern according to the stored mask setting when switching the image input terminal. The signal can be projected.

The block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a projector. The figure which shows a mask pattern. The figure which shows the display state of a mask pattern. It is a figure which shows the mask setting preserve | saved at a mask setting preservation | save part, (a) is a 1st mask setting, (b) is a figure which shows a 2nd mask setting. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the projector according to the first embodiment, where (a) illustrates an operation during an image saving operation, and (b) illustrates an operation during an image memo display operation. It is a figure which shows the display screen at the time of image mask selection and a process, (a) is a mask process confirmation message, (b) is an image memo overwrite confirmation message, (c) is a display screen during mask pattern selection, (d) is a figure A display screen when setting the mask pattern display size, (e) is a display screen when setting the display position of the mask pattern, (f) is a selection display screen when calling an image memo, and (g) is an image memo display after mask processing. Show the screen. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the projector of the modification 1, (a) shows operation | movement at the time of a mask process, (b) shows operation | movement at the time of input switching operation. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the display screen at the time of input switching operation of the modification 1. FIG. The figure which shows the mask image input menu of the modification 2.

  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.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the projector according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the projector 1 includes an image projection unit 10, a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a light source control unit 22, an input operation unit 23, an image input selection unit 5, an image input terminal 6, and an image signal processing unit 3. The OSD processing unit 4 and the like are housed in a housing (not shown).

  The image projection unit 10 includes a light source 11, three liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B as light modulation devices, a projection lens 13 as a projection optical system, a liquid crystal drive unit 14, and the like. The image projection unit 10 modulates the light emitted from the light source 11 with the liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B to form image light, and projects the image light from the projection lens 13 to project the image on the screen SC or the like. Is displayed.

  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 liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B, respectively.

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. The liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B are formed with a plurality of pixels (not shown) arranged in a matrix, 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 information to each pixel, each pixel is set to a light transmittance corresponding to the image information. For this reason, the light emitted from the light source 11 is modulated by transmitting 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.

  In the above embodiment, the projector 1 that projects using a lamp as a light source has been exemplified. However, the present invention can also be applied to a projector that projects using an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source or a laser light source as a light source. In the above embodiment, the image projection unit 10 exemplifies a transmissive liquid crystal type projection optical system using the light source 11 and the three liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B as light modulation devices. You may employ | adopt the light modulation apparatus of other display systems, such as a liquid crystal display system and a micromirror device system (light switch display system).

  The control unit 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory) used for temporary storage of various data, and the like, and operates according to a control program (not shown) stored in the storage unit 21. As a result, the overall operation of the projector 1 is controlled. That is, the control unit 20 functions as a computer together with the storage unit 21.

  The storage unit 21 includes a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory (not shown) or FeRAM (Ferroelectric RAM). The storage unit 21 stores a control program for controlling the operation of the projector 1, various setting data for defining operation conditions of the projector 1, and the like. The storage unit 21 includes a mask pattern storage unit 211, a mask setting storage unit 212, and an image storage unit 213 according to the present invention.

  The input operation unit 23 includes a plurality of operation keys for the user to give various instructions to the projector 1. The operation keys provided in the input operation unit 23 include a power key for alternately switching on / off the power source, and input switching for switching to any one of the plurality of image input terminals 6 by the image input selection unit 5. Key, menu key that overlays the setting menu for performing various settings, cursor key that allows the user to select a setting item from the menu, enter key, escape key, memo save key that saves the image being projected, saved There are a memo display key for displaying image data (hereinafter referred to as an image memo), a mask key for designating a mask process and starting selection of a mask pattern.

  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 unit 23 may have a configuration including a remote controller (remote control) signal receiving unit (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 unit receives this and transmits it to the control unit 20 as control information.

  The image input terminal 6 is composed of a plurality of image input terminals 6a, 6b, 6c, etc. Each of the image input terminals 6a, 6b, 6c is a cable (not shown) from an external image output device such as a video reproduction device or a personal computer. The image information is input via. The image information input to each image input terminal 6 is supplied to the image input selection unit 5.

  The image input selection unit 5 outputs image information input to one image input terminal 6 selected based on an instruction from the control unit 20 among the plurality of image input terminals 6 (6a, 6b, 6c). 3 is output. When the user operates the input switching key provided in the input operation unit 23 to designate one desired image input terminal, the control unit 20 displays the image information input to the one image input terminal 6 as the image signal processing unit 3. The image input selection unit 5 is instructed to output the data.

  The image signal processing unit 3 converts the image information input from the image input selection unit 5 into image information representing the gradation of each pixel of the liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B. Here, the converted image information is for each color light of R, G, and B, and is composed of a plurality of pixel values corresponding to all the pixels of the liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B. 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 4 performs a process 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 4 includes an OSD memory (not shown) and stores OSD image information representing graphics, fonts, and the like for forming an OSD image.
When the control unit 20 instructs OSD image superimposition display, the OSD processing unit 4 reads necessary OSD image information 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 information is combined with the image information input from the processing unit 3. The image information combined with the OSD image information is output to the liquid crystal drive unit 14.
If there is no instruction to superimpose the OSD image from the control unit 20, the OSD processing unit 4 outputs the image information input from the image signal processing unit 3 to the liquid crystal drive unit 14 as it is.

  The liquid crystal driving unit 14 is an image forming unit in the present embodiment. When the liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B are driven according to the image information input from the OSD processing unit 4, the liquid crystal light valves 12R, 12G, and 12B are displayed as image information. An image corresponding to the above is formed, and this image is projected from the projection lens 13.

  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.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a mask pattern stored in the mask pattern storage unit 211, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display state of the mask pattern.
As shown in FIG. 2, mask patterns having a plurality of shapes are stored. As shown in FIG. 3, these mask patterns are displayed at designated positions on the screen in a designated size (the size of the rectangular area occupied by the pattern), and mask processing is performed. Is done. The above-mentioned designated position and designated size (pixel unit on the screen) are set in the mask setting storage unit 212 described later.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing mask setting information stored in the mask setting storage unit 212.
FIG. 4A shows the first mask setting corresponding to the image data (image memo) stored in the image storage unit 213. As shown in the table of FIG. 4A, in the first mask setting, a memo No. is assigned to a plurality of image memos, which mask pattern is used for each memo No. (mask pattern number in FIG. 2), screen The horizontal position and vertical position where the mask processing is performed above, and the horizontal size and vertical size when displaying the mask pattern are stored. When mask processing is not performed, “none” indicating “no mask” is stored in the mask pattern being set.

Next, the operation of the projector 1 of the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
(Image saving operation)
As shown in FIG. 5A, when the input operation unit 23 detects an input operation for saving an image being displayed while the projector 1 is projecting an image (step S101), the control unit 20 displays an image signal processing unit. 3, the output image data (image being projected) is stored in the image storage unit 213 (step S102). This step S102 corresponds to a memo image saving step.
At this time, a confirmation message as to whether or not to perform mask processing as shown in FIG. Although not shown in FIG. 5, if there is no free space in the image storage unit 213, the image projection unit 10 projects an overwrite confirmation message for the stored image memo as shown in FIG. The image data is stored after the user selects the image memo area to be performed.

  In step S103, the control unit 20 checks a response to the confirmation message as to whether or not to perform the mask process. When “mask” is selected (step S103: Y), the process proceeds to step S104. When “no mask” is selected (step S103: N), the process proceeds to step S106.

In step S104, the control unit 20 sets which of the mask patterns stored in the mask pattern storage unit 211 is to be used, the position for displaying the mask pattern, and the display size in the horizontal and vertical directions of the mask pattern.
Specifically, setting is performed by an input operation such as a cursor key and a determination key by the input operation unit 23. FIG. 6C shows a mask pattern selection screen, FIG. 6D shows a mask pattern display size setting screen, and FIG. 6E shows a mask pattern display position setting screen.
After the above setting is completed, the process proceeds to step S105.

In step S105, the control unit 20 stores the mask pattern, display position, and display size selected in step S104 in the first mask setting of the mask setting storage unit 212, and ends this flow. This step S105 corresponds to a first mask setting step.
The stored contents of the first mask setting are shown in FIG.

  In step S106, the control unit 20 stores the setting of no mask in the first mask setting of the mask setting storage unit 212, and ends this flow.

(Image memo display operation)
As illustrated in FIG. 5B, when the input operation unit 23 detects an input operation for displaying an image memo stored in the image storage unit 213 while the projector 1 is projecting an image (step S <b> 201), the control unit 20. Causes the image projection unit 10 to project the image memo selection message shown in FIG.

  In step S202, the control unit 20 selects an image memo to be displayed from the image memo list displayed by the image memo selection message by operating the cursor key and the enter key of the input operation unit 23. Next, the first mask setting corresponding to the selected image memo is read from the mask setting storage unit 212 (step S203).

  In step S204, the control unit 20 checks whether mask processing (mask pattern is set) is performed based on the first mask setting read in step S203. When the mask process is performed (step S204: Y), the process proceeds to step S205. When the mask process is not performed (step S204: N), the process proceeds to step S206.

In step S205, the control unit 20 acquires the set mask pattern from the mask pattern storage unit 211 based on the first mask setting read in step S203, and selects the selected mask pattern using the set position and size. The image memo is subjected to mask processing by the image signal processing unit 3 and is projected on the image projection unit 10, and this flow ends. This step S205 corresponds to the first mask step.
FIG. 6G shows a display screen of an image memo that has been subjected to mask processing.

  In step S206, the control unit 20 causes the image projection unit 10 to project the selected image memo (no mask processing), and ends this flow.

(Mask on currently displayed image memo)
As shown in FIG. 5A, when an input operation for masking is received from the input operation unit 23 while the projector 1 is projecting (displaying) an image memo (step S111), the process from step S103 is performed. Process. After step S103, the description will be omitted according to the above-described processing.

  As described above, according to the projector 1 of the present embodiment, the mask setting indicating which mask pattern is used is stored for each stored image memo, and the mask pattern corresponding to the stored mask setting is read when the image memo is read out. It is possible to project an image memo by applying.

Moreover, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
(Modification 1)
In the above-described embodiment, the image input terminal 6 selected by the image input selection unit 5 stores the second mask setting to use which of the plurality of mask patterns, and the image input selection unit 5 causes the image input terminal 5 to 6 may be switched and a mask process based on the second mask setting may be applied to project an image.

  FIG. 4B shows the second mask setting corresponding to the image input terminal 6 selected by the image input selection unit 5. As shown in the table of FIG. 4B, for the second mask setting, which mask pattern is used for each of the plurality of image input terminals 6 (mask pattern number in FIG. 2), horizontal for performing mask processing on the screen. The position, the vertical position, the horizontal size when displaying the mask pattern, and the vertical size are stored. When mask processing is not performed, “none” indicating “no mask” is stored in the mask pattern number being set.

The operation of the projector 1 according to this modification will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
(Image mask operation)
As shown in FIG. 7A, when the input operation unit 23 detects an input operation for performing mask processing on an image being displayed while the projector 1 is projecting an image (step S301), the control unit 20 in step S302. Sets which of the mask patterns stored in the mask pattern storage unit 211 is used, the position for displaying the mask pattern, the horizontal and vertical display sizes of the mask pattern.
Specifically, setting is performed by an input operation such as a cursor key and a determination key by the input operation unit 23. FIG. 6C shows a mask pattern selection screen, FIG. 6D shows a mask pattern display size setting screen, and FIG. 6E shows a mask pattern display position setting screen. After the above setting, the process proceeds to step S303.

In step S303, the control unit 20 stores the mask pattern, display position, and display size selected in step S302 in the area corresponding to the currently selected image input terminal 6 in the second mask setting of the mask setting storage unit 212. And
This flow ends. The stored contents of the second mask setting are shown in FIG.

(Input switching operation)
As illustrated in FIG. 7B, when the input operation unit 23 detects a switching operation of the image input terminal 6 while the projector 1 is projecting an image (step S <b> 401), the control unit 20 uses the image input selection unit 5. Switching to the next image input terminal 6 (step S402).

  In step S <b> 403, the control unit 20 reads out the second mask setting corresponding to the selected image input terminal 6 from the mask setting storage unit 212.

  In step S404, the control unit 20 checks whether mask processing is performed (a mask pattern is set) based on the second mask setting read in step S403. When the mask process is being performed (step S404: Y), the process proceeds to step S405. When the mask process is not performed (step S404: N), the process proceeds to step S406.

In step S405, the control unit 20 acquires the set mask pattern from the mask pattern storage unit 211 based on the second mask setting read out in step S403, and the image signal processing unit 3 according to the set position and size. Is subjected to mask processing to cause the image projection unit 10 to project an image signal, and this flow ends.
As an example of the display, FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C show a screen after image input terminal switching and mask processing corresponding to the input switching operation.

  In step S406, the control unit 20 causes the image signal processing unit 3 to project an image signal on the image projection unit 10 (no mask processing), and ends this flow.

  As described above, according to the projector 1 of the present modification, the mask setting indicating which mask pattern is used is stored for each selected image input terminal 6, and the stored mask setting is switched when the image input terminal is switched. It is possible to project an image input signal with a mask pattern according to the above.

(Modification 2)
In the mask pattern of the above-described embodiment, a mask pattern having a plurality of shapes as shown in FIG. 2 is stored in advance, but instead, a mask pattern is generated from an image signal input to the image input terminal 6, You may make it store in the mask pattern preservation | save part 211. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a mask image input menu.
As shown in FIG. 9, for example, a monochrome image pattern is input from the image input terminal 6, and a black display area in the display image is stored in the mask pattern storage unit 211 by a mask pattern input menu or the like.

  According to the projector 1 of this modification, an image signal corresponding to a mask pattern that the user wants to use can be input to the projector 1 and a mask pattern corresponding to the image signal can be generated. Therefore, the user can freely create a desired mask pattern. It becomes possible.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Projector, 3 ... Image signal process part, 4 ... OSD process part, 5 ... Image input selection part, 6 ... Image input terminal, 10 ... Image projection part, 11 ... Light source, 12R, 12G, 12B ... Liquid crystal light valve, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 ... Projection lens, 14 ... Liquid crystal drive part, 20 ... Control part, 21 ... Memory | storage part, 22 ... Light source control part, 23 ... Input operation part, 211 ... Mask pattern preservation | save part, 212 ... Mask setting preservation | save part, 213 ... Image Saving section.

Claims (5)

An image input terminal for inputting an image signal from an external device;
An image signal processing unit that generates and outputs image data based on the input image signal;
An image projection unit that modulates and projects light emitted from a light source into image light according to the image data,
An input operation unit that accepts input operations;
A mask pattern storage unit for storing a plurality of mask patterns;
An image storage unit for storing the image data;
A mask setting storage unit that stores a first mask setting of which one of the plurality of mask patterns is used for each of the stored image data;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the projector;
With
The control unit outputs the image data stored in the image storage unit to the image signal processing unit by a predetermined input operation, and the image signal processing unit stores the image data stored in the mask setting storage unit. An instruction to perform mask processing using the mask setting of 1 is issued.
The image signal processing unit performs the mask process based on the instruction from the control unit, and outputs the image data. The projector according to claim 1.
A plurality of the image input terminals are provided,
An image input selection unit that selects any one of the plurality of image input terminals;
The mask setting storage unit stores, for each image input terminal, a second mask setting indicating which one of the plurality of mask patterns is used when projecting the image signal input to the selected image input terminal. And
The control unit selects any one of the plurality of image input terminals by the image input selection unit based on an input switching operation by the input operation unit, and stores the mask setting storage unit in the mask setting storage unit Instructing that mask processing should be performed using the second mask setting,
The image signal processing unit performs the mask process based on the instruction from the control unit, and outputs the image data. The projector according to claim 1 or 2,
The controller is
A projector that creates a mask pattern based on an image signal input to the projector and stores the mask pattern in the mask pattern storage unit. An image input terminal for inputting an image signal from an external device;
An image signal processing unit that generates and outputs image data based on the input image signal;
An image projection unit for projecting light emitted from a light source by modulating the light into image light according to the image data;
A mask pattern storage unit for storing a plurality of mask patterns;
An image storage unit for storing the image data;
A mask setting storage unit that stores a first mask setting of which one of the plurality of mask patterns is used for each of the stored image data;
A projector control method comprising:
A memo image storage step of storing the image data in the image storage unit;
A first mask setting step of storing a first mask setting of which of the plurality of mask patterns is used for each of the image data stored in the memo image storage step;
While outputting the image data stored in the image storage unit to the image signal processing unit,
A first mask step for causing the image signal processing unit to perform mask processing using the first mask setting stored in the mask setting storage unit;
A projector control method comprising the steps of: The projector control method according to claim 4,
A plurality of the image input terminals are provided,
A second mask setting step for storing, for each image input terminal, a second mask setting as to which of the plurality of mask patterns is used when projecting the image signal input to the image input terminal ;
A second mask step of selecting any one of the image input terminals and causing the image signal processing unit to perform mask processing using the second mask setting stored in the mask setting storage unit; ,
And a projector control method.

Images