JP2000321531A - Laser pointer and presentation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a laser pointer and a presentation system which do not give unpleasant feeling to an audience. SOLUTION: This laser pointer 100 is composed of an infrared-ray projection part 112 which projects infrared rays, a reception part 180 which receives the detection signal that a CCD camera picking up an image of a specific projection allowed area outputs when detecting the infrared rays, and a control part 130 which allows the projection of the laser light from the laser projection part 110 which receiving the detection signal. Consequently, the infrared rays and laser light are projected in the same direction, so the projection position of the infrared rays and the projection position of the laser light nearly meet each other, so that the laser light is considered to be also in the laser projection allowed area on condition that the infrared rays are in the laser projection allowed area. For the purpose, it is decided that the infrared rays are in the laser projection allowed area and then when the laser projection allowed area is indicated, control for projecting the laser light becomes possible.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a laser pointer and a presentation system using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In some cases, a presentation is performed while pointing an image projected on a screen using a laser pointer.

In such a case, usually, the laser pointer is provided with a switch for switching between emission and stop of the laser light, for example, emission of the laser light only when a push button is pressed. Need to emit laser light only when instructing the projected image on the screen.However, the laser pointer may be accidentally pointed at the audience while the laser light is emitted, or the laser pointer may be pointed at the audience. In some cases, laser light is emitted by mistake.

[0004] When this happens, the audience feels very uncomfortable.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a technique that does not emit laser light to the audience, but there has been no such technique in the past.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a laser pointer and a presentation system capable of reducing discomfort of an audience.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, a laser pointer according to the present invention is a laser pointer for projecting a laser beam, wherein the laser pointer projects laser light and infrared rays in the same direction as the laser beam. Infrared projection means provided as described above, based on an imaging signal from imaging means for imaging a predetermined laser projection permission area, a determination means for determining whether the laser pointer is pointing to the laser projection permission area, Transmitting means for transmitting a detection signal when the determination means detects the infrared ray in the laser projection permission area, and projection control means for permitting projection of laser light when receiving the detection signal transmitted by the transmitting means. And characterized in that:

Another laser pointer according to the present invention is a laser pointer for projecting laser light,
A laser light projecting means, an infrared projecting means provided to project infrared rays in the same direction as the laser light, and at least one of inside and around a predetermined laser projection permitted area, and the laser pointer is provided with the laser pointer. Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the projection permission area is designated; transmitting means for transmitting a detection signal when the discrimination means detects the infrared ray in the laser projection permission area; And projection control means for permitting the projection of laser light when a signal is received.

According to these inventions, since the infrared ray and the laser beam are projected in the same direction, the projected position of the infrared ray and the projected position of the laser beam substantially coincide with each other. The laser light is also within the laser projection permission area.

Therefore, by judging that the infrared ray is in the laser projection permitted area, it is possible to control to project the laser beam when pointing to the laser projection permitted area.

Thus, when the laser pointer is aimed at the audience, the laser light is not projected, so that a laser pointer that does not cause discomfort to the audience can be realized.

Here, the short-time projection laser light is
It is a laser beam projected for a short time so as not to make the audience uncomfortable, and the instruction laser beam is preferably a laser beam continuously projected.

Another laser pointer according to the present invention is a laser pointer for projecting laser light,
The laser pointer emits the laser beam based on an image signal from a laser beam projecting unit capable of projecting a laser beam for instruction and a short-time projection laser beam for confirming a projection position, and an imaging unit for imaging a predetermined laser projection permitted area. Determining means for determining whether or not the permission area is indicated;
A transmitting means for transmitting a detection signal when the discriminating means detects the short-time projection laser light within the laser projection permission area; and a projection of an instruction laser light when receiving the detection signal transmitted by the transmitting means. And projection control means for permitting

Another laser pointer according to the present invention is a laser pointer that projects laser light.
A laser beam projecting means capable of projecting the instruction laser beam and the short-time projection laser beam for confirming the projection position; and a laser pointer provided in at least one of the inside and the periphery of a predetermined laser projection permission area, wherein the laser pointer permits Determining means for determining whether or not an area is instructed; transmitting means for transmitting a detection signal when the determining means detects the short-time projection laser light in the laser projection permission area; And projection control means for permitting the projection of the instruction laser beam when a detection signal to be received is received.

According to these inventions, the pointing laser light is projected when pointing to the laser projection permitted area. The short-time projection laser light has almost no effect when the laser light hits the audience because the time when the laser light is projected is instantaneous.

Therefore, a laser pointer that does not cause discomfort to the audience can be realized.

Here, the short-time projection laser light is
It is a laser beam projected for a short time so as not to make the audience uncomfortable, and the instruction laser beam is preferably a laser beam continuously projected.

The present invention also provides a presentation system in which a presentation is performed by using a laser pointer for projecting a laser beam to instruct a projection image of a projection area projected from an image projection apparatus. The laser pointer includes a determination unit that determines whether a laser pointer is pointing to the projection area, and the laser pointer projects a beam for confirming a projection position including infrared light or short-time projection laser light in the same direction as the laser light. And means for permitting the projection of the instruction laser beam when receiving a detection wave from the image projection device, wherein the determination unit performs the determination based on the light beam, and the image projection device Means for projecting the light of the projected image onto the projection area, and the determining means When the the projection area by Heather pointer has determined that it is instructed, characterized in that it comprises a transmitting means for transmitting towards a detection wave including an electromagnetic wave or sound wave into the laser pointer, the.

According to these, since the light beam for confirming the projection position and the laser beam are projected in the same direction, the projection position of the light beam and the projection position of the laser beam substantially coincide with each other. If this is the case, the laser light will also be in the projection area.

Therefore, by judging that the light beam is within the projection area, it becomes possible to control the projection of the laser beam when pointing to the projection area.

Accordingly, when the laser pointer is directed toward the audience, no laser light is projected, and thus a presentation system that does not cause discomfort to the audience can be realized.

Here, the short-time projection laser light is:
It is a laser beam projected for a short time so as not to make the audience uncomfortable, and the instruction laser beam is preferably a laser beam continuously projected.

Preferably, the projection control means permits the projection of the laser beam when receiving the detection wave transmitted by the transmitting means based on an image signal from the imaging means for imaging the projection target area. .

According to this, it is possible to determine whether or not the laser light indicates the projection area by using the imaging means.

For example, in the case where the pointing position of the laser pointer is determined using the image pickup means, the image pickup means can be used.

It is preferable that the determination means is provided in at least one of the inside and the periphery of the projection area.

According to this, it is possible to determine whether or not the laser light indicates the projection area by using the determination means provided at least inside or around the projection area.

Further, it is preferable that the image projection device is a rear projection device that includes the projection area and projects from the back of the projection area.

According to this, the presentation system can be realized by the laser pointer and the rear projection device.

Further, since the projection area, the discriminating means, the transmitting means and the like are integrated as a rear projection device, installation and movement are easy.

The laser pointer may be configured to include a projection instructing unit for manually instructing the projection of the laser beam, or may be configured to automatically instruct the projection of the laser beam. In either configuration, the projection control means emits the instruction laser light when the laser pointer is pointing in a predetermined area.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the present invention is applied to a presentation system in which a projection image is designated by using a laser pointer to give a presentation.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a presentation system using a laser pointer 100 according to the present embodiment.

The light of the image is projected from the projector 50 onto the screen 30 which is the projection area, and the presenter 30
In the case of 0, a laser beam is projected on the screen 30 using the laser pointer 100 like the optical axis 400-1 of the laser beam, and a projection image is indicated by the laser beam of the laser pointer 100 to give a presentation.

In such a presentation, when the extension of the optical axis 400-2 of the laser light projected from the laser pointer 100 as in the optical axis 400-2 hits the audience 310, the audience 310 feels discomfort. Would.

Therefore, it is necessary to control the laser light of the laser pointer 100 so as not to hit the audience 310.

As a method of solving this problem, for example, an image pickup device, an image
It is possible to apply a method or the like for determining whether or not indicates a predetermined laser projection permitted area. Hereinafter, these techniques will be described in detail.

First, an example in which a CCD camera serving as an imaging device performs the above-described determination will be described.

FIG. 2 shows a CCD according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a camera 700 and a rear projection device 800.

The CCD camera 700, which is an imaging device, captures a projection image projected from the rear projector inside the rear projection device 800 onto the projection area 840 of the screen 830, and detects the position indicated by the pointing rod. ing.

For example, when infrared light is projected from the laser pointer 100 in the same direction as the laser light, and the CCD camera 700 capturing the projected area 840, which is a projection permitted area, captures the infrared light, the detection signal is transmitted to the laser. A signal is transmitted to the pointer 100, and the laser pointer 100 controls to project a laser beam when receiving the detection signal.

FIG. 3 shows a CCD according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a camera 700.

The CCD camera 700 has a projection area 840.
Separation unit 710 that separates infrared light from the projected image inside
An imaging unit 720 that captures a separated infrared image; a determination unit 730 that determines whether a signal captured by the imaging unit 720 includes infrared light; and a laser that outputs a detection signal when the determination unit 730 detects infrared light. And a transmitting unit 740 that transmits the signal to the pointer 100.

As the infrared separating section 710, for example, an infrared filter or the like can be applied, and as the imaging section 720, for example, a CCD camera or the like can be applied.
For example, a general determination circuit or the like can be applied, and as the transmission unit 740, a general wireless transmission circuit or the like can be applied.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the laser pointer 100 according to an example of the present embodiment.

The laser pointer 100 is based on a projection instructing unit 190 in which a projection instruction operation is performed by the presenter 300 using a switch such as a push button, an infrared projection unit 112 that projects infrared rays, and a projection instruction from the projection instructing unit 190. And a driving unit 122 that drives the infrared projection unit 112 to project infrared rays.

The laser pointer 100 is a CCD
A receiving unit 180 that receives the detection signal from the transmitting unit 740 of the camera 700, a laser light projecting unit 110 that projects the laser light, a driving unit 120 that drives the laser light projecting unit 110 to project the laser light, The control unit 130 controls the driving unit 120 when the unit 180 receives the detection signal to permit the projection of the laser beam.

For example, a switch or the like can be applied as the projection instructing unit 190, and the driving units 120 and 122 and the control unit 130 can be realized using, for example, a circuit. As the laser beam projecting unit 110, for example, A laser light emitting element or the like can be applied.

As the infrared projection unit 112, for example, an infrared light emitting element or the like can be applied, and as the reception unit 180, a general wireless reception circuit or the like can be applied.

Next, the operation of each part of the CCD camera 700 and the laser pointer 100 will be described.

In accordance with an instruction from the presenter 300, infrared rays are projected from the infrared ray projecting unit 112. Even if the infrared rays hit the audience 310 as compared to the laser light, the audience 310 is less likely to feel uncomfortable.

When the infrared ray projected from the infrared ray projecting section 112 enters the projection area 840, the infrared ray separated by the infrared ray separating section 710 is converted to the CCD camera 700.
Are imaged by the imaging unit 720 and detected by the determination unit 730.

The discriminating unit 730 that has detected the infrared ray transfers the detection signal to the transmitting unit 740, and the transmitting unit 740 transmits the detection signal to the laser pointer 100.

The laser pointer 100 has a receiving unit 180
By receiving the detection signal sent from the transmission unit 740, the control unit 130 permits the driving unit 120 to drive the laser beam projection unit 110. This allows
Laser light is projected from the laser light projection unit 110.

On the other hand, when the detection signal is not received, the control unit 130 does not permit the projection of the laser beam, and the laser beam is not projected from the laser beam projection unit 110.

In this way, the laser pointer 100
By allowing the projection of laser light when the CCD camera 700 captures infrared light projected from the camera, it is possible to control the laser light to be projected when the laser pointer 100 points to the projection area 840.

Thus, it is possible to realize a presentation system in which the presenter 300 can give an effective presentation without the audience 310 feeling uncomfortable.

As described above, it is possible to make a determination by projecting infrared rays, but it is also possible to use a short-time projection laser beam.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a laser pointer 100 according to another example of the present embodiment.

Here, the CCD camera 700 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is applied. However, since no infrared light is detected, the infrared light separating unit 710 is not required.

As for the configuration of the laser pointer 100, the infrared projector 11 shown in FIG.
2 and the like are unnecessary, and except that the projection instruction unit 190 gives an instruction to the control unit 132, the laser pointer 1 shown in FIG.
Same as 00.

The control unit 132 controls the drive unit 120 to selectively output the short-time projection laser light for confirming the projection position and the instruction laser light normally projected from the laser light projection unit 110. The control unit 132 is, for example, a one-shot multivibrator (also referred to as a monostable multivibrator) that is a circuit that outputs a pulse wave having a constant width regardless of the pulse width when the pulse wave is input to the circuit. Can be included.

Next, the operation of the laser pointer 100 will be described.

First, in the initial state, the presenter 300
When a projection instruction is issued to the projection instruction unit 190 by a switch operation of a push button or the like, the laser light projection unit 110 outputs a short-time projection laser light.

The short-time projection laser light is projected for an extremely short time, and even if it hits the audience 310 for a short time, the audience 310 does not feel discomfort like infrared rays. The short-time projection laser light may be projected in a single shot or may be projected intermittently.

When the imaging unit 720 captures a laser beam, the CCD camera 700 transmits a detection signal indicating that the laser beam has been detected in the projection area 840 from the transmission unit 740 to the laser pointer 100.

The laser pointer 100 is
Receives the detection signal, and transmits the received detection signal to the control unit 1.
Enter 32.

The control unit 132 to which the detection signal has been input controls the driving unit 120 so as to change the projection laser light into the instruction laser light for a short time and project the laser light. That is, the driving unit 120 is controlled so that the laser beam is not continuously emitted from the laser beam projecting unit 110 but is continuously emitted.

As described above, when the laser pointer 100 is pointing at the projection area 840, by projecting the pointing laser light, the same operation and effect as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained. That is, it is possible to realize a presentation system in which the presenter 300 can give an effective presentation without giving the audience 310 any discomfort.

Further, the configuration of the laser pointer 100 can be simplified by omitting the infrared projection unit 112 and the like.

As described above, it is possible to determine whether or not the laser pointer 100 indicates a predetermined laser projection permitted area by imaging and detecting the infrared ray or laser light projected from the laser pointer 100, In this case, the laser pointer 100 can be controlled to project the instruction laser light.

Thus, even when the laser pointer 100 is pointed at the audience 310, the instruction laser beam is not projected, so that a comfortable presentation system can be realized without the audience 310 feeling uncomfortable.

The means for discriminating is a laser pointer 1
By providing the laser pointer 100 in a device other than the laser pointer 100, the configuration change of the laser pointer 100 itself can be kept to the minimum necessary. Weight can be reduced.

Thus, the presenter 300 can give a presentation without feeling uncomfortable.

The above-mentioned laser pointer may include a projection instructing unit for manually instructing the projection of the laser beam, or automatically instruct the projection of the laser beam when directed to a predetermined area. May be configured. In either configuration, laser light is projected by the above-described projection control when the laser pointer is pointing within a predetermined area.

(Other Embodiments) The preferred embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, but applications other than the above-described embodiments are also possible.

For example, as a laser pointer for projecting a laser beam, a laser beam projecting unit, an infrared projecting unit provided to project infrared rays in the same direction as the laser beam, A discriminating means provided on at least one of the periphery and discriminating whether or not the laser pointer is pointing to the laser projection permission area, and a detection signal when the discrimination means detects the infrared ray in the laser projection permission area. And projection control means for permitting the projection of laser light when a detection signal to be transmitted is received.

In this case, when the above-mentioned rear projection device having a screen as a laser projection permission area is applied, whether the laser pointer points to the laser projection permission area is determined by, for example, the screen. This can be performed by providing an infrared detector on the back side.

Similarly, when the short-time projection laser light is used instead of the infrared light, it is possible to make a determination by providing a laser light detection unit on the back side of the screen.

According to this, when pointing to the laser projection permitted area, the pointing laser light is projected. The short-time projection laser light has almost no effect when the laser light hits the audience because the time when the laser light is projected is instantaneous.

Therefore, it is possible to realize a laser pointer or a presentation system that does not cause discomfort to the audience.

For identifying the projection position of the laser beam output from the laser pointer 100, for example, an electromagnetic wave or a sound wave having a predetermined directivity can be applied. Specifically, for example, infrared rays, radio waves, ultrasonic waves, and the like can be applied. In addition, the projection instruction of the electromagnetic wave or the sound wave and the laser beam may be configured to manually perform the projection instruction using a projection instruction unit such as a switch, or may be configured to automatically perform the projection instruction. . In either configuration, the projection control means emits the instruction laser light when the laser pointer is pointing in a predetermined area.

Also, a detection wave for detecting from the imaging means such as the CCD camera 700 that the pointing light beam from the laser pointer 100 is within the predetermined laser projection permission area and outputting the detection light beam to the laser pointer 100,
Similarly, an electromagnetic wave or a sound wave can be applied, and specifically, for example, an infrared ray, a radio wave, an ultrasonic wave, or the like can be applied.

The transmission and reception of the detection wave and the like may be performed not only by radio but also by wire such as a cable.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the CCD camera 700 is provided on the front surface of the rear projection device 800 has been described. Light may be imaged from the back side of the screen.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a rear projection device is mainly used has been described. However, a configuration using a front projection device such as the projector 50 shown in FIG. Also, the present invention can be applied.

In the above-described embodiment, the application of the laser pointer 100 in the presentation hall has been described. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to such a field. For example, the present invention can be applied to meetings, parties, school lessons, explanations at movie theaters, and the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a presentation system using a laser pointer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a CCD camera and a rear projection device according to an example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a CCD camera according to an example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a laser pointer according to an example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a laser pointer according to another example of the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 30, 830 Screen 40, 840 Projected area 50 Projector 100 Laser pointer 700 CCD camera

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A laser pointer for projecting a laser beam, comprising: a laser beam projecting unit; an infrared projecting unit provided to project infrared rays in the same direction as the laser beam; Determining means for determining whether or not the laser pointer is pointing to the laser projection permission area based on an imaging signal from the imaging means; and detecting when the determination means detects the infrared light in the laser projection permission area. A laser pointer, comprising: transmitting means for transmitting a signal; and projection control means for permitting projection of laser light when receiving a detection signal transmitted by the transmitting means. 2. A laser pointer for projecting a laser beam, comprising: a laser beam projecting unit; an infrared projecting unit provided to project infrared rays in the same direction as the laser beam; A discriminating means provided on at least one of the periphery and discriminating whether or not the laser pointer is pointing to the laser projection permission area, and a detection signal when the discrimination means detects the infrared ray in the laser projection permission area. And a projection control means for permitting projection of laser light when a detection signal transmitted by the transmission means is received. 3. A laser pointer for projecting a laser beam, a laser beam projecting device capable of projecting a laser beam for indication and a short-time projection laser beam for confirming a projection position, and an imaging device for imaging a predetermined laser projection permitted area. Based on the imaging signal from the discriminating means for discriminating whether the laser pointer is pointing to the laser projection permission area, and when the discrimination means detects the short-time projection laser light within the laser projection permission area A laser pointer for transmitting a detection signal to the laser pointer, and projection control means for permitting the projection of the instruction laser beam when the detection signal transmitted by the transmission means is received. 4. A laser pointer for projecting a laser beam, comprising: a laser beam projecting means capable of projecting a laser beam for indication and a short-time projection laser beam for confirming a projection position; A discriminating means provided on at least one side and discriminating whether the laser pointer is pointing to the laser projection permission area, and when the discrimination means detects the short-time projection laser light within the laser projection permission area. A laser pointer, comprising: transmitting means for transmitting a detection signal; and projection control means for permitting projection of an instruction laser beam when receiving the detection signal transmitted by the transmitting means. 5. A presentation system in which a projection image of a projection area projected from an image projection apparatus is designated by using a laser pointer for projecting a laser beam, and a presentation is performed, wherein the laser pointer indicates the projection area. A determination unit configured to determine whether or not an instruction is given; wherein the laser pointer is configured to project a beam for confirming a projection position including an infrared ray or a short-time projection laser beam in the same direction as the laser beam; and the image projection apparatus. Means for permitting the projection of the instruction laser light when receiving a detection wave from the, the discriminating means performs the discrimination based on the light beam, the image projection apparatus, the image projection device, Means for projecting light of a projected image; and the discriminating means instructing the projection area by the laser pointer. Transmitting means for transmitting a detection wave including an electromagnetic wave or a sound wave to the laser pointer when it is determined that the presentation is performed. 6. The projection control unit according to claim 5, wherein the projection control unit performs projection of the laser beam when the detection wave transmitted by the transmission unit is received based on an imaging signal from an imaging unit that captures the projection area. A presentation system characterized by permission. 7. The presentation system according to claim 5, wherein the determination means is provided in at least one of the inside and the periphery of the projection area. 8. The presentation system according to claim 5, wherein the image projection device is a rear projection device that includes the projection target area and projects from the rear side of the projection target area. .