JP2002041238A - Light pointer, image-creating system, presentation system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light pointer capable of giving an order easy to recognize visually, an image-creating system, a presentation system and an information memory medium. SOLUTION: A laser pointer 100 comprises a transmitter and receiver 180 which receives a control signal from a processing unit and transmits information showing state of projection to the processing unit and a controller 130 which, based on the above control information and the kinds of commands from a projection command 190, controls a laser beam projector 110 and changes shape of the laser beam.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a light pointer for projecting an instruction light, an image generation system for generating an image in which an instruction is performed using the instruction light, a presentation system, and an information storage medium.

[0002]

BACKGROUND ART In a presentation system using a liquid crystal projector or the like, an instruction is generally given using an optical pointer such as a laser pointer.

However, since the conventional light pointer has a small light emitting point, it is difficult for the audience to know where the light pointer is pointing when it is moved at high speed.

Further, for example, even when an icon on a presentation image is pointed by a laser pointer,
The lack of change in the icon image made it difficult for the audience to determine whether it was a click or a drag.

An object of the present invention is to provide an optical pointer, an image generation system, a presentation system, and an information storage medium in which an instruction operation with the optical pointer can be easily understood visually. It is in.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an optical pointer according to the present invention is a light pointer for projecting light for instructing a predetermined image display area, and is a light pointer for projecting the light. Projection means, projection instruction means for inputting an instruction of the user of the light pointer, and blinking control, shape control, and color of the light according to the contents of the instruction based on instruction information input to the projection instruction means. Control means for controlling the light projecting means so as to perform at least one of the controls.

Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium storing information for projecting light for instructing a predetermined image display area, wherein the information is used. The light is projected so as to perform at least one of blinking control, shape control, and color control of the light according to the contents of the instruction based on instruction information input to a projection instruction unit for inputting an instruction of a user. It is characterized by including information for realizing control means for controlling the light projection means.

[0008] Further, the information according to the present invention is characterized in that it includes a program for realizing each of the above means.

According to the present invention, light blinking control, shape control, and color control can be performed in accordance with the content of an operator's instruction. Thus, it is possible to project light corresponding to the instruction content, and it is possible to project light in which the instruction content is easy to understand for a person watching the light.

It is preferable that the control means controls the light projecting means so as to change the shape of the light at the time of a normal instruction, a click instruction, and a drag instruction.

According to this, by changing the shape of the light at the time of the normal instruction, at the time of the click instruction, and at the time of the drag instruction, the person watching the light can determine which instruction the operator gives. Can be easily identified.

The light pointer wirelessly transmits projection state information indicating a projection state of the light to a predetermined processing device that detects an irradiation state of the light in the image display area. It is preferable to include an instructing-side transmitting means for ascertaining the projection state of the light projection means based on the projection state information.

The information storage medium and the program may wirelessly transmit projection state information indicating a projection state of the light to a predetermined processing device for detecting the irradiation state of the light in the image display area. Preferably, the information includes information for realizing means for causing the processing device to grasp the projection state of the light projection means based on the projection state information.

According to this, the projection state of the light projection means can be grasped by the processing device. Thus, the processing device can easily grasp the projection state of the light projection unit. That is, when the processing apparatus grasps the projection state of the light projection means, for example, it is possible to detect the light projected from the light projection means and grasp the projection state, but receive the dedicated projection state information. Thus, the projection state can be accurately and quickly grasped by grasping the projection state.

The light pointer includes instruction-side receiving means for wirelessly receiving control information from a predetermined processing device for detecting the light irradiation state in the image display area,
It is preferable that the control unit controls the light projection unit based on the control information received by the instruction-side receiving unit.

Further, the information storage medium and the program are means for realizing means for causing the instruction-side receiving means to wirelessly receive control information from a predetermined processing device for detecting the irradiation state of the light in the image display area. Information,
It is preferable that the control unit controls the light projection unit based on the control information received by the instruction-side receiving unit.

According to this, by receiving the control information from the processing device and controlling the light projecting means based on the control information, it is possible to perform the control reflecting the state of the processing device.
For example, if the processing device for displaying an image or the like is not operating properly even if the optical pointer is operating normally, continuing to operate the optical pointer wastes power. By transmitting control information for stopping the projection of light by the optical pointer from the processing device, the projection of light by the optical pointer can be stopped, and wasteful power consumption can be reduced.

The light projection means projects light having a direction indicating shape, and the control information indicates that the light having the direction indicating shape indicates a pointing position in the image display area from outside the image display area. In the case of the information indicating that the direction is being changed, it is preferable to change the irradiation position and the pointing direction of the light having the direction indicating shape.

According to this, for example, even when the pointing light in the shape of the left-pointing arrow slightly protrudes out of the image display area from the right end of the image display area, the spot light is changed to the right-pointing arrow shape. Thus, the pointing position can be appropriately designated.

Further, the image generation system according to the present invention comprises:
In an image generation system that generates an image displayed in a predetermined image display area where light for instruction by a light pointer is projected, an imaging unit that captures an image of the image display region, and based on imaging information obtained by the imaging unit, Pointed position detecting means for detecting a position indicated by a light pointer, determining means for detecting an irradiation state of the light based on the imaging information to determine the content of the instruction, and an image displayed in the image display area, And an image generating means for generating an image reflecting the designated position based on the position detection information of the designated position detecting means and the instruction content determined by the determining means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information storage medium storing a computer-readable information storing information for generating an image to be displayed in a predetermined image display area on which light for instruction by an optical pointer is projected. A medium, wherein the information is: an imaging unit that images the image display area; an indication position detection unit that detects a position indicated by the optical pointer based on the imaging information by the imaging unit; Determining means for detecting an irradiation state of light to determine the content of an instruction; and an image displayed in the image display area, wherein the specified position is determined by the specified position based on position detection information of the specified position detecting means and the determination means. And an image generating means for generating an image reflecting the contents of the specified instruction.

Further, the information according to the present invention is characterized in that it includes a program for realizing each of the above means.

According to the present invention, the irradiation state of the instruction light is detected, the instruction content is determined, and an image reflecting the instruction content is generated, so that a person watching the instruction light can issue the instruction light. Image display with easy-to-understand contents can be performed.

[0024] The determining means may detect the click operation by detecting light indicating the click operation, and the image generating means may determine whether the click operation is performed in a predetermined icon image display area in the image display area. In this case, it is preferable to generate an icon image in which at least one of the color and the shape of the icon image is changed.

According to this, by determining at least one of the color and the shape of the icon image by determining the click operation, the click operation can be shown to the audience visually easily.

Further, the determination means detects light indicating the drag operation to determine the drag operation, and the image generation means determines that the drag operation is performed in a predetermined icon image display area in the image display area. In this case, it is preferable that an icon image in which at least one of the color and the shape of the icon image is changed is generated, and the image is generated such that the icon image is moved based on the movement of the light.

According to this, by determining at least one of the color and the shape of the icon image by determining the drag operation, the drag operation can be shown to the audience visually easily.

Preferably, the image generating means generates an image such that a pointing cursor is displayed near a designated position based on the position detection information of the designated position detecting means.

[0029] When the pointing position in the image display area is designated from outside the image display area by a pointing cursor having a shape capable of indicating a direction, the image generating means moves the pointing cursor within the image display area. It is preferable to generate an image in which the display position and the pointing direction of the pointing cursor are adjusted so that the pointing cursor is displayed.

According to this, for example, even when the left-pointing arrow-shaped pointing cursor slightly protrudes out of the image display area from the right end of the image display area, the pointing cursor is changed to the right-pointed arrow shape. By displaying, the designated position can be appropriately designated.

Further, the image generation system includes a processing-side receiving unit that wirelessly receives projection state information indicating a projection state of the light from the light pointer, and the determination unit determines the projection state information based on the received projection state information. It is preferable to grasp the projection state of the optical pointer.

Further, the information storage medium and the program include information for realizing means for causing a processing-side receiving means to wirelessly receive projection state information indicating the projection state of the light from the optical pointer, and Preferably, the means grasps the projection state of the optical pointer based on the received projection state information.

According to this, by receiving the dedicated projection state information and grasping the projection state information, the projection state information can be grasped more accurately and quickly than in the case where the projection state information is grasped only by the projection light. be able to.

Further, the discriminating means grasps the projection distance of the optical pointer based on projection state information including distance information from the optical pointer received by the processing-side receiving means to the image display area. It is preferable to adjust the instruction allowable range of the optical pointer based on the projected projection distance.

According to this, an appropriate instruction allowable range can be set according to the projection distance. In this case, if the projection distance becomes longer, the amount of camera shake becomes larger. Therefore, it is preferable to set the instruction allowable range to be wider.

[0036] It is preferable that the discriminating means makes the pointing allowable range relatively larger in the pointing operation direction of the optical pointer than in a direction different from the pointing operation direction.

According to this, the instruction operation can be more appropriately determined by setting an allowable range in which the direction in which camera shake is likely to occur is widened.

For example, in the case where the light is turned on and off by pressing the switch downward, the light tends to be blurred downward.
Therefore, by expanding the allowable range in the downward direction, it is possible to set an appropriate instruction allowable range in consideration of the light blur.

Further, the image generating system includes a processing-side transmitting unit for wirelessly transmitting control information generated by the determining unit toward the optical pointer, wherein the determining unit is configured to detect a pointing position of the detected light. Based on the light having the direction indicating shape projected from the light pointer indicates the pointing position in the image display area from outside the image display area, the light having the direction indicating shape in the image display area Preferably, the control information is generated so as to change the irradiation position and the pointing direction of the light, and the light pointer changes the irradiation position and the pointing direction of the light in the image display area based on the control information.

Further, the information storage medium and the program include information for realizing means for causing the processing-side transmitting means to wirelessly transmit control information generated by the determining means toward the optical pointer. The means is based on the detected pointing position of the light, and when the light having the direction pointing shape projected from the light pointer indicates the pointing position in the image display area from outside the image display area,
The control information is generated so as to change the irradiation position and the pointing direction of the light having the direction indication shape in the image display area, and the light pointer irradiates the light in the image display area based on the control information. It is preferable to change the position and the pointing direction.

According to this, for example, even when the pointing light in the shape of the left-pointing arrow slightly protrudes out of the image display area from the right end of the image display area, the pointing light is changed to the shape of the right-pointing arrow. By doing so, the designated position can be appropriately designated.

Further, a presentation system according to the present invention includes the above-described image generation system, and projection means for projecting a presentation image generated by the image generation means toward the image display area. I do.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a presentation system in which an instruction operation can be easily visually recognized without using a special instruction tool in a presentation.

[0044]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a case where the present invention is applied to a presentation system for giving an instruction using an optical pointer.

(Explanation of the Entire System) FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a presentation system according to an example of the present embodiment.

A predetermined presentation image is projected from a projector 20 provided substantially in front of the screen. The presenter 30 gives a presentation to an audience while pointing a laser pointer 100 at a region where an image on the screen 10 is displayed, that is, a desired position of the image in the image display region 12.

The presenter 30 has the laser pointer 10
When a desired position of the image display area 12 on the screen is designated using the spot light 200 projected from 0, the image display area 12, a part of the presenter 30 and the laser pointer 100 are positioned almost in front of the image display area 12. The CCD camera 40 which is provided and functions as an imaging unit captures an instruction image.

The designated image is subjected to image processing such as a center-of-gravity detecting process, and the position of the center of gravity of the spot light 200 is detected as the designated position.

As described above, when the presentation image is projected and the icon on the presentation image is pointed by the laser pointer 100, the change in the icon image is small in the ordinary method, so that the audience can understand whether the operation is a click or a drag. It is hard.

The laser pointer 100 has a function of underlining a desired portion of the presentation image.
When the laser pointer 100 is provided with a plurality of buttons, the laser pointer 100 itself becomes large and heavy, and the operability and portability at the time of the instruction operation are not truly comfortable. Would.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the spot light 2
By using the laser pointer 100 capable of changing the shape of 00, it is possible to perform a visually intuitive instruction operation.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display state of the spot light 200 in the image display area 12, and FIG.
FIG. 2B shows a state at the time of pointing, FIG. 2B shows a state at the time of dragging, and FIG. 2C shows a state at the time of dragging.

For example, when an instruction is given, an arrow is formed as shown in FIG. 2A, when clicked, a circle is formed as shown in FIG. 2B, and when dragged, an ellipse is shown as shown in FIG. 2C. Shape.

Next, a description will be given assuming a more specific use situation.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state of the spot light 200 and the icon 300 in the image display area 12, FIG. 2 (A) shows a state when the spot light 202 moves, and FIG. FIG. 2C shows a state in which the spot light 202 is overlaid on the icon.
FIG. 2D shows the state of the spot light 206 at the time of dragging.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, while the spot light 202 is moving toward the icon 300 in the image display area 12, the spot light 20
The shape of 2 is an arrow shape.

As shown in FIG. 3C, at the time of the click operation, the shape of the spot light 204 changes to a circular shape.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3D, at the time of the drag operation, the shape of the spot light 206 changes to an elliptical shape.

As described above, by changing the shape of the spot light 200, an audience watching the spot light 200 can easily determine what operation the presenter 30 is performing.

Further, in the present embodiment, the spot light 202 is displayed so that the instruction spot light 202 can be easily seen even at the end point of the image display area 12.

FIG. 4 is another view showing the state of the spot light 202 and the icon 300 in the image display area 12. FIG. FIG. 4B shows a state in which the icon 300 near the right end is pointed by the conventional spot light 202, and FIG.
FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the icon 300 near the right end is indicated by the spot light 202 of the present embodiment.

For example, in the normal state, when the icon 300 is located near the center of the image display area as shown in FIG. 4A, it is possible to instruct with the spot light 202 having a left-pointing arrow shape.

However, as shown in FIG. 4B, even if an icon 300 near the right end is pointed to by a left-pointing spot light 202, the position of the spot light 202 is on the right side of the icon 300. Then, the spotlight 202 protrudes from the image display area 12. For this reason, the spotlight 202 is not displayed in spite of the fact that the instruction can be made.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4C, when the icon 300 near the right end is indicated by the spot light 202 having a left-pointing arrow shape, the direction of the spot light 202 is reversed, and Is displayed on the left side of the icon 300 to solve such a problem.

In this embodiment, the spot light 20
0, the instruction allowable range of the spot light 200 is changed from the laser pointer 100 to the image display area 12.
Adjustment is made according to the projection distance of the light up to.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the projection distance of the laser light and the amount of deviation of the spot light 200.

As the distance from the laser pointer 100 to the image display area 12 increases as D1, D2, and D3, even if the camera shake angle is constant as θ, the shift amount of the spot light 200 is L1, L2, L3. growing.

Therefore, when the distance from the laser pointer 100 to the image display area 12 is long, it is preferable to set the instruction allowable range to a relatively large value.

In particular, the instruction allowable range is set wider in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. This is because the switch of the laser pointer 100 is provided so as to be pressed in the vertical direction, and when the switch is operated, it is considered that the vertical camera shake amount is larger than the horizontal camera shake amount. When the switch of the laser pointer 100 is provided so as to be pressed in the left-right direction, it is preferable to set the instruction allowable range to be wider in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction.

As described above, by providing the instruction allowable range, even if there is some camera shake, it is possible to appropriately determine the instruction operation as an instruction operation.

Further, by setting an instruction allowable range in which directions in which camera shake is likely to occur are widened, it is possible to more appropriately determine an instruction operation.

Further, in the present embodiment, signals are transmitted and received between the laser pointer 100 and the transmitting / receiving section 60 connected to the projector 20 so that the projection state of the laser light, the operating state of the system, and the like can be grasped. Make up the system.

(Description of Functional Blocks) Next, functional blocks of the present system for realizing these functions will be described.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the laser pointer 100 according to an example of the present embodiment.

The laser pointer 100 is
Transmission / reception unit 18 that transmits projection state information indicating the projection state of laser light toward
0 and a storage unit 1 for temporarily storing received control information and the like.
40, and a projection instructing unit 190 in which the presenter 30 issues a projection instruction.

The laser pointer 100 controls the projection of the laser beam based on the laser beam projection unit 110 for projecting the laser beam and the control information stored in the storage unit 140 and the projection instruction. And a control unit 130 that generates information and stores the information in the storage unit 140. Note that the projection state information stored in the storage unit 140 is transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 180 to the transmission / reception unit 60.

Further, the laser pointer 100 includes a camera shake correction unit 170 for adjusting the projection angle of the laser beam projection unit 110. Accordingly, even if the distance between the laser pointer 100 and the image display area 12 is slightly apart, camera shake can be corrected, and an accurate instruction can be given.

Next, details of the laser beam projecting section 110 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the laser light projection unit 110 according to an example of the present embodiment.

The laser beam projecting unit 110 includes an LED 111 as a point light source, a lens 116, a mirror 114 for reflecting the light emitted from the LED 111, and a mirror for further reflecting the light from the mirror 114 and outputting it as projection light. 1
15 are included.

Here, the mirror 114 and the mirror 115
Has a flat plate shape. The mirror 114 has an axis 114
It is formed to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow around a, and similarly,
The mirror 115 is formed so as to be rotatable about a shaft 115a in an arrow direction.

The laser beam projecting section 110 includes a light emitting drive section 117 for controlling the blinking of the LED 111 and controlling the rotation of the mirror 114 and the mirror 115 based on a control signal from the control section 130. .

For example, the light emission driving section 117 is
By changing the rotation angle of 4, the projection position of the projection light in the vertical direction in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 7 can be changed. Similarly, the light emission drive unit 117 can change the projection position of the projection light in the left-right direction in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 7 by changing the rotation angle of the mirror 115.

Therefore, the light emission drive section 117 can draw a line by rotating one of the mirror 114 and the mirror 115, and can rotate the mirror 114 and the mirror 115 to form a circle or a circle.
Trajectories of projection light of various shapes such as an ellipse and an arrow can be drawn.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the trajectories of projection light in the shape of a circle, an ellipse, and an arrow.

Light emission drive section 117, mirrors 114 and 115
The projection range 5 around the designated position 5100
A trajectory of any shape can be drawn within 000.

More specifically, for example, a locus 5202 corresponding to the arrow-shaped spot light 202 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and a circular spot light 204 shown in FIG. A corresponding locus 5204, a locus 5206 corresponding to the elliptical spot light 206 shown in FIG. 3D, and the like can be drawn. In addition, as a method of drawing the trajectory of light using a mirror, a known technique can be used.

Further, for example, referring to FIGS.
As shown in (C), when the pointing position in the image display area 12 is designated from outside the image display area 12, the spot light 20
The mirror 114 and the mirror 11 are arranged so that
5 is driven as follows.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the image display area 1
When the designated position in the image display area 12 is designated from outside, the mirror 115 is oriented rightward with respect to the Y axis.
The control unit 130 sends a control signal to the light emission drive unit 117 so that the mirror 115 faces left with respect to the Y axis. As a result, the display position of the spotlight 202 is changed by turning the mirror 115 leftward with respect to the Y axis.

At the same time, the control unit 130 controls the light emission drive unit 117 so that the spot light 202 becomes an arrow pointing in the opposite direction.
To the control signal. The light emission drive unit 117 is
By adjusting the rotation angle of the mirror 115, the pointing direction of the spotlight 202 is changed.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the pointing position 5100 is originally indicated by the trajectory 5202 in the shape of an arrow pointing leftward from the right side of the pointing position 5100. Locus 52
03 is changed so as to point to the pointing position 5100.

By appropriately adjusting the pointing position and the pointing direction as described above, the audience can easily determine where the presenter 30 is pointing.

The laser beam projecting unit 110 includes:
For example, the control unit 130 such as the LED 111 is C
For example, a RAM or the like can be used as the storage unit 140 such as a PU, and a switch or the like can be used as the projection instruction unit 190.

To realize the transmission function of the transmission / reception unit 180, a TX amplifier for amplifying transmission data including the projection state information and a modulator for modulating the amplified transmission data for transmitting the projection state information Etc. can be applied.

Further, in order to realize the receiving function of transmitting / receiving section 180, R
X amplifier, L for removing noise from amplified transmission data
A PF (low-pass filter), a demodulator for demodulating received data from which noise has been removed, and the like can be applied.

The transmission / reception unit 180 employs a so-called half-duplex communication system, that is, a system in which transmission and reception are possible, but only one of them is always performed. As a result, the circuit scale can be reduced as compared with the full-duplex communication system in which transmission and reception are performed simultaneously, and power saving can be achieved.

Switching between transmission and reception by the switching control signal is performed in a time shorter than the imaging cycle (frame rate). This eliminates the time lag of transmission and reception, and enables real-time control. In addition, the transmission / reception unit 180
Can be realized by a full-duplex communication method.

Further, as the camera shake correcting section 170, for example, an optical camera shake correcting means generally used in a video camera or the like can be used.

Next, a description will be given of functional blocks on the system side for projecting and displaying a presentation image and transmitting and receiving signals to and from the laser pointer 100.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a system according to an example of the present embodiment.

This system includes a transmission / reception unit 60, a CCD camera 40 serving as an image pickup means, and a projector 20 (a front projection type liquid crystal projector).

The projector 20 is provided with a position detecting section 51 for detecting a designated position based on an image pickup signal of the CCD camera 40.
0, an image generation unit 520 that generates an image or the like of the cursor 200 based on the detection result of the designated position and outputs the generated image or the like to the projector 20, and an image projection unit 53 that projects the generated image.
0 is included.

More specifically, the position detecting section 510 includes a noise filter 511 for removing noise of a picked-up image and a binarizing processing section 512 for performing binarization so as to easily perform data processing on the picked-up information. And a center-of-gravity detector 51 for detecting the center of gravity of the spotlight 200 based on the binarized imaging information
3 and a pointing coordinate detecting unit 51 for detecting a designated position (pointing position) based on the detected center of gravity.
4 is included.

The position detecting section 510 has a storage section 516 for storing the instruction allowable range of the spot light 200 and the like.
And a determination unit 518 that determines whether the spotlight 200 is within the instruction allowable range.

Information indicating the designated position detected by position detecting section 510, information indicating whether or not the position is within the instruction allowable range, and the like are output from position detecting section 510 to image generating section 520 and used for image generation. .

[0106] Further, determination section 518 exchanges signals with transmission / reception section 60. Specifically, the determination unit 518
Receives the projection state information from the laser pointer 100 via the transmission / reception unit 60, and transmits control information to the laser pointer 100.

For example, the determination unit 518 determines the instruction content by detecting the light irradiation state of the laser pointer 100,
Further, when it is determined from the output from the pointing coordinate detection unit 514 that the icon 300 is designated from outside the image display area 12 as shown in FIG. 4B, the projection display direction of the spotlight 202 is changed. Is transmitted to the laser pointer 100 via the transmission / reception unit 60.

The laser pointer 100 having received the control signal by the transmission / reception unit 180 controls the laser light projection unit 110 by the control unit 130 to change the projection display direction and the projection position of the spot light 202. This allows
As shown in FIG. 4C, a state is indicated in which the icon 300 is designated from within the image display area 12.

The image generating section 520 includes the position detecting section 5
An image reflecting the designated position based on the position detection information from 10 and the designated contents determined by the determining unit 518 is generated.

The image projecting section 530 includes the image generating section 5
The light of the image generated by 20 is projected onto the image display area 12 shown in FIG. Thereby, the image display area 1
The presentation image is displayed in 2.

The position detecting section 51 including the determining section 518
0 can be realized using, for example, a CPU or the like, the image generating unit 520 can be realized using, for example, an image generating IC or the like, and the image projecting unit 530 includes, for example, a light source, a liquid crystal light valve, a liquid crystal panel, or the like. It can be realized using.

Further, it is also possible to realize the functions of the determination unit 518 and the like by reading information (for example, a program or the like) from the information storage medium 590. Further, information may be read from a host device via a network instead of from the information storage medium 590, for example. That is, the information for implementing the function of the determination unit 518 and the like may be embodied in a carrier wave.

[0113] Examples of the information storage medium include a CD-ROM and a DV for reading information with a laser beam.
A hard disk such as a D-ROM, which reads information by magnetism, a memory, and the like can be applied. The method of reading information from the information storage medium may be a contact method or a non-contact method.

Next, the flow of detecting an instruction operation using the above-described units will be described with reference to a flowchart.

(Description of Flow of Detection of Instruction Operation)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of detecting an instruction operation according to an example of the present embodiment.

Here, each of the instruction, click, and drag operations described with reference to FIG. 3 will be described in association with the operation of each unit. The projection instructing unit 190 is a three-stage switch, instructing in the first stage, clicking in the second stage,
It is assumed that dragging is performed at the third stage.

When the presenter 30 uses the projection instructing section 190 to set the switch to the first stage and instructs projection, the laser beam projecting section 110 emits an arrow-shaped laser beam.

The discriminating unit 518 is provided for the laser pointer 100.
When the projection state information is determined to indicate the instruction operation (step S).
2), a control signal for performing a projection display according to the instruction operation is generated, and the laser pointer 10
Send to 0.

[0119] The laser pointer 100 is
0, and temporarily stores the control information in the storage unit 140. Then, the control unit 130
When the projection instruction is issued from the projection instruction unit 190, and the control information stored in the storage unit 140 is control information indicating that an arrow display is performed, the arrow-shaped laser light is emitted from the laser light projection unit 110. Project.

As a result, FIGS. 3A and 3B
As shown in FIG. 5, an arrow-shaped spot light 202 is displayed in the image display area 12 (step S4).

Next, a case where a click is performed will be described.

When a click is made, the presenter 30
By using the projection instruction unit 190 to set the switch to the second stage and issue a projection instruction, the laser light projection unit 11
Laser light is projected from 0.

The determination section 518 determines whether or not the spot light 202 is within the range of the icon 300 based on the output from the pointing coordinate detection section 514 (step S6).

Then, the discrimination section 518 outputs the spot light 20
2 is within the range of the icon 300, receives the projection state information from the laser pointer 100, and determines that the projection state information indicates the click operation (step S8), the projection corresponding to the click operation is performed. A control signal for displaying is generated and transmitted to the laser pointer 100 via the transmission / reception unit 60.

[0125] The laser pointer 100 is
0, and temporarily stores the control information in the storage unit 140. Then, the control unit 130
If the projection instruction is issued from the projection instruction unit 190 and the control information stored in the storage unit 140 is control information indicating that click display is to be performed, the laser light projection unit 11
A laser beam having a circular shape from 0 is projected.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 3C, a circular spot light 204 is displayed on the image display area 12 (step S10).

[0127] Further, the discriminating unit 518 controls the image generating unit 520 so that an image is displayed according to the click operation.
To output the control command. The image generation unit 520 generates an image in which the color of the icon 300 has been changed in response to the click, and the image in which the color of the icon 300 has been changed is projected and displayed by the image projection unit 530 (step S12).

Next, a case where a drag is performed will be described.

When performing dragging, the presenter 30
However, by setting the switch to the third stage using the projection instruction unit 190 and issuing a projection instruction, the laser beam projection unit 11
Laser light is projected from 0.

The determination section 518 determines whether or not the spotlight 202 is within the range of the icon 300 based on the output from the pointing coordinate detection section 514 (step S6).

Then, the discrimination section 518 outputs the spot light 20
2 is within the range of the icon 300, receives the projection state information from the laser pointer 100, and determines that the projection state information does not indicate a click operation (step S8). Is determined to indicate a drag operation (step S1).
4).

If the signal indicates a drag operation, the determination unit 518 generates a control signal for performing projection display according to the drag operation, and transmits the control signal to the laser pointer 100 via the transmission / reception unit 60.

[0133] The laser pointer 100 is
0, and temporarily stores the control information in the storage unit 140. Then, the control unit 130
If the projection instruction is issued from the projection instruction unit 190 and the control information stored in the storage unit 140 is control information indicating that drag display is to be performed, the laser light projection unit 11
A laser beam having an elliptical shape from 0 is projected.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 3D, an elliptical spot light 206 is displayed in the image display area 12 (step S16).

[0135] Further, the discriminating unit 518 controls the image generating unit 520 so that an image is displayed according to the drag operation.
To output the control command. The image generation unit 520 generates an image in which the icon 300 is moved in response to the drag, and the image in which the icon 300 is moved is projected and displayed by the image projection unit 530 (step S18).

If it is determined that neither click nor dragging is performed, or if it is determined that the spot light 202 is not within the range of the icon 300, the display of the spot light 202 in the shape of an arrow is continued.

Next, a process for determining the distance between the laser pointer 100 and the image display area 12 in order to consider the above-mentioned camera shake amount will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of distance determination according to an example of the present embodiment.

Various methods can be considered as a method for determining the distance. Here, an example employing the following method will be described.

That is, the ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the laser pointer 100 to the image display area 12 using the transmission / reception unit 180, and the reflection of the ultrasonic wave from the image display area 12 is received. Then, the distance is measured from the time taken to transmit and receive the ultrasonic wave by using the control unit 130 (step S22).

The control unit 130 compares the reference distance data stored in the storage unit 140 with the measured distance, and determines how much difference there is (step S24).

Then, the control unit 130 generates information for determining the instruction allowable range described above (step S2).
6).

The generated information for determining the instruction allowable range is transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 180 to the transmission / reception unit 60 (step S28).

The discriminating unit 518 receives information for determining the permissible instruction range via the transmitting / receiving unit 60 (step S30).

Then, the determination unit 518 updates the information indicating the instruction allowable range in the storage unit 516 based on the information for determining the instruction allowable range.

Thus, an appropriate instruction allowable range is set according to the distance between the laser pointer 100 and the image display area 12. Therefore, appropriate instruction detection can always be performed even when the distance fluctuates.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a click operation or the like can be performed using the optical pointer such as the laser pointer 100. In addition, by changing the shape of the spotlight 200 and the image of the icon 300 at the time of the click operation or the like, the audience can easily understand the contents of the instruction such as the click operation, and can give an effective presentation.

Although the preferred embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described, the application of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

(Modifications) For example, the display of the icon 300, the spotlight 200, etc. may be changed by changing only the shape, changing only the color, changing both the shape and the color, changing from the normal display to the blinking display or the inverted display. And the like, a change in the amount of emitted light, a change in the size of light, and the like. These also make it possible to visually indicate the instruction operation by the operator of the optical pointer in an easily understandable manner. Note that the optical pointer is not limited to the laser pointer described above, and a pointer that projects various lights such as an infrared pointer can be applied.

Further, for example, the configuration of the laser beam projecting section 110 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 7, and various configurations can be adopted. For example, a light source that emits arrow-shaped light, a light source that emits circular light, a light source that emits elliptical light,
By separately providing the light sources and selectively lighting the light sources, the spot lights 202 to 206 having the respective shapes shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D can be projected and displayed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example of the arrow is described as the shape of the light for indicating the pointing position. However, in addition to the arrow, simpler shapes such as <(pointing left) and> (pointing right) are used. It is possible to apply a shape that has been changed or a shape that has been made more complicated as a shape that can indicate a direction.

As a method of determining the distance, FIG.
In addition to the method described in the above, for example, the laser pointer 1
The 00 side transmits information indicating the transmission time to the transmission / reception unit 60,
It is also possible to apply a method of receiving the information by the determination unit 518 via the transmission / reception unit 60 and calculating the distance based on the information indicating the received transmission time.

It is possible not only to change the display of the icon 300 but also to change the display of the cursor displayed following the detected designated position.

Further, instead of the method of changing the shape of the spot light 200 from the laser pointer 100, the pointing cursor is positioned near the designated position based on the position detection information of the designated position detecting unit 510 using the image generating unit 520. A method of generating an image to be displayed may be adopted.

Further, when the pointing position in the image display area is designated from outside the image display area by the pointing cursor having a shape capable of indicating a direction by using the image generation section 520, the pointing cursor is displayed in the image display area. A method of generating an image in which the display position and the pointing direction of the pointing cursor are adjusted so as to be displayed in the region may be adopted.

According to these methods, the same operation and effect as in the case where the shape of the spot light 200, the display position and the like are changed can be obtained.

Further, based on the image information obtained by the CCD camera 40, it is also possible to recognize the shape of the spot light 200 and determine what kind of instruction operation is being performed.
In the above-described embodiment, by transmitting and receiving projection state information instead of recognizing the shape of the spotlight 200,
The method of grasping the contents of the instruction is adopted. in this way,
According to the method of transmitting and receiving the dedicated information, it is possible to grasp the contents of the instruction accurately and quickly.

The information sent from the transmission / reception unit 60 to the laser pointer 100 is not limited to the control information, but may be the processing unit 50.
0 or information indicating the operation state of the projector 20 or the like may be transmitted. For example, when the projector 20 is not operating, the laser pointer 100 stops projecting laser light from the
Battery life can be extended.

The present invention can be applied to a case where a presentation or the like is performed by displaying an image on the display means other than the projection means such as the projector described above. Such display means include, for example, a liquid crystal projector, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a PD
P (Plasma Display Panel), F
ED (Field Emission Display)
y), EL (Electro Luminescence)
e), a display device such as a direct-view type liquid crystal display device and the like.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the front projection type projector is applied has been described. However, it is also possible to apply the rear projection type projector.

The present invention is not limited to the presentation system, but can be applied to various image generation systems that detect an indicated position and generate an image based on the detection result.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a presentation system according to an example of an embodiment.

2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a display state of a spot light in an image display area, FIG. 2A illustrates a state at the time of an instruction, FIG. 2B illustrates a state at the time of a click, and FIG. C)
It is a figure showing the state at the time of a drag.

3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating states of a spot light and an icon in an image display area. FIG. 3A illustrates a state when the spot light moves, and FIG. 3B illustrates a state where the spot light overlaps the icon. FIG. 3 (C) shows the state of the spotlight at the time of clicking, and FIG. 3 (D) shows the state of the spotlight at the time of dragging.

FIG. 4 is another diagram showing a state of a spotlight and an icon in an image display area, and FIG. 4A shows a state in which an icon is indicated by a spotlight near the center of the image display area; FIG. 4 (B) shows a state in which an icon near the right end is indicated by a conventional spotlight, and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which an icon near the right end is indicated by a spotlight according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between a projection distance of laser light and a shift amount of spot light.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a laser pointer according to an example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a laser light projection unit according to an example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a system according to an example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of detecting an instruction operation according to an example of the present embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of distance determination according to an example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing trajectories of projection light in the shape of a circle, an ellipse, and an arrow.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12 Image Display Area 20 Projector 30 Presenter 40 CCD Camera 100 Laser Pointer 510 Position Detector 520 Image Generator 590 Information Storage Medium

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 7/18 H04N 7/18 Z // G06F 3/00 658 G06F 3/00 658A F-term (reference) 5B087 AB14 BC32. FA04 FA46 FB03 5F072 AB13 JJ20 KK05 RR03 YY20

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. An optical pointer for projecting light for an instruction to a predetermined image display area, comprising: a light projecting unit for projecting the light; and a projection instruction unit for inputting an instruction of a user of the optical pointer. A control unit that controls the light projection unit to perform at least one of blinking control, shape control, and color control of the light based on the instruction information input to the projection instruction unit in accordance with the content of the instruction. And a light pointer comprising: 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the light projection unit so as to change the shape of the light at the time of a normal instruction, at the time of a click instruction, and at the time of a drag instruction. Light pointer to do. 3. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the projection state information indicating the projection state of the light is wirelessly transmitted to a predetermined processing device that detects the irradiation state of the light in the image display area. An optical pointer, characterized in that the processing device includes an instruction-side transmitting means for ascertaining the projection state of the light projection means based on the projection state information. 4. The control unit according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction-side receiving unit that wirelessly receives control information from a predetermined processing device that detects an irradiation state of the light in the image display area. A light pointer for controlling the light projecting means based on control information received by the instruction-side receiving means. 5. The image display area according to claim 4, wherein the light projecting unit projects light having a direction indicating shape, and the control information includes light having the direction indicating shape from outside the image display area to inside the image display area. An optical pointer characterized by changing the irradiation position and the pointing direction of the light having the direction indicating shape when the information indicates that the pointing position is indicated. 6. An image generation system for generating an image displayed in a predetermined image display area on which an instruction light is projected by an optical pointer, wherein: an image pickup means for picking up the image display area; Pointed position detecting means for detecting a position pointed by the optical pointer based on information; determining means for detecting an irradiation state of the light based on the imaging information to determine the content of the instruction; displayed on the image display area An image generation system, comprising: an image generation unit that generates an image that reflects an indicated position based on position detection information of the indicated position detection unit and an instruction content determined by the determination unit. . 7. The image processing device according to claim 6, wherein the determination unit detects a click operation by detecting light indicating the click operation, and the image generation unit determines a click operation in a display area of a predetermined icon image in the image display area. An image generation system, wherein when the click operation is performed, an icon image in which at least one of a color and a shape of the icon image is changed is generated. 8. The image processing device according to claim 6, wherein the determination unit detects light indicating the drag operation to determine the drag operation, and the image generation unit determines a predetermined icon in the image display area. When the drag operation is performed in the image display area, an icon image in which at least one of the color and the shape of the icon image is changed is generated, and the image is moved such that the icon image is moved based on the movement of the light. An image generation system characterized by generating. 9. The image generation device according to claim 6, wherein the image generation unit generates an image such that a pointing cursor is displayed near a designated position based on position detection information of the designated position detection unit. An image generation system characterized by the following. 10. The image generation device according to claim 9, wherein the image generation unit, when pointing to a pointing position in the image display area from outside the image display area by a pointing cursor having a shape capable of indicating a direction, An image generation system for generating an image in which a display position and a pointing direction of the pointing cursor are adjusted so as to be displayed in the image display area. 11. The processing device according to claim 6, further comprising a processing-side receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive projection state information indicating a projection state of the light from the optical pointer, wherein the determination unit determines the received projection. An image generation system characterized in that a projection state of the optical pointer is grasped based on state information. 12. The projection distance of the optical pointer according to claim 11, based on projection state information including distance information from the optical pointer to the image display area received by the processing-side receiving means. An image generation system that adjusts the instruction allowable range of the optical pointer based on the acquired projection distance. 13. The processing device according to claim 6, further comprising a processing-side transmitting unit configured to wirelessly transmit control information generated by the determining unit to the optical pointer, wherein the determining unit detects the detected information. Based on the indicated position of the light, if the light having the direction indicating shape projected from the light pointer indicates the indicated position in the image display area from outside the image display area, the direction indication in the image display area Generating the control information so as to change the irradiation position and pointing direction of light having a shape, and causing the light pointer to change the irradiation position and pointing direction of the light in the image display area based on the control information. An image generation system characterized by the following. 14. An image generation system according to claim 6, further comprising: projection means for projecting a presentation image generated by said image generation means toward said image display area. And presentation system. 15. A computer-readable information storage medium storing information for projecting light for instruction to a predetermined image display area, wherein the information is a projection instruction means for inputting an instruction of a user. Control means for controlling light projection means for projecting the light so as to perform at least one of blinking control, shape control, and color control of the light according to the content of the instruction based on the instruction information input to An information storage medium comprising information for realizing the information storage medium. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the control means controls the light projection means so as to change the shape of the light at the time of a normal instruction, at the time of a click instruction, and at the time of a drag instruction. Information storage medium. 17. The instruction-side transmission of the projection state information indicating the projection state of the light to a predetermined processing device that detects the irradiation state of the light in the image display area according to any one of claims 15 and 16. An information storage medium, which includes information for causing the processing unit to transmit the information to the processing unit and for causing the processing device to recognize the projection state of the light projection unit based on the projection state information. 18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the instruction receiving unit wirelessly receives control information from a predetermined processing device that detects an irradiation state of the light in the image display area. The information storage medium according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the light projection unit based on the control information received by the instruction-side receiving unit. 19. The image display area according to claim 18, wherein said light projecting means projects light having a direction indicating shape and said control information indicates that said light having said direction indicating shape is from outside said image display area to inside said image display area. An information storage medium characterized by changing an irradiation position and a pointing direction of light having the direction pointing shape when the information indicates that the pointing position is designated. 20. A computer-readable information storage medium storing information for generating an image to be displayed in a predetermined image display area on which an instruction light is projected by an optical pointer, wherein the information is: Imaging means for imaging the image display area; pointing position detection means for detecting a position indicated by the optical pointer based on imaging information from the imaging means; and detecting and instructing the light irradiation state based on the imaging information. Determining means for determining the content; generating an image displayed in the image display area, the image reflecting the specified position based on the position detection information of the specified position detecting means and the specified content determined by the determining means An information storage medium comprising: an image generating unit that performs the following: and information for realizing the following. 21. The image processing device according to claim 20, wherein the determination unit determines a click operation by detecting light indicating the click operation, and the image generation unit determines a click operation in a display area of a predetermined icon image in the image display area. An information storage medium, wherein when the click operation is performed, an icon image in which at least one of a color and a shape of the icon image is changed is generated. 22. The image processing device according to claim 20, wherein the determination unit detects light indicating the drag operation to determine the drag operation, and the image generation unit determines a predetermined icon in the image display area. When the drag operation is performed in the image display area, an icon image in which at least one of the color and the shape of the icon image is changed is generated, and the image is moved such that the icon image is moved based on the movement of the light. An information storage medium characterized by being generated. 23. The image processing device according to claim 20, wherein the image generating means generates an image such that a pointing cursor is displayed near a designated position based on position detection information of the designated position detecting means. An information storage medium characterized by the following. 24. The image generation device according to claim 23, wherein the pointing device has a pointing cursor having a shape capable of indicating a direction and pointing the pointing position in the image display region from outside the image display region. An information storage medium for generating an image in which a display position and a pointing direction of the pointing cursor are adjusted so as to be displayed in the image display area. 25. The method according to claim 20, further comprising information for realizing a unit that causes a processing-side receiving unit to wirelessly receive projection state information indicating a projection state of the light from the optical pointer, An information storage medium, characterized in that the determination means grasps the projection state of the optical pointer based on the received projection state information. 26. The projection distance of the optical pointer according to claim 25, based on projection state information including distance information from the optical pointer to the image display area received by the processing-side receiving means. An information storage medium, wherein the information storage medium is configured to determine the allowable range of pointing of the optical pointer based on the determined projection distance. 27. The information processing method according to claim 20, further comprising: information for realizing a unit that causes the processing-side transmitting unit to wirelessly transmit control information generated by the determining unit to the optical pointer. The determination means is based on the detected pointing position of the light, and when the light having the direction pointing shape projected from the light pointer indicates the pointing position in the image display area from outside the image display area, The control information is generated so as to change the irradiation position and the pointing direction of the light having the direction indication shape in the image display area, and the light pointer irradiates the light in the image display area based on the control information. An information storage medium for changing a position and a pointing direction.