JP2002207247A - Projection display system and projector for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique of easily displaying one continuous image by using plural units of projectors. SOLUTION: This projection display system comprises plural units of the projectors. The respective projectors have display image forming sections for forming display image signals indicating the display images displayed on projection surfaces by using original image signals. The display image forming sections have number-of-unit information memory sections for storing the number-of-unit information of the projectors constituting the projection display system, identification information memory sections for storing the identification information allocated to their own projectors and extracting and enlarging sections for forming the extracted and enlarged images by executing the extraction processing to extract the partial images of portions or the whole of the original images indicated by the original image signals according to the number-of-unit information and the identification information and executing the enlargement processing to enlarge the data sizes of the extracted partial images.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a technique for displaying an image on a projection surface using a plurality of projectors.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a relatively large image is to be displayed, a projector capable of enlarging and displaying the image is often used. When a larger image is to be displayed, a projection display system including a plurality of projectors is used. In such a projection display system, each projector displays images including different parts at different positions on the projection surface so that one continuous image is displayed on the projection surface.

[0003]

However, when one continuous image is displayed on a projection surface using a conventional projection display system, the original image is divided into a plurality of partial images using a distributor. As a result, it is necessary to appropriately supply the divided images to each of the plurality of projectors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and provides a technique capable of easily displaying one continuous image by using a plurality of projectors. With the goal.

[0005]

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, a projection display system according to the present invention includes a plurality of projectors, and a plurality of projectors projected and displayed by each projector. A projection display system for displaying an image on a projection surface, wherein each of the plurality of projectors includes an image input unit for receiving an externally supplied original image signal, and the projection using the original image signal. A display image generation unit for generating a display image signal representing a display image displayed on a surface, an electro-optical device that emits light for forming an image according to the display image signal, and an emission device that emits light from the electro-optical device. A projection optical system for projecting the projected light, wherein the display image generating unit is configured to store information on the number of projectors constituting the projection display system. Information storage unit, an identification information storage unit for storing identification information assigned to its own projector, and a part of the original image represented by the original image signal according to the number information and the identification information. Or an extraction and enlargement unit for executing an extraction process for extracting all partial images and executing an enlargement process for increasing the data size of the extracted partial images to generate an extracted enlarged image. It is characterized by.

In this projection display system, each projector extracts a part or all of the partial image in the original image according to the number information and the identification information, and expands the extracted partial image. It has. Therefore, each projector constituting the projection display system can easily project and display different partial images. As a result, it is possible to easily display one continuous image using a plurality of projectors.

In the above projection display system, in the enlargement processing, the data size of the partial image may be enlarged so that the data size of the partial image is substantially equal to the data size of the original image.

For example, when the data size of the original image matches the data size of the electro-optical device of the projector, the above-mentioned method can easily generate an extracted enlarged image.

In the above-mentioned projection display system, the display image generation unit further includes a table for determining an extraction range and an enlargement magnification of the partial image according to the number information and the identification information. It is preferable that the enlargement unit executes the extraction processing and the enlargement processing according to the extraction range and the enlargement magnification obtained from the table.

As described above, by using the table, it is possible to easily determine the extraction range and the enlargement magnification of the partial image according to the number information and the identification information.

In the above-mentioned projection display system,
It is preferable that the display image generation unit further includes a distortion correction unit that adjusts the extracted enlarged image so that distortion of the display image displayed on the projection surface is corrected.

As described above, the use of the distortion correction unit can reduce the distortion of the display image displayed on the projection surface by each projector. Therefore, display images from a plurality of projectors should be
It can be displayed on the projection surface.

In the above-mentioned projection display system, each of the plurality of projectors further includes a connection for connecting its own projector to another projector in order to enable data transmission between the plurality of projectors. A control unit, wherein the connection control unit obtains connection order data indicating a connection order of its own projectors and unit number data indicating the number of connected units of the plurality of projectors according to the connection of the plurality of projectors Then, the connection order data may be stored in the identification information storage unit as the identification information, and the number data may be stored in the number information storage unit as the number information.

With this configuration, the connection order of each projector and the number of connected projectors are assigned to each projector in accordance with the connection of the projectors. Images can be displayed more easily.

A projector according to the present invention is characterized in that the projection display system according to any of the above can be configured by preparing a plurality of projectors.

If a plurality of such projectors are prepared, each projector can easily project and display different partial images. As a result, it is possible to easily display one continuous image using a plurality of projectors.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION First Embodiment: Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on an embodiment. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a projection display system as a first embodiment of the present invention. This projection display system includes three projectors P
J1 to PJ3 are provided.

The same analog image signal AV1 is supplied to each of the projectors PJ1 to PJ3 from an image supply device (not shown). Each of the projectors PJ1 to PJ3 displays a different image on the screen SC using the same analog image signal AV1. Specifically, each of the projectors PJ1 to PJ3 extracts a different part from the original image represented by the analog image signal AV1, and displays the same on the screen SC. As a result, one continuous whole image (car image) composed of three different individual images is displayed on the screen SC. In FIG. 1, the entire image obtained by enlarging the original image three times in the horizontal direction is enlarged and displayed on the screen SC.

In the projection display system of FIG. 1, three projectors PJ1 to PJ3 are cascaded by cables. At the time of the initial setting, the first projector PJ1 and the computer PC are also connected by a cable. When a cascade connection is established based on a control signal from the computer PC, the three projectors function as a projection display system.

FIG. 2 shows each of the projectors PJ1-PJ in FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows an example of an internal structure of J3. Each projector includes a CPU 200 and an image signal processing unit 210
, A frame memory 211, an OSD (on-screen display) processing unit 220, and an OSD memory 221.
A liquid crystal light valve driving unit 240, a liquid crystal light valve 250, a control signal processing unit 260, a number data memory 282, a number data memory 284, a processing condition memory 288 including an extraction expansion condition table 289, and an illumination optical system. A system 100 and a projection lens 102 are provided. CP
U200, image signal processing unit 210, OSD processing unit 2
20, the control signal processing unit 260, and the three memories 28
2, 284 and 288 are connected to each other by a bus 200b. The liquid crystal light valve 250 is almost uniformly illuminated by the illumination optical system 100, and the image formed on the liquid crystal light valve 250 is
Is projected on the screen SC. 2, the illustration of the illumination optical system 100 and the projection lens 102 is simplified.

Note that the CPU 200 in this embodiment is
An image signal processing unit 210, a frame memory 211,
The SD processing unit 220, the OSD memory 221, the number data memory 282, the number data memory 284, and the processing condition memory 288 including the extraction expansion condition table 289 correspond to a display image generation unit in the present invention.

An image input terminal 208 receives an analog image signal AV1 supplied from an external image supply device (not shown).
Receive. In addition, as the analog image signal AV1,
For example, image signals such as an RGB signal representing a computer image output from a personal computer and a composite image signal representing a moving image output from a video recorder or a television receiver are supplied.

The image signal processing section 210 has a function of AD converting the analog image signal AV1 and writing the converted image data to the frame memory 211 and a function of reading the image data from the frame memory 211.

The image signal processing section 210 has an extraction and enlargement section 214 inside. When reading out the image data from the frame memory 211, the extraction and enlargement unit 214 performs an extraction process of extracting a part or all of the partial image in the original image represented by the image data. In addition, the extraction expansion unit 2
14 executes an enlarging process for enlarging the data size of the extracted partial image.

The extraction and enlargement processing by the extraction and enlargement unit 214 is based on the condition obtained from the extraction and enlargement condition table 289 according to the number data stored in the number data memory 282 and the number data stored in the number data memory 284. It is executed according to. Here, the number data means identification information assigned to each projector, and the number data means number information of projectors constituting the projection display system.

As can be seen from this description, the number data memory 282 and the number data memory 284 correspond to the identification information storage unit and the number information storage unit in the present invention.

The image data DV1 representing the extracted and enlarged image generated by the extraction and enlargement unit 214 is output from the image signal processing unit 210 and supplied to the OSD processing unit 220. In addition,
The processing of the extraction and enlargement unit 214 will be further described later.

The OSD processing unit 220 includes the control signal processing unit 2
OS representing a menu image or the like in response to a request from
A process of combining the D image data with the image data DV1 is performed. The user can control the function of each part of the projector according to the menu image.

The OSD memory 221 stores graphic data and font data constituting a menu image in a predetermined format. When displaying the menu image, the OSD processing unit 220
The menu image data is read from 21 to generate OSD image data. The OSD processing unit 220 combines the OSD image data with the image data DV1 output from the image signal processing unit 210. Note that the OSD processing unit 220
When the OSD image data is not combined with the image data DV1, the image data DV2 output from the OSD processing unit is used.
Is the image data D output from the image signal processing unit 210
Same as V1.

The image data DV2 output from the OSD processing section 220 is supplied to a liquid crystal light valve driving section 240. The liquid crystal light valve driving section 240 drives the liquid crystal light valve 250 according to the image data DV2. The liquid crystal light valve 250 modulates the light emitted from the illumination optical system 100. Light (modulated light) forming an image emitted from the liquid crystal light valve 250 is projected on the screen SC by the projection lens 102, and the image is displayed on the screen SC.

The signal input / output unit 262 includes a first input / output terminal 262a and a second input / output terminal 262b.
Cables are connected to the first and second input / output terminals 262a and 262b, and are electrically connected to other devices. For example, the device shown in FIG. 2 is the first projector PJ in FIG.
If it is 1, the first and second input / output terminals 262
a and 262b are electrically connected to a computer PC and a second projector PJ2, respectively. Similarly, when the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is the second projector PJ2, the first and second input / output terminals 262a and 262a
2b includes a first projector PJ and a third projector PJ, respectively.
1 and PJ3 are electrically connected.

The control signal processing section 260 (FIG. 2) establishes a cascade connection based on a control signal supplied from the computer PC via the signal input / output section 262, thereby enabling data transmission between a plurality of projectors. And Then, control signal processing section 260 controls the function of each section of the projector based on the control signal. For example, the control signal processing unit 260 can change various processing conditions stored in the processing condition memory 288 according to an instruction from the computer PC. The image signal processing unit 210 performs image processing according to the processing conditions stored in the processing condition memory 288. Further, control signal processing section 260 controls the function of each section of the projector based on an operation signal from remote control RC.

The control signal processing section 260 and the signal input / output section 262 correspond to a connection control section in the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for establishing a cascade connection between the projectors.
Here, the establishment of the cascade connection means that data transmission by the cascade connection becomes possible in a plurality of projectors. The work of establishing the cascade connection is mainly performed by an installer who installs the projector in a conference room or the like. Note that each step in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the operation is performed in a state where the computer PC and the three projectors PJ1 to PJ3 are connected in advance by cables.

In step S1, the computer PC
It outputs a control signal for establishing a cascade connection of the three projectors PJ1 to PJ3.

In step S2, the connection order of the cascade connection in each projector is set based on the control signal sequentially supplied to each projector. Specifically, the control signal supplied to each projector includes number data (connection order data) indicating the order of the cascade connection, and the control signal processing unit 260 (FIG. 2) of each projector supplies the control signal processing unit 260 (FIG. 2). Process the number data and output a processed control signal.

For example, in the first projector PJ1,
Number data “1” indicating that the connection order is the first is supplied. The control signal processing unit 260 of the first projector PJ1 recognizes the number data “1” and stores it in the number data memory 282. Then, the control signal processing unit 260
Generates the number data "2" by incrementing the supplied number data "1" and outputs it as a processed control signal. The same applies to the second and third projectors.

Next, in step S3, the number of cascade connections in each projector is set. Specifically, the control signal processing unit 26 of each projector
0 transmits the assigned number data to the computer PC via the cable. First projector PJ
The number data "1" assigned to 1 is directly transmitted to the computer PC. The number data “2” of the second projector PJ2 is a projector with a small assigned number data (that is, the first projector PJ2).
Transmitted to the computer PC via 1). The same applies to the third projector PJ3. The control signal processing unit 260 of each projector recognizes the number of cascade-connected projectors (three in this embodiment) from the number data transmitted from the other projectors, and converts the number data “3” to the number data. It is stored in the memory 284.

In this embodiment, in step S3, the control signal processing section 260 of each projector transmits the processing conditions stored in the processing condition memory 288 to the computer PC together with the assigned number data.

When the number data of each projector is transmitted to the computer PC, a cascade connection of the projection display system is established (step S4). At this time, a setting screen for setting the processing conditions of each projector is displayed on the display unit of the computer PC. When the setting screen is displayed in this way, the installer can easily know that the cascade connection has been established.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting screen displayed on the display unit of the computer PC (FIG. 1) when the cascade connection of the projection display system is established. This setting screen includes a connection state display area A1 indicating the connection state of the projection display system, and a processing condition display area A2 indicating the processing conditions of each projector.

The connection state display area A1 shows a state in which three projectors PJ1 to PJ3 are cascade-connected to the computer PC. When a projection display system is configured by four projectors,
A state in which the two projectors are connected in cascade is displayed.

The processing condition display area A2 includes a "video" setting field, an "audio" setting field, an "extraction enlargement" setting field, and the like. In the “video” setting field, for example, processing conditions related to video such as input resolution, tracking, and contrast are displayed. In the “voice” setting field, processing conditions related to voice are displayed. As described later, the contents of the extraction expansion condition table 289 are displayed in the “extraction expansion” setting field.

In the connection state display area A1 in FIG.
The first projector PJ1 to which reference numeral "1" is assigned is selected. In the processing condition display area A2, a "video" setting field for the selected first projector PJ1 is displayed.

The installation worker is a computer PC (FIG. 1)
It is possible to change the processing conditions by operating the mouse or keyboard while checking the processing conditions of each projector on the setting screen displayed on the display unit. When the processing condition is changed on the setting screen, the processing condition stored in the processing condition memory 288 of each projector is changed via the cable.

When a cascade connection of a plurality of projectors is established as described above, the plurality of projectors function as a projection display system. When the cascade connection is established, the computer PC becomes unnecessary,
First projector PJ1 and computer P shown in FIG.
The cable to C is removed. However, the user can change the processing conditions of each projector using the remote control RC.

When number data and number data are assigned to each projector according to the cascade connection, FIG.
As shown in (1), the projectors PJ1 to PJ3 automatically display different individual images on the screen SC using the same analog image signal AV1.

FIG. 5 shows the first projector P shown in FIG.
It is explanatory drawing which shows the processing content of the extraction expansion part 214 of J1. FIG. 5A shows an original image (car image) represented by an analog image signal AV1 supplied to the projector PJ1. FIG. 5B shows the extraction and enlargement unit 21.
4 shows an extracted enlarged image represented by the image data DV1 generated in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the extraction enlarging unit 214 executes an extraction process for extracting a left one-third partial image of the original image, and also extracts the extracted partial image. Is executed to enlarge the data size of. Specifically, the extraction and enlargement unit 214 executes an enlargement process of expanding the data size of the partial image three times in the horizontal direction so that the data size of the partial image is substantially equal to the data size of the original image.

The same applies to the processing of the extraction and enlargement unit 214 of the second and third projectors PJ2 and PJ3 shown in FIG. However, the second and third projectors PJ2, PJ
In J3, the center 1/3 of the original image and the right 1
/ 3 partial image is extracted.

FIG. 6 shows three projectors PJ1 to PJ.
3 shows the entire image WA displayed on the screen SC.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the same as FIG. This whole image WA is composed of three individual images WA1 to WA3. The first individual image WA1 is a first projector PJ
1 and corresponds to the extracted enlarged image shown in FIG. Similarly, the second and third individual images WA2,
WA3 is a second and third projector PJ, respectively.
2, PJ3. In this way,
The projection display system can display one continuous whole image WA in which the original image (FIG. 5A) represented by the analog image signal AV1 is enlarged three times in the horizontal direction.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the extraction and enlargement processing by the extraction and enlargement unit 214 of each projector is performed by using the number data stored in the number data memory 282 and the number data stored in the number data memory 284. It is executed according to. Specifically, the extraction and enlargement unit 214 executes the extraction and enlargement processing according to the extraction range and the enlargement magnification of the partial image determined according to the number data and the number data. In this embodiment, the extraction range and the enlargement magnification of the partial image are obtained by referring to the extraction enlargement condition table 289.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the extraction enlargement condition table 289. Condition table 289 shown in FIG.
2 shows an extraction range and an enlargement magnification of a partial image in a case where the projection display system includes two to four projectors. In FIG. 7, the hatched area in the rectangular frame indicates the extraction range of the partial image in the original image. However, actually, the extraction range is specified by a coordinate value in the original image, an address value in the frame memory 211, and the like. The enlargement magnification is “H” indicating the enlargement magnification in the horizontal direction, and “V” indicating the enlargement magnification in the vertical direction.
And is specified by

In this embodiment, since the projection display system includes three projectors, the number data “3” is assigned to the number data memory 284. At this time, the extraction and enlargement unit 214 of the first projector PJ1 to which the number data “1” has been assigned extracts a partial image on the left-hand side of the original image, and enlarges the partial image three times in the horizontal direction. The generated extracted enlarged image is generated. The extraction and enlargement unit 214 of the second projector PJ2 to which the number data “2” is assigned extracts the partial image at the center 1/3 in the original image and extracts and enlarges the partial image three times in the horizontal direction. Generate an image. Similarly, the extraction enlargement unit 2 of the third projector PJ3 to which the number data “3” is assigned
Reference numeral 14 extracts a right-sided 1/3 partial image in the original image and generates an extracted enlarged image obtained by enlarging the partial image three times in the horizontal direction. As described above, by using the condition table 289, the extraction range of the partial image and the enlargement magnification can be easily determined according to the number data and the number data.

As can be seen from the condition table 289 in FIG. 7, when the projection display system is composed of two projectors, the extraction enlargement units 214 of the first and second projectors respectively Left side 1 in
/ 2, extract the partial image of the right half, and generate an extracted enlarged image in which the partial image is enlarged twice in the horizontal direction. At this time, one continuous whole image in which the original image is enlarged twice in the horizontal direction is displayed on the screen SC.

Similarly, when the projection display system is composed of four projectors, the extraction and enlargement unit 214 of each projector extracts a 1/4 partial image from the original image and converts the partial image into An extracted enlarged image that is enlarged twice in the vertical and horizontal directions is generated. At this time, one continuous whole image in which the original image is enlarged twice in the vertical and horizontal directions is displayed on the screen SC.

When the condition table 289 as shown in FIG. 7 is used, three projectors PJ1 to PJ1 are used.
When the projection display system is configured by PJ3, each projector always moves the original image in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG.
Extract partial images as if they were equally divided. Then, each of the projectors PJ1 to PJ3 enlarges the three partial images three times in the horizontal direction, and as shown in FIG. 6, three individual images constituting one continuous whole image WA on the screen SC. WA1 to WA3 are displayed. However, in the projection display system, there is a case where it is desired to display another entire image on the screen SC using three individual images. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the contents of the condition table 289 are modified so that the contents can be changed. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the content of the condition table 289 is changed on the setting screen displayed on the computer PC.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting screen displayed on the display unit of the computer PC when changing the contents of the extraction enlargement condition table 289. In FIG. 8, an “extraction expansion” setting field is displayed in the processing condition display area A2. When the “extraction expansion” setting field is selected, all three projectors PJ1 to PJ3 are automatically selected in the connection state display area A1.

In the “extraction expansion” setting field, the three projectors PJ1 displayed in the connection state display area A1 are displayed.
To PJ3 are displayed in various combinations. When a projection display system is configured by four projectors, various combinations of partial images extracted by each of the four projectors are displayed.

The first combination “A” shown in FIG.
In the extraction enlargement condition table 289 shown in FIG. 7, when the number data is “3”, this corresponds to a combination of partial images extracted by each projector. When the first combination “A” is stored in the condition table 289, as shown in FIG. 6, one continuous image in which the original image is enlarged three times in the horizontal direction is displayed on the screen SC. Whole image W
A is displayed. In the initial setting, the first combination “A” is stored in the condition table 289.

When the second combination "B" in FIG. 8 is used, the first and second projectors PJ1 extract the left half and the right half of the original image, respectively. Thus, an extracted enlarged image in which the partial image is enlarged twice in the horizontal direction is generated. Then, the third projector PJ
3 extracts all the partial images from the original image and generates an extracted enlarged image (that is, an image of the same size) obtained by enlarging the partial image by one time in the vertical and horizontal directions.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the entire image WB displayed on the screen SC when the second combination “B” shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the extraction enlargement condition table 289. As shown, one continuous image is displayed on the screen SC by the individual images WB1 and WB2 displayed by the first and second projectors PJ1 and PJ2, and the individual images displayed by the third projector are displayed. One image is displayed by the image WB3.

The third combination “C” in FIG. 8 is almost the same as the second combination “B”. That is, the first projector PJ1 extracts all partial images from the original image. Then, the second and third projectors PJ2 and PJ3 are respectively connected to the left one of the original images.
2. Extract the right half image.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the entire image WC displayed on the screen SC when the third combination “C” shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the extraction enlargement condition table 289. As illustrated, one image is displayed on the screen SC by the individual image WC1 displayed by the first projector PJ1, and the individual image WC2 displayed by the second and third projectors PJ2 and PJ3. One continuous image is displayed by WC3.

When the fourth combination “D” in FIG. 8 is used, each of the projectors PJ1 to PJ3 extracts all the partial images from the original image, and divides the partial images by 1 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Extracted magnified image that is doubled (ie,
(1: 1 image).

FIG. 11 shows the whole image WDa, displayed on the screen SC when the fourth combination “D” shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the extraction enlargement condition table 289.
It is explanatory drawing which shows WDb. The whole image WDa shown in FIG. 11A is displayed by arranging individual images WD1 to WD3 displayed by the projectors PJ1 to PJ3 in a horizontal direction on a screen. in this way,
When the three individual images WD1 to WD3 are displayed side by side, by supplying different analog image signals to each of the projectors PJ1 to PJ3, there is an advantage that individual images having different contents can be displayed side by side. On the other hand, the entire image WDb shown in FIG. 11B is displayed by matching the individual images WD1 to WD3 displayed by the projectors PJ1 to PJ3 on the screen SC. Thus, three individual images W
If D1 to WD3 are matched on the screen SC, there is an advantage that one bright whole image WDb can be displayed.

The fifth combination “E” in FIG. 8 is usually used when three projectors are arranged in a state of being arranged in the vertical direction. Three projectors PJ1 to PJ
J3 is the upper 1/3 of the original image, the center 1 /
3. Extract the lower 1/3 partial image to generate an extracted enlarged image in which the partial image is enlarged three times in the vertical direction.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the entire image WE displayed on the screen SC when the fifth combination “E” shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the extraction enlargement condition table 289. As shown in the drawing, one continuous image is displayed on the screen SC by three individual images WE1 to WE3 arranged in the vertical direction and displayed by the three projectors PJ1 to PJ3.

In FIG. 8, when any one of the combinations is selected, the computer PC outputs a control signal for changing the contents of the condition table 289. Then, the control signal processing unit 260 of each of the projectors PJ1 to PJ3 changes the contents of the condition table 289 (the extraction range of the partial image and the magnification) according to the control signal.

As described above, if the contents of the condition table 289 can be changed, it is possible to display various whole images on the screen SC using three individual images in the projection display system.

As described above, each of the projectors PJ1 to PJ3 constituting the projection display system of this embodiment is
A display image generating unit is provided for generating image data DV2 representing a display image displayed on the screen SC using the analog image signal AV1. Then, the display image generation unit extracts a part or all of the partial image in the original image represented by the analog image signal AV1 according to the number data and the identification data, and obtains a data size of the extracted partial image. Is provided.
Accordingly, each of the projectors PJ1 to PJ3 constituting the projection display system can easily project and display different partial images, and as a result, one continuous image can be easily formed using a plurality of projectors. It can be displayed.

B. Second Embodiment: When a projector is used in tilt projection as shown in FIG. 1, the projected and displayed image is actually distorted into a trapezoid. This is the projection lens 1
This is due to the fact that the distance until the light emitted from 02 reaches the screen SC is different at each point of the image. Such image distortion (trapezoidal distortion) can be ignored when the screen SC is arranged almost in front of each projector and the distance between each projector and the screen SC is relatively long. However, when the distortion of the image displayed on the screen SC cannot be ignored, it is preferable that the light representing the image formed on the liquid crystal light valve of each projector is adjusted so as to correct the distortion. . In addition,
The trapezoidal distortion generated by the projector and its correction are described in, for example, JP-A-8-98119.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing image distortion that can occur in the projection display system. As shown
When each of the projectors PJ1 to PJ3 is disposed below the front position of the screen SC,
The individual images WK1 to WK3 projected and displayed on the screen SC by J1 to PJ3 have a substantially trapezoidal shape bulging upward.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing another image distortion that can occur in the projection display system. Second of FIG.
Image WK displayed by projector PJ2 of
In 2 ′, the same vertical trapezoidal distortion as in FIG. 13 occurs, but the first and third projectors PJ1, PJ3
In the individual images WK1 ′ and WK3 ′ displayed by
Along with the vertical trapezoidal distortion, a horizontal trapezoidal distortion is also generated. Specifically, the individual image WK1 ′ displayed by the first projector PJ1 is bulging upward and bulging to the left. Further, the individual image WK3 ′ displayed by the third projector PJ3 expands upward and also expands to the right. this is,
In FIG. 14, the first and third projectors PJ1 and PJ3 are different from the case of FIG.
This is because it is arranged at a position close to.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the projector displays an image on the screen SC, a vertical trapezoidal distortion or a horizontal trapezoidal distortion occurs depending on the positional relationship between the projector and the screen SC. I can do it. Such image distortion becomes a more significant problem in a projection display system that displays one continuous image using a plurality of individual images displayed by a plurality of projectors. This is because, when arranging individual images having image distortion, overlapping occurs between adjacent individual images, and the images are not continuous.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a projector according to the second embodiment. The internal configuration of this projector is almost the same as the internal configuration of the projector shown in FIG. 2, except that a distortion correction unit 230 is added between the OSD processing unit 220 and the liquid crystal light valve driving unit 240. The distortion correction unit 230 includes the OSD processing unit 2
The adjusted image data DV2 ′ is adjusted by adjusting the image data DV2 output from the liquid crystal light valve driving unit 24.
Supply 0.

In the present embodiment, the distortion correction unit 230
Since it is provided after the D processing unit 220, the distortion of the menu image can be corrected even when the menu image generated by the OSD processing unit 220 is displayed on the screen SC.

Note that the CPU 200 in this embodiment is
An image signal processing unit 210, a frame memory 211,
The SD processing unit 220, the OSD memory 221, the distortion correction unit 230, the number data memory 282, the number data memory 284, and the processing condition memory 288 including the extraction enlargement condition table 289 are included in the display image generation unit according to the present invention. Is equivalent to

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the processing contents of the distortion correction section 230 of the second projector PJ2 shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 (A-1) shows an image represented by image data DV2. This image is extracted and enlarged by the extraction and enlargement unit 21 when the image data DV2 and DV1 are the same.
4 is an extracted enlarged image generated by Step No. 4; When the distortion correction unit 230 does not adjust the image data DV2, the extracted enlarged image is formed on the liquid crystal light valve 250.
At this time, on the screen SC, as shown in FIG. 16A-2, the individual image WK having a substantially trapezoidal shape bulging upward.
2 'is displayed.

FIG. 16 (B-1) shows an image represented by the adjusted image data DV2 ', which is an adjusted image generated by the distortion correction unit 230. This adjusted image is composed of a trapezoidal image and a background image. The trapezoid image is the reverse of FIG. 16 (A-2),
That is, it has a substantially trapezoidal shape swelling downward. The background image is composed of black pixels. Then, when the adjusted image is formed on the liquid crystal light valve 250, the trapezoidal image in the adjusted image causes the screen S
On C, a substantially rectangular individual image WKC2 shown in FIG. 16 (B-2) is displayed. The individual image WKC2 having a substantially rectangular shape is the individual image WK2 ′ shown in FIG.
Will be displayed in the same area as.

In FIG. 16, the processing of the distortion correcting section 230 of the second projector PJ2 shown in FIG. 14 has been described. However, the distortion correcting section 230 of each of the projectors PJ1 to PJ3 of FIG. . On the other hand, FIG.
Correction unit 230 of the first and third projectors
In this case, an adjusted image may be generated so as to correct trapezoidal distortion in the vertical and horizontal directions.

As described above, in this embodiment, each projector adjusts the extracted enlarged image so as to correct the distortion of the individual image displayed on the screen SC, and generates a corrected image. A unit 230 is provided. Specifically, the distortion correction unit 230 generates an adjusted image having a distortion that has a reverse relationship to the image distortion that can occur on the screen SC. By using such a distortion correction unit, the distortion of the individual images displayed on the projection surface can be reduced, and as a result, a plurality of individual images from a plurality of projectors can be screen S
It can be displayed on C.

The present invention is not limited to the above examples and embodiments, but can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention.
For example, the following modifications are possible.

(1) In the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the case where the processing conditions of each projector are set on the setting screen displayed on the display unit of the computer PC has been described. Alternatively, a menu image may be displayed on each projector using the remote controller RC, and a processing condition in the processing condition memory 288 including the extraction and enlargement condition table 289 may be set in the menu image.

In the above embodiment, the cable connecting the computer PC and the first projector PJ1 is removed after the cascade connection is established. However, the cable need not be removed. In this case, the user can change the processing conditions not only on the remote controller RC but also on the setting screen displayed on the display unit of the computer PC.

(2) In the above embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 3, data can be transmitted between a plurality of projectors based on the control signal output from the computer PC. The control signal processing unit 260 of the projector PJ1 may output the above control signal. In this case, there is an advantage that the computer PC used for the cascade connection can be omitted.

In the above embodiment, the cascade connection of the projection display system is realized by using a cable.
The cascade connection may be realized wirelessly without using a cable. For example, when a projection display system is configured by projectors arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, a signal input / output unit for inputting / outputting a wireless signal with an adjacent device is provided on the left side and right side of each projector. What should I do? This makes it possible to determine the connection order and the number of cascade connections according to the arrangement of the projectors.

Generally, each of a plurality of projectors only needs to have a connection control unit for connecting its own projector to another projector in order to enable data transmission between the plurality of projectors. .

(3) In the above embodiment, the number data and the number data are automatically assigned to each projector in accordance with the cascade connection and stored in the number data memory and the number data memory. It may not be connected. For example, each projector is provided with a switch for storing number data and number data,
The user may set the number data and the number data.

In general, a display image generation unit of each projector includes a number information storage unit for storing information on the number of projectors constituting the projection display system, and identification information for storing identification information assigned to its own projector. What is necessary is just to have a storage part.

(4) In the above embodiment, the data size of the original image is stored in the frame memory 211 or the liquid crystal light valve 25.
The description has been made on the assumption that the data size matches the data size of 0. For this reason, the extraction enlargement unit 214 according to the present embodiment enlarges the data size of the partial image so that the data size of the partial image is substantially equal to the data size of the original image. However, the data size of the original image may not match the data size of the frame memory 211 or the liquid crystal light valve 250 in some cases. For example, when the data size of the original image is smaller than the data size of the frame memory or the liquid crystal light valve, usually, the data size of the original image is enlarged and written to the frame memory 211. In such a case, it is preferable that the data size of the partial image is enlarged so as to be substantially equal to the data size of the frame memory or the liquid crystal light valve instead of the data size of the original image.

In the above embodiment, the extraction range and the enlargement magnification of the partial image are determined by using the extraction and enlargement condition table 289.
The extraction range and the magnification may be calculated.

In general, the extraction enlargement unit executes an extraction process for extracting a part or all of the partial image in the original image represented by the original image signal according to the number information and the identification information. The extracted enlarged image may be generated by executing an enlargement process for increasing the data size of the partial image.

(5) In the above embodiment, the projection display system in which three projectors are arranged in the horizontal direction has been described. However, two or four or more projectors are arranged in the horizontal direction or vertically. The present invention is also applicable to a projection display system that has been damaged.

The present invention is generally applicable to a projection display system that includes a plurality of projectors and displays a plurality of images projected and displayed by each projector on a projection plane.

(6) In the above embodiment, the liquid crystal light valve 250 (see FIGS. 2 and 1) is used as the electro-optical device of the projector.
Although 5) is used, various devices that emit light for forming an image according to an image signal can be used as the electro-optical device. For example, a micromirror-type light modulator such as a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) (trademark of TI) may be used, or a high-brightness CRT or a plasma display panel may be used.

(7) In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software is replaced by hardware. You may do so.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a projection display system as a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of each of projectors PJ1 to PJ3 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for establishing a cascade connection of each projector.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting screen displayed on a display unit of the computer PC (FIG. 1) when a cascade connection of the projection display system is established.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing processing contents of an extraction enlargement unit 214 of the first projector PJ1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an entire image WA displayed on a screen SC by three projectors PJ1 to PJ3.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of an extraction expansion condition table 289.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting screen displayed on the display unit of the computer PC when changing the contents of the extraction enlargement condition table 289.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the entire image WB displayed on the screen SC when the second combination “B” shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the extraction enlargement condition table 289.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the entire image WC displayed on the screen SC when the third combination “C” shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the extraction enlargement condition table 289.

11 is an explanatory diagram showing the whole images WDa and WDb displayed on the screen SC when the fourth combination “D” shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the extraction enlargement condition table 289.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the entire image WE displayed on the screen SC when the fifth combination “E” shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the extraction enlargement condition table 289.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing image distortion that can occur in the projection display system.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing another image distortion that can occur in the projection display system.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a projector according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing processing contents of a distortion correction unit 230 of the second projector PJ2 shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 illumination optical system 102 projection lens 200 CPU 200b bus 208 image input terminal 210 image signal processing unit 211 frame memory 214 extraction enlargement unit 220 OSD processing unit 221 OSD memory 230 distortion correction unit 240 ... Liquid crystal light valve driving unit 250 ... Liquid crystal light valve 260 ... Control signal processing unit 262 ... Signal input / output unit 262a, 262b ... Input / output terminal 282 ... Number data memory 284 ... Number data memory 288 ... Processing condition memory 289 ... Extraction expansion condition Table RC Remote controller PC Personal computer PJ1 to PJ3 Projector SC Screen

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H059 BA12 2H088 EA14 MA20 5C058 BA21 BA23 BA24 BB11 BB25 EA03 EA12 EA26

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A projection display system comprising a plurality of projectors, wherein a plurality of images projected and displayed by the projectors are displayed on a projection surface, wherein each of the plurality of projectors is an externally supplied source. An image input unit for receiving an image signal; a display image generating unit for generating a display image signal representing a display image displayed on the projection surface using the original image signal; and An electro-optical device that emits light that forms an image in response to the light, and a projection optical system that projects light emitted from the electro-optical device, wherein the display image generating unit is a projector that constitutes the projection display system A number information storage unit for storing the number information of the projectors; an identification information storage unit for storing identification information assigned to the projector; Performing an extraction process for extracting a partial or entire partial image in the original image represented by the original image signal in accordance with the information and the identification information, and expanding the data size of the extracted partial image. And an extraction enlargement unit for executing an enlargement process to generate an extracted enlarged image. 2. The projection display system according to claim 1, wherein in the enlargement processing, the data size of the partial image is enlarged such that the data size of the partial image is substantially equal to the data size of the original image. Do, projection display system. 3. The projection display system according to claim 1, wherein the display image generation unit further determines an extraction range and an enlargement magnification of the partial image according to the number information and the identification information. A projection display system, wherein the extraction and enlargement unit executes the extraction processing and the enlargement processing according to the extraction range and the enlargement magnification obtained from the table. 4. The projection display system according to claim 1, wherein the display image generation unit further corrects a distortion of the display image displayed on the projection surface. And a distortion correction unit for adjusting the extracted enlarged image. 5. The projection display system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of projectors further comprises: A connection control unit for connecting the own projector to another projector, the connection control unit comprising: a connection order data indicating a connection order of the own projector according to the connection of the plurality of projectors; Acquiring the number data indicating the number of connected projectors, storing the connection order data in the identification information storage unit as the identification information, and storing the number data in the number information storage unit as the number information, Projection display system. 6. A projector capable of configuring a projection display system by preparing a plurality of projectors, comprising: an image input unit for receiving an externally supplied original image signal; A display image generation unit for generating a display image signal representing a display image displayed on an electro-optical device that emits light for forming an image in accordance with the display image signal; A projection optical system for projecting light, the display image generation unit includes a number information storage unit for storing information on the number of projectors constituting the projection display system, and identification information assigned to its own projector. An identification information storage unit for storing, a part or all of the parts in the original image represented by the original image signal according to the number information and the identification information And an extracting and enlarging unit for executing an extracting process for extracting an image, executing an enlarging process for enlarging the data size of the extracted partial image, and generating an extracted enlarged image. projector.