JP2003078843A - Video showing system and video multiplexer for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide such a video showing system for enabling persons watching respectively different videos to simultaneously share space. SOLUTION: This video showing system 20 includes a multiplex cinema showing device 24 for displaying 26 a multiplexed video 28 obtained by multiplexing a plurality of videos on the basis of a prescribed timing signal on the basis of digitized video data 22, and glasses 40 having a shutter for controlling transmission and interruption of light so as to synchronize with a selected video among the plurality of videos and to make only light from the multiplexed video 28 transmit on the basis of the timing signal.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image display system for displaying an image on a digital projector, and in particular, an image display in which each spectator can see his or her desired image, moving image or the like at a common place. The present invention relates to a system and a screening device therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, facilities called cinema complexes have been increasing. A cinema complex is a facility where multiple screening halls are concentrated in one location and different movies are shown in each screening hall. Therefore, a movie that the audience likes can be selected from various movies. There are also other entertainment venues for the movie audience, such as shops and restaurants.

In the cinema complex, for example, a group of spectators can watch their favorite movies according to their tastes.

[0004]

However, in such a cinema complex, if each of the viewers of the same group selects a different movie, they enter different screening halls. In other words, the people in the group will be dispersed in different places. As a result, there is a problem that it is not possible to enjoy talking with friends while watching a movie. If you choose to be with a friend, some people will have to watch movies they don't want to see much, which is inconvenient.

The latter problem does not occur only in cinema complexes. For example, a movie may be shown on board an aircraft, but not all passengers on the plane prefer the same movie. Some people just want to be quiet, others want to enjoy other movies. Installing a television in each seat might solve these problems, but at the cost of doing so,
The weight of the aircraft will also increase, which is not desirable.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a video presentation system in which people who watch different movies, videos, etc. can share a space at the same time.

[0007]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a video presentation system in which a plurality of videos are multiplexed based on a predetermined timing signal based on digitized video data. Multiplexed image display means for displaying the image and light passing and blocking so as to pass only light from the multiplexed image in synchronization with a selected one of the plurality of images based on the timing signal. Optical gating means for controlling.

A plurality of images are multiplexed and displayed based on a predetermined timing signal. Of the light from this multiplexed image, only the light from the selected image selectively passes through the optical gate means, and the light from other images does not pass through the optical gate means. Therefore, the user who sees the light that has passed through the optical gate means sees only the selected one of the multiplexed images. In this way, multiple videos can be displayed at the same location, and each user can see only the selected one of the videos, so that while sharing the space, multiple people can each like their own. You can select and enjoy different images.

[0009] Preferably, the multiplexed video display means generates a plurality of video signals based on the video data supply means for supplying digitized video data and the video data supplied by the video data supply means. Video signal generating means, a multiplexing means for time-division-multiplexing a plurality of video signals based on a timing signal to generate a multiplexed video signal, and a multiplexed video signal received from the multiplexing means. Image display means for displaying the image represented by the signal.

[0010] Preferably, the optical gate means is configured to perform the first operation during a period in which a predetermined image is displayed based on the timing signal.
And a gate control signal generating means for generating a gate control signal that takes a second value during a period other than the period, and when the gate control signal takes a first value when the gate control signal is received. Allows light to pass and second gate control signal
And a spectacle-type device having an optical shutter that blocks light when taking the value of.

More preferably, the video presentation system is
The optical gate unit includes a plurality of optical gate units, and each of the plurality of optical gate units further includes a channel selection switch operated by a user to select an arbitrary image from the plurality of images. The gate control signal generating means operates in synchronization with the video selected by the channel selection switch.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a video multiplexing device displays a multiplexed video in which a plurality of videos are multiplexed based on a predetermined timing signal based on digitized video data. And a video signal generating means for generating a plurality of video signals based on digitized video data, and a plurality of video signals as timing signals. Multiplexing means for time-division multiplexing to generate a multiplexed video signal.

By displaying the multiplexed video signal output from the video multiplexing device, a plurality of videos are displayed in a time division manner. The user can see only the selected image by using a means that allows only light from any of the selected images to pass through. Since an arbitrary image can be selected for each user, a plurality of people can select and enjoy their own images while sharing the space.

Preferably, the video multiplexing device further includes means for generating an audio signal associated with the plurality of video signals based on the video data.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following description, a movie is assumed as an application of video data, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to a movie and can be applied to general video data.

Referring to FIG. 1, a movie screening system 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a satellite broadcast receiving unit 30 which receives digitalized and encoded digital movie data distribution through an artificial satellite. , A screening data storage unit 22 for storing the data of a plurality of digital movies received by the satellite broadcast receiving unit 30, a screen 28 on which the movie is projected, and an image of the digital movie on the screen 28 Of the digital movie data to be shown from the projection data storage unit 22 and the projector 26 of FIG. And a multiplex cinema screening device 24 for performing a process of projecting an image.

This system is further provided corresponding to each spectator's seat, and responds to the timing signal provided by the multiplex cinema screening device 24 so that each spectator 32A, 32B looks at the screen 28 at a constant period and for a predetermined period. A controller 4 in which eyeglasses 40 provided with electronic shutters capable of performing such operations and headphone that are provided corresponding to each spectator's seat and reproduce the audio data of the movie given from the multiplex cinema screening device are integrated.
Including 2 and. As will be described later, the controller 42 is provided with a selection switch for each of the spectators 32A and 32B to select their favorite movie. The multiplex cinema screening device 24 has a function of transmitting audio data designated by each of the spectators 32A and 32B to the controller.

Referring to FIG. 2, the multiplex cinema exhibition device 24 reads out a plurality of digital movie data corresponding to each channel to be shown among the digital movie data stored in the show data storage section 22. Switch 50 and switch 5 provided for each channel
Decode digital movie data selected by 0,
A plurality of decoders 60A to 60G for outputting a video signal and an audio signal, a plurality of inputs connected to receive the movie data of each channel output from the decoders 60A to 60G, and as will be described later. Has inputs connected to receive information such as program guides for these channels, and these inputs are input at regular intervals.
Multiplex video signal 6 by selecting sequentially for a certain period
And a multiplexer 62 for outputting to the projector 26 (FIG. 1).

The multiplex screening device 24 further includes:
Controller 42, switch 50, decoders 60A to 6A
A multiplexing control circuit 64 for controlling the 0G and the multiplexer 66, and one of the encoded audio data of each channel output from the decoders 60A to 60G, which is controlled by the multiplexing control circuit 64, is selected by a spectator. Multiplexers 68A to 68N for selecting the audio data of the selected channel and transmitting it to each controller 42 as audio signals 72A to 72N (hereinafter simply referred to as "audio signal 72").

The multiplexing control circuit 64 receives a channel selection signal 70 from each controller and a screening movie selection signal input using an operation panel (not shown) as described later, and is selected by the screening movie selection signal. The switch 50 is controlled to read only the movie data. The multiplexing control circuit 64 also controls the start and end of the decoding processing of the decoders 60A to 60G. Further, the multiplexing control circuit 6
4 shows that the multiplexer 62 has a fixed cycle for the decoder 60A.
The multiplexer 62 is controlled so as to sequentially select the outputs of .about.60G. The multiplexing control circuit 64 also has a function of sending a timing signal for appropriately determining the opening / closing timing of the shutter of the glasses 40 to each controller for each channel. The shutter on / off timing determined by this timing signal is synchronized with the selection of each channel by the multiplexer 62. This timing signal is multiplexed with the audio signal 72 to each controller and transmitted.

Referring to FIG. 3, the controller 42 controls the audio signal 72 from the multiplex cinema screening device 24.
Output from the audio decoder 88, a separator 86 for separating the audio data and the timing signal from the audio decoder, an audio decoder 88 for decoding the audio data output from the separator 86 and outputting the audio data as a stereo analog audio signal. Speaker 4 of the headphone that amplifies the analog audio signal
Amplifier 90 for outputting to 4R and 44L, and amplifier 90
Volume switch 92 for adjusting the amplification factor by
Including and

The controller 42 further receives a timing signal separated by the separator 86, a clock 82 for generating a clock signal synchronized with this timing signal, and a channel for a spectator to select a channel he or she wants to watch. Based on the selection switch 94 and the clock signal given from the clock 82, both lenses 40R and 40 of the spectacles 40 are arranged so that the image of the channel selected by the channel selection switch 94 can be viewed.
A timing section 84 for generating a gate control signal that determines the on / off timing of the L shutter and a signal indicating the channel selected by the channel selection switch 94 are transmitted to the multiplex cinema screening device 24 as a channel selection signal 70. Transmitter 80 for
Including and

The transmitting section 80 basically has a function of transmitting the channel selection signal 70 together with a code for identifying itself to the multiplex cinema screening apparatus only when the channel is switched. Therefore, the data line for transmitting the channel selection signal 70 can be commonly used by a plurality of controllers.

The movie screening system 20 operates as follows. The satellite broadcast receiving unit 30 receives various types of digital movie data according to a predetermined schedule and gives it to the screening data storage unit. The screening data storage is
This digital movie data is stored together with the index.

When the multiplex cinema exhibition device 24 is activated, the multiplexing control device 64 selects preset digital movie data and controls the switch 50 so as to connect to the respective decoders of predetermined channels. The operator can change the selection of digital movie data using an operation panel (not shown). At this time, the multiplexing control device 64 sets each channel and the movie broadcast on that channel as movie data of one channel in the form of a program guide, and supplies it to the multiplexer 62.

The multiplexing control circuit 64 includes decoders 60A to 60A.
Activate 60G. The decoders 60 </ b> A to 60 </ b> G respectively decode the movie data in the digital movie data supplied from the switch 50 to convert the movie data into RGB signals.
The three video signals are converted into three video signals and given to the multiplexer 62. Each of the decoders 60A to 60G takes out the audio data in the digital movie data and supplies it to the multiplexing control circuit 64 as it is as encoded data.

The multiplexing control circuit 64 is provided with a multiplexer 68 according to a channel selection signal from each controller.
Control so that audio data of an appropriate channel is transmitted to each controller. The multiplexing control circuit 64 also internally generates a timing signal, and controls the multiplexer 62 based on the timing signal so that the signals of the respective channels are sequentially selected at a constant cycle. On the other hand, the multiplexing control circuit 64 multiplexes this timing signal into the audio data transmitted to each controller.

By the operation of the multiplexing control circuit 64, the color image of each channel is sequentially displayed on the screen 28 at a constant cycle for a constant period. Since a plurality of videos are time-division multiplexed in this image, the contents cannot be confirmed with the naked eye as they are.
However, due to the function of the controller 42 described below,
The viewer wearing the glasses 40 can see only the image of the channel selected by himself.

Referring to FIG. 3, the separator 86 separates a timing signal from the audio data transmitted from the multiplex cinema screening device 24 and sends it to the clock 82. The audio data itself is given to the audio decoder 88. The clock 82 generates a clock signal that is synchronized with the timing signal and supplies it to the timing unit 84 and the transmission unit 80. The timing unit 84 generates a gate control signal for controlling at which timing the shutter of the spectacles 40 is turned on and off based on the clock signal and the channel selected by the spectator, and gives the gate control signal to the spectacles 40. The gate control signal has a first value, for example, a predetermined high level voltage when turned on, and has a second value, for example, a predetermined low level voltage when turned off. The shutter of the glasses 40 opens when the image of the selected channel is displayed (when the gate control signal has the first value), and opens when the image of the other channels is displayed (the gate control signal). Is a second value). Therefore, to the audience, it seems as if only the image of the channel selected by the user is displayed on the screen 28.

In this case, the screen is visible to the audience only during the short period assigned to the channel. For example, if one frame of video is displayed in 1/30 second and video of 8 channels is multiplexed, 1
The display time per channel is 1 / (30 × 8)
= 1/240 seconds. Therefore, unless the amount of light projected by the projector 26 is large, the image looks dark. Therefore, the projector 26 is preferably one that can project as strong light as possible, for example, one that uses a digital mirror device. Of course, since the inside of the hall to be shown is dark, there may be a case where the amount of projected light is relatively small.

The audio decoder 88 decodes the encoded audio data supplied from the separator 86 to generate an analog audio signal and supplies it to the amplifier 90. The audio signal is amplified by the amplifier 90 and converted into audio by the speakers 44R and 44L. The volume can be freely adjusted by operating the volume switch 92.

When changing the channel, the channel selection switch 94 is operated. When the channel is switched, the transmitter 80 sets the new channel and a code for identifying itself as a set and gives it to the multiplex cinema show device 24 as a channel selection signal 70. In response to this channel selection signal, the multiplex display device 24 switches the audio signal to be given to the controller to a new channel.

In this way, in the movie screening system according to the present embodiment, different movies can be watched for each audience at the same place. You can watch different movies while sharing space with your neighbors, so there is no need for people in the group to be spread out in different places like in traditional cinema complexes. It's possible to talk to people near you,
For example, it will be possible to temporarily watch interesting channels that people were watching, providing a new way of enjoying movies.

The number of channels that can be shown in one facility is limited by the performance of the projector 26 and the shutter performance of the glasses 40, but conversely, the images of many channels are the same within the range permitted by those performances. Can be screened in place.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the multiplex cinema screening device screens only a predetermined program (designated by the operator of the facility), and all channels are always used. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, only the channel selected by the spectator may be dynamically selected by the switch 50. In this case, the total number of selected digital movie data may be smaller than the number of channels. In that case, the surplus channels may be paused, or the movies shown on other channels may be shown at different times. Alternatively, a 3D image may be realized by using two channels in one movie and displaying an image for the left eye on one channel and an image for the right eye on the other channel. In this case, the left and right shutters of the spectacles are controlled to be turned on and off in synchronization with each channel.

In the system of the above embodiment, the digital movie data received from the satellite broadcast is temporarily stored in the exhibition data storage unit 22. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the data received from satellite broadcasting may be given to the multiplex cinema screening device 24 as it is. Further, the digital movie data may be delivered by wire, or the digital movie data may be delivered by physically moving the recording medium.

In addition, in the apparatus of this embodiment, the multiplex cinema show apparatus can check how many spectators in a hall are watching a movie. Therefore, it is possible to obtain useful data in terms of movie production by, for example, totaling this nationwide (or worldwide).

Further, although the device of the present embodiment has been described as replacing the old cinema complex,
Such a hall may be provided as one hall in the cinema complex. It goes without saying that the present invention is applicable to the screening of a movie on an aircraft.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplifications in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a movie screening system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a multiplex cinema screening device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a controller.

[Explanation of symbols]

20 movie screening system, 22 screening data storage section, 2
4 Multiplex Cinema Screening Device, 26 Projector, 28 Screen, 30 Satellite Broadcasting Receiver, 40
Glasses, 42 controller, 50 switch, 60A
-60G decoder, 62, 68A-68N multiplexer, 64 multiplexing control circuit, 80 transmitter, 82 clock, 84 timing unit, 86 separator, 88 audio decoder, 90 amplifier, 92 volume switch, 94 channel selection switch.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A multiplexed video display unit for displaying a multiplexed video in which a plurality of videos are multiplexed based on a predetermined timing signal based on digitized video data, and based on the timing signal. And a light gating means for controlling passage and blocking of light so that only light from the multiplexed image is allowed to pass in synchronization with a selected one of the plurality of images. 2. The multiplexed video display means generates a plurality of video signals based on video data supply means for supplying the digitized video data and the video data supplied by the video data supply means. Video signal generating means for generating the multiplexed video signal, the multiplexing means for time-division multiplexing the plurality of video signals based on the timing signal to generate a multiplexed video signal, The video presentation system according to claim 1, further comprising: a video display unit for displaying a video represented by the multiplexed video signal. 3. The optical gate means, based on the timing signal, has a first value during a period in which a predetermined image is displayed and a second value during a period other than the period. Gate control signal generating means for generating a control signal; and receiving the gate control signal, allowing light to pass when the gate control signal has the first value, and passing light when the gate control signal has the second value. An image screening system according to claim 1 or 2, including an eyeglass-type device having an optical shutter that blocks light. 4. A channel selection device, comprising a plurality of said optical gate units, wherein each of said plurality of optical gate units is operated by a user to select an arbitrary image from said plurality of images. 4. The video presentation system according to claim 3, further comprising a switch, wherein the gate control signal generating means operates in synchronization with the video selected by the channel selection switch. 5. A video multiplexer for generating a multiplexed video signal for displaying a multiplexed video in which a plurality of videos are multiplexed based on a predetermined timing signal, based on digitized video data. There is provided video data supply means for supplying the digitized video data, and video signal generation means for generating a plurality of video signals based on the video data supplied by the video data supply means, And a multiplexing unit for time-division multiplexing a plurality of video signals based on the timing signal to generate a multiplexed video signal. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising means for generating an audio signal associated with the plurality of video signals based on the video data supplied by the video data supply means.
The video multiplexer according to 1.