JP2004163876A - Image reading method, image adjusting method and dlp projector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that it is difficult to realize easy, high-quality and inexpensive image reading and projected image adjustment because a dedicated measuring instrument and expertise are required to read and adjust a screen image in a DLP projector. <P>SOLUTION: The screen image is read by an image reading means (image sensor) arranged on the central optical axis of an incident optical path when turning off an optical switch on a reflection type optical switch panel by utilizing the constitution and the action of the reflection type optical switch panel and a projection lens in the DLP projector. Then, projection adjusting processing (processing for correcting the projected image and the update of setting or the like) is performed in an image signal processing part based on read image information, and the read image information is outputted as monitor or is utilized as data. By contriving the projected image (test pattern or the like), processing for simultaneously processing image projection and image reading is realized. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a DLP projector configured using a reflection type optical switch panel such as a DMD, an image reading method for a screen image of the projector, and an image adjusting method for a projection image of the projector.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a DLP projector has been developed as a projector (projection display device, projection device). The DLP projector is a DLP (Digital Light Processing) type projector, and is a light reflection type projector configured using a reflection type optical switch panel such as a DMD (Digital Micro mirror Device). It is.
[0003]
First, the DLP projector will be briefly described below. DLP (Digital Light Processing Technology) is a technology for performing digital optical modulation using a reflective optical switch panel such as a DMD. The DMD is a semiconductor device having a structure in which about 500,000 to 1.3 million micro-sized mirrors (micromirrors) are spread in a matrix (array). The pixels in the image frame correspond to the micromirrors in the panel. The panel surface (micromirror) is irradiated with light from a light source lamp, and the light reflected by the micromirror is projected on a screen (image projection surface) through a projection lens. I do. ON / OFF control of the tilt angle of each micro mirror in the DMD chip (DMD panel) is performed according to the drive data (image code). One DMD chip is used in a small projector, and three DMD chips are used in a large projector.
[0004]
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure of a main part of a DLP projector (in the case of a DMD one-chip type) and a projection optical path. The micromirrors in the DMD are each inclined at a predetermined angle, for example, ± 10 degrees (+10 degrees when ON and -10 degrees when OFF) by electrostatic attraction in accordance with drive data (projected image data = image code). I have. The micromirrors are digitally controlled and switched at high speeds, such as thousands of times per second. When the lamp light shines on the micromirror, the light reflected on the mirror in a tilted state of +10 degrees (when ON) passes through a projection lens and is projected on a screen to project an image (the output pixel is turned on = white). Further, the light reflected by the mirror in a tilted state of -10 degrees (when OFF) is not directed toward the projection lens but is absorbed by, for example, an absorber (absorbing plate) (the output pixel is turned off = black). The density (gradation) expression is performed by adjusting the number of times the micromirror is turned on / off in a predetermined cycle (adjustment of the ratio of the number of times black and light (white)). As shown in the enlarged portion of the unit micromirror in the figure, the micromirror performs an operation of tilting ± 10 degrees with respect to the DMD panel surface by ON / OFF according to the drive data. An arrow (solid black line) in the figure indicates a projection optical path (hereinafter, simply referred to as “projection optical path”) when an image is projected from the DLP projector to the screen, and the optical path is switched by turning on / off the micromirror. Is shown.
[0005]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a conventional DLP projector. A DLP projector inputs a video signal as a video source from a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), digital video, BS digital broadcast, or the like to a video front end unit including a decoder, an A / D conversion unit, etc., decodes the signal, and decodes the signal from analog to digital. A / D conversion or the like is performed, and necessary image processing such as scaling and γ correction is performed by an image signal processing unit (control unit) including a memory chip, a video processor, a DSP (digital signal processor), and the like. The digital output image data (= image code) is output to the DMD to drive the micromirror.
[0006]
In the DMD, an operation of turning on / off the micromirror to ± 10 degrees at a speed of several thousand times per second is performed according to an image code supplied from an image signal processing unit (frame memory). In the case of a DMD one-chip type DLP projector, light emitted from a light source lamp is emitted to a micro mirror in the DMD through color switching by a color wheel having R (red), G (green), and B (blue) filters. I do. Of the light that strikes the DMD panel surface from the light source unit, the light reflected on the micromirror in the ON state (in a tilted state of +10 degrees) is projected onto the screen through the projection lens, and the micromirror in the OFF state (−10 degrees). The light reflected on the (tilted state) portion is not directed toward the projection lens because it is absorbed by the absorber. Since the arrangement intervals of the micromirrors are extremely narrow and operate at a high speed, they are perceived as a very smooth moving image.
[0007]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a basic structure of a one-chip type (single-plate type) DLP projector. An image is projected on a screen through a projection optical path in the order of a light source lamp → a color wheel → a DMD micromirror → a projection lens. In the case of a one-chip type, each of the R, G, and B signals is switched by one DMD chip to project a color image. The ON / OFF operation of the micromirror in the DMD is performed at high speed, for example, several thousand times per second, so that the moving image becomes smooth.
[0008]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a basic structure of a three-chip (three-panel) DLP projector. In the case of the three-chip type, one DMD chip is assigned for each of the R, G, and B signals. By operating an independent DMD for each color, a more powerful and superior large-screen image can be realized. A predetermined dichroic prism unit or the like is used as a color separation / synthesis optical system (a configuration using a color splitting prism in the figure).
[0009]
Next, FIG. 15 shows a conventional arrangement of a DLP projector and a measuring instrument for setting and adjusting the screen thereof. When installing a projector, it is necessary to perform a predetermined adjustment operation in order to reduce a difference in projection image quality due to an equipment installation environment (screen characteristics, influence of indoor lighting, etc.) and perform appropriate image projection.
As shown in the figure, conventionally, when actually using a projector, at the stage of installation adjustment, a screen image is measured using a special measuring instrument such as an illuminometer or a color thermometer and a specialized technique, and the image quality is improved. Although confirmation and adjustment work is being performed, it is necessary to bring the sensor section of the measuring instrument closer to the screen to avoid the influence of disturbance when reading (detecting) the screen image. Read the information). As a result, it is difficult to accurately read the screen image, for example, only the image information of a part of the area of the projected image on the screen can be detected, and the measuring instrument and the projector body are separated from each other. It takes man-hours. Therefore, at present, it is almost impossible for a general user to adjust the difference between the screen and the interior lighting of the projector device because of the acquisition of expensive measuring instruments and specialized skills.
[0010]
In addition, it is necessary or desirable not only to perform the adjustment work at the stage of installing the projector but also to perform a part replacement or a position shift adjustment work by grasping the temporal change of the projector as a maintenance work. Since it is not easy to read a document, it takes time and effort.
[0011]
In conventional DLP projectors, calibration, correction, etc., of image quality differences due to projector installation and use environment such as differences in screens and the effects of indoor lighting, etc. are performed on brightness, contrast, and color while adjusting the image projected on the screen. It was only possible to manually adjust the image quality such as balance.
[0012]
A conventional DLP projector does not have a function of simultaneously reading an image on a screen while projecting the image on the screen. It is very difficult to detect a temporal change in the projected image quality (brightness, uneven color, etc.), and readjustment, maintenance and inspection cannot be performed efficiently.
[0013]
In addition, when an image is directly projected from a projector onto a wall surface or a ceiling, there is a current situation in which high-quality image projection cannot be performed due to the effect of a wall surface serving as a screen. Similarly, it is not easy to read screen image information enough to calibrate and correct the projected image quality when directly projecting onto a wall or the like.
[0014]
As described above, there is a current situation that the means for reading a screen image in a DLP projector accurately and with high quality is insufficient. It is desired to realize a means for reading screen image information easily, with high quality and at low cost in an actual use state.
[0015]
On the other hand, in a DLP projector configured using a DMD, it has been conventionally known that a screen image (reflected light on a screen) enters the projector via a projection lens and forms an image on a DMD panel surface. . However, since the incident light is on the projection optical path, it has been common sense that the information cannot be read without affecting the projected image. Therefore, there has never been considered about reading and using the incident light (screen image).
[0016]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a main structure of the DLP projector and an incident light path from the screen side in the DLP projector. The arrow (solid black line) in the figure indicates the incident light path (hereinafter, simply referred to as “incident light path”) of the incident light (the screen image formed on the DMD panel surface via the projection lens) from the screen direction to the DLP projector. The optical path switching is performed when the micromirror is turned on / off. As shown, the incident light path overlaps the projection light path. The screen image, which is the incident light, is a projection image from a projector in which the characteristics of the screen, the influence of indoor lighting, and the like are reflected.
[0017]
As a device for performing light modulation using a micromirror, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1. The technology described in Patent Document 1 “Micromirror-type image forming apparatus and its management method” is to change the angle of the micromirror to an invalid reflection state in order to know the operation state of the micromirror and to detect a defect of the micromirror. A light receiving element for measuring the spot light is set on the removal optical path on the optical axis. In this technology, light emitted from a light source constituted by three-color LEDs is selectively used for image formation using a micromirror (effective reflection state) and for micromirror inspection (ineffective reflection state).
[0018]
Also, the technology “image input / output device” described in Patent Document 2 is a technology that realizes image input of a subject and image output by an imaging signal by adding a micromirror with a single device. Unlike the invention, reading of screen image information is not realized by using the projection lens and the reflection type optical switch as they are. Further, in the present invention, there is no need to stop the imaging operation at the time of image output, provide an input / output optical path changing mirror when projecting onto a screen or the like, or provide a color filter on the optical path for inputting / outputting a color image. .
[0019]
In the prior art as referred to in the patent documents and the like as described above, a new micromirror is installed to solve the problem, a new micromirror angle is set, and the like. No such thing is necessary. There has not been a technique for reading light (screen image) incident on the projector from the screen side via the projection lens by using an optical path when the optical switch (micromirror) of the reflective optical switch panel is OFF.
[0020]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-229818
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-11-164183
[0021]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, conventionally, it is difficult to easily read a screen image (sufficient and sufficient screen image information for adjusting the projection image quality) in a DLP projector at a low cost with high quality. There is a problem in that it is difficult to make adjustments to reduce the difference between output images according to the installation and use environment of the projector, and to grasp the status of the projector over time. Also, when an image is directly projected from a projector using a wall surface or a ceiling as a screen, similarly, it is difficult to read the screen image information, so that there is a problem that high-quality image projection cannot be performed.
[0022]
In order to simplify the installation, adjustment, maintenance, and operation of the DLP projector, it is desirable that adjustment processing such as calibration and correction of the projection image quality can be easily and reliably performed in the actual use state of the equipment. It is desirable to realize a measurement (image reading) unit that can easily read screen image information with high quality, and an image adjustment unit that adjusts a projected image by reflecting the read screen image information on an image processing circuit of a projector. It is.
[0023]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves these problems and provides an image reading method for a DLP projector capable of reading screen image information simply, with high quality, and at low cost. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image adjustment method capable of performing proper and high-quality image projection by performing the above adjustment, and to provide a DLP projector which has processing functions of these methods and greatly enhances usability.
[0024]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, as for a DLP projector, as a method of reading a screen image, an optical path of the reflective optical switch panel when the optical switch is OFF is set for a screen image incident on the projection lens from the screen direction and imaged on the reflective optical switch panel surface. The image is read by image reading means (image sensor) arranged on the central optical axis of. As an image adjustment method, an image adjustment process is performed using the screen image information read by the image reading unit. Also, the read image information is output to the monitor.
In addition, a screen image is captured by the full OFF operation of the optical switch, and is used as data. By devising a test pattern image as a projection image, the optical switches of the reflection type optical switch panel are partially used for image projection and image reading, and image projection and image reading are simultaneously processed.
[0025]
According to the present invention, when reading screen image information, incident light (screen image) is read without affecting the projected image by using the incident optical path when the reflection type optical switch is OFF. In the configuration of the present invention, the image information corresponding to the image projection range (projection size) on the screen is just read by the image reading means corresponding to the image projection mechanism by the reflection type optical switch panel and the projection lens.
[0026]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an image reading method for reading a screen image in a DLP projector including a reflection type optical switch panel in which reflection type optical switches are arranged in a matrix and a projection lens. A screen image that is incident from the screen direction via the projection lens and forms an image on the reflective optical switch panel surface by using the incident optical path when the optical switch in the reflective optical switch panel is OFF, and is read by the image reading means. Is characterized in that screen image information is read at the image projection size of the DLP projector on the screen surface.
[0027]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, a screen image is provided by an image sensor arranged as image reading means on the central optical axis of an incident optical path when the optical switch of the reflection type optical switch panel is turned off. It is characterized by reading.
[0028]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the test pattern according to the first or second aspect, wherein a plurality of optical switches in the reflection type optical switch panel are selectively used for image projection and image reading by ON / OFF in the image frame. By projecting an image on a screen, image projection and reading of screen image information including the projected image are simultaneously processed.
[0029]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image reading method according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the one-chip type DLP projector includes an RGB color filter circuit and performs color switching control. It is characterized in that the timing of the reading operation of the screen image by the reading means is synchronized with the color switching operation of the color filter circuit.
[0030]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, when the image projection and the image reading are simultaneously performed, the focus adjustment control for slightly shifting the focus of the projection lens forward and backward of the screen surface is performed. Then, the image corresponding to the optical switch ON portion is enlarged or adjusted, and the image information of the optical switch ON portion is read at the optical switch OFF portion.
[0031]
The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the optical switch of the reflection type optical switch panel is fully turned off, and the image reading means captures screen image information. It is characterized by outputting image data.
[0032]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image adjustment method for adjusting a projection image of a DLP projector including a reflection type optical switch panel in which reflection type optical switches are arranged in a matrix and a projection lens. Screen image that is incident from the screen direction and forms an image on the reflective optical switch panel surface using an incident optical path when the optical switch in the reflective optical switch panel is OFF, is read by image reading means, and the read screen image information is read. It is characterized in that a projection image adjustment process is performed by an image signal processing unit based on this.
[0033]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, based on the screen image information read by the image reading means, the projection image quality, the screen characteristics, the effect of indoor lighting, the state of the projector components, and the like are determined. It is characterized in that a change over time and an adjustment deviation are detected, and an image signal processing unit performs an adjustment process such as calibration, correction, and calibration of projection image data or a projection setting change process based on the detection.
[0034]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a light source unit comprising a lamp or the like, a reflection type optical switch panel having a structure in which optical switches for reflecting light emitted from the light source unit are arranged in a matrix, and a light source based on an input video signal. An image signal processing unit for generating and outputting image code data for ON / OFF-controlling the reflection state of the switch, a projection lens for projecting the light reflected when the optical switch is ON to a screen surface, and a projection lens for projecting the light when the optical switch is OFF. Image reading means for reading the screen image using the optical path of the screen image incident from the screen direction via the DLP projector, whereby the screen image information is read at the image projection size of the DLP projector on the screen surface. And
[0035]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, an image sensor is disposed as image reading means on a central optical axis of an incident optical path when the optical switch of the projection lens and the reflection type optical switch panel is OFF. Is used to read screen image information.
[0036]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the ninth or tenth aspect, there is provided a means for projecting a test pattern image having a pattern for selectively using ON / OFF of an optical switch in an image frame, and projecting the test pattern image. The image reading means sometimes reads the image information of the optical switch ON portion as the screen image information by the optical switch OFF portion.
[0037]
A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the one-chip DLP projector according to any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects, wherein the one-chip type DLP projector includes an RGB color filter circuit and controls color switching. It is characterized in that the image reading operation timing is synchronized with the color switching operation of the color filter circuit.
[0038]
According to a thirteenth aspect, in the invention according to any one of the ninth to twelfth aspects, the focus adjustment control for slightly shifting the focus of the projection lens forward and backward of the screen surface when simultaneously executing image projection and image reading is performed. The optical switch is provided with means for enlarging or adjusting the position of the image corresponding to the optical switch ON portion, and the image information of the optical switch ON portion is read at the optical switch OFF portion.
[0039]
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects, the optical switch of the reflection-type optical switch panel is set to full OFF, and screen image information is captured by image reading means. It is characterized by having means for outputting image data.
[0040]
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the ninth to fourteenth aspects, the projection image is adjusted in the image signal processing unit based on the screen image information read by the image reading means. It is characterized by having an adjusting unit.
[0041]
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, based on the screen image information read by the image reading means, a projection image quality, a screen characteristic, an influence of indoor lighting, a state of a projector component, and the like are provided. It is characterized in that a change with time and an adjustment deviation are detected, and based on such information, an adjustment process such as calibration, correction, and calibration of projection image data or a projection setting change process is performed by an image signal processing unit.
[0042]
The invention according to claim 17 is the invention according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6, wherein a measurement screen is installed immediately before the projection lens and the optical switch is turned on by the optical switch ON portion. The image projected on the measurement screen is read at the optical switch OFF portion.
[0043]
The invention according to claim 18 is the invention according to claim 17, wherein the projection screen lens cap is used as the measurement screen.
[0044]
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth and fourteenth aspects, a measurement screen is provided immediately before the projection lens.
[0045]
According to a twentieth aspect, in the invention according to the nineteenth aspect, the projection lens cap as the measurement screen is provided.
[0046]
According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the twentieth aspect, the projection lens cap includes a screen body installed inside.
[0047]
The invention according to claim 22, comprising a light source unit, a reflection type optical switch panel in which reflection type optical switches are arranged in a matrix, a projection lens, and an image reading unit, wherein the light source is turned on by the optical switch ON portion. The light of the section is reflected and projected from the projection lens, and the light incident to the projection lens is reflected by the optical switch OFF portion and input to the image reading means.
[0048]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components are distinguished by giving symbols. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a DLP projector according to an embodiment of the present invention having a processing function in the image reading method and the image adjusting method according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0049]
In FIG. 1, a DLP projector according to the present embodiment includes a light source unit (illumination system) 1, a reflective optical switch panel 2, a projection lens 3, an image sensor (imaging element) 4, an absorber (absorption plate) 5, a video front end unit. 6, an image signal processing unit 7, an adjustment unit 8 (included in the image signal processing unit 7), and the like. This DLP projector is particularly provided with an image sensor 4 as a means for reading screen image information, and an adjusting unit 8 as a means for performing image adjustment processing (projection adjustment processing).
A projection image from the DLP projector is projected on a predetermined screen 9.
[0050]
In the present embodiment, a one-chip type DLP projector using a DMD chip that switches at an inclination angle of an optical switch (micromirror) of ± 10 degrees will be described as an example. The present invention is similarly applicable to an optical switch panel and a three-chip type or two-chip type projector. The basic configuration of each of the DMD one-chip type and the DMD three-chip type is shown in FIGS.
[0051]
According to the image reading method of the present invention, in a DLP projector configured using a reflective optical switch panel such as a DMD, when an optical switch (= micromirror) is turned off, the optical paths of the projected light and the incident light from the screen do not overlap. Attention is paid to the fact that the optical switch is turned off when the optical switch is turned off by taking advantage of this property and sharing the mechanism of the projection lens and the reflective optical switch panel of the projector as they are (shared with the image projection function). The screen image information is read (detected and measured) by an image sensor (4) serving as screen image information reading means disposed on the central optical axis of the optical path.
[0052]
In the image adjustment method of the present invention, the image signal processing unit 7 (adjustment unit 8) uses the screen image information read by the screen image information reading means (image sensor or the like) to adjust the projection image (calibration, Correction, etc.). The DLP projector of the present invention is a projector that incorporates functions for executing the processes of these methods and corresponding components.
[0053]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement position of the image sensor 4 as an image reading unit in the DLP projector according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the optical path of the screen image (reflected light) incident on the projection lens 3 from the screen direction is switched by ON / OFF of the micro mirror. In the present embodiment, the image sensor (imaging element) 4 is installed on the central optical axis of the incident optical path formed when the optical switch of the projection lens 3 and the reflection type optical switch 2 is turned off. A screen image formed on the reflection-type optical switch panel 2 (DMD) can be read (= imaged) without any influence. The screen image is read at a portion corresponding to the light switch OFF in the image frame.
[0054]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing switching of an optical path (projection optical path / incident optical path) according to ON / OFF of an optical switch (micromirror) in a reflection type optical switch panel (DMD) 2 in the present DLP projector. The projection optical path (solid arrow) and the incident optical path (dotted arrow) when OFF are shown. As shown in the figure, the projection optical path and the incident optical path when the optical switch is OFF are different optical paths, and the incident light (screen image) is read by the image sensor 4 using this. The switching of the projection optical path and the switching of the incident optical path according to ON / OFF of the optical switch in the reflection type optical switch panel 2 are the same as those shown in FIGS.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 3, in the present DLP projector, a screen image formed on the reflective optical switch panel 2 via the projection lens 3 is read by the image sensor 4 through reflection by the optical switch when OFF. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the screen image information read by the image sensor 4 is fed forward to the image signal processing unit 7 and the adjustment unit 8 to perform the adjustment processing of the projected image or output to the monitor. .
[0056]
Hereinafter, the function of each unit of the DLP projector will be described. The light source unit (illumination system) 1 includes a lamp 11, a color wheel 12, an integrator rod 13, and the like, and irradiates light to an optical switch (micro mirror) of the reflective optical switch panel 2. In the case of the DMD one-chip type configuration, each color of R, G, and B is formed by passing through a color wheel (rotary disk having R, G, and B color filters) 12 that switches colors.
[0057]
The reflection type optical switch panel 2 is a device such as a DMD, and is a panel in which ultra-small size optical switches are arranged in a matrix (array). In particular, the DMD is a panel on which micro mirrors of an extremely small size are arranged, and the inclination of each micro mirror is ON / OFF controlled in accordance with drive data (projected image data = image code), so that a predetermined angle of inclination is obtained. An image is formed by projecting the light reflected by the micromirror onto the screen 9 via the projection lens 3. Each micromirror corresponds to a pixel in the image frame. The density expression is performed by adjusting the number of times the micromirror is turned ON / OFF. The drawings show the case where the reflection type optical switch panel 2 and the optical switch are a DMD and a micro mirror.
[0058]
The projection lens 3 is a lens that projects the reflected light when the optical switch (micromirror) in the reflective optical switch panel 2 is ON, onto the screen 9. At the same time, the projection lens 3 is receiving light (screen image) from the direction of the screen 9. The incident light is input to an image sensor 4 described later through reflection when the optical switch (micromirror) is turned off.
[0059]
The image sensor 4 is an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, and forms a main part of an image reading unit characteristic of the present invention. The image sensor 4 is disposed on the central optical axis of the incident optical path when the optical switch of the reflective optical switch panel 2 is turned off. The image sensor 4 reads (= images) a screen image formed on the surface of the reflection type optical switch panel 2 via the projection lens 3 by receiving the reflected light from the optical switch in the OFF state. The screen image data read by the image sensor 4 is temporarily stored in a memory as digital information. The read screen image information is input to (the adjustment unit 8 of) the image signal processing unit 7 and used for image adjustment processing and the like. The resolution of the image sensor 4 may be configured and set to a resolution necessary for image adjustment processing or the like. However, a sufficiently large effect can be realized with an image sensor having the same resolution as that of the projector.
[0060]
The absorber (absorption plate) 5 has a role of absorbing light (pixel off = black) reflected by the light emitted from the light source unit 1 when the optical switch (micromirror) of the reflective optical switch panel 2 is turned off. Some projectors do not have an absorber. The provision of the absorber 5 has an effect of absorbing the reflected light when the optical switch is OFF, preventing the reflected light when the optical switch is OFF from being irregularly reflected in the projector apparatus and affecting the projected image, and improving the image quality. .
[0061]
The video front end unit 6 is an interface unit that processes input and output of a video signal or the like, which is video information to be projected, and includes a decoder, an A / D conversion unit, and the like. The video signal is input to a video front end unit 6 together with a vertical / horizontal synchronization signal (V / Hsync), and is subjected to A / D conversion, decoding, and the like, and a digitized video signal (image signal) is converted to an image signal processing unit. 7 is input.
[0062]
The image signal processing unit 7 is a main control unit of a projector including a memory chip, a video processor, a DSP, and the like. The image signal processing unit 7 receives a digital image signal from the video front end unit 6 and performs projection for scaling, γ correction, and the like. , And stores the processed image data (projected image data = image code) in the frame memory. The image code is output from the frame memory in the image signal processing unit 7 to the reflection type optical switch panel 2, and ON / OFF of each micro mirror in the reflection type optical switch panel 2 is controlled based on the image code. Further, the image signal processing unit 7 includes an adjustment unit (image adjustment function) 8 that performs processing characteristic of the present invention.
[0063]
The adjustment unit 8 performs image adjustment processing (calibration processing (adjustment to output and display a correct image as a whole system in consideration of output characteristics)) based on screen image information read by the image sensor 4, and an original image Calibration processing, various correction processing such as correction of aging, etc.). This adjusts the screen image (the image viewed by the user) to be appropriate and high-quality. In particular, as the adjustment processing, image processing for adjusting the image quality is performed on the projection image data, and setting values related to the projection processing are changed and updated. Since the environmental characteristics and state can be recognized together with the image quality from the screen image information read by the image sensor 4, control such as adjusting the control amount in the image signal processing unit 7 to match the target value based on the image characteristics can be recognized. I do. Further, the adjustment processing based on the acquisition of the screen image information is executed at an arbitrary timing based on the input of the operation command, or is automatically executed at a predetermined timing according to the setting (for example, automatically executed every time the projector is started up. ).
[0064]
FIG. 4 shows a system configuration particularly when the image signal processing unit 7 and the adjustment unit 8 perform projection adjustment processing based on screen image information read by the image sensor 4. The screen image information read by the image sensor 4 and temporarily stored in the memory is fed forward to the image signal processing unit 7 and the adjustment unit 8 to perform adjustment processing such as calibration and correction of the projected image. The projection image can be made high quality by the projection adjustment processing. It can be set and controlled so that the projection adjustment processing is automatically executed at a predetermined timing.
[0065]
As a specific example of the image adjustment processing by the adjustment unit 8, for example, when color unevenness in an image frame is detected based on screen image information read by the image sensor 4, color unevenness is detected for a corresponding area of the projection image data. If a correction is made so as to have a characteristic opposite to that of the portion, color unevenness can be eliminated from the projected screen image.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 3 and others, in the present DLP projector, an image is projected at an optical switch ON portion of the reflection type optical switch panel 2, and at the same time, a screen image is read at an optical switch OFF portion. Thereby, the image projected from the projector can be monitored. In particular, if all the optical switches of the reflection type optical switch panel 2 are turned OFF (full OFF), all the pixels in the image frame are in the image reading function state, so that the reflected light of another light source (such as indoor lighting) is obtained. Screen image can be read.
[0067]
In this configuration, the components (the projection lens 3 and the reflection type optical switch panel 2) are shared and functionally used for the image projection mechanism and the image reading mechanism, or are interlocked, and the screen image is read by the projector itself. ing. For this reason, as the screen image information, the image information corresponding to the range of the projected image (projection size) on the screen 9 is read by the image sensor 4, which is a major feature of the present invention. This is significantly different from the conventional method in which only a part of a screen image can be read, or that extraneous information is read, and screen image information necessary for image adjustment and the like can be effectively read. Further, since the screen image reading at the projected image size is realized, it is possible to read the image information on the screen at this size and use the data (use as a highly accurate digital camera) as described later.
[0068]
As described above, the image sensor 4 receives and reads the screen image information formed on the surface of the reflection type optical switch panel 2 via the projection lens 3, and the read screen image is transmitted from the projector. When there is no image projection, the reflected light is screen reflected light by another light source such as indoor lighting. When there is image projection from a projector, the projected image reflects the screen characteristics and the influence of indoor lighting.
[0069]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a relative angle of arrangement of each component when the optical switch (micromirror) is OFF in the DLP projector of the present embodiment. The setting of the tilt angle of the micro mirror in the DMD is ± 10 °. The center optical axis of the projection lens 3 and the image sensor 4 is located at 10 ° to the left and right of a line perpendicular to the surface when the micromirror is OFF (dotted line in the figure). The central optical axes of the light source unit 1 and the absorber 5 are located at 30 ° to the left and right. If the setting of the tilt angle of the micromirror is different, the arrangement angle between the components also changes, but the same is true.
[0070]
Next, in the image reading method, the image adjusting method, and the DLP projector according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as described above, an image is projected at an optical switch ON portion of the reflective optical switch panel 2, and a screen image is read at an OFF portion. In addition to the functional use, the projection image is devised to perform the image projection from the projector and the screen image reading at the same time to grasp the projection image quality and the like. Various test pattern images as shown in FIG. 5 are provided as projection images when performing simultaneous processing of image projection and image reading. The DLP projector according to the second embodiment has a function of projecting these test pattern images. In the figure, in an image frame, white indicates a pixel on (= optical switch ON) and black indicates a pixel off (= optical switch OFF). By projecting a predetermined test pattern image onto the screen 9 and reading the image with the image sensor 4, it is possible to measure predetermined video characteristics (brightness, contrast, color balance, etc.) or environmental characteristics. What is illustrated is an example of a test pattern image.
[0071]
In this DLP projector, such a test pattern image is projected at a predetermined timing, screen image information is read by the image sensor 4 at the time of projecting the test pattern image, and the image quality and screen conditions are adjusted by the adjustment unit 8, and the influence of indoor lighting, etc. Can be detected and calculated, and the projection adjustment processing is performed based on this. As the detection of the video characteristics, for example, color unevenness in an image frame can be detected. In addition, the inclination of the screen can be detected. Further, a change over time can be detected by repeatedly performing the screen image reading process. For example, it is possible to detect a change with time in the illuminance of the light source lamp.
[0072]
As a test pattern image as shown in FIG. 5, especially in a grid pattern at the upper left (a pattern in which pixels are alternately arranged in black and white (ON / OFF)), ON portions and OFF portions of the optical switches are alternately arranged. By reading the image, the image projection component of the ON portion can be read, and the image pattern can be efficiently processed simultaneously with image projection and image reading.
[0073]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a case where image projection and image reading are performed simultaneously. The lower part (b) shows the above-described black and white (ON / OFF) alternately arranged grid pattern as a test pattern image. The upper part (a) shows the state of the micro mirror in the reflection type optical switch panel (DMD) 2 when the pattern is projected. In an adjacent pixel of an image frame, image information of an ON portion around the OFF portion can be read.
[0074]
Further, as another embodiment of the present invention, a configuration for improving the accuracy of reading the screen image information by the above-described image reading means (such as the image sensor 4) will be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image reading method according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a DLP projector having a processing function according to the method. In order to increase the resolution of the above-described screen image reading by the image sensor 4, in the case of a one-chip DLP projector, the image reading operation timing of the image sensor 4 is synchronized with the color filter synchronization signal (Vsync), that is, the color switching in the projection is performed. In this configuration, R, G, and B color images are read in synchronization with timing.
[0075]
In the case of a one-chip type DLP projector, a color filter synchronization signal (based on Vsync) is supplied to the color wheel 12 for color switching, and the color filter synchronization signal is also supplied to the image sensor 4 for synchronization. . The image sensor 4 reads the screen image information as each color image at the same time as the R, G, B color switching. As a result, a reading resolution equivalent to that of the three-chip type can be obtained.
[0076]
As another embodiment for improving the reading accuracy of the screen image information, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the focus of the projection lens 3 is set at the same time when the image projection on the screen 9 and the screen image reading are simultaneously performed. The adjustment is performed so that the image at the optical switch ON portion is efficiently read at the optical switch OFF portion. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an image reading method according to the fourth embodiment and image reading by a DLP projector. In this image reading method, in order to read the image on the screen 9 (the image projected through the optical switch ON unit) by the image sensor 4 through the optical switch OFF unit, the focal point of the projection by the projection lens 3 is slightly shifted back and forth from the screen surface. (Shift) Adjust focus and perform image projection. Conversely, at the time of focus adjustment for adjusting the focus to the screen surface, the read signal output from the image sensor 4 may be minimized.
[0077]
In FIG. 8, the left part (a) shows a case where the focal point of the projection lens 3 coincides with the screen 9 in a normal state. As an example, a case of a test pattern image in which optical switches (micromirrors) ON / OFF are alternately arranged in the above-described image frame is shown (ON portions are solid lines, and OFF portions are dotted lines). The pixel corresponding to the optical switch ON portion becomes white on the screen 9 (white line portion in the figure). The center (b) and the right (c) show how the focus of the projection lens 3 is adjusted and the focus is shifted from the screen 9 to the near side. The center (b) shows the movement of the focal point for a single micromirror ON section. By this movement of the focal point, the size or display position of the display pixel in the ON portion of the optical switch is converted so as to overlap the display position corresponding to the OFF portion (black line portion in the figure). In this embodiment, the case where conversion is performed so as to be about 1 ± 0.5 as compared with the original pixel (micromirror) is shown, whereby the image overlaps the position of the adjacent OFF partial pixel. As shown in the right part (c), the image information of the ON portion in the vicinity of the OFF portion overlaps the OFF portion, and the image sensor 4 can efficiently read the projection image information by the optical switch ON portion, and can monitor and adjust the projection and the like. It can be performed.
[0078]
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the present DLP projector can output screen image information obtained from the image sensor 4 to a monitor. By referring to the monitor output, it is possible to confirm information such as a screen image or projection image quality information calculated based on the screen image, screen characteristics, and the influence of indoor lighting. Also, if a DLP projector having this monitor output function is connected to a network and the projector is accessed from a remote location, the monitor output can be referenced from a remote location. As a result, screen image information, projector status, and the like can be grasped, which is effective for maintenance work and the like.
[0079]
In particular, in the case of the full OFF described above (= all pixels OFF in the projected image frame = all optical switches in the reflective optical switch panel 2), the screen image (the projected image is No) can be read, and by using this, information other than the projected image on the screen 9 can be captured like a digital camera function.
[0080]
FIG. 9 shows a DLP projector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention and a system configuration in which a screen image is captured and data of the captured screen image is used as a system including the DLP projector. For example, a whiteboard can be used as the screen 9 to be used as an electronic blackboard system. The image from the projector can be projected on the white board surface as the screen 9 and the handwritten information drawn on the board and the pasted data can be used as the image when the optical switch of the reflective optical switch panel 2 is fully OFF. The image is taken by reading the image with the sensor 4 and the taken image data is stored in the memory. The imaging size is the size of the image projected on the screen. The captured screen image data is transferred to a computer 15 such as a personal computer via an I / F such as a card I / F and an information storage medium 14 such as a PCMCIA card. In the personal computer 15, presentation data (video signal) to be projected by the projector is input to the video front end unit 6. In the personal computer 15, the original presentation data can be subjected to data processing such as attaching or pasting captured screen image data (handwritten information, materials, etc.). Not limited to use as such an electronic blackboard system, an image on a screen surface can be captured at an image projection size and data can be used.
[0081]
Heretofore, regarding the DMD as the reflection type optical switch panel, the quality of the angle at the time of ON (for example, +10 degrees) of the inclination angle of the micromirror is strictly controlled in order to guarantee the projection image quality. However, the inclination angle when the micromirror is OFF is not required to be so strictly controlled, or is not strictly controlled in practice. On the other hand, the DLP projector with a built-in screen image reading / adjustment mechanism of the present invention uses a DMD chip whose quality of the tilt angle when the optical switch is OFF is strictly controlled, and actively uses the optical path when the micromirror is OFF. It is effective to do. As a result, it becomes possible to read the screen image and adjust the image with higher quality.
[0082]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the one-chip type DLP projector using the DMD chip in which the optical switch switches at an inclination angle of ± 10 degrees has been described as an example, but the same applies to a reflection type optical switch panel having a different switching angle. In a three-chip type and two-chip type DLP projector, an image reading means (image sensor and the like) is arranged on the central optical axis of the incident optical path when the reflection type optical switch is turned off in the same concept. This is the same as reading a screen image formed on the reflective optical switch panel surface.
[0083]
Next, a configuration of a DLP projector according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a DLP projector according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the configuration of the DLP projector according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 17 and the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is that the image is not projected from the projection lens 3 onto the screen 9 but is projected from the projection lens 3. Only the part changed so as to include the measurement screen 19 located just before the projection lens 3 and the other components are the same, so that the configuration shown in FIG. 17 and the configuration shown in FIG. The same reference numerals are given to the same components and their detailed description is omitted.
[0084]
This embodiment is a configuration for measuring the illuminance characteristics of the projection on the measurement screen 19 by projecting a test pattern on the measurement screen 19 and reading the projected image.
[0085]
As shown in FIG. 17, a DLP projector according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention includes a light source unit (illumination system) 1 including a lamp 11, a color wheel 12, an integrator rod 13, and the like, and a reflective optical switch panel 2. , A projection lens 3, an image sensor (imaging element) 4, an absorber (absorption plate) 5, a video front end unit 6, an image signal processing unit 7, an adjustment unit 8 (included in the image signal processing unit 7), and the like. And a small measuring screen 19 on which a projection image from the projection lens 3 is projected.
[0086]
As shown in FIG. 18, the measurement screen 19 is located immediately before the projection lens 3 of the projector main body 18 and is installed perpendicular to the central optical axis. The measurement screen 19 is installed on the opposite side of the reflection type optical switch panel 2 with the projection lens 3 interposed therebetween, and the distance between the projection lens 3 and the measurement screen 19 is a predetermined value. The measurement screen 19 may be separated from the projector main body 18 or may have a structure connected to the projector main body 18 using a connection member. If the measurement screen 19 is installed on the projector main body 18 via the hinge, the measurement screen 19 is rotated away from the projection lens 3 during normal use, and the measurement screen 19 is placed in front of the projection lens 3 during illuminance measurement. It can be rotated, and switching between normal use and illuminance measurement can be performed in a short time.
[0087]
Further, as shown in FIG. 19A, a lens cap 20 for protecting the projection lens 3 and the internal optical system can be used as the measurement screen 19. Since the conventional lens cap is formed of a light-shielding material or painted, the surface of the lens cap 20 on the side of the projection lens 3 reflects projection light so as to function as a screen surface, for example. Although it is white, as shown in FIG. 19B, it is also possible to adopt a structure in which an individual screen body 21 is fixed to the surface of the lens cap 20 on the side of the projection lens 3 by bonding or the like.
[0088]
Next, a method of measuring the illuminance will be described. As shown in FIG. 20, the illuminance of the measurement screen 19 is measured at each of nine divided measurement points on the measurement screen 19. Further, by measuring the illuminance, the luminous flux, the peripheral illuminance ratio, the contrast, and the like can be obtained.
[0089]
As the light flux, a signal of 100% white (R: 255, G: 255, B: 255, 8-bit video signal) is input to the DLP projector of the present embodiment, the illuminance at 9 points is measured, and the light flux ( ANSI lumen) = average illuminance (lux) of 9 points × area (square meter) of the measurement screen 19. The peripheral illuminance ratio is obtained by averaging the illuminances of the four corner points among the nine points and dividing the average by the central illuminance. The contrast was measured by inputting a signal of 100% black (R: 0, G: 0, B: 0) to the DLP projector of the present embodiment, measuring 9 points of illuminance, and measuring the average illuminance of 9 points of contrast = white. (Lux) ÷ is obtained as the average illuminance (lux) of 9 points of black.
[0090]
Next, the operation will be described. Light from the light source unit 1 is reflected by an optical switch ON portion of the reflection type optical switch panel 2, and a test pattern image is projected on the measurement screen 19 via the projection lens 3, and at the same time, a projected image on the measurement screen 19 Is incident on the reflection type optical switch panel 2 via the projection lens 3, is reflected by the optical switch OFF portion of the reflection type optical switch panel 2, is input to the image sensor 4, and is read.
[0091]
As a projected image for performing simultaneous processing of image projection and image reading, a test pattern arranged in a black and white checkerboard pattern as shown in FIG. In the figure, white indicates a pixel on (= optical switch ON), and black indicates a pixel off (= optical switch OFF).
[0092]
The DLP projector according to the present embodiment projects the test pattern image shown in FIG. 21A on the measurement screen 19 at a predetermined timing, reads the projected image on the measurement screen 19 by the image sensor 4, and performs image signal processing. The illuminance of the entire measurement screen 19 is calculated by the unit 7.
[0093]
Here, since the measurement screen 19 is disposed immediately before the projection lens 3, the focus of the projection lens 3 is shifted from the position of the measurement screen 19, and the image corresponding to the optical switch ON portion is enlarged or the position is enlarged. By adjusting and reading the image information of the optical switch ON portion at the optical switch OFF portion, the projected image by the optical switch ON portion, that is, the illuminance of the measurement screen 19 was read by the image sensor 4 via the optical switch OFF portion. The image information is image-processed by the image signal processing unit 7 for each of the nine measurement points to calculate the ANSI lumen.
[0094]
Further, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), a test pattern arranged in a black and white checkerboard pattern divided into nine parts so as to correspond one-to-one to each area of the measurement screen 19 divided into nine parts is applied, The ANSI lumen can be calculated by reading the image of the 9-division test pattern on the measurement screen 19 at the sensor portion of the image sensor 4 in the area corresponding to the 9-division test pattern. For example, these test patterns are sequentially switched from the upper left pattern to the lower right pattern in FIG. 21B, and image projection and image reading by the image sensor 4 are repeated.
[0095]
Further, by repeatedly performing the above-described illuminance measurement after a predetermined time, for example, a temporal change in the luminance of the lamp 11 can be detected.
[0096]
As described above, according to the DLP projector of the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the configuration including the measurement screen 19 disposed immediately before the projection lens 3 allows the external environment such as the ambient brightness to be improved. Irradiance can be accurately measured by simultaneous processing of image projection and image reading by the projector itself, without the need for a dedicated illuminance measurement site that is calibrated. Can be
[0097]
In particular, the projector itself accurately measures the illuminance not only when performing adjustment work during the manufacturing and installation stages of the projector, but also when performing maintenance work, such as grasping changes over time of the projector and replacing parts or adjusting misalignment. The effect that it becomes possible to do it is acquired.
[0098]
As described above, several embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, each of the embodiments described above is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. However, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0099]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, in the present invention, the projection lens and the reflection type optical switch are considered based on the configuration and operation characteristics of the conventional DLP projector (projection lens and reflection type optical switch panel, projection optical path and incident optical path, etc.). An image reading means (image sensor) is disposed on the incident optical path when the reflection type optical switch is turned off by effectively using the panel mechanism as it is, so that high quality reading of screen image information by the DLP projector itself (projector Resolution). In particular, accurate reading of image information (not a part of the image projection range or including the external information) of the screen image just for the image projection range (projection size) on the screen surface has been realized. Image adjustment can be performed effectively and efficiently based on the read image information, and high-quality image projection can be realized.
[0100]
The present invention realizes a simple and high-quality reading (measurement) of a screen image without the need for a dedicated measuring device and specialized technology that have been required in the past, and can detect a temporal change or an adjustment deviation of the projection image quality. Therefore, adjustment processing such as calibration and correction of the projection image quality and calibration can be realized, and the image quality can be improved. Adjustment processing such as calibration and correction of the projection image quality eliminates the effects of differences in the screen surface (color, pattern, irregularities, scratches, dust, reflected light from indoor lighting, etc.) on the projected image quality during actual use. Even when the projection environments are significantly different, it is possible to realize uniform projection image quality.
Since the screen image at the time of actual use can be grasped with high accuracy, the projector installation / adjustment, maintenance work, and the like are simplified. With the screen image information reading and image adjustment functions, it is possible to realize a high-quality projected image close to the case where a dedicated screen is used, even when an image is projected directly on a wall surface or a ceiling.
[0101]
Further, it is possible to automate the projection adjustment process by performing the image adjustment by feed-forwarding the screen image information read by the image reading unit to the image signal processing unit. By automatically performing screen image reading, image quality adjustment processing, and the like at a predetermined timing such as when the projector is started, the labor required for adjustment work conventionally required is greatly reduced, and high-quality image projection can always be maintained. By automating the adjustment, it is possible to reduce the influence of a change over time (brightness of the lamp, misalignment of the optical system, etc.) on the projected image quality.
[0102]
Further, according to the present invention, a monitor output of a screen image is made possible. For example, the projector is connected to a network and accessed from a remote place to recognize and monitor the state of the projector (image quality, temporal change, failure symptom, etc.). And so on, which is also effective in terms of maintenance work and the like.
[0103]
In addition, the DLP projector of the present invention can be used as data by capturing an image on the screen surface with a size corresponding to the image projection range by the image reading means, in addition to adjusting the screen image, For example, it can be used as an electronic blackboard system. When used as an electronic blackboard system, not only an image projected by a projector but also a hand-drawn image on a screen (such as a whiteboard) or a pasted document can be taken. A hand-drawn image or the like drawn on a board used as a screen is read by image reading means, and the data can be pasted on data used for a presentation by image projection.
[0104]
In the present invention, there is no need to install a new optical switch (micromirror) for reading screen image information or to switch the optical path by setting and controlling the angle of a new optical switch. The screen image information can be read simply by arranging the image reading means (image sensor) inside the projector main body by effectively utilizing the information. In the conventional projector, the projection lens and the reflection type optical switch panel were used only in one direction for image projection. However, in the present invention, the conversion to use the bidirectional use and perform screen image reading using the incident optical path has been changed. Has been done. As a result, in terms of the quality of screen image reading, an effect equivalent to or higher than that of incorporating a high-resolution (equivalent to the resolution of a projector) digital camera can be expected.
[0105]
In particular, according to the fourth and twelfth aspects of the invention, the quality of the screen image reading can be further improved by synchronizing the operation of the image reading means with the color switching operation of the color filter.
[0106]
In particular, in the fifth and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, the focus adjustment of the projection lens is performed at the same time when the image projection and the image reading are performed simultaneously, so that the optical switch ON part in the image frame can be read more efficiently in the optical switch ON part. , The quality of screen image reading can be further improved.
[0107]
In particular, according to the sixth and fourteenth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to capture a screen image at an image projection size and use the data by reading an image in the optical switch full OFF operation in the reflection type optical switch panel.
[0108]
With the above effects, installation, adjustment and maintenance of the DLP projector and operation by the user can be made simple and hassle-free, and usability can be greatly improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a DLP projector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an installation position of an image sensor.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a projection optical path and an incident optical path when an optical switch is turned off in the DLP projector of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a system configuration in a case where image adjustment processing is performed by feeding screen image information to an image signal processing unit.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test pattern image.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing simultaneous processing of image projection and image reading as a second embodiment of the present invention, and particularly, a case where black and white alternating image projection is performed as a test pattern image. .
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration in a case where an image is read in synchronization with color switching as a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram when performing focus adjustment control of a projection lens as a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration in a case where a screen image is captured and data of the captured image is used as a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a relative angle of arrangement of each component when a DMD mirror of a DLP projector is turned off.
FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a projection optical path when a mirror of a DMD of a one-chip DLP projector is turned ON / OFF.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a conventional DLP projector.
FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of a one-chip DLP projector.
FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a structure of a three-chip DLP projector.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing how a projector is installed and adjusted using a dedicated measuring instrument and the like.
FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing an incident optical path when a mirror of a DMD of a one-chip DLP projector is turned on / off.
FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a DLP projector according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory view of a measurement screen.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a lens cap.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of illuminance measurement.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of an illuminance measurement test pattern.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Light source
11 lamp
12 color wheel
13 Integrator rod
2 Reflective optical switch panel (DMD, etc.)
3 Projection lens
4 Image sensor
5 Absorber
6 Video front end
7 Image signal processing unit
8 Adjustment unit
9 screen
14. Card I / F and card (information storage medium)
15 Computers such as personal computers
18 Projector body
19 Screen for measurement
20 Lens cap
21 Screen body

Claims (22)

An image reading method for reading a screen image in a DLP projector including a reflection type optical switch panel in which reflection type optical switches are arranged in a matrix and a projection lens, wherein the reflection type light switch is incident from the screen direction through the projection lens and the reflection is performed. The image projection size of the DLP projector on the screen surface is read by reading the screen image formed on the surface of the optical switch panel by the image reading means using the incident light path when the optical switch in the reflection type optical switch panel is OFF. An image reading method, wherein screen image information is read by a computer. 2. The screen image is read by an image sensor arranged as the image reading means on a central optical axis of an incident optical path of the reflection type optical switch panel when an optical switch of the reflection type optical switch panel is turned off. Image reading method. In the image frame, a plurality of optical switches in the reflection type optical switch panel are turned ON / OFF to project a test pattern image for use for image projection and image reading for the image reading, and the image projection and the projection image are included. 3. The image reading method according to claim 1, wherein reading of the screen image information is simultaneously performed. What is claimed is: 1. An image reading method for a one-chip DLP projector having an RGB color filter circuit and performing color switching control, wherein a timing of a screen image reading operation by said image reading means is synchronized with a color switching operation of said color filter circuit. The image reading method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: When the image projection and the image reading are simultaneously performed, focus adjustment control is performed to slightly defocus the projection lens before and after the screen surface, thereby enlarging or adjusting the position of the image corresponding to the optical switch ON portion. 5. The image reading method according to claim 1, wherein image information of an optical switch ON portion is read at an OFF portion. 6. The image switch according to claim 1, wherein the optical switch of the reflective optical switch panel is set to a full OFF state, the image reading unit captures screen image information, and outputs the image data. 7. Image reading method. An image adjustment method for adjusting a projection image of a DLP projector including a reflection type optical switch panel in which reflection type optical switches are arranged in a matrix and a projection lens, wherein the reflection type optical switch is incident from the screen direction through the projection lens. A screen image formed on the reflective optical switch panel surface is read by an image reading unit using an incident optical path when the optical switch in the reflective optical switch panel is OFF, and an image is formed based on the read screen image information. An image adjustment method, wherein a signal processing unit performs a projection image adjustment process. Based on the screen image information read by the image reading means, the projection image quality, the screen characteristics, the influence of indoor lighting, the state of the components of the projector, and their temporal changes and adjustment deviations are detected. 8. The image adjustment method according to claim 7, wherein the signal processing unit performs an adjustment process such as calibration, correction, and calibration of the projection image data or a projection setting change process. A light source unit composed of a lamp or the like, a reflective optical switch panel having a structure in which optical switches for reflecting light emitted from the light source unit are arranged in a matrix, and a reflection state of the optical switch being turned on based on an input video signal. An image signal processing unit for generating and outputting image code data to be controlled / off controlled, a projection lens for projecting light reflected when the optical switch is on to a screen surface, and a screen via the projection lens when the optical switch is off. Image reading means for reading the screen image by using the optical path of the screen image incident from the direction, whereby the screen image information is read at the image projection size of the DLP projector on the screen surface. DLP projector. An image sensor is arranged as the image reading means on the central optical axis of the incident optical path when the optical switch of the projection lens and the reflection type optical switch panel is OFF, and the screen image information is read by the image sensor. The DLP projector according to claim 9, wherein Means for projecting a test pattern image having a pattern for selectively using ON / OFF of an optical switch in an image frame, and image information of the ON portion of the optical switch as screen image information by the image reading means when projecting the test pattern image 11. The DLP projector according to claim 9, wherein the light is read by the optical switch OFF portion. A one-chip DLP projector having an RGB color filter circuit and performing color switching control, wherein a timing of a screen image reading operation by the image reading means is synchronized with a color switching operation of the color filter circuit. Item 12. The DLP projector according to any one of Items 9 to 11. Means for enlarging or adjusting the position of the image corresponding to the optical switch ON portion by performing focus adjustment control to slightly defocus the projection lens before and after the screen surface during simultaneous execution of the image projection and image reading. The DLP projector according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein image information of an optical switch ON portion is read by the optical switch OFF portion. 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a unit that turns off an optical switch of the reflection type optical switch panel, captures screen image information with the image reading unit, and outputs the image data. The DLP projector according to the item. The DLP according to any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising an adjustment unit configured to perform a projection image adjustment process in an image signal processing unit based on the screen image information read by the image reading unit. projector. Based on the screen image information read by the image reading means, the projection image quality, the screen characteristics, the influence of the indoor lighting, the state of the projector components, and their temporal changes and adjustment deviations are detected, and based on these information, 16. The DLP projector according to claim 15, wherein the image signal processing unit performs an adjustment process such as calibration, correction, and calibration of the projection image data or a projection setting change process. The measurement screen is installed immediately before the projection lens, and an image projected on the measurement screen by the optical switch ON portion is read by the optical switch OFF portion. 7. The image reading method according to any one of 6. 18. The image reading method according to claim 17, wherein the projection lens cap is used as the measurement screen. The DLP projector according to any one of claims 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14, further comprising a measurement screen provided immediately before the projection lens. 20. The DLP projector according to claim 19, further comprising the projection lens cap as the measurement screen. 21. The DLP projector according to claim 20, wherein the projection lens cap includes a screen body installed inside. A light source unit, a reflection type optical switch panel in which reflection type optical switches are arranged in a matrix, a projection lens, and image reading means, wherein the light from the light source unit is reflected by the optical switch ON part and A DLP projector which projects light from a projection lens, reflects light incident on the projection lens by the optical switch OFF portion, and inputs the light to the image reading means.

Images