JP2007082027A - Content output unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content output unit for improving operability. <P>SOLUTION: A projection key 56p for turning on a projection function is arranged on the surface of a case C1. A case C2 is made to vertically slide so as to be shifted between a non-slide status covering the projection key 56p and a slide status exposing the projection key 56p. A light source and an SLM installed in the case C1 vertically projects an optical image corresponding to a TV video. The projected optical image is transmitted through a lens installed in the case C2. The light source and the SLM are started by a system controller when the projection key 56p is operated. The projection key 56p is exposed when the case C2 is made to slide to start the projection of the TV video. As a result, it is possible to prevent the erroneous operation of the projection key 56p, and to improve operability. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a content output device, and more particularly to a content output device having a function of projecting video content, for example.

An example of a conventional device of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to this prior art, the projector unit is provided in the mobile phone. Text and images corresponding to transmission / reception information are projected onto an arbitrary projection target by the projector unit.
JP 2000-236375 A [H04M 1/02, G10L 11/00, H04M 11/00]

    However, in the prior art, the interval between the liquid crystal unit forming the projector unit and the projection lens is fixed. For this reason, in order to adjust the size of the projected content, it is necessary to change the distance from the apparatus main body to the projection target, that is, the position of the apparatus main body, resulting in lack of operability.

    Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a content output apparatus capable of improving operability.

  The content output device (10) according to the invention of claim 1 includes a first case (C1) having a surface on which a projection key (56p) is disposed, between a closed state that covers the projection key and an open state that exposes the projection key. Projection means (44a, 44b) for projecting an optical image corresponding to the video content in a predetermined direction provided in the second case (C2) and the first case for sliding in a predetermined direction to make transition in the second case A lens (44c) that transmits the optical image projected by the projection means, and an activation means (S9) that activates the projection means when the projection key is operated.

  A projection key for turning on the projection function is disposed on the surface of the first case. The second case slides in a predetermined direction to transition between a closed state that covers the projection key and an open state that exposes the projection key. Projection means provided in the first case projects an optical image corresponding to the video content in a predetermined direction. The projected optical image is transmitted through a lens provided in the second case. The projection means is activated by the activation means when the projection key is operated.

  The projection means and the lens are provided in the first case and the second case, respectively, and the projection key is disposed on the surface of the first case. When the second case is changed from the closed state to the open state, the distance from the projection means to the lens is ensured, and the projection key is exposed. When the exposed projection key is operated, the projection means is activated. The video content is projected on the projection target.

  In this way, the operation key is exposed when the second case is shifted to the open state to start projecting the video content. As a result, erroneous operation of the operation keys can be avoided and operability is improved.

  The content output device according to the invention of claim 2 is dependent on claim 1, and further comprises first display means (S21, S37) for displaying the video content on the video monitor (52) when the projection means is in a stopped state. Accordingly, it is possible to arbitrarily select whether to view the video content by projecting onto the projection target or to view the video content by displaying on the video monitor by operating the projection key.

  The content output device according to the invention of claim 3 is dependent on claim 2, and further comprises second display means (S19, S39) for displaying related information related to the video content on the video monitor when the projection means is in an operating state. . By projecting video content, an empty space is generated on the video monitor. Displaying the related information on the video monitor in which space is available improves convenience for the viewer.

  A content output device according to a fourth aspect of the invention is dependent on the second or third aspect, wherein the video content is a broadcast program supplied using a television broadcast system, and the related information is detailed information of the broadcast program. Thereby, the details of the broadcast program can be confirmed without disturbing the viewing of the broadcast program.

  The content output device according to the invention of claim 5 is dependent on claim 4 and further comprises first updating means (S23, S31) for updating the display on the video monitor to the broadcast program guide when a program guide output operation is accepted.

  The content output device according to the invention of claim 6 is dependent on claim 5 and further comprises communication means (14) for performing wireless communication using the mobile communication system, and the broadcast program guide is acquired by the communication means. By acquiring the broadcast program guide using the mobile communication system, it is possible to avoid a situation where the broadcast program reception operation is hindered by the broadcast program acquisition operation.

  A content output device according to a seventh aspect of the invention is dependent on any one of the second to seventh aspects, and the video monitor is provided on the surface of the second case. This improves portability.

  According to the present invention, the operation key is exposed when the second case is shifted to the open state so as to start projecting the video content. As a result, erroneous operation of the operation keys can be avoided and operability is improved.

  The above object, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the portable terminal 10 of this embodiment includes a key input device 56. When a call operation is performed by the key input device 56, the system controller 54 commands the radio circuit 14 to output a call signal. The radio circuit 14 emits a call signal from the antenna 12, and the emitted call signal is transmitted to the mobile terminal of the communication partner via the mobile communication system. When the other party performs an incoming call operation, it becomes possible to make a call.

  A modulated voice signal (high frequency signal) sent from the other party through the mobile communication system is captured by the antenna 12. The captured modulated audio signal is demodulated by the radio circuit 14 and decoded by the signal processing circuit 16. The reception voice data decoded by the signal processing circuit 16 is converted by the AD / DA conversion circuit 18 into a reception voice signal which is an analog signal. The converted received voice signal is output from the speaker 26 via the amplifier 24.

  The transmission voice signal captured by the microphone 22 passes through the amplifier 20 and is then converted into transmission voice data which is a digital signal by the AD / DA conversion circuit 18. The converted transmission voice data is subjected to encoding processing by the signal processing circuit 16 and further subjected to modulation processing by the radio circuit 14. The modulated audio signal generated by the radio circuit 14 is emitted from the antenna 12 and transmitted to the other party via the mobile communication system, as described above.

  When a call end operation is performed by the key input device 56, the system controller 54 controls the signal processing circuit 16 and the radio circuit 14 to transmit a call end signal to the other party. After transmitting the call end signal, the system controller 54 ends the call process. Even when a call end signal is received from the other party first, the system controller 54 ends the call processing.

  When the TV reception mode is selected by the key input device 56, the system controller 54 activates the terrestrial tuner 30 and instructs the radio circuit 14 to acquire EPG data.

  The terrestrial tuner 30 receives a TV broadcast signal (high frequency signal) supplied from the television broadcasting system through the antenna 28 and outputs a baseband signal of a desired channel. The output baseband signal is processed by the signal processing circuit 32, whereby TV video data and TV audio data are generated. The generated TV video data and TV audio data are written into the DRAM 34 by the memory control circuit 36.

  The radio circuit 14 accesses a broadcast station server (not shown) connected to the Internet via the mobile communication system, and acquires EPG data. The EPG data includes broadcast program guide data in which the titles of a plurality of programs are described according to the broadcast time zone, and program detailed data in which details of each program (outline of performers and stories) are described. The acquired EPG data is written into the DRAM 34 by the memory control circuit 36.

  The TV sound data stored in the DRAM 34 is given to the sound output circuit 38 via the memory control circuit 36. The audio output circuit 38 drives the speaker 40 based on the given TV audio data, and as a result, TV audio is output from the speaker 40.

  If the projection function, that is, the video output circuit 42 and the optical system 44 are in the OFF state, the TV video data stored in the DRAM 34 is supplied to the adder 46 through the memory control circuit 36. The character generator 48 displays character data representing a telephone-related icon indicating a reception state of the antenna 12 and a remaining battery (not shown), and a TV-related icon for guiding a channel switching operation, a volume switching operation, and an EPG acquisition operation. Output.

  Video data from the memory control circuit 36 and character data from the character generator 48 are added by an adder 46. The video output circuit 50 drives the LCD monitor 52 based on the added video data given from the adder 46. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4A, a telephone related icon is displayed at the top of the screen, a TV video is displayed at the center of the screen, and a TV related icon is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

  Here, when the EPG function is turned on by operating the key input device 56, the system controller 54 commands the memory control circuit 36 to read the broadcast program guide data. The memory control circuit 36 reads the broadcast program guide data from the DRAM 34 instead of the TV video data, and gives the read broadcast program guide data to the adder 46. Broadcast program guide data is added to character data. The broadcast program guide is displayed in the center of the screen of the LCD monitor 32 as shown in FIG.

  If the projection function is on, the memory control circuit 36 gives the TV video data stored in the DRAM 34 to the video output circuit 42, and the program detailed data stored in the DRAM 34 (corresponding to the broadcast program currently output). Program detail data) to be added to the adder 46. The video output circuit 42 controls the optical system 44 based on the given TV video data, and the adder 46 adds the given program detailed data to the character data. As a result, the corresponding TV image is projected onto a wall surface, for example, and the details of the current program are displayed in the center of the screen of the LCD monitor 32 as shown in FIG.

  Here, when the EPG function is turned on by operating the key input device 56, the system controller 54 commands the memory control circuit 36 to read the broadcast program guide data, as described above. The memory control circuit 36 reads the broadcast program guide data from the DRAM 34 instead of the program detail data, and gives the read broadcast program guide data to the adder 46. Broadcast program guide data is added to character data. The broadcast program guide is displayed in the center of the screen of the LCD monitor 32 as shown in FIG.

  2A and 2B, the LCD monitor 52 is disposed slightly above the front surface of the case C2, and a part of the operation key group 56a forming the key input device 56 is formed on the case C2. It is arranged slightly in front. Another part of the operation key group 56b forming the key input device 56 is arranged in front of the case C1. The cases C1 and C2 are fitted to each other, and the operation key group 56b is exposed by sliding the case C2 upward.

  The projection function is turned on / off in response to an operation of the projection key 56p forming the operation key group 56b. The EPG function is turned on / off in response to an operation of the EPG key 56g forming the operation key group 56a.

  Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the optical system 44 includes a light source 44a, an SLM (Spatial Light Modulator) 44b, and a lens 44c. The light source 44a and the SLM 44b are provided in the case C1, and the lens 44c is provided in the case C1. The video output circuit 42 described above controls a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (not shown) that forms the SLM 44b.

  The SLM 44b approaches the lens 44c in the non-sliding state, and moves away from the lens 44c in the sliding state. Further, the projection key 56p is disposed in front of the case C1. Therefore, when the case C2 is changed from the non-sliding state to the sliding state, the distance from the SLM 44b to the lens 44c is ensured, and the projection key 56p is exposed. When the exposed projection key 56p is operated, the projection function is turned on. The video content is projected on the wall surface.

  Thus, the projection key 56p for turning on the projection function is exposed in a sliding state in which the distance from the SLM 44b to the lens 44c is secured. Therefore, an erroneous operation of the projection key 56p is avoided and operability is improved.

  The system controller 54 executes a plurality of tasks including the display control task shown in FIGS. Note that control programs corresponding to these tasks are stored in the flash memory 58.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in step S1, initialization processing is performed. As a result, the projection flag and the EPG flag are reset, the projection function is turned off, and the TV image is displayed at the center of the screen of the LCD monitor 52. The projection flag is a flag for identifying whether the projection function is on or off, and the EPG flag is for identifying whether the EPG function is on or off. Flag.

  In step S3, it is determined whether or not the projection key 56p has been operated. If YES, the state of the projection flag is determined in step S5. If the projection flag is in the reset state, the projection flag is set in step S7, and the projection function is turned on in step S9. The TV image is projected onto the wall surface by turning on the projection function. On the other hand, if the projection flag is set, the projection flag is reset in step S13, and the projection function is turned off in step S15. As a result, the projection of the TV image on the wall surface is interrupted.

  In each of steps S11 and S17, it is determined whether or not the EPG flag is in a reset state. If YES is determined in the step S11, the process proceeds to a step S19 so as to display details of the current program at the center of the screen of the LCD monitor 32. If “YES” is determined in the step S17, the process proceeds to a step S21 so as to display a TV image at the center of the LCD monitor 32. If NO is determined in step S11 or S17, the broadcast program guide is displayed at the center of the screen of the LCD monitor 32 in step S23. When the process of step S19, S21 or S23 is completed, the process returns to step S3.

  If NO is determined in the step S3, it is determined whether or not the EPG key 56g is operated in a step S25. If YES, the process proceeds to step S27 to determine whether or not the EPG flag is in a reset state. If the EPG flag is in the reset state, the EPG flag is set in step S29, and the broadcast program guide is displayed in the center of the LCD monitor 32 in step S31. When the process of step S31 is completed, the process returns to step S3.

  If the EPG flag is in the set state, the EPG flag is reset in step S33, and it is determined in step S35 whether the projection flag is in the reset state. If “YES” here, a TV image is displayed at the center of the screen of the LCD monitor 32 in a step S37. On the other hand, if NO, the details of the current program are displayed at the center of the screen of the LCD monitor 32 in step S39. When the process of step S37 or S39 is completed, the process returns to step S3.

  As can be seen from the above description, the projection key 56p for turning on the projection function is arranged on the surface of the case C1. The case C2 slides in the vertical direction so as to transition between a non-sliding state (closed state) covering the projection key 56p and a sliding state (open state) exposing the projection key 56p. The light source 44a and the SLM 44b provided in the case C1 project an optical image corresponding to the TV video (video content) in the vertical direction. The projected optical image passes through the lens 44c provided in the case C2. The light source 44a and the SLM 44b are activated by the system controller 54 when the projection key 56p is operated (S9).

  The light source 44a and the SLM 44b are provided in the case C1, and the lens 44c is provided in the case C2. The projection key 56p is disposed on the surface of the case C1. When the case C2 is transitioned from the non-sliding state to the sliding state, the distance from the SLM 44b to the lens 44c is secured, and the projection key 56p is exposed. When the exposed projection key 56p is operated, the light source 44a and the SLM 44b are activated. The TV image is projected on the wall surface.

  Thus, the projection key 56p is exposed when the case C2 is slid to start projection of the TV video. As a result, erroneous operation of the projection key 56p can be avoided, and operability is improved.

  In this embodiment, the TV video received in real time is output as video content. However, a recorded TV video, a moving image or a still image taken by a home video camera is output. It may be.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, a portable terminal is assumed, but the present invention can also be applied to a stationary projector.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Example of this invention. (A) It is a front view which shows the external appearance of FIG. 1 Example in a non-sliding state, (B) is a front view which shows the external appearance of FIG. 1 Example in a sliding state. (A) It is an illustration figure which shows a part of structure of FIG. 1 Example in a non-sliding state, (B) is an illustration figure which shows a part of structure of FIG. 1 Example in a sliding state. (A) is an illustrative view showing an example of a display state of a transmissive LCD in a non-sliding state, and (B) is an illustrative view showing an example of a display state of a transmissive LCD in a sliding state. C) is an illustrative view showing one example of a display state of the transmissive LCD when the EPG function is on. It is a flowchart which shows a part of operation | movement of the system controller applied to the FIG. 1 Example. It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of the system controller applied to the FIG. 1 Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Portable terminal 12, 28 ... Antenna 14 ... Radio circuit 16, 32 ... Signal processing circuit 30 ... Terrestrial tuner 38, 42 ... Video output circuit 40 ... Optical system 44 ... LCD monitor 56p ... Projection key

Claims (7)

A first case having a surface on which a projection key is disposed;
A second case that slides in a predetermined direction to transition between a closed state that covers the projection key and an open state that exposes the projection key;
Projection means provided in the first case for projecting an optical image corresponding to video content in the predetermined direction;
A content output device, comprising: a lens provided in the second case and transmitting an optical image projected by the projection unit; and an activation unit that activates the projection unit when the projection key is operated.   The content output device according to claim 1, further comprising first display means for displaying the video content on a video monitor when the projection means is stopped.   The content output device according to claim 2, further comprising second display means for displaying related information related to the video content on the video monitor when the projection means is in an operating state. The video content is a broadcast program supplied using a television broadcasting system,
4. The content output device according to claim 2, wherein the related information is detailed information of the broadcast program.   5. The content output apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising first update means for updating the display on the video monitor to a broadcast program guide when a program guide output operation is received. A communication means for performing wireless communication using the mobile communication system;
The content output apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the broadcast program guide is acquired by the communication unit.   The content output device according to claim 2, wherein the video monitor is provided on a surface of the second case.

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