JP2007178747A - Projector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a projector that can perform optical zoom and digital zoom as a series of operations using a single kind of operation. <P>SOLUTION: The projector comprises a zoom adjustment knob 14, provided with an optical zoom operating range OR for adjusting the optical zoom, by moving a projection lens 12 and a digital zoom operating range DR for adjusting the digital zoom by continuing the optical zoom of the range OR from a position TE reaching a tele end; a detection part for detecting an operation position of the knob 14; a storing part for storing, to respond zoom data contracting images with a prescribed operation position of the digital zoom operating range DR by processing an input image signal so as to carry out digital zooming of a smaller prescribed magnification, than when the optical zoom reaches the tele end; and a control part for carrying out digital zoom, on the basis of the data by reading corresponding zoom data from the storing part, when the detection part detects that the zoom adjustment knob 14 is operated at a prescribed operation position of the digital zoom operation range DR. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a projector having an optical zoom function and a digital zoom function.

  In recent years, projectors have become widespread as devices capable of displaying large screens. The projector forms an image by processing light emitted from a light source by an image forming unit such as a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) based on an image signal input from an external device such as a personal computer, and projects the image. Projects and displays on a screen through a lens. In the past, projectors have been used to display document images and DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks) that are referred to in meetings, etc. on large screens installed in large places such as large conference rooms that can accommodate a large number of people and living rooms around 20 tatami mats. ) Has been used to display large images on the large screen, but recently it has been installed in a narrow space such as a narrow booth that can accommodate several people, a partition, or a room with less than a dozen tatami mats. It is also used to display material images, DVD playback images, etc., which are referred to in meetings, etc., on a small screen. As a device for displaying images in a small booth, etc., a notebook computer has been conventionally used. However, a notebook computer has an operation unit (keyboard) immediately in front of the display unit (display). Therefore, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to see the display unit during operation of the operation unit due to the operator getting in the way. In contrast, the projector is provided with an operation unit (an operation unit of the projector main body or a remote control or an operation unit such as a personal computer connected to the projector) at a position away from the display unit (screen). In addition, there is an advantage that the operator does not get in the way and the display unit does not become difficult to see. Such advantages promote the spread of projectors.

  The projector has an optical zoom function that changes the size of the projected image on the screen by moving the projection lens to change the focal length, and the size of the image formed by DMD or the like by processing the input image signal. Some have a digital zoom function that changes the size of the projected image on the screen by changing the size. In addition, a projector having an optical zoom function or a digital zoom function is provided with a diaphragm for limiting the amount of light incident on the projection lens. As another apparatus having an optical zoom function and a digital zoom function and having a diaphragm, there is an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera. There are two types of optical zoom: a manual mechanism that can adjust the zoom by moving the lens by operating a knob or the like, and a lens by driving an electric motor such as a motor by operating an operation key provided on the main body or automatically. There is an electric mechanism that can adjust the zoom by moving. Currently, optical zoom using an electric mechanism is widely used in imaging devices such as cameras, but the cost of installing an electric motor or the like is higher than that of an optical zoom using a manual mechanism. Has been. Since cost reduction is indispensable for promoting the spread of projectors, optical zoom using a manual mechanism is widely adopted in projectors. The digital zoom is generally considered to be a function for cutting and enlarging a part of an image to be displayed.

  As the above related technique, the following Patent Document 1 discloses an optical zoom function by an electric mechanism in an optical scanning projector. Patent Document 2 below discloses an automatic focus adjustment function based on analysis of a reflected image from a screen in a projection apparatus system. Further, Patent Document 3 below discloses a diaphragm adjustment function by an electric mechanism in a projection type image display device.

JP 2003-255263 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-244028 JP 2002-107662 A

  However, in conventional projectors, optical zoom using a manual mechanism is performed independently by operating a knob or the like, and digital zoom is performed independently by operating a key on an operation unit or the like. Therefore, the optical zoom is gradually adjusted to be larger or smaller. If the magnification that cannot be adjusted with the optical zoom is adjusted with the digital zoom after the operation is performed, two or more kinds of operations are required, which is troublesome and time consuming.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a projector capable of performing optical zoom and digital zoom as a series of operations by one kind of operation.

  The present invention adjusts the light emitted from the light source by the image forming means based on the input image signal to form an image, projects the image onto the screen through the projection lens, and manually moves the projection lens. An optical zoom function that changes the size of the projected image on the screen by changing the focal length, and the size of the image formed by the image forming means by processing the input image signal and changing the size of the projected image on the screen In a projector having a digital zoom function for changing the size, an optical zoom operation range for adjusting an optical zoom capable of changing a focal length by moving a projection lens is provided, and the optical zoom of the optical zoom operation range is at a telephoto end (telephoto). Digitals to continue from the position that reaches the side) A zoom adjustment means provided with a digital zoom operation range for adjusting the zoom range, a detection means for detecting the operation position of the zoom adjustment means, and a digital zoom with a predetermined magnification smaller than that when the optical zoom reaches the telephoto end. A storage unit that stores zoom data for processing an input image signal and reducing an image formed by the image forming unit in association with a predetermined operation position of the digital zoom operation range; Control means for determining that a predetermined operation position in the operation range has been operated, reading zoom data corresponding to the operation position from the storage means, and executing digital zoom based on the zoom data.

  In this way, by operating the zoom adjustment means in the optical zoom operation range, the projection lens moves and the focal length can be changed to adjust the optical zoom, and the zoom adjustment means is operated in the digital zoom operation range. Thus, it is possible to adjust a digital zoom having a predetermined magnification smaller than the optical zoom. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the optical zoom and the digital zoom as a series of operations only by the operation of the zoom adjusting means, that is, one type of operation, and it does not take time and effort, and the operation is not complicated. Also, when projecting an image on a small screen, such as in a small booth, it may be desirable to reduce the projected image so that it does not protrude from the screen to prevent information leakage. However, it was developed with an emphasis on enlarging the projected image, and was not developed with the assumption that the projected image would be smaller. Even when adjusted to the telephoto end, there is still a problem that the projected image may still protrude from the screen. Since the conventional digital zoom is mainly intended to enlarge and display a part of an image, there is a problem that even if the magnification is adjusted to the minimum with the digital zoom, the projected image may still protrude from the screen. On the other hand, in the projector according to the present invention, a digital zoom operation range is provided so as to continue from a position reaching the tele end of the optical zoom operation range of the zoom adjusting means, and a predetermined value smaller than when the optical zoom reaches the tele end. The zoom data for executing the digital zoom at the magnification is stored in the storage means in association with the predetermined operation position of the digital zoom operation range, so even if the optical zoom is adjusted to the tele end with the projector as close to the screen as possible When the projected image protrudes from the screen, the digital zoom is automatically executed based on the zoom data corresponding to the operation position by operating the zoom adjusting means to a predetermined operation position in the digital zoom operation range. The projected image is even smaller and can be prevented from sticking out of the screen. To become.

  Further, in the present invention, in addition to the above-described configuration, there is provided a diaphragm unit that limits the amount of light incident on the projection lens, and image processing data that reduces the image formed by the image forming unit by processing the input image signal into the zoom data In addition, the control means includes aperture control data for controlling the aperture means so that the amount of light corresponding to the size of the formed image is incident on the projection lens, and the control means reads the zoom data from the storage means, An input image signal is processed based on the image processing data to form an image by the image forming unit, and the aperture unit is controlled based on the aperture control data to execute digital zoom.

  In this way, it is possible to adjust the diaphragm according to the digital zoom in addition to the optical zoom and the digital zoom only by operating the zoom adjusting means. Further, when the zoom adjusting unit is operated to a predetermined operation position in the digital zoom operation range, the image formed by the image forming unit is reduced to a corresponding size, and the amount of light other than the light amount corresponding to the size of the formed image is reduced. Since excess light is no longer incident on the projection lens and the projection range of the light on the screen is narrowed, it is possible to make the projected image smaller and to suppress the decrease in contrast of the projected image. Become.

  In the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the digital zoom operation range is set as a tele-side digital zoom operation range, and the optical zoom of the optical zoom operation range continues from the position at which the optical zoom operation range reaches the wide end (full wide-angle side). In this way, a wide-side digital zoom operation range for adjusting the digital zoom is provided, and the input image signal is processed and image forming means so that the storage means executes digital zoom at a predetermined magnification larger than when the optical zoom reaches the wide end. The zoom data for enlarging the image formed by is stored in association with a predetermined operation position in the wide-side digital zoom operation range, and the control means determines whether the zoom adjustment means detects the tele-side digital zoom operation range or the wide-side digital zoom from the detection result of the detection means. It is determined that the operation has been performed at a predetermined operation position in the operation range, and the operation is performed. It reads the zoom data corresponding to the position from the storage means, to execute the digital zoom on the basis of the zoom data.

  In this way, by operating the zoom adjustment means in the optical zoom operation range, the optical zoom can be adjusted to change the size of the projected image. The zoom adjustment means can be changed in the tele-side or wide-side digital zoom operation range. By operating the digital zoom at a predetermined magnification smaller or larger than the optical zoom, the size of the projected image can be changed smaller or larger than the optical zoom.

  In the present invention, the light emitted from the light source by the image forming means is adjusted based on the input image signal to form an image, and the image is projected onto the screen through the projection lens. Optical zoom function to change the size of the projected image on the screen by moving and changing the focal length, and projection on the screen by processing the input image signal and changing the size of the image formed by the image forming means In a projector having a digital zoom function for changing the size of an image, an optical zoom operation range for adjusting an optical zoom capable of changing a focal length by moving a projection lens is provided, and the digital zoom is continuous with the optical zoom operation range. Set the digital zoom operation range to adjust The zoom adjustment means, a detection means for detecting the operation position of the zoom adjustment means, and an image forming means for processing the input image signal so as to execute digital zoom at a predetermined magnification different from the optical zoom. Storage means for storing zoom data for changing the size in association with a predetermined operation position of the digital zoom operation range, and that the zoom adjustment means is operated to a predetermined operation position of the digital zoom operation range based on the detection result of the detection means. Control means for determining, reading zoom data corresponding to the operation position from the storage means, and executing digital zoom based on the zoom data.

  In this way, by operating the zoom adjustment means in the optical zoom operation range, the optical zoom can be adjusted to change the size of the projected image, and by operating the zoom adjustment means in the digital zoom operation range, By adjusting a digital zoom having a predetermined magnification different from that of the optical zoom, the size of the projected image can be changed to a size that cannot be achieved by the optical zoom. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the optical zoom and the digital zoom as a series of operations by one type of operation, and it does not take time and effort, and the operation is not complicated.

  Further, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the light emitted from the light source by the image forming unit is adjusted based on the input image signal to form an image, and the image is projected onto the screen through the projection lens. An optical zoom function that changes the size of the projected image on the screen by manually moving the projection lens to change the focal length, and processing the input image signal to change the size of the image formed by the image forming unit In a projector having a digital zoom function that changes the size of an image projected onto the screen, an optical zoom operation range for adjusting the optical zoom that is rotatably attached to the projection lens and can change the focal length by moving the projection lens And the optical zoom operation range is provided. Zoom knob with tele- and wide-side digital zoom operation ranges to adjust the digital zoom so that the optical zoom continues from the position where it reaches the tele end or the wide end, and a detection unit that detects the rotation operation position of the zoom adjustment knob And an optical aperture mechanism that is provided on the image forming unit side of the projection lens to limit the amount of light incident on the projection lens, a drive unit that drives the optical aperture mechanism, and a digital zoom with a predetermined magnification different from the optical zoom Image processing data for processing the input image signal to reduce or enlarge the image formed by the image forming unit, and controlling the driving unit so that the amount of light corresponding to the size of the formed image is incident on the projection lens Multi-stage zoom data including aperture control data for operating the optical aperture mechanism A storage unit that stores the data corresponding to a plurality of predetermined operation positions in both digital zoom operation ranges so that the magnification of the digital zoom is gradually reduced or enlarged as the operation position moves away from the optical zoom operation range; Determining that the zoom adjustment knob has been operated at any one of the two digital zoom operation ranges from the detection result of the detection unit, reading out zoom data corresponding to the operation position from the storage unit, and A control unit that processes an input image signal based on the image processing data in the image and forms an image by the image forming unit, and controls the drive unit based on the aperture control data to operate the optical aperture mechanism and execute digital zoom With.

  In this way, by rotating the zoom adjustment knob within the optical zoom operation range, the optical zoom can be adjusted to change the size of the projected image, and the zoom adjustment knob can be changed to the tele-side or wide-side digital zoom operation range. By rotating the lens, the digital zoom with a predetermined magnification smaller or larger than the optical zoom can be adjusted, and the size of the projected image can be reduced or enlarged step by step. Therefore, it is possible to perform the adjustment of the optical zoom and the digital zoom with a magnification different from the optical zoom as a series of operations only by rotating the zoom adjustment knob, that is, one type of operation. Is not complicated. If the projected image still protrudes from the screen even if the projector is moved as close as possible to the screen and the optical zoom is adjusted to the tele end, the zoom adjustment knob is operated to a predetermined operation position in the tele-side digital zoom operation range. As a result, the digital zoom corresponding to the operation position is automatically executed, and the projected image is further reduced so that it does not protrude from the screen. If you want the projected image to be larger than when the projector is moved away from the screen as much as possible and the optical zoom is adjusted to the wide end, by operating the zoom adjustment knob to a predetermined operating position in the wide-side digital zoom operating range, The digital zoom corresponding to the operation position is automatically executed, and the projected image can be further enlarged. In addition to the optical zoom and digital zoom, you can adjust the aperture according to the digital zoom only by rotating the zoom adjustment knob, narrowing down the projection range of light on the screen and making the projected image smaller In addition, a decrease in contrast of the projected image can be suppressed.

  According to the present invention, the optical zoom can be adjusted by operating the zoom adjusting unit in the optical zoom operation range. By operating the zoom adjusting unit in the digital zoom operation range, a predetermined magnification different from that of the optical zoom can be obtained. Since the digital zoom can be adjusted, the optical zoom and the digital zoom can be adjusted as a series of operations by one kind of operation.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a projector 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a projector 100 is a DLP (Digital Light Processing) type projector. In the main body 1 of the projector 100, units such as an optical system, a control system, an air conditioning system, and a power supply system are provided. In the figure, only the optical system unit is shown. Reference numeral 2 denotes a light source composed of a lamp and a reflector, and 3 denotes an engine cassette that is a magnesium casing. In the figure, the upper part of the engine cassette 3 seems to be opened, but this is for showing the internal structure, and is actually closed by a cover (not shown).

  Reference numeral 4 denotes a light entrance made up of a hole provided in a side portion of the engine cassette 3 and a lens or the like mounted in the hole, and makes white light emitted from the light source 2 enter the engine cassette 3. Reference numeral 5 denotes a color wheel composed of discs in which red, green, and blue color filters are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. The color wheel is rotated by a motor (not shown), and white light incident from the light entrance 4 is One of the color filters is transmitted and separated into red light, green light, and blue light. Reference numeral 6 denotes a light guide tube having a mirror attached to the inner surface thereof, and guides each color light separated by the color wheel 5 so as not to be dispersed. Reference numeral 7 denotes a mirror that reflects the light guided by the light guide tube 6, and 8 denotes a relay lens that adjusts the light flux of the light by bending the light reflected by the mirror 7. Reference numeral 9 denotes a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) in which hundreds of thousands of micromirrors (not shown) are integrated on a semiconductor memory, and pixels are configured by individual micromirrors to which memory cells are assigned. The micro mirror of the DMD 9 has a structure capable of tilting in two directions of ± 12 °, and tilts in either direction by an electrostatic attraction force according to the memory value, and ON / OFF 2 depending on the tilting direction. Takes a value state. Reference numeral 10 denotes a substrate on which the DMD 9 is mounted, and 11 denotes a heat sink that dissipates heat generated by the DMD 9. Reference numeral 12 denotes a projection lens having a focus function and a zoom function, and includes a multiple lens barrel (not shown), a plurality of lenses mounted in the lens barrel, and a cam mechanism for extending and retracting the lens barrel. The light emitted from the DMD 9 is projected on the screen 19. In the drawing, the state in which the lens barrel of the projection lens 12 is most contracted is indicated by a solid line, and the state in which the projection lens 12 is most extended is indicated by a two-dot chain line. That is, the projection lens 12 protrudes toward the screen 19 and does not protrude toward the DMD 9.

  As indicated by the arrow, the white light emitted from the light source 2 passes through the light entrance 4, passes through one of the color filters of the color wheel 5, and is separated into red light, green light, and blue light. Each color light is guided to the light guide tube 6, passes through the lower side of the projection lens 12, is reflected upward by a predetermined angle by the mirror 7, and enters the relay lens 8. The light transmitted through the relay lens 8 is applied to the micromirror of the DMD 9. At this time, when the micromirror is in the ON state, the light reflected upward by a predetermined angle by the mirror is taken into the projection lens 12 and projected onto the screen 19. Further, when the micromirror is in the OFF state, the light reflected upward at a predetermined angle larger than that when the micromirror is in the ON state is directed upward of the projection lens 12 and is not taken into the lens 12, but the screen 19 Not projected on. That is, by controlling the operation state of each micromirror of the DMD 9 to ON / OFF based on an image signal input from an external device such as a personal computer or a video, the light emitted from the light source 2 is adjusted to reflect and adjust the DMD 9. An image is formed on the screen 19, and the image is projected onto the screen 19 through the projection lens 12 and displayed.

  Reference numerals 13 and 14 denote a focus adjustment knob and a zoom adjustment knob that are attached to the outer periphery (lens barrel) of the projection lens 12 via a clutch mechanism (not shown) so as to be rotatable. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the zoom adjustment knob 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the zoom adjustment knob 14 is formed in a ring shape, and is provided with a protruding knob 14a on the top, and a magnet 17 is embedded in the vicinity of the knob 14a. Similarly to the zoom adjustment knob 14, the focus adjustment knob 13 is also formed in a ring shape, and is provided with a protruding knob 13a on the top. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the front end portion of the projector 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the focus adjustment knob 13 and the zoom adjustment knob 14 are exposed from the opening 1a provided on the upper surface of the main body 1, and the knobs 13a and 14a are movably protruded. The focus adjustment knob 13 and the zoom adjustment knob 14 themselves are attached to the projection lens 12 so as to be able to rotate 360 °. However, when the knobs 13a and 14a are in contact with the left and right ends of the opening 1a, the rotation is performed at a predetermined angle. Limited to When the knob 13a is held and moved from side to side of the opening 1a, the focus adjustment knob 13 can be rotated, and the lens barrel of the projection lens 12 is expanded and contracted in conjunction with the rotation, and the internal lens moves. Thus, the focus can be adjusted and the projected image on the screen 19 can be focused.

  OR is an optical zoom operation range. When the knob 14a is grasped and moved to the left or right within the optical zoom operation range OR, the zoom adjustment knob 14 can be rotated at a predetermined angle, and the projection lens 12 is interlocked with the rotation. The lens barrel is expanded and contracted, the internal lens moves, the focal length changes, and the size of the projected image on the screen 19 can be changed by adjusting the optical zoom. WE is an operation position of the zoom adjustment knob 14 at which the optical zoom reaches the wide end (full of the wide angle side), and TE is an operation position of the zoom adjustment knob 14 at which the optical zoom reaches the tele end (full of the telephoto side). Hereinafter, these are referred to as a wide end position WE and a tele end position TE. DR is a digital zoom operation range provided continuously from the tele end position TE of the optical zoom operation range OR. When the knob 14a is grasped and moved to the left or right within the digital zoom operation range DR, the zoom adjustment knob 14 is moved. A rotation operation can be performed at a predetermined angle, and the size of the projected image on the screen 19 can be changed by adjusting the digital zoom by automatic control as described later in conjunction with the rotation. The digital zoom can be adjusted by operating an operation key described later. In order to make it easy to understand in which operation range OR, DR the zoom adjustment knob 14 is operated, when the knob 14a passes the tele end position TE, a click feeling (operation feeling) is produced by the clutch mechanism. Instead of the clutch mechanism, it may be possible to know in which operation range OR, DR the zoom adjustment knob 14 is operated by marking the periphery of the opening 1a. Further, the focus adjustment knob 13 and the zoom adjustment knob 14 can be directly rotated by a finger instead of providing the knobs 13a and 14a as described above, for example, by providing a plurality of non-slip lines (projections and grooves) on the outer periphery. It may be possible to operate.

  Reference numeral 15 in FIG. 1 denotes a sensor ring fixed to the outer periphery of the projection lens 12 so as to be close to the zoom adjustment knob 14. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the sensor ring 15. As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor ring 15 is formed in a ring shape, and zoom sensors 18 a to 18 c including magnetic sensors for detecting the rotation state of the zoom adjustment knob 14 at predetermined angular positions A to C at the top. Are embedded at predetermined intervals. The angle positions A to C correspond to ranges obtained by dividing the digital zoom operation range DR of the zoom adjustment knob 14 into three. When each zoom sensor 18a to 18c approaches the position where the magnet 17 of the zoom adjustment knob 14 faces, that is, when it moves to any one of the angular positions A to C, it detects the magnet 17 and changes from the OFF state to the ON state. Switch. Therefore, it can be detected from the output signals from the zoom sensors 18a to 18c that the zoom adjustment knob 14 has been operated to any one of the operation positions A to C in the digital zoom operation range DR. Although only three zoom sensors 18a to 18c are shown in the figure, the number of zoom sensors provided in the sensor ring 15 is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of zoom sensors are embedded in the optical zoom operation range OR. May be. Similarly, a plurality of magnets 17 of the zoom adjustment knob 14 may be embedded.

  Reference numeral 16 in FIG. 1 denotes an optical aperture mechanism provided on the DMD 9 side of the projection lens 12. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the optical aperture mechanism 16. As shown in FIG. 5, the optical aperture mechanism 16 slides a case 16a, a plurality of shutters 16b to 16d having different sizes provided in the case 16a so as to be slidable to the left and right, and the shutters 16b to 16d. It is composed of gears, guides, and the like (not shown) that are projected and retracted from the case 16a. Each of the shutters 16b to 16d is provided with rectangular slits 16e to 16g having different sizes. When any one of the shutters 16b to 16d is protruded from the case 16a by a gear or the like as shown in FIG. 1, light that forms an image reflected by the DMD 9 passes through the slit of the shutter and enters the projection lens 12, Excess light that does not form an image is blocked by the shutter and is not incident on the projection lens 12. That is, the amount of light incident on the projection lens 12 from the DMD 9 is limited by the optical aperture mechanism 16. Although only three shutters 16b to 16d are shown in the figure, the number of shutters provided in the case 16a is not limited to this, and two or less shutters or four or more shutters may be provided.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of projector 100. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 20 denotes an input terminal for inputting an image signal from an external device connected to the projector 100, and 21 denotes a signal processing unit including a circuit for processing an input image signal from the input terminal 20. If the input image signal is a digital signal, the signal is converted to the bit plane format. At this time, if execution of digital zoom is instructed, the signal processing unit 21 performs conversion signal processing into the bit plane format so as to enlarge or reduce the image based on the input image signal in accordance with the instruction. Reference numeral 22 denotes a control unit including a CPU, a memory, and the like, and performs operation control of each unit of the projector 100. Reference numeral 23 denotes a storage unit including a memory, which stores data and a program for the control unit 22 to control the operation of each unit. An OSD unit 24 includes a circuit that displays on-screen information stored in advance such as a menu image on the screen 19. An image forming unit 25 includes the DMD 9 described above and a circuit that transmits signals to the DMD 9 formed on the substrate 10 described above. Reference numeral 26 denotes a zoom position detection unit including the zoom sensors 18a to 18c described above and a circuit that receives the output signals from the sensors 18a to 18c and detects the rotational operation position of the zoom adjustment knob 14 described above. Reference numeral 27 denotes an aperture driving unit including a motor or the like that drives the optical aperture mechanism 16 to operate the shutters 16b to 16d. An input operation unit 28 includes operation keys and the like provided on the main body 1 of the projector 100 and a remote controller (not shown). In addition to the above, the projector 100 includes a power supply unit including a power supply circuit, a display unit including LEDs, a drive unit that rotationally drives the color wheel 5 described above, a drive unit that rotationally drives a fan belonging to the air conditioning system, and the like. Although these are provided, they are the same as known ones, and are not shown here.

  After the input image signal from the external device is processed by the signal processing unit 21, the control unit 22 performs individual micromirrors of the DMD 9 of the image forming unit 25 based on the bit plane format signal output from the signal processing unit 21. By controlling the operation state to ON / OFF, a color image based on the input image signal is formed on the DMD 9. At this time, the control unit 22 synchronizes the rotation of the color wheel 5 and the driving of the DMD 9. The image formed on the DMD 9 is projected and displayed on the screen 19 through the projection lens 12. At this time, as described above, by rotating the zoom adjustment knob 14 within the optical zoom operation range OR, the optical zoom is adjusted by the projection lens 12, and the size of the projected image on the screen 19 is set to an arbitrary size. be changed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a part of the storage contents of the storage unit 23. In a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 23, a plurality of zoom data ZA to ZC and Z1 to Zn shown in FIG. 7 are stored. Each of the zoom data ZA to ZC and Z1 to Zn is formed by the image forming unit 25 by processing the input image signal by the signal processing unit 21 so as to execute digital zoom at different predetermined magnifications S1 to S3 and L1 to Ln. Image processing data for reducing or enlarging an image to be enlarged, and aperture control data for operating the optical aperture mechanism 16 by controlling the aperture drive unit 27 so that a light amount corresponding to the size of the formed image is incident on the projection lens 12 Including. More specifically, the image processing data is obtained by reducing the size of the image by forming an image based on the input image signal by using a relatively small number of DMD9 micromirrors, or by using a relatively large number of DMD9 micromirrors. In order to increase the size of the image by forming an image based on the signal, the input image signal is processed to operate the DMD 9, and the control program and control data of the DMD 9 are configured. The aperture control data is used to reduce the amount of light incident on the projection lens 12 in accordance with the size of the image formed by the DMD 9 or to increase the size of the image formed by the DMD 9 according to the size. The aperture drive unit 27 and the optical aperture mechanism for driving any one of the shutters 16b to 16d of the optical aperture mechanism 16 by driving the aperture drive unit 27 so as to increase the amount of light incident on the projection lens 12 according to the size. It consists of 16 control programs and control data.

  The zoom data ZA to ZC are data for executing digital zoom with smaller magnifications S1 to S3 when the optical zoom adjusted by the projection lens 12 reaches the telephoto end, and go from the zoom data ZC to the zoom data ZA. Accordingly, the magnification of the digital zoom decreases stepwise (S3> S2> S1), which are respectively associated with the operation positions A to C within the digital zoom operation range DR of the zoom adjustment knob 14 described above. That is, the zoom data ZA to ZC correspond to the operation positions A to C of the digital zoom operation range DR so that the magnification of the digital zoom is gradually reduced as the operation positions A to C move away from the optical zoom operation range OR. It is remembered. The zoom data Z1 to Zn are data for executing digital zoom with a larger magnification L1 to Ln that overlaps with the optical zoom or when the optical zoom reaches the wide end, and goes from the zoom data Z1 to the zoom data Zn. Accordingly, the magnification of the digital zoom is gradually increased (L1 <... <Ln).

  When the knob 14a of the zoom adjustment knob 14 is rotated to any one of the operation positions A to C in the digital zoom operation range DR, the operation position is detected by the zoom position detection unit 26 described above, and the control unit 22 receives the detection result. Reads out the zoom data ZA to ZC corresponding to the operation position from the storage unit 23, and executes the digital zoom of any of the magnifications S1 to S3 based on the zoom data. At this time, as the knob 14a is moved away from the optical zoom operation range OR, the magnification of the digital zoom is reduced stepwise, and the projected image on the screen 19 is reduced stepwise. Such digital zoom adjustment by rotating the zoom adjustment knob 14 is enabled by performing a predetermined operation with the operation keys of the input operation unit 28 described above while viewing the menu screen displayed on the screen 19 from the projector 100. You can choose to disable or disable. Specifically, when the continuous zoom mode shown in the menu screen is enabled by operating the operation keys, both optical zoom and digital zoom can be adjusted by rotating the zoom adjusting knob 14, and when disabled, the zoom adjusting knob Only the optical zoom adjustment can be performed by the rotation operation 14.

  In addition, when a predetermined operation is performed with the operation key of the input operation unit 28 while viewing the menu screen, and any one of the digital zoom magnifications S1 to S3 and L1 to Ln is selected and execution is instructed, the control in response to the instruction is received. The unit 22 reads the zoom data ZA to ZC and Z1 to Zn corresponding to the magnification from the storage unit 23, and executes digital zoom at the magnification based on the zoom data. At this time, the projected image on the screen 19 gradually increases as the designated digital zoom magnification increases. Such digital zoom adjustment by operating the operation keys can be performed regardless of whether the above-described continuous zoom mode is valid or invalid.

  In the above, the image forming unit 25 including the DMD 9 or the like constitutes an embodiment of the image forming unit and the image forming unit in the present invention. The zoom adjustment knob 14 constitutes an embodiment of the zoom adjustment knob and zoom adjustment means in the present invention. The zoom position detection unit 26 including the zoom sensors 18a to 18c constitutes an embodiment of the detection unit and detection means in the present invention. The optical aperture mechanism 16 constitutes an embodiment of the optical aperture mechanism in the present invention, and the aperture drive unit 27 constitutes an embodiment of the drive unit in the present invention. The optical aperture mechanism 16 and the aperture drive unit 27 An embodiment of the aperture means in the present invention is configured. The memory | storage part 23 comprises one Embodiment of the memory | storage part and memory | storage means in this invention. The control part 22 comprises one Embodiment of the control part and control means in this invention.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of projector 100. Each process is executed by the control unit 22 when the projector 100 is turned on. In FIG. 8, the control unit 22 first waits until the user operates the operation key of the operation unit 28 and the continuous zoom mode is enabled (step S1). When the continuous zoom mode is enabled (step S1: YES), the control unit 22 confirms whether any one of the zoom sensors 18a to 18c is in the ON state by the zoom position detection unit 26 (step S2). . At this time, if the zoom adjustment knob 14 is operated by the user to any one of the operation positions in the optical zoom operation range OR, none of the zoom sensors 18a to 18c detect the magnet 17 and remain in the OFF state. (Step S2: NO), the control unit 22 returns to Step S1. On the other hand, when the zoom adjustment knob 14 is operated by the user to any one of the operation positions A to C in the digital zoom operation range DR, any one of the zoom sensors 18a to 18c detects the magnet 17 and is turned on (step) (S2: YES), the control unit 22 determines the operation position (any one of the operation positions A to C) of the zoom adjustment knob 14 based on the zoom sensor that has been turned on (step S3). Then, the control unit 22 reads out zoom data (any one of the zoom data ZA to ZC) corresponding to the determined operation position from the storage unit 23 (step S4), and based on the image processing data in the zoom data, the signal processing unit. 21 processes an input image signal from an external device, forms an image with the image forming unit 25, and controls the aperture driving unit 27 based on the aperture control data to control the shutters 16 b to 16 d of the optical aperture mechanism 16. The digital zoom is executed by operating (step S5). Thereby, the image projected on the screen 19 is reduced more than when the optical zoom reaches the tele end. After executing the digital zoom, the control unit 22 proceeds to step S1 and repeatedly executes steps S1 to S5 as described above.

  As described above, by operating the zoom adjustment knob 14 in the optical zoom operation range OR while the continuous zoom mode is enabled, the projection lens 12 moves to change the focal length, so that the optical zoom can be performed. By operating the zoom adjustment knob 14 within the digital zoom operation range DR, it is possible to adjust the digital zoom having a magnification S1 to S3 smaller than the optical zoom. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the optical zoom and the digital zoom as a series of operations only by rotating the zoom adjustment knob 14, that is, by one type of operation, and it takes less time and effort, and the operation becomes complicated. Absent.

  Also, when projecting an image on a small screen, such as in a small booth, it may be desirable to reduce the projected image so that it does not protrude from the screen to prevent information leakage. However, it was developed with an emphasis on enlarging the projected image, and was not developed with the assumption that the projected image would be smaller. Even when adjusted to the telephoto end, there is still a problem that the projected image may still protrude from the screen. Since the conventional digital zoom is mainly intended to enlarge and display a part of an image, there is a problem that even if the magnification is adjusted to the minimum with the digital zoom, the projected image may still protrude from the screen. On the other hand, in the projector 100 according to the present embodiment, when the digital zoom operation range DR is provided so as to be continuous from the tele end position TE of the optical zoom operation range OR of the zoom adjustment knob 14, the optical zoom reaches the tele end. Since zoom data ZA to ZC for performing digital zoom with smaller magnifications S1 to S3 are stored in the storage unit 23 in association with the operation positions A to C of the digital zoom operation range DR, the main body 1 of the projector 100 is stored on the screen 19. If the projected image still protrudes from the screen 19 even if the zoom adjustment knob 14 is rotated as close as possible to adjust the optical zoom to the telephoto end, the zoom adjustment knob 14 is set to any one of the digital zoom operation ranges DR. By operating to the operation positions A to C, the zoom data ZA to ZC corresponding to the operation positions are displayed. Digital zoom is performed automatically Zui, the projected image is further reduced, it is possible to prevent protrude from the screen 19.

  Further, the zoom data ZA to ZC includes image processing data and aperture control data, and when the zoom adjustment knob 14 is operated to any one of the operation positions A to C in the digital zoom operation range DR, The input image signal is processed based on the image processing data, the image is formed by the image forming unit 25, and the aperture driving unit 27 is controlled based on the aperture control data to operate the optical aperture mechanism 16. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the diaphragm according to the digital zoom in addition to the optical zoom and the digital zoom only by rotating the zoom adjustment knob 14. When the zoom adjustment knob 14 is operated to any one of the operation positions A to C, an image formed by the DMD 9 of the image forming unit 25 is reduced to a size corresponding to the operation position, and the formed image Since extra light other than the amount of light according to the size of the optical aperture mechanism 16 is blocked by the shutters 16b to 16d of the optical aperture mechanism 16 and is not incident on the projection lens 12, the projection range of the light on the screen 19 is narrowed down. Can be further reduced, and in addition, a decrease in contrast of the projected image can be suppressed.

  In the embodiment described above, the zoom adjustment knob 14 can be rotated to adjust the optical zoom and the digital zoom having a smaller magnification than the optical zoom. However, the digital zoom having a larger magnification than the optical zoom may be adjusted. . 9-11 is a figure which shows embodiment in this case. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a front end portion of a projector 100 according to another embodiment. As shown in the drawing, a tele-side digital zoom operation range DRt and a wide-side digital zoom operation range DRw are provided on both sides of the optical zoom operation range OR of the zoom adjustment knob 14 so as to be continuous from the tele end position TE or the wide end position WE, respectively. ing. The structure of the zoom adjustment knob 14 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a sensor ring 15 according to another embodiment. As shown in the drawing, zoom sensors 18a to 18f made up of a plurality of magnetic sensors are embedded in the sensor ring 15 at predetermined intervals. Positions A to C where the zoom sensors 18a to 18c are embedded correspond to ranges obtained by dividing the tele-side digital zoom operation range DRt into three, and positions D to F where the zoom sensors 18d to 18f are embedded are wide-side digital zoom operations. This corresponds to each range obtained by dividing the range DRw into three. When the magnet 17 moves to a position facing any one of the zoom sensors 18a to 18f by rotating the zoom adjustment knob 14, any one of the zoom sensors 18a to 18f detects the magnet 17 and switches from the OFF state to the ON state. The control unit 22 described above can detect that the zoom adjustment knob 14 has been operated to one of the operation positions A to F in the digital zoom operation range DRt or DRw, based on output signals from the zoom sensors 18a to 18f.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the storage contents of the storage unit 23 according to another embodiment. In FIG. 11, zoom data ZA to ZC and Z1 to Zn stored in the storage unit 23 are data for executing digital zoom at different predetermined magnifications S1 to S3 and L1 to Ln, respectively. The image processing data and the aperture control data are included in the same manner as described above. The zoom data ZA to ZC correspond to the operation positions A to C of the tele-side digital zoom operation range DRt so that the digital zoom magnification gradually decreases as the operation positions A to C move away from the optical zoom operation range OR. It is remembered. In the zoom data Zn-2 to Zn, the magnification of the digital zoom is gradually increased as the operation positions D to F move away from the optical zoom operation range OR to the operation positions D to F of the wide side digital zoom operation range DRw. Are stored in association with each other.

  In the above configuration, when the knob 14a of the zoom adjustment knob 14 is rotated within the optical zoom operation range OR, the projection lens 12 moves in conjunction with the rotation, and the focal length changes as described with reference to FIG. The optical zoom is adjusted, and the projected image on the screen 19 is reduced or enlarged. Further, when the knob 14a of the zoom adjustment knob 14 is rotated to any one of the operation positions A to C in the tele-side digital zoom operation range DRt, the control unit 22 that has detected the operation position by the zoom position detection unit 26 described above, The zoom data ZA to ZC corresponding to the operation position are read from the storage unit 23, and any one of the magnifications S1 to S3 is performed based on the zoom data. At this time, as the knob 14a is moved away from the tele end position TE of the optical zoom operation range OR, the digital zoom magnification decreases stepwise, and the projected image on the screen 19 is reduced stepwise. Further, when the knob 14a is rotated to any one of the operation positions D to F in the wide-side digital zoom operation range DRw, the control unit 22 that detects the operation position obtains zoom data Zn-2 to Zn corresponding to the operation position. It reads out from the storage unit 23 and executes any one of the digital zooms with the magnifications Ln−2 to Ln based on the zoom data. At this time, as the knob 14a is moved away from the wide end position WE of the optical zoom operation range OR, the digital zoom magnification increases stepwise, and the projected image on the screen 19 is enlarged stepwise.

  As described above, by rotating the zoom adjustment knob 14 within the optical zoom operation range OR, it is possible to adjust the optical zoom and change the size of the projected image on the screen 19. 14 is rotated in the tele-side digital zoom operation range DRt or the wide-side digital zoom operation range DRw, thereby adjusting the digital zoom with a predetermined magnification smaller or larger than the optical zoom, and gradually reducing or enlarging the size of the projected image. can do. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the optical zoom and the digital zoom with a magnification different from the optical zoom as a series of operations only by rotating the zoom adjustment knob 14.

  If the projected image still protrudes from the screen 19 even when the optical zoom is adjusted to the tele end with the main body 1 of the projector 100 as close as possible to the screen 19, the zoom adjustment knob 14 is moved to the tele-side digital zoom operation range DRt. By operating any one of the operation positions A to C, a digital zoom corresponding to the operation position is automatically executed, so that the projected image can be further reduced so as not to protrude from the screen 19. It becomes. Further, when it is desired that the main body 1 of the projector 100 be separated from the screen 19 as much as possible and the projected image is larger than when the optical zoom is adjusted to the wide end, the zoom adjustment knob 14 is set to any one of the wide side digital zoom operation range DRw. By operating to the operation positions D to F, digital zoom corresponding to the operation position is automatically executed, and the projected image can be further enlarged. In addition to the optical zoom and the digital zoom, the diaphragm can be adjusted according to the digital zoom only by rotating the zoom adjustment knob 14, and the projection range of light on the screen 19 is narrowed down to make the projected image smaller. In addition, it is possible to suppress a decrease in contrast of the projected image.

  The present invention can adopt various forms other than the embodiment described above. For example, in the above embodiment, in order to detect the operation position of the zoom adjustment knob 14, an example using the zoom sensors 18a to 18f including the magnet 17 and the magnetic sensor is given, but the present invention is limited to this. However, instead of these, for example, the rotation angle of the zoom adjustment knob 14 may be detected as the operation position using an encoder.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the optical diaphragm mechanism 16 composed of a plurality of shutters 16b to 16d and the diaphragm drive unit 27 composed of a motor or the like is used as the diaphragm means. However, the present invention is limited to this. Instead of this, instead of these, for example, an iris diaphragm including a plurality of diaphragm blades and a motor for opening and closing the diaphragm blades may be used. Further, the drive means is not limited to a motor, and an electric motor such as a solenoid may be used. Furthermore, instead of the mechanical optical diaphragm as described above, an electric diaphragm that can be realized by turning off a control signal for a part of the micromirrors of the DMD 9 may be used.

  In the above embodiment, an example is given in which the digital zoom operation ranges DR, DRt, and DRw are provided only on the tele end side of the optical zoom operation range OR of the zoom adjustment knob 14 or on both the tele side and the wide side. The present invention is not limited to this. In addition to this, a digital zoom operation range in which a digital zoom having a larger magnification than the optical zoom can be adjusted may be provided only on the wide side of the optical zoom operation range OR.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the projector 100 adopting the DLP method is given. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other examples such as a projector using a liquid crystal panel are also used. The present invention can be applied to a projector that employs the method.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a projector according to an embodiment of the invention. It is a top view of the front-end part of the projector. It is a figure which shows the zoom adjustment knob with which the projector is equipped. It is a figure which shows the sensor ring with which the projector is equipped. It is a figure which shows the optical aperture mechanism with which the projector is equipped. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the projector. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory content of the memory | storage part with which the projector is equipped. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the projector. It is a top view of the front-end part of the projector which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the sensor ring which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory content of the memory | storage part which concerns on other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

2 Light source 9 DMD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Projection lens 14 Zoom adjustment knob 16 Optical aperture mechanism 18a-18f Zoom sensor 19 Screen 22 Control part 23 Memory | storage part 25 Image formation part 26 Zoom position detection part 27 Aperture drive part DR Digital zoom operation range DRt Tele side digital zoom operation range DRw Wide side Digital zoom operation range OR Optical zoom operation range ZA to ZC, Zn-2 to Zn Zoom data

Claims (5)

The image forming unit adjusts the light emitted from the light source based on the input image signal, forms an image, projects the image to the screen through the projection lens, and manually moves the projection lens to change the focal length The optical zoom function that changes the size of the image projected on the screen by changing the size of the image projected on the screen by processing the input image signal and changing the size of the image formed by the image forming unit In a projector having a digital zoom function,
An optical zoom operation range for adjusting the optical zoom that is rotatably attached to the projection lens and that can change a focal length by moving the projection lens is provided, and the optical zoom of the optical zoom operation range is at a telephoto end or a wide end. A zoom adjustment knob provided with a tele-side and wide-side digital zoom operation range for adjusting the digital zoom so as to be continuous from a position reaching the end;
A detection unit for detecting a rotation operation position of the zoom adjustment knob;
An optical aperture mechanism that is provided on the image forming unit side of the projection lens and limits the amount of light incident on the projection lens;
A drive unit for driving the optical aperture mechanism;
Image processing data for processing the input image signal so as to execute the digital zoom at a predetermined magnification different from the optical zoom and reducing or enlarging the image formed by the image forming unit, and the size of the formed image A plurality of steps of zoom data including a plurality of stages of zoom data including aperture control data for operating the optical aperture mechanism by controlling the driving unit so as to make the incident light amount incident on the projection lens. A storage unit that stores the corresponding position so that the magnification of the digital zoom is gradually reduced or enlarged as the operation position moves away from the optical zoom operation range;
It is determined from the detection result of the detection unit that the zoom adjustment knob has been operated to a predetermined operation position in either of the two digital zoom operation ranges, and the zoom data corresponding to the operation position is read from the storage unit. The optical aperture mechanism is configured to process the input image signal based on the image processing data in the zoom data to form an image by the image forming unit, and to control the driving unit based on the aperture control data. And a control unit that executes the digital zoom by operating the projector. The image forming means adjusts the light emitted from the light source based on the input image signal, forms an image, projects the image onto the screen through the projection lens, and manually moves the projection lens to change the focal length. An optical zoom function that changes the size of the image projected on the screen by changing the size of the image projected on the screen by processing the input image signal and changing the size of the image formed by the image forming means In a projector having a digital zoom function,
An optical zoom operation range for adjusting the optical zoom that can change a focal length by moving the projection lens is provided, and the digital zoom is performed so that the optical zoom of the optical zoom operation range is continuous from a position reaching the tele end. Zoom adjusting means provided with a digital zoom operation range to be adjusted;
Detecting means for detecting an operation position of the zoom adjusting means;
Zoom data for processing the input image signal and reducing the image formed by the image forming means so as to execute the digital zoom at a predetermined magnification smaller than that when the optical zoom reaches the telephoto end. Storage means stored in association with the predetermined operation position;
It is determined from the detection result of the detection means that the zoom adjustment means has been operated to a predetermined operation position in the digital zoom operation range, the zoom data corresponding to the operation position is read from the storage means, and the zoom data And a control means for executing the digital zoom based on the projector. The projector according to claim 2,
A diaphragm means for limiting the amount of light incident on the projection lens,
In addition to the image processing data for processing the input image signal and reducing the image formed by the image forming means to the zoom data, the aperture is set so that the amount of light corresponding to the size of the formed image is incident on the projection lens. Including aperture control data to control the means,
The control unit reads the zoom data from the storage unit, and then processes the input image signal based on the image processing data in the zoom data to form an image by the image forming unit, and the aperture A projector characterized in that the digital zoom is executed by controlling the aperture means based on control data. In the projector according to claim 2 or 3,
The digital zoom operation range is the tele-side digital zoom operation range,
The zoom adjustment means is provided with a wide-side digital zoom operation range for adjusting the digital zoom so that the optical zoom of the optical zoom operation range continues from a position where the optical zoom reaches a wide end,
Zoom data for processing the input image signal and enlarging an image formed by the image forming means so as to execute the digital zoom at a predetermined magnification larger than that when the optical zoom reaches the wide end in the storage means. Is stored in association with a predetermined operation position of the wide-side digital zoom operation range,
The control means determines from the detection result of the detection means that the zoom adjustment means has been operated to a predetermined operation position in the tele-side digital zoom operation range or the wide-side digital zoom operation range, and corresponds to the operation position. The projector reads out the zoom data from the storage means, and executes the digital zoom based on the zoom data. The image forming means adjusts the light emitted from the light source based on the input image signal, forms an image, projects the image onto the screen through the projection lens, and manually moves the projection lens to change the focal length. An optical zoom function that changes the size of the image projected on the screen by changing the size of the image projected on the screen by processing the input image signal and changing the size of the image formed by the image forming means In a projector having a digital zoom function,
Zoom provided with an optical zoom operation range for adjusting the optical zoom that can change a focal length by moving the projection lens, and provided with a digital zoom operation range for adjusting the digital zoom so as to be continuous with the optical zoom operation range Adjusting means;
Detecting means for detecting an operation position of the zoom adjusting means;
The zoom data for processing the input image signal and changing the size of the image formed by the image forming means so as to execute the digital zoom at a predetermined magnification different from that of the optical zoom is set as a predetermined operation in the digital zoom operation range. Storage means stored in association with the position;
It is determined from the detection result of the detection means that the zoom adjustment means has been operated to a predetermined operation position in the digital zoom operation range, the zoom data corresponding to the operation position is read from the storage means, and the zoom data And a control means for executing the digital zoom based on the projector.

Images