JP2009199854A - Projector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a projector capable of efficiently carrying out changeover to a spotlight to be cast on a presenter when used for presentation. <P>SOLUTION: The projector includes: a projection part projecting an image based on an input image signal; a projection light shape change means changing the shape of projection light projected by the projection part; a control part 120 controlling the operation of the projection light shape change means; and an operation signal input part 112 receiving an operation signal corresponding to operation contents to output the operation signal to the control part 120. When receiving the operation signal to change the shape of the projection light from the operation signal input part 112, the control part 120 instructs the projection light shape change means to change the shape of the projection light, and the projection light shape change means changes the projection light to a spotlight-like shape based on the instructions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a projector.

  Conventionally, regarding a presentation system using a projector, “a presentation system capable of establishing safety, generating complicated and diverse point shapes, and supporting multiple screens is provided. As a technology for the purpose, “a screen 10, a liquid crystal projector 1 that projects an image on the screen 10, an area CCD 5 that captures the pointing bar 3 that the presenter has in hand, and a control calculation unit 2 are provided. Yes. The control calculation unit 2 calculates the vector of the indicator bar 3 photographed by the area CCD 5, generates point coordinates on the extension line of the indicator bar 3 in the image from the calculated indicator bar 3 vector, and the liquid crystal projector 1 A point image is projected on the upper point coordinates. Is proposed (Patent Document 1).

  In addition, regarding a computer generated hologram optical element, as a technique for the purpose of “providing a computer generated hologram optical element with less deterioration in the image conversion function even if dirt such as oil or water adheres to the surface” A transmission Fourier transform hologram formed on the base material and an image conversion layer formed on the base material and having a function as a Fourier transform lens, and disposed on the image conversion layer of the transmission Fourier transform hologram, The object is achieved by providing a computer generated hologram optical element comprising a diffraction function layer having a certain refractive index difference from an image conversion layer and a protective layer formed on the diffraction function layer. To do. Is proposed (Patent Document 2).

JP 2003-44222 A (summary) JP 2007-17643 A (Summary)

  In a scene where a projector is used for a presentation, the ambient light is generally turned off so that the listener can easily see the projection light from the projector. Further, in order to close up the presenter, there is a case where the light projected from the projector is turned off or the amount of light is reduced and a spotlight is applied to the presenter.

However, if the power of the projector is completely turned off when closing up the presenter, the next time the presenter uses the projector, it takes time until the projector is turned on and becomes ready for use. This hinders the smooth progress of the presentation.
Further, when the projector is in a standby state with the light amount reduced, the internal temperature of the projector unnecessarily rises while the projector is not used, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of use efficiency.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and provides a projector that can efficiently perform switching with a spotlight applied to a presenter when used in a presentation. Objective.

The projector according to the present invention includes a projection unit that projects an image based on an input video signal, a projection light shape changing unit that changes a shape of projection light projected by the projection unit, and an operation of the projection light shape changing unit. And a control signal input unit that receives an operation signal corresponding to the operation content and outputs the operation signal to the control unit, and the control unit changes the shape of the projection light from the operation signal input unit. When receiving an operation signal indicating that it should be performed, the projection light shape changing unit is instructed to change the shape of the projection light, and the projection light shape changing unit changes the projection light into a spotlight based on the instruction. To do.
Therefore, the projector can be used in two types of applications for video projection and spotlight substitution, and switching between presentation display and spotlight can be performed efficiently with the projector alone.

Further, in the projector according to the invention, the projection light shape changing unit includes a hologram optical element that changes the shape of the projection light to a spotlight shape, and the hologram optical element is changed based on an instruction from the control unit. The shape of the projection light is changed by inserting into the optical path of the projection light.
Therefore, the presentation display and spotlight of the projector can be switched immediately, which contributes to the smooth progress of the presentation.

Further, the projector according to the present invention includes a projection position changing unit that changes a projection position of the projection light, and the control unit receives an operation signal indicating that the projection position should be changed from the operation signal input unit. The projection position changing means is instructed to change the projection position, and the projection position changing means changes the projection position based on the instruction.
Therefore, when the projector is caused to perform spotlight operation, the position of the projection light can be changed to a desired position, and the spotlight can be appropriately applied to the close-up target.

In the projector according to the invention, the projection position changing unit includes a lens shift unit that changes a projection position of an image projected by the projection unit by moving a lens included in the projection unit, and the control is performed. The projection position is changed by moving the lens based on the instruction of the unit.
Therefore, the position of the projection light can be changed immediately, which contributes to the smooth progress of the presentation.

In addition, the projector according to the present invention includes a refracting member that refracts the traveling direction of the projection light, and the projection position changing unit changes the projection position by inserting the refracting member into an optical path of the projection light.
Therefore, the range in which the position of the projection light can be changed can be expanded, and the operation of the projector can be made closer to a spotlight.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of projector 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
The projector 100 includes an operation panel 111, an operation signal input unit 112, a control unit 120, a video signal processing unit 130, a light source 140, a liquid crystal light valve driving unit 151, a liquid crystal light valve 152, a projection optical system 153, and a hologram optical element 160. .

The operation panel 111 includes buttons and the like for the user to input an operation instruction to the projector 100, generates an operation signal corresponding to the operation content, and outputs the operation signal to the operation signal input unit 112.
The operation signal input unit 112 receives the operation signal output from the operation panel 111, converts it into a digital signal, and converts it into a format suitable for processing by the control unit 120 and outputs it to the control unit 120.

  The control unit 120 receives an operation signal from the operation signal input unit 112 and performs a control operation corresponding to the operation signal. Further, the position movement of the hologram optical element 160 is controlled. Further, the operation of the video signal processing unit 130 and the light source 140 is controlled.

  The control unit 120 can be configured by hardware such as a circuit device that realizes the function, or is configured by an arithmetic device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcomputer, and software that defines the operation thereof. You can also.

  The video signal processing unit 130 includes an interface that receives an input video signal given from an external device or the like of the projector 100, generates an output video signal based on the input video signal and an instruction from the control unit 120, and a liquid crystal light valve driving unit. 151 is output.

The light source 140 is a light source supply unit for an image to be finally displayed to the user, and emits light toward the liquid crystal light valve 152.
The liquid crystal light valve driving unit 151 drives the liquid crystal light valve 152 based on the output video signal output from the video signal processing unit 130.
In the liquid crystal light valve 152, a plurality of pixels (not shown) are formed in a matrix, and the liquid crystal light valve driving unit 151 adjusts the transmittance of each pixel to modulate the light emitted from the light source 140. The light is emitted toward the projection optical system 153.
The light emitted from the liquid crystal light valve 152 is enlarged and projected onto the screen 200 by the projection optical system 153.
The projection optical system 153 includes a focus mechanism that can change the focus of the projection light, and a zoom mechanism that can change the magnification of the projection light.

The hologram optical element 160 is an optical element that converts incident light into a predetermined image when light emitted from the light source 140 is incident. The conversion image will be described later with reference to FIG.
Further, the hologram optical element 160 is configured such that the position of the hologram optical element 160 can be changed by a driving unit such as a motor that operates in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 120. Usually, it is arranged at a position deviating from the optical path of the light emitted from the light source 140, and when there is a position change instruction from the control unit 120, it is inserted into the optical path of the light emitted from the light source 140.
The hologram optical element 160 can be configured using a computer generated hologram (CGH) or the like.

The configuration of projector 100 according to the first embodiment has been described above.
Next, the operation of projector 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 2 illustrates switching between normal operation and spotlight operation of the projector 100. Here, it is assumed that the presenter 300 is performing a presentation using the projector 100 while appropriately pointing to an image projected on the screen 200.
FIG. 2A shows a usage image during normal operation, and FIG. 2B shows a usage image during spotlight operation.

During normal operation as shown in FIG. 2A, the projector 100 projects an image on the screen 200 based on the supplied image signal, and the shape of the projected light is generally rectangular.
On the other hand, there is a case where the presentation is temporarily interrupted when the presentation is finished or when the presentation is finished, and the presenter 300 is focused on the presenter 300 by spotlighting the presenter 300.
At this time, if the projection light of the projector 100 overlaps with the spotlight, the effect of the spotlight is diminished. Therefore, measures such as turning off the projection light of the projector 100 and reducing the light amount are taken into consideration to enhance the effect of the spotlight.

  However, when operating the projector 100 as described above, there are inconveniences as described in the following (1) to (3).

(1) When the projection light is turned off by turning off the power of the projector 100, when the presenter 300 tries to continue the presentation using the projector 100 again, it takes time until the projector 100 can be used. This hinders smooth presentation progress.

(2) When taking measures such as directing the projection light of the projector 100 in a direction not overlapping the spotlight or blocking the projection light by blocking the projection unit, the projector 100 applies the spotlight to the presenter 300. While being used, the projection light that is not used continues to be irradiated.
In this case, the internal temperature of the projector 100 rises unnecessarily, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of the usage efficiency of the projector 100.

(3) When the light amount of the projector 100 is reduced, the overlap between the projection light and the spotlight cannot be completely eliminated, and the projector 100 continues to operate, so the internal temperature of the projector 100 is useless. The rise is the same as (2) above.

In the present invention, in consideration of the disadvantages (1) to (3), it is considered that the projection light of the projector 100 is used as a spotlight.
FIG. 2B shows a state where the presenter 300 stands in front of the screen 200 and the projector 100 irradiates the presenter 300 with spotlight-like projection light. Hereinafter, the operation of the projector 100 when switching from FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B will be described in the following steps (1) to (5).

(1) When the presenter 300 moves in front of the screen 200, an operator of the projector 100 (which may also serve as the presenter 300; the same shall apply hereinafter) operates the operation panel 111 or uses a remote controller (not shown). Use to instruct the projector 100 that the projection light should be changed to a spotlight.

(2) The operation signal input unit 112 receives an operation signal corresponding to the above operation content from the operation panel 111 or a remote controller (not shown), converts it into a format suitable for the processing of the control unit 120, and outputs the converted signal to the control unit 120. .
(3) The control unit 120 receives the operation signal, drives the driving unit of the hologram optical element 160, and moves the position of the element onto the optical path of the light source 140.

(4) The hologram optical element 160 is designed in advance such as light diffraction so as to convert the projection light of the light source 140 into a spotlight shape (for example, a circle). The projection image projected from the optical system 153 is changed to a spotlight shape as shown in FIG.
At this time, the control unit 120 instructs the video signal processing unit 130 to temporarily switch the projected video to an all-white screen so that no video is captured in the spotlight.

(5) The presenter 300 moves onto the projection light of the projector 100 that has been changed to a spotlight. As a result, the same visual effect as when a normal spotlight is applied to the presenter 300 is exhibited.

  By performing the spotlight operation as described above, the projector 100 can be used as a substitute for the spotlight when the image projection is not performed, and therefore, compared with the operation of cutting the projection light when the image projection is not performed. And the usage efficiency is very good.

  Further, when switching from the spotlight operation to the normal operation, the operation opposite to the above (1) to (5) is performed. In this case, it is not necessary to restart the projector 100. 300 can smoothly resume the presentation and contributes to the smooth progress of the presentation.

  In the first embodiment, an example in which the hologram optical element 160 is inserted between the liquid crystal light valve 152 and the projection optical system 153 has been shown. However, for example, other positions on the optical path such as between the light source 140 and the liquid crystal light valve 152. You may comprise so that it may insert in.

  As described above, according to the projector 100 according to the first embodiment, the projection light of the light source 140 can be changed into a spotlight using the hologram optical element 160. Can be used in two types of applications for spotlight substitution, and the usage efficiency is very good.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to turn off the power supply of the projector 100 between the normal operation and the spotlight operation, the operation related to before and after switching is smooth.

  Further, since the projector 100 can be used as a spotlight, it is not necessary to install a spotlight separately, which is desirable from the viewpoint of cost. Furthermore, since the luminous flux of the projection light can be reduced to a spotlight shape and all the amount of light can be used as a spotlight substitute, it is preferable from the viewpoint of the utilization efficiency of the light source 140.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of projector 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
Projector 100 according to the second embodiment is additionally provided with a lens shift unit 170 in addition to the configuration described in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

The lens shift unit 170 includes a driving unit such as a motor for moving the optical lens included in the projection optical system 153, and moves the optical lens based on an instruction from the control unit 120, thereby changing the projection position of the projected image. To do.
The direction and amount in which the projection position can be changed depends on the direction and amount in which the optical lens can move. For example, the optical lens can be moved back and forth and right and left, and accordingly, the projected image can be moved back and forth and left and right within a predetermined range.

  FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of projector 100 according to the second embodiment. The figure will be described below.

FIG. 4A shows a state where the projector 100 is switched to the spotlight operation, and corresponds to the state shown in FIG. In FIG. 4A, the position of the presenter 300 and the position of the spotlight-like projection light are misaligned, which is not appropriate as a spotlight.
In this case, it is necessary to move the presenter 300 or change the projection position of the projection light. Hereinafter, the operation of the projector 100 when changing the projection position of the projection light will be described in the following steps (1) to (5).

(1) The operator of the projector 100 operates the operation panel 111 or uses a remote controller (not shown) to instruct the projector 100 to change the projection position of the projection light.
(2) The operation signal input unit 112 receives an operation signal corresponding to the above operation content from the operation panel 111 or a remote controller (not shown), converts it into a format suitable for the processing of the control unit 120, and outputs the converted signal to the control unit 120. .

(3) The control unit 120 receives the operation signal and instructs the lens shift unit 170 to move the lens of the projection optical system 153.
(4) The lens shift unit 170 moves the lens position based on an instruction from the control unit 120 so that the projection light moves to the right in FIG.
(5) The operator of the projector 100 executes the operation of step (1) until the spotlight-like projection light overlaps the position of the presenter 300.

  As described above, according to the projector 100 according to the second embodiment, the lens shift unit 170 moves the lens of the projection optical system 153 even when the projection light is not in a desired position when switching to the spotlight operation. By doing so, the projection position can be changed, so that the operation of the projector 100 can be made closer to a spotlight.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing details of the projection optical system 153 of the projector 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 153 a denotes a projection lens that enlarges and projects the projection light onto the screen 200. Reference numeral 153b denotes a refractive lens, which is disposed between the hologram optical element 160 and the projection lens 153a. Further, the angle is varied by slightly rotating according to an instruction from the control unit 120 by a driving means such as a motor.
The refraction lens 153b has a function of refracting the projection light, and refracts the projection light according to the rotation angle to change the projection position of the projection light.

  The “refractive member” in the claims corresponds to the refractive lens 153b in the third embodiment.

As in the case described with reference to FIG. 4 of the second embodiment, the operator of the projector 100 operates the operation panel 111 or uses a remote controller (not shown) when changing the projection position of the spotlight-like projection light. Then, the projector 100 is instructed to change the projection direction of the projection light.
The control unit 120 changes the angle by rotating the refractive lens 153b based on the operation signal, thereby changing the projection position of the projection light.

  In addition, it is also possible to extend the range in which the projection position of the projection light can be changed by using the refractive lens 153b described in the third embodiment together with the lens shift unit 170 described in the second embodiment.

  As described above, according to projector 100 according to the third embodiment, the same effect as in the second embodiment is exhibited. Further, by using the refractive lens 153b and the lens shift unit 170 in combination, the range in which the projection position of the projection light can be changed can be expanded.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 6 is a side view of projector 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
Projector 100 according to the fourth embodiment includes an attachment 180 in addition to the configuration described in any of first to third embodiments. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first to third embodiments, the description thereof is omitted.

The attachment 180 is disposed outside the main body of the projector 100 with a bendable arm 181. The attachment 180 includes a member that refracts light, such as a refractive lens or a metal nanorod, and refracts the projection light projected from the projection optical system 153 to change the projection position. It has a function.
In addition to these refractive members, a hologram optical element as described in the first embodiment may be incorporated so as to have a function of converting the shape of the projection light.

FIG. 6A shows the projector 100 during normal use. During normal use, the attachment 180 is removed from the optical path of the projection light, and the shape and the projection position of the projection light are kept in a normal state.
FIG. 6B shows a state when the attachment 180 is mounted. When the projector 100 is spotlighted, the arm 181 is bent and moved to a position where the attachment 180 is placed on the projection lens, and the attachment 180 is positioned on the optical path of the projection light.

In the state of FIG. 6B, the projection light projected from the projection lens is changed in projection position and shape when passing through the attachment 180, and exhibits the same effect as described in the first to third embodiments. To do.
Note that the attachment 180 may be used in combination with each configuration described in the first to third embodiments, thereby expanding the range in which the shape and the projection position of the projection light can be converted.

Further, a drive motor may be built in the arm 181 or the like, and the position of the attachment 180 may be automatically changed based on an instruction from the control unit 120.
For example, when an operation input indicating that a spotlight operation is to be performed is received from the operation panel 111 or a remote controller (not shown), the control unit 120 receives the operation signal and drives the arm 181 to set the position of the attachment 180 of the projection lens. An operation such as moving forward is conceivable.

3 is a functional block diagram of projector 100 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. This is to explain switching between normal operation and spotlight operation. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of projector 100 according to Embodiment 2. The operation of projector 100 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing details of a projection optical system 153 according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a side view of projector 100 according to a fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  100 projector, 111 operation panel, 112 operation signal input unit, 120 control unit, 130 video signal processing unit, 140 light source, 151 liquid crystal light valve driving unit, 152 liquid crystal light valve, 153 projection optical system, 153a projection lens, 153b refractive lens , 160 hologram optical element, 170 lens shift unit, 180 attachment, 181 arm, 200 screen, 300 presenter.

Claims (5)

A projection unit that projects an image based on an input video signal;
Projection light shape changing means for changing the shape of the projection light projected by the projection unit;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the projection light shape changing unit;
An operation signal input unit that receives an operation signal corresponding to the operation content and outputs the operation signal to the control unit;
With
The controller is
When receiving an operation signal to change the shape of the projection light from the operation signal input unit,
Instructing the projection light shape changing means to change the shape of the projection light,
The projected light shape changing means is
A projector characterized in that the projection light is changed into a spotlight based on the instruction. The projected light shape changing means is
Comprising a hologram optical element for changing the shape of the projection light into a spotlight,
The projector according to claim 1, wherein the hologram optical element is inserted into an optical path of the projection light based on an instruction from the control unit to change a shape of the projection light. A projection position changing means for changing the projection position of the projection light;
The controller is
When receiving an operation signal to change the projection position from the operation signal input unit,
Instructing the projection position changing means to change the projection position,
The projection position changing means is
The projector according to claim 1, wherein the projection position is changed based on the instruction. The projection position changing means is
A lens shift unit that changes a projection position of an image projected by the projection unit by moving a lens included in the projection unit;
The projector according to claim 3, wherein the projection position is changed by moving the lens based on an instruction from the control unit. A refracting member for refracting the traveling direction of the projection light;
The controller is
The projector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the projection position is changed by inserting the refractive member into an optical path of the projection light.

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