JP2013097354A - Image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable arbitrary character information to be projected with image data simultaneously.SOLUTION: The image display device for projecting and displaying an image on a screen includes: data receiving means for receiving character data and image data; aspect ratio receiving means for receiving the aspect ratio of the image data; layout receiving means for receiving display layout of the character data and the image data on the screen, specified with the aspect ratio of the image data being retained; and projection and display means for projecting and displaying the character data and the image data on the screen, on the basis of the display layout.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display device.

  There is a projector (image projection apparatus) (hereinafter also referred to as a “network projector”) having a function connectable to a network, and dedicated image projection software is installed in a PC (Personal Computer) and the PC screen or PC is installed. Techniques for projecting stored images (moving images, still images, etc.) are already known.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a main screen for the purpose of outputting the same image on a display screen having a different aspect ratio (long side to short side ratio, aspect ratio), such as a mobile phone or a portable game machine, without breaking down. An image output method for securing a display area while maintaining an aspect ratio is disclosed. And the structure which prepares the pattern divided | segmented into the subscreen and display area which do not necessarily hold | maintain an aspect ratio for each display is disclosed.

  However, conventional network projectors have a restriction that some image data (moving images, still images, etc.) must be prepared in advance in order to project an image from a PC.

  In addition, the image output method described in the cited document 1 discloses that a screen holding an aspect ratio is divided and preparations are made for display on a display screen having a different aspect ratio. Correspondence between image data and display screens with different aspect ratios for displaying the image data is always limited to a one-to-one relationship.

  However, even if the image data to be displayed is a screen having the same aspect ratio, there may be a plurality of divided patterns as divided patterns. Therefore, there is only one display pattern on the screen displaying the image data. When the relationship is limited, it is doubtful whether the selected division pattern is the optimum display pattern for the content to be displayed, and there is a concern that in some cases, the division pattern is inappropriate.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can project arbitrary character information simultaneously with image data, and can also project information other than images while maintaining the aspect ratio of the image data. An object of the present invention is to provide an image display device that can expand the use scenes of network projectors.

  In order to solve the above problem, the image display device according to the present invention described in claim 1 is an image display device for projecting and displaying an image on a screen, and is a data receiving means for receiving character data and image data. And an aspect ratio receiving means for receiving the aspect ratio of the image data, and a display layout of the character data and the image data on the screen specified in a state in which the aspect ratio of the image data is retained. Layout receiving means; and projection display means for projecting and displaying the character data and the image data on the screen based on the display layout.

  According to the present invention, a user displays (projects) information of a different type from image data to be displayed on the same screen as the image data while maintaining the aspect ratio of the image data without using a plurality of image display devices. ) Can be obtained.

It is a figure which shows the example of a connection of the apparatus which comprises the image display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus which comprises the image display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of the display state which the image display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention projects the image data which are display objects on the screen which has an aspect ratio substantially the same as the aspect ratio of image data with a display apparatus (projector). When (a) only the original image data is projected as it is, (b) when the original image data is reduced and character information (character data) is projected on the right and bottom margins of the screen, (C) When the original image data is reduced and character information (character data) is projected onto the margins in four directions, (d) the original image data and the character information (character data) are overlaid on the lower part of the screen and projected. If so. In the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, an example of a display state in which image data to be displayed is projected onto a square screen having a significantly different aspect ratio from the image data by the display device (projector) (or a square shape) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display state projected by a display device (projector) having a projection element, where (a) original image data is reduced and character information (character data) is projected on the lower margin of the screen. (B) When the original image data is reduced to the portrait size and character information (character data) is projected on the right margin of the screen, (c) The original image data is reduced and the character is displayed on the upper margin of the screen. When information (character data) is projected, (d) the original image data is enlarged to the portrait size, and the original image data and character information (character data) are projected. If a time) and is projected by overlaying a substantially central portion of the screen it is. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation display screen of the information processing terminal in the image display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow when operation | movement of the image display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention is operated from the information processing terminal. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow when processing the operation | movement of the image display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention by the display apparatus side.

  Next, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same or it corresponds, The duplication description is simplified thru | or abbreviate | omitted suitably. In short, in the display operation for projecting an image, the present invention reduces or enlarges the image data to be projected in accordance with the screen (screen) to be displayed while maintaining the aspect ratio of the image data. The image data is displayed according to the layout according to the conditions, and an arbitrary character string (character data) designated from the external terminal is projected or projected on the margin area formed by reducing the image data to be projected. It is characterized in that arbitrary character information (character data) is projected by displaying an image without being reduced. Hereinafter, features of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, the apparatus which comprises the image display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a connection example of devices constituting an image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, in the image display device 1, a plurality of information processing terminals (PCs) 10, a server 20, and a plurality of projectors (display devices) 30 are connected to a network 50.

  When image data and various information on the information processing device (PC) 10 side are transmitted to the display device 30 via the network 50, the display image is projected onto the screen 40 when the display device 30 is a projector. . A plurality of display devices 30 may exist as shown in FIG. 1, and the display conditions such as screen resolution, aspect ratio, and presence / absence of audio reproduction may be different in each display device 30.

  Although an example of the information processing apparatus 10 is a PC (personal computer), the information processing apparatus 10 is not limited to a PC, and may have a function of outputting an image data display command to a display device. For example, an information terminal such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a mobile phone may be used.

  The display device (projector) 30 may be any type of projector, such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) projector or a liquid crystal (LCD) projector. Furthermore, the server 20 may be any server as long as it has a function of communicating with other devices and a function of distributing image data to the display device 30 as will be described later. The type of the network 50 is not particularly limited, and any type may be used as long as bidirectional communication between devices such as a LAN (Local Aria Network) is possible. And

  Next, the configuration of each device forming the image display device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a device that forms the image display apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the information processing terminal (PC) 10 displays a command for controlling the display device (projector) 30 to display image data on the screen 40, character information (character data) displayed along with the image data, and the like. Two-way communication is performed with the input unit 11 for input and other devices on the connected network 50, and the image data is transmitted to which device in the display device (projector) 30 existing in plural. And at least a communication unit 12 having a device search function for selecting.

  In addition, the server 20 performs bidirectional communication with the image data database and the distribution unit 21 having the font data of the character information, and other devices on the connected network 50, and displays a plurality of image data. It has at least a communication unit 22 having a device search function for selecting which device in the device (projector) 30 to transmit.

  The display device (projector) 30 processes and draws image data received from the information processing terminal (PC) 10 or the server 20 as necessary, and displays character information (character data). Communication for communicating with other devices on the network 50, a drawing unit 31 having font data, a projection unit 32 for actually converting the received image data into display data that can be seen by humans Part 33 at least. The font data for displaying the character information may be mounted on any of the information processing apparatus (PC) 10, the server 20, or the display apparatus (projector) 30.

  Next, a display state of image data projected by the projector 30 when the aspect ratio of the image data to be displayed and the aspect ratio of the screen are substantially the same will be described. FIG. 3 shows a display state in which image data to be displayed is projected onto a screen having an aspect ratio substantially the same as the aspect ratio of the image data by the display apparatus (projector) in the image display apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example, Comprising: (a) When only original image data is projected as it is, (b) Original image data is reduced, Character information (character data) is projected on the right side margin and the lower side margin of the screen (C) when the original image data is reduced and character information (character data) is projected onto the margins in four directions; and (d) the original image data and the character information (character data) are at the bottom of the screen. Each of them shows a case of being overlaid and projected.

  A conventional network projector projects one or a plurality of image data onto a single screen, but the feature of the present invention is that the original image data exists on the assumption that the original image data exists. Then, reduction is performed while maintaining the original aspect ratio, and other information such as character information (character data) is projected using a blank area generated by the reduction. Thereby, even if the resolution and aspect ratio of the original image data change, the character information (character data) can be displayed. For convenience of explanation, the A column (upper end side), the B column (right end side), the C column (lower end side), and the D column (left end side) are used as symbols indicating the blank area formed on the screen 40. I will use it.

  According to the present invention, margins are generated in the B and C rows on the screen 40 as shown in FIG. 3B, or the A row on the screen 40 as shown in FIG. 3C. To the D column. FIG. 3D shows a case where character information (character data) is displayed as an overlay on the original image data projected on the screen 40.

  This makes it possible to maximize the amount of information that can be displayed by making maximum use of the blank area, and the same character information (character data) even if the resolution and aspect ratio of the original image data change. Can be displayed. Furthermore, it is possible to display character information (character data) while displaying the entire image data without reducing or enlarging the image data.

  As described above, when the aspect ratio of the original image data and the aspect ratio of the screen 40 are substantially the same, there are various options for generating a margin in the screen 40. However, under the condition in which the image data and the display device (projector) 30 are arranged in parallel, only four areas from the A column to the D column are generated at most, except for the case of overlay display. By selecting at least one of the columns, it is possible to display easy-to-read character information (character data) using a blank area obtained by reducing or enlarging the image data without covering the image data. .

  Next, image data projected on the screen 40 using the display device (projector) 30 when the aspect ratio of the image data to be displayed and the aspect ratio of the screen are significantly different will be described. Specifically, the display area on the screen 40 is a substantially square.

  FIG. 4 is an example of a display state in which image data to be displayed is projected onto a square screen having a significantly different aspect ratio from the image data by the display device (projector) in the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Or it is a figure which shows the example of the display state projected by the display apparatus (projector) which has a square projection element), Comprising: (a) Original image data is reduced and character information (character data) is shown in the lower margin of the screen. ) Is projected, (b) the original image data is reduced to a portrait (vertical image) size, and character information (character data) is projected on the right margin of the screen, (c) the original image data is landscape When (horizontal image) is reduced and character information (character data) is projected on the upper margin of the screen, (d) the horizontal direction of the original image data is the screen This is the case where the size is adjusted to the horizontal size, the vertical direction is enlarged to the portrait (vertical image) size, and the original image data and character information (character data) are overlaid and projected on the approximate center of the screen. .

  As described above, when the aspect ratio of the image data to be displayed and the aspect ratio of the screen are significantly different, if the image data and the character information (character data) are all displayed at once, the display area of the image data is the screen area. In many cases, the entire display area is considerably reduced. However, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, there are various options for displaying all of the image data and the character information (character data). As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C, margins are formed above and below the display area, and as shown in FIG. 4B, a margin is generated on the right side of the display area, as shown in FIG. As described above, it is possible to overlay image data and character information (character data).

  In addition, when a square projection element is provided, even if portrait (vertical image) or landscape (horizontal image) image data comes, either vertical or horizontal pixels are fully reduced without significantly reducing the image data. The used image data can be projected.

  Next, a UI (User Interface) for setting how to display image data and character information (character data) on the screen 40 using the input unit 11 of the information processing terminal (PC) 10. Will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation display screen of the information processing terminal in the image display apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 5, using the input unit 11 of the information processing terminal (PC) 10, the display state displayed on the screen 40 from the information processing terminal (PC) 10 side is set (reduced) to display margins or is overlaid. Select whether to set to display and input character information (character data) to be displayed.

  Specifically, in the display format column 111, using a clickable icon display, a setting 112 for generating a margin in the four directions of the display area from the left, a setting 113 for generating a margin on the right side and the lower side, and an upper side Any one of the settings 114 for displaying a margin on the right side can be selected. Of course, it is possible to provide more options by scrolling the display format column 111.

  Next, a radio for selecting whether to display the character information (character data) in the margin of the display area when the display of the image data is reduced or to display the character information (character data) and the image data in an overlay display. By providing the button 115, it is possible to select which display form to use. It should be noted that the area where the character information (character data) is displayed in an overlay manner may be selected from various display areas in the same manner as the margin setting, as well as in one place.

  An edit box for inputting character information (character data) to be displayed from the A column to the D column in the display area of the screen 40 is prepared. In the example of FIG. 5, in the display format column 111, a setting 114 for generating blank areas on the upper side and the right side is selected. Therefore, the character information (character data) can be input only to the A column and the B column corresponding to the blank area, and the C column and the D column, which are areas where no blank space is generated, are set in the edit box. The inside is grayed out and input is added. Finally, a button for selecting OK 116 or canceling 117 is selected.

  Next, the operation of the image display apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation flow when the operation of the image display apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is operated from the information processing terminal. In FIG. 6, when the program on the information processing terminal 10 side is started, the communication device (device search) 12 of the information processing terminal 10 searches the network 50 for the display device (projector) 30 that is the connection destination. Connected later.

  In this case, the number of display devices (projectors) 30 may be plural. However, when the specifications of the plurality of display devices (projectors) 30 are different from each other, the display devices (projectors) 30 are compatible with the display devices (projectors) having different specifications. Whether the prepared program is prepared and started or whether it is started by a single program depends on the implementation of the image display device 1 itself. Here, in order to simplify the explanation, it is assumed that the information processing terminal 10 and the display device (projector) 30 are connected one-to-one.

  First, in step (hereinafter referred to as “S”) 601, when the information processing terminal (PC) 10 is connected to the display device (projector) 30, in S602, the connected display device (projector) 30 Information such as the resolution, aspect ratio, and allowable image format held by the display device (projector) 30 is acquired.

  Based on the acquired information, the information processing terminal (PC) 10 determines a corresponding option, and enters an event waiting loop in S603. In S603, various functions can be used. Here, three events of (1) image data projection, (2) character information (character data) projection, and (3) automatic information projection will be described.

  When shifting from the event waiting loop of S603 to an event of (1) image data projection, it is necessary to select image data to be projected. In S604, image data to be projected is determined from a still image file, a moving image file, a desktop image, and the like. When the image data to be projected is determined in S604, the aspect ratio of the image data is determined based on the determined image data in S605.

  Then, according to the aspect ratio determined in S605, the projection image is reduced or enlarged as necessary in order to project the image data without failure in S606. Thereafter, the image data is transmitted / projected from the display device (projector) 30 to the screen 40.

  On the other hand, when the event waiting loop of S603 shifts to the event of (2) character information (character data) projection, in S607, the UI of the input unit 11 of the information processing terminal (PC) 10 described in FIG. As a result, the display format column 111 (FIG. 5) is selected. In the display format column 111, an effective format is determined depending on the resolution and aspect ratio of the display device (projector) 30, and therefore, it is necessary to select the format. When the display format column 111 is selected, a column in which character information (character data) can be edited is activated in S608, and necessary character information (character data) is input.

  If there is image data that is projected at the same time as the character information (character data), the image data is reduced or enlarged in accordance with the aspect ratio determined in S605 while maintaining the aspect ratio in S609. Is called. In step S608, font data for the character information (character data) input is acquired from the display device (projector) 30. In step S610, the layout of the character information (character data) for the image data is determined, and based on the acquired font data. Character information (character data) is combined with image data. Thereafter, the combined display image is transmitted / projected from the display device (projector) 30 to the screen 40.

  By the way, when character information (character data) is projected, the character information (character data) to be projected needs to be input each time as described in the event (2). On the other hand, if there is a server 20 that is always in operation, it is possible that character information (character data) is automatically sent from the server 20.

  As the character information relating to the event occurring in real time held by the server 20 that is always in operation, time information, location (position, location) information, latest news information, and the like can be considered. For example, a server storing character information (character data) displayed on the screen 40 from a display device (projector) 30 that is permanently installed in a conference room is provided, and character information (character data) sent from there is provided. ) Is very convenient if it is a meeting room name, a meeting name corresponding to the date and time, an attendee name, or the like. In this way, it is not necessary for the user to input character information (character data) each time, and highly reliable information can be automatically and repeatedly used from an online server.

  Therefore, consider the case of shifting from the event waiting loop of S603 to an event of (3) automatic information projection. When a specific event is activated at a predetermined time by using a timer or the like in S611, character information and a display format are selected from the database (DB) of the distribution unit 21 (FIG. 2) in the server 20 in S612. In step S613, the projection image is reduced or enlarged as necessary.

  Thereafter, similarly to S610 in the event (2), the layout of the character information (character data) for the image data is determined in S614, and the character information (character data) based on the acquired font data is combined with the image data. . Thereafter, the combined display image is transmitted / projected from the display device (projector) 30 to the screen 40.

  However, in this case, since the character information (character data) corresponding to the activated event is combined with the projected image data, the image data to be projected needs to be prepared in advance on the server 20 side. It should be noted that there are. That is, the image data prepared for projection on the other information processing terminal 10 side is image data unrelated to the activated event.

  In the event waiting loop of S603, when the end of processing is selected while waiting for an event, the process exits from the event waiting loop of S603 and ends.

  Next, another operation of the image display apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation flow when the operation of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention is processed on the display device (projector) side. In the case of FIG. 7, since the image data is synthesized on the display device (projector) 30 side, the processing burden on the information processing terminal 10 side is reduced.

  In the case of the operation flow of FIG. 7, the process proceeds to the operation after waiting for a command from the information processing terminal 10, and therefore the processing of S <b> 601 and S <b> 602 shown in FIG. 6 does not exist. When displaying image data having different contents on a plurality of display devices (projectors) 30, it is better to follow this processing flow.

  When shifting from the event waiting loop of S701 to the event of (1) image data projection, there is no change in the fact that the image data is held on the information processing terminal 10, so in S702, the information processing terminal 10 In step S703, the aspect ratio of the image data to be projected on the display device (projector) 30 is determined. In step S710, the image data is reduced or enlarged in accordance with the determined aspect ratio. Projected onto the screen 40.

  When shifting from the event waiting loop of S701 to the event of (2) character information (character data) projection, the display format column 111 (FIG. 5) is selected in the information processing terminal 10 in S705, and in S706. When character information (character data) is received from the information processing terminal 10 and projected at the same time as the character information (character data) and there is currently projected image data, the aspect ratio of the image data is determined in S703. Since it is determined, the image data is reduced / enlarged in S707.

  In step S709, the layout of character information (character data) for the image data is determined, and the character information (character data) is combined with the image data. Thereafter, in S710, the combined display image is transmitted / projected from the display device (projector) 30 to the screen 40.

  Note that when character information (character data) is combined with image data in S709, font data (S708) provided in the display device (projector) 30 is acquired.

  Note that each operation flow of the image display apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be executed by a program on a computer. That is, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) mounted on the information processing terminal 10 and the display device (projector) 30 in FIG. 2 is a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) not shown. The program stored in is loaded, and the processing steps of the program are executed sequentially.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in an image display apparatus that projects and displays an image on a screen, means for receiving character data and image data, means for receiving an aspect ratio of image data, and an aspect of image data Means for determining a display layout of character data and image data on the screen while maintaining the ratio, and means for projecting and displaying character data and image data on the screen based on the display layout Thus, it is possible to obtain an image display device capable of displaying (projecting) information (character information) of a type different from the image data to be displayed on the same screen as the image data.

  The present invention has been described above by the preferred embodiments of the present invention. While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. is there.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image display apparatus 10 Information processing terminal 11 Input part (information processing terminal)
12 Communication unit (information processing terminal)
20 Server 21 Distribution Department (Server)
22 Communication Department (Server)
30 Display device (projector)
31 Drawing unit (projector)
32 Projector
33 Communication unit (projector)
40 Screen 111 Display format field 115 Radio button 116 OK button 117 Cancel button

JP 2006-106371 A

Claims (9)

An image display device that projects and displays an image on a screen,
Character data receiving means for receiving character data;
Image data receiving means for receiving image data;
Aspect ratio receiving means for receiving an aspect ratio of the image data;
Layout receiving means for receiving a display layout of the character data and the image data on the screen specified in a state in which the aspect ratio of the image data is retained;
Projection display means for projecting and displaying the character data and the image data on the screen based on the display layout;
An image display device comprising:   2. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the character data receiving unit and the image data receiving unit respectively receive the character data and the image data from an external terminal connected via a network.   The image display apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display layout is designated by the external terminal.   The image data is reduced or enlarged while maintaining the aspect ratio, and the character data is projected and displayed on a blank area on the screen when the image data is reduced. The image display device according to any one of 1 to 3.   The image display device according to claim 4, wherein the margin area is at least one of a right end area, a left end area, an upper end area, and a lower end area in a screen front view.   The image display apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the character data is projected and displayed on any area on the screen while being superimposed on the image data that is not reduced or enlarged.   The image display device according to claim 6, wherein whether the character data is displayed in the margin area or superimposed on the image data is specified by the external terminal.   A database for storing events occurring in real time as character information is connected to the network, and the character data receiving means receives the character information from the database as the character data. Item 3. The image display device according to Item 2.   The image display device according to claim 1, further comprising a square image projection element.

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