JP2015163978A - Device and program for outputting image - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To project images to be projected before and after image switching with a desired switching effect by appropriately recognizing the image switching regardless of file type of image information without precedently subjecting the image information to prescribed processing.SOLUTION: A projection system includes an external device and a projection device 2 connected to each other. The projection device comprises: an image storage part 40 for temporarily storing a plurality of image data that are output from the external device to be input thereto and are continuous in time series; and a control part 39 that determines whether or not image switching is conducted depending upon whether or not change between two continuous image data, out of the plurality of image data, exceeds a prescribed ratio, obtains image data to be projected before and after the image switching from the image storage part 40 when it is determined that the image switching is conducted, and executes processing for switching images with a prescribed switching effect from an image projected before the image switching to an image to be projected after the image switching.

Description

  The present invention relates to a projection apparatus, a projection system, a projection method, and a program for projecting an image on a screen or the like.

Conventionally, a projection device such as a projector or a projector that can project an image on a screen and display a substantially similar image is known.
As this projection apparatus, for example, a predetermined image is projected onto a screen based on a plurality of time-series continuous image data output from and input from an external device such as a personal computer. Some have been configured (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-70415 A

By the way, in the case of the above-mentioned patent document 1 or the like, even when the image data sent from the external device is changed (switched), the projection apparatus has changed the image data, that is, the projected image is changed. There is a problem that it is not possible to recognize that it has been switched.
For this reason, when switching the projection image, if an attempt is made to devise an image switching method by applying a special effect, it is necessary to create a pre-projected image data of the image to be projected. This operation is complicated for the user. Some projectors have a function to add a special effect to the projector itself, but the file format of image data that can be projected with a special effect is fixed. Only special effects can be applied, and there is a problem that versatility is low.

  Therefore, the problem of the present invention is that it is possible to properly recognize switching of images regardless of the file format of image information and without performing predetermined processing on the image information in advance. To provide a projection device, a projection system, a projection method, and a program capable of projecting images before and after switching by applying a predetermined switching effect.

The projection apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention (for example, the projection apparatus 2 in FIG. 1)
An image storage unit (for example, the image storage unit 40 in FIG. 3) that stores a plurality of pieces of image information that are continuous in input time series;
Projection means for projecting an image based on the image information stored in the image storage means (for example, the display drive unit 35, the spatial light modulation element 36, the light source lamp 37, the projection lens 12, etc. in FIG. 3);
Image switching determination means for determining the difference between the plurality of pieces of image information stored in the image storage means and determining whether or not the image has been switched based on the difference amount (for example, the control unit 39 in FIG. 3) )When,
Image information acquisition means (for example, image information acquisition means for acquiring image information before and after switching from the plurality of image information stored in the image storage means when the image switching determination means determines that the image has been switched, for example, The control unit 39 in FIG.
Based on the image information before and after the switching acquired by the image information acquisition unit, the image switching for switching the image projected from the projection unit from the image before switching to the image after switching by applying a predetermined switching effect Means (for example, the control unit 39 in FIG. 3);
It is characterized by having.

  Here, examples of the difference between the plurality of pieces of image information include a change amount between image information, a change amount between predetermined areas of image information, an information amount (data size) of image information, and the like.

The invention according to claim 2 is the projection apparatus according to claim 1,
The image switching determination unit determines whether or not the image has been switched based on a difference between two pieces of continuous image information among the plurality of image information stored in the image storage unit. It is said.

The invention according to claim 3 is the projection apparatus according to claim 1,
The image switching determination unit determines a change in the plurality of image information within a predetermined time stored in the image storage unit, the change in the image information is gradual, and the gradual change in the gradual change It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the image has been switched according to whether or not the number of times is a predetermined number or less.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the projection apparatus according to the third aspect,
The image switching determination means determines whether or not the image has been switched at a predetermined cycle.

The invention according to claim 5 is the projection apparatus according to claim 3 or 4,
The image information acquisition unit acquires image information before the first step change and image information after the last step change among the plurality of image information stored in the image storage unit within a predetermined time. And
The image switching means switches from the image corresponding to the image information before the first step change acquired by the image information acquisition means to the image corresponding to the image information after the last step change. It is characterized by.

The invention according to claim 6 is the projection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The image switching determination unit compares two consecutive pieces of image information among the plurality of pieces of image information stored in the image storage unit, and determines whether or not the amount of change in the image information is a predetermined ratio or more. Accordingly, it is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the image has been switched.

The invention according to claim 7 is the projection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The image switching determination unit compares two consecutive pieces of image information among the plurality of image information stored in the image storage unit for each of a plurality of divided regions, and the number of changed regions is predetermined. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the image has been switched according to whether or not the ratio is greater than or equal to the ratio.

Invention of Claim 8 is the projection apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-7,
The image switching determination unit determines whether the image has been switched based on a change amount of two pieces of continuous image information among the plurality of image information stored in the image storage unit,
The image switching means is characterized in that the switching effect for the image information is changed based on a change amount of the image information before and after the switching.

The invention according to claim 9 is the projection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The projection unit includes image information corresponding to a time required for switching the image by the image switching unit among the plurality of image information stored in the image storage unit after the image switching by the image switching unit. It is characterized by skipping the image projection.

The invention according to claim 10 is:
An external device (for example, the external device 1 in FIG. 1) that outputs a plurality of image information that is continuous in time series, and a predetermined image based on the plurality of image information that is output and input from the external device. A projection system (for example, the projection system 100 of FIG. 1) including a projection apparatus (for example, the projection apparatus 2 of FIG. 1) for projecting,
The projector is
Image storage means for storing the plurality of pieces of image information (for example, the image storage unit 40 in FIG. 3);
Projection means for projecting an image based on the image information stored in the image storage means (for example, the display drive unit 35, the spatial light modulation element 36, the light source lamp 37, the projection lens 12, etc. in FIG. 3);
Image switching determination means for determining the difference between the plurality of pieces of image information stored in the image storage means and determining whether or not the image has been switched based on the difference amount (for example, the control unit 39 in FIG. 3) )When,
Image information acquisition means (for example, image information acquisition means for acquiring image information before and after switching from the plurality of image information stored in the image storage means when the image switching determination means determines that the image has been switched, for example, The control unit 39 in FIG.
Based on the image information before and after the switching acquired by the image information acquisition unit, the image switching to switch the image projected from the projection unit from the image before switching to the image after switching by applying a predetermined switching effect. Means (for example, the control unit 39 in FIG. 3);
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 11
An image storage unit (for example, the image storage unit 40 in FIG. 3) that stores a plurality of input time-sequential image information, and an image is projected based on the image information stored in the image storage unit. Projection method using a projection apparatus (for example, the projection apparatus 2 of FIG. 1) provided with projection means (for example, the display drive unit 35, the spatial light modulation element 36, the light source lamp 37, the projection lens 12, etc. of FIG. 3). Because
Determining a difference between the plurality of pieces of image information stored in the image storage unit, and determining whether or not the image has been switched based on the difference amount;
When it is determined that the image has been switched, a process of acquiring image information before and after switching from the plurality of image information stored in the image storage unit;
Based on the acquired image information before and after the switching, a process of switching the image projected from the projection unit from a pre-switching image to a post-switching image by applying a predetermined switching effect;
It is characterized by performing.

The program of the invention described in claim 12 is:
An image storage unit (for example, the image storage unit 40 in FIG. 3) that stores a plurality of input time-sequential image information, and an image is projected based on the image information stored in the image storage unit. In a projection apparatus (for example, the projection apparatus 2 in FIG. 1) provided with projection means (for example, the display drive unit 35, the spatial light modulation element 36, the light source lamp 37, the projection lens 12, etc. in FIG. 3),
A function of determining a difference between the plurality of pieces of image information stored in the image storage unit, and determining whether or not an image is switched based on the amount of the difference;
A function of acquiring image information before and after switching from the plurality of image information stored in the image storage means when it is determined that the image has been switched;
Based on the acquired image information before and after the switching, a function to switch the image projected from the projection means from the image before switching to the image after switching by applying a predetermined switching effect;
It is characterized by realizing.

  According to the present invention, the difference between a plurality of input time-sequential image information regardless of the file format of the input image information and without performing predetermined processing on the image information in advance. Based on the amount, switching of images can be properly recognized. Thereby, when the image is switched, the projection image can be switched from the image before switching to the image after switching by applying a predetermined switching effect based on the image information before and after switching.

It is the figure which showed typically schematic structure of the projection system of Embodiment 1 to which this invention is applied. It is the figure which showed typically the principal part structure of the external apparatus which comprises the projection system of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the projection apparatus which comprises the projection system of FIG. It is the figure which showed typically the principal part structure of the projection apparatus of FIG. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the switching effect by the projector of FIG. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the switching effect by the projector of FIG. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the switching effect by the projector of FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to image projection processing by the projection system of FIG. 1. It is a timing chart for demonstrating an example of the operation | movement which concerns on the image projection process by the projection system of Embodiment 2 to which this invention is applied.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[Embodiment 1]
The projection system according to the first embodiment performs an image projection process for projecting a predetermined image from a projection apparatus based on a plurality of image data output from an external device and input to the projection apparatus 2. When there is a change in two pieces of image data that are continuous in time series among the plurality of image data, it is determined that the image has been switched, and a predetermined switching effect is applied to the image related to these image data. The image is switched.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of a projection system 100 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the projection system 100, for example, an external device 1 that stores a plurality of image data and a projection device 2 that projects a predetermined image based on the plurality of image data connect a predetermined connection cable 3. Connected through.

First, the external device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a main configuration of the external device 1.
The external device 1 includes, for example, a personal computer, a PDA, a digital camera, and the like. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the CPU 101, the RAM 102, the storage unit 103, the operation input unit 104, and the display unit. 105, a data input / output unit 106, and the like.

A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 controls each part of the external device 1 in an integrated manner, reads various programs related to functions as the external device 1 stored in the storage unit 103, and works in the work area of the RAM 102. And various processes are executed according to the program.
Specifically, for example, based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 104 by the user, the CPU 101 reads out image data of a projection image projected from the projection device 2 from the storage unit 103, and converts the image data into RGB image data. Is output from the data input / output unit 106 to the projection apparatus 2.

  A RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 is, for example, a rewritable memory, and constitutes a storage area, a work area, and the like for programs and various data read from the storage unit 103 under the control of the CPU 101.

The storage unit 103 is composed of, for example, a hard disk or the like, and stores various programs executed under the control of the CPU 101, data related to the processing of each program, and the like.
The storage unit 103 stores a plurality of image data related to, for example, still images and moving images.

  The operation input unit 104 includes, for example, a keyboard (not shown) constituted by a mouse and various operation keys, and outputs an operation signal to the CPU 101 based on an operation by the user of the mouse or keyboard.

  The display unit 105 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and the like, and performs various screen displays according to a predetermined display control signal output from the CPU 101.

  For example, the data input / output unit 106 outputs predetermined image data and audio data to the projection device 2 under the control of the CPU 101. Specifically, the data input / output unit 106 is, for example, a USB terminal for inputting / outputting image data or audio data, a mini-D-SUB terminal for video input, an S terminal and an RCA terminal, The stereo mini terminal etc. are comprised.

Next, the projection apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the projection device 2 viewed from the top surface side, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the external configuration of the projection device 2 viewed from the bottom surface side. FIG.

  The projection device 2 is composed of, for example, a projector or the like. As shown in FIG. 3A, the projection device 2 has a projection lens 12, two sets of distance measuring lenses 13a, 13b and 13c, 13d, and a front surface of a rectangular parallelepiped main body casing 11. An Ir receiver 14 and the like are provided.

  The projection lens 12 is for projecting a light image formed by a spatial light modulation element 36 (described later) such as a micromirror element, for example. Further, the projection lens 12 can arbitrarily change the in-focus position and the zoom position (projection angle of view), for example.

The distance measuring lenses 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d constitute, for example, part of phase difference sensors 131 and 132, which will be described later, respectively, and are based on the principle of triangulation from the parallax between these two lenses with respect to the subject image. The distance to the subject, specifically, the distance to the screen S is measured.
Specifically, the distance to the subject in the vertical direction is measured with a pair of distance measuring lenses 13a and 13b arranged in the vertical direction, and the distance in the horizontal direction is measured with another distance measuring lens 13c and 13d arranged in the horizontal direction. The distance to the subject is measured.

  For example, the Ir receiver 14 receives infrared light on which a key operation signal transmitted from a remote controller is superimposed.

  Further, on the upper surface of the main casing 11, for example, a main main key / indicator 15, a speaker 16, a cover 17, and the like are disposed.

  The main body main key / indicator 15 includes, for example, a power key, a numeric key, a character key, and various function keys, and accepts operation instructions for the projection apparatus 2 such as power ON / OFF, keystone correction start instruction, and input switching instruction. Is.

The speaker 16 outputs, for example, a sound when reproducing a moving image.
The cover 17 opens and closes, for example, when operating a main body subkey (not shown). Note that the main body subkey cannot be instructed to set only by using the main body main key / indicator 15 without using the remote controller (not shown) of the projection apparatus 2, for example, horizontal / vertical position / luminance / color adjustment, etc. It operates various operations such as screen adjustment.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B, an input / output connector portion 18, an Ir receiving portion 19, an AC adapter connecting portion 20, and the like are disposed on the back surface of the main body casing 11.

  The input / output connector unit 18 includes, for example, a USB terminal for inputting / outputting image and audio data to / from the external device 1 via the connection cable 3, a mini-D-SUB terminal for video input, an S terminal, and an RCA. It consists of a terminal and a stereo mini terminal for audio input.

For example, the Ir receiving unit 19 receives infrared light on which a key operation signal transmitted from the remote controller is superimposed, in substantially the same manner as the Ir receiving unit 14.
The AC adapter connection unit 20 connects, for example, a cable from an AC adapter (not shown) serving as a power source.

In addition, on the lower surface of the main body casing 11, for example, a pair of fixed leg portions 21, 21 are attached to the rear side, and an adjustment leg portion 22 capable of height adjustment is attached to the front side. .
The adjustment leg 22 adjusts the vertical component of the projection direction of the projection lens 12, that is, the elevation angle, by manipulating the screw rotation position manually, for example.

Next, the functional configuration of the electronic circuit of the projection apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the main configuration of the projection apparatus 2.
As shown in FIG. 4, the projection apparatus 2 converts image data of various standards output from the external device 1 and input via the input / output connector unit 18 into an image via the input / output I / F 31 and the system bus SB. After being unified into image data of a predetermined format by the unit 32, it is sent to the image storage unit 40.

The image storage unit 40 is composed of, for example, a flash memory or the like, and temporarily stores a predetermined amount of image data sequentially sent from the image conversion unit 32. That is, the image storage unit 40 is configured to store at least two pieces of image data that are output from the external device 1 and input in time series as image storage means.
The image data stored in the image storage unit 40 is sequentially read out in time series at a predetermined timing under the control of the control unit 39 and is sent to the display encoder 33. .
Note that the image data read from the image storage unit 40 is erased from the image storage unit 40, thereby securing a temporary storage area for the image data sequentially sent from the external device 1. It can be done.

  Further, when it is determined in the image projection process that the image has been switched by the execution of the image switching determination process by the control unit 39, the image storage unit 40 controls among the plurality of temporarily stored image data. The image data before and after switching acquired by the unit 39 is stored separately.

  Note that the image storage unit 40 may be configured to temporarily store data when various operation programs executed by the control unit 39 are executed.

  The control unit 39 controls all operations of each circuit. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which an operation program executed by the CPU is fixedly stored, a work piece, and the like. A RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a memory is used.

  In the ROM, for example, an image switching determination program, an image information acquisition program, an image switching program, and the like (all not shown) are stored.

The image switching determination program causes the CPU to function as image switching determination means. That is, the image switching determination program determines a difference between a plurality of image data temporarily stored (saved) in the image storage unit 40, and determines whether the image has been switched based on the difference amount. This is a program for causing a CPU to realize a function related to image switching determination processing. Specifically, for example, the image switching determination program determines whether or not an image has been switched by the CPU based on a difference between two pieces of continuous image data among a plurality of pieces of image data stored in the image storage unit 40. It is for judging.
More specifically, for example, based on the execution of the image switching determination program by the CPU, among two pieces of image data, two consecutive image data at a predetermined timing are compared, and the change amount of the image data is a predetermined ratio. Whether or not the image has been switched is determined according to whether or not (for example, 5%) or more.

  The image information acquisition program causes the CPU to function as an image acquisition unit. That is, when it is determined that the image has been switched in the image switching determination process, the image information acquisition program obtains the image data before and after switching from among a plurality of image data temporarily stored in the image storage unit 40. It is a program for causing a CPU to realize functions related to image information acquisition processing to be acquired.

  The image switching program causes the CPU to function as image switching means. That is, the image switching program switches the image projected on the screen S from the image GB before switching (see FIG. 5A, etc.) based on the image data before and after switching acquired by the image information acquisition processing. This is a program for causing a CPU to realize a function related to an image switching process for switching to a subsequent image GA (see FIG. 5A and the like) by applying a predetermined switching effect. Specifically, for example, the image switching program changes the switching effect based on the amount of change in the image data before and after switching acquired by the image information acquisition process and stored in the image storage unit 40 by the CPU. The effect is applied to the image data before and after switching, and the image is switched.

Here, the switching effect will be described with reference to FIGS.
5 (a), 5 (b), 6 (a), 6 (b), 7 (a), and 7 (b) are diagrams schematically showing an example of the switching effect. .
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the image GA after switching is halved and the half image is slid so as to be superimposed on the image GB before switching from the left and right edges. Thus, there is a switching effect for switching images by combining them at approximately the center.
Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the image GA after switching is divided into a plurality of regions, and these divided images are gathered at substantially the center so as to overlap the image GB before switching from the edge thereof. There is a switching effect that switches images by merging at approximately the center.
In addition, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, a hole larger than the image GA after switching is provided to be superimposed on the image GB before switching, and this hole becomes gradually smaller, whereby the image after switching. There is a switching effect in which the GA is superimposed on the image GB before switching from its edge, and the hole disappears at a substantially central portion to switch the image.
Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the image GA after switching is subdivided randomly, and the subdivided images are gradually superimposed on the image GB before switching, so that the image is displayed. The switching effect to switch is mentioned.
Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the pre-switching image GB is superimposed on the post-switching image GA, and the post-switching image GA is switched from the pre-switching image GB so that a book page is turned. There is a switching effect to switch to.
In addition, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the image GA after switching is switched so as to overlap the image GB before switching from the side, that is, by sliding from the side like a picture-story show. A switching effect is mentioned.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the switching effect is changed so as to become more radical as the amount of change in image data before and after switching is larger, for example. Specifically, as the amount of change in the image data before and after switching increases, for example, the switching effect in FIG. 7B → the switching effect in FIG. 5A → the switching effect in FIG. It is preferable to select the switching effect of 6 (a) → the switching effect of FIG. 5 (b) → the switching effect of FIG. 6 (b).
Thereby, the switching effect of the image can be made highly interesting, the viewer's attention of the projection image can be favorably attracted, and the more attractive projection system 100 can be provided.

In addition, for example, when executing the image switching process, the control unit 39 calculates an image switching time required for image switching according to the switching effect, and stores a plurality of pieces of image data stored in the image storage unit 40. The image data is skipped from the inside by the amount corresponding to the image switching time, predetermined image data is read out, and the image data is sent to the display encoder 33.
As a result, after the image switching, a predetermined image is projected based on the image data read out by skipping the image switching time.
Therefore, every time the image switching process is performed, it is possible to prevent a deviation between the image data input from the external device 1 and the image data related to the projected image, and an image storage having a large storage capacity of the image data. Since it is not necessary to mount the unit 40, the cost of the projection device 2 can be further reduced.

  For example, the display encoder 33 develops and stores the image data read and input from the image storage unit 40 in the video RAM 34, generates a video signal from the stored contents of the video RAM 34, and supplies the video signal to the display drive unit 35. Output.

The display driving unit 35 drives the spatial light modulation element (SOM) 36 at an appropriate frame rate, for example, 30 [frame / second] corresponding to the transmitted image data. The spatial light modulator 36 is irradiated with high-intensity white light emitted from a light source lamp 37 such as an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, so that an optical image is formed by the reflected light, and the projection lens 12 Is projected and displayed on the screen S.
As described above, the display drive unit 35, the spatial light modulation element 36, the light source lamp 37, and the projection lens 12 display an image corresponding to the image data on the screen based on the plurality of image data stored in the image storage unit 40. Projection means for projecting onto S is constructed.

  For example, the projection lens 12 is driven by a lens motor 38 so that the zoom position and the focus position can be appropriately changed.

The sound processing unit 41 includes a sound source circuit such as a PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) sound source, for example, converts the sound data given at the time of the projection display operation into analog, and drives the speaker 16 to emit loud sound.
For example, when the acceleration sensor 42 is moved from a state where the projection apparatus 2 is installed, the acceleration sensor 42 detects the vibration and outputs the vibration to the control unit 39.

The distance measurement processing unit 43 drives, for example, a phase difference sensor 131 having distance measurement lenses 13a and 13b and a phase difference sensor 132 having distance measurement lenses 13c and 13d, respectively, and predetermined images projected and displayed on the screen S. Is measured according to the principle of distance measurement called the external light triangle method.
The phase difference sensor 131 is a sensor that measures the distance from a plurality of distance measuring points in the vertical direction from the center of the screen. The phase difference sensor 132 is a sensor that measures the distance from a plurality of distance measuring points in the horizontal direction from the center of the screen.

The key / indicator unit 45 includes the main unit main key / indicator 15 and a main unit subkey provided in the cover 17. A key operation signal output based on a predetermined operation by the user is directly input to the control unit 39. It is like that.
Note that the infrared light reception signals received by the Ir receiver 14 and the Ir receiver 19 are also directly input to the controller 39.

Next, image projection processing by the projection system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the image projection processing.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the image projection process, first, based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 104 of the external device 1 by the user, the data is read from the storage unit 103 under the control of the CPU 101. When image data sequentially output via the output unit 106 is input to the projection device 2 (step S1), the CPU of the projection device 2 sequentially outputs a predetermined amount of image data in time series sequentially to the image storage unit 40. (Step S2).
When a predetermined amount of image data is stored in the image storage unit 40, projection starts from an image corresponding to the old image data in the image data stored in the image storage unit 40 under the control of the CPU. Then, the CPU reads the image switching determination program from the ROM and develops it in the RAM, and performs image switching determination processing based on the execution of the image switching determination program (step S4).

In the image switching determination process, the CPU compares two pieces of image data continuous at a predetermined timing among a plurality of pieces of image data continuous in time series, and the change amount of the image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio. It is determined whether or not the image (slide) has been switched depending on whether or not there is.
If it is determined in this image switching determination process that the image has been switched (step S5; YES), the CPU reads the image information acquisition program from the ROM, expands it in the RAM, and executes the image information acquisition program. Then, the image data before and after the switching are respectively acquired as still images from the image storage unit 40 and stored separately from the series of plural image data (step S6).

Subsequently, the CPU controls the display driving unit 35 and the like to temporarily stop the image being projected in a state where the image GB before switching is projected (step S7), and then reads the image switching program from the ROM to read the RAM. The image switching process is performed based on the execution of the image switching program. Specifically, the CPU performs a switching process by applying a predetermined switching effect from the image GB before switching to the image GA after switching based on the image data before and after switching (step S8).
Next, after calculating the image switching time according to the switching effect, the CPU skips the image data from the continuous plurality of image data stored in the image storage unit 40 by the amount of the image switching time, and performs a predetermined image. After the data is read out and the projected image is projected (after the image is switched), the projection of the predetermined image is resumed based on the image data (step S9).

  If the image data related to the next projection is stored in the image storage unit 40 (step S10; YES), the CPU proceeds to step S4 and executes and controls the subsequent processing. On the other hand, when the image data related to the next projection is not stored in the image storage unit 40 (step S10; NO), the CPU ends the image projection process.

As described above, according to the projection system 100 of the first embodiment, changes in two consecutive image data among a plurality of time-sequential image data output from the external device 1 and input to the projection device 2. Based on the amount, it can be determined whether the image has been switched. Specifically, among a plurality of image data input to the projection device 2 and temporarily stored in the image storage unit 40, two consecutive image data are compared, and the change amount of the image data is a predetermined ratio. Whether or not the image has been switched can be determined according to whether or not the above is true.
Therefore, regardless of the file format of the image data input to the projection apparatus 2 and without performing predetermined processing on the image data in advance, it is possible to properly recognize the image switching, and before and after the switching. On the basis of the image data, a predetermined switching effect can be applied to switch from the image GB before switching to the image GA after switching to project.

In addition, since the switching effect can be changed so as to become more radical as the amount of change in the image data before and after switching is larger, the switching effect can be made more interesting, and the viewer of the projection image Therefore, it is possible to provide a more attractive projection system 100.
Furthermore, after image switching by the image switching process, it is possible to project an image by skipping the image data for the image switching time among the plurality of image data stored in the image storage unit 40. Each time processing is performed, the image data input from the external device 1 and the image data related to the projected image can be prevented from shifting, and the image storage unit 40 having a large storage capacity of the image data is mounted. Therefore, the cost of the projection apparatus 2 can be further reduced.

  Note that the projection apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment may be configured to freely switch ON / OFF of the image switching determination process. That is, when a moving image is projected from the projection apparatus 2, the input image data changes continuously, so that it is considered that there is no change of a predetermined ratio or more between the continuous image data. However, when the scene is changed, there is a possibility that the image is erroneously recognized as being switched. For this reason, it is possible to provide a more attractive projection system 100 by enabling the switching of the image switching determination process of the projection device 2 to be freely switched.

[Embodiment 2]
Below, the projection system of Embodiment 2 is demonstrated with reference to FIG.
Here, FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining an example of the operation related to the image switching determination process by the projection system of Embodiment 2 to which the present invention is applied.
Since the projection system of the second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment except for the configuration of the projection apparatus 2, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  The projection system of Embodiment 2 stores image data in the image storage unit 40 of the projection device 2 for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second), and projects an image corresponding to the image data with time shift. In the image switching determination process, it is determined whether or not the image has been switched according to the content of the change of the plurality of image data within a predetermined time.

That is, the control unit 39 of the projection apparatus 2 determines changes in a plurality of image data within a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) stored in the image storage unit 40 based on the execution of the image switching determination program by the CPU. Thus, it is determined whether the image has been switched according to whether the change in the image data is gradual and the number of gradual changes is equal to or less than a predetermined number (for example, 2 times). An image switching determination process is performed.
Specifically, the image switching determination program first determines whether the change of the plurality of image data within a predetermined time is stepwise or continuous by the CPU, and the change of the image data is determined. When it is stepwise, it is determined in a predetermined cycle whether or not the image has been switched by determining whether or not the number of stepwise changes is a predetermined number (for example, two times) or less. It is. That is, when the change of the image data is continuous or when a stepwise change exceeding the predetermined number occurs, the image data stored in the image storage unit 40 constitutes a moving image. In this case, the image switching process is not performed.

  Further, the control unit 39, based on the execution of the image information acquisition program by the CPU, among the plurality of continuous image data stored in the image storage unit 40 within a predetermined time, the image data before the first step change. And the image acquisition process which acquires the image data after the last step change is performed. That is, even when a still image is being projected, the user may be instructed to select image data via the operation input unit 104 of the external device 1 not only once but within a predetermined time. In such a case, if the number of stepwise changes is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the CPU determines the image data before the first step change and the last stepwise change according to the number of stepwise changes. Each changed image data is acquired.

  Further, the control unit 39, after execution of the image switching program by the CPU, after the last step change from the image GB corresponding to the image data before the first step change acquired in the image information acquisition process. The image switching process for switching to the image GA corresponding to the image data is performed.

Next, image projection processing by the projection system of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
When the image data output from the external device (PC) 1 is input to the projection apparatus 2, the projection apparatus 2 of the projection system according to the second embodiment stores a predetermined time (for example, in the image storage unit 40 under the control of the CPU). A plurality of continuous image data is stored (sampled) every one second (see sampling 1).

When the image data is sampled, projection is started from an image corresponding to the old image data in the image data stored in the image storage unit 40 within a predetermined time under the control of the CPU. In addition, each time sampling is performed, the CPU executes an image switching determination program to determine a change in a plurality of image data within a predetermined time stored in the image storage unit 40, and whether or not the image has been switched. Image switching determination processing is performed to determine whether
Here, as shown in FIG. 9, for example, based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 104 of the external device 1 by the user, an instruction to select image data is made a predetermined number of times (for example, 2 for sampling 1). 3 times), three different image data (for example, image data A, B, and C) are input to the projection device 2 within a predetermined time. At this time, based on the execution of the image switching determination program, the CPU sequentially compares two pieces of image data in the image data within a predetermined time, thereby changing the image data stepwise. The time point (for example, between the image data An (n: natural number) and the image data B1, and between the image data B2 and the image data C1) is determined and recognized. In this case, the CPU determines that the image has been switched because the number of stepwise changes in the image data is not more than a predetermined number (for example, twice).

  Next, the CPU executes the image information acquisition program, and the image data before the first step change (for example, image data An) and the image data after the last step change (from the image storage unit 40). For example, the image data C1) is acquired and stored separately from the series of image data.

  Subsequently, the CPU executes an image switching program to perform predetermined switching from the image GB corresponding to the image data before the first step change to the image GA corresponding to the image data after the last step change. Performs processing to switch by applying effects.

Next, the CPU skips the image data for the image switching time from the image storage unit 40 and reads predetermined image data, and after projecting the image after switching (after image switching), based on the image data. The projection of the predetermined image is resumed.
Here, as shown in FIG. 9, for example, after sampling 1, an instruction to select image data is given a predetermined number of times (for example, once) within a predetermined time (time of sampling 2). Two different image data (for example, image data C and D) are input to the device 2 within a predetermined time. In such a case, the CPU determines and recognizes when the image data changes stepwise (for example, between the image data Cm (m: natural number) and the image data D1) based on the execution of the image switching determination program. Subsequently, the image information acquisition program is executed, and the image data before the step change (for example, image data Cm) and the image data after the step change (for example, image data D1) from the image storage unit 40. Is stored separately from the series of image data. Then, the CPU executes an image switching program to switch from the image GB corresponding to the image data before the step change to the image GA corresponding to the image data after the step change by applying a predetermined switching effect. Processing is to be performed.

As described above, according to the projection system of the second embodiment, changes in a plurality of image data within a predetermined time that are output from the external device 1, input to the projection device 2, and temporarily stored in the image storage unit 40. Whether or not the image has been switched according to whether or not the change of the image data is gradual and the number of the gradual change is equal to or less than a predetermined number is determined every predetermined period. Can be determined.
Therefore, even when still image data and moving image data are mixedly output from the external device 1 and input to the projection apparatus 2, erroneous recognition of the still image and moving image can be prevented, and manual operation is performed manually. Thus, the slide data in which the still image and the moving image are mixed can be projected without the projection device 2 being switched ON / OFF of the image switching determination process, and a more convenient projection system can be provided.
However, this configuration may also be configured so that the image switching determination process can be switched ON / OFF, thereby adding the convenience of being able to select not to use this function. The

  In addition, even when the images are switched within a predetermined time, that is, when the stepwise change is performed a plurality of times, the first stepwise of the plurality of image data temporarily stored in the image storage unit 40 is used. By acquiring the image data before the last step change and the image data after the last step change, a predetermined switching effect is applied to the last step step from the image corresponding to the image data before the first step change. Since the image can be switched and projected according to the image data after the change, a projection system capable of projecting as an image that is easier for the viewer to view when the image is switched in a short time can be provided. .

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the image switching determination process, the CPU determines whether or not the image has been switched depending on whether or not the change amount of two consecutive image data among a plurality of image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio. However, it is not limited to this. That is, for example, the CPU divides two consecutive image data into a plurality of regions (for example, 8 × 8, 16 × 16, 32 × 32) in a matrix, and compares each of the plurality of regions, It may be determined whether or not the image has been switched depending on whether or not the number of changed regions is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio.
As a result, the amount of calculation performed by the control unit in the image switching determination process can be further reduced, and the speed of the image switching determination process can be increased.
Further, the image switching determination process may be performed, for example, by comparing predetermined pixels in each region.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the image switching determination process, the CPU determines whether or not the image has been switched according to the data size of two consecutive image data among the plurality of image data. Anyway.

  In the above embodiment, the projection apparatus 2 projects a predetermined image based on the image data sent from the external device 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the projection apparatus 2 itself An external memory may be mounted to project an image based on image data read from the external memory.

  Furthermore, the switching effect in the above embodiment is not limited to that shown in FIGS. In addition, for example, any one of the switching effects may be applied to the image data before and after switching, or a plurality of switching effects may be applied in combination. Furthermore, when switching images, special effects such as flashing the screen or changing the switching speed may be applied.

  Further, the spatial light modulation element 36 of the above embodiment may be any one of DMD, LCD, LCOS, G × L, and the like, for example.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the projection apparatus 2 has been described by taking the front projection type as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a rear projection type may be used.

  In addition, in the above embodiment, the functions as the image switching determination unit, the image information acquisition unit, and the image switching unit are realized by executing a predetermined program or the like by the CPU of the control unit 39. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured by a logic circuit for realizing various functions.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Projection system 1 External apparatus 2 Projection apparatus 12 Projection lens (projection means)
35 Display driver (projection means)
36 Spatial light modulator (projection means)
37 Light source lamp (projection means)
39 Control unit (image switching determination means, image information acquisition means, image switching means)
40 Image storage unit (image storage means)

The present invention relates to an image output apparatus that outputs an image .

An object of the present invention is to so that it is possible to properly recognize the change in the image to be sequentially output.

The invention of claim 1 Symbol placement is an image output device for outputting an image, the rate of change in each image sequentially output in time series to detect a change in each of a plurality of regions within each of its images And obtaining means for obtaining information, and control means for controlling execution of a predetermined process in accordance with a rate of change in the image obtained by the obtaining means .

According to the present invention, it is possible to properly recognize a change in sequentially output images .

Claims (12)

Image storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of image information continuous in input time series;
Projecting means for projecting an image based on the image information stored in the image storing means;
An image switching determination unit that determines a difference between the plurality of pieces of image information stored in the image storage unit and determines whether or not the image has been switched based on the difference amount;
Image information acquisition means for acquiring image information before and after switching from the plurality of image information stored in the image storage means when the image switching determination means determines that the image has been switched;
Based on the image information before and after the switching acquired by the image information acquisition unit, the image switching for switching the image projected from the projection unit from the image before switching to the image after switching by applying a predetermined switching effect Means,
A projection apparatus comprising:   The image switching determination unit determines whether or not the image has been switched based on a difference between two pieces of continuous image information among the plurality of image information stored in the image storage unit. The projection apparatus according to claim 1.   The image switching determination unit determines a change in the plurality of image information within a predetermined time stored in the image storage unit, the change in the image information is gradual, and the gradual change in the gradual change The projection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the image has been switched according to whether or not the number of times is a predetermined number or less.   The projection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image switching determination unit determines whether or not the image has been switched at a predetermined period. The image information acquisition unit acquires image information before the first step change and image information after the last step change among the plurality of image information stored in the image storage unit within a predetermined time. And
The image switching means switches from the image corresponding to the image information before the first step change acquired by the image information acquisition means to the image corresponding to the image information after the last step change. The projection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein:   The image switching determination unit compares two consecutive pieces of image information among the plurality of pieces of image information stored in the image storage unit, and determines whether or not the amount of change in the image information is a predetermined ratio or more. 6. The projection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether or not the image is switched is determined in response.   The image switching determination unit compares two consecutive pieces of image information among the plurality of image information stored in the image storage unit for each of a plurality of divided regions, and the number of changed regions is predetermined. 6. The projection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the image has been switched according to whether or not the ratio is greater than or equal to a ratio. The image switching determination unit determines whether the image has been switched based on a change amount of two pieces of continuous image information among the plurality of image information stored in the image storage unit,
The projection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image switching unit changes the switching effect for the image information based on a change amount of the image information before and after the switching.   The projection unit includes image information corresponding to a time required for switching the image by the image switching unit among the plurality of image information stored in the image storage unit after the image switching by the image switching unit. The projection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the projection of an image is skipped. A projection system comprising: an external device that outputs a plurality of time-sequential image information; and a projection device that projects a predetermined image based on the plurality of image information output and input from the external device. And
The projector is
Image storage means for storing the plurality of image information;
Projecting means for projecting an image based on the image information stored in the image storing means;
An image switching determination unit that determines a difference between the plurality of pieces of image information stored in the image storage unit and determines whether or not the image has been switched based on the difference amount;
Image information acquisition means for acquiring image information before and after switching from the plurality of image information stored in the image storage means when the image switching determination means determines that the image has been switched;
Based on the image information before and after the switching acquired by the image information acquisition unit, the image switching for switching the image projected from the projection unit from the image before switching to the image after switching by applying a predetermined switching effect Means,
A projection system comprising: Projection method using a projection apparatus, comprising: an image storage unit that stores a plurality of input time-sequential image information; and a projection unit that projects an image based on the image information stored in the image storage unit Because
Determining a difference between the plurality of pieces of image information stored in the image storage unit, and determining whether or not the image has been switched based on the difference amount;
When it is determined that the image has been switched, a process of acquiring image information before and after switching from the plurality of image information stored in the image storage unit;
Based on the acquired image information before and after the switching, a process of switching the image projected from the projection unit from a pre-switching image to a post-switching image by applying a predetermined switching effect;
A projection method characterized by performing: A projection apparatus comprising: an image storage unit that stores a plurality of input image information that is continuous in time series; and a projection unit that projects an image based on the image information stored in the image storage unit.
A function of determining a difference between the plurality of pieces of image information stored in the image storage unit, and determining whether or not an image is switched based on the amount of the difference;
A function of acquiring image information before and after switching from the plurality of image information stored in the image storage means when it is determined that the image has been switched;
Based on the acquired image information before and after the switching, a function to switch the image projected from the projection means from the image before switching to the image after switching by applying a predetermined switching effect;
A program characterized by realizing.

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