JP2017191973A - Projection system, projector, and method for controlling projector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily set an image display range.SOLUTION: Provided is a projection system that includes a plurality of projectors and a control device, and that projects images side-by-side by means of the plurality of projectors. Each of the plurality of projectors comprises: a projection unit that projects the image on a projection surface; an imaging unit that images a range including a projection range of the projection unit and generates a picked-up image; and an operation detector that detects designation operation for designating an image display range by the plurality of projectors formed on the projection surface on the basis of the picked-up image. The control device has a controller that determines the image display range on the basis of the designation operation detected by the operation detectors of the plurality of projectors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a projection system, a projector, and a projector control method.

  Conventionally, a technique in which a user designates a desired projection area using a pointing device and projects a projected image at a designated position has been disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1).

International Publication No. 11/121708

  However, a method for detecting an image display range desired by the user and determining the image display range when images are projected side by side with a plurality of projectors is not disclosed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a projection system, a projector, and a projector control method capable of easily setting an image display range when images are projected side by side by a plurality of projectors. The purpose is to do.

In order to solve at least one of the above problems, an aspect of the present invention is a projection system that includes a plurality of projectors and a control device, and projects the images by the plurality of projectors, and each of the plurality of projectors. A projection unit that projects an image on a projection plane, an imaging unit that captures a range including a projection range of the projection unit and generates a captured image, and the plurality of the projection units that are formed on the projection plane based on the captured image An operation detection unit that detects a designation operation for designating an image display range by the projector, and the control device is configured to detect the image display range based on the designation operation detected by the operation detection unit of the plurality of projectors. It is a projection system which has a control part which determines.
With this configuration, the projection system determines an image display range based on a designation operation performed on the projection surface. Thereby, in the projection system, the image display range can be easily set.

In one aspect of the present invention, in the projection system, the control device includes a calculation unit that calculates a size of the image display range on the projection plane, and the control unit includes at least one of the plurality of projectors, A configuration in which information indicating the size calculated by the calculation unit is projected from the projection unit may be used.
With this configuration, in the projection system, information indicating the calculated size is projected from the projection unit. Thereby, in the projection system, the size of the image display range can be easily confirmed.

One aspect of the present invention may be configured such that in the projection system, the control unit causes the plurality of projectors to project a frame image indicating the image display range from the projection unit.
With this configuration, the projection system causes the plurality of projectors to project a frame image indicating the image display range from the projection unit. Thereby, in the projection system, the image display range can be easily confirmed.

In one aspect of the present invention, in the projection system, the control device includes an input unit that receives an input of a size of the image display range, and an image change unit that changes the frame image based on the size received by the input unit. The control unit may cause the plurality of projectors to project the frame image after being changed by the image changing unit from the projection unit.
With this configuration, the projection system changes the frame image based on the size received by the input unit. This makes it easy for the projection system to change the frame image to a desired size.

One aspect of the present invention may be configured such that, in the projection system, the designation operation is an operation of designating at least one point in the frame of the image display range.
With this configuration, in the projection system, the designation operation designates at least one point in the frame of the image display range. Thereby, in the projection system, the image display range can be easily set by designating at least one point in the frame of the image display range.

One embodiment of the present invention includes a projection unit that projects a first image on a projection plane, an imaging unit that captures a range including a projection range of the projection unit to generate a captured image, and a plurality of projectors including another projector An operation detection unit that detects a designation operation for designating an image display range by the plurality of projectors on the projection surface based on the captured image when the images are projected side by side by a projector, and the projection The unit is a projector that projects the first image onto the image display range determined based on the designation operation detected by the operation detection unit.
With this configuration, the projector projects the first image in the image display range determined based on the designation operation. Thereby, the projector can easily set the image display range for detecting the designation operation.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a projection unit that projects an image on a projection surface, an imaging unit that captures a range including a projection range of the projection unit to generate a captured image, and a plurality of projectors that project the images side by side A projector control method for controlling the projector, further comprising: an operation detection unit that detects a designation operation for designating an image display range by the plurality of projectors performed on the projection plane based on the captured image. The projector control method determines the image display range based on the designation operation detected by the operation detection unit.
With this configuration, in the projector control method, the image display range is determined based on the designation operation detected by the operation detection unit. Thereby, in the projector control method, the image display range can be easily set.

  As described above, according to the projection system, the projector, and the projector control method according to the present invention, the image display range is determined based on the designation operation detected by the operation detection units of the plurality of projectors. Thereby, in the projection system, the projector, and the projector control method, the image display range can be easily set.

It is a figure which shows an example of the schematic structure of the projection system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of a projector. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the cooperation work procedure between the projectors in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the list which the main projector in this embodiment created. It is a flowchart of the method of detecting in which order the projectors of a projection system are located. It is the figure which showed a mode that a projector projects an identification image. It is a figure which shows an example of a list | wrist when another projector is located in a line with the left side from the main projector. It is a figure which shows an example of a list | wrist in case the main projector is in the center and both the side projectors are arrange | positioned. It is a figure which shows an example when the image imaged using the imaging part of a projector was put in order. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow which matches the height of the image of each projector. It is a figure which shows an example of the pointer projected on the screen. It is a flowchart which calculates temporary screen size. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which performs a fine adjustment of a screen size or inquires a user. It is a figure which shows an example of the projection screen which inputs the inch size which a user desires. It is a figure which shows an example of the confirmation screen of the projection size after a change. 10 is a flowchart of a procedure for changing a projection size by the projector of the projection system. It is a figure which shows an example of the backup structure of a projection system. It is a figure which shows an example of an emergency list table.

[First Embodiment]
A series of operations in tiling of a high luminous flux projector will be described in detail with reference to the drawings for an embodiment of the present invention.

[Basic system configuration]
The contractor who installs the projector assembles the scaffold and installs the projector according to the installation drawings designed in advance. Although the number of projectors to be installed is not limited, the description of the present embodiment shows a case where three projectors are installed side by side.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a projection system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The projection system 1 includes a projector PJ1, a projector PJ2, and a projector PJ3. In the following description, when these projectors PJ1, PJ2, and PJ3 are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as projectors PJ.
The projector PJ projects an image onto the projection plane 2 (hereinafter referred to as a screen). The screen displays an image projected from the projector PJ.
Projector PJ1, projector PJ2, and projector PJ3 are projected and adjusted so that parts of the projected images overlap each other. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the projection adjustment is performed so that the right end portion of the projection image area PA1 projected by the projector PJ1 and the left end portion of the projection image area PA2 projected by the projector PJ2 overlap. Further, the projection adjustment is performed so that the right end portion of the projection image area PA2 projected by the projector PJ2 and the left end portion of the projection image area PA3 projected by the projector PJ3 overlap. Hereinafter, when the projected image area PA1, the projected image area PA2, and the projected image area PA3 are not distinguished, they are referred to as a projected image area PA.
In the example of FIG. 1, a configuration in which three projectors are arranged is illustrated, but the projection system 1 may be configured by two or four or more projectors. Further, the way in which the projectors are arranged is not limited to the left-right direction, and may be the up-down direction or may be arranged in a matrix in the up-down, left-right direction.

[Configuration of Projector PJ]
Next, the configuration of the projector PJ will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the projector PJ.
The projector PJ includes a control unit 10, a projection unit 20, an imaging unit 30, an operation detection unit 40, an input unit 60, an image change unit 70, a communication unit 80, an abnormality detection unit 90, and a light shielding device 91. And a distance measuring unit 21 and an image input unit 11.
The control unit 10 includes an operation detection unit 40, a communication unit 80, an image input unit 11, a light shielding device 91, a projection unit 20, an abnormality detection unit 90, an imaging unit 30, a distance measurement unit 21, a calculation unit 50, and an image change unit 70. Connected.
The projection unit 20 is supplied with a projection image from the control unit 10. The projection unit 20 projects the supplied projection image on a screen. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the projection unit 20 included in the projector PJ1 projects an image on a projected image area PA1. The projection unit 20 included in the projector PJ2 projects an image on a projected image area PA2. The projection unit 20 included in the projector PJ3 projects an image on a projected image area PA3.
Further, the projection unit 20 is formed with a light source (not shown) such as a lamp used for projection, and a light modulation device (not shown) such as a liquid crystal panel that modulates light emitted from the light source to form an image. A projection lens (not shown) for projecting the projected image.
The imaging unit 30 captures an area including a projection image that the projection unit 20 projects onto the screen. The imaging unit 30 supplies the captured image to the control unit 10. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the imaging unit 30 included in the projector PJ1 captures an imaging range CA1 including a projected image area PA1. The imaging unit 30 included in the projector PJ2 captures an imaging range CA2 including a projected image area PA2. The imaging unit 30 included in the projector PJ3 captures an imaging range CA3 that includes a projected image area PA3. An imaging range obtained by combining the imaging range CA1, the imaging range CA2, and the imaging range CA3 is the imaging range CA.
The operation detection unit 40 detects a designation operation from the captured image captured by the imaging unit 30. The operation detection unit 40 supplies the detected designation operation to the control unit 10. The designation operation is an operation in which the user designates the projection image display range of the projector PJ.
The calculation unit 50 calculates the size of the projected image display range on the screen. The calculation unit 50 supplies the calculated size of the projected image display range to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 causes the projector PJ to project the size of the projection image display range.
The input unit 60 receives an input of a projection image display range of the projector PJ from the user. The input unit 60 supplies the input projected image display range to the image changing unit 70.
The image changing unit 70 changes the frame image indicating the projected image display range supplied from the input unit 60. The image changing unit 70 supplies the changed frame image to the control unit 10.
The communication unit 80 is connected to the communication unit 80 included in another projector.
The abnormality detection unit 90 detects an abnormality of the projector. The abnormality detection unit 90 supplies the detected abnormality to the control unit 10. For example, the abnormality detection unit 90 monitors functions necessary for the projector to operate normally, such as a signal input from the image input unit 11 and a voltage of a lamp provided in the projection unit 20. The abnormality detection unit 90 supplies the detected abnormality to the control unit 10 when detecting an abnormality that prevents the projector from operating normally.
The light shielding device 91 is connected to the projection unit 20. The light shielding device 91 includes a shutter (not shown) that shields a projected image projected from the projection unit 20.
An image to be projected is input to the image input unit 11 from the outside of the projector. The image input unit 11 supplies the input image to the control unit 10.
The distance measuring unit 21 measures the distance between its projector PJ and the screen. The distance measuring unit 21 supplies the measured distance to the control unit 10.
Each projector PJ has the above-described units.

A portion where the projection images from the projectors PJ overlap is referred to as an overlapping projection area OA. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the overlapping projection area OA includes an overlapping projection area OA1 indicating an area where the projection image area PA1 and the projection image area PA2 overlap. The overlapping projection area OA includes an overlapping projection area OA2 indicating an area where the projection image area PA2 and the projection image area PA3 overlap. When the overlapping projection area OA1 and the overlapping projection area OA2 are not distinguished, they are described as the overlapping projection area OA.
Each projector PJ adjusts the brightness of the projected image so that the brightness of the overlapping projection area OA and the area other than the overlapping projection area OA are equal. As a result, the projector PJ can project a projection image with a uniform brightness onto the screen even if there is an overlap in the projection image.

[Cooperation between projectors]
In the procedure described later, the user can easily obtain a tiled projection screen without worrying about the number of installed projectors. Hereinafter, the procedure will be described.
In the present embodiment, the projectors PJ are connected by a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) via the communication unit 80 included in each projector PJ. The communication unit 80 included in each projector PJ may be connected to the communication unit 80 included in each projector PJ by another connection method such as a wired LAN connection or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection.

When the projector PJ is powered on, the user determines the main projector. The main projector may be any projector as long as it is a projector of the projection system 1. In the description of this embodiment, the projector PJ1 is the main projector. The projector PJ1 is the leftmost projector in the projection system 1 as shown in FIG.
Other projectors in the projection system 1 transmit information using their own communication unit 80 from the time of power-on. The transmitted information includes its own projector name, an IP (Internet Protocol) address set in itself, and the like.

Next, an example of a cooperative work procedure between projectors will be described with reference to FIG.
The main projector receives information transmitted from other projectors in the projection system 1 by the communication unit 80 (step S101). The main projector creates a list in which the projector names of other projectors and the IP addresses are associated with each other from the received information (step S102).

Next, a list created by the main projector will be described with reference to FIG. Here, an example in which the projection system 1 is configured with five projectors is shown.
In the list, status, projector name, and IP address information are recorded in association with each other. Specifically, “1” as status information, “A” as projector name information, and “0: 0: 0: 1” as IP address information are stored in association with each other in the list. . Further, “2” as status information, “B” as projector name information, and “0: 0: 0: 90” as IP address information are stored in association with each other in the list. Further, “3” as status information, “C” as projector name information, and “0: 0: 0: 40” as IP address information are associated with each other and stored in the list. Further, “4” as status information, “D” as projector name information, and “0: 0: 0: 20” as IP address information are associated with each other and stored in the list. Further, in the list, “5” as status information, “E” as projector name information, and “0: 0: 0: 70” as IP address information are stored in association with each other.
The list described above can be confirmed by connecting a personal computer to the main projector and reading the list by the personal computer. The main projector may cause the projector PJ to project the above-described list on the screen as a projection image.

Next, the main projector specifies how the projectors PJ are arranged.
First, the setting operation of the projector PJ is performed. All the projectors PJ of the projection system 1 reset the lens shift amount, the zoom ratio, and the like, and project an adjustment image. The setting operation may be performed when the projector PJ is powered on.
Thereafter, each projector PJ of the projection system 1 captures a projected image by the imaging unit 30 included in each projector PJ. Then, the overlapping amount of the overlapping projection area OA is detected. If the overlapping projection area OA does not occur, information such as "The images are not overlapping. Adjust the position of the projector so that the images overlap." Is projected. In other words, a projector that does not have an overlapping projection area OA prompts the user to move the projector so that the projected images overlap.
In general, it is said that the overlapping projection area OA is optimally about 10% of the width of the area PA of the projected image of the projector. A projector with a small overlapping projection area OA prompts the user to secure an optimal overlapping projection area OA by projecting information such as “Please move ** cm because the amount of overlapping images is small”.

  Next, the main projector establishes a connection with another projector according to the projector list. In the wireless LAN connection, since the IP address of each projector is known, connection processing is performed using the found IP address. When there is a projector with the same IP address set between the projectors PJ of the projection system 1, the main projector projects on the screen as a projected image that there is a projector with the same IP address set. The user may be prompted to change the IP address. Alternatively, only the projectors whose IP addresses do not overlap may close the shutter of the projection unit 20 to inform the user which projector has the same IP address. In any case, when the IP addresses of the projectors PJ of the projection system 1 are duplicated, the projector PJ requests the user to change so that the IP addresses do not overlap.

Next, an example of a method for detecting in which order the projectors PJ of the projection system 1 are arranged will be described with reference to FIG.
In this example, a plurality of projectors are arranged in a line on the left and right, and the leftmost projector is the main projector. At the start of detection, the main projector has no information about the arrangement order of the projectors.
The main projector recognizes the number of projectors to be connected. The number of units can be recognized from the list. In the example shown in FIG. 4, there are five projectors to be connected. Further, as shown in the projector list, each projector is assigned a number as a status. Note that 0 is assigned to a main projector not in the list.

  First, the main projector instructs all other projectors to project a predetermined test image (for example, a white image on the entire surface) and close the shutter. Also, the main projector substitutes 0 for the variable M out of the two variables M and N indicating the projector number, and substitutes 1 for the variable N (step S201). In this state, since all the projectors are closed, the test image is not projected on the screen. Next, the main projector instructs the Nth projector to open the shutter (step S202). Then, the screen is imaged using the imaging unit 30 included in the Mth projector (step S203). The main projector detects whether or not the test image is reflected in the overlapping projection area OA among the captured images (step S204). When the test image is not reflected, the main projector instructs the Nth projector to close the shutter. The main projector increments the variable N (N = N + 1, that is, N is incremented by 1) (step S205), and thereafter repeats the processing from step S202 to step S204. When the reflection of the test image is detected in the overlapping projection area OA, the main projector determines that the Nth projector that has opened the shutter is next to the right of the Mth projector that has performed imaging. The main projector reorganizes the projector list, and writes the projector whose shutter is open to the new projector list as the (M + 1) th projector (step S206). Further, the main projector performs renumbering of projectors whose positions are not fixed in the new projector list. Specifically, a number after M + 2 is reassigned to a projector whose position has not been determined, and is written in a new projector list (step S207). The main projector determines whether or not the number of projectors whose positions have not been determined is 1 (step S208). When the number of projectors whose positions have not been determined is not 1, the main projector increments the variable M (M = M + 1, that is, increases M by 1), and sets the value obtained by adding 1 to the variable M after the increment to the variable N. (N = M + 1) (step S209), and thereafter, the processing from step S202 to step S208 is repeated. If the number of projectors whose positions have not been determined is 1, the process for detecting the arrangement order of the projectors PJ is terminated.

In the above-described example, the method of detecting the arrangement order of the projectors PJ by the main projector controlling the other projectors has been described. However, the method of transferring the authority of the main projector to the adjacent projector is described. The arrangement order of the projectors PJ may be detected.
In the previous example, the presence or absence of the adjacent projector is detected by opening and closing the shutter of the projector PJ, but the detection method is not limited to this. For example, the adjacent projector may be detected by moving the image left and right or up and down using the lens shift function, or may be detected by enlarging or reducing the projected image. That is, the projector PJ moves the range of the projected image, and the main projector detects whether the projected image from another projector is reflected in the overlapping projection area OA, thereby detecting the adjacent projector PJ. Also good. As described above, the main projector may detect the order of the projectors PJ by sequentially moving the projected images of the projectors and detecting whether or not the projected images appear in the overlapping projection area OA.

Up to this point, the method of detecting the arrangement order of the projectors PJ by detecting whether or not the projected images appear in the overlapping projection area OA for each projector PJ has been described.
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the order in which the projectors PJ of the projection system 1 are arranged is detected using a QR code (registered trademark) (hereinafter referred to as an identification image DC) in which the projector information is embedded. An example of the method to do is demonstrated.
The projector PJ has an identification image DC in which its own information (projector name, IP address, etc.) is embedded. The projector PJ projects the identification image DC possessed from the projection unit 20. The identification image DC is set to be projected on the upper and lower sides of the right end of the projected image, or on the upper and lower sides of the left end of the projected image. That is, the identification image DC is projected on the peripheral portion of the projected image area serving as the overlapping projection area OA. A plurality of identification images DC may be projected on the peripheral edge of the projected image area, or only one may be projected.
In FIG. 6, the leftmost projector PJ1 is the main projector. The main projector does not project the identification image DC. The control unit 10 included in the projector PJ2 projects the identification image DC1 below the overlapping projection area OA1, which is the lower left of the projection image area PA2. The control unit 10 of the projector PJ3 projects the identification image DC2 below the overlapping projection area OA2 that is the lower left of the projection image area PA3.

First, the control unit 10 of the main projector instructs another projector to project the identification image DC. The control unit 10 included in each projector that has received the instruction projects the identification image DC. The control unit 10 included in the main projector images the screen using the imaging unit 30 included in the main projector. The control unit 10 included in the main projector captures other projector information from the identification image DC of the captured image. The control unit 10 included in the main projector connects to another projector via the communication unit 80 based on the acquired other projector information.
When the control unit 10 included in the main projector recognizes that the identification image DC is on the right side, the control unit 10 sets the recognized projector to N = 1. The control unit 10 included in the main projector issues an instruction to stop the projection of the identification image DC to the projector set to N = 1 via the communication unit 80. The control unit 10 included in the main projector causes the identification image DC projected on the overlapping projection area OA to be read using the imaging unit 30 included in the projector set to N = 1 via the communication unit 80. The control unit 10 included in the main projector acquires projector information captured from the identification image DC via the communication unit 80 when the projector set to N = 1 can read the identification image DC. Based on the projector information, the projector is connected to the projector specified by the identification image DC. The control unit 10 included in the main projector sets N = 2 as a projector specified by the identification image DC via the communication unit 80. The control unit 10 included in the main projector issues an instruction to stop the projection of the identification image DC to the projector set to N = 2 via the communication unit 80. Thereafter, the main projector causes all the other projectors to sequentially perform the same processing.

When the main projector senses that the identification image DC exists in the left overlapping area OA as a result of taking an image of the screen by the imaging unit 30 of the main projector and taking in other projector information, the main projector recognizes the recognized projector as N Set to = -1. The control unit 10 included in the main projector issues an instruction to stop the projection of the identification image DC to the projector set to N = −1 via the communication unit 80. The control unit 10 included in the main projector causes the identification image DC to be read via the communication unit 80 by using the imaging unit 30 included in the projector set to N = -1. The control unit 10 included in the main projector acquires the projector information captured from the identification image DC via the communication unit 80 when the projector set to N = −1 can read the identification image DC. Based on the projector information, the projector is connected to the projector specified by the identification image DC. The control unit 10 included in the main projector sets N = −2 for the projector specified by the identification image DC via the communication unit 80. The control unit 10 included in the main projector issues an instruction to stop the projection of the identification image DC to the projector set to N = −2 via the communication unit 80. Thereafter, the main projector causes all the other projectors to sequentially perform the same processing.
When all the processes are completed, the main projector creates a list in ascending order of N. The main projector can specify the order of arrangement of the projectors PJ by creating a list in ascending order of N.
Based on the newly created list, the main projector reassigns IP addresses of other projectors. Thereby, the projectors PJ used by the projection system 1 can be grouped. Further, duplication of IP addresses can be eliminated. All the projectors PJ project the adjustment image.
Note that the identification image DC is not limited to a QR code (registered trademark), and for example, a barcode or other identification code may be used.

  Next, an example of the list will be shown with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list when other projectors PJ are arranged on the left side of the main projector. In the list, status, projector name, and IP address information are recorded in association with each other. Specifically, “−5” as status information, “A” as projector name information, and “0: 0: 0: 1” as IP address information are associated with each other and stored in the list. Yes. Further, “−4” as status information, “B” as projector name information, and “0: 0: 0: 90” as IP address information are associated with each other and stored in the list. Further, “−3” as status information, “C” as projector name information, and “0: 0: 0: 40” as IP address information are associated with each other and stored in the list. Further, “−2” as status information, “D” as projector name information, and “0: 0: 0: 20” as IP address information are associated with each other and stored in the list. Further, “−1” as status information, “E” as projector name information, and “0: 0: 0: 70” as IP address information are stored in association with each other in the list.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list when the main projector is in the center and projectors are arranged on both sides. In the list, status, projector name, and IP address information are recorded in association with each other. Specifically, “−2” as status information, “A” as projector name information, and “0: 0: 0: 1” as IP address information are stored in association with each other in the list. Yes. Further, “−1” as status information, “B” as projector name information, and “0: 0: 0: 90” as IP address information are stored in association with each other in the list. Further, “1” as status information, “C” as projector name information, and “0: 0: 0: 40” as IP address information are stored in association with each other in the list. Further, “2” as status information, “D” as projector name information, and “0: 0: 0: 20” as IP address information are stored in association with each other in the list. Further, “3” as status information, “E” as projector name information, and “0: 0: 0: 70” as IP address information are stored in the list in association with each other.

As described above, when the projector PJ includes the control unit 10, the imaging unit 30, and the communication unit 80, the position of the projector PJ that configures the projection system 1 can be determined. The projector PJ projects the identification image DC including information for connecting to the projector PJ, and the captured image including the identification image DC is captured by the imaging unit 30 included in another projector. Since the identification image DC includes information for connecting to the projected projector, the projector PJ can acquire information about the projector that projected the identification image DC. Further, the control unit 10 included in the projector PJ can be connected to the projector that projected the identification image DC via the communication unit 80. Further, the control unit 10 included in the projector PJ can control other connected projectors via the communication unit 80. The control unit 10 included in the projector PJ can change the IP address of another connected projector via the communication unit 80.
Further, since the identification image DC is projected onto the overlapping projection area OA, the main projector can detect the arrangement order of the projectors PJ.

The projector PJ may be controlled using a personal computer instead of the main projector.
In this case, the personal computer and the projector PJ are connected. The personal computer designates one of the projectors PJ as a projector corresponding to the main projector. The personal computer realizes the above-described functions by controlling a projector corresponding to the main projector.

[Summary of First Embodiment]
In an example of the projection system according to the first embodiment, a plurality of projectors including a first projector (an other projector in the example of the first embodiment) and a second projector (a main projector in the example of the first embodiment). A projection system (in the example of the first embodiment, the projection system 1) that projects an image (in the example of the first embodiment, a projection image) side by side by a projector (in the example of the first embodiment, a projector PJ), The first projector is a first projection unit that projects a first image (a projection image projected from another projector in the example of the first embodiment). And a first projection unit that projects an identification image including identification information (identification image DC in the example of the first embodiment). A control unit (control unit 10 included in another projector in the example of the first embodiment), and the second projector is projected from the main projector in the example of the first embodiment. A projection unit 20 that projects a second projection unit (in the example of the first embodiment, the projection unit 20 included in the main projector) and a range including the projection range of the second projection unit (in the example of the first embodiment). The imaging unit (in the example of the first embodiment, the imaging unit 30) that images the projection image 20 projected by the projection unit 20 of the main projector and generates a captured image is projected by the first projector. The identification image is captured by the imaging unit, the identification information of the first projector is acquired based on the captured identification image, and the second is determined based on the position of the identification image in the captured image. (In one example of the first embodiment, the control unit 10 included in the main projector) a second control unit to determine the position of the first image to the image having a.

  In an example of the projection system according to the first embodiment, the first control unit is arranged at a peripheral portion of the projection range of the first projection unit (in the example of the first embodiment, the overlapping projection area OA1 and the overlapping projection area OA2). The first projection unit projects the identification image so that the identification image is displayed.

  In an example of the projection system according to the first embodiment, the first projector has a first communication unit (in the example of the first embodiment, the communication unit 80 included in another projector), and the second projector is And a second communication unit (in the example of the first embodiment, the communication unit 80 included in the main projector), and the identification image includes connection information for connecting to the first projector (an example of the first embodiment). The projector name and IP address), the second control unit acquires connection information based on the captured identification image, and the second communication unit acquires the second control unit. Communication is performed by connecting to the first communication unit based on the connection information.

  In the example of the projection system according to the first embodiment, the second projector is configured to change an address of the first projector (in the example of the first embodiment, an IP address) (in the example of the first embodiment). And a control unit 10) of the main projector.

  In an example of the projector according to the first embodiment, a projection unit that projects a third image (a projection image in the example of the first embodiment) (a projection unit 20 in the example of the first embodiment), and a projection unit Identification including identification information projected by an imaging unit (an imaging unit 30 in the example of the first embodiment) that captures a range including a projection range and generates a captured image, and another projector that projects an image together with the projector. The image is picked up by the image pickup unit, the identification information of the other projector is acquired based on the captured identification image, and the third image projected from the other projector with respect to the third image based on the position of the identification image in the captured image. And a control unit for determining the position of four images (projected images in the example of the first embodiment).

  In an example of the projector control method according to the first embodiment, a projector including a projection unit that projects a third image and an imaging unit that captures a range including the projection range of the projection unit and generates a captured image. A method of controlling a projector to be controlled, wherein an identification image including identification information projected by another projector that projects an image together with a projector is captured by an imaging unit, and the identification information of the other projector is based on the captured identification image And the position of the fourth image projected from another projector with respect to the third image is determined based on the position of the identification image in the captured image.

[Second Embodiment Adjusting Projection Screen Size]
Next, the projector PJ included in the projection system 1 adjusts the projection image size. The adjustment of the projected image size is generally performed by specifying a screen frame on the screen in advance and moving the projector PJ so that the user fits in the screen frame specified in advance. It is. However, the screen installed in the actual site is huge, and it is difficult for the user to install the screen frame. Alternatively, it is conceivable to create a screen frame in advance, but after the projected image from the projector PJ has been accommodated in the screen frame, an operation to remove the screen frame occurs, which is also difficult because it takes extra time. It is. In addition, since projection mapping or the like cannot attach a screen frame itself, it is necessary to repeat adjustment of the projection position by trial and error. Therefore, in the projection system 1, the user designates a rough screen size to match the approximate projection image size, and then performs fine adjustment.

With reference to FIG. 9, a method for adjusting the height of the projected image from the projector PJ will be described.
First, a projected image is captured by the imaging unit 30 included in each projector. Each projector calculates the center of the captured projection image. The center of the projected image is the center of the panel and the center of the optical axis. Next, the main projector sequentially acquires the center data of the projection images calculated by the other projectors. The main projector creates a list of center data of the acquired projection images.
Hereinafter, the projector located in the center will be described as the main projector, and the center data of the main projector will be described as the height reference. The center coordinate PC2 of the projection image of the main projector is the coordinates (a, b) in the xy coordinates. The center coordinate PC1 of the projection image of the left projector of the main projector is the coordinates (c, d) in the xy coordinates. The center coordinates PC3 of the projection image of the right projector of the main projector are the coordinates (e, f) in the xy coordinates. Since the center of the projected image projected from the left and right projectors of the main projector is shifted from “b”, which is the coordinate in the height direction of the center coordinate PC2, correction is performed to adjust the height. The projector on the left side of the main projector raises the projected image to the plus side in the y-axis direction by correction data (bd). The right projector of the main projector corrects the image projected by the correction data (f−b) to the negative side in the y-axis direction. As a method for correcting the height, the projection position is corrected using the lens shift function of the projection unit 20 of the projector PJ. If the correction data amount exceeds the lens shift range, the projector that has exceeded the correction data amount projects to the screen with the message “The lens shift correction amount has been exceeded. Adjust the height of the projector itself.” To do. The user adjusts the height of the projector body. The projector performs the correction of the projection position again after the user finishes the height adjustment of the projector body.

When calculating the correction data, a horizontal line may be drawn from the center of the projected image as shown in FIG. Specifically, the horizontal line drawn from the center coordinate PC2 of the projected image is the horizontal line HL2. The horizontal line drawn from the center coordinates PC1 of the projected image is the horizontal line HL1. A horizontal line drawn from the center coordinates PC3 of the projected image is a horizontal line HL3. When these horizontal lines are not distinguished, they are described as horizontal lines HL.
Both ends of the horizontal line HL are drawn so as to be reflected in the overlapping projection area OA. For this reason, the main projector images the screen by the imaging unit 30 included in the projector PJ, and calculates correction data based on the amount of deviation of the horizontal line HL by analyzing the captured image.

  By performing the above-described processing, the height of the projected image of the projector PJ can be adjusted sequentially with the image of the main projector as a reference. Further, since the main projector also compares the lens shift amount with the correction data when adjusting the height, an error can be displayed when performing position correction of an amount that cannot be handled by the lens shift. For this reason, it is possible to prompt the user to finely adjust the height of the projector body. Therefore, since the same processing can be automatically performed for all projectors managed as a group, user convenience can be improved.

Next, a flow for adjusting the height of the projected image of each projector will be described with reference to FIG.
The main projector instructs other projectors to calculate the center data of the projected image (step S301). The main projector acquires the center data of the projected images in the order of the list (step S302). The main projector creates a list of center data of the projected image and sets the variable N to 1 (step S303). The main projector compares the projected image center coordinates with the height coordinates of the Nth projector on the list, and calculates correction data by taking the difference (step S304). The main projector compares the lens shift range of the Nth projector with the correction data (step S305). If the correction data of the Nth projector is larger than the lens shift range, the Nth projector will project an error screen saying "The lens shift range has been exceeded. Please adjust the height of the projector." Step S306). After the height adjustment, the main projector causes the Nth projector to calculate the center data of the projected image again, acquires this, and updates the list (step S307). The main projector repeats the processing from step S304 to step S307 until the correction data becomes smaller than the lens shift range. If the correction data is smaller than the lens shift range, the main projector corrects the Nth projector by shifting the lens by the correction data (step S308). The main projector checks whether or not all the projectors have been corrected, that is, whether the value of N is the same as the total number of other projectors (step S309). If the value of N is not the same as the total number of other projectors, the main projector increments the variable N (N = N + 1, that is, N is incremented by 1) (step S310), and corrects the next projector in the list. To do. The main projector repeats steps S304 to S309 until the height of its own projected image matches the height of the projected images of all other projectors. In step S309, if the height adjustment of all the projectors has been completed, the main projector ends the process of adjusting the image height of each projector.

Next, the main projector shifts to a function of adjusting the screen size by pointing at least two points using a pointer attached to a remote controller of the projector (hereinafter simply referred to as a remote controller). The pointer attached to the projector remote control is a function for the user to project point light or the like from the remote control onto the screen. The shape of light projected by the pointer is not limited to a point, and may be a square, a circle, or an arrow.
The remote controller does not have to project light. The user may input coordinates to be designated to the corresponding projector PJ using a remote controller. When the coordinates are designated by the user, the projector PJ may project a projection image in which a mark is combined with the designated coordinates.
The function that the user adjusts the screen size by pointing to at least two points using the pointer is that the projector PJ displays the set number of inches when the user indicates the area projected by the projector using the pointer. It is a function to do. A user's instruction using a pointer is called a designation operation.
When the projector PJ transitions to the screen size setting function, the projector PJ projects “Please set the upper left corner and lower right corner with the pointer that you want to use as the screen size”. The user uses the remote control attached to the projector PJ to specify the upper left corner and the lower right corner of the area to be projected. The upper left corner of the region to be projected is the coordinates (g, h) shown in FIG. Further, the lower right end of the region to be projected is the coordinates (i, j) shown in FIG.
When the operation detection unit 40 included in the main projector recognizes that the upper left end or lower right end of the area that the user wants to project is designated, the operation detection unit 40 captures a projected image by the imaging unit 30 included in the projector PJ. Specifically, each time the upper left corner or lower right corner is designated, the main projector causes the imaging unit 30 included in the projector PJ to sequentially capture the projected images and sequentially receives the captured images. Then, image composition is performed on the image captured by the main projector. When performing image composition, the main projector pays attention to the overlapping projection area OA, and composes one image by advancing the composition so that the overlapping projection area OA matches.
The control unit 10 included in the main projector recognizes the upper left position and the lower right position of the region that the user wants to project, which is indicated by the remote controller, from one image obtained by combining the captured images. The main projector projects a frame (projection size frame FS) surrounding the specified area in cooperation with other projectors.

[Temporary screen size calculation]
Next, the main projector calculates a temporary screen size.
First, each projector PJ measures the distance (projection distance) to the screen by the distance measuring unit 21. In this embodiment, the projection distance data, the projector data, and the projection lens data are as follows.
As data of the projector itself, _pn is the width of the liquid crystal panel, and a is the distance from the projection lens to the liquid crystal panel. As data obtained from the projection lens, the focal length (zoom value) of the projection lens f _n, as the data projector PJ can be measured, the L _n and the projection distance.
First, the projector PJ calculates the size of the projected image in the horizontal direction.
When the magnification in each projector is _mn , the magnification _mn can be obtained by Expression (1). In addition, n shown by Formula (1) is an integer and is a number allocated to the projector.

Since the width of the projected image is obtained by multiplying the width pn of the liquid crystal panel by _mn , _{if the} width of the projected image is Z _n , it can be obtained by Expression (2).

Since the pixel size of the panel is also clear, the distance for each pixel can also be obtained. Returning to FIG. Three the number of the projector PJ When (n = 1,2,3), the horizontal size of the central projected image is _{X 2.}
Horizontal size of the overlapping projection area OA is shown by 0.1X _2.
The horizontal size of the projected image at the left end is expressed by Expression (3).

  The horizontal size of the projected image at the right end is expressed by equation (4).

  From the above, the horizontal size X of the combined projected image is expressed by Expression (5). Note that the width of the overlapping projection area OA in this embodiment is 10% (0.1 times) the horizontal size X.

On the other hand, the height adjustment of the vertical size has been completed for all the projectors PJ. For this reason, the coordinates in the height direction all match.
The vertical size Y of the projected image is expressed by Expression (6).

  From the above, the temporary screen size S can be calculated by the equation (7).

In addition, since the horizontal size of the entire projected image is determined from the composite image, the control unit 10 included in the main projector converts each projector PJ coordinate into a composite image coordinate as a system coordinate, for example, based on the leftmost projector coordinate. To do.
The control unit 10 included in the main projector transmits the converted composite image coordinate data to each projector PJ via the communication unit 80, thereby converting the coordinates of each projector PJ into composite image coordinates as system coordinates. After the coordinate conversion is completed, the projector PJ projects an image obtained by combining the calculated number of inches. Thereby, the user can grasp the temporary screen size. Further, since the coordinate systems of the projectors can be matched, the projector PJ can project a screen frame image (hereinafter simply referred to as a projection size frame) to be projected.

Next, a method for calculating the temporary screen size will be described with reference to FIG.
Let M be a variable representing the target projector. The initial value of the variable M is 1. The main projector acquires a captured image of the Mth projector in the list (step S401). The main projector combines the captured images captured by the Mth projector so that the overlapping projection areas OA match (step S402). The main projector determines whether the captured images captured by all other projectors have been combined (step S403). The main projector increments the variable M (M = M + 1, that is, increments M by 1) if the synthesis with the captured images captured by all other projectors is not completed (step S404), and the captured image of the next projector Acquisition and synthesis. The main projector repeats steps S401 to S403 until the captured images captured by all other projectors are combined. If the synthesis of the captured images captured by all other projectors is completed in step S403, the main projector receives the horizontal size of the projection image calculated by each projector and the overlapping projection area OA data (step S405). . The calculation unit 50 included in the main projector calculates the vertical size and horizontal size of the projected image from the combined captured image (step S406). The calculation unit 50 included in the main projector converts the coordinates of the projector PJ into system coordinates based on the calculated vertical size and horizontal size (step S407). The main projector transmits the system coordinates to the other projector PJ (step S408). The calculation unit 50 included in the main projector calculates a temporary screen size (step S409). The projector PJ projects the composite image and the screen size (step S410).

[Correct the temporary screen size to the desired size by fine adjustment]
Although it is sufficient that the user can obtain a desired screen size by performing a designation operation, there are cases where it is actually desired to fine-tune the obtained screen size. Therefore, the projector PJ shifts to the size fine adjustment mode after displaying the screen size.
As shown in FIG. 13, the projector PJ projects “Do you want to fine-tune the screen size?” To make an inquiry to the user. When the user selects to perform fine adjustment, the projector PJ enters the fine adjustment mode. When the user selects not to perform fine adjustment, the projector PJ determines the screen size presented previously as the screen size to be displayed. Then, the projector PJ shifts to the tiling mode.
In the present embodiment, the case where the aspect ratio of the projected image is determined in advance is described. If the user wants to change the aspect ratio, the user can switch the aspect ratio by selecting Change aspect ratio from the menu screen of the main projector. In the present embodiment, a pattern that is adjusted based on the current ratio of the number of inches and a pattern that is adjusted using the aspect ratio without setting the aspect ratio from the menu screen of the main projector will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the projector PJ prompts the user to input an inch size desired by the user through the projection screen. When the user inputs an inch size, the user may input a desired inch size using a remote control, and numbers and digits using the up and down buttons and the left and right buttons provided on the input unit 60 of the remote control or projector. You may make it input by selecting a column. Note that the method is not limited to the above-described method as long as the inch size desired by the user can be input to the projector PJ.

[When adjusting inches based on the current ratio of inches]
Let the number of inches entered by the user be RS. Since the temporary screen size is vertical Y and horizontal X, in order to maintain the original ratio, both vertical Y and horizontal X may be multiplied by the same magnification a. For this reason, the main projector may calculate the magnification a.
From the desired inch size and the vertical Y and horizontal X, the magnification a is calculated by equations (8) and (9).

  Expressions (8) to (9) are shown. The main projector can calculate the magnification a from Expression (9).

  From the above, when changing the vertical inch size, if the lower reference is used, the upper left pointer coordinate (g, h) is changed to the new pointer coordinate (g, (a-1) (h-j) + h). change. Similarly, when changing the inch size in the horizontal direction, if the left reference is used, the lower right pointer coordinate (g + X, j) (coordinate after system coordinate conversion) is changed to the new pointer coordinate ((a-1) X + ( g + X), j).

With reference to FIG. 15, an example of the changed projection size confirmation screen will be described.
The image change unit 70 included in the main projector changes the projection size frame FS based on the changed projection size calculated by the calculation unit 50 included in the main projector. The image changing unit 70 supplies the changed projection size frame FC to the control unit 10.
The projector PJ projects the projection size frame FS before the change and the projection size frame FC after the change. The main projector PJ confirms with the user whether or not the changed projection size can be set as the projection image size. The user selects that the projection size can be set if it is acceptable. The main projector sets the projection size to the new projection size. The user selects that the projection size after the change should not be set if the setting is not good. When the user selects that the user should not set, the main projector executes the projection size setting again.
In this example, the projection size is changed with reference to the lower left edge BLP of the projection image as shown in FIG. 15, but the projection image center coordinates (a, b) shown in FIG. The projection size may be enlarged. The reference for changing the projection size may be within the range of the projection image, and is not limited to the above-described left lower end BLP of the projection image and the projection image center coordinates.

Next, an example of a procedure by which the projection system 1 changes the projection size will be described with reference to FIG.
The main projector acquires the projection size desired by the user via the input unit 60 of the main projector (step S501). The calculation unit 50 included in the main projector calculates the magnification of the vertical size of the projection size and the horizontal length of the projection size from the projection size desired by the user (step S502). The control unit 10 included in the main projector updates the upper left coordinates and the lower right coordinates of the projection size (step S503). The image changing unit 70 included in the main projector changes the projection size frame FS before the change to the projection size frame FC after the change based on the result calculated by the calculation unit 50 (step S504). The main projector, in cooperation with other projectors, projects the projection size frame FS before the change and the projection size frame FC after the change desired by the user (step S505). The main projector confirms to the user whether or not the changed projection size can be set. If the user selects not to set the projection size after the change (NO), the main projector starts again from step S501. When the user selects (YES) to set the projection size after the change, the main projector updates the projection size and ends the projection size change (step S506).

Next, a method for adjusting the projection size using the aspect ratio will be described. The aspect ratio is AW for the projection size and AH for the projection size. Similar to the above description, the provisional screen size is vertical Y and horizontal X, and the input projection image has an inch size of RS.
The vertical length of the projection size to be set and the horizontal length of the projection size are as follows.
Horizontal length to be set: X + α
Vertical length to be set: Y + β
From the number of inches of the projection size desired by the user, the vertical length Y + β to be set, and the horizontal length X + α to be set, the inch size of the projected image can be calculated by Expression (10).

  On the other hand, since the aspect ratio is AW: AH, Expression (11) is shown.

  By transforming equation (11), equation (12) is obtained.

  In order to obtain the length α to be added horizontally, the equation (12) is substituted into the inch number calculation equation shown in the equation (10). Equation (10) can be transformed into Equation (13).

  Therefore, the length α to be added horizontally can be calculated by the equation (14).

  Similarly, the length β to be added vertically can be calculated by transforming equation (15) and by equation (16).

Since the horizontal length to be set and the vertical length to be set have been calculated, the main projector can coordinate the upper left corner and the lower right corner with reference to the left edge and the lower edge of the projected image range in the same manner as described above. May be calculated. It should be noted that the size may be enlarged equally up, down, left and right with reference to the center of the projection screen.
Thereafter, the main projector projects the projection size frame FS before the change and the projection size frame FC after the change. The main projector confirms to the user whether or not the projection size may be set using the changed projection size. If the projection size setting is satisfactory, the user selects setting based on the changed projection size. The main projector determines the projected image range to the projection size after the change. If the projection size setting is not good, the user selects not to set it. If the user selects not to set, the main projector executes the setting of the projection size again.
Note that the projection size frame FS and the changed projection size frame FC described above may be any image as long as the boundary of the range of the projection image is known, and is not limited to the frame image.

[Automatic tiling]
In the above description, since the projection size desired by the user can be determined, the projector PJ performs correction to fit the projection image into the projection size. Any means may be used for correcting the projected image within the projection size. For example, a known means may be used.
The projector PJ also performs a process of blending the overlapping projection area OA and eliminating unevenness in the projected image. Any means may be used for the process of eliminating the unevenness of the projected image. For example, a known process may be used.

As described above, the projector PJ includes the control unit 10, the projection unit 20, the imaging unit 30, the operation detection unit 40, the calculation unit 50, the input unit 60, the image change unit 70, and the communication unit 80, so that the projection system 1 The range of the projected image of the projector PJ that constitutes can be easily specified. It connects with another projector via the communication part 80 which a main projector has. The operation detection unit 40 included in the projector PJ can detect a designation operation in which the user designates an arbitrary projection image range. In addition, the user can designate an arbitrary inch size of the projected image by the input unit 60 included in the projector PJ. When the main projector detects the designation operation, the main projector images the screen using the imaging unit 30 included in the projector PJ. The main projector acquires the range of the projection image specified by the user from the captured image. The calculation unit 50 included in the projector PJ unifies the coordinate system of the projector PJ based on the range of the projection image specified by the user, and calculates the changed projection size. The image changing unit 70 included in the projector PJ changes the projection size frame FS before the change to the projection size frame FC after the change based on the projection size after the change. The projector PJ projects the projection size frame FS before the change and the projection size frame FC after the change. The user can select whether the size of the projection image projected by the projector PJ can be the size indicated by the projection size frame FC after the change. With this configuration, the user can easily set a projection image having a desired projection size for the projector PJ. In addition, the position instruct | indicated by the designation | designated operation which a user performs should just know the diagonal of a projection image area | region, and is not restricted to the upper left end and right lower end mentioned above.
Further, the projector PJ may be controlled using a personal computer instead of the main projector. In this case, the personal computer and the projector PJ are connected. The personal computer designates one of the projectors PJ as a projector corresponding to the main projector. The personal computer realizes the above-described functions by controlling a projector corresponding to the main projector.

[Summary of Second Embodiment]
The example of the projection system according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of projectors (a projector PJ in the example of the second embodiment) and a control device (a main projector in the example of the second embodiment). A projection system that projects images side by side (projection system 1 in the example of the second embodiment), and each of the plurality of projectors has an image (second embodiment) on a projection surface (a screen in the example of the second embodiment). In an example of the embodiment, a projection unit that projects a projection image (in the example of the second embodiment, the projection unit 20 included in the projector PJ) and a projection range of the projection unit (in the example of the second embodiment, the projection image) Imaging units (in an example of the second embodiment, each of the imaging units included in the projector PJ) that captures a range including the range) and generates a captured image 0) and an operation detection unit (in the example of the second embodiment, an operation detection unit 40) that detects a designation operation for designating an image display range by a plurality of projectors on the projection surface based on the captured image. The control device includes a control unit (in the example of the second embodiment, the control unit 10) that determines the image display range based on the designation operation detected by the operation detection units of the plurality of projectors.

  In an example of the projection system according to the second embodiment, the control device includes a calculation unit (in the example of the second embodiment, the calculation unit 50) that calculates the size of the image display range on the projection plane. At least one of the projectors causes the projection unit to project information indicating the size calculated by the calculation unit.

  In an example of the projection system according to the second embodiment, the control unit causes a plurality of projectors to project a frame image indicating an image display range (in the example of the second embodiment, a projection size frame) from the projection unit.

  In an example of the projection system according to the second embodiment, the control device includes an input unit that receives an input of the size of the image display range, and an image change unit that changes the frame image based on the size received by the input unit (second embodiment). In one example, the image change unit 70) is provided, and the control unit causes the plurality of projectors to project the frame image changed by the image change unit from the projection unit.

  In an example of the projection system according to the second embodiment, the designation operation is an operation for designating at least one point in the frame of the image display range.

  In an example of the projector according to the second embodiment, a projection unit that projects the first image on the projection surface, an imaging unit that captures a range including the projection range of the projection unit and generates a captured image, and another projector are provided. An operation detection unit that detects a designation operation for designating an image display range by a plurality of projectors on a projection surface based on a captured image when projecting images side by side with a plurality of projectors including the projection unit. Projects the first image onto the image display range determined based on the designated operation detected by the operation detection unit.

  In an example of a projector control method according to the second embodiment, a projection unit that projects an image on a projection surface, an imaging unit that captures a range including a projection range of the projection unit and generates a captured image, and a plurality of projectors When projecting images side by side, a projector control method for controlling a projector having an operation detection unit for detecting a designation operation for designating an image display range by a plurality of projectors on a projection surface based on a captured image Thus, the image display range is determined based on the designation operation detected by the operation detection unit.

[Third Embodiment Backup Function]
So far, the preparation for projecting the tiled image by the projector PJ has been described. Next, the backup function that this embodiment has will be described.
In an actual site, there may be a problem that the projected image disappears due to the lamp off of the projector PJ. Further, in an actual site, troubles may occur in which the projected image is disturbed due to equipment failure of the projector PJ.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the projection system 1 is also provided with a second projector PPJ set for backup in addition to the first projector MPJ set. Specifically, the first projector MPJ set includes the projectors from the first projector MPJ1 to the first projector MPJn. Specifically, the second projector PPJ set includes the projectors from the second projector PPJ1 to the first projector PPJn. n is an integer of 1 or more. The first projector MPJ set and the second projector PPJ set include n projectors.
The first projection projector MPJ is disposed on the installation base B. The first projection projector MPJ projects the range of the projection image range MPA. The second projector PPJ is installed above the first projection projector MPJ. The second projector PPJ projects the range of the projection image range PPA. The projected image range MPA and the projected image range PPA are projected onto the same range.
When a device trouble occurs in the first projector MPJ, the user can deal with the device trouble by quickly and manually opening the shutter of the backup projector PPJ installed above or below the projector where the device trouble has occurred. ing. However, since it is not known when the lamp of the projector will burn out, the response to the lamp burnout is very heavy for the user.

The second projector PPJ for backup takes a long time to project an image if the lamp is turned on after a device trouble has occurred in the first projector MPJ, and the audience will notice the device trouble.
Therefore, the second projector PPJ turns on the lamp and stands by in a state where the shutter is closed by the light shielding device 91 while maintaining a state in which the same image as the first projector MPJ can be projected. The second projector PPJ can project a projected image immediately by opening the shutter with the light shielding device 91 when a device trouble occurs in the first projector MPJ.

Therefore, in the projection system 1, when the abnormality detection unit 90 detects that an abnormality has occurred in the first projector MPJ, a signal is quickly sent to the second projector PPJ for backup. The light-shielding device 91 included in the second projector PPJ that has received the signal introduces a control configuration that opens the shutter.
For example, a second projector PPJ for backup is arranged in each first projector MPJ. Specifically, a second projector PPJ1 that projects a projected image at the same position as the first projector MPJ1 is prepared. Further, a second projector PPJ2 that projects a projected image at the same position as the first projector MPJ2 is prepared. Note that the first projector MPJ and the second projector PPJ need only be arranged to project a projected image at the same position, and the number of projectors is not limited to two.

  The communication unit 80 included in the first projector MPJ and the communication unit 80 included in the second projector PPJ for backup are connected by a communication line. The first projector MPJ has an emergency list table as shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is an example of an emergency list table. For example, an input signal detection abnormality, projector temperature abnormality (high temperature), lamp voltage abnormality (lamp out), fan stop abnormality, and lamp cover opening abnormality are set in the emergency list table. The abnormal states set in the emergency list table are not limited to those described above.

The abnormality detection unit 90 included in the first projector MPJ monitors whether a state corresponding to the emergency list table has occurred. When the abnormality detection unit 90 included in the first projector MPJ detects that the state corresponding to the emergency list table has occurred in the first projector MPJ, the first projector MPJ makes an emergency to the second projector PPJ for backup. Send a signal. The emergency signal includes an instruction to open the shutter. The second projector PPJ for backup that has received the emergency signal opens the shutter by the shading device 91 that the second projector PPJ has.
The abnormality detection unit 90 included in the first projector MPJ automatically detects the abnormality set in the emergency list table and moves the second projector PPJ for backup. In this way, it is not necessary for the user to always be on standby for an emergency, and an image can be projected from the second projector PPJ for backup instantly.

In the foregoing, an example of the mechanism for backup has been described, but there are two ways of backup.
The first method is a method in which each pair of second projectors PPJ corresponds to the trouble of each of the individually installed first projectors MPJ. Specifically, the first projector MPJ1 and the second projector PPJ1 paired with the first projector MPJ1 are connected. What is necessary is just to comprise so that 1st projector MPJ1 may transmit an emergency signal with respect to 2nd projector PPJ1 when abnormality detection part 90 which 1st projector MPJ1 has detected abnormality. When receiving an emergency signal, the communication unit 80 included in the second projector PPJ1 opens its own shutter by the light shielding device 91 and projects it onto the screen. The first projector MPJ1 in which the malfunction has occurred stops the projection. In order to stop the projection, the shutter may be closed by the light shielding device 91 of the first projector MPJ1 in which the malfunction has occurred, or the operation of the projector may be stopped.
As described above, the first method has an advantage that the control is simple because only the projector in which the abnormality has occurred is switched.

In the second method, when any one of the first projectors MPJ detects an abnormality, all the first projectors MPJ are stopped and used for backup. This method is supported by all projectors PPJ. Specifically, when any one of the first projectors MPJ has a problem, one of the first projectors MPJ that has a problem sends an emergency signal to the main projector via the communication unit 80. Send. The main projector transmits an emergency signal for opening the shutter to all the second projectors PPJ for backup. In addition, the main projector transmits a signal for closing the shutter or an operation stop signal to the first projector MPJ in which a malfunction that is currently operating has not occurred via the communication unit 80. For example, when the projectors PJ of the projection system 1 are connected by wireless communication, the first projector MPJ in which a problem has occurred is emergency with respect to the main projector included in the first projector MPJ via the communication unit 80. Send a signal. When the main projector receives the emergency signal, all the first projectors MPJ issue a command to stop the operation or close the shutter. As a result, the first projector MPJ in operation transmits a signal for opening the shutter to the second projector PPJ for backup, which is a pair, via the communication unit 80. All the first projectors MPJ interrupt the projection by closing the shutter or stopping the operation by the light shielding device 91 included in the first projector MPJ. On the other hand, the second projector PPJ for backup receives a signal for opening the shutter via the communication unit 80. All the second projectors PPJ that have received the signal for opening the shutter open the shutter by the light shielding device 91 that they have. That is, all the projected images projected on the screen are projected images projected from the second projector PPJ for backup. Note that the second projector PPJ for backup may switch the projection state by receiving a signal for opening the shutter from the main projector, or may switch the projection state by another method. In the above description, the main projector is described as being included in the first projector MPJ, but may be included in the second projector PPJ.
As described above, in the second method, the projector included in the first projector MPJ and the projector included in the second projector PPJ do not project an image onto the screen at the same time. When performing fine adjustment of color tone or the like, there is an advantage that only fine adjustment between projectors included in the first projector MPJ and fine adjustment between projectors included in the second projector PPJ are required. is there.
The light shielding device 91 may be provided outside the projector PJ. In that case, the light shielding device 91 is connected to the communication unit 80 included in the main projector. Before the trouble occurs in the first projector MPJ, the light shielding device 91 shields the projection image of the second projector PPJ. When receiving an emergency signal from the main projector, the light shielding device 91 stops light shielding to the second projector PPJ. Further, the light shielding device 91 shields the projection image of the first projector MPJ in which a trouble has occurred.

As described above, the projector PJ includes the control unit 10, the communication unit 80, the abnormality detection unit 90, and the light shielding device 91, so that the abnormality detection unit 90 included in the projector PJ can detect its own abnormality. Furthermore, the projection system 1 of the present embodiment includes a second projector PPJ for backup that projects to the same position as the first projector MPJ. The first projector MPJ that has detected the abnormality can transmit an emergency signal to the second projector PPJ for backup via the communication unit 80. The second projector PPJ for backup receives the emergency signal via the communication unit 80 included in the second projector PPJ. The second projector for backup that has received the emergency signal switches the projected image by opening the shutter by the shading device 91 of the second projector. Since the first projector MPJ and the second projector PPJ project in the same range, it is difficult for the audience to notice that a trouble has occurred. In addition, the first projector MPJ that has detected its own abnormality by the abnormality detection unit 90 stops projection by closing the shutter using the light shielding device 91. The first projector MPJ that has detected its own abnormality by the abnormality detection unit 90 may stop its operation. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the trouble for the user to deal with the projector device trouble.
The projector PJ may be controlled using a personal computer instead of the main projector. In this case, the personal computer and the first projector MPJ are connected. The personal computer designates one of the first projectors MPJ as a projector corresponding to the main projector. The personal computer realizes the above-described functions by controlling a projector corresponding to the main projector.
The personal computer may also be connected to a light shielding device 91 provided outside the projector PJ. When the abnormality detection unit 90 included in the first projector MPJ detects an abnormality, the personal computer stops light shielding from the second projector PPJ. In addition, the personal computer shields the projection image of the first projector MPJ.

[Summary of Third Embodiment]
In the example of the projection system according to the third embodiment, the first projector (the first projector MPJ in the third embodiment) and the second projector (in the third embodiment, the second projector). A second projector PPJ paired with the first projector MPJ included in the PPJ, a first light shielding device (in the example of the third embodiment, a light shielding device 91 included in each of the second projectors PPJ), A projection system (projection system 1 in an example of the third embodiment) including a control device (a main projector in the example of the third embodiment) for controlling these, and the first projector has a projection plane ( In the example of the third embodiment, the first image signal (in the example of the third embodiment, the first projector MPJ and the second projector) are displayed on the screen. A first image for projecting a first image (projected image projected from the first projector MPJ in the example of the third embodiment) based on the respective image signals input to the image input units 11 respectively included in the projectors PPJ. Projection unit (in the example of the third embodiment, the projection unit 20 included in each of the first projector MPJ) and an abnormality detection unit (in the example of the third embodiment, the first projector MPJ has an abnormality detection unit). A second projector that projects a second image based on the first image signal on the projection surface. (Third implementation) In an example, the second projector PPJ has a projection unit 20), and the second image is arranged so that the second image can be projected at the same position as the first image on the projection surface. The light shielding device can switch between a projection state in which the second image is projected from the second projection unit onto the projection surface and a light shielding state in which the projection of the second image from the second projection unit to the projection surface is blocked. Yes, the control device detects an abnormality in a state where the first image is projected from the first projector onto the projection surface and the projection of the second image from the second projector is blocked by the first light shielding device. When the unit detects an abnormality of the first projector, the first light-shielding device is switched to the projection state, and the second image is projected onto the projection plane.

  In the example of the projection system according to the third embodiment, the projection system includes a second light shielding device (in the example of the third embodiment, the light shielding device 91 included in each of the first projectors MPJ). The light shielding device can switch between a projection state in which the first image is projected from the first projection unit onto the projection surface and a light shielding state in which projection of the first image from the first projection unit to the projection surface is blocked. The control device has the abnormality detection unit in a state where the first image is projected from the first projector onto the projection surface and the projection of the second image from the second projector is blocked by the first light shielding device. When detecting an abnormality of the first projector, the second light-shielding device is switched to the light-shielding state.

  In the example of the projection system according to the third embodiment, the first projector includes a plurality of projectors that project the first image at different positions (in the example of the third embodiment, the first projector MPJ1,... 1 projector MPJn), and the second projector projects a second image at the same position as each projector of the first projector (in the example of the third embodiment, the second projector The projector PPJ1,... Includes a second projector PPJn).

  In the example of the projection system according to the third embodiment, the control device causes the second projector when the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality for at least one projector among the plurality of projectors included in the first projector. For all of the plurality of projectors included in, the first light-shielding device is switched to the projection state and the second image is projected onto the projection surface.

  In the example of the projection system according to the third embodiment, the control device causes the second projector when the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality for at least one projector among the plurality of projectors included in the first projector. For the projector corresponding to the projector in which the abnormality is detected among the plurality of projectors included in, the first light-shielding device is switched to the projection state, and the second image is projected onto the projection surface.

  In the example of the control device according to the third embodiment, the first image based on the first image signal is projected from the first projector onto the projection surface, and the second image based on the first image signal is projected. An abnormality of the first projector is detected in a state where the projection of the second image from the second projector disposed so as to be able to project at the same position as the first image of the surface is blocked by the first light shielding device If it is, the first light-shielding device is switched to a state in which the second image is projected onto the projection surface.

  In an example of the control method according to the third embodiment, the first image based on the first image signal is projected from the first projector onto the projection surface, and the second image based on the first image signal is projected. An abnormality of the first projector is detected in a state where the projection of the second image from the second projector disposed so as to be able to project at the same position as the first image of the surface is blocked by the first light shielding device If it is, the first light-shielding device is switched to a state in which the second image is projected onto the projection surface.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, a transmissive projector is exemplified, but a DLP (Digital Light Processing) using a reflective light modulation element called DMD (Digital Micromirror Device: registered trademark of Texas Instruments, USA) It is also possible to use a projector of a registered trademark of TRUMENTS Corporation.

  In addition, a program for realizing the functions of arbitrary components in the projection system 1 described above is recorded (stored) on a computer-readable recording medium (storage medium), and the program is read by the computer system. You may make it perform. The “computer system” here includes an operating system (OS) or hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer-readable recording medium” means a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM, or a hard disk built in a computer system. Refers to the device. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” means a volatile memory (RAM: Random Access) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Memory that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as Memory).

In addition, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.
Further, the above program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Further, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Projection system, 2 ... Projection surface, 10 ... Control part, 11 ... Image input part, 20 ... Projection part, 21 ... Distance measurement part, 30 ... Imaging part, 40 ... Operation detection part, 50 ... Calculation part, 60 ... Input unit, 70 ... Image changing unit, 80 ... Communication unit, 90 ... Abnormality detection unit, 91 ... Shading device, PA ... Projection image area, CA ... Imaging range, PJ ... Projector, DC ... Identification image, OA ... Overlapping projection Area, PC ... center coordinate, HL ... horizontal line, FS ... projection size frame, FC ... changed projection size frame

Claims (7)

A projection system that includes a plurality of projectors and a control device, and projects the images side by side by the plurality of projectors,
Each of the plurality of projectors is
A projection unit that projects an image on a projection surface;
An imaging unit that images a range including a projection range of the projection unit to generate a captured image;
An operation detection unit for detecting a designation operation for designating an image display range by the plurality of projectors made on the projection plane based on the captured image;
The controller is
A control unit that determines the image display range based on the designated operation detected by the operation detection unit of the plurality of projectors;
Projection system. The controller is
A calculation unit that calculates the size of the image display range on the projection plane;
The control unit causes at least one of the plurality of projectors to project information indicating the size calculated by the calculation unit from the projection unit.
The projection system according to claim 1. The controller is
Projecting a frame image indicating the image display range from the projection unit to the plurality of projectors,
The projection system according to claim 1 or 2. The controller is
An input unit for receiving an input of a size of the image display range;
An image changing unit that changes the frame image based on the size received by the input unit;
With
The control unit causes the plurality of projectors to project the frame image after being changed by the image changing unit from the projection unit;
The projection system according to claim 3.   The projection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the designation operation is an operation of designating at least one point in the frame of the image display range. A projection unit for projecting the first image onto the projection surface;
An imaging unit that images a range including a projection range of the projection unit to generate a captured image;
An operation detecting unit for detecting a designation operation for designating an image display range by the plurality of projectors performed on the projection surface based on the captured image when images are projected side by side by a plurality of projectors including other projectors; Have
The projection unit projects the first image onto the image display range determined based on the designation operation detected by the operation detection unit;
projector. A projection unit that projects an image on a projection surface, an imaging unit that captures an image including a projection range of the projection unit and generates a captured image, and a plurality of projectors that project the images side by side, based on the captured image. An operation detection unit for detecting a designation operation for designating an image display range by the plurality of projectors made on the projection plane, and a projector control method for controlling the projector,
Determining the image display range based on the designated operation detected by the operation detection unit;
Projector control method.

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