JP2020188396A - Image projection apparatus and projection control apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce a luminance difference between projected images even if a plurality of projectors have variations with regard to light intensity adjustment, in multi-projection.SOLUTION: An image projection apparatus 27 projects first image light LA generated by modulating light from a first light source A3. The apparatus communicates with another image projection apparatus 28. The image projection apparatus 28 includes: first light intensity adjustment means A7 for adjusting light intensity of the first image light; and second light intensity adjustment means B7 for projecting second image light LB generated by modulating light from a second light source B3 and adjusting light intensity of the second image light. Control means A4 to A6 compare first data indicating a relationship between an adjusted value of the first light intensity adjustment means and the light intensity of the first image light with second data indicating a relationship between an adjusted value of the second light intensity adjustment means and second light intensity received from the other image projection apparatus, and correct the first data in accordance with a result of the comparison to control the first light intensity adjustment means by means of the corrected first data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an image projection device (hereinafter referred to as a projector) used for multi-projection.

When performing multi-projection in which projected images from a plurality of projectors are connected to project a large screen image, continuity of brightness between the projected images is required. Specifically, the shutter (aperture) provided in each projector is controlled to match the brightness of a plurality of projected images with each other.

In Patent Document 1, the brightness of the projected images from the plurality of projectors is matched with each other by adjusting the aperture and the video signal according to the parameters set for each of the plurality of projectors. Specifically, first, the aperture of each projector is fully opened, a completely white video signal is input to each projector, and the brightness of each projection screen is measured. Subsequently, parameters such as the aperture drive amount, the brightness inclination adjustment value, and the brightness offset adjustment value corresponding to the projector are obtained from the brightness measurement value of the projected image from each projector, and the diaphragm is driven or the video signal is obtained according to the obtained parameters. Or adjust.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-159812

However, when the brightness of the projected image is measured with the aperture of each projector fully opened as in Patent Document 1, the aperture itself of each of the plurality of projectors and the variation of the aperture control cause each of the apertures to be driven. The brightness of the image projected from the projector may not match.

The present invention provides a projection control device and a projector capable of reducing a difference in brightness between projected images even if there are variations in aperture (light amount adjustment) among a plurality of projectors in multi-projection.

The image projection device as one aspect of the present invention projects the first image light generated by modulating the light from the first light source. The image projection device projects a first light amount adjusting means for adjusting the light amount of the first image light and a second image light generated by modulating the light from the second light source, and projects a second image. It has a communication means for communicating with another image projection device provided with a second light amount adjusting means for adjusting the light amount of light, and a control means for controlling the first light amount adjusting means. The control means includes the first data showing the relationship between the adjustment value of the first light amount adjusting means and the light amount of the first image light, and the second light amount adjusting means received from another image projection device through the communication means. The second data showing the relationship between the adjusted value and the second light amount is compared, the first data is corrected according to the result of the comparison, and the first light amount is used by using the corrected first data. It is characterized by controlling the adjusting means.

An image projection system including the above image projection device and another image projection device also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

Further, in the projection control method as another aspect of the present invention, the first image light generated by modulating the light from the first light source is projected, and the amount of light of the first image light is adjusted. It is applied to an image projection apparatus provided with the light amount adjusting means of 1. The projection control method is generated by the step of acquiring the first data showing the relationship between the adjusted value of the first light amount adjusting means and the light amount of the first image light, and the modulation of the light from the second light source. The adjusted value of the second light amount adjusting means and the second light amount from another image projection device provided with the second light amount adjusting means for projecting the second image light and adjusting the light amount of the second image light. The step of acquiring the second data showing the relationship with the first data is compared with the first data and the second data, and the first data is corrected according to the result of the comparison, and the corrected first data is obtained. It is characterized by having a step of controlling a first light amount adjusting means using data.

A computer program that causes the computer of the image projection device to execute a process according to the projection control method also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

Further, the projection control device as another aspect of the present invention projects the first image light generated by modulating the light from the first light source, and adjusts the amount of light of the first image light. An image projection device provided with the light amount adjusting means of the above, and a second light amount adjusting means for projecting a second image light generated by modulating the light from the second light source and adjusting the light amount of the second image light. Controls with other image projection devices equipped with. The projection control device has a relationship between a communication means that communicates with the first and second image projection devices, an adjustment value of the first light amount adjusting means acquired through the communication means, and the light amount of the first image light. The first data indicating the above and the second data indicating the relationship between the adjusted value of the second light amount adjusting means and the second light amount are compared, and the first and second data are compared according to the result of the comparison. It is characterized by having a control means for correcting at least one of the data and transmitting the corrected data to the corresponding image projection device among the image projection device and the other image projection device.

An image projection system including the projection control device, an image projection device, and another image projection device also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

Further, in the projection control method as another aspect of the present invention, the first image light generated by modulating the light from the first light source is projected, and the light amount of the first image light is adjusted. An image projection device provided with the light amount adjusting means of the above, and a second light amount adjusting means for projecting a second image light generated by modulating the light from the second light source and adjusting the light amount of the second image light. Controls with other image projection devices equipped with. The projection control method includes a step of acquiring first data showing the relationship between the adjusted value of the first light amount adjusting means and the light amount of the first image light, and the adjusted value of the second light amount adjusting means and the second. The step of acquiring the second data showing the relationship with the amount of light is compared with the first data and the second data, and at least one of the first and second data is compared according to the result of the comparison. It is characterized by having a step of correcting data and transmitting the corrected data to a corresponding image projection device among an image projection device and another image projection device.

A computer program that causes a computer to execute a process according to the projection control method also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the difference in brightness between projected images even if there are variations in light intensity adjustment among a plurality of image projection devices in multi-projection.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the projector of Example 1. FIG. The flowchart which shows the multi-projection processing in the projector of Example 1. The block diagram which shows the structure of the projector of Example 2. The flowchart which shows the multi-projection processing in the projector of Example 2. The block diagram which shows the structure of the projector of Example 3. The flowchart which shows the multi-projection processing in the projector of Example 3. The block diagram which shows the structure of the projector of Example 4. FIG. The flowchart which shows the multi-projection processing in the projector of Example 4. The figure which shows the data adjustment in the projector of Example 1. FIG.

Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the projector (image projection device) 27 and another projector 28 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. These projectors 27 and 28 constitute an image projection system that performs multi-projection to display a large screen image by connecting the projected images from the respective projectors. In the projector 27, the image signal input unit A9 receives the image signal A output from a video reproduction device such as a personal computer (PC) or a DVD player. The image signal processing unit A10 performs image signal processing on the image signal A input through the image signal input unit A9.

The panel driving unit A11 receives the image signal processed by the image signal processing unit A10 and converts it into a signal for driving the optical modulation panel (hereinafter, simply referred to as a panel) A12. As a result, an original image corresponding to the input image signal A is formed on the panel A12. The panel A12 modulates the illumination light emitted from the light source A3 as the first light source through the shutter (aperture) A7 as the first light amount adjusting means according to the original image, and image light (first image light) LA. To generate. The image light LA is magnified and projected onto the projected surface 29 by the projection optical system A13.

The aperture amount (adjustment value) indicating the size of the opening of the shutter A7 is instructed by the control unit A6 that receives the processing result by the image signal processing unit A10. For example, when the brightness level range of the image signal is 0 to 100, when the brightness level is 100, the control unit A6 outputs an instruction to open (fully open) the shutter A7 100%, and the brightness level is 0. When is, an instruction to fully close the shutter A7 is output.

Here, the "image signal" in the "luminance of the image signal" may be the image signal A distributed by the distributor 50 for the projector A27 from the original image signal C shown in FIG. 1, or the original image signal C. It may be.

The storage unit (storage means) A2 stores in advance data (first data: hereinafter referred to as aperture amount / image light amount data A) indicating the relationship between the aperture amount of the shutter A7 and the light amount of the image light LA. The aperture amount / image light amount data A is acquired at the time of shipment from the factory of the projector 27 and stored in the storage unit A2.

The communication unit (communication means) A1 communicates with the communication unit B1 of another projector 28, the aperture amount / image light amount data A stored in the storage unit A2, and the aperture amount stored in the storage unit B2 of the other projector 28. / Image light amount data B, aperture amount / image light amount data A adjusted by the adjustment unit A5 described later, and aperture amount / image light amount data B adjusted by the adjustment unit B5 of another projector 28 are transmitted and received.

The adjustment determination unit A4 compares the aperture amount / image light amount data A stored in the storage unit A2 with the aperture amount / image light amount data B of another projector 28 received by the communication unit A1, and responds according to the result of the comparison. It is determined whether or not to adjust the aperture amount / image light amount data A. Specifically, the adjustment determination unit A4 determines that the data A and B are adjusted when there is a difference between the data A and the data B, and determines that the data A and B are not adjusted when there is no difference. The adjustment of the data A and B is, for example, to confirm the maximum light amount of the image light of the data A and the data B, and to set the light amount of the lower maximum image light of the maximum image light amount. Calculate the aperture amount of.

The adjustment unit A5 adjusts (corrects) the aperture amount / image light amount data A when the adjustment determination unit A4 determines that the aperture amount / image light amount data A is to be adjusted. For example, when the maximum value of the image light LA in the projector 27 is 100 and the maximum value of the image light (second image light) LB in the other projector 28 is 90, the adjusting unit A5 As shown in FIG. 11, the aperture amount / image light amount data A is adjusted so that the maximum value of the light amount of the image light LA of the projector 27 is 90. As a result, the control unit A6 controls the drive of the shutter A7 so that the amount of light of the image light LA changes in the range of 0 to 90 according to the brightness level 0 to 100 of the image signal. Even when the maximum value of the set image light LA is other than 90, the aperture amount / image light amount data A is adjusted in the same manner to control the driving of the shutter A7. The adjustment determination unit A4, the adjustment unit A5, and the control unit A6 form a control means.

The configuration and operation of the other projector 28 are the same as the configuration and operation of the projector 27 described above. In FIG. 1, the components of the other projector 28 are replaced with the A attached to the component of the projector 27. B is attached. The projector 28 determines the relationship between the light source B3 as the second light source, the shutter B7 as the second light amount adjusting means, the aperture amount of the shutter B7, and the light amount of the image light LB projected as the second image light. The data to be shown (second data: hereinafter, aperture amount / image light amount data B) is included.

FIG. 2 shows a process (projection control method) executed by these projectors 27 and 28 (referred to as projectors A and B in the figure, respectively) when performing multi-projection by the projectors 27 and 28 in this embodiment. .. The control units A6 and B6 as computers in the projectors 27 and 28 execute this process according to a computer program. In the following description, the control units A6 and B6 will be referred to as projectors A and B. Further, the aperture amount / image light amount data A and B are simply referred to as data A and B.

First, in step S1, the projector B transmits the data B stored in the storage unit B2 from the communication unit B14 to the projector A27. In step S2, the projector A receives the data B at the communication unit A1.

Next, in step S3, the projector A causes the adjustment determination unit A4 to compare the data A and the data B, and determines whether or not to adjust the data A and B according to the comparison result. If the adjustment determination unit A4 determines that the data A and B are not adjusted, the projector A proceeds to step S5 with the data A as the data A'and the data B as the data B'in step S9. On the other hand, when the adjustment determination unit A4 determines that the data A and B are to be adjusted, in step S4, the projector A receives the data A and the data A stored in the storage unit A2 from the projector B through the adjustment unit A5. The data B is adjusted to the data A'and the data B', respectively.

Next, in step S5, the projector A transmits the adjusted data B'from the communication unit A1 to the projector B. In step S6, the projector B receives the data B'through the communication unit B14.

Subsequently, in step S7, the projector B controls the drive of the shutter B7 by using the adjusted data B'to project an image. Then, in step S8, the projector A controls the drive of the shutter A7 by using the adjusted data A'to project an image.

In this way, the aperture amounts of the shutters A7 and B7 are controlled by using the adjusted data A'and B', respectively, so that even if the shutters A7 and B7 themselves and their controls vary, the projector 27 The brightness difference between the projected images (image light LA, LB) from 28 and 28 can be reduced. This also applies to other examples described later.

FIG. 3 shows an image projection system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the master device 40 as a projection control device composed of a PC is connected to the projectors 27 and 28 having the configuration described in the first embodiment. These master devices 40 and the projectors 27 and 28 form an image projection system that connects the projected images from the projectors 27 and 28 and performs multi-projection to display a large screen image.

The master device 40 has a communication unit (communication means) 41 that communicates with the projectors 27 and 28, and a control unit (control means) 42 that controls the projectors 27 and 28. The control unit 42 of the master device 40 receives the data stored in the storage units A2 and B2 of the projectors 27 and 28 via the communication units A1 and B1, compares the data, and obtains appropriate data for each projector. Readjust.

FIG. 4 shows processing (projection) performed by the control unit 42 (hereinafter referred to as master M) of the master device 40 and the projectors A and B (control units A6 and B6) when performing multi-projection by the projectors 27 and 28 in this embodiment. Control method) is shown.

First, in step S11, the master M causes the projector A to transmit the data A stored in the storage unit A2 to the master M through the communication unit A1. Further, in step S12, the master M causes the projector B to transmit the data B stored in the storage unit B15 to the master M through the communication unit B1. In step S13, the master M receives the data A and B.

Next, in step S14, the master M compares the data A and the data B, and determines whether or not to adjust the data A and B according to the comparison result. If it is determined that the data A and B are not adjusted, the master M proceeds to step S15 with the data A as the data A'and the data B as the data B'in step S10. On the other hand, when it is determined that the data A and B are to be adjusted, the master M adjusts the data A to the data A'in step S15, and sets the data B as the data B'as it is. In addition, instead of the data A, the data B may be adjusted to the data B', or both the data A and B may be adjusted to the data A'and B'.

Then, in step S16, the master M transmits data A'and data B (or data B') to the projectors A and B, respectively.

The projector A receives the adjusted data A'through the communication unit A1 in step S17, and controls the drive of the shutter A7 using the data A'in step S18 to project an image. Further, the projector B receives the adjusted data B'through the communication unit B1 in step S19, and controls the drive of the shutter B7 using the data B'in step S20 to project an image.

FIG. 5 shows the image projection system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In addition to the configurations described in the first embodiment, the projectors 27'and 28' in the present embodiment include light quantity measuring units (first measuring means and second measuring means) A30 and B30, respectively. The light quantity measuring units A30 and B30 measure (measure) the light quantity (luminance) from the light sources A3 and B3 that have passed through the shutters A7 and B7, respectively. The amount of light from the light sources A3 and B3 can be regarded as the amount of light of the image lights LA and LB when projecting an all-white image, for example.

FIG. 6 shows the processes performed by the projectors A and B (control units A6 and B6) when performing multi-projection by the projectors 27'and 28'in this embodiment.

First, in step S21, the projector A causes the light amount measuring unit A30 to measure the light amount while changing the aperture amount of the shutter A7 stepwise or continuously from fully open to fully closed. Then, in step S22, the projector A generates data A indicating the relationship between the aperture amount of the shutter A7 and the measured light amount (measurement result) and stores it in the storage unit A2.

Further, in step S23, the projector B causes the light amount measuring unit B30 to measure the light amount while changing the aperture amount of the shutter B7 stepwise or continuously from fully open to fully closed. Then, in step S24, the projector B generates data B showing the relationship between the aperture amount of the shutter B7 and the measured light amount, and stores the data B in the storage unit B2.

After that, the projectors A and B perform the processes of steps S1 to S9 described in the first embodiment (FIG. 2).

FIG. 7 shows the image projection system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the master device 40'as a projection control device composed of a PC is connected to the projectors 27'and 28' having the configuration described in the third embodiment. The master device 40'and the projectors 27', 28' constitute an image projection system that connects the projected images from the projectors 27', 28' and performs multi-projection to display a large screen image. The master device 40'(control unit 42) receives the data stored in the storage units A2 and B2 of the projectors 27' and 28', compares the data, and adjusts the data to an appropriate value for each projector. ..

FIG. 8 shows the control units 41 (hereinafter referred to as master M') of the master device 40'and the control units A6 and B6 of the projectors 27' and 28'when performing multi-projection by the projectors 27' and 28'in this embodiment. The processing performed by the projectors (hereinafter referred to as projectors A'and B') is shown.

First, in step S31, the master M'transmits a light intensity measurement instruction to the projectors A'and B'. Upon receiving the light intensity measurement instruction, the projector A causes the light intensity measurement unit A30 to measure the light intensity while gradually or continuously changing the aperture amount of the shutter A7 from fully open to fully closed in step S21. Then, in step S22, the projector A'stores data A indicating the relationship between the aperture amount of the shutter A7 and the measured light amount in the storage unit A2.

Further, the projector B that has received the light amount measurement instruction causes the light amount measurement unit B30 to measure the light amount while changing the aperture amount of the shutter B7 stepwise or continuously from fully open to fully closed in step S23. Then, in step S24, the projector B'stores data B indicating the relationship between the aperture amount of the shutter B7 and the measured light amount in the storage unit B2.

After that, the projectors A and B perform the processes of steps S11 to S20 and S10 described in the second embodiment (FIG. 4).
(Other Examples)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by the processing to be performed. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Each of the above-described examples is only a representative example, and various modifications and changes can be made to each of the examples in carrying out the present invention.

1 Communication unit 3 Light source 4 Adjustment judgment unit 5 Adjustment unit 6 Control unit 7 Shutter 27, 28, 27', 28' Projector 40, 40'Master device

Claims (14)

An image projection device that projects the first image light generated by modulating the light from the first light source.
The first light amount adjusting means for adjusting the light amount of the first image light, and
A second image light generated by modulating the light from the second light source is projected, and communication is performed with another image projection device provided with a second light amount adjusting means for adjusting the light amount of the second image light. Communication means to be performed and
It has a control means for controlling the first light amount adjusting means.
The control means
The first data showing the relationship between the adjusted value of the first light amount adjusting means and the light amount of the first image light, and the second light amount adjusting means received from the other image projection device through the communication means. Compare the adjusted value of and the second data showing the relationship between the second light intensity,
An image projection apparatus characterized in that the first data is corrected according to the result of the comparison, and the first light amount adjusting means is controlled by using the corrected first data. The control means
Claim 1 is characterized in that when the first data is not corrected according to the result of the comparison, the first light amount adjusting means is controlled by using the uncorrected first data. The image projection apparatus according to. The claim is characterized in that the control means corrects the second data according to the result of the comparison and transmits the corrected second data to the other image projection device through the communication means. The image projection apparatus according to 1 or 2. It has a measuring means for measuring the amount of light of the first image light.
The image projection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means generates the first data by using the measurement result by the measuring means. An image projection system comprising the image projection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and the other image projection device. It is a control method of an image projection apparatus provided with a first light amount adjusting means for projecting a first image light generated by modulating light from a first light source and adjusting the light amount of the first image light. hand,
The step of acquiring the first data showing the relationship between the adjustment value of the first light amount adjusting means and the light amount of the first image light, and
From another image projection device provided with a second light amount adjusting means for projecting a second image light generated by modulating the light from the second light source and adjusting the light amount of the second image light, the said A step of acquiring a second data showing the relationship between the adjusted value of the second light amount adjusting means and the second light amount, and
The first data is compared with the second data, the first data is corrected according to the result of the comparison, and the corrected first data is used as the first light amount adjusting means. A projection control method comprising: a step of controlling. A computer of an image projection apparatus provided with a first light amount adjusting means for projecting a first image light generated by modulating light from a first light source and adjusting the light amount of the first image light is requested. A computer program characterized by executing a process according to the projection control method according to Item 6. An image projection device provided with a first light amount adjusting means for projecting a first image light generated by modulating light from a first light source and adjusting the light amount of the first image light, and a second Projection control that projects a second image light generated by modulating the light from a light source and controls another image projection device provided with a second light amount adjusting means for adjusting the light amount of the second image light. It ’s a device,
A communication means that communicates with the first and second image projection devices, and
The first data showing the relationship between the adjusted value of the first light amount adjusting means and the light amount of the first image light, the adjusted value of the second light amount adjusting means, and the said, respectively, acquired through the communication means. Compare with the second data showing the relationship with the second light amount, correct at least one of the first and second data according to the result of the comparison, and project the corrected data with the image projection. A projection control device comprising the device and a control means for transmitting data to the corresponding image projection device among the other image projection devices. The control means
When the at least one of the data is not corrected according to the result of the comparison, the uncorrected data is used for the corresponding image projection device among the image projection device and the other image projection device. The image projection apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the corresponding light amount adjusting means among the first and second light amount adjusting means is controlled. The image projection device has a first measuring means for measuring the amount of light of the first image light.
The image projection device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the control means causes the image projection device to generate the first data by using the measurement result by the first measurement means. The other image projection device has a second measuring means for measuring the amount of the second image light.
The control means according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the control means causes the other image projection device to generate the second data by using the measurement result by the second measurement means. Image projection device. The projection control device according to any one of claims 8 to 11.
An image projection system including the image projection device and the other image projection device. An image projection device provided with a first light amount adjusting means for projecting a first image light generated by modulating light from a first light source and adjusting the light amount of the first image light, and a second A control method for projecting a second image light generated by modulating the light from a light source and controlling another image projection device provided with a second light amount adjusting means for adjusting the light amount of the second image light. And
The step of acquiring the first data showing the relationship between the adjustment value of the first light amount adjusting means and the light amount of the first image light, and
A step of acquiring a second data showing the relationship between the adjusted value of the second light amount adjusting means and the second light amount, and
The first data and the second data are compared, at least one of the first and second data is corrected according to the result of the comparison, and the corrected data is used as the image projection device and the image projection device. A projection control method comprising a step of transmitting data to a corresponding image projection device among the other image projection devices. An image projection device provided with a first light amount adjusting means for projecting a first image light generated by modulating light from a first light source and adjusting the light amount of the first image light, and a second A computer that projects a second image light generated by modulating the light from a light source and controls another image projection device provided with a second light amount adjusting means for adjusting the light amount of the second image light. The computer program according to the projection control method according to claim 11, wherein the process is executed.