JP2888672B2 - Coordinate specifying device and projection system using the coordinate specifying device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coordinate designation device used when projecting an image on a large screen using a video projector or other projection devices, and to a projection system using the coordinate designation device. The present invention relates to a coordinate designating device for designating desired coordinates of a large screen from a set position and a projection system using the coordinate designating device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the fields of building automation, factory automation and process automation, from the viewpoint of improving the operability of an operator,
By displaying an icon such as a pull-down menu on the CRT screen and selecting the icon using a coordinate designation device such as a mouse, the operator can observe a plant operating condition while developing a desired screen, for example. ing. In this method, the next operation can be associated without a manual, as compared with a method in which a plurality of keys are pressed from the keyboard to develop the next image, thereby greatly improving operability.

[0003] However, when using the coordinate designating device as described above, the operation of the mouse itself is very simple, but the cursor must be placed on a desired icon, and the coordinates must be clicked by clicking the mouse button. Enter the location,
In other words, there is a problem that is a little annoying because two steps are taken. In particular, it takes time to move the cursor from one end of the screen to the other end with mouse operation.

On the other hand, there is a method in which a touch switch is incorporated on a CRT screen and a desired icon is selected by touching the touch switch to develop an image.
This touch panel operation method greatly contributes to improvement of operability since a desired icon can be selected with one touch. In particular, the touch panel operation is very excellent in operability from the viewpoint of ergonomics because the display surface and the operator's operation surface are the same.

By the way, the application of the coordinate designating device as described above can be applied to a display device such as a CRT display device placed on a desk, and for example, a large scale used in a process automation field for projecting an entire plant. It is difficult to apply a touch switch in the case of a graphic panel having a shape. The reasons are that it is necessary to provide a considerably large number of touch switches, and it is difficult for a human to directly operate the graphic panel because of its large external shape.

In recent years, in the field of process automation, a large screen as shown in FIG. 6 has been installed in place of a large graphic panel, and projection systems for projecting images on the large screen have been increasing. In this projection system, one or a plurality of operation consoles (remote operation devices) 1 having a CRT display are installed, and a plant operator 2 collectively projects an arbitrary system of a plant or a system diagram of the entire plant. While driving operation,
A system diagram of the entire plant is projected on a large screen 4 by using a video projector 3, and overall monitoring is performed by a manager 5 separately from individual and intensive monitoring by the operator 2.

[0007]

However, in the case of the above-described projection system, the administrator 5 simply looks at the image on the large screen 4 and has other purposes.
It does not satisfy the request. For example, the manager 5 designates a desired coordinate position from a position sufficiently distant from the large screen 4 or informs the driver operator 2 of the corresponding location to display a more detailed situation, or enlarges the corresponding location. It cannot satisfy various demands such as projection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to satisfy the above-mentioned demands, and an object of the present invention is to provide a coordinate designating apparatus for projecting a plurality of infrared rays from a distant place to desired coordinates without interference. With the goal.

Another object of the present invention is to allow a driver and a manager to easily specify desired coordinates of a large screen from a distant place, and to appropriately operate the screen of the large screen. To provide a projection system.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a projection system capable of designating substantially the center coordinates of a plurality of infrared projections even when a plurality of infrared lights project on a screen while interfering with each other.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an infrared light generating device comprising: a plurality of infrared light generating elements; This is a coordinate designating device in which the generating elements are mounted so as to face slightly outward, and the infrared rays from these infrared light generating elements can project onto desired coordinates on the large screen without interfering with each other.

Next, a second aspect of the present invention is a projection system for projecting an image projected from a projection device on a large screen under an operation instruction from a remote control device,
Using a coordinate designation device that projects infrared light toward desired coordinates among the images projected on the large screen,
Further, a coordinate detecting device is provided on the back side of the large screen, in which a large number of infrared light detecting elements are arranged in a predetermined order to detect infrared light projected from the coordinate specifying device. Further, the projection system is provided with a coordinate calculating means for calculating a substantially central coordinate of the infrared light projection based on a detection signal of the coordinate detecting device.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of infrared light generating elements are provided, and the infrared lights generated from these infrared light generating elements are modulated individually or in an arbitrary number of units at different frequencies. Using a coordinate designating device that projects toward desired coordinates in the image projected on the large screen, further arranging a number of infrared light detecting elements in a predetermined order on the back side of the large screen, and specifying the coordinates. A coordinate detecting device for detecting infrared light projected from the device is provided, and a coordinate calculating means for calculating the substantially central coordinates of the infrared light projection while specifying the infrared light generating element from a detection signal of the coordinate detecting device is further provided. It is a projection system.

[0014]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the outer infrared light generating elements are mounted slightly outward, the infrared light from these infrared light generating elements does not interfere with the desired portion. Since the projection is performed, the projection position of each infrared light generating element can be individually detected, and the center coordinates of the infrared light projection can be easily specified by calculation.

Next, according to a second aspect of the present invention, when infrared light is projected from a coordinate designating device to desired coordinates on a large screen, the projection position is changed to the coordinates set on the back of the large screen. Detection is performed by a corresponding infrared light detecting element of the detecting device. Then, the detection signal from the infrared light detecting element is sent to coordinate calculation means built in a remote control device or the like. This coordinate calculating means can calculate the coordinates on the large screen based on the detection signal of the transmitted infrared light.

Further, according to the invention corresponding to claim 3, when the infrared light generated from the plurality of infrared light generating elements of the coordinate specifying device is projected individually or by performing a different frequency modulation for each arbitrary number, the coordinate detection is performed. An on / off frequency signal is detected by a corresponding infrared light detecting element of the device. Based on the ON / OFF cycle of the detection signal, the infrared light generating element can be specified, and hence the coordinates can be specified, and the coordinates of the center of the infrared light projection can be obtained from the coordinates of the infrared light generating elements.

[0017]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the projection system. In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes an operation console as a remote control device having a CRT display, and a plurality of operation consoles 11,... Are installed as necessary. Alternatively, a plant flow image in which the entire plant is reduced is displayed. In addition to the CRT display, the consoles 11,... Are provided with a keyboard and, if necessary, a touch switch. That is, in the case of plant control, the consoles 11,..., Set target values, take in process variables at various parts of the plant, calculate PID adjustments, and take in image signals from cameras installed on the site as necessary. And has a coordinate calculation function, an image generation function, and the like. Of course, the console 11 can also display various images other than the plant according to the application.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a video projector controller for projecting an image. The controller 13 has a built-in projection tube for projecting light.
2 or automatically receives the whole or a part of the image of the console 11 or receives the image signal of the process flow which allows the operation state of the entire process to be overlooked, and projects the projection light a from the projection tube. And has a function of projecting it on a large screen 14. 15 is a large screen 1
The manager 15 monitors the image projected on the screen 4 and has the coordinate designating device 20 at hand, specifies desired coordinates on the large screen 14 and projects the infrared light b.

The coordinate designating device 20 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), it has a shape like a light pen, and its tip end has a strong directivity of projecting infrared light.
Are mounted. These LE
D21, ... how to deploy, 2 one LED 21 ₀ for example at the center as shown in (b) is disposed, four on the outside of the LED 21, ... are arranged at equal intervals, of which four outer Are mounted so as to face slightly outward. An LED control circuit board 22 for controlling the operation of the LEDs 21 ₀ , 21,... And a battery 23 are built in the coordinate designating device 20. Note that FIG.
FIG. 2B is a diagram viewed from the direction of the arrow A in FIG.

The operation switch 24 may be in one operation mode. For example, the operation switch 24 performs a sliding operation and a pressing operation or a light pressing operation and a strong pressing operation.
There are two modes to choose from. The reason why the two modes can be selected in this manner is that, for example, infrared light is projected in one operation and a coordinate input operation is performed in the next operation, and various other functions can be provided. .

On the other hand, on the rear side of the large screen 14, a coordinate detecting device 16 in which infrared phototransistors 16a are arranged in a predetermined positional relationship as shown in FIG.
Is installed. The infrared phototransistors 16a,... Of the coordinate detecting device 16 correspond to each LE of the coordinate specifying device 20.
The projection positions of the infrared light sent from D21,... Are individually detected and sent to the console 11 via the coordinate detection line c. The console 11 has, for example, coordinate calculating means for calculating the center coordinates of the infrared light projection from the coordinates of the four LEDs 21,.

This coordinate calculating means calculates the coordinates (x + x
By calculating the center related to x, x 'by the calculation formula x') / 2 and obtaining the center related to y, y 'from y, y' by the calculation formula (y + y ') / 2, infrared light projection is performed. Is calculated.

It should be noted that the coordinate designation device 20 has
It is also possible to provide a number of LED 21 _0, infrared phototransistor 16a in this case, ... that it is necessary to increase the arrangement density of a problem. In addition, the four LEDs 21 located on the outside are arranged so as to face slightly outward, so that mutual interference of light due to diffusion of light from each LED 21,... Is avoided, and the projection position of infrared light is accurately determined. Is to detect.

Next, the operation of the projection system using the above-described coordinate specifying device 20 will be described. Now, it is assumed that a plant flow image as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the large screen 14. This plant flow image shows an example in which two liquids are guided to a stirrer 31 and stirred and mixed to obtain a desired liquid, which is then introduced into a storage tank 32 and stored.

In this state, when the administrator 15 wants to know the operation status of a certain point from the process flow image projected on the large screen 14 in more detail, he / she points to the corresponding icon (arrow B in the figure). When the operation switch 24 of the coordinate specifying device 20 pushes slide or lighter, four containing the LED 21 ₀ LED 21,
.. (Total 5) or 4 LEDs 21 emit infrared light. That is, as shown in FIG.
L of Y, Y 'which forms a pair similarly to LEDs 21 and 21 of X'
Respectively, from LED 21 ₀ of Z of ED21,21 and the center position is projected toward the desired and icon on large screen 14 along the infrared light to the optical path b. The arrows in FIG. 4 indicate the locations where infrared light is projected.

At this time, since a large number of infrared phototransistors 16a,... Are arranged on the rear surface of the large screen 14, for example, Y, Y 'paired with the infrared light of the X, X' paired LEDs. The region of the LED where the infrared light is projected and the infrared phototransistor 16a are, for example, as shown in FIG.
The infrared phototransistor 16a having such a correspondence outputs an infrared light detection signal, which is sent to the console 11 through the coordinate detection line c. Here, on the console 11, the infrared light detection signal of the infrared phototransistor 16a corresponding to X and X 'forming a pair and the infrared phototransistor 16a corresponding to Y and Y' are formed.
The center coordinates of the infrared light projection can be calculated on the basis of the above equation based on the infrared light detection signal and the center coordinate signal is sent to the video projector controller 13. As a result, the large screen 14
The cursor 34 is displayed at the corresponding location.

Therefore, the manager 15 sets the large screen 1
4 Check the cursor 34 displayed on, and, when it is determined that the cursor 34 designates the location of the desired, when pushing or strong pushing operation of the operation switch 24, the LED 21 ₀ center position The emitted infrared light is detected by the infrared phototransistor 16a, and when this detection signal is received by the console 11, the coordinate input operation is completed. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, an operation status 35 at the location of the icon is displayed, for example, at the lower right of the large screen 14. That is, the current flow rate PV, target value SV, allowable operation flow rate range, valve opening degree, and the like.

[0028] Therefore, according to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, 4 disposed on the outside of the LED 21 ₀ in the center
Since the LEDs 21 are mounted so as to face a little outward, interference of infrared light between the LEDs is eliminated, and the projection position of infrared light can be detected accurately. Moreover, since the four LEDs 2,... Are provided so as to form two pairs, the center of each coordinate is obtained based on the coordinate detection signals of each pair, so that the center coordinates of the infrared light projection can be reliably specified.

Further, desired coordinates on the large screen 14 can be designated and input from a position sufficiently distant from the large screen 14 by using a small and portable coordinate designating device 20 such as a penlight. Shaped screen 1
The screen operation on the screen 4 becomes very easy, and for example, the operation status 35 as shown in FIG. 5 can be displayed, which is effective from the operation control and maintenance of the plant.

In the above-described embodiment, infrared rays are continuously projected from each LED of the coordinate designation device 20. However, for example, it differs for every four LEDs 21,... Or every two pairs of LEDs. If the frequency modulation method, that is, the on / off cycle is changed, it is possible to detect the on / off cycle and identify each LED 21 without turning the four LEDs 21 arranged outside to the outside. The center coordinates of the four infrared light projections can be obtained.

The number of LEDs 21 for generating infrared light is 5
However, when specifying coordinates from a position sufficiently close to the large screen 14, for example, one LED 2
1 or if coordinates are specified from a location sufficiently distant from the large screen 14, two or more LEDs 21 may be arranged in a predetermined positional relationship.
Further, the present invention can be easily used not only in the field of process automation but also in the field of office automation. In addition, the present invention can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof.

[0032]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following various effects can be obtained. According to claim 1, it is very small and convenient to carry, and a plurality of infrared lights can be projected to a target portion without interference.

According to the second aspect, desired coordinates on the large screen can be designated and input from a sufficiently distant place, and the screen operation on the large screen can be easily performed. Can be fully satisfied.

Further, according to the present invention, even if a plurality of infrared lights interfere with each other, the infrared light generating element of the coordinate designating device is specified from the ON / OFF cycle of the infrared lights to accurately determine the center coordinates of the infrared light projection. Can be located.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a projection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram showing one embodiment of a coordinate designation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a relationship between a coordinate detection device and an infrared light projection position.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a plant flow image displayed on a large screen.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation state of a location corresponding to the coordinates by designating and inputting coordinates on a large screen.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional projection system.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference numeral 11: console, 12: operator, 13: video projector controller, 14: large screen, 15: manager, 16: coordinate detecting device, 16a: infrared light detecting element, 20: coordinate input device, 21, 21 ₀ ... Infrared light generating element.

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A coordinate designation device for designating coordinates of a large screen, wherein a plurality of infrared light generating elements are provided, and among these infrared light generating elements, an infrared light generating element located outside is directed slightly outward. Wherein the infrared light from these infrared light generating elements is projected onto the large screen without interfering with each other. 2. A projection system for projecting an image projected from a projection device on a large screen under an operation instruction from a remote control device, wherein the projection system aims at a desired coordinate among the images projected on the large screen. A coordinate designating device for projecting infrared light through the large screen, and a number of infrared light detecting elements arranged in a predetermined order on the back side of the large screen, and a coordinate detecting device for detecting infrared light projected from the coordinate designating device. And a coordinate calculating means for calculating substantially center coordinates of infrared light projection based on a detection signal of the coordinate detecting device. 3. A projection system for projecting an image projected from a projection device on a large screen under an operation instruction from a remote control device, wherein a plurality of infrared light generation elements are provided. A coordinate designating device for projecting the generated infrared light toward desired coordinates in an image projected on the large screen while performing different frequency modulations individually or by an arbitrary number, and a back side of the large screen. A large number of infrared light detecting elements are arranged in a predetermined order, a coordinate detecting apparatus that detects infrared light projected from the coordinate specifying apparatus, and the infrared light generating element is specified from a detection signal of the coordinate detecting apparatus. And a coordinate calculating means for calculating substantially center coordinates of the infrared light projection.