JP4172303B2 - Projection display device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a projection display device that projects and displays an image, and in particular, a projection display device (hereinafter referred to as a projector) that can superimpose a sub-image different from a main image on a main image that is originally intended to be displayed. It is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, as described in Patent Document 1 below, a plurality of types of extracted images obtained by extracting a part of a projected and displayed image are stored in a memory in advance. When a main image is projected and displayed, a desired extracted image is read out from the memory as a sub-image, and the sub-image is superimposed and projected at a desired position on the main image at a desired position. Possible projectors have been proposed.
[0003]
In such a projector, in addition to the image that is originally intended to be displayed, an extracted image obtained by extraction in advance can be displayed simultaneously.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
International publication WO99 / 40564 pamphlet
[0005]
On the other hand, in recent years, a rental business for renting various goods for a fee has become popular, and projectors are no exception as rented goods. When the rental company rents out the projector, the rental period is naturally set and lent to the customer. However, depending on the customer, the rental period may not be returned even after the set rental period.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional projector described above merely has a function of projecting and displaying a sub-image by superimposing a sub-image on a main image, and in particular, no consideration has been given to renting out the projector. Even if it was rented out to the customer, it was not possible to prevent the customers from overloading the rental period with the above functions alone.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a projector that solves the above-described problems of the prior art and can prompt the customer to return the product early when the rental period has passed.
[0008]
[Means for solving the problems and their functions and effects]
In order to achieve at least a part of the above object, a projection display device of the present invention is a projection display device that projects and displays an image on a screen,
Light modulation means driven for each pixel according to image data;
An optical system for projecting the image obtained by driving the light modulator on the screen;
An image superimposing unit capable of superimposing sub-image data on the input main image data and outputting the data as the image data;
A sub image storage unit for storing data of the sub image;
Time is measured, and when a predetermined time set in advance is reached, a time measuring unit for notifying,
When receiving the notification from the timing unit, the sub-image data is read from the sub-image storage unit, and the image superimposing unit is controlled to superimpose the sub-image data on the main image data. A control unit,
It is a summary to provide.
[0009]
As described above, in the projection display device of the present invention, the time measuring unit measures the time and notifies the control unit when the predetermined time is reached. When receiving the notification, the control unit reads the sub image data from the sub image storage unit and controls the image superimposing unit to superimpose the sub image data on the main image data. As a result, the image superimposing unit outputs image data in which the sub-image is superimposed on the main image, the light conversion unit is driven according to the image data, and the optical system displays the image obtained by the driving on the screen. Project to.
[0010]
Accordingly, when such a projection display storage (projector) is used as a rental product, for example, an image representing a message for requesting return is stored as a sub-image, and for example, a date after the return date has elapsed, for example. If the return date is over, the above message will be displayed as a sub-image superimposed on the main image, allowing the customer to see that the rental period has already passed, The customer can be promptly returned.
[0011]
In the projection display device according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the predetermined time is set based on time setting information given from the outside.
[0012]
By configuring in this way, for example, the rental company can set the time based on the rental period as the predetermined time by giving appropriate time setting information.
[0013]
The projection display device of the present invention preferably further includes a time setting information storage unit for storing the time setting information, and the time setting storage unit is preferably restricted from writing information.
[0014]
As described above, since the writing of information to the time setting storage unit is limited, for example, the rental company provides appropriate time setting information for the purpose of setting a predetermined time based on the rental period, and stores the time setting. Even when the time setting information is stored in the part, it is impossible for the customer to rewrite the time setting information without permission and extend the rental period.
[0015]
In the projection display device according to the aspect of the invention, when the time setting information and the restriction release key are given from the outside, the control unit releases the restriction on writing to the time setting storage unit based on the restriction release key. The time setting information is preferably written in the time setting storage unit.
[0016]
By using such a restriction release key, for example, only the rental company can freely rewrite the time setting information stored in the time setting unit.
[0017]
As the restriction release key, it is only necessary to give it from the outside, and as a result, the restriction on writing to the time setting unit may be released, and the form is free.
[0018]
In the projection display device according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the sub-image storage unit is restricted from writing data.
[0019]
When such a projection display storage (projector) is used as a rental product, it becomes impossible for the customer to rewrite the data of the sub-image and change the content of the sub-image to be superimposed.
[0020]
In the projection display device according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that a plurality of times are set as the predetermined time, and the time measuring unit performs the notification every time the set time is reached.
[0021]
Thus, if a plurality of times can be set as the predetermined time, the sub-image can be superimposed on the main image a plurality of times at the set time timing.
[0022]
In the projection display apparatus of the present invention, the sub-image storage unit stores data of a plurality of images as the sub-image,
When the control unit receives the notification from the time measuring unit at the set time, the control unit reads out the data of the sub image corresponding to the time from the sub image storage unit, and the image superimposing unit It is preferable to superimpose the sub-image data on the main image data in a superposition format corresponding to the time. Here, the superposition format includes, for example, a superposition position and a superposition range.
[0023]
In this way, whenever the set time is reached, if the sub-image data corresponding to the set time can be superimposed on the main image data in a superposition format corresponding to the set time, For example, when an image representing a message is used as a sub-image, the message can be changed or the display location and size of the message can be changed at each set time.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples in the following order.
A. Example configuration:
B. Example operation:
C. Variation:
[0025]
A. Example configuration:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a projector as an embodiment of the present invention. The projector of the present embodiment is suitable for use as a rental product handled by a rental company, for example.
[0026]
The projector in this embodiment includes a video signal conversion circuit 10, an image superimposing circuit 12, a liquid crystal panel drive circuit 14, a liquid crystal panel 16, a CPU 18, a timer 20, a frame memory 22, an environment setting memory 24, A sub-image bitmap memory 26, a remote control interface circuit 28, a PC card interface circuit 30, an illumination optical system 100, and a projection optical system 102 are provided. The video signal conversion circuit 10, the image superimposing circuit 12, the CPU 18, the timer 20, the environment setting memory 24, the remote control interface circuit 28, and the PC card interface circuit 30 are connected to each other by the bus 1. Further, the liquid crystal panel drive circuit 14 is also connected to the bus 1, but the connection is omitted in FIG. The liquid crystal panel 16 is illuminated almost uniformly by the illumination optical system 100, and an image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 16 is projected onto the projection screen 104 by the projection optical system 102.
[0027]
The video signal conversion circuit 10 performs AD conversion on the analog image signal AV1 input as the main image, writes the AD converted image data into the frame memory 22, and reads the image data from the frame memory 22. Circuit. As the analog image signal AV1, for example, an image signal such as an RGB signal S1 representing a computer screen output from a personal computer or a composite image signal S2 representing a moving image output from a video recorder or a television is supplied.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the video signal conversion circuit 10. The video signal conversion circuit 10 includes a synchronization separation unit 32, an AD conversion unit 34, and a video processor 36.
[0029]
When the analog image signal AV1 input as the main image is the composite image signal S2, the synchronization separation unit 32 uses the composite image signal S2 as the synchronization signal WSYNC and the component image signal S3 (analog image signal not including the synchronization signal). And output separately. The component image signal S3 is composed of three color signals representing RGB three-color images. When the input analog image signal AV1 is the RGB signal S1, the synchronization signal is input separately, so that it is not necessary to use the synchronization separation unit 32.
[0030]
The AD converter 34 converts the RGB signal S1 or the component image signal (RGB signal) S3 output from the sync separator 32 into image data for each color signal by a plurality of AD converters (not shown) in the AD converter 34. It is a circuit for converting to DV1. Note that AD conversion timings in the plurality of AD converters are controlled by a dot clock DCLK generated inside the video processor 36 based on the synchronization signal WSYNC.
[0031]
The video processor 36 is a microprocessor for performing image data writing control and reading control to the frame memory 22. The image data DV1 output from the AD converter 34 is once written in the frame memory 22, and is read from the frame memory 22 as necessary.
[0032]
Note that the writing of the image data to the frame memory 22 is performed in synchronization with the synchronization signal WSYNC. Further, the reading of the image data from the frame memory 22 and the processing in the subsequent circuit of the image data DV2 output from the video processor 36 are synchronized with the synchronization signal RSYNC output from the liquid crystal panel drive circuit 14 (FIG. 1). Done. Note that the first synchronization signal WSYNC and the second synchronization signal RSYNC are asynchronous with each other. Of course, as the first synchronization signal WSYNC and the second synchronization signal RSYNC, signals synchronized with each other can be used.
[0033]
The environment setting memory 24 shown in FIG. 1 stores various environment setting data such as contrast data, color correction data, and keystone correction data, as well as sub-image data used for superimposition and timer setting data that defines the timing of superimposition. It is a memory for storing etc. In this embodiment, the sub-image data is compressed and stored in the environment setting memory 24 before shipment from the factory. When superimposing, the compressed data is expanded into a bitmap format and then stored in the sub-image bitmap memory 26.
[0034]
Note that the sub-image data may be stored in the sub-image bitmap memory 26 without being compressed before being shipped from the factory.
[0035]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory space inside the environment setting memory 24 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the environment setting memory 24 is divided into a writable area and a write restriction area. The writable area is an area where data can be freely read and written, whereas the write restricted area can freely read data, but the data writing does not undergo special processing as described later. It can not be done. The writable area is after the address “0000” in the memory space of the environment setting memory 24, and the write restricted area is after the address “0A00”.
[0036]
Of these, the writable area stores the environment setting data set by the user of the projector. On the other hand, the write restriction area stores sub-image data written in advance before shipment from the factory and timer setting data written by a rental company as will be described later. The sub image data is stored after the address “0A00”, and the timer setting data is stored after the address “0D00”.
[0037]
Also, as described above, the sub-image data is compressed and stored as sub-image compressed data CPD. In this embodiment, three sub-image compressed data CPD1, CPD2, and CPD3 are stored. The compressed data CPD1, CPD2, and CPD3 are stored after the addresses “0A00”, “0B00”, and “0C00”, respectively.
[0038]
Therefore, in this embodiment, of the write restriction area of the environment setting memory 24, the area where the sub-image data is stored corresponds to the sub-image storage unit in the claims, and the area where the timer setting data is stored is the time. Corresponds to the setting storage unit.
[0039]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory space inside the sub-image bitmap memory 26 in FIG. As described above, in the sub-image bitmap memory 26, the sub-image compressed data CPD stored in the environment setting memory 24 is expanded into a bitmap format and stored as sub-image bitmap data BMD. 4A shows a case where the compressed data CPD1 is expanded from the three sub-image compressed data CPD shown in FIG. 3, and the bitmap data BMD1 is stored. FIG. 4B shows the compressed data CPD2. Then, (c) shows a case where the bitmap data BMD2 is stored, and (c) shows a case where the compressed data CPD3 is expanded and the bitmap data BMD3 is stored.
[0040]
In addition to the compressed sub-image data, the sub-image compressed data CPD stored in the environment setting memory 24 includes information indicating a superimposition position and a superimposition range when the sub-image is superimposed on the main image. It is. When the sub-image compressed data CPD is expanded into the sub-image bitmap data BMD, the coordinate data PD is derived from the information and stored in the sub-image bitmap memory 26. The developed sub-image bitmap data BMD is stored after the address “0000” in the memory space of the sub-image bitmap memory 26, and the derived coordinate data PD is stored after the address “AAA”.
[0041]
The coordinate data PD includes coordinates of two points (for example, (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) in the coordinate data PD1 shown in FIG. 4A). In the coordinate data PD, the superimposition position of the sub-image in the main image is indicated by the coordinates of the first point (for example, (x1, y1) in PD1), and two coordinates (for example, the first point and the second point) In PD1, (x1, y1), (x2, y2)) indicates the overlapping range (size) of the sub-image. Of the two points, the first point corresponds to the upper left point of the sub-image bitmap data BMD, and the second point corresponds to the lower right point. For example, in the case of FIG. 4A, the first point (x1, y1) corresponds to the upper left point a of the bitmap data BMD1, and the second point (x2, y2) corresponds to the lower right point b. .
[0042]
The above is the same for the other coordinate data PD2 and PD3 shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C.
[0043]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory space inside the frame memory 22 in FIG. It is assumed that a tree figure as shown in FIG. 5A is stored in the frame memory 22 in a bitmap format as a main image at a certain time. In FIG. 4, the coordinates of two points included in the coordinate data PD are values when the address “0000” in the frame memory 22 shown in FIG. 5 is set to the coordinates (0, 0). Therefore, for example, in the case of the coordinate data PD1 shown in FIG. 4A, the coordinates of the two points are (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), so in the frame memory 22, it is shown in FIG. 4B. It becomes a position like this. This is also the case with the coordinate data PD2 and PD3 shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, and the coordinates are as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D. .
[0044]
In the present embodiment, the contents of the sub-image to be superimposed, the superimposition position and superimposition range of the sub-image are set according to the desire of the rental company to whom the projector is delivered before shipment from the factory. Then, data reflecting the setting contents is generated and stored in the environment setting memory 24 as sub image data (specifically, sub image compressed data CPD).
[0045]
The frame memory 22 and the sub-image bitmap memory 26 are composed of volatile memories such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (static random access memory), whereas the environment setting memory 24 is In order to prevent the stored data from being lost even when the power is turned off, it is configured by an EPROM (erasable programmable ROM), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable ROM), a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory or a ferroelectric memory.
[0046]
The image superimposing circuit 12 (FIG. 1) is a circuit for superimposing the input main image and the prepared sub image. That is, the image superimposing circuit 12 superimposes the image data DV2 output from the video signal conversion circuit 10 and the sub image bitmap data BMD (FIG. 4) developed in the sub image bitmap memory 26.
[0047]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the image superimposing circuit 12 in FIG. The image superimposing circuit 12 includes two multiplication units 40 and 42, one addition unit 44, and a coefficient setting unit 46. A configuration including two multiplication units 40 and 42 and one addition unit 44 is provided for each color of RGB. The image data DV2 output from the video processor 36 is input to the first multiplier 40, and the sub-image bitmap data BMD read from the sub-image bitmap memory 26 is input to the second multiplier 42.
[0048]
The coefficient setting unit 46 has a function of setting the coefficients k1 and k2 of the multiplication units 40 and 42. The coefficients k1 and k2 can be set to values from “0” to “1”, respectively, and are normally set so that the sum of k1 and k2 is “1”. The coefficients k1 and k2 are controlled by the coefficient setting unit 46 based on the coordinate data PD (FIG. 4).
[0049]
The multipliers 40 and 42 are circuits for sequentially multiplying each pixel data of the image data input to each by a constant number. The image data DV2 is converted into a k1 times signal in the multiplier 40. Further, the sub-image bitmap data BMD is converted into a signal of k2 times in the multiplier 42. The image data DV2 ′ and the sub-image bitmap data BMD ′ converted and output in the multipliers 40 and 42 are input to the adder 44.
[0050]
The adder 44 is a circuit for sequentially adding pixel data of two input image signals. In the adding unit 44, the image data DV2 ′ and the sub-image bitmap data BMD ′ are added and output as image data DDV1.
[0051]
Therefore, in this embodiment, the image superimposing circuit 12 corresponds to the image superimposing unit in the claims.
[0052]
The image data DDV1 output from the image superimposing circuit 12 is supplied to the liquid crystal panel driving circuit 14 (FIG. 1). The liquid crystal panel drive circuit 14 displays an image in which the sub image is superimposed on the main image on the liquid crystal panel 16 according to the image data DDV1. The image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 16 is projected on the projection screen 104 using the optical systems 100 and 102. That is, light incident on the liquid crystal panel 16 by the illumination optical system 100 is modulated according to image data given to the liquid crystal panel 16, and light emitted from the liquid crystal panel 16 is projected onto the projection screen 104 by the projection optical system 102. .
[0053]
Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal panel drive circuit 14 and the liquid crystal panel 16 are pressed against the light modulation means in the claims, and the illumination optical system 100 and the projection optical system 102 correspond to the optical system.
[0054]
The CPU 18 (FIG. 1) performs various processes and controls on each part of the projector according to a computer program stored in a ROM (not shown).
[0055]
The timer 20 includes a real-time clock (RTC), determines whether or not the current date has reached a set date, and issues an event to the CPU 18 if the set date is reached. The setting date is set based on timer setting data read from the environment setting memory 24. It is desirable that a password is required for setting or changing the RTC date and time data so that the user cannot change it.
[0056]
Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 18 corresponds to the control unit in the claims, and the timer corresponds to the time measuring unit. Of course, there is no problem even if the timer function is realized by software.
[0057]
The remote control interface circuit 28 receives a command from the remote control 29 and transmits it to the CPU 18. The CPU 18 controls each part of the projector based on the command.
[0058]
The PC card interface circuit 30 reads the data stored in the inserted PC card 31 and sends it to the CPU 18. For example, the CPU 18 rewrites the timer setting data stored in the environment setting memory 24 based on the data.
[0059]
Note that the functions of the video signal conversion circuit 10, the image superimposing circuit 12, and the remote control interface circuit 28 can be realized not by hardware but by a computer program.
[0060]
B. Example operation:
As described above, the projector according to the present embodiment is delivered to a rental company and used as a rental product.
[0061]
When a rental company rents such a projector to a certain customer, first, after inserting a PC card into a personal computer (not shown) in which the rental company support tool is installed, customer information (for the customer) ( For example, a user ID or the like, management information (for example, a rental product ID) of the projector, and a rental period of the projector are input. Then, the support tool calculates a return date from the input rental period information, and generates timer setting data including the return date information. Then, the generated timer setting data and the restriction release key for writing data to the write restriction area of the environment setting memory 24 are written to the PC card. When the rental company completes the writing, the rental card removes the PC card from the personal computer.
[0062]
Next, the rental company inserts the extracted PC card 31 into the PC card interface circuit 30 of the projector and activates the projector. Then, as one of initialization processes, the CPU 18 accesses the PC card 31 via the PC card interface circuit 30 and confirms whether timer setting data and a limit release key are stored in the PC card 31. If they are stored, they are read out, and the restriction on the write restriction area of the environment setting memory 24 is released based on the restriction release key. Then, the CPU 18 accesses the environment setting memory 24, writes the timer setting data read from the PC card 31 in the area of the environment setting memory 24, and then re-limits the area.
[0063]
Thus, the return date information is stored in the projector as timer setting data.
[0064]
Note that whether the write restriction is applied to or released from the area of the environment setting memory 24 can be switched depending on, for example, whether a write address is set in the area. When the restriction is released, it is not necessary to release the entire write restriction area of the environment setting memory 24, and at least the area in which the timer setting data is stored may be released.
[0065]
When the series of initialization processes is completed, the rental company terminates the projector, removes the PC card 31 from the projector, and then lends the projector to the customer.
[0066]
On the other hand, when the customer tries to use the lent projector and activates the projector, the CPU 18 starts an initialization process. In the initialization process, the CPU 18 reads the stored timer setting data from the write restriction area of the environment setting memory 24, derives the setting date from the return date information included therein, and sets it in the timer 20. As the setting date, for example, the date three days before the return date (hereinafter referred to as the first setting date), the date of the return date (referred to as the second setting date), and the date one day after the return date (the first date) 3) is set.
[0067]
Thereafter, the timer 20 acquires the current date from the RTC at a predetermined timing, and determines whether or not the date has become a set date. As a result of the determination, if no set date is reached, no event is generated, but if it is the first set date, a first event ev1 is generated for the CPU 18 and the second set date is reached. If it is, the second event ev2 is generated. If the third set date is reached, the third event ev3 is generated. Even if the date is later than the third set date, the third event ev3 is generated.
[0068]
On the other hand, the CPU 18 performs processing as shown in FIG.
[0069]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to the superimposed display of the sub-image. When the process shown in FIG. 7 is started, the CPU 18 first determines whether or not an event from the timer 20 has been received (step S102), and if not, waits until it is received. For example, if it has been rented soon, as described above, no event is issued from the timer 20 until the current date becomes the first set date, that is, until three days before the return date. In the meantime, it is in a standby state.
[0070]
On the other hand, when an event is received from the timer 20, it is determined which event type is the first to third events ev1 to ev3 (step S104). For example, if the current date is the first set date, that is, three days before the return date, the first event ev1 is issued from the timer 20, and the CPU 18 determines that the first event ev1 has been received. The CPU 18 reads out the compressed data CPD1 (FIG. 3) among the three compressed data PD stored in the environment setting memory 24. Then, as described above, the CPU 18 decompresses the compressed data CPD1 and stores it in the sub-image bitmap memory 26 as bitmap data BMD1 (FIG. 4), and also derives and stores the coordinate data PD1 (FIG. 4). To do. Further, the CPU 18 reads the stored sub-image bitmap data BMD1 and coordinate data PD1, controls the image superimposing circuit 12 (FIG. 1), and outputs the image data DV2 that is the main image output from the video signal conversion circuit 10. Then, the bitmap data BMD1 as the read sub-image is superimposed based on the coordinate data PD1 (step S106). As a result, the sub-image is superimposed on the superimposition position and superimposition range according to the coordinate data PD1 with respect to the main image.
[0071]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where a sub-image is superimposed on a main image and projected onto a projection screen. For example, when the image (tree figure) as shown in FIG. 8A is displayed as the main image, if the bitmap data BMD1 is superimposed as a sub-image based on the coordinate data PD1, the projection screen 104 is superimposed. Is projected and displayed as shown in FIG. That is, the sub-image representing the message “3 days until return date” is superimposed and displayed on the upper right of the main image.
[0072]
Thereby, the customer can visually recognize that there are three days remaining until the return date of the projector. In addition, since the sub-image is displayed at the end of the main image, the superimposed display of the sub-image does not hinder grasping the content of the main image.
[0073]
As described above, the superimposition position of the sub-image is determined according to the coordinate data. However, in the case of the bitmap data BMD1, since the rental period of the projector has not yet passed at the time of displaying this data, the customer desires In some cases, by changing the coordinate data PD1 before or during superimposed display in accordance with an instruction from the customer, the superimposed position can be moved to a desired position among the four corners of the main image. It may be.
[0074]
Thereafter, the CPU 18 waits until a predetermined time has elapsed (step S112), and when that time has elapsed, the CPU 18 controls the image superimposing circuit 12 to end the superimposition of the sub-image on the main image (step S112). S114), a series of processing shown in FIG. As a result, the superimposed display of the sub-image shown in FIG. 8B is performed for a certain period of time, but thereafter, the display returns to the display of only the original main image. For this reason, when the customer uses the projector, the superimposed display of the sub-image does not hinder.
[0075]
In step S112, the set fixed time may be changed according to an instruction from the customer if the customer desires.
[0076]
In addition, when the current date is the second set date, that is, the return date, the second event ev2 is issued from the timer 20, and the CPU 18 determines that the second event ev2 has been received. The CPU 18 reads the compressed data CPD2 (FIG. 3) from the environment setting memory 24. As described above, the CPU 18 decompresses the compressed data CPD2 and stores it in the sub-image bitmap memory 26 as bitmap data BMD2 (FIG. 4), and also derives coordinate data PD2 (FIG. 4). Store. The CPU 18 reads the stored sub-image bitmap data BMD2 and the coordinate data PD2, and controls the image superimposing circuit 12 (FIG. 1) to add the read sub-image bitmap data BMD2 to the main image data DV2. Are superimposed based on the coordinate data PD2 (step S108). As a result, the sub-image is superimposed on the superimposition position and superimposition range according to the coordinate data PD2 with respect to the main image. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8C, the sub-image representing the message “Today is the return date” is superimposed and displayed on the projection screen 104 at the lower left of the main image.
[0077]
Thereby, the customer can visually recognize that today is the return date of the projector.
[0078]
As described above, the superimposition position of the sub-image is determined according to the coordinate data. However, in the case of the bitmap data BMD2, as with the bitmap data BMD1, the rental period of the projector is still at the time of displaying this data. Therefore, if the customer desires, by changing the coordinate data PD2 before or during the superimposition display according to an instruction from the customer, the superposition position is set at the four corners of the main image. It may be possible to move to a desired position.
[0079]
Since the subsequent processing is the same as the processing when the first event ev1 is generated, the description thereof is omitted.
[0080]
On the other hand, when the current date is after the third set date, that is, after one day after the return date, the timer 20 issues the third event ev3, and the CPU 18 determines that the third event ev3 has been received. In such a case, the CPU 18 reads the compressed data CPD3 (FIG. 3) from the environment setting memory 24. As in the case described above, the CPU 18 decompresses the compressed data CPD3 and stores it in the sub-image bitmap memory 26 as bitmap data BMD3 (FIG. 4), and also derives coordinate data PD3 (FIG. 4). Store. The CPU 18 reads the stored sub-image bitmap data BMD3 and the coordinate data PD3, and controls the image superimposing circuit 12 (FIG. 1) to add the read sub-image bitmap data BMD2 to the main image data DV2. Are superimposed based on the coordinate data PD2 (step S110). Then, the series of processes shown in FIG. As a result, the sub-image is superimposed on the superimposition position and superimposition range according to the coordinate data PD3 with respect to the main image. Therefore, on the projection screen 104, as shown in FIG. 8 (d), a message “Return date has passed. Please return immediately” in the center of the main image, and below that is the rental company's A sub-image representing a logo indicating the name [(R) XX Rental] will be displayed superimposed.
[0081]
Thereby, the customer can visually recognize that the rental period of the projector has already passed. In addition, since the sub-image is displayed large in the center of the main image, the sub-image becomes difficult to see because the sub-image is obstructed, and the super-display of the sub-image is the first or second event ev1, ev2 described above. Unlike the case in which the message is issued, it is permanent without ending, which makes it difficult for the customer to use the projector substantially continuously.
[0082]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the rental period of the projector has passed, it is possible to prompt the customer to return it at an early stage.
[0083]
C. Variation:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0084]
In the embodiment described above, the sub-image is superimposed and displayed on the main image for a certain period of time until the projector rental period expires (steps S106, S108, S112, and S114 in FIG. 7). In the meantime, a menu or the like may be displayed according to an instruction from the customer, and the superimposed display may be terminated by giving an instruction to stop the superimposed display using the menu at a timing desired by the customer. Alternatively, in the image superimposing circuit 12, the superimposed sub-image fades out by gradually making the coefficient k2 of the sub-image multiplying unit 42 close to 0 with the passage of time. You may do it.
[0085]
In the embodiment described above, when the sub-image is superimposed on the main image and displayed, the sub-image is continuously displayed for a certain period of time, or is displayed continuously and superimposed. The display is not limited, and normal display and superimposed display may be alternately and repeatedly displayed.
[0086]
In the above-described embodiment, the timer setting data generated by the personal computer is supplied to the projector using the PC card 31. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the personal computer and The timer setting data may be given to the projector from a personal computer after the projector is wired by a serial cable, a parallel cable, a USB cable, a network cable, or the like, or after being wirelessly connected such as a wireless LAN or Bluetooth.
[0087]
In the above embodiment, the rental period is managed only by day, but it may be managed including the time. In this case, the timer setting data includes not only the date but also the time, and the timer 20 acquires not only the current date but also the time from the RTC. It may be determined.
[0088]
Further, the rental period may be managed by the actual usage time. In that case, the usable time is set as the timer setting data. For example, the timer 20 adds up the time during which the projector is actually operating, and whether or not the total operating time has reached the usable time. It may be determined.
[0089]
In the above-described embodiment, the extension of the rental period is not particularly mentioned. However, for example, the customer may desire to extend the rental period during the rental period. Even in such a case, it is not convenient for the customer if the rented projector must be returned to the rental agent. In such a case, the timer setting data set in the projector may be rewritten by the customer using the following method.
[0090]
For example, according to the customer's request, the rental company sends a PC card in which new timer setting data with extended rental period and restriction release key are written to the customer, and the customer inserts the PC card into the projector. Then, the projector is activated, and new timer setting data is written in the write restriction area of the environment setting memory 24 based on the restriction release key. In this case, it is desirable that the restriction release key be a special key that allows only one writing.
[0091]
Alternatively, after connecting a personal computer owned by the customer to the projector with a cable, the personal computer accesses the server of the rental company on the network such as the Internet, and from that server, the dedicated program and new timer setting data And the restriction release key are downloaded, and the dedicated program is started on the personal computer, and the write restriction of the environment setting memory 24 is automatically performed on the projector based on the restriction release key by the dedicated program. Write new timer setting data in the area.
[0092]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the projector is used as a rental product handled by a rental dealer has been described. However, the projector can be used for other dealers by performing the following processing.
[0093]
For example, when the projector is delivered to a school or company, the name or mark of the school or company, etc., is preliminarily stored in the write restriction area of the environment setting memory 24 as the sub-image compressed data CPD before shipment from the factory. A sub-image representing a logo to be displayed is stored, and information on a date before the scheduled delivery date is stored as timer setting data. The information indicating the overlapping position and the overlapping range to be included in the sub-image compressed data CPD includes information such that the sub-image is superimposed on the end portion of the main image.
[0094]
By performing the processing as described above, when the projector is used in a school or a company, the current date is always after the set date set by the timer setting data, and the sub image is the main image. It will always be superimposed on the image. Therefore, the above-mentioned logo is always displayed at the end of the main image, and it is possible to visually recognize that the projector is owned by the school or the company at the time of use. Moreover, since it is an edge part of the main image in which a logo is displayed, the display of the logo does not prevent the content of the main image from being grasped.
[0095]
If the usable time is set as the timer setting data, the sub-image is always superimposed on the main image as described above by storing zero information as the usable time. be able to.
[0096]
In the above-described embodiments, an image representing a message or a logo is used as a sub-image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various images such as characters, figures, photographs, and illustrations can be sub-imaged. It can be used as an image.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a projector as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a video signal conversion circuit 10;
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory space inside the environment setting memory 24 in FIG. 1;
4 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory space inside the sub-image bitmap memory 26 in FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory space inside the frame memory 22 in FIG. 1;
6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the image superimposing circuit 12 in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to a superimposed display of a sub-image.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where a sub image is superimposed on a main image and projected onto a projection screen.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Bus
10 ... Video signal conversion circuit
12 ... Image superposition circuit
14 ... Liquid crystal panel drive circuit
16 ... LCD panel
18 ... CPU
20 ... Timer
22 Frame memory
24 ... Environment setting memory
26 ... Sub-image bitmap memory
28 ... Remote control interface circuit
29 ... Remote control
30 ... PC card interface circuit
31 ... PC card
32 ... Sync separator
34 ... AD converter
36 ... Video processor
40: First multiplication unit
42 ... second multiplication unit
44 ... Adder
46 ... Coefficient setting section
100: Illumination optical system
102. Projection optical system
104 ... projection screen

Claims (5)

A projection display device that projects and displays an image on a screen,
Light modulation means driven for each pixel according to image data;
An optical system for projecting the image obtained by driving the light modulator on the screen;
An image superimposing unit capable of superimposing sub-image data on the input main image data and outputting the data as the image data;
A sub image storage unit for storing data of the sub image;
A plurality of preset time conditions are set, time is measured, and each time the measured time satisfies the time condition, a time measuring unit that generates an event;
When receiving the event from the time measuring unit, the sub image data is read from the sub image storage unit, and the image superimposing unit is controlled to superimpose the sub image data on the main image data. A control unit,
With
The sub-image storage unit stores, as the sub-image, data of a plurality of images respectively corresponding to the temporal conditions ,
The control unit reads the data of the sub image according to the temporal condition from the sub image storage unit when the event is received from the timing unit while satisfying the set temporal condition, A projection display device that controls the image superimposing unit to superimpose the sub-image data on the main image data in a superimposition format according to the temporal condition. The projection display device according to claim 1,
The projection display device characterized in that the time condition is set based on time setting information given from outside. The projection display device according to claim 2,
A time setting information storage unit for storing the time setting information;
The projection display apparatus, wherein the time setting storage unit is restricted from writing information. The projection display device according to claim 3,
When the time setting information and the restriction release key are given from the outside, the control unit releases the restriction on writing to the time setting storage unit based on the restriction release key, and the time setting information is A projection display device, wherein the time setting storage unit is written. The projection display device according to claim 1,
The projection display device, wherein the sub-image storage unit is restricted in data writing.

Images