JP4203640B2 - projector - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a projector having a keystone correction function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in presentations such as plan explanations and product explanations and lectures such as research presentations, for example, a projector is used for projecting an explanation image created by a personal computer on a screen. Further, in business presentations such as plan explanations, an image (document) with sound may be used to increase the presentation effect. For this reason, some projectors for business use are provided with an input terminal for audio signals, a speaker, and the like, and some of them can amplify the sound attached to them while projecting an explanation image.
[0003]
On the other hand, a projector is generally provided with a trapezoidal distortion correction (keystone correction) function that eliminates a trapezoidal distortion that occurs in a projection screen viewed from the front of the screen when it is not facing the screen. Keystone correction is performed by projecting an input image after distorting it in a direction opposite to the direction of distortion generated on the projection screen. As a correction method, the user manually adjusts the direction and amount of distortion (correction amount) while looking at the projection screen, and a pair of distance sensors that are separated from each other are provided in the projector. There is a method of calculating the inclination (installation angle) of the projector with respect to the screen based on the result, and automatically distorting the input image based on the calculation result (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-122617
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the projector that can amplify the sound attached to the explanation image described above has the following problems.
[0006]
That is, in the projector described above, in order for a viewer to be able to hear sound anywhere, for example, a speaker is provided on the upper surface of the projector and the sound is expanded upward, or a plurality of speakers are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the projector. Is loudened in a plurality of directions from the projector.
[0007]
However, in the former case, the sound that reaches the viewer is mainly reflected by the ceiling or wall of the room, so that it is difficult for the viewer to hear the sound. On the other hand, in the latter case, the above problem does not occur. For example, when used in a presentation, the projector is often arranged on the front side of the viewer and on the left and right sides not facing the screen. In a use state, the sound is louder for the viewer nearer to the projector, and the sound is louder for the viewer farther away. Therefore, it is necessary to configure the projector so that a user such as an explainer can adjust the volume of each speaker, and allow the user to adjust the volume of each speaker according to the use state. Therefore, in this case, there is a problem that the volume adjustment work prior to use becomes complicated.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a projector that is easy to use for a user and a viewer when the apparatus main body is tilted with respect to a screen .
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the invention according to claim 1, in the projector having the angle acquisition means for acquiring the angle information indicating the installation angle of the apparatus main body with respect to the screen for projecting the image , the projector accompanies the image to be projected. And a control unit for controlling the direction in which the voice is amplified based on the angle information acquired by the angle acquisition unit.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the angle acquisition unit is configured to correct a trapezoidal distortion of a projection image projected on the screen, and based on a correction amount of the trapezoidal distortion by the correction unit. Acquisition means for acquiring angle information.
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the loudspeaker means comprises a plurality of loudspeaker means for loudening the voice in different directions, and the control means is adapted for the voices to be loudened by each of the plurality of loudspeaker means. The volume was controlled.
[0012]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an angle acquisition means for acquiring angle information indicating an installation angle of the apparatus main body with respect to a screen for projecting an image, and a loud sound for amplifying sound input accompanying the image to be projected. And a computer having a projector that functions as a control unit that controls a direction in which the voice is amplified by the loudspeaker unit based on the angle information acquired by the angle acquisition unit.
[0013]
According to the present invention, the loudspeaker direction can be controlled based on the installation angle of the apparatus main body with respect to the screen of the projector.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a projector 1 according to the present invention as seen from the back side. The projector 1 has a structure in which a projection unit 3 that irradiates projection light on the front side of the main body 2 is provided, and left and right speakers 4 and 5 are provided on left and right corners on the back side of the main body 2. A power cord 6 extends on the rear side of the, and an input cable 7 corresponding to various video sources for inputting a video signal or the like is attached.
[0023]
FIG. 2 is an overall block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the projector 1. The projector 1 includes an input image / sound processing circuit 11, an output image processing circuit 12, an image conversion device 13, and an optical device 14.
[0024]
The input image / audio processing circuit 11 generates and outputs image data (digital data) from the video signal input via the input cable 7, and amplifies the input audio signal to output the left and right speakers 4. 5 is a circuit for driving 5 and performing a process of amplifying the sound attached to the image. Details will be described later.
[0025]
The output image processing circuit 12 converts the image data (digital signal) sequentially input from the input image / sound processing circuit 11 into a drive signal for driving the image conversion device 13. The image conversion device 13 is a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) or the like that is operated by the drive signal to convert image data into light. The optical device 14 is configured by a lamp or a projection lens system disposed in the projection unit 3, and projects an image converted into light by the image conversion device 13 onto a screen.
[0026]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing details of the input image / audio processing circuit 11 described above. The input image / audio processing circuit 11 includes a control block 21 for performing processing relating to images and audio, a plurality of video input terminals to which various video sources are input, that is, an “RGB / YCbCr In” terminal 22, and “S Video In”. ”Terminal 23,“ Composite Video In ”terminal 24,“ Audio In ”terminal 25 to which an audio signal is input, and each unit described later.
[0027]
The control block 21 includes an image processor 21a that performs various image processing, a ROM, a RAM, and the like in which a predetermined program is stored, and a microprocessor 21b that controls the operation of each unit to be described later according to the program, and a frame buffer 21c. And OSD controller 21d. The control block 21 is connected to a flash memory 26 that functions as a working memory for the image processor 21a and the microprocessor 21b. In the present embodiment, the microprocessor 21b functions as the angle acquisition means and the control means of the present invention, and the correction means of the present invention is realized by the image processor 21a and the microprocessor 21b.
[0028]
The image signal (RGB) from the personal computer is input from the “RGB / YCbCr In” terminal 22, analog-digital converted by the A / D converter (ADC) 27, and then input to the control block 21. The input image data is subjected to correction of the RGB signal size and frame frequency, image expansion / contraction correction, keystone correction (trapezoid correction), etc., and the like once in the internal frame buffer 21c. The frames are stored, and then transferred to the output image processing circuit 12 in FIG. 2 (more specifically, the image processing unit in the circuit).
[0029]
A video signal from a video deck or the like is input from an “S Video In” terminal 23, and a composite image signal such as a TV image is input from a “Composite Video In” terminal 24, converted into a digital signal by a video decoder 28, and then controlled. Input to block 21. Similarly to the RGB signal, the input image data is corrected for expansion / contraction of the image by the image processor 21 a, temporarily stored for one frame in the internal frame buffer 21 c, and transferred to the output image processing circuit 12.
[0030]
The audio signal attached to the image to be projected is input from the “Audio In” terminal 25, amplified by the left and right amplifiers 31 and 32, and then output from the left and right speakers 4 and 5. The left and right amplifiers 31 and 32 and the left and right speakers 4 and 5 are the sound amplification means of the present invention, and the amplification factor of the sound signal in each amplifier 31, 32, that is, the volume of the sound that is amplified from the speakers 4 and 5 is as follows. It is configured to be individually controlled by the microprocessor 21b.
[0031]
Further, the control block 21 receives an infrared operation signal sent from a remote control unit (not shown) and an image signal sent by infrared rays from a device such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or a notebook computer. Therefore, according to the USB standard between two infrared receivers (IR Receiver) 33 including an infrared light receiving element, two display LEDs 34, three push switches 35 for operation, and peripheral devices 37 such as a PC and a mouse. A USB controller 36 that performs data transmission is connected. The projector 1 according to the present embodiment has a manual keystone correction function, and the push switch 35 is a switch used for a keystone correction operation by the user.
[0032]
Next, the operation of the projector 1 having the above configuration will be described. Here, as shown in FIG. 4A, the projector 1 is installed on the right side of the projection screen 100 in an arbitrary room, and a plurality of viewers 200 are arranged in a U-shape facing the projection screen 100. Assume that you are seated. In addition, it is assumed that an image output from an arbitrary video source such as a PC and accompanied by sound is input to the projector 1.
[0033]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation at that time. That is, the projector 1 starts operating when the power is turned on, and starts projecting an image (moving image or still image) based on the input video signal (step S1). In this state of use, as shown in FIG. 4B, the projection light L of the projector 1 is tilted to the right with respect to the projection screen 100, and the projection distance to the projection screen 100 is on the left side compared to the right side. Is getting longer. Therefore, at the beginning of use, the input image G1 (the “positive” character in FIG. 6A) as shown in FIG. 6A is left and right on the projection screen 100 as shown in FIG. 6B. Direction trapezoidal distortion occurs, and the left side becomes a trapezoidal projection image S1 enlarged in the vertical direction.
[0034]
Therefore, the user performs the keystone correction of the image by viewing the projected image S1, and when the user performs the keystone correction operation by pressing the push switch 35 for correcting and projecting the image (step S2). YES), the microprocessor 21b recognizes the operation, and causes the image processor 21a to perform keystone correction corresponding to the user's operation (step S3). That is, correction is performed to narrow the vertical direction on the left side of the projection image S1. This process is repeated until the user gives an instruction to end the keystone correction operation (NO in step S4).
[0035]
As a result, as shown in FIG. 6C, the image data stored for each frame in the frame buffer 21c is distorted in the opposite direction to the projected image S1 shown in FIG. 6B (the right side is the vertical direction). The data of the image G2 is enlarged and sent to the output image processing circuit 12. As a result, on the screen 100, the image G2 is corrected to the same shape as the input image G1 as shown in FIG. The projected image S2 is projected.
[0036]
Eventually, when the user gives an instruction to end the keystone correction operation by pressing the push switch 35 (YES in step S4), the microprocessor 21b corrects the input image G1 performed by the image processor 21a at that time. Based on the amount (for example, the ratio of the length of the left side and the right side of the image G2 shown in FIG. 6C), the horizontal tilt angle θ of the projection light L with respect to the projection screen 100 shown in FIG. Reference), that is, the installation angle of the projector 1 is calculated (step S5).
[0037]
Subsequently, the microprocessor 21b calculates the balance (ratio) of the left and right sounds based on the calculated installation angle (step S6), and changes the volume of the amplifiers 31 and 32 according to the calculation result (step S7). In the example described above, the balance between the left and right sounds is 3: 1 or the like, and the volume of the left amplifier 32 is set larger than that of the right amplifier 31. As a result, the sound that is amplified by the left speaker 5 where there are more viewers 200 becomes louder (three times the right side, etc.). Thereafter, each time the user performs a keystone correction operation, the above-described operations in steps S3 to S7 are repeated.
[0038]
As described above, in the projector 1 according to the present embodiment, if the user manually performs keystone correction while watching the projection screen at the beginning of use, the volume balance of the sound that is amplified from the left and right speakers 4 and 5 Is automatically set according to the installation angle of the projector 1 at that time. That is, it becomes a state where both the viewer 200 nearer to the projector 1 and the viewer 200 farther away can hear the sound with a more appropriate volume. Therefore, the user can automatically ensure the above-described good sound amplification operation only by performing the keystone correction operation, and can easily perform the preparation work for the presentation.
[0039]
In addition, the sound accompanying the projection screen can be directly transmitted to the respective viewers 200 from the left and right speakers 4 and 5, and the sound quality is good. Therefore, each viewer 200 can easily hear the sound. As a result, it is possible to deal with voice having a wider frequency characteristic.
[0040]
In addition, since the installation angle of the projector 1 is acquired based on the correction amount for the input image G1 by the keystone correction, a device such as a distance sensor is unnecessary, so even in a projector that manually performs the keystone correction at a low cost. The effects described above can be obtained.
[0041]
In this embodiment, after the user completes the keystone correction operation, the installation angle of the projector 1 is calculated based on the correction amount for the final input image G1, and the volume of the left and right speakers 4 and 5 is controlled. However, for example, the configuration may be such that the calculation of the installation angle and the control of the volume are sequentially performed every time the user performs the keystone correction operation.
[0042]
Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is adopted in the projector 1 that manually performs the keystone correction is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to one set as described in the related art. It is also possible to employ a projector having a configuration in which the installation angle of the projector is acquired using the distance sensor and keystone correction is automatically performed based thereon. In that case, the above-described processing in steps S6 and S7 may be performed using the information regarding the installation angle acquired for performing the keystone correction as it is. Even in this case, the same effect as in the present embodiment can be obtained.
[0043]
In the present embodiment, the volume balance of the left and right speakers 4 and 5 is electrically controlled, and as a result, the sound amplification direction of the sound accompanying the projection screen is controlled. May be. For example, only one rotatable speaker for amplifying the sound is provided, and a rotary volume is provided for the user to electrically adjust the correction amount of the keystone correction. The power is transmitted to the speaker via a power transmission mechanism, and the direction is changed according to the correction amount of the keystone correction, or the speaker is driven by a motor, and the direction of the speaker is electrically controlled by the rotary volume. It may be changed by the operation of the motor according to the correction amount transmitted to.
[0044]
Further, in the present embodiment, the projector 1 that performs the sound amplifying operation as an operation having a direction other than the keystone correction has been described. However, the present invention performs an operation having a direction other than the sound amplifying function. It can also be employed in other projectors that perform. For example, the present invention is applied to a projector that is provided with cooling fans on the left and right sides of the main body for the purpose of lowering the internal temperature (cooling), and performs the cooling operation by them, and the rotation speed of each cooling fan according to the installation angle at the time of use. Alternatively, the exhaust direction of the internal air may be controlled by changing the on / off state.
[0045]
In that case, it is possible to automatically reduce noise generated toward the viewer as the cooling fan rotates. Further, by reducing the amount of warm air (exhaust air) blown out from the exhaust port of the apparatus main body and sent to the viewer, the discomfort felt by the viewer can be eliminated. In a configuration in which a single cooling fan is provided in the main body, the direction of the internal air is controlled by changing the direction of the cooling fan or the exhaust system path according to the installation angle when the projector is used. It may be.
[0046]
Further, for example, in the projector 1 described above, the respective infrared light receiving elements constituting the two infrared receivers 33 are in different directions (for example, the same direction as the sound amplification direction of the left and right speakers 4 and 5 of the present embodiment). ), The present invention is adopted in the infrared receiving operation by the two infrared receivers 33, and each of the two infrared receivers 33 is turned on / off according to the installation angle at the time of use. The state may be controlled. Further, in the configuration in which only one infrared receiver 33 is provided, the infrared light receiving unit is configured to be rotatable, and the orientation of the light receiving unit is set to the projector installation angle in the same manner as the speaker described above. You may make it change according to. That is, the infrared receiving direction (communication direction) in the projector may be changed according to the installation angle of the projector.
[0047]
In these cases, the projector 1 is transmitted by infrared rays from a device such as a PDA or a laptop computer brought by a plurality of viewers who watch not only the image prepared by the presenter but also the projected image (with or without sound). When the received image data is received and used for a participatory meeting or the like that is performed by projecting the received image, it is possible to automatically ensure a good reception operation of the transmitted image data. .
[0048]
In addition, in the configuration having two infrared transmitters for transmitting predetermined data to an external device by infrared instead of or in addition to the two infrared receivers 33 described above, The present invention may be adopted in the infrared transmission operation by the infrared transmitter, and the on / off state of each of the two infrared transmitters may be controlled according to the installation angle at the time of use. Further, in the configuration in which only one infrared transmission lake is provided, the infrared light emitting unit is configured to be rotatable, and the orientation of the light emitting unit is set to the projector installation angle in the same manner as the speaker described above. You may make it change according to. That is, the communication direction (directivity) that is the direction of infrared transmission / reception in the projector may be changed. That is, the infrared transmission direction (communication direction) in the projector may be changed according to the installation angle of the projector.
[0049]
In those cases, when the predetermined data is transmitted from the projector 1 to a PDA or the like brought by a plurality of viewers, a good data transmission operation can be automatically ensured.
[0050]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the first aspect of the invention, in conjunction with the correction of the trapezoidal distortion, the predetermined operation having other directionality can be automatically adjusted based on the installation angle of the apparatus main body with respect to the screen. I was able to do it. Therefore, it is possible to improve the usability of the configuration having a function having directionality other than the trapezoidal distortion correction.
[0051]
Further, in the invention of claim 2, even in a configuration that does not use a device such as a distance sensor, the directionality of a predetermined operation having directionality can be controlled based on the installation angle of the apparatus main body with respect to the screen. Therefore, the cost of the apparatus can be reduced.
[0052]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, as the trapezoidal distortion of the projected image is corrected, the sound amplification direction of the sound input accompanying the projected image is controlled based on the installation angle of the apparatus main body with respect to the screen. I did it. Therefore, it is possible to automatically ensure a better sound amplification operation suitable for the difference in installation angle.
[0053]
Further, in the invention of claim 4, by controlling the volume of the sound amplified by each of the plurality of sound amplification means, the sound amplification direction of the sound input accompanying the projected image is controlled. did. This also makes it possible to automatically ensure a better sound amplification operation suitable for the difference in installation angle.
[0054]
According to the invention of claim 5, as the trapezoidal distortion of the projection image is corrected, the exhaust direction of the cooling means is controlled based on the installation angle of the apparatus main body with respect to the screen. Therefore, it is possible to automatically ensure a better cooling operation suitable for the difference in installation angle.
[0055]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, as the trapezoidal distortion of the projected image is corrected, the communication direction of the communication means is controlled based on the installation angle of the apparatus main body with respect to the screen. Therefore, it is possible to automatically ensure a better communication operation suitable for the difference in installation angle.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a projector showing an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is an overall block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a projector.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an input image / audio processing circuit.
4A is a use state diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a projection screen and a projector, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an installation angle in the same state.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the projector.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a keystone correction method.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Projector 4,5 Speaker 7 Input cable 11 Input image / audio processing circuit 12 Output image processing circuit 13 Image conversion device 14 Optical device 21 Control block 21a Image processor 21b Microprocessor 21c Frame buffer 21d OSD controller 31, 32 Amplifier 35 Push switch

Claims (4)

In a projector provided with angle acquisition means for acquiring angle information indicating an installation angle of the apparatus main body with respect to a screen for projecting an image ,
Loudspeaking means for loudening the sound input accompanying the image to be projected;
A projector comprising: control means for controlling a sound enhancement direction of the sound by the sound enhancement means based on the angle information obtained by the angle obtaining means. The angle acquisition means includes
Correction means for correcting trapezoidal distortion of the projected image projected on the screen;
Acquisition means for acquiring the angle information based on a correction amount of trapezoidal distortion by the correction means;
The projector according to claim 1, further comprising: 2. The loudspeaker unit includes a plurality of loudspeaker units that amplify speech in different directions, and the control unit controls a volume of a voice that is loudened by each of the plurality of loudspeaker units. Or the projector of 2. A computer having a projector having angle obtaining means for obtaining angle information indicating an installation angle of the apparatus main body with respect to a screen on which an image is projected, and loudspeaking means for loudening sound input accompanying the projected image;
A program that functions as a control unit that controls the direction of voice enhancement by the loudspeaker unit based on the angle information acquired by the angle acquisition unit.

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