JP4655999B2 - Projection display system menu image display method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for displaying an image on a common projection plane using a plurality of projection display devices.

  When a plurality of projection display devices are prepared, a projection display system that displays an image on a common projection surface can be configured. In such a projection display system, a plurality of images displayed on the projection plane by each of a plurality of projection display devices can be displayed in a well-aligned manner.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional projection display system. In the projection display system of FIG. 11, three projection display devices PJZA, PJZZB, and PJZZC are used in a stacked manner. Each projection display device displays an image based on an analog image signal AV1 supplied from an image supply device (not shown). The three projection display devices are controlled by one remote controller (hereinafter also referred to as “remote controller”) 229.

  However, in the conventional projection display system, it is difficult to control each of the projection display devices PJZA, PJZZB, and PJZZC. For example, when only one of the three projection display devices is to be controlled, all the projection display devices are the same according to the operation signal output from one remote controller 229. I couldn't control well.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of easily controlling a plurality of projection display devices.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, a projection display system of the present invention includes a plurality of projection display devices, and displays a plurality of images projected and displayed by the respective projection display devices on a common projection plane. A projection display system for displaying on
Each of the plurality of projection display devices is
A control signal processing unit for processing a control signal input from the outside to generate a processed control signal;
A signal input / output unit for inputting / outputting the control signal and the processed control signal;
With
The plurality of projection display devices are cascade-connected by connecting the signal input / output units of each projection display device,
The control signal and the processed control signal include connection order data indicating the order of cascade connection,
The control signal processing unit of each projection display device is
A memory is provided for storing a connection order when the projection display devices are cascade-connected based on an input control signal.

  If the projection display system of the present invention is used, a plurality of projection display devices can be controlled based on the connection order, so that the plurality of projection display devices can be easily controlled.

In the above projection display system,
Data transmission by cascade connection of the plurality of projection display devices is realized based on a control signal supplied from an external control device connected to any of the projection display devices,
The projection display device connected to the external control device is determined as the master projection display device based on the input control signal,
The other projection display devices are determined to be slave projection display devices based on the input control signal,
The master projection display device may control the slave projection display device.

  In this way, if a master / slave projection display device is determined using an external control device, data transmission by cascade connection of a plurality of projection display devices can be easily realized.

Furthermore, in the above projection display system,
A remote controller for operating the plurality of projection display devices;
The master projection display device processes an operation signal from the remote controller, operates the plurality of projection display devices based on the operation signal,
It is preferable that the slave projection display device does not execute processing according to an operation signal from the remote controller.

  As described above, if only the master projection display device processes the operation signal from the remote controller, a plurality of projection display devices can be easily controlled by the remote controller.

In the above projection display system,
Each of the plurality of projection display devices further includes:
A menu image processing unit for displaying a menu image on at least a part of an image area displayed on the projection plane;
When the menu image is displayed on the menu image processing unit of any one of the plurality of projection display devices, the master projection display device can display a menu of another projection display device. It is preferable to display a background image constituting a background of the menu image at least in the display area of the menu image on the image processing unit.

  In this way, even when a menu image is displayed on any projection display device, it is possible to easily identify codes such as characters included in the menu image.

In the above projection display system,
The menu image preferably includes an identification code indicating a projection display device that displays the menu image.

  In this way, it is possible to easily know the projection display device displaying the menu image, and thus it is possible to easily control each projection display device.

In the above projection display system,
The set values relating to the operating conditions of each projection display device are transmitted to the external control device,
The external control device is:
You may make it provide the setting value change part which enables a user to change the said setting value, confirming the said setting value of each projection type display apparatus.

  This makes it possible to easily change the setting value of each projection display device in the setting value changing unit provided in the external control device.

In the above projection display system,
The operating state of each projection display device is preferably transmitted to the master projection display device.

  In this way, the master projection display device can grasp the operation states of all the projection display devices, and therefore can perform control according to the operation states of the projection display devices.

In the above projection display system,
When the master projection display device has an error in at least one of the plurality of projection display devices, at least one of the other projection display devices in which no error has occurred. You may make it make an error display to one unit.

  In this way, even if an error occurs in one of the projection display devices included in the projection display system and projection display cannot be performed, an error is displayed by another projection display device. It is possible to easily know the occurrence of.

The projection display device of the present invention is
Any one of the above-described projection display systems can be configured.

  If a plurality of such projection display devices are prepared, the above projection display system can be configured, and a plurality of projection display devices can be easily controlled.

The method of the present invention includes a menu for displaying a menu image in a projection display system that includes a plurality of projection display devices and displays a plurality of images projected and displayed by the respective projection display devices on a common projection plane. An image display method,
(A) a step in which any one of the plurality of projection display devices displays a menu image on at least a part of an image region displayed on the projection plane;
(B) a step in which a projection display device other than the projection display device that displays the menu image displays an image capable of identifying a code included in the menu image at least in the display region of the menu image; ,
It is characterized by providing.

  In this way, in a projection display system including a plurality of projection display devices, when any projection display device displays a menu image, it is possible to easily identify codes such as characters included in the menu image. Thus, it becomes possible to easily control a plurality of projection display devices.

In the above menu image display method,
The step (a)
Preferably, the method includes a step of displaying the menu image including an identification code indicating a projection display device that displays the menu image.

  In this way, it is possible to easily know the projection display device displaying the menu image, and thus it is possible to easily control each projection display device.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a projection display system as an embodiment of the present invention. This projection display system includes three projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3, a remote controller 229, and a personal computer PC. Each of the projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3 is supplied with an analog image signal AV1 from an image supply device (not shown) as in the conventional projection display system of FIG. Each of the projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3 displays the same image on the screen SC based on the supplied analog image signal AV1. As a result, one synthesized bright image is displayed on the screen SC.

  In the projection display system of FIG. 1, the three projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3 are cascade-connected by cables. In the initial setting, the first projection display device PJ1 and the computer PC are also connected by a cable. The computer PC supplies a control signal to the first projection display device PJ1. The first projection display device processes the input control signal and supplies the processed control signal to the second projection display device. The same applies to other projection display devices. In this way, when data transmission by cascade connection is enabled based on the control signal from the computer PC, the three projection display devices function as a projection display system. At this time, the first projection display device PJ1 connected to the computer PC is set as a master projection display device, and the second and third projection display devices PJ2 and PJ3 are slave projection display devices. Set to The master projection display device PJ1 controls the two slave projection display devices PJ2 and PJ3. As can be seen from the above description, the computer PC corresponds to the external control device of the present invention.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of each of the projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3 in FIG. Each projection display device includes an image signal processing unit 210, an OSD (on-screen display) processing unit 212, an OSD memory 213, a liquid crystal light valve driving unit 214, a liquid crystal light valve 216, a CPU 200, and a frame memory 222. A setting value memory 224, a control signal processing unit 228, an illumination optical system 100, and a projection lens 102. The image signal processing unit 210, the OSD processing unit 212, the set value memory 224, the control signal processing unit 228, and the CPU 200 are connected to each other by a bus 200b. The liquid crystal light valve 216 is illuminated almost uniformly by the illumination optical system 100, and an image formed by the liquid crystal light valve 216 is projected onto the screen SC by the projection lens 102. In FIG. 2, the illustration of the illumination optical system 100 and the projection lens 102 is simplified.

  An analog image signal AV1 is input to the image input terminal 208 from an external image supply device (not shown). As the analog image signal AV1, for example, an image signal such as an RGB signal representing a computer image output from a personal computer or a composite image signal representing a moving image output from a video recorder or a television receiver is supplied. .

  The image signal processing unit 210 has a function of AD converting the analog image signal AV1 and writing the converted image data into the frame memory 222 and a function of reading the image data from the frame memory 222. The image signal processing unit 210 supplies the read image data DV1 to the OSD processing unit 212.

  In response to a request from the control signal processing unit 228, the OSD processing unit 212 performs processing for combining OSD image data representing a menu image or the like with the image data DV1. As will be described later, the user can control the function of each unit of the projection display device according to the menu image.

  The OSD memory 213 stores graphic data, font data, and the like constituting the menu image in a predetermined format. When displaying the menu image, the OSD processing unit 212 reads the menu image data from the OSD memory 213 and generates OSD image data. The OSD processing unit 212 synthesizes the OSD image data with the image data DV1 output from the image signal processing unit 210. Note that the image data DV1 and the OSD image data in the OSD processing unit 212 can be combined by using a selector (not shown) provided in the OSD processing unit 212. Alternatively, the composition may be performed by performing arithmetic processing of two pieces of image data using a multiplier or an adder. If composition is performed by arithmetic processing, the image represented by the image data DV1 and the menu screen represented by the OSD image data can be displayed in a translucent state.

  The image data DV2 output from the OSD processing unit 212 is supplied to the liquid crystal light valve driving unit 214. The liquid crystal light valve driving unit 214 drives the liquid crystal light valve 216 according to the image data DV2. The liquid crystal light valve 216 modulates the light emitted from the illumination optical system 100. The modulated light emitted from the liquid crystal light valve 216 is projected onto the screen SC by the projection lens 102, and an image is displayed on the screen SC.

  The signal input / output unit 226 includes a first input / output terminal 226a and a second input / output terminal 226a. Cables are connected to the first and second input / output terminals 226a and 226b, and are electrically connected to other devices. For example, when the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is the first projection display apparatus PJ1 of FIG. 1, the computer PC and the second projection display are respectively provided on the first and second input / output terminals 226a and 226b. The device PJ2 is electrically connected. Similarly, when the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is the second projection display apparatus PJ2, the first and second input / output terminals 226a and 226b are respectively connected to the first and third projection display apparatuses PJ1. , PJ3 are electrically connected.

  The control signal processing unit 228 (FIG. 2) controls the function of each unit of the projection display device based on a control signal input from the computer PC via the signal input / output unit 226. For example, the control signal processing unit 228 can change the set value related to the operating condition stored in the set value memory 224 in accordance with an instruction from the computer PC. The image signal processing unit 210 and the OSD processing unit 212 execute image processing according to the setting value stored in the setting value memory 224.

  In addition, the control signal processing unit 228 controls the function of each unit of the projection display device based on the operation signal from the remote controller 229. However, the control signal processing unit 228 of the first projection display device PJ1 functioning as a master executes processing according to an operation signal from the remote controller 229, but the second and third projection display devices PJ2 functioning as slaves. , PJ3, the control signal processing unit 228 does not execute processing in accordance with the operation signal from the remote controller 229. Specifically, the control signal processing unit 228 of the projection display devices PJ2 and PJ3 set as the slave prohibits the reception of the operation signal from the remote controller 229 or ignores the operation signal. The master projection display device PJ1 processes the operation signal from the remote controller 229, and operates all the projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3 based on the operation signal. This makes it possible to individually control each projection display device using the remote controller 229. For example, the master projection display device PJ1 displays a menu image (described later) on the OSD processing unit 212 of any projection display device in accordance with an operation signal from the remote controller 229.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for establishing the cascade connection of each projection display device. Here, establishment of cascade connection means that data transmission by cascade connection is possible in a plurality of projection display devices. The establishment of the cascade connection is mainly performed by an installation worker who installs the projection display device in a conference room or the like. Each step of FIG. 3 is performed in a state where the computer PC and the three projection display devices are connected in advance by a cable as shown in FIG.

  In step S1, the computer PC outputs a control signal for establishing a cascade connection of the three projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3. As shown in FIG. 1, a control signal from the computer PC is input to the first projection display device PJ1.

  In step S2, master / slave setting is performed in each projection display device. Specifically, the control signal processing unit 228 (FIG. 2) of the first projection display apparatus PJ1 processes the first control signal supplied from the computer PC and outputs the first processed control signal. To do. Similarly, the second projection display device PJ2 processes the first processed control signal supplied from the first projection display device PJ1, and outputs a second processed control signal. The same applies to the third projection display device PJ3, but the output third processed control signal is not supplied to any device.

  The control signal processing unit 228 of each projection display apparatus determines the connection order when cascade connection is made based on the input control signal. Specifically, the control signal includes number data indicating the order of cascade connection, and the control signal processing unit 228 of each projection display apparatus processes the input control signal and outputs the processed control signal. To do. For example, number data “1” indicating that the connection order is first is supplied to the first projection display device PJ1. The first projection display device PJ 1 recognizes the number data “1” and stores it in the number data memory 227 in the control signal processing unit 228. Further, the first projection display apparatus increments the supplied number data “1” to generate number data “2” and outputs it as a processed control signal. The same applies to the second and third projection display devices. In the present embodiment, the projection display device connected to the computer PC, that is, the projection display device PJ1 to which the number data “1” is assigned is determined as the master projection display device. Then, other projection display devices, that is, projection display devices PJ2 and PJ3 to which other number data after “2” are assigned are determined as slave projection display devices.

  Next, in step S3, the control signal processing unit 228 of each projection display apparatus reads the setting value stored in the setting value memory 224 and transmits it to the computer PC via the cable. Specifically, when number data is assigned, each projection display device outputs a setting value together with the assigned number data from the first input / output terminal 226a. The set value of the first projection display device PJ1 is directly transmitted to the computer PC. The set value of the second projection display device PJ2 is transmitted to the computer PC via the projection display device with the smaller assigned number data (that is, the first projection display device PJ1). The same applies to the third projection display device PJ3. At this time, the control signal processing unit 228 of the first projection display device PJ1 recognizes the number of projection display devices constituting the projection display system from the number data transmitted together with the set values from the other projection display devices. To do.

  As described above, when the setting values of the projection display devices are transmitted to the computer PC, the cascade connection of the projection display system is established (step S4). Actually, the cascade connection is established by assigning number data to each projection display device. However, according to the present embodiment, the user (mainly the installation operator) establishes the cascade connection. It can be easily confirmed.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting value screen displayed on the computer PC (FIG. 1) when the cascade connection of the projection display system is established. The setting value screen includes a connection state display area A1 indicating the connection state of the projection display system of FIG. 1, and a setting value display area A2 indicating the setting values of each projection display device.

  The connection status display area A1 shows a state where three projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3 are cascade-connected to the computer PC. When four projection display devices are cascade-connected, a state in which the four projection display devices are cascade-connected is displayed. In the display area A1 of FIG. 4, the first projection display device PJ1 with the reference numeral “1” is selected. At this time, the setting value regarding the first projection display device PJ1 is displayed in the setting value display area A2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, setting values relating to operating conditions of the projection display device such as setting values relating to video such as input resolution, tracking, and contrast, and setting values relating to sound are displayed.

  The installation operator changes the setting value by operating the mouse or keyboard while checking the setting value of each projection display device on the setting value screen displayed on the display unit of the computer PC (FIG. 1). Is possible. When the setting value is changed on the setting value screen, the setting value stored in the setting value memory 224 of each projection display device is changed via the cable. As can be seen from this description, an input unit such as a mouse and a keyboard in the computer PC (FIG. 1) of this embodiment and a display unit such as a RAM and a display for storing a program for displaying a setting value screen are used in the present invention. It corresponds to a set value changing unit.

  The key figure shown on the right side of each item in the set value display area A2 indicates the lock / unlock state of the set value. In the locked state, the setting value of the item cannot be changed, and can be changed in the unlocked state. In FIG. 4, two items “tracking” and “synchronization” are in a locked state, and the other items are in an unlocked state. Since the setting value screen of the present embodiment is provided with the lock function as described above, the installation operator can prohibit a general user from changing the setting value by setting a predetermined item in the locked state.

  As described above, when the cascade connection of the plurality of projection display devices is established, the plurality of projection display devices function as a projection display system. Since the computer PC becomes unnecessary when the cascade connection is established, the cable between the first projection display device PJ1 and the computer PC shown in FIG. 1 is removed. As a result, a general user can use it. However, the user can change the setting value of each projection display device using the remote controller 229.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing processing when the set value of each projection display device is changed using the remote controller 229. 5A to 5E, 5D, and 5E show composite images displayed on the screen SC by the three projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing individual images displayed by each projection display device when displaying each composite image of FIG. 5. Images in the first column from the left of FIGS. 6A to 6E, D ′, and E ′ are respectively shown in FIGS. 5A to 5E, D ′, and E ′. The same composite image is shown. The second row image shows an individual image displayed by the first (master) projection display device PJ1 in each state of the first row. Similarly, the images in the third and fourth columns are individual images displayed by the second and third projection display devices PJ2 and PJ3. Below, it demonstrates according to FIG. 5, referring FIG.

  FIG. 5A shows an image displayed on the screen SC when normal image display is performed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6A, the three projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3 each display an individual image. 5 and 6, the symbols “PJ1”, “PJ2”, and “PJ3” shown in the lower part of the display image indicate a projection display device that displays an image and are not actually displayed. .

  FIG. 5B shows an image displayed when the user changes the setting values of all the projection display devices at once using the remote controller 229. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the remote controller 229 in an enlarged manner. FIGS. 7A and 7B show a state where the button cover BC of the remote controller 229 is closed and an opened state, respectively. As illustrated, the remote controller 229 is provided with a number of buttons. In the processing in FIG. 5, the menu button Bm, the effect 1 button Be1, and the effect 2 button Be2 are used. When the user selects the menu button Bm, the overall control mode is set in which the setting values of all the projection display devices can be changed at once. In this overall control mode, as shown in FIG. 5B, an overall menu image for setting the setting values of all the projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3 in the same manner is displayed.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the entire menu image displayed on the screen SC. As shown in FIG. 8, the entire menu image includes items that are almost the same as those in the setting value screen of FIG. The user can change the setting value of each item by operating the remote controller 229.

  In the state of FIG. 5B, as shown in FIG. 6B, the master projection display device PJ1 displays an image including the entire menu image, and the slave projection display devices PJ2 and PJ3 display the menu image. An image that becomes a black image in the area is displayed. As described above, if the projection display apparatus other than the projection display apparatus that displays the menu image displays the black image in the menu image display area, the menu image can be displayed in an easily viewable manner.

  FIG. 5C shows an image that is displayed when only the setting values of the first projection display device PJ1 are individually changed. This state is realized when the user selects the effect 1 button Be1 of the remote controller 229 (FIG. 6) in the state of FIG. 6 (B). That is, when the user selects the effect 1 button Be1, the individual control mode is set in which the setting value of each projection display device can be individually changed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6C, the first projection display device PJ1 displays an image including an individual menu image, and the second and third projection display devices PJ2 and PJ3 are in the entire image area. Display a black image. In this way, since only the image of the first projection display device PJ1 can be displayed, adjustment values such as the brightness of the image relating to only the first projection display device PJ1 can be easily set individually. can do.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an individual menu image displayed on the screen SC. As shown in FIG. 9, the individual menu image is almost the same as the entire menu image of FIG. However, when displaying an individual menu image, an identification code indicating a projection display device that displays the individual menu image is included in the menu image. FIG. 9 shows an individual menu image displayed by the first projection display device PJ in FIG. 5C, and therefore, an identification code indicating the first projection display device PJ1 at the lower right of the menu image. “1” is included. As a result, the user can easily know the projection display device displaying the menu image, and can easily change the setting value of each projection display device.

  FIG. 5D shows an image displayed when only the setting value of the second projection display device PJ2 is changed. This state is realized when the user selects the effect 1 button Be1 of the remote controller 229 (FIG. 6) again in the state of FIG. 5C. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6D, the second projection display device PJ2 displays an image including an individual menu image, and the first and third projection display devices PJ1 and PJ3 are in the entire image area. Display a black image. The same applies to FIG. When the user selects the effect 1 button Be1 of the remote controller 229 (FIG. 6) again in the state of FIG. 5 (E), the state returns to the state of FIG. 5 (B).

  By the way, in the projection display system, it is necessary to match images displayed by a plurality of projection display devices. Specifically, it is necessary to match the display position, size, shape, and the like of each image displayed by each projection display device. In this case, an image displayed by another projection display device may be matched with an image displayed by any projection display device as a reference. In the projection display system of this embodiment, the master projection display device PJ1 and the other projection display device can be displayed simultaneously. For this reason, it is possible to match the images displayed by other projection display devices with the image displayed by the master projection display device PJ1 as a reference image.

  FIG. 5D 'is displayed when the master projection display device PJ1 and the second projection display device PJ2 are simultaneously displayed and only the setting value of the second projection display device PJ2 is changed. An image is shown. This state is realized when the user selects the effect 2 button Be2 of the remote controller 229 (FIG. 6) in the state of FIG. 5 (D). At this time, as shown in FIG. 6D ′, the second projection display device PJ2 displays an image including an individual menu image, and the master projection display device PJ1 is an image that becomes a black image in the menu image area. Is displayed. The third projection display device PJ3 displays a black image in the entire image area. If the effect 2 button Be2 is selected again in the state shown in FIG. 5D ', the state returns to the state shown in FIG. When the effect 2 button Be1 is selected in the state of FIG. 5E, the state shifts to the state of FIG. 5E '. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6E ', the master projection display device PJ1 and the third projection display device PJ3 project and display simultaneously.

  When the menu button Bm is selected in each of the states of FIGS. 5B to 5E, D ′, and E ′, the normal display state of FIG.

  As described above, if the projection display device other than the projection display device that displays the menu image displays the black image in the menu image display region, the menu image can be displayed well. In the present embodiment, the projection display apparatus that does not display the menu image displays a black solid image, but a solid image of another color such as blue or green may be used, for example. Further, instead of the solid image, an image including an inconspicuous pattern may be used. In general, other projection display devices other than the projection display device that displays the menu image display an image that can easily identify the characters and the like included in the menu image in at least the menu image display region. Good. This image corresponds to a background image that constitutes the background of the menu image in the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the OSD processing unit 212 and the OSD memory 213 of each projection display device shown in FIG. 2 realize menu image display according to a command from the control signal processing unit 228. As can be understood from this description, the OSD processing unit 212 and the OSD memory 213 of this embodiment correspond to the menu image processing unit in the present invention.

  By the way, in the projection display system (FIG. 1) of the present embodiment, the control signal processing unit 228 of the master projection display device PJ1 has a function of monitoring the operating states of all the projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3. Yes. That is, the slave projection display devices PJ2 and PJ3 transmit the operation state of each projection display device to the master projection display device PJ1. As a result, the master projection display device PJ1 can check whether all the projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3 are operating normally. When any of the projection display devices cannot perform projection display, control signal processing in the master projection display device PJ1 is performed so that another projection display device capable of projection display projects and displays a predetermined message. The unit 228 controls the projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3. This predetermined message is, for example, an error message. In addition, when the time from when the power is turned on until the projection display becomes possible differs among the three projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3, the predetermined message indicates which of the projection display devices has not been prepared yet. It may be a message indicating that.

  Such errors include, for example, a case where a lamp constituting the illumination optical system 100 (FIG. 1) of any projection display device does not light, or a cooling fan (not shown) stops. There is a case where the temperature inside the projection display device becomes extremely high due to a decrease in the rotation speed. These errors can be detected from the current flowing through the lamp, the current flowing through the fan, the temperature in the projection display device, and the like. Further, the operation of the image signal processing unit 210 or the like may be monitored to detect the occurrence of an error and display an error. In general, it is preferable to display an error when the image cannot be displayed or when there is a possibility that the image cannot be displayed (for example, when normal operation cannot be performed due to an increase in internal temperature).

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an error display displayed when an error occurs in the third projection display apparatus PJ3. FIG. 10A shows a composite image displayed on the screen SC. FIGS. 10B to 10D show individual images individually displayed by the first to third projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3. In FIG. 10, since it is assumed that an error has occurred in the third projection display device PJ3, as shown in FIG. 10D, the third projection display device PJ3 displays an image. Absent. At this time, the master projection display device PJ1 displays an image including an error message as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the message “Error 3” is displayed. This message allows the user to know that an error has occurred in the third projection display device PJ3. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10C, the second projection display device PJ2 displays a black image in the error message display area. As a result, the error message can be displayed in an easy-to-see manner as in the above-described menu image.

  In this embodiment, only “error” is displayed, but specific error contents may be displayed. For example, when the fan of the second projection display device PJ2 stops, “fan stop 2” may be displayed.

  In FIG. 10, the first projection display device PJ1 displays an error message, but the second projection display device PJ2 may display an error message. Further, both the first and second projection display devices PJ1 and PJ2 may simultaneously display the same error message. In general, when an error occurs in at least one projection display device of a plurality of projection display devices, the master projection display device has at least one of the other projection display devices in which no error has occurred. It is sufficient to display an error on one unit.

  As described above, the control signal processing unit 228 of the master projection display device PJ1 monitors the operating states of all the projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3. For this reason, in the projection display system of the present embodiment, the projection display may be executed only when the operation states of all the projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3 are the same. For example, when the power of the projection display system is turned on, the time until projection display is possible differs in each projection display device. Further, when the internal temperature of the projection display device is high, it is necessary to cool the lamp by turning off the lamp. In such a case, wait until all projection display devices are in a standby state where projection display is possible, and start projection display all at once when all projection display devices are in standby state. Good.

  As described above, in the projection display system of the present embodiment, the operation state of each projection display device is supplied to the master projection display device via the cable, so that all projection display devices are in the standby state. Then, projection display can be started, or an error occurring in one of the projection display devices can be detected and error display can be performed in another projection display device.

  As described above, each of the projection display devices constituting the projection display system of the above embodiment has a control signal processing unit 228 for processing a control signal input from the outside and outputting a processed control signal. And a signal input / output unit 226 for inputting / outputting a control signal and a processed control signal. By connecting the signal input / output units of each projection display device, a plurality of projection display devices are cascade-connected. Then, the control signal processing unit of each projection display device stores the connection order when the projection display devices are cascade-connected based on the input control signal. As a result, it is possible to easily control a plurality of projection display devices constituting the projection display system based on the connection order.

  Further, in the projection display system of the present embodiment, when displaying the menu image, any one of the plurality of projection display devices is at least of the image area displayed on the projection plane. A menu image is partially displayed, and a projection display device other than the projection display device that displays the menu image displays a background image constituting the background of the menu image at least in the display area of the menu image. Thereby, it is possible to easily identify codes such as characters included in the menu image, and it is possible to easily control a plurality of projection display devices.

  In this embodiment, the menu image display method in the cascade-connected projection display system has been described. However, such a menu image display method generally includes a plurality of projection display devices, The present invention can be applied to a projection display system that displays a plurality of images projected and displayed by a projection display device on a common projection plane.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

(1) In the above embodiment, a projection display system in which three projection display devices are stacked has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a projection display system in which two or more projection display devices are stacked. is there. Further, the present invention is not limited to a projection display system in which a plurality of projection display devices are stacked in the vertical direction, but can also be applied to a projection display system in which a plurality of projection display devices are arranged in a horizontal direction. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a projection display system in which each of a plurality of projection display devices is arranged at a distant position.

  In the above embodiment, the case where one image is displayed by matching the three images projected and displayed by the three projection display devices has been described. However, the projection display system and the projection display device of the present invention are described. Can also be applied to a case where a plurality of images projected and displayed by each projection display device are displayed side by side.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the case where the same analog image signal AV1 is supplied to each projection display device has been described. However, different analog image signals are used for each of the plurality of projection display devices. May be supplied. In this way, different images can be displayed on the screen SC.

  As described above, the present invention generally provides a projection display system that includes a plurality of projection display devices and displays a plurality of images projected and displayed by the respective projection display devices on a common projection plane. Applicable.

(2) In the above embodiment, after the cascade connection is established, the cable connecting the computer PC and the first projection display device PJ1 is removed. However, this cable need not be removed. In this case, the user can change the setting value not only on the remote controller 229 but also on the setting value screen displayed on the display unit of the computer PC.

(3) In the above embodiment, the cascade connection of the projection display system is realized using a cable, but the cascade connection may be realized wirelessly without using a cable. In this case, for example, when a projection display system is configured by projection display devices arranged in a vertical direction, radio signals from devices adjacent to the upper and lower surfaces of each projection display device are input. A signal input / output unit for output may be provided. In this way, the connection order can be determined according to the stacking order.

(4) In the above embodiment, the liquid crystal light valve 216 (FIG. 2) is used as the electro-optical device of the projection display device. However, the electro-optical device emits light that forms an image according to an image signal. Various devices can be used. For example, a micromirror light modulator such as DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) (trademark of TI) may be used, or a high-intensity cathode ray tube or a plasma display panel may be used.

(5) In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced with hardware. Also good.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the projection display system as an Example of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of each of the projection display devices PJ1 to PJ3 in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure for establishing the cascade connection of each projection type display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting value screen displayed in computer PC (FIG. 1) when the cascade connection of a projection display system is established. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process in the case of changing the setting value of each projection type display apparatus using the remote control 229. FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an individual image displayed by each projection display device when displaying each composite image of FIG. 5. It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows the remote control 229. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the whole menu image displayed on the screen SC. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the separate menu image displayed on the screen SC. It is explanatory drawing which shows the error display displayed when an error generate | occur | produces in the 3rd projection type display apparatus PJ3. It is explanatory drawing which shows the conventional projection display system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Illumination optical system 102 ... Projection lens 200 ... CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 200b ... Bus 208 ... Image input terminal 210 ... Image signal processing part 212 ... OSD processing part 213 ... OSD memory 214 ... Liquid crystal light valve drive part 216 ... Liquid crystal light valve 222 ... Frame memory 224 ... Setting value memory 226 ... Signal input / output part 226a, 226b ... input / output terminals 227 ... number data memory 228 ... control signal processing unit 229 ... remote controller BC ... button cover Be1 ... effect 1 button Be2 ... effect 2 button Bm ... menu button PC ... personal computer PJ1-PJ3 ... projection type Display devices PJZA, PJZB, PJZZC: Conventional projection display device SC: Screen

Claims (8)

A menu image display method for displaying a menu image in a projection display system including a plurality of projection display devices and displaying a plurality of images projected and displayed by the respective projection display devices on a common projection plane. ,
(A) a step in which any one of the plurality of projection display devices displays a menu image on at least a part of an image region displayed on the projection plane;
(B) The projection display device that displays the menu image is included in the menu image at least in the display area of the menu image in another projection display device other than the projection display device that displays the menu image. a step of causing display a background image that permits identifying codes,
A menu image display method comprising: A menu image display method according to claim 1,
The step (a)
A method of displaying a menu image, comprising: displaying the menu image including an identification code indicating a projection display device that displays the menu image. The menu image display method according to claim 1 or 2,
  One projection display device among the plurality of projection display devices is a master projection display device capable of receiving an operation signal from a remote controller and controlling the other projection display device,
  The step (a) corresponds to an operation signal for requesting the master projection display device to display a menu screen related to the master projection display device or the plurality of projection display devices transmitted from the remote controller. Executed by the master projection display device,
  The menu image display method, wherein the step (b) is executed by the other projection display device according to a control signal transmitted from the master projection display device that has received the operation signal. The menu image display method according to claim 3 further includes:
  In response to a control signal instructing display of a menu image transmitted from the master projection display device in response to an operation signal for requesting display of a menu image related to the projection display device selected from the other projection display device. A step in which the selected projection display device displays a menu image;
  A menu image display method comprising: a step of displaying the background image by the other projection display device excluding the master projection display device and the selected other projection display device. The menu image display method according to claim 4, wherein
  The plurality of projection display devices are cascade-connected by cables, and each of the projection display devices is assigned a cascade connection order indicating a connection order,
  The master projection display device is a projection display device assigned the first connection order in the cascade connection order,
  The menu image display method, wherein the control signal is transmitted to the other projection display device via the cable. The menu image display method according to claim 1 further includes:
  A step of preparing the plurality of projection display devices before the step (a),
    Cascading the plurality of projection display devices;
    Allocating the cascade connection order to each of the projection display devices by supplying connection order data indicating the cascade connection order to each of the projection display devices. A menu image display method comprising a step of preparing. 7. The menu image display method according to claim 6, wherein the menu image includes an identification code indicating the projection display device displaying the menu image, and the identification code displays the menu image. Menu image display method, which is a cascade connection order assigned to a type display device. In the menu image display method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
  A method for displaying a menu image, wherein the background image is a solid image or an image including an inconspicuous pattern.

Images