JP4910321B2 - Image display device and control method of image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image display device that uses a plurality of optical scanning units to share the scanning of light beams and can display a high-quality image with a less conspicuous seaming part between scanning regions. <P>SOLUTION: The display device includes a plurality of optical scanning units which scan with light beams modulated according to image signals and which compound scanning regions AR1, AR2 of the beams for forming a display region AR3; a memory unit for storing control information to display an image by using pixels P set based on the display region AR3; and a control unit for controlling the light scanning units based on the control information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display device and a method for controlling the image display device, and more particularly to a technique of an image display device that displays an image using laser light scanned by a plurality of optical scanning units.

  In an image display device that displays an image by scanning a laser beam, an optical scanning unit that scans the laser beam is used. The optical scanning unit scans the laser beam modulated according to the image signal in a two-dimensional direction. The image display device displays an image by causing laser light from an optical scanning unit to enter a screen or the like. For modulation of laser light, pulse width modulation (hereinafter referred to as “PWM”) in which the pulse width for turning on the laser light is changed in accordance with the image signal is generally used. In order to express the gradation corresponding to the image signal for all the pixels in one frame of the image, it is necessary to make the minimum unit pulse width very small. As the number of pixels of the image is increased and the number of gradations of the image is increased, the minimum unit of the pulse width is further reduced. A high-power laser light source is very difficult to switch accurately and at high speed according to a small pulse width. Conventionally, there has been proposed an image display device that forms one image by projection light from a plurality of projectors. Each projector of the image display device shares a region of a projection surface such as a screen and projects light according to an image signal. In this case, since one image is displayed with the total resolution of the projectors, it is possible to easily obtain a high-resolution image as compared with the case where an image is formed using one projector. There is also an advantage that a bright image can be obtained. Even in an image display device that displays an image using laser light, the image is displayed at a lower modulation frequency than when a single optical scanning unit is used by scanning the laser light in a shared manner by a plurality of optical scanning units. It becomes possible. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 propose a technique of an image display apparatus that forms one image with projection light from a plurality of projectors.

JP 2002-116500 A JP 2001-248476 A

  Conventionally, when an image is displayed using a plurality of projectors, a continuous image is formed by overlapping adjacent projection areas. Since the modulated light corresponding to the image signal is projected on the joint portion where the projection areas are overlapped, it is necessary to make the joint portion inconspicuous by adjusting the brightness. In the technique proposed in Patent Document 1, the brightness of the joint portion is adjusted by correcting the image data. In this case, since a plurality of projection lights having a reduced amount of light are used, the gradation level that can be expressed is halved, and it becomes difficult to display an image corresponding to the image signal. In the technique proposed in Patent Document 2, the brightness of the joint portion is adjusted by using a light shielding plate. In this case, the configuration of the apparatus becomes complicated, and installation becomes difficult. In both techniques, it is difficult to accurately eliminate the pixel shift at the joint portion, and it is difficult to obtain a fine image. Therefore, even if the conventional technique is applied as it is to an image display device using laser light, there is a problem that it is difficult to display a high-quality image because the joint portion between the scanning regions is not conspicuous. The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and uses a plurality of optical scanning units to share the scanning of the beam light and display a high-quality image in which the joint portion between the scanning regions is not conspicuous. An object of the present invention is to provide a possible image display device and a method for controlling the image display device.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, according to the present invention, a plurality of light beams that are modulated according to an image signal are scanned and a scanning region of the light beams is combined to form a display region. An optical scanning unit; a storage unit that stores control information for displaying an image using pixels set based on a display region; and a control unit that controls the optical scanning unit based on the control information. An image display device characterized by the above can be provided.

  In the present invention, the display area of the image display device is formed by combining a plurality of scanning areas. The image is displayed using pixels that have been reset based on the display area. In the case of raster scanning of the beam light, the position for displaying the image can be easily changed by appropriately setting the lighting timing and extinguishing timing of the beam light. By changing the scanning direction of the light beam, the degree of rotation of the display area relative to the original scanning area can be easily changed. It is also possible to display an image using newly set pixels by converting the image signal. By utilizing the advantage of using such a light beam, a new display area extending over a plurality of scanning areas can be generated. Furthermore, by adjusting the position where the light beam is scanned, the light beams from the plurality of light scanning units can be superimposed on a pixel basis. By sharing the gradation expression in the overlapped portion with a plurality of light beams, the gradation step is not reduced and fine display can be performed in the overlapped portion. Since it is not necessary to use a light shielding plate in the configuration of the present invention, the apparatus can be simplified. In addition, if a plurality of optical scanning units are installed so that at least the scanning regions overlap each other, it is possible to display an image on the display region by control based on the control information. Installation is also easy. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain an image display device capable of sharing the scanning of the beam light using a plurality of optical scanning units and displaying a high-quality image in which the joint portion between the scanning regions is not conspicuous.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the storage unit stores control information input from the outside of the image display device. Thereby, it is possible to superimpose the light beams from the plurality of optical scanning units on a pixel-by-pixel basis using an external configuration of the image display device.

  Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, a scanning position detection unit that detects the position of the scanning region for each optical scanning unit, a control information generation unit that generates control information according to an output from the scanning position detection unit, It is desirable to have Thereby, it is possible to superimpose the light beams from the plurality of optical scanning units in units of pixels using the internal configuration of the image display apparatus.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the optical scanning unit includes a beam light modulated using a pulse signal divided for a plurality of optical scanning units in an overlapping region where the scanning regions overlap in the display region. It is desirable to scan. As a result, it is possible to perform fine display even in the overlapped portion without reducing gradation steps.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, the storage unit preferably stores control information including data indicating the degree of rotation of the display area with respect to the scanning area. Thereby, the display area can be set on the scanning area having different inclinations.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, a light beam scanning step of scanning a light beam by a plurality of light scanning units arranged so that a part of the scanning region overlaps each other, and a position of the scanning region for each light scanning unit are detected. A scanning area detecting step, a control information generating step for generating control information for displaying an image in a display area obtained by combining a plurality of scanning areas from the position of the scanning area detected in the scanning area detecting step, and a control It is possible to provide a method for controlling an image display device, including a storage step for storing information and an optical scanning unit control step for controlling the optical scanning unit based on the control information. In the control information generation step, by generating control information for displaying an image in the display area, the image can be displayed in the display area formed by combining the scanning areas. Since the control information is generated based on the position information of the scanning region, it is possible to superimpose the beam light in units of pixels and perform fine display even in the superimposed portion. Thereby, it is possible to share the scanning of the light beam using a plurality of optical scanning units, and display a high-quality image in which the joint portion between the scanning regions is not conspicuous.

  Further, as a preferred aspect of the present invention, in the control information generation step, data indicating the degree of rotation of the display area with respect to the scanning area, the position where the light scanning unit starts scanning the light beam, and the position where the scanning of the light beam ends. It is desirable to generate control information including By including data indicating the degree of rotation of the display area with respect to the scan area in the control information, the display area can be set on the scan area having different inclinations. In addition, the display area can be set on the scanning area by including in the control information data indicating the position where the scanning of the light beam starts and the position where the scanning ends.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an installation example of an image display apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image display apparatus 100 includes a first optical scanning unit 101 and a second optical scanning unit 102 that are arranged in parallel in the X direction. The first light scanning unit 101 and the second light scanning unit 102 supply a laser beam to a screen 110 provided on the observer side, and observe the light reflected by the screen 110 so as to appreciate the image, so-called front. It is a projection type projector.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the first optical scanning unit 101. The light source device 111 supplies laser light that is beam light. Laser light from the light source device 111 passes through the illumination optical system 112 and then enters the scanner 115. The scanner 115 scans the laser light from the light source device 111 in a two-dimensional direction.

  FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of the light source device 111. The light source device 111 includes an R light source unit 121R that supplies red laser light (hereinafter referred to as “R light”) and a G light source unit that supplies green laser light (hereinafter referred to as “G light”). 121G and blue laser light (hereinafter referred to as “B light”). ) For supplying B light. The R light source unit 121R is a semiconductor laser that supplies R light. The B light source unit 121B is a semiconductor laser that supplies B light.

  The light source unit for G light 121G includes a semiconductor laser 122 and a wavelength conversion element 123. As the wavelength conversion element 123, for example, an SHG (second harmonic generation) element including a nonlinear optical crystal can be used. The G light source unit 121G converts the laser light from the semiconductor laser 122 into laser light having a half wavelength by the wavelength conversion element 123 and emits the laser light. The G light source unit 121G supplies G light having a wavelength spectrum having a peak at 520 nm by using the semiconductor laser 122 having a wavelength spectrum having a peak at 1040 nanometers, for example.

  The light source unit 121G for G light can use a general-purpose semiconductor laser 122 that can be easily obtained by using the wavelength conversion element 123. The light source unit for G light 121G only needs to supply G light, and is not limited to the above. The G light source unit 121G may use, for example, a DPSS (Diode Pumped Solid State) laser oscillator. The DPSS laser oscillator supplies laser light by exciting a solid crystal using laser light from a laser light source.

  Each color light source unit 121R, 121G, 121B supplies laser light modulated in accordance with an image signal. For example, PWM is used for modulation according to the image signal. The light source device 111 is provided with two dichroic mirror portions 124 and 125. The dichroic mirror unit 124 transmits R light and reflects G light. The dichroic mirror unit 125 transmits R light and G light and reflects B light. The R light from the R light source unit 121 </ b> R passes through the dichroic mirror units 124 and 125 and is then emitted from the light source device 111.

  The G light from the G light source unit 121G is reflected by the dichroic mirror unit 124, whereby the optical path is bent by approximately 90 degrees. The G light reflected by the dichroic mirror unit 124 passes through the dichroic mirror unit 125 and then exits from the light source device 111. The B light from the B light source unit 121B is reflected by the dichroic mirror unit 125, whereby the optical path is bent by approximately 90 degrees. The B light reflected by the dichroic mirror unit 125 is emitted from the light source device 111. In this way, the light source device 111 supplies the R light, G light, and B light modulated according to the image signal.

  FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the scanner 115. The scanner 115 has a so-called gimbal structure having a reflecting mirror 202 and an outer frame portion 204 provided around the reflecting mirror 202. The outer frame portion 204 is connected to a fixed portion (not shown) by a torsion spring 206 that is a rotating shaft. The outer frame portion 204 rotates around the torsion spring 206 using the twist of the torsion spring 206 and the restoration to the original state. The reflection mirror 202 is connected to the outer frame portion 204 by a torsion spring 207 that is a rotation axis substantially orthogonal to the torsion spring 206. The reflection mirror 202 reflects the laser light from the light source device 111. The reflection mirror 202 can be configured by forming a highly reflective member, for example, a metal thin film such as aluminum or silver.

  The reflection mirror 202 rotates about the torsion spring 207 using the twist of the torsion spring 207 and the restoration to the original state. The reflection mirror 202 is displaced so as to scan the laser beam reflected by the reflection mirror 202 in the first direction, for example, the horizontal direction, by rotating about the torsion spring 207. The reflection mirror 202 is displaced so as to scan the laser light in the second direction, for example, the vertical direction, as the outer frame portion 204 rotates around the torsion spring 206. In this way, the scanner 115 scans the laser light from the light source device 111 in the first direction and the second direction.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration for driving the scanner 115. Assuming that the side on which the reflection mirror 202 reflects the laser light is the front side, the first electrodes 301 and 302 are spaces on the back side of the outer frame portion 204 and are provided at substantially symmetrical positions with respect to the torsion spring 206. Yes. When a voltage is applied to the first electrodes 301 and 302, a predetermined force corresponding to the potential difference, for example, an electrostatic force, is generated between the first electrodes 301 and 302 and the outer frame portion 204. The outer frame portion 204 rotates about the torsion spring 206 by alternately applying a voltage to the first electrodes 301 and 302.

  Specifically, the torsion spring 207 includes a first torsion spring 307 and a second torsion spring 308. A mirror-side electrode 305 is provided between the first torsion spring 307 and the second torsion spring 308. A second electrode 306 is provided in the space behind the mirror side electrode 305. When a voltage is applied to the second electrode 306, a predetermined force according to the potential difference, for example, an electrostatic force, is generated between the second electrode 306 and the mirror side electrode 305. When a voltage having the same phase is applied to any of the second electrodes 306, the reflection mirror 202 rotates about the torsion spring 207. The scanner 115 scans the laser beam in the two-dimensional direction by rotating the reflection mirror 202 in this way. The scanner 115 can be created by, for example, MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology.

  The scanner 115 displaces the reflection mirror 202 so as to reciprocate the laser light a plurality of times in the first direction while scanning the laser light once in the second direction in one frame period of the image, for example. Thus, the scanner 115 is driven so that the frequency of scanning the laser beam in the first direction is higher than the frequency of scanning the laser beam in the second direction. In order to scan the laser beam in the first direction at high speed, the scanner 115 preferably has a configuration in which the reflection mirror 202 is resonated around the torsion spring 207. By resonating the reflection mirror 202, the amount of displacement of the reflection mirror 202 can be increased. By increasing the amount of displacement of the reflecting mirror 202, the scanner 115 can scan the laser beam efficiently with less energy. Note that the reflection mirror 202 may be driven without using resonance.

  Note that the scanner 115 is not limited to being driven by an electrostatic force corresponding to the potential difference. For example, the structure driven using the expansion-contraction force or electromagnetic force of a piezoelectric element may be sufficient. The configuration for scanning the laser beam is not limited to the scanner 115 that scans the laser beam in a two-dimensional direction, and a reflection mirror that scans the laser beam in the first direction and a reflection mirror that scans the laser beam in the second direction. It is good also as a structure which provides. Furthermore, instead of the scanner 115 having a gimbal structure, a polygon mirror that rotates a rotating body having a plurality of mirror pieces may be used.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the laser light from the scanner 115 passes through the projection optical system 113 and then enters the screen 110. The illumination optical system 112 and the projection optical system 113 image the laser light from the light source device 111 on the screen 110. The second light scanning unit 102 has the same configuration as the first light scanning unit 101. The first light scanning unit 101 and the second light scanning unit 102 are not limited to the configuration in which one laser beam is scanned for each color light, and may be configured to scan a plurality of laser beams for each color light.

  FIG. 6 illustrates the optical path of laser light from the first light scanning unit 101 and the second light scanning unit 102. Around the scanner 115, a light source unit for detection 611 and a scanning position detection unit 612 are provided. The detection light source unit 611 and the scanning position detection unit 612 are provided for both the first optical scanning unit 101 and the second optical scanning unit 102. The detection light source unit 611 and the scanning position detection unit 612 are provided in a space opposite to the side on which the scanner 115 reflects the laser light from the light source device 111. The scanning position detection unit 612 detects the displacement of the scanner 115 in the two-dimensional direction using the detection light from the detection light source unit 611 reflected by the reflection mirror 202 (see FIG. 4). The position of the laser beam on the screen 110 can be detected by the output from the scanning position detector 612. Note that a highly reflective member may be formed at least on the portion of the reflection mirror 202 where the detection light is incident, similar to the surface. By adopting a configuration in which detection light is reflected by a highly reflective member, a signal having a high S / N ratio can be obtained by the scanning position detection unit 612.

  The imaging device 620 and the control information generation unit 630 are installed outside the image display device 100. The imaging device 620 is a scanning region detection unit that detects the position of the scanning region for each of the optical scanning units 101 and 102 by detecting light reflected by the screen 110. The control information generation unit 630 generates control information for controlling each of the optical scanning units 101 and 102 according to an output from the imaging device 620 that is a scanning region detection unit.

  FIG. 7 shows a first scanning area AR1 of the laser light from the first light scanning section 101, a second scanning area AR2 of the laser light from the second light scanning section 102, and a display area AR3 of the image display device 100 on the screen 110. Is shown. The first scanning region AR1 is a region where the first light scanning unit 101 can scan the laser beam. The second scanning region AR2 is a region where the second light scanning unit 101 can scan the laser light. The first light scanning unit 101 and the second light scanning unit 102 are arranged so that the first scanning region AR1 and the second scanning region AR2 overlap each other when the image display device 100 is installed.

  The display area AR3 of the image display device 100 is formed by combining the first scanning area AR1 and the second scanning area AR2. In the display area AR3, in the area overlapping only with the first scanning area AR1, an image is displayed using the laser light from the first light scanning unit 101. In the display area AR3, in the area overlapping only with the second scanning area AR2, an image is displayed using the laser light from the second light scanning unit 102. In the display area AR3, in the overlapping area AR4 where both the first scanning area AR1 and the second scanning area AR2 overlap, the laser light from the first optical scanning section 101 and the laser light from the second optical scanning section 102 are used. To display the image. The pixels of the image displayed in the display area AR3 are reset based on the display area AR3.

  As shown in the drawing, the first optical scanning unit 101 and the second optical scanning unit 102 may be arranged so that a part of the first scanning area AR1 and a part of the second scanning area AR2 overlap each other. You may arrange | position so that AR1 and 2nd scanning area | region AR2 may overlap with a mutually different inclination. In the present embodiment, the display area AR3 in which the pixels are arranged in the X direction which is the horizontal direction and the Y direction which is the vertical direction is the first scanning area AR1 and the second scanning which are both inclined with respect to the display area AR3. The area AR2 is combined.

  FIG. 8 shows a configuration for displaying an image by the image display apparatus 100. For example, an image information signal from a PC or the like that is an external video signal output device is input to the control unit 713 of the first optical scanning unit 101 and the control unit 713 of the second optical scanning unit 102. Data relating to the positions of the scanning areas AR <b> 1 and AR <b> 2 detected by the imaging device 620 is input to the control information generation unit 630. The control information generation unit 630 generates control information according to the output of the imaging device 620.

  FIG. 9 shows a configuration for controlling the first optical scanning unit 101. The image signal input unit 711 performs characteristic correction and amplification of the image signal input from the input terminal. The image signal input unit 711 converts, for example, an analog image signal into a digital light source modulation pulse signal. The synchronization / image separation unit 712 separates the signal from the image signal input unit 711 into an image information signal, a vertical synchronization signal, and a horizontal synchronization signal for each of R light, G light, and B light, and outputs them to the control unit 713. To do. The control unit 713 divides the image information into information for each frame and outputs the information to the storage unit 714. The storage unit 714 also stores control information for displaying an image using pixels set based on the display area AR3. The control information from the control information generation unit 630 includes the rotation degree of the display area AR3 with respect to the scanning areas AR1 and AR2, the position where the optical scanning sections 101 and 102 start scanning the laser beam, and the position where the scanning of the laser beam ends. Is included.

  FIG. 10 illustrates the degree of rotation of the display area AR3 with respect to the first scanning area AR1. The first light scanning unit 101 is supposed to be configured to scan the laser light in the xa direction that is the first direction and the ya direction that is the second direction. On the other hand, in the display area AR3, it is necessary to scan the laser beam with the first direction as the X direction and the second direction as the Y direction. The X direction is a direction rotated by minus θa with respect to the xa direction. The degree of rotation of the display area AR3 with respect to the first scanning area AR1 is assumed to be minus θa.

  FIG. 11 illustrates the degree of rotation of the display area AR3 with respect to the second scanning area AR2. The second light scanning unit 102 is supposed to be configured to scan the laser light in the xb direction that is the first direction and the yb direction that is the second direction. On the other hand, in the display area AR3, it is necessary to scan the laser beam with the first direction as the X direction and the second direction as the Y direction. The X direction is a direction rotated by plus θb with respect to the xb direction. The degree of rotation of the display area AR3 with respect to the second scanning area AR2 is assumed to be plus θb.

  FIG. 12 illustrates the formation of the display area AR3 by combining the first scanning area AR1 and the second scanning area AR2. The first light scanning unit 101 scans the laser light in the X direction and the Y direction rotated by minus θa from the original scanning direction in the first scanning area AR1. The second light scanning unit 102 scans the laser light in the X direction and the Y direction rotated by plus θb from the original scanning direction in the second scanning region AR2.

  The pixel P on the boundary line L1 of the second scanning area AR2 in the first scanning area AR1 is a laser from the first optical scanning unit 101 that can make the laser light completely incident on the pixel P on the boundary line L1. It is formed using light. The pixel P on the boundary line L2 of the first scanning area AR1 in the second scanning area AR2 is a laser from the second optical scanning unit 102 capable of making the laser light completely incident on the pixel P on the boundary line L2. It is formed using light. Accordingly, in the display area AR3, the pixels P in the first scanning area AR1 and the pixels P on the boundary line L1 are formed using only the laser light from the first optical scanning unit 101. Of the display area AR3, the pixels P in the second scanning area AR2 and the pixels P on the boundary line L2 are formed using only the laser light from the second light scanning section 102. In addition, the pixel P indicated by hatching that does not overlap any of the boundary line L1 and the boundary line L2 in the overlapping area AR4 includes the laser beam from the first optical scanning unit 101 and the second optical scanning unit 102. The laser beam is used. In this way, the position where the optical scanning units 101 and 102 start scanning the laser light and the position where the laser light scanning ends are determined.

  FIG. 13 illustrates the formation of the pixel P using the laser light from the first light scanning unit 101 and the laser light from the second light scanning unit 102. For example, it is assumed that the signal S3 is generated in order to express the gradation of the pixel P having the overlapping area AR4. The pulse of the signal S3 is classified into a signal S1 for supplying laser light from the first optical scanning unit 101 and a signal S2 for supplying laser light from the second optical scanning unit 102. As described above, each of the optical scanning units 101 and 102 modulates the laser beam using the pulse signal divided with respect to each of the optical scanning units 101 and 102 in the overlapping area AR4. The laser light from the first optical scanning unit 101 based on the signal S1 and the laser light from the second optical scanning unit 102 based on the signal S2 are scanned from one optical scanning unit based on the signal S3. The pixel P can be formed as in the case.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, it is not restricted to the case where the pulse of signal S3 is separated alternately, It is good also as dividing a pulse using another method. By using the control information determined in this way, the display area AR3 can be formed by combining the scan areas AR1 and AR2. The modulation of the laser light according to the image signal is not limited to using PWM, and amplitude modulation may be used. When amplitude modulation is used, display is performed by dividing the amplitude of the signal S3 for expressing the gradation of the pixel P into a signal S1 for the first optical scanning unit 101 and a signal S2 for the second optical scanning unit 102. Region AR3 can be formed.

  In order to determine the sharing of the first optical scanning unit 101 and the second optical scanning unit 102 in the overlapping area AR4, the laser light from the first optical scanning unit 101 and the laser light from the second optical scanning unit 102 are overlapped. It is necessary to determine the number and position of the pixels P. The imaging device 620 needs to detect the state in which the scanning areas AR1 and AR2 overlap with accuracy that allows the pixels to be identified. The imaging device 620 may detect the scanning regions AR1 and AR2 by detecting the entire positions of the scanning regions AR1 and AR2 and then zooming to an accuracy in which pixels can be identified in the overlapping region AR4.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the control unit 713 controls the optical scanning unit 101 based on the control information stored in the storage unit 714. The image processing unit 721 generates a drive signal for driving the scanner 115 based on the vertical synchronization signal, the horizontal synchronization signal, and the control information read from the storage unit 714. The scan driver 715 drives the scanner 115 in response to a drive signal from the controller 713.

  The scanning position detection unit 612 detects the position of the laser beam on the screen 110 from the displacement of the reflection mirror 202 and outputs scanning position information to the control unit 713. The scanning position detector 612 detects the swing angle of the reflection mirror 202 that scans the laser light in the X direction and the swing angle of the reflection mirror 202 that scans the laser light in the Y direction. The scanning position detection unit 612 generates a frame start signal F_Sync from the swing angle that scans the reflection mirror 202 in the Y direction, and generates a line start signal L_Sync from the swing angle that scans the reflection mirror 202 in the X direction, and outputs them to the control unit 713. To do.

  The scanning control unit 723 performs feedback control of the scanner 115 based on the scanning position information from the scanning position detection unit 612. Thereby, the scanner 115 can be driven accurately. The control unit 713 generates a pixel timing clock based on the frame speed calculated from the frame start signal F_Sync, the line start signal L_Sync, the vertical synchronization signal, and the horizontal synchronization signal. The pixel timing clock is a signal for knowing the timing at which the laser beam passes on each pixel, and is for causing the laser beam modulated in accordance with the image signal to enter an accurate position.

  The image processing unit 721 converts the image information signal for each frame based on the control information read from the storage unit 714. The light source control unit 722 outputs the image information signal for each frame converted by the image processing unit 721. The R light source drive unit 732R drives the R light source unit 121R based on the drive signal from the light source control unit 722. The G light source drive unit 732G drives the G light source unit 121G based on the drive signal from the light source control unit 722. The B light source drive unit 732B drives the B light source unit 121B based on the drive signal from the light source control unit 722. In this manner, an image can be displayed on the display area AR3 using the laser light from the first light scanning unit 101 and the laser light from the second light scanning unit 102.

  By using the optical scanning units 101 and 102 that perform raster scanning of laser light, the position at which an image is displayed can be easily changed by appropriately setting the lighting timing and extinguishing timing of the laser light. By changing the scanning direction of the laser beam, the degree of rotation of the display area AR3 relative to the original scanning areas AR1 and AR2 can be easily changed. Further, it is also possible to display an image using newly set pixels by converting an image signal. By utilizing the advantage of using such a laser beam, a new display area AR3 straddling a plurality of scanning areas AR1 and AR2 can be generated.

  By adjusting the position where the laser light is scanned, the laser light from the plurality of light scanning units 101 and 102 can be superimposed on a pixel basis. By sharing the gradation expression in the overlapped portion with a plurality of laser beams, the gradation step is not reduced and fine display can be performed in the overlapped portion. Since the configuration of the present invention does not require the use of a light shielding plate, the apparatus can be simplified. In addition, if a plurality of optical scanning units 101 and 102 are installed so that at least the scanning areas AR1 and AR2 overlap each other, it is possible to display an image on the display area AR3 by control based on the control information. The apparatus can be easily installed as compared with the prior art. Thereby, the scanning of the beam light is shared using a plurality of optical scanning units, and an effect is obtained that a high-quality image in which the joint portion between the scanning regions is not conspicuous can be displayed.

  Each of the optical scanning units 101 and 102 is not limited to a configuration that converts an image signal that is an analog signal into a digital light source modulation pulse signal. For example, the image signal input unit 711 may convert an image signal that is a digital signal into an analog light source modulation intensity signal. Further, the image signal input unit 711 may convert an image signal which is a digital signal into a digital light source modulation pulse signal.

  FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of a process for controlling the optical scanning units 101 and 102. In step S <b> 11, the first optical scanning unit 101 and the second optical scanning unit 102 are installed so that a part of the scanning region overlaps each other. Next, in step S12, the laser beam from the first optical scanning unit 101 is scanned over the entire surface of the first scanning area AR1, and the first scanning area AR1 is detected by the imaging device 620. In step S13, the laser beam from the second optical scanning unit 102 is scanned over the entire surface of the second scanning area AR2, and the second scanning area AR2 is detected by the imaging device 620. Steps S12 and S13 are a beam scanning process for scanning the laser beam by each of the optical scanning units 101 and 102, and a scanning area detection process for detecting the positions of the scanning areas AR1 and AR2 for each of the optical scanning units 101 and 102.

  Next, in step S <b> 14, the control information generation unit 630 generates control information. Step S14 is a control information generation step of generating control information for displaying an image using the pixels set based on the display area AR3 from the positions of the scanning areas AR1 and AR2. In step S15 which is a storage process, the control information generated by the control information generation unit 630 is stored in the storage unit 714. In step S16, which is the optical scanning unit control step, the optical scanning units 101 and 102 are controlled by driving the scanner 115 and the color light source units based on the control information read from the storage unit 714. .

  If the optical scanning units 101 and 102 are not moved after positioning once, the optical scanning units 101 and 102 may be controlled using the control information generated once by the control information generation unit 630. For this reason, after each optical scanning unit 101, 102 is installed once, the imaging device 620 and the control information generation unit 630 are unnecessary, and each optical scanning unit 101, 102 is controlled using the control information stored in the storage unit 714. can do. Moreover, it is good also as using the fixing | fixed part which fixes each optical scanning part 101,102. In this case, for example, the optical scanning units 101 and 102 may be controlled using control information stored at the time of shipment of the image display apparatus 100.

  Furthermore, the imaging device 620 and the control information generation unit 630 may be incorporated in either one of the optical scanning units 101 and 102. In this case, every time the first optical scanning unit 101 or the second optical scanning unit 102 is moved, control information can be generated without using an external device. The imaging device 620 and the control information generation unit 630 may be incorporated in both the first optical scanning unit 101 and the second optical scanning unit 102. In this case, it is also possible to generate control information by calculating an output from the imaging device 620 provided in each of the optical scanning units 101 and 102.

  The image display apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration including the two optical scanning units 101 and 102 arranged in parallel in the X direction. Two or more optical scanning units may be arranged in parallel, or may be arranged in other directions such as the Y direction. Further, a plurality of optical scanning units may be arranged in an array like an image display device 1500 shown in FIG. In the image display apparatus 1500, two optical scanning units 101, 102, 103, and 104 are arranged in the X direction and two in the Y direction. The respective optical scanning units are arranged so that the scanning regions of the laser light are superimposed on each other.

  In the case of the image display device 1500 as well, by controlling in the same manner as the image display device 100 described above, it is possible to display a high-quality image in which the joint portion between the scanning regions is not conspicuous. Note that when an image is displayed by the image display device 1500, a portion where four scanning regions overlap is generated in addition to a portion where two scanning regions overlap. For the portion where the four scanning regions overlap, control information is generated so as to express gradation using the laser beams from the four optical scanning units 101, 102, 103, and 104.

  FIG. 16 explains the formation of a display area according to a modification of the present embodiment. The present modification is characterized in that the first scanning area AR1 and the second scanning area AR2 have the same position in the Y direction. In this case, all the areas including the first scanning area AR1 and the second scanning area AR2 can be used as the display area. In this modification, an example will be described in which the pixels in the display area are applied as they are in the first scanning area AR1 and the pixels in the second scanning area AR2 in the Y direction, and the pixels are reset only in the X direction.

  FIG. 17 illustrates the setting of pixels in the X direction in the display area of this modification. For example, the pixel Pa of the first scanning area AR1 and the pixel Pb of the second scanning area AR2 may be shifted from each other by a half pixel in the X direction in the overlap area AR4 due to the output of the imaging device 620. Suppose that it was detected. In this case, the control information generation unit 630 resets the pixel Pb from the second optical scanning unit 102 so as to shift by a half pixel in the plus X direction. After matching the positions of the pixel Pa and the pixel Pb, the number of pixels to be superimposed is recognized by the output from the imaging device. Then, control information for displaying the pixels in the overlapping area AR4 is generated using the laser beams from the two optical scanning units. In the drawing, the number of pixels that can be displayed in the second scanning area AR2 theoretically decreases by one pixel, as shown in black, but the influence on the image can be ignored.

  In this modification, the pixel Pb from the second optical scanning unit 102 is reset with the first scanning region AR1 as a reference, but the pixel Pa from the first optical scanning unit 101 is set with the second scanning region AR2 as a reference. It is good also as resetting. Further, the pixel is not limited to be shifted in the plus X direction, but may be shifted in the minus X direction. The displacement between the pixel Pa and the pixel Pb occurs for a maximum of half a pixel in the X direction. When a shift smaller than a half pixel occurs, control information can be generated in the same manner as in this modification. If no pixel shift occurs in the X direction, control information is generated without shifting the pixel.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18, in the partial area AR5 in the overlapping area AR4, the positions of the pixel Pa and the pixel Pb may be matched by reducing the width of the pixel Pa and the pixel Pb in the X direction. good. The control information generation unit 630 sets the pixels Pa and Pb so as to reduce the width of the area AR5 in the X direction. Further, the pixel Pb is shifted so as to coincide with the position of the pixel Pa. In this case, the extent to which the width of the area AR5 in the X direction and the width of the pixel are reduced can be appropriately set so as to minimize the influence on the image.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, a semiconductor laser that supplies laser light is used for each color light source unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as beam light can be supplied. For example, the light source section for each color light may be configured to use a liquid laser or a gas laser in addition to a solid light emitting element such as a surface emitting laser, a solid laser, and a light emitting diode element (LED).

  As described above, the image display device according to the present invention is useful when displaying a large and high-quality image.

The figure which shows the example of installation of the image display apparatus which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows schematic structure of an optical scanning part. The figure which shows schematic structure of a light source device. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a scanner. 3A and 3B illustrate a configuration for driving a scanner. The figure explaining the optical path of the laser beam from two optical scanning parts. The figure explaining a 1st scanning area | region, a 2nd scanning area | region, and a display area. The figure which shows the structure for displaying an image with an image display apparatus. The figure which shows the structure for controlling an optical scanning part. The figure explaining the rotation degree of the display area with respect to the 1st scanning area. The figure explaining the rotation degree of the display area with respect to the 2nd scanning area. The figure explaining formation of the display area by composition of a scanning area. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating pixel formation using laser beams from two optical scanning units. The figure which shows the flowchart of the process which controls an optical scanning part. The figure explaining the image display apparatus which has four optical scanning parts. The figure explaining formation of the display area by the modification of an Example. The figure explaining the setting of the pixel of a X direction. FIG. 6 is another diagram for explaining setting of pixels in the X direction.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image display apparatus, 101 1st light scanning part, 102 2nd light scanning part, 110 screen, 111 light source device, 112 Illumination optical system, 113 Projection optical system, 115 Scanner, 121R R light source part, For 121G G light Light source unit, 121B light source unit for B light, 122 semiconductor laser, 123 wavelength conversion element, 124, 125 dichroic mirror unit, 202 reflection mirror, 204 outer frame unit, 206 torsion spring, 207 torsion spring, 301, 302 first electrode 305, mirror side electrode, 306 second electrode, 307 first torsion spring, 308 second torsion spring, 611 light source for detection, 612 scanning position detector, 620 imaging device, 630 control information generator, AR1 first 1 scan area, AR2 second scan area, AR3 display area, AR Superimposition area, 711 image signal input unit, 712 synchronization / image separation unit, 713 control unit, 714 storage unit, 715 scan drive unit, 721 image processing unit, 722 light source control unit, 723 scan control unit, 732R R light source drive unit, 732G G light source driving unit, 732B B light source driving unit, L1, L2 boundary line, P pixel, 1500 image display device, 103, 104 optical scanning unit, AR5 area, Pa, Pb pixel

Claims (6)

A plurality of optical scanning units that scan a light beam modulated in accordance with an image signal and combine the scanning region of the light beam to form a display region;
A storage unit for storing control information for displaying an image using pixels set based on the display area;
A control unit that controls the optical scanning unit based on the control information,
The optical scanning unit scans the beam light modulated by using a first pulse signal with respect to the single optical scanning unit in a non-overlapping region where the scanning region does not overlap in the display region, and the display in the overlapping region where the scanning region to each other overlaps in the region, characterized by scanning the beam light modulated by using a pulse signal obtained by dividing the first pulse signal to a plurality of the optical scanning unit An image display device.   The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the control information input from the outside of the image display device. A scanning region detection unit that detects the position of the scanning region for each of the optical scanning units;
The image display apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control information generation unit that generates the control information in accordance with an output from the scanning region detection unit.   The image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the control information including data indicating a degree of rotation of the display area with respect to the scanning area. A beam light scanning step of scanning the beam light with a plurality of optical scanning units arranged so as to overlap a part of the scanning region with each other;
A scanning region detection step of detecting the position of the scanning region for each of the optical scanning units;
An image is displayed on a display area obtained by combining a plurality of the scanning areas from the position of the scanning area detected in the scanning area detection step, and the non-overlapping area in which the scanning areas do not overlap is alone in the display area. Scanning the light beam modulated using the first pulse signal with respect to the optical scanning unit, and in the overlapping region where the scanning regions overlap with each other in the display region, with respect to a plurality of the optical scanning units A control information generating step for generating control information for scanning the beam light modulated using a pulse signal obtained by dividing the first pulse signal ;
A storage step for storing the control information;
And a light scanning unit control step of controlling the light scanning unit based on the control information.   In the control information generating step, the control includes data indicating a degree of rotation of the display area with respect to the scanning area, a position where the light scanning unit starts scanning the light beam, and a position where the scanning of the light beam ends. 6. The method for controlling an image display device according to claim 5, wherein the information is generated.

Images