JP7442065B2 - User interface device and projector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a projector and a user interface device for controlling the projector.

2. Description of the Related Art Projectors that can project an image desired by a user have been known. Patent Document 1 discloses a projector that can be installed on a ceiling or the like and can adjust the direction in which light is projected after installation.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-173574

When projecting a desired image on a general projector, the user connects the projector and a personal computer, etc., and performs multiple operations such as selecting an input source and instructing to start playing the image. There is a need. In other words, in a typical projector, the procedure up to the start of projecting an image is complicated.

The present invention provides a user interface device, a program, and a projector that can simplify the procedure up to the start of projecting an image.

A user interface device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit that communicates with a projector, and a user interface device that allows a user to select an image to be projected by the projector after communication between the communication unit and the projector is established. a display unit that displays a selection screen; and a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a control signal to the projector for causing the projector to project an image selected through the selection screen; After communication between the unit and the projector is established, a screen requesting the user to perform an operation is not displayed during a period until the selection screen is displayed.

A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to operate as the user interface device.

A projector according to one aspect of the present invention includes a projection unit that projects an image that a user can instruct to project through a user interface device when power supply to the projector is started.

A user interface device, a program, and a projector according to one aspect of the present invention can simplify the procedure up to the start of projecting an image.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image projection system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the video projection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of operation example 1 of the projector according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of operation example 2 of the projector according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the user interface device according to the embodiment.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all inclusive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the present invention. Further, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims will be described as arbitrary constituent elements.

Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[Video projection system configuration]
First, a schematic configuration of an image projection system according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image projection system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the lighting system according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a video projection system 100 according to the embodiment includes a projector 10 and a user interface device 20. First, the projector 10 will be explained.

The projector 10 is an embedded (in other words, a downlight type) projector that is embedded in the ceiling of the space 50. The space 50 is, for example, a closed space such as a room. The image projected by the projector 10 is, for example, a monochrome image (in other words, a grayscale image) imitating a natural object such as the shadow of a tree (sunlight filtering through trees). Such images are used, for example, to create the space 50. A user can switch between multiple types of video by operating the user interface device 20. Note that although the video here means a moving image, it may also be a still image.

Specifically, the projector 10 includes a power supply section 11 , a projection section 12 , a first communication section 13 , a second communication section 14 , a control section 15 , and a storage section 16 .

The power supply unit 11 is a power conversion circuit that converts AC power supplied from an AC power supply 30 external to the projector 10 into DC power. Note that the power supply from the AC power source 30 is turned on and off using an operation panel such as a wall switch 31, for example.

The projection unit 12 projects an image under the control of the control unit 15. The projection section 12 includes a light source drive section 12a, a light source 12b, an image element 12c, and a projection lens 12d.

The light source drive unit 12a is a circuit that uses the power supplied from the power supply unit 11 to adjust the brightness of the light source 12b. The light source drive section 12a operates based on a control signal output from the control section 15.

The light source 12b is a light source that emits white light. The light source 12b is specifically realized by a light emitting diode (LED), but may also be realized by a semiconductor laser, an organic EL (electro luminescence), an inorganic EL, or the like. The light source 12b can be dimmed and colored. The light source 12b includes, for example, a first LED element that emits white light at a first color temperature (low color temperature), and a second LED element that emits white light at a second color temperature (high color temperature) different from the first color temperature. Since the brightness of each LED element can be controlled independently, color adjustment is possible.

The image element 12c modulates the light emitted by the light source 12b and emits it as an image. The image element 12c is specifically a light-transmissive image element such as a transmissive liquid crystal panel, but may also be a reflective image element such as a micromirror array or a reflective liquid crystal panel.

The projection lens 12d is an optical element that projects the image output by the image element 12c onto a projection surface such as a floor surface.

The first communication unit 13 is a communication circuit (in other words, a communication module) for the projector 10 to communicate with the user interface device 20 via the local communication network. The first communication unit 13 performs wireless communication such as radio wave communication or optical communication, but may also perform wired communication. The communication standard for communication performed by the first communication unit 13 is not particularly limited.

The second communication unit 14 is a communication circuit (in other words, a communication module) that allows the projector 10 to communicate with the server device 40 via a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The second communication unit 14 performs wireless communication such as radio wave communication or optical communication, but may also perform wired communication. The communication standard for communication performed by the second communication unit 14 is not particularly limited.

The control unit 15 is a control device that controls the light source 12b (more specifically, the light source drive unit 12a) and the image element 12c. The control unit 15 operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 11. The control unit 15 is specifically implemented by a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or a dedicated circuit.

The storage unit 16 stores video signals of each of a plurality of types of images (in other words, a plurality of contents) projected by the projector 10. The plurality of types of videos are, for example, videos with different subjects, and include a first video and a second video, which will be described later. Here, each of the plurality of types of images means an image that can be intentionally projected by the user by operating the user interface device 20, and includes an image of a manufacturer's logo displayed when the projector 10 is started, Also, images such as black images that are inevitably projected regardless of the user's intention are not included. Further, each of the plurality of types of images is, for example, a presentation image having a lower contrast ratio than a general image, and the contrast ratio of the presentation image is, for example, 100:1 or less. Note that the contrast ratio is a physical quantity that indicates how many times the brightness of the brightest part (white) is when the darkest part (black) of an image is set to 1.

The storage unit 16 also stores a control program for the projector 10 that is executed by the control unit 15. Specifically, the storage unit 16 is realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

Next, the user interface device 20 will be explained. The user interface device 20 is a remote controller that accepts user operations and operates the projector 10 in accordance with the accepted operations. The user interface device 20 is realized by installing an application program on a general-purpose mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, but may also be a dedicated remote controller for the projector 10. The user interface device 20 includes an operation reception section 21 , a display section 22 , a communication section 23 , a control section 24 , and a storage section 25 .

The operation accepting unit 21 accepts user operations related to the operation of the projector 10. The operation reception unit 21 is realized by, for example, a touch panel and hardware buttons.

The display unit 22 displays images under the control of the control unit 24. Specifically, the display unit 22 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

The communication unit 23 is a communication module (communication circuit) for the user interface device 20 to communicate with the projector 10 via the local communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 23 is, for example, wireless communication, but may also be wired communication. The communication standard used for communication is also not particularly limited.

The control unit 24 performs various information processing related to the operation of the user interface device 20. The control unit 24 is realized by a processor, a microcomputer, or the like.

The storage unit 25 is a storage device in which application programs and the like executed by the control unit 24 are stored. Specifically, the storage unit 25 is realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

Next, the server device 40 will be explained. The server device 40 is a computer device that manages a plurality of video signals and provides the video signals to the projector 10. The server device 40 includes a server storage unit 41 in which a plurality of video signals are stored as a database. The server storage unit 41 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Each of the plurality of video signals stored in the server storage unit 41 is a video signal of a video that can be intentionally projected by the user operating the user interface device 20.

[Projector operation example 1]
When projecting a desired image on a general projector, the user connects the projector and an information terminal (personal computer, etc.) for communication, and performs numerous operations such as selecting an input source and instructing the start of image playback. It is necessary to perform the following operations. Users may find it bothersome and difficult to perform multiple operations in order to project an image. In particular, users who are not familiar with operating a projector tend to find it troublesome and difficult. As described above, the requirement to perform multiple operations in order to project an image reduces the motivation to use the projector.

In contrast, in the projector 10, the procedure up to the start of projecting an image is greatly simplified. Hereinafter, a first example of operation of such a projector 10 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of operation example 1 of the projector 10.

First, the wall switch 31 is pressed by the user, and power supply to the projector 10 is started (S11). The projection unit 12 (for example, the light source drive unit 12a, the light source 12b, the image element 12c, and the projection lens 12d) of the projector 10 projects an image under the control of the control unit 15 when power supply is started. Project it onto a surface (S12). Specifically, the control unit 15 of the projector 10 causes the light source 12b to emit light at a predetermined brightness via the light source drive unit 12a by outputting a control signal to the light source drive unit 12a (S13). In parallel with this, the control unit 15 reads the video signal from the storage unit 16 and outputs it to the video element 12c, thereby causing the video element 12c to output the video (S14). As a result, an image is projected onto the projection surface from the projection lens 12d (S15).

The image projected in step S12 is one of multiple types of images whose image signals are stored in the storage unit 16, and after step S12, the image is intentionally projected by the user operating the user interface device 20. This is a video that can be used to give instructions. Images that are inevitably projected regardless of the user's intention, such as a manufacturer logo image displayed when the projector 10 is started and a black image, are not included in the images projected in step S12. The image of the manufacturer's logo, the black image, etc. may be projected, for example, during the period between step S11 and step S12.

Note that, for example, the control unit 15 randomly selects one video signal to be read from the storage unit 16 in step S14 from among the plurality of video signals. However, the control unit 15 may select a video signal of a video registered in advance as an initial video by the user. Further, the control unit 15 stores history information of videos that have been instructed to be projected by the user in the past in the storage unit 16, and based on the history information, the video signal of the video that has been instructed to be projected most recently, or The video signal of the video whose projection is most frequently instructed may be selected.

In this way, the projector 10 projects an image that the user can instruct to project through the user interface device 20, starting from the start of power supply to the projector 10. Regarding the projection of an image, the projector 10 does not require the user to perform an operation to instruct the projection of an image. Therefore, according to the projector 10, the user can project an image without performing an operation to instruct the user interface device 20 to project an image. In other words, the user can project an image by simply pressing the wall switch 31.

[Projector operation example 2]
In the above operation example 1, the control unit 15 reads the video signal from the storage unit 16 when power supply to the projector 10 is started, and projects the video onto the projection unit 12 based on the read video signal. I let it happen. That is, the projector 10 projected an image using the video signal built into the projector 10. However, the projector 10 may project an image using the image signal acquired from the server device 40. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a second example of operation of such a projector 10. In addition, in the explanation of the second operation example, the explanation of the matters already mentioned in the first operation example will be omitted or simplified.

First, the wall switch 31 is pressed by the user, and power supply to the projector 10 is started (S21). The projection unit 12 of the projector 10 projects an image onto the projection surface under the control of the control unit 15 when the power supply is started (S22). Specifically, the control unit 15 of the projector 10 causes the light source 12b to emit light at a predetermined brightness via the light source drive unit 12a by outputting a control signal to the light source drive unit 12a (S23). In parallel with this, the control unit 15 acquires a video signal from the server device 40 via the second communication unit 14, and outputs the acquired video signal to the video element 12c, thereby outputting the video to the video element 12c. (S24). As a result, an image is projected onto the projection surface from the projection lens 12d (S25).

The process in step S24 is as follows in more detail. The control unit 15 causes the second communication unit 14 to transmit a request for a video signal to the server device 40. The server device 40 reads the video signal from the server storage unit 41 in response to the received request, and transmits the video signal to the projector 10 as a response to the request.

Note that the control unit 15 randomly selects one video signal to be acquired from the server device 40 in step S24 from among the plurality of video signals stored in the server storage unit 41. The control unit 15 stores history information of videos whose projection was instructed by the user in the past in the storage unit 16 (or server storage unit 41), and based on the history information, displays the history information of the video whose projection was recently instructed. A video signal or a video signal of a video whose projection is most frequently instructed may be selected. Further, such selection of video signals may be performed by the server device 40.

In this way, the projector 10 acquires the video signal via the second communication unit 14 when the power supply to the projector 10 is started, and projects the video based on the acquired video signal. good. If the video signal is stored in the storage unit 16 of the projector 10, the range of video options may be narrowed because the storage capacity of the storage unit 16 is limited. However, the projector 10 can expand its video options by receiving video signals from the server device 40 that includes the server storage section 41 with less restrictive storage capacity.

[Example of operation of user interface device]
As described above, when power is supplied to the projector 10, the projector 10 projects an image before receiving a user's operation instructing to project an image. In this case, when the user desires to project a different image, it is not preferable that the operation for changing the image being projected is complicated. Therefore, the user interface device 20 is configured so that the image can be easily changed. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the user interface device 20.

While power is being supplied to the projector 10, the operation reception unit 21 of the user interface device 20 performs an operation that instructs execution of an application program (hereinafter also referred to as a projector control application) for remotely controlling the projector 10. is received from the user (S31). The control unit 24 executes the projector control application stored in the storage unit 25 upon receiving this operation. As a result, the following steps S32 to S35 are performed.

First, the control unit 24 performs communication connection processing between the communication unit 23 and the projector 10 (more specifically, the first communication unit 13) (S32).

After communication between the communication unit 23 and the projector 10 is established through the communication connection process in step S32, the control unit 24 requests the communication unit 23 for image identification information indicating the image currently being projected by the projector 10. (S33). As a result, the communication unit 23 receives the video identification information from the projector 10 in response to the above request (S34).

Next, the control unit 24 causes the display unit 22 to display a selection screen for the user to select an image to be projected by the projector (S35). At this time, the control unit 24 causes the display unit 22 to display a selection screen including display information indicating the image currently being projected by the projector 10, based on the image identification information received in step S34. The selection screen is shown in FIG. Screen information that is the basis of the selection screen is stored in advance in the storage unit 25, for example.

The selection screen shown in FIG. 1 includes a thumbnail image as display information 22a indicating the currently projected image. The display information 22a is not limited to thumbnail images, but may also be the text title of the currently projected video (for example, "Sunbeams filtering through the trees"). The selection screen also includes a selection object 22b for selecting (changing) the image being projected by the projector 10.

When the operation receiving unit 21 accepts the user's video selection operation while the selection screen is being displayed on the display unit 22 (S36), the control unit 24 causes the projector to project the video selected through the selection screen. The communication unit 23 is caused to transmit the control signal to the projector 10 (S37). The video selection operation includes at least an operation on the selection object 22b. As a result, the projector 10 projects the video selected by the user. That is, the image projected by the projector 10 is changed through a series of processes from step S31 to step S37.

In the operation of the user interface device 20 described above, the display unit 22 does not display a screen requesting an operation from the user between the processing in step S31 and the processing in step S32. That is, the display unit 22 does not display a screen that requests the user to perform an operation after the communication between the communication unit 23 and the projector 10 is established until the selection screen is displayed. In other words, the first operation the user performs after launching the projector control application is after the video selection screen is displayed. Therefore, the user can change the image being projected by the projector 10 with a relatively small number of operations.

When selecting a video, the user can change the video by tapping only the selection object 22b. That is, in the minimum case, the user can change the image with only one tap operation. Thereby, the user interface device 20 can suppress the user from feeling bothered when changing the video.

By the way, the selection screen in FIG. 1 includes an image adjustment object 22c for changing the projection conditions of the image being projected by the projector 10. Changing the projection conditions is, for example, adjusting the light or color of the image (more specifically, the light source 12b). The user can also adjust the brightness or color of the image by operating the image adjustment object 22c.

When the operation reception unit 21 receives a user's operation to change the projection conditions while the selection screen is displayed on the display unit 22 (S38), the control unit 24 specifies the image projection conditions by the change operation. The communication unit 23 is caused to transmit a control signal for changing the projection conditions to the projector 10 (S39). The video selection operation includes at least an operation on the video adjustment object 22c. As a result, an image is projected from the projector 10 under the changed projection conditions.

The user can adjust the brightness or color of the image by dragging the image adjustment object 22c (slide bar in the example of FIG. 1). In other words, the user can adjust the brightness or color of the image with a single drag operation. Note that the image projection conditions are preferably changed within two operations at most, so that the user interface device 20 can prevent the user from feeling bothered when changing the projection conditions. can.

In addition to image brightness (compatible with dimming) and color temperature (compatible with color toning), image projection conditions include contrast ratio, focus, aspect ratio, playback speed, projection angle, projection magnification, etc. is included. That is, projection conditions other than such light adjustment and color adjustment may be changed.

[Effects etc.]
As described above, the projector 10 includes the projection unit 12 that projects an image that the user can instruct to project through the user interface device 20 when power supply to the projector 10 is started.

According to such a projector 10, a user can project an image without performing an operation to instruct the user interface device 20 to project an image. In other words, the projector 10 can simplify the procedure up to the start of projecting an image.

Further, in operation example 1, the projector 10 further includes a memory unit 16 in which a plurality of video signals including a target video signal that is a video signal of the video is stored, and a notification that power supply to the projector 10 has been started. The control unit 15 is configured to read out the target video signal from the storage unit 16 and cause the projection unit 12 to project the video based on the read target video signal.

Such a projector 10 can project images without receiving image signals from other devices. Therefore, the projector 10 can suppress the amount of communication with other devices.

In operation example 2, the projector 10 further includes a second communication unit 14 that communicates with a server device 40 that includes a server storage unit 41 in which a plurality of video signals including a target video signal that is a video signal of the video is stored. Then, upon the start of power supply to the projector 10, a control unit acquires a target video signal via the second communication unit 14, and causes the projection unit 12 to project an image based on the acquired target video signal. 15.

Such a projector 10 can expand its video options by receiving video signals from the server device 40 including the server storage unit 41 with loose storage capacity restrictions.

The user interface device 20 also includes a communication unit 23 that communicates with the projector 10, and a selection screen for the user to select an image to be projected by the projector 10 after communication between the communication unit 23 and the projector 10 is established. , and a control section 24 that causes a communication section 23 to transmit a control signal to the projector 10 to cause the projector 10 to project the image selected through the selection screen. The display unit 22 does not display a screen that requests the user to perform an operation after the communication between the communication unit 23 and the projector 10 is established until the selection screen is displayed.

According to such a user interface device 20, the user first performs an operation to select a video after the video selection screen is displayed. Therefore, the user can change the image being projected by the projector 10 with a relatively small number of operations. In other words, the user interface device 20 can simplify the procedure until the projection of the video to be changed is started.

Further, for example, the selection screen includes display information indicating the image being projected by the projector 10.

According to such a user interface device 20, the user can easily grasp the currently projected image.

Further, for example, the control unit 24 causes the communication unit 23 to transmit to the projector 10 a request for image identification information indicating the image being projected by the projector 10 . The display unit 22 displays a selection screen including display information based on the video identification information that the communication unit 23 receives from the projector 10 in response to a request.

Such a user interface device 20 can include display information in the selection screen by inquiring about the image currently being projected by the projector 10.

Further, for example, the selection screen includes an image adjustment object 22c for adjusting the light or color of the image projected by the projector 10.

According to such a user interface device 20, a user can adjust the brightness or color of an image.

Further, for example, the user interface device 20 further includes an operation reception unit 21 that receives user operations. When the operation receiving unit 21 receives at most two operations while the selection screen is being displayed, the control unit 24 controls the control unit 24 to change the projection conditions of the image being projected by the projector 10. The communication unit 23 is caused to transmit a control signal to the projector 10.

Such a user interface device 20 can prevent the user from feeling bothered when changing the projection conditions.

Further, the projector control application of the above embodiment is a program for operating a computer such as a mobile terminal as the user interface device 20.

Such a program can produce the same effects as the user interface device 20.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the projector projected a video for presentation, but it may also project a general video that is not for presentation. For example, in the above embodiments, it has been explained that the projector projects a monochrome (in other words, grayscale) image, but it may also project a color image. Further, in the above embodiment, the projector is a ceiling-embedded projector, but it may be a general projector installed on a desk. In this way, the present invention can also be applied to general projectors.

Further, in the above embodiments, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Further, the order of the plurality of processes may be changed, or the plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

Moreover, each component may be realized by hardware. Each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. Further, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

Further, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented in a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM. Further, the present invention may be realized by any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

For example, the present invention may be realized as the video projection system of the above embodiment. The present invention may be implemented as a projector control method. The present invention may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute a projector control method, or may be realized as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

Other embodiments may be obtained by making various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or may be realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention also includes such forms.

10 projector 12 projection section 14 second communication section 15 control section 16 storage section 20 user interface device 21 operation reception section 22 display section 23 communication section 24 control section 40 server device 41 server storage section

Claims (9)

a communication section that communicates with the projector;
a display unit that displays a selection screen for a user to select an image to be projected by the projector after communication between the communication unit and the projector is established;
a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a control signal to the projector to cause the projector to project the image selected through the selection screen,
The display unit does not display a screen requesting an operation from the user during a period after communication between the communication unit and the projector is established until the selection screen is displayed. The user interface device according to claim 1, wherein the selection screen includes display information indicating an image being projected by the projector. The control unit causes the communication unit to transmit a request for video identification information indicating the video being projected by the projector to the projector,
The user interface device according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays the selection screen including the display information based on the video identification information that the communication unit receives from the projector in response to the request. The user interface device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the selection screen includes an object for adjusting the brightness or color of the image being projected by the projector. Furthermore, it includes an operation reception unit that accepts the user's operation,
The control unit is configured to change the projection conditions of the image being projected by the projector upon receipt of at most two operations by the operation reception unit while the selection screen is displayed. The user interface device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the communication unit transmits a control signal to the projector. A program for causing a computer to operate as the user interface device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A projector,
When the power supply to the projector is started, (1) a manufacturer's logo image is projected, and (2) after the manufacturer's logo image is projected, an image that the user can instruct to project through a user interface device. A projector comprising a projection unit that projects an image registered in advance as an initial image by a user. Further, a storage unit storing a plurality of video signals including a target video signal that is a video signal of the video;
and a control unit that reads the target video signal from the storage unit when power supply to the projector is started, and causes the projection unit to project the video based on the read target video signal. The projector according to claim 7. Further, a communication unit that communicates with a server device including a storage unit in which a plurality of video signals including a target video signal that is a video signal of the video is stored;
a control unit that acquires the target video signal via the communication unit when power supply to the projector is started, and causes the projection unit to project the video based on the acquired target video signal; The projector according to claim 7, comprising:

Images