JP2014187533A - Projection control apparatus, projection apparatus, image output apparatus, and projection control system - Google Patents

Abstract

An effective one of a plurality of input video signals is automatically determined and selectively switched.
A projection control apparatus for outputting video signals to be supplied to a projection apparatus, wherein the video input means inputs video signals from a plurality of video signal sources, and the plurality of video signals input by the video input means. Video change detection means for detecting a change in the image, selection means for selecting the video signal whose change is detected by the video change detection means, and video output means for outputting the video signal selected by the selection means to the projection device. Prepare.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a projection control apparatus, a projection apparatus, a video output apparatus, and a projection control system suitable for presentations using a personal computer.

  Efficiently execute processing to detect the presence or absence of video signals and processing to switch input terminals to reduce these times, and dynamically change the processing target when the connection status of the input terminals changes Proposed projectors and control methods therefor have been proposed. (For example, Patent Document 1)

JP 2011-1118014 A

  In the above-mentioned patent documents, the usable state of the video input terminal is detected according to the presence / absence of the cover of the input terminal, the power-on operation of the projector, the presence / absence of the input of the video signal, and the like.

  Therefore, for example, when two systems of personal computers are connected and a program for presentation is executed on each of them, both input terminals are in an active state. Which one is effective cannot be determined, and the user manually performs input switching.

  In addition, even when a presentation is performed by connecting a single personal computer and executing different presentation applications (for example, for general explanation and for detailed explanation), the application switching operation on the personal computer is performed. Was projected so that it could be seen by the audience.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to automatically determine and switch between effective video signals sent from a plurality of video output devices. It is an object of the present invention to provide a projection control device, a projection device, a video output device, and a projection control system that can be used.

  One aspect of the present invention is a projection control apparatus that outputs video signals to be supplied to a projection apparatus, wherein the video input means inputs video signals from a plurality of video signal sources, and the plurality of video signals input by the video input means. Video change detection means for detecting a change in the video signal, selection means for selecting the video signal detected by the video change detection means, and video output for outputting the video signal selected by the selection means to the projection device Means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically determine an effective one from among video signals respectively transmitted from a plurality of video output devices, and select and switch them.

The figure which shows the installation environment of the whole projection system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the projector according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing processing contents for a plurality of video inputs in the projector according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine of change detection processing for the non-selected input video in FIG. 3 according to the embodiment. The figure which shows the installation environment of the whole projection system which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention when a presentation is performed with a projection system including a DLP (registered trademark) projector apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an installation environment of the projection system. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a projector device, and 2A and 2B each denote a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) that provides images projected onto the projector 1.

  The projector 1 and the PC 2A are connected to each other by a video signal RGB cable VC1 and an audio signal audio cable AC1. Similarly, the projector 1 and the PC 2B are wiredly connected by an RGB cable VC2 for video signals and an audio cable AC2 for audio signals. The projector 1 projects a projection image corresponding to one of the video signals given from the PCs 2A and 2B on the screen SC as needed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the projector 1. The input unit 11 includes, for example, a plurality of, for example, two D-sub15 type RGB input terminals, a pin jack (RCA) type video input terminal, and a plurality of audio input terminals. Video signals of various standards input to the input unit 11 are digitized as necessary by the input unit 11 and then sent to the image conversion unit 12 via the system bus SB.

  The image conversion unit 12 is also referred to as a scaler, and unifies the two systems of input image data into image data of a predetermined format suitable for projection, respectively, and sends them to the projection processing unit 13 and a time shift memory 24 described later. .

  The projection processing unit 13 selects one of the transmitted image data, and according to the selected image data, a frame rate according to a predetermined format, for example, 120 [frame / second], the number of color component divisions, and display The micromirror element 14 is driven to display by faster time-division driving multiplied by the number of gradations.

  The micromirror element 14 performs an on / off operation at a high speed individually for each tilt angle of a plurality of micromirrors arranged in an array, for example, WXGA (Wide eXtended Graphics Array) (horizontal 1280 pixels × vertical 800 pixels). Thus, an optical image is formed by the reflected light.

On the other hand, light of a plurality of colors including primary color lights of R, G, and B is sequentially emitted in a time division manner from the light source unit 15 in a time division manner. The light from the light source unit 15 is totally reflected by the mirror 16 and applied to the micromirror element 14.
Then, an optical image is formed by the reflected light from the micromirror element 14, and the formed optical image is projected through the projection lens unit 17 onto the screen SC shown in FIG.

  The CPU 18 controls all the operations of the above circuits. The CPU 18 is directly connected to the main memory 19 and the program memory 20. The main memory 19 is composed of, for example, an SRAM and functions as a work memory for the CPU 18. The program memory 20 is composed of an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory, and stores an operation program executed by the CPU 18 and various fixed data. The CPU 18 uses the main memory 19 and the program memory 20 to collectively execute control operations in the projector device 10.

The CPU 18 performs various projection operations according to key operation signals from the operation unit 21.
The operation unit 21 includes a key operation unit provided in the main body of the projector device 10 and an infrared light receiving unit that receives infrared light from a remote controller (not shown) dedicated to the data projector device 10. A key operation signal based on a key operated by the operation unit or the remote controller is directly output to the CPU 18.

  The CPU 18 is further connected to an audio processing unit 22 and a time shift memory 24 via the system bus SB. The audio processing unit 22 includes a sound source circuit such as a PCM sound source, converts the audio data supplied from the input unit 11 into an analog during a projection operation, and drives the speaker unit 23 to emit a loud sound, or generates a beep sound or the like if necessary. Let

  The time shift memory 24 stores both the image data sent from the image conversion unit 12 and the audio data from the input unit 11 while being cyclically updated for a preset time, for example, 5 seconds. Thus, the buffer memory always holds image data and sound data for the immediately preceding 5 seconds, and the contents are sent to the projection processing unit 13 and the sound processing unit 22 under the control of the CPU 18.

  In addition, regarding the configuration of the hardware circuit of each of the PCs 2A and 2B, the illustration and description thereof are omitted because it is a very general well-known technique. A presentation program is installed as an application in both of these PCs 2A and 2B, and a document file (presentation file) created for the program can be reproduced.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the projection operation corresponding to the two video inputs that the CPU 18 of the projector 1 develops and executes the operation program read from the program memory 20 in the main memory 19.

  At the beginning, the CPU 18 determines whether or not there is any event for starting the projection operation. Specifically, for example, by an input switching by a menu operation of the operation unit 21, for example, an instruction to automatically switch between two systems of video signals is given. By repeatedly determining whether or not, for example, it waits for an instruction to start the projection operation (step S101).

  When the start of the projection operation is instructed, the CPU 18 determines the instruction in step S101, and then executes a preset initial preparation operation (step S102). It is determined whether or not a signal is input (step S103).

  If it is determined that no video signal is input, the default image data stored in advance in the program memory 20 is read out and sent to the projection processing unit 13 (step S104), and then the CPU 18 Timekeeping is started when no video signal is input internally, and it is determined whether or not a time-out has occurred depending on whether or not the timekeeping value has become constant, for example, 60 [seconds] (step S105).

  If it is determined that the timeout has not yet occurred, the CPU 18 returns to the process from step S103 again.

  If it is determined in step S103 that there is at least one input of the video signal, the CPU 18 next determines whether or not there has been an operation for instructing selection of an input terminal from the user by the operation unit 21 (step S106).

  If it is determined that there is no instruction from the operation unit 21, the CPU 18 cannot determine which input video should be selected, so the CPU 18 proceeds to step S104 and shifts to the projection of the default image.

  If it is determined in step S106 that an operation for instructing selection of an input terminal has been performed, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the input terminal instructed to select is video input 1 from the PC 2A (step S107).

  If it is determined that the instruction to select the input 1 from the PC 2A is given, the CPU 18 sets “1” to the variable i representing the video signal side to be projected and “2” to the variable j representing the video signal side not to be projected. Setting is made (step S108).

  If it is determined in step S107 that the instruction to select the input 1 from the PC 2A has not been given, the instruction to select the input 2 from the PC 2B has been issued, so the CPU 18 selects the video signal side to be projected. “2” is set to the variable i to be represented, and “1” is set to the variable j representing the video signal side not to be projected (step S109).

  After the setting in step S108 or S109, the CPU 18 selects the video signal from the PC 2A or 2B according to the variable i at that time, displays the image on the micromirror element 14 by the projection processing unit 13, and the projection lens unit. Projection is performed from 17 toward the screen SC (step S110).

  Here, it is determined whether or not an event instructing the stop of the projection operation, for example, the power key operation of the operation unit 21 has been performed (step S111). A process for detecting whether or not there is a change is executed (step S112).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the subroutine of step S112. The CPU 18 first determines whether or not there is a change in the video signal input j on the non-selected side, specifically, a part of the image data. For example, regarding the contents of one block of 16 pixels vertically by 16 pixels horizontally at the upper left corner of the image data, it is determined whether or not there is a change over time from the contents stored in the buffer in the time shift memory 24 (step S301).

  When the video signals sent from the PCs 2A and 2B are presentation video signal sources, for example, the upper left 16 pixels × horizontal 16 pixels that are a part of each slide are divided into, for example, odd page slides and even page slides. If different color portions (marks, etc.) are arranged on the slide, the CPU 18 can easily detect a change in the image every time the page is turned.

  Further, when a specific color (mark or the like) (specific information) is detected in the vertical 16 pixels × horizontal 16 pixels, the input switching may not be performed. In this way, in the case of presentation materials that you do not want to show (you do not want to switch input), if one corner is set to a specific color, even if there is a change (difference) in other parts, it will be ignored. The input is not switched.

  If it is determined that there is no change, the CPU 18 next determines whether or not there is a change in the audio signal input j on the non-selected side over time of the audio data buffered in the time shift memory 24. Judgment is made from the presence or absence of a change (step S302).

  If it is determined in step S302 that there is no change in the audio signal input j, the CPU 18 determines that there is no change in both video and audio (step S303), and the process exits the subroutine of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a change in the video signal input j on the side not selected in step S301, and if it is determined that there is a change in the audio signal input j on the side not selected in step S302, the CPU 18 Determines that there has been a change in at least one of video and audio (step S304), and the subroutine of FIG. 4 is exited.

  Returning to the main routine of FIG. 3, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the input on the side not selected has changed (step S113).

  If it is determined that there is no change in the input on the side not selected here, the CPU 18 returns to the process from step S111 again to maintain the selection state at that time, and does not perform the projection operation or selection. Continue detecting side changes.

  If it is determined in step S113 that the input on the side not selected has changed, the CPU 18 replaces the contents of the variable i representing the video signal side to be projected and the variable j representing the video signal side not to be projected. (Step S114), the process returns to step S110, and a projection operation based on the input on the side that has not been selected is executed.

  After the switching operation of the input signal, the CPU 18 may perform projection according to the image data stored in the time shift memory 24 and sound emission by the audio signal.

  By executing the projection operation delayed in this way, a state of time-shifted reproduction that goes back a predetermined time from the switching timing of the input signal is entered, so that the input on the side that has not been selected until then has changed. The projection of the image is executed with a delay from the previous timing, and the moment when the projection content changes can be visually recognized from the projection content.

  This function is effective when selecting and outputting an input signal in which a change in the target portion of the video signal does not change for a certain period of time and a change is detected behind the audio signal.

  If it is determined in step S105 that the default screen has been projected and a timeout has occurred, or if it is determined in step S111 that there has been an event instructing the stop of the projection operation, the CPU 18 uses the light source unit 15. 3 is completed after executing necessary processes at the end of the projection operation including the light emission stop and the associated cool-down process (step S115).

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, an effective one is automatically determined by detecting a case where a change occurs in the contents of video signals sent from a plurality of video output devices. Selection can be switched.

  In addition, in the above embodiment, since the video signal source inputs the video signal for generating the video signal generated from the document data for presentation, it is easy to determine the degree of video change and is unnecessary. It is possible to reduce the burden on the presenter during the presentation such as a simple switching operation, and in addition, it is not necessary to project complicated screen information required for the switching operation.

  In the above embodiment, as described in detail with reference to FIG. 4, only the change in the input on the side that is not set at that time is detected, so that the burden on the CPU 18 is reduced and power saving is achieved. Can do.

  In particular, in the above embodiment, since the change of the audio signal associated with the video is also detected and the video is switched when it is determined that there is a change, the input signal is comprehensively determined. Thus, the change can be accurately detected.

  In addition, since the video and audio input in association with each other are switched when the input system is switched, it is possible to realize a switching operation in which the viewer of the projection content does not feel uncomfortable.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the time shift memory 24 that always stores the video and audio for the fixed time immediately before as a buffer is provided as a delay element, and when the input system is switched, the stored contents of the time shift memory 24 are used for the predetermined time. Since the delayed contents are projected, it is possible to project without missing the beginning of the change that has occurred on the input side that has not been selected.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when a change in the video signal is detected, the change over time is detected using only a part of the pixel range. Therefore, the addition related to the detection by the CPU 18 is greatly reduced, and the power is saved. Can be achieved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the projector 1 that inputs each video signal from the PCs 2A and 2B has been described as performing the switching operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the projector 1 is dedicated to performing input and selection switching of a plurality of video signals. It may be realized by the device (input switching device).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an installation environment of the entire projection system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Here, the cables VC1, AC1, VC2, and AC2 from the PCs 2A and 2B are connected to the input end of the auto selector (input switcher) 3, and the output end of the auto selector 3 and the projector 1 are connected to the RGB cable VC3 and the audio. They are connected by a cable AC3.

  In other words, the detection and switching operation of the signal change is executed by the auto selector 3 that is separate from the projector 1, and the projector 1 itself is configured to input one system of video and audio.

  By using the auto selector 3 as described above, an operation similar to that of the above embodiment can be realized even if an existing projector is used, so even a user who already owns a projector does not need to replace the projector. Can be used for presentations.

  In the above embodiment, for ease of explanation, the projector 1 (or the auto selector 3) has been exemplified for the case where the video signals from the two PCs 2A and 2B are input, selected, and projected. Of course, the number of video signal input systems is not limited to two, and it is of course possible to deal with video signals of three or more systems in the same manner.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the projector 1 (or the auto selector 3) on the video signal input side detects a change in the signal and performs the switching operation has been described. However, a device such as a PC on the video signal output side. However, since the content changes in response to the video signal output by itself, it may be configured to receive a video switching signal that prompts the user to select and switch the video signal to the projector 1 on the hand side. .

  With such a configuration, it is possible to construct a projection system that automatically switches a plurality of images while greatly reducing the burden on the receiver-side projector 1 and the like and saving power.

  At that time, if the video switching signal is superimposed on the video signal and transmitted to the projector 1 or the like, notification using an existing interface can be performed.

  Specifically, when superimposing on the video signal, if the superimposition is made on the synchronization signal period, etc., outside the effective video signal period of the video signal, the switching of the video signal is urged without affecting the video signal. Notification can be realized.

  On the other hand, a configuration may be employed in which the video switching signal is notified to the projector 1 or the like by an independent signal different from the video signal, and the projector 1 or the like is reliably notified by using such a configuration. it can.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the time shift function is provided, but it is also possible to freely set the time for playback retroactively.

  Further, it goes without saying that the time-shift function may not be used (the time for retroactive reproduction is set to 0) for switching reproduction.

  In each of the above embodiments, only a partial pixel range is monitored to detect a change, but it goes without saying that the entire range may be monitored to reliably detect a change.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, the functions executed in the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate as possible. The above-described embodiment includes various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by an appropriate combination of a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, if the effect is obtained, a configuration from which the constituent requirements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

Hereinafter, the invention described in the scope of claims of the present application will be appended.
The invention according to claim 1 is a projection control device that outputs a video signal to be supplied to the projection device, wherein the video input unit inputs video signals from a plurality of video signal sources, and the video input unit inputs the video signal. Video change detection means for detecting a change in a plurality of video signals, selection means for selecting a video signal whose change has been detected by the video change detection means, and video for outputting the video signal selected by the selection means to the projection device Output means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the video signals from the plurality of video signal sources are presentation video signals.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the video change detecting means detects a change in a video signal not selected by the selecting means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to third aspects of the present invention, a voice input means for inputting a plurality of voice signals and a change in the plurality of voice signals input by the voice input means are detected. Audio change detecting means, and the selecting means selects a video signal associated with the audio signal whose change is detected by the audio change detecting means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, an audio input means for inputting audio signals associated with video signals from a plurality of video signal sources, and an audio output for outputting audio signals And the selecting means selects the audio signal associated with the audio signal whose change is detected by the video change detecting means and outputs the selected audio signal by the audio output means.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the memory according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the plurality of video signals input by the video input means are stored while being cyclically updated for at least a preset time. And the output means reads out the video signal selected by the selection means from the storage means and outputs it.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the video change detecting means changes based on partial information of the plurality of video signals inputted by the video input means. It is characterized by detecting.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the video change detecting means has specific information in a part of the plurality of video signals inputted by the video input means. And when the specific information is detected by the video change detection means, the selection means does not select the video signal even if a change other than the part is detected. To do.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided video input means for inputting video signals from a plurality of video signal sources, video change detection means for detecting changes in the plurality of video signals input by the video input means, and the video It comprises selection means for selecting a video signal whose change has been detected by the change detection means, and projection means for projecting the video signal selected by the selection means.

  The invention described in claim 10 is a video output device for outputting a video signal, comprising a change notification means for outputting a video switching signal for notifying the change of the signal when the video signal changes. Features.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 10, further comprising superimposing means for superimposing the video switching signal on the video signal, wherein the change notification means is the video signal on which the video switching signal is superimposed. Is used to notify the change of the video signal.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, in the invention of the eleventh aspect, the superimposing means superimposes the video switching signal outside an effective video signal period of the video signal.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, in the tenth aspect of the invention, the change notification means outputs the video switching signal as a signal of a different system from the video signal.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of video output devices that respectively output video signals, a projection control device that selects one of a plurality of video signals output from the plurality of video output devices and outputs the selected one to the projection device Each of the plurality of video output devices includes a change notification means for outputting a video switching signal for notifying the change of the signal when the video signal changes, and the projection The control device selects a video input means for inputting video signals from a plurality of video signal sources, a notification receiving means for receiving the video switching signal, and a video signal corresponding to the video switching signal received by the notification receiving means. And a video output means for outputting the video signal selected by the selection means.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Projector, 2A, 2B ... Personal computer (PC), 3 ... Auto selector, 11 ... Input part, 12 ... Image conversion part, 13 ... Projection process part, 14 ... Micromirror element, 15 ... Light source part, 16 ... Light source , 17 ... projection lens unit, 18 ... CPU, 19 ... main memory, 20 ... program memory, 21 ... operating unit, 22 ... audio processing unit, 23 ... speaker unit, 24 ... time shift memory, AC1 to AC3 ... audio Cable, SB ... system bus, SC ... screen, VC1 to VC3 ... RGB cable.

Claims (14)

A projection control device that outputs a video signal supplied to the projection device,
Video input means for inputting video signals from a plurality of video signal sources;
Video change detection means for detecting changes in the plurality of video signals input by the video input means;
Selecting means for selecting a video signal whose change has been detected by the video change detecting means;
A projection control apparatus comprising: a video output means for outputting the video signal selected by the selection means to the projection apparatus.   2. The projection control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the video signals from the plurality of video signal sources are video signals for presentation.   3. The video control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the video change detecting means detects a change in a video signal not selected by the selecting means. Audio input means for inputting a plurality of audio signals;
Voice change detecting means for detecting changes in the plurality of voice signals input by the voice input means;
4. The projection control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects a video signal associated with the audio signal whose change is detected by the audio change detection unit. Audio input means for inputting audio signals associated with video signals from a plurality of video signal sources;
Audio output means for outputting an audio signal,
The said selection means selects the audio | voice signal matched with the audio | voice signal which the change was detected by the said image | video change detection means, and makes it output by the said audio | voice output means, The said output means Projection control device. Storage means for storing the plurality of video signals input by the video input means while being updated cyclically for at least a preset time;
6. The projection control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit reads out and outputs the video signal selected by the selection unit from the storage unit.   The projection control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the video change detecting unit detects a change based on partial information of the plurality of video signals input by the video input unit. The video change detecting means detects whether or not there is specific information in a part of the plurality of video signals input by the video input means,
8. The selection unit according to claim 1, wherein when the specific information is detected by the video change detection unit, the video signal is not selected even if a change other than the part is detected. Any one of the projection control apparatuses. Video input means for inputting video signals from a plurality of video signal sources;
Video change detection means for detecting changes in the plurality of video signals input by the video input means;
Selecting means for selecting a video signal whose change has been detected by the video change detecting means;
A projection apparatus comprising: projection means for projecting the video signal selected by the selection means. A video output device for outputting a video signal,
A video output device comprising a change notification means for outputting a video switching signal for notifying a change in the signal when the video signal changes. Superimposing means for superimposing the video switching signal on the video signal;
11. The video output apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the change notification means notifies the change of the video signal by the video signal on which the video switching signal is superimposed.   12. The video output apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the superimposing unit superimposes the video switching signal outside an effective video signal period of the video signal.   11. The video output apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the change notification means outputs the video switching signal as a signal of a system different from the video signal. A projection control system that includes a plurality of video output devices that each output a video signal, and a projection control device that selects and outputs one of the plurality of video signals output from the plurality of video output devices to the projection device. And
Each of the plurality of video output devices is
A change notification means for outputting a video switching signal for notifying the change of the signal when the video signal changes;
The projection control device
Video input means for inputting video signals from a plurality of video signal sources;
Notification receiving means for receiving the video switching signal;
Selecting means for selecting a video signal corresponding to the video switching signal received by the notification receiving means;
And a video output means for outputting the video signal selected by the selection means.

Images