Image Projection Device

Abstract

To enhance operability of an image projection device.SOLUTION: An image projection device has: a projection unit that projects images; and an operation unit that receives operations by an operator. The projection unit can project the image in a plurality of projection modes. The plurality of projection modes include a plurality of projection modes implementing a switch operation on the basis of the switch operation serving as the operation about a switch action serving being an action of switching between a projection state where the image is projected externally from the projection unit and a non-projection state where the image is not projected externally from the projection unit. The switch operation is different for each projection mode. The plurality of projection modes includes a projection mode in which the switch action becomes the projection state during a period of time when the operation unit is depressedly operated, and becomes the non-projection state when the operation unit is not depressedly operated by the operator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image projection device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Image projection devices such as projectors have been known for some time.

[0003] Also, as an image projection device, a configuration has been disclosed that has a mode in which an image is projected when a dedicated key is pressed and an image is not projected when the dedicated key is not pressed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional configuration, since only one operation is required to switch between projecting and not projecting an image, it is not possible to provide operability that corresponds to various usage patterns of users.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the operability of an image projection device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An image projection device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a projection unit that projects an image, an operation unit that accepts operations by an operator, a control board that controls the operation of the projection unit, a battery that supplies power to the projection unit and the control board, and a switching unit that is disposed on wiring between the control board and the projection unit, and is capable of projecting the image in a plurality of projection modes, the plurality of projection modes being selected based on a switching operation that is an operation related to a switching operation that switches between a projection state in which the image is projected from the projection unit to the outside and a non-projection state in which the image is not projected from the projection unit to the outside. The projection device includes a plurality of projection modes for performing an operation, the switching operation being different for each projection mode, the plurality of projection modes including a projection mode in which the switching operation is in the projection state while the operation unit is being pressed and in the non-projection state when the operation unit is not being pressed by the operator, the switching unit switches between an ON state in which power is supplied to the projection unit and an OFF state in which power supply to the projection unit is stopped in response to the operation by the operator, and the control board is constantly supplied with power from the battery regardless of the ON state or the OFF state of the switching unit. The projection unit includes a light-emitting unit and a display device that forms an image by modulating light from the light-emitting unit, the switching unit is disposed between the battery and a position where power supplied from the battery is branched toward the light-emitting unit and the display device, and the control board is disposed between the switching unit and the battery. do. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the operability of the image projection device can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image projection device according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the z-direction side; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image projection device according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the negative z direction; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image projection device according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the negative x direction; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a front view of an image projection device according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the x-positive direction. [Diagram 5] Exploded perspective view of an image projection device [Figure 6]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the image projection device is held; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a state in which the image projection device is held; [Figure 8] Block diagram of an image projection device [Figure 9] Block diagram of a modified example of an image projection device [Figure 10] Block diagram of the control board's functional configuration example [Figure 11] A partial enlarged view of region P in FIG. 1 as viewed from the z-positive side. [Figure 12] Example of the main menu screen on the OSD screen [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a sub-menu screen on the OSD screen. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart of an example of processing by a control board. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an image projection device according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the z-direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the same components in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0010] In the following description, the x, y, and z directions are perpendicular to each other. The x direction is the projection direction of the image projection device 1. The y direction is the left-right direction of the projected image of the image projection device 1, and is typically the horizontal direction. The z direction is the up-down direction of the projected image of the image projection device 1, and is typically the vertical direction.

[0011] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the image projection device 1 according to the first embodiment, viewed from the z positive direction side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image projection device 1, viewed from the z negative direction side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the image projection device 1, viewed from the x negative direction side. FIG. 4 is a front view of the image projection device 1, viewed from the x positive direction side. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the image projection device 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the image projection device 1 in a held state. FIG. 7 is a side view showing the image projection device 1 in a held state.

[0012] 1 to 7 is a so-called handy type image projection device that can project an image while being held in one hand by an operator of the image projection device 1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as an operator). The operator is, for example, a user of the image projection device 1.

[0013] The image projection device 1 includes a main body 2, a projection unit 3, and a projection button 4. The main body 2 is formed in a shape that can be held in one hand. The projection unit 3 projects an image by irradiating light to the outside. This light is called projected light, and this image is called a projected image.

[0014] The main body 2 is hollow, and houses the projection unit 3 and other components inside the main body 2.

[0015] The projection button 4 is an element for inputting an operation by the operator by physically contacting it with a finger or the like, and is an example of an operation unit that accepts operations by the operator. The projection button 4 is a push-button switch for the operator to switch between projection and non-projection. The projection button 4 is located on the surface of the main body 2. The projection button 4 is also connected to a switching unit 18 (see FIG. 8, etc.) that is provided on an electric circuit.

[0016] When the switching unit 18 operates in response to an operation of the projection button 4 by an operator, the wiring 14 (see FIG. 8) is switched between energized and de-energized on the electric circuit, thereby switching the projection unit 3 between a projection state and a non-projection state. Here, in this embodiment, the projection state refers to a state in which an image is projected from the projection unit 3 to the outside, and the non-projection state refers to a state in which an image is not projected from the projection unit 3 to the outside. The image projection device 1 is capable of irradiating light L from the projection unit 3 at a timing desired by the operator in response to an operation of the projection button 4, and is also capable of stopping the irradiation of light L.

[0017] The projection button 4 may have another function in addition to the function of switching between the projection state and the non-projection state, and may realize the other function instead of the function of switching between the projection state and the non-projection state depending on the state of the image projector 1. The projection button 4 and the switching unit 18 may be configured to be integrally formed as a single switch component, or may be configured to be arranged separately and electrically connected.

[0018] Note that the operation of the projection button 4 by the operator includes, for example, a pressing operation. The pressing operation includes an operation of pressing the button, an operation of pressing and sliding the button, an operation of touching a touch panel, and the like, and also includes an operation in which the operator recognizes that he or she has pressed the projection button 4.

[0019] The projection unit 3 is installed on the protrusion 2D at the tip of the main body 2 in the x-positive direction so that the projection direction is along the longitudinal direction (x-direction) of the main body 2. The protrusion 2D protrudes along the longitudinal direction (x-direction) of the main body 2. The protrusion 2D is formed integrally with the main body 2, and the internal space is connected. The relationship between the main body 2 and the protrusion 2D can also be said to be such that the main body 2 has the protrusion 2D.

[0020] The projection unit 3 includes a lens unit 3A, and is installed so that the lens unit 3A is exposed from an opening 2C provided at the tip 2A of the convex portion 2D in the x-positive direction, and is installed on the main body 2 so that the up-down direction of the image projected from the lens unit 3A is along the z-direction and the left-right direction of the image is along the y-direction. When projecting light to the outside, the axis passing through the lens center of the lens unit 3A is defined as the optical axis L1. The projection unit 3 has optical elements such as lenses, and the "optical axis of the projection unit 3" is, for example, the optical axis center of these optical elements. It can also be said that the convex portion 2D protrudes along the optical axis of the projection unit 3.

[0021] The projection unit 3 also includes a focus adjustment dial 15, which is exposed to the outside through an opening provided in a part of the protruding portion 2D. The operator can adjust the focus of the projected image by operating the dial 15.

[0022] Next, the internal structure of the image projection device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0023] 5, the image projection device 1 includes a projection unit 3, a control board 6, a battery 7, and a partition member 8, which are housed inside the main body 2. The control board 6 and the battery 7 are substantially rectangular parallelepiped shaped, and are disposed inside the main body 2 with their heights decreasing in the up-down direction. The projection unit 3 and the control board 6 are provided on the z positive side of the partition member 8, and the battery 7 is provided on the z negative side of the partition member 8.

[0024] The control board 6 controls the operation of the projection unit 3. The control board 6 can be physically configured as a computer system in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random access memory), ROM (Read Only Member), storage device, interface, etc. are connected via a bus. The various functions of the control board 6 are realized by loading predetermined computer software onto hardware such as the CPU and RAM, reading and writing data from and to the RAM and storage device under the control of the CPU, and operating other components such as the projection unit 3 and external devices via the interface.

[0025] The battery 7 is a power source that supplies power to the projection unit 3 and the control board 6, and is a plate-shaped secondary battery.

[0026] 1 and other figures, in addition to the projection button 4, a power button 11 and a button group 12 are provided on the surface of the main body 2 on the z positive side. The power button 11 is a button for switching on and off the power supply to the image projection device 1 and for operating the main power function. The power button 11 may have other functions in addition to the main power function, and may realize the other functions instead of the main power function depending on the state of the image projection device 1.

[0027] Button group 12 includes a plurality of buttons for operating each function of the projection device. Power button 11 is arranged on the negative x side of projection button 4, and button group 12 is arranged on the negative x side of power button 11, with each button being arranged along the y direction. Button group 12 is a group consisting of a plurality of buttons.

[0028] 3, connectors 13 such as a USB connector and an HDMI (registered trademark) are arranged so as to be exposed on the end surface 2B on the negative X-direction side of the main body 2, and are configured to be connectable to various external devices. The connectors 13 are installed on the control board 6, for example.

[0029] 1 to 4, 6 and 7, an upper tapered portion 21A is provided on the upper cover 21 of the main body 2, and a lower tapered portion 22A is provided on the lower cover 22. The upper tapered portion 21A is a tapered portion extending from the upper surface of the main body 2 to the side surface. The lower tapered portion 22A is a tapered portion extending from the lower surface B of the main body 2 or the lower surface 2E of the protruding portion 2D to the side surface of the main body 2. Note that hand H in FIGS. 6 and 7 indicates the hand of the operator.

[0030] Providing the upper tapered portion 21A and the lower tapered portion 22A on the main body 2 in this way makes it easier for the user to hold the main body 2. Furthermore, handy projectors (image projection devices 1) are often carried around in bags or clothing pockets. Tapers such as the upper tapered portion 21A and the lower tapered portion 22A make it less likely that corners of the device will get caught in a bag, pocket, or the like when taking the device in or out.

[0031] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 and other figures, the upper tapered portion 21A and the lower tapered portion 22A are provided around the entire periphery of the image projection device 1, but may be provided only on a part of the periphery.

[0032] Fig. 8 is a block diagram of the image projection device 1. As shown in Fig. 8, the projection unit 3 has a light-emitting unit 31 and a display device 32. The light-emitting unit 31 has LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 31R, 31G, and 31B. The LEDs 31R, 31G, and 31B are light sources of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), respectively.

[0033] The display device 32 is an image generating unit that generates a projection image through the light output from the light emitting unit 31 and outputs the image to the outside. In this embodiment, a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) is used as the display device 32.

[0034] The light-emitting unit 31 and the display device 32 may be replaced with other elements that can fulfill their respective functions. That is, although an LED is used as the light-emitting unit 31, a halogen lamp or the like may also be used. Furthermore, although a DMD is used as the display device, a liquid crystal display device may also be used.

[0035] In the projection state, the light-emitting unit 31 is turned on and the display device 32 is operated. In the non-projection state, the light-emitting unit 31 is turned off and the display device 32 is stopped.

[0036] In FIG. 8, the information transmission system of the image projection device 1 is indicated by a solid line, the power supply system is indicated by a thick solid line, and the optical system is indicated by a dotted line. As shown in FIG. 8, the information transmission system of the image projection device 1 outputs a control signal from the control board 6 to the light-emitting unit 31 and the display device 32 of the projection unit 3. In addition, in the power supply system of the image projection device 1, power is first supplied from the battery 7 to the control board 6, and then power is supplied from the control board 6 to the light-emitting unit 31 and the display device 32 of the projection unit 3 via the wiring 14. In particular, in this embodiment, a switching unit 18 is disposed on the wiring 14 between the control board 6 and the projection unit 3. The switching unit 18 can be switched between an on state and an off state in response to an operation of the projection button 4 by an operator. FIG. 8 shows the switching unit 18 in an off state.

[0037] When the switching unit 18 is in the ON state, it supplies power to the light-emitting unit 31 and the display device 32 of the projection unit 3, and when it is in the OFF state, it stops the power supply to the light-emitting unit 31 and the display device 32 of the projection unit 3. Meanwhile, regardless of whether the switching unit 18 is ON or OFF, power is always supplied to the control board 6 from the battery 7. In this way, the switching unit 18 can switch between the projection state and the non-projection state of the projection unit 3 in response to an operation of the projection button 4 by an operator while maintaining the activated state of the control board 6. Also, it can switch between turning on and off the light-emitting unit 31, and between turning on and off the display device 32.

[0038] Even when the image projection device 1 is in operation, it can be switched to a non-projection state as appropriate when image projection is not required, thereby reducing power consumption, extending the life of the projection unit 3, and reducing heat generation. In addition, since the control board 6 remains activated even when the projection unit 3 is in a non-projection state, the projection unit 3 can start up more quickly when switching back to the projection state, compared to a configuration in which both the projection unit 3 and the control board 6 are stopped, such as in a conventional standby mode. This makes it possible to project images in quick response to the operator's switch operation, improving the operability of the device.

[0039] 8 illustrates a configuration in which the switching unit 18 switches between the presence / absence of power supply from the control board 6 to both the light-emitting unit 31 and the display device 32, but the switching unit 18 may be disposed at a position on the wiring 14 that can switch between the presence / absence of power supply to only one of the light-emitting unit 31 or the display device 32. It is sufficient for the switching unit 18 to be able to at least switch between a projection state and a non-projection state.

[0040] 9 is a block diagram of a modified example of the image projection device 1. The schematic block diagram shown in FIG. 9 is similar to that in FIG.

[0041] 9, another configuration example of the switching unit 18 has an MCU 18A that detects pressing of the projection button 4, and while pressing of the projection button 4 is detected, power is supplied to the light-emitting unit 31 and the display device 32, for example, to maintain the projection state. While pressing is not detected, power is not supplied to the light-emitting unit 31 and the display device 32 to maintain the non-projection state. In this case, the control board 6 functions as a switching unit that switches between the projection state and the non-projection state.

[0042] 9, in response to an operation input of the projection button 4 as an operation unit, the control board 6 serves as a switching unit that switches between energized (on state) and de-energized (off state) wiring 14 between the control board 6 and the projection unit 3, and performs the switching electrically instead of the switching unit 18 that is provided on the wiring 14 and performs the physical switching in Fig. 8. That is, in the case of the modified example shown in Fig. 9, the control board 6 functions as a switching unit that switches between the presence and absence of power supply to the projection unit 3 in response to pressing of the projection button 4.

[0043] The control board 6 can control the projection state and non-projection state of the projection unit 3. The control board 6 has a built-in MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 18A. The MCU 18A can detect whether the projection button 4 electrically connected to the control board 6 is pressed or not pressed.

[0044] In FIG. 9, the projection button 4 is connected to ground (GND) and the pressed / unpressed state of the projection button 4 is detected by the change from the reference voltage, but this is not limited to this as long as the pressed / unpressed state of the projection button 4 can be detected.

[0045] <Examples of multiple projection modes by the image projection device 1> The image projection device 1 according to this embodiment can project images in a plurality of projection modes. Here, the projection mode refers to an operation method of the image projection device 1 related to the projection of an image. The image projection device 1 also has a plurality of projection modes in which the operation by the operator to switch between the projection state and the non-projection state differs from each other. Hereinafter, the operation to switch between the projection state and the non-projection state may be referred to as a switching operation, and the operation by the operator to switch between the projection state and the non-projection state may be referred to as a switching operation.

[0046] Table 1 shows five projection modes as multiple projection modes available for the image projector 1. Table 1 also shows the relationship between the operation of the projection button 4 by the operator for each projection mode and the mutual switching between the projection state and the non-projection state.

[0047] [Table 1]

[0048] As shown in Table 1, the five projection modes include a continuous projection mode, a single-click switching mode, a momentary mode, a double-click switching mode, and a long press and continuous projection mode. An operator can select one of these as a projection mode according to the usage scene of the image projection device 1.

[0049] The continuous projection mode is a projection mode in which the projection state is established regardless of whether the projection button 4 is pressed or not. This projection mode is suitable, for example, for projection in a state in which the image projection device 1 is placed on a table or the like. In the continuous projection mode, the control board 6 constantly supplies power to the projection unit 3 via the wiring 14 to establish a projection state, regardless of the information on whether the projection button 4 is pressed or not detected by the MCU 18A. Note that the function of the control board 6 may be performed by the switching unit 18, and this point is also applied to the following explanation of the projection modes.

[0050] In the continuous projection mode, no operation input is made to the projection button 4 to switch between the projection state and the non-projection state, but the operation of not inputting to the projection button 4 is included in the operation by the operator to switch between the projection state and the non-projection state.

[0051] The single-click switching mode is a projection mode in which the projection state and the non-projection state are switched back and forth each time the projection button 4 is pressed once (single clicked) as a switching operation. This projection mode is suitable for cases in which the operator wants to extend the projection state, for example, when performing projection while holding the image projection device 1.

[0052] In the single-click switching mode, the control board 6 switches between a projection state by supplying power to the projection unit 3 via the wiring 14 and a non-projection state by not supplying power to the projection unit 3, each time the projection button 4 is pressed, based on information on the pressed or non-pressed state of the projection button 4 detected by the MCU 18A. From the viewpoint of improving operability, it is preferable that the time for one pressing operation for the control board 6 to detect that one pressing operation has been performed is appropriately set according to the intended use of the image projection device 1, the preferences of the operator, and the like.

[0053] The momentary mode is a projection mode in which the projection state is established while the projection button 4 is pressed by the operator as a switching operation, and the non-projection state is established when the projection button 4 is not pressed by the operator. Here, momentary refers to a method in which the on state is established only while the button is pressed. In the momentary mode, the projection state and the non-projection state are switched in response to switching between a state in which the projection button 4 is pressed and a state in which it is not pressed.

[0054] The momentary mode is suitable for cases where, for example, an operator is holding the image projection device 1 to perform projection, the projection state can be shorter than in the single-click switching mode, and intermittent projection is desired.

[0055] In the momentary mode, the control board 6 supplies power to the projection unit 3 via the wiring 14 to enter the projection state while the projection button 4 is pressed, based on information on whether the projection button 4 is pressed or not detected by the MCU 18A.

[0056] The double-click switching mode is a projection mode in which the projection state and the non-projection state are switched back and forth each time the projection button 4 is pressed twice in succession (double-clicked) as a switching operation. This projection mode is suitable, for example, when the operator performs projection while holding the image projection device 1, particularly when the operator wants to extend the projection state. In addition, although there is a concern that a single click may be performed by mistake, double-clicking due to an erroneous operation is relatively rare, so this is more suitable from the viewpoint of preventing projection due to an erroneous operation.

[0057] In the double-click switching mode, the control board 6 switches between supplying power to the projection unit 3 via the wiring 14 to set it to a projection state, and supplying no power to the projection unit 3 to set it to a non-projection state, each time the projection button 4 is pressed twice in succession, based on information on the pressed or non-pressed state of the projection button 4 detected by the MCU 18A. From the viewpoint of improving operability, it is preferable that the pressing operation time and the pressing operation time interval for the control board 6 to detect that a pressing operation has been performed twice in succession are appropriately set according to the intended use of the image projection device 1, the preferences of the operator, and the like.

[0058] In the continuous projection mode after long press, the projection state is maintained while the projection button 4 is being pressed as a switching operation, and if the projection button 4 is kept pressed for a predetermined time or longer, the projection state becomes continuous after the predetermined time has elapsed even if the projection button 4 is no longer being pressed.

[0059] This projection mode is suitable for cases where an operator wants to perform intermittent projection, for example, when performing projection while holding the image projection device 1. It is also suitable for cases where an operator wants to extend the projection state while performing intermittent projection.

[0060] In the continuous after long press mode, the control board 6 supplies power to the projection unit 3 via the wiring 14 while the projection button 4 is pressed, based on information on whether the projection button 4 is pressed or not detected by the MCU 18A, to set the projection state. When the projection button 4 is pressed for a predetermined time or longer, power is constantly supplied to the projection unit 3 via the wiring 14 to set the projection state to a continuous state. From the viewpoint of improving operability, it is preferable that the above-mentioned predetermined time is appropriately set according to the intended use of the image projection device 1, the operator's preferences, etc.

[0061] Next, the operation of selecting a projection mode by an operator will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 13. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control board 6. Fig. 11 is a partial enlarged view of the area P in Fig. 1 as viewed from the z positive side, showing a button group 12 and the like used for selecting a projection mode. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a main menu screen 131 in an OSD (On-Screen Display) screen 130. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a sub-menu screen 132 in the OSD screen 130.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 10, the control board 6 has a display control unit 181 and a projection mode selection unit 182. These functions are realized by electric circuits, and some functions can also be realized by software (CPU). These functions may also be realized by multiple circuits or multiple pieces of software. Note that while Fig. 10 shows the main functions of the control board 6, the control board 6 may have other functions.

[0063] The display control unit 181 displays the OSD screen 130 by projecting an image including the OSD screen 130 onto the projection unit 3. The OSD screen 130 is a screen that displays settings or operation information of the image projection device 1 itself, and is an example of an operation screen for selecting a projection mode in this embodiment. The OSD screen 130 includes a main menu screen 131 shown in FIG. 12 and a sub-menu screen 132 shown in FIG. 13.

[0064] The projection mode selection unit 182 has a function of selecting a projection mode in response to a selection operation received using the OSD screen 130.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 11, the button group 12 includes a first button 121, a second button 122, a third button 123, a fourth button 124, and a fifth button 125.

[0066] The first button 121 is a button that accepts a pressing operation for displaying the OSD screen 130. When the display control unit 181 detects a pressing operation on the first button 121 while the OSD screen 130 is not displayed, the display control unit 181 instructs the projection unit 3 to display an image including the OSD screen 130. Based on the instruction, the projection unit 3 displays the image including the OSD screen 130.

[0067] When the OSD screen 130 is displayed, the first button 121 functions as a so-called "back" button for returning the OSD screen 130 that has been changed or has been expanded as a tree. The projection mode when the OSD screen 130 is displayed may be any one of the five projection modes.

[0068] Each of the second button 122, the third button 123, the fourth button 124, and the fifth button 125 has a function of moving a cursor 141 displayed on the OSD screen 130 in response to a pressing operation by the operator. The second button 122 moves the cursor in the negative z direction, the third button 123 moves the cursor in the negative y direction, the fourth button 124 moves the cursor in the positive z direction, and the fifth button 125 moves the cursor in the positive y direction.

[0069] 1 and the like functions as a so-called "decision" button when the OSD screen 130 is displayed. When the projection button 4 is pressed while the OSD screen 130 is displayed, the image projection device 1 executes an operation corresponding to an item displayed at the stopping position of the cursor 141 on the OSD screen 130.

[0070] The operator can move the cursor 141 on the OSD screen 130 by pressing each of the first button 121, the second button 122, the third button 123, the fourth button 124, and the fifth button 125. Then, after the operator stops the cursor 141 at a desired position, the operator can press the projection button 4 to cause the image projection device 1 to execute a desired operation.

[0071] Next, with reference to Figs. 12 and 13, an operation for selecting the momentary projection mode will be described as a specific example of an operation by an operator for selecting a projection mode.

[0072] For example, when an image is being projected in the continuous projection mode and the OSD screen 130 is not being displayed, if the operator presses the first button 121, a main menu screen 131 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.

[0073] Next, the operator presses the second button 122 or the fifth button 125 to move the cursor 141 along the z direction to the position of the category group 133 displayed on the negative y side of the main menu screen 131.

[0074] Next, the operator stops cursor 141 at the display position of the "Video" category in category group 133, and then presses fourth button 124. Cursor 141 moves to the position of "To detailed settings" displayed on the y-positive side of the display position of "Video" and stops there. In this state, when the operator presses projection button 4, submenu screen 132 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed.

[0075] In the sub-menu screen 132, a category group 133 is displayed on the negative y-axis side of the screen, and a selection item group 134 is displayed on the positive y-axis side. When the cursor 141 is stopped on the category group 133, the display contents of the selection item group 134 are switched to correspond to the category item at the stopped position.

[0076] By pressing the second button 122 or the fifth button 125, the operator moves the cursor 141 in the z direction to the position of the category group 133 displayed on the negative y side of the sub-menu screen 132.

[0077] Next, the operator stops cursor 141 at the display position of the “Projection Mode” category in category group 133, and then presses fourth button 124. Cursor 141 moves to the position of selection item group 134 displayed on the y positive side of the display position of “Projection Mode”, and stops there.

[0078] Next, the operator presses either the second button 122 or the fourth button 124 to move the cursor 141 in the z direction at the display position of the selection item group 134, and stops the cursor 141 at the display position of the desired projection mode. In FIG. 13, the cursor 141 stops at the display position of "momentary." When the operator presses the projection button 4 in this state, the momentary mode is selected as the projection mode, and the image projection device 1 enters a state in which it can project an image in the momentary mode. After that, the OSD screen 130 is hidden within the projected image.

[0079] In this way, the operator can select the momentary mode as the projection mode and project an image in the momentary mode on the image projection device 1. Note that, although the selection operation of the momentary mode is exemplified here, the selection operation of other projection modes can also be performed in the same manner.

[0080] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a process performed by the control board 6. As shown in FIG.

[0081] First, in step S1, the control board 6 determines whether or not an instruction to display the OSD screen 130 has been issued.

[0082] In step S1, if it is determined that there is no instruction to display the OSD screen 130 (step S1, No), the control board 6 performs the process of step S1 again. On the other hand, in step S1, if it is determined that there is an instruction to display the OSD screen 130 (step S1, Yes), the control board 6 displays an image including the OSD screen 130 in step S2.

[0083] Next, in step S3, the control board 6 determines whether or not a projection mode has been input.

[0084] If it is determined in step S3 that the projection mode has not been input (step S3, No), the control board 6 proceeds to step S8. Note that the control board 6 can determine that the projection mode has not been input by, for example, detecting that there has been no input for a predetermined period of time or detecting an instruction to end the display of the OSD screen 130.

[0085] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the projection mode has been input (Yes in step S3), then in step S4 the control board 6 selects the projection mode.

[0086] Next, in step S5, the control board 6 determines whether or not the projection mode is the continuous projection mode.

[0087] If it is determined in step S5 that the projection mode is not the continuous projection mode (step S5, No), the control board 6 updates the switching operation to each switching operation shown in Table 1 in step S6.

[0088] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the projection mode is the continuous projection mode (Yes in step S5), then in step S7, the control board 6 sets switching by a switching operation to be invalid.

[0089] Next, in step S8, the control board 6 ends the display of the OSD screen 130, and then ends the process.

[0090] In this manner, the control board 6 can perform the selection process of the projection mode.

[0091] <Functions and Effects of Image Projection Device 1> As described above, the image projection device 1 according to the present embodiment has a projection unit 3 that projects an image, and a projection button 4 (operation unit) that accepts operations by an operator, and is capable of projecting images in a plurality of projection modes. The plurality of projection modes include a plurality of projection modes that execute a switching operation based on a switching operation that is an operation related to a switching operation that switches between a projection state in which an image is projected from the projection unit 3 to the outside and a non-projection state in which an image is not projected from the projection unit 3 to the outside, the switching operation being different for each projection mode, and the plurality of projection modes include a projection mode in which the switching operation is in a projection state while the operation unit is being pressed, and in a non-projection state when the operation unit is not being pressed by the operator.

[0092] With this configuration, since there are multiple types of operations for switching between image projection and non-projection, it is possible to provide operability that corresponds to various usage patterns of users. As a result, it is possible to improve the operability of the image projection device 1. Furthermore, the image projection device 1 can prevent unnecessary projection by switching to a suitable projection mode depending on the usage scene.

[0093] The multiple projection modes also include a projection mode that is in a projection state while the operator is pressing the projection button 4 and is in a non-projection state when the operator is not pressing the projection button 4. This projection mode is, for example, the momentary mode described above.

[0094] In this projection mode, projection is performed only while the operator is pressing the projection button 4, which can more effectively prevent projection that is not required by the operator and can provide the operator with a more intuitive operational feel.

[0095] In this embodiment, the display control unit 181 displays the OSD screen (operation screen) for selecting a projection mode, and the projection mode is selected in response to a selection operation received using the OSD screen .

[0096] This allows the image projection device 1 to further improve the operability of the projection mode selection operation. However, the projection mode selection operation is not limited to using the OSD screen 130. For example, it is also possible to configure the projection mode to be selectable according to an operation accepted using the projection button 4. Using the projection button 4 can further simplify the functional configuration of the image projection device 1. It is also possible to configure the projection mode to be selectable using both the OSD screen 130 and the projection button 4.

[0097] In this embodiment, the projection button 4 is exemplified as an operation unit, but the operation unit is not limited to this. The power button 11 or any button among the button group 12 can also be the operation unit. The positions of the projection button, power button 11, button group 12, etc. shown in this embodiment are merely examples, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the intended use of the image projection device 1. Furthermore, the number of projection modes is not limited to five, and may be any number as long as it is more than one.

[0098] [Second embodiment] Next, an image projection device 1a according to a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0099] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the image projection device 1a as viewed from the z positive side. As shown in Fig. 15, the image projection device 1a has a hard key 126. The configuration of the image projection device 1a other than the configuration related to the hard key 126 is the same as that of the image projection device 1.

[0100] In this embodiment, the projection mode is switched by a hard key 126, and each time the hard key 126 is pressed, the projection mode is switched in a predetermined order.

[0101] In this way, since the projection mode is switched by the hard key 126, viewing of the projected image is not interrupted while the OSD screen 130 is displayed, as compared to the case where the projection mode is switched by displaying the OSD screen 130. By using a dedicated hard key independent of other buttons, etc., the operation is made easy to understand, and erroneous operation can be suitably prevented. Note that the effects of this embodiment other than those described above are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0102] Regarding the processing by the control board, in this embodiment, each time an operation on the hard key 126 is detected, the projection mode selected in step S4 in FIG. 14 is switched, and steps S5 and S6, or steps S5 and S7, are executed depending on the selected projection mode.

[0103] The present embodiment has been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these specific examples. Any design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to these specific examples are also included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they have the features of the present disclosure. The elements of each of the above-mentioned specific examples and their arrangements, conditions, shapes, etc. are not limited to those exemplified and can be changed as appropriate. The combination of each of the elements of each of the above-mentioned specific examples can be changed as appropriate as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0104] In the embodiment, a handy type and small image projection device is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the embodiment can be applied to various types of image projection devices such as a vertical type, a horizontal type, a ceiling type, etc. However, from the viewpoint of improving operability, it is particularly preferable to apply the embodiment to a handy type image projection device. The image projection device can also be called an image projection device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1 Image projection device 2 Main unit 3 Projection section 31 Light emitting part 32 Display Devices 4 Projection button (an example of the operation section) 6 Control Board 7 Battery 8 Partitioning material 11 Power button 12 Buttons 121 First Button 122 Second Button 123 Third Button 124 4th Button 125 5th button 126 Hard Key 130 OSD screen 131 Main menu screen 132 Submenu screen 133 Categories 134 Selection items 141 Cursor 14 Wiring 18 Switching section 18A MPU 181 Display control section 182 Projection mode selection section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0106] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-226684 A

Claims

1. A projection unit that projects an image; an operation unit that accepts operations by an operator; A control board for controlling the operation of the projection unit; a battery that supplies power to the projection unit and the control board; a switching unit disposed on wiring between the control board and the projection unit, The image can be projected in a plurality of projection modes; The plurality of projection modes include: a projection mode for executing a switching operation based on a switching operation which is an operation related to a switching operation between a projection state in which the image is projected from the projection unit to the outside and a non-projection state in which the image is not projected from the projection unit to the outside, The switching operation differs for each projection mode, the plurality of projection modes include a projection mode in which the switching operation is in the projection state while the operation unit is being pressed, and in the non-projection state when the operation unit is not being pressed by the operator, the switching unit switches between an ON state in which power is supplied to the projection unit and an OFF state in which power supply to the projection unit is stopped in response to the operation by the operator; the control board is constantly supplied with power from the battery regardless of the on state or the off state of the switching unit; the projection unit includes a light-emitting unit and a display device that forms an image by modulating light from the light-emitting unit; the switching unit is disposed between the battery and a position where the power supplied from the battery is branched toward the light-emitting unit and the display device, respectively; The image projection device, wherein the control board is disposed between the switching unit and the battery.

2. a display control unit that displays an operation screen for selecting the projection mode, The image projection device according to claim 1 , wherein the projection mode is selected in response to a selection operation received using the operation screen.

3. The image projection device according to claim 1 , wherein the projection mode is selected in response to the operation received using the operation unit.

4. The image projection device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of projection modes include a projection mode in which the projection state is continuous regardless of the presence or absence of the operation on the operation unit.

5. 5. The image projection device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of projection modes include a projection mode in which the switching operation switches between the projection state and the non-projection state each time the operation unit is pressed once.

6. The image projection device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of projection modes include a projection mode in which the switching operation switches between the projection state and the non-projection state each time the operation unit is pressed twice in succession.

7. 7. The image projection device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of projection modes include a projection mode in which the projection state is maintained while the operation unit is being pressed, and if the operation unit continues to be pressed for a predetermined period of time or more, the projection state continues after the predetermined period of time has elapsed even if the operation unit is not being pressed.

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