Display control method, display device, and image output device

Abstract

This invention provides a display control method, a display device, and an image output device, enabling the differentiation or combination of multiple display areas in various ways without complex operations. The display control method outputs M images (M being an integer greater than or equal to 1) through one or more image output devices. When M < N (N being an integer greater than or equal to 2), the method allocates each of the M images to each of the M sub-regions obtained by dividing a large region of an image displayed on N display devices for display. When M = N, the method allocates each of the M images to each of the N display areas corresponding to the N display devices for display.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a display control method, a control device, and a display device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, methods for simultaneously utilizing multiple display devices such as projectors were known. Patent Document 1 discloses an example in which multiple display devices are connected to an image output device, forming a display area equal to the number of display devices, such that multiple images output by the image output device correspond one-to-one with the display area.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-164319

[0004] When using multiple display devices, and not limited to the example disclosed in Patent Document 1, various ways of dividing or combining display areas can be considered. However, setting the usage method of the display areas is complicated for the user. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a display control method in a display system comprising one or more image output devices and N (N being an integer greater than or equal to 2) display devices. The image output devices output M (M being an integer greater than or equal to 1) images. When M < N, the display areas of the N display devices are divided into M sub-regions, and one image is allocated to each sub-region for display. When M = N, one image is allocated to each display area of ​​the display devices for display.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is a display device that displays images in a display area, wherein the display device has: a connection portion connected to one or more image output devices and (N-1) external display devices (N being an integer of 2 or more); and a display device control portion that allocates M images (M being an integer of 1 or more) output by the image output devices to the display area and the display areas of the external display devices for display. When M < N, the display device control portion divides the display area of ​​the display device and the display area of ​​the external display devices into M sub-regions and allocates one image to each of the sub-regions for display. When M = N, the display device control portion allocates one image to the display area and the display areas of each of the external display devices for display.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is an image output device connected to N (N is an integer of 2 or more) display devices, outputting M (M is an integer of 1 or more) images. In the case of M < N, the output device control unit divides the display areas of the N display devices into M sub-regions, assigns one image to each sub-region, and displays the image through the display device. In the case of M = N, one image is assigned to the display area of ​​each display device, and the image is displayed through the display device. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the structure of the display system.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the projector according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of the PC according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram representing a display example in a display system.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram representing a display example in a display system.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a diagram representing a display example in a display system.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a diagram representing a display example in a display system.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a flowchart showing the actions of the display system.

[0016] Figure 9 It is a flowchart showing the actions of the display system.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the structure of the PC according to the second embodiment.

[0018] Label Explanation

[0019] 1. 1A, 1B: Projector (display device); 2. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D: PC (image output device); 4: Large area; 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D: Small area (sub-area); 11: PJ control unit (display device control unit); 14: Frame memory; 15: Buffer unit; 17: Communication interface (connection unit); 20A, 20B, 20C: Monitor; 21, 21D: PC control unit (output device control unit); 22, 22D: PC processor; 23: PC storage unit; 24: PC display unit; 25: PC input unit; 26: PC communication unit; 41, 42: Projection area; 50: Projection unit; 67: Input processing unit; 70: Remote control; 110: PJ processor; 111: Input detection unit; 112: Projection area determination unit; 113: Projection setting unit; 114: Priority determination unit; 115: Projection control unit; 120: PJ storage unit; 121: Control program; 122: Setting data; 221: Output detection unit; 222: Projection area determination unit; 223: Projection setting unit; 224: Priority determination unit; 231: OS; 232: Application program; 233: Image data; 234: Setting data; NW: Communication network; SC: Screen. Detailed Implementation

[0020] [1. First Implementation Method]

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] [1-1. Structure of the display system]

[0023] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of display system 1000.

[0024] The display system 1000 includes multiple projectors 1 and one or more PCs (Personal Computers) 2. There is no limit to the number of projectors 1 and the number of PCs 2. Figure 1 As an example, the structure of a display system 1000 comprising two projectors 1A and 1B and three PCs 2A, 2B, and 2C is shown. Projectors 1A and 1B are referred to as projector 1 without distinction, and PCs 2A, 2B, and 2C are referred to as PC2 without distinction. Projector 1 corresponds to one example of a display device, and PC 2 corresponds to one example of an image output device. Projector 1B corresponds to one example of an external display device, relative to projector 1A.

[0025] Projector 1 and PC 2 are connected via a communication network NW to enable data communication. The communication network NW can be a local area network (LAN) or a global network that includes dedicated lines, public line networks, the Internet, etc.

[0026] PC 2 is the so-called image source. Figure 1 The PC 2 shown is a laptop PC, but this is just one example. PC 2 can be any of a desktop PC, tablet PC, or smartphone. Other types of devices that output images can also be used instead of PC 2. For example, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) player, a network media player, etc., can also be used.

[0027] Specifically, the images output by PC 2 are digital image data, and there are no restrictions on the data format, etc. For example, the image data output by PC 2 can be data conforming to various standards such as MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group), or it can be data from video streaming. The image data output by PC 2 can also be data accompanied by audio data.

[0028] In this embodiment, projector 1 projects an image based on image data output from PC 2. The projection of an image by projector 1 corresponds to a display example. The image data output by PC 2 can also be data used to display still images. That is, display system 1000 can display both still images and moving images, i.e., images. Whether projector 1 displays a still image or a moving image, the image data output by PC 2 conforms to the data format of image data. Therefore, regardless of whether the content of the image displayed by projector 1 is a still image or a moving image, it is referred to as an image in this embodiment.

[0029] Projector 1 projects image light onto screen SC, which serves as the projection surface, based on the image data output by PC 2, thereby displaying the image on screen SC. Screen SC can be a curtain-shaped screen, or it can be a wall of a building or a flat surface of an object. Screen SC is not limited to a flat surface; it can also be a curved surface or a surface with concave and convex shapes.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the area on the screen SC where the projector 1A projects the image is designated as projection area 41. The area where the projector 1B projects the image is designated as projection area 42. The entire area where the display system 1000 displays the image is the area that combines projection area 41 and projection area 42. This is designated as large area 4. Large area 4 corresponds to the entire display area.

[0031] [1-2. Structure of a Projector]

[0032] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the projector 1 according to the first embodiment, illustrating the structure of the projector 1A.

[0033] The projector 1A includes a PJ (Projector) control unit 11. The PJ control unit 11 includes a PJ processor 110 composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-processing Unit), etc., and a PJ storage unit 120. The PJ control unit 11 executes programs through the PJ processor 110, thereby controlling various parts of the projector 1A. The PJ control unit 11 corresponds to an example of a display device control unit.

[0034] The PJ storage unit 120 is a non-volatile storage device composed of semiconductor memory elements such as flash memory. The PJ storage unit 120 stores programs executed by the PJ processor 110 and data processed by the PJ processor 110. For example, the PJ storage unit 120 stores control program 121 and setting data 122. Additionally, the PJ storage unit 120 may also include a volatile storage area, forming a working area for temporarily storing programs executed by the PJ processor 110 and data of the processing objects.

[0035] The PJ processor 110 performs various processes through hardware and software cooperation by reading and executing the control program 121 stored in the PJ storage unit 120. The PJ processor 110 includes functional units such as an input detection unit 111, a projection area determination unit 112, a projection setting unit 113, a priority determination unit 114, and a projection control unit 115. These functional units are configured by the PJ processor 110 executing the control program 121. Details of these functional units will be described later.

[0036] The projector 1A has a projection unit 50 that projects image light onto a screen SC. The projection unit 50 includes a light source unit 51, a light modulation device 52, and a projection optical system 53. A light source driving circuit 61 is connected to the light source unit 51, and a light modulation device driving circuit 62 is connected to the light modulation device 52.

[0037] The light source unit 51 is composed of a halogen lamp, xenon lamp, ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, or a solid-state light source such as an LED or laser light source. The light source unit 51 is lit by the power output from the light source driving circuit 61 and emits light toward the light modulation device 52.

[0038] The light modulation device 52, for example, has three liquid crystal panels corresponding to the three primary colors R, G, and B. R represents red, G represents green, and B represents blue. Light emitted from the light source 51 is separated into the three colors RGB and incident on the corresponding liquid crystal panels. The three liquid crystal panels are transmissive liquid crystal panels, and the transmitted light is modulated to generate image light. The image light modulated by each liquid crystal panel is combined by a combining optical system such as a cross-shaped dichroic prism and emitted into the projection optical system 53. The light modulation device 52 is not limited to a structure that uses transmissive liquid crystal panels as light modulation elements. The light modulation element of the light modulation device 52 can be a reflective liquid crystal panel or a digital micromirror device.

[0039] The projection optical system 53 includes lenses and mirrors that enable the image light modulated by the light modulation device 52 to be imaged on the screen SC. The projection optical system 53 may also include a zoom mechanism and a focus adjustment mechanism for adjusting the focus.

[0040] The light source driving circuit 61 is connected to the PJ control unit 11 via the bus 60. The light source driving circuit 61 controls the light source unit 51 to light up or turn off according to the control of the PJ control unit 11.

[0041] The optical modulation device drive circuit 62 is connected to the PJ control unit 11 via the bus 60. The optical modulation device drive circuit 62 drives the optical modulation device 52 according to the control of the PJ control unit 11, and draws images on the optical modulation elements provided by the optical modulation device 52 in units of frames.

[0042] The projector 1A includes a buffer unit 15, a communication interface 17, and an image processing unit 63. These units are connected to the PJ control unit 11 via a bus 60.

[0043] Communication interface 17 is equipped with a wireless communication device that performs wireless data communication based on wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth, etc., or a wired communication device that performs wired data communication via a cable. Here, the wireless communication device includes, for example, an antenna, RF circuitry, and baseband circuitry. The wired communication device includes, for example, a connector for connecting the cable and an interface circuitry for processing signals transmitted and received via the connector. Communication interface 17 is connected to a communication network NW. Communication interface 17 communicates with PC 2 and projector 1B under the control of PJ control unit 11. Bluetooth is a registered trademark. Communication interface 17 corresponds to one example of a connection unit.

[0044] The buffer unit 15 is a volatile or non-volatile storage device composed of semiconductor memory elements or the like. Here, the projector 1A may also be structured to use the storage area of ​​a single storage device as both the buffer unit 15 and the PJ storage unit 120. The buffer unit 15 temporarily stores image data received from the communication network NW via the communication interface 17.

[0045] The image processing unit 63 is connected to the frame memory 64. The frame memory 64 is a volatile storage device composed of SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like. Under the control of the PJ control unit 11, the image processing unit 63 unfolds the image projected by the projection unit 50 into the frame memory 64 frame by frame. The image processing unit 63 can also perform image processing such as resolution conversion, size adjustment, geometric correction, digital zoom, and brightness adjustment on the image unfolded in the frame memory 64 under the control of the PJ control unit 11. The image processing unit 63 outputs the image unfolded in the frame memory 64 to the light modulation device drive circuit 62.

[0046] The image processing unit 63 and the frame memory 64 can also be constructed from integrated circuits, for example. Such integrated circuits include LSIs, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), PLDs (Programmble Logic Devices), FPGAs (Field-Programmble Gate Arrays), and SoCs (System-on-a-chip). Furthermore, a portion of the integrated circuit structure may include analog circuitry, or it may be a combination of the aforementioned integrated circuit and the PJ control unit 11.

[0047] The projector 1A has a signal processing unit 65 and an input processing unit 67. These units are connected to the PJ control unit 11 via a bus 60.

[0048] The signal processing unit 65 is connected to a speaker 66. The signal processing unit 65 outputs sound from the speaker 66 based on the digital sound data input from the PJ control unit 11.

[0049] The input processing unit 67 is connected to the operation panel 68 and the remote control light-receiving unit 69. The operation panel 68 is mounted on the housing of the projector 1A and includes various switches operable by the user. The input processing unit 67 detects the operation of each switch on the operation panel 68. The remote control light-receiving unit 69 receives infrared signals sent by the remote control 70. The input processing unit 67 decodes the signals received by the remote control light-receiving unit 69, generates operation data, and outputs it to the PJ control unit 11. Thus, the input processing unit 67 receives user operations via the operation panel 68 and the remote control light-receiving unit 69, generates operation data corresponding to the received operations, and outputs it to the PJ control unit 11.

[0050] In addition to the communication interface 17, the projector 1A may also have an interface for connecting to a device that serves as an image source. For example, the projector 1A may have an interface with communication hardware such as a connector and interface circuitry according to a specified communication standard. This interface could be, for example, a digital interface such as HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), DisplayPort, HDBaseT, or USB (Universal Serial Bus). HDMI and HDBaseT are registered trademarks. Alternatively, the projector 1A may be configured to have analog video terminals such as RCA, VGA, S-Video, and D-Video as interfaces, enabling it to receive analog video signals.

[0051] The input detection unit 111 detects the number of input images in the display system 1000. For example, the input detection unit 111 detects the number of image sources included in the display system 1000 and the number of images output by the image sources. PC 2A can output one or more images via the communication network NW. PC 2B and PC 2C can also have the same configuration. The input detection unit 111 detects the number of PCs 2 that output images to the projector 1 in the display system 1000 and the number of images output by each PC 2. The input detection unit 111 communicates with the PCs 2, for example, via the communication interface 17, thereby detecting the number of image sources and images.

[0052] The projection area determination unit 112 determines the number and positional relationship of the projection areas included in the display system 1000. Figure 1In the illustrated structure, the projection area determination unit 112 determines the number of projection areas 41 and 42, as well as their relative positional relationship. The projection area determination unit 112 can, for example, communicate with the projector 1B via the communication interface 17 to determine the number and positional relationship of the projection areas. Alternatively, the projection area determination unit 112 can determine the number and positional relationship of the projection areas based on input from the operation panel 68 or the remote control 70. Furthermore, the projection area determination unit 112 can also determine the number and positional relationship of the projection areas based on control data sent from the PC 2 via the communication network NW.

[0053] The projection setting unit 113 allocates the image in the entire projection area of ​​the display system 1000, i.e., the large area 4, as determined by the projection area determination unit 112.

[0054] In detail, the projection setting unit 113 performs the following processing: It divides a large region 4 according to the number of images determined by the input detection unit 111, and allocates the image output by the PC 2 to the large region 4. The projection setting unit 113 can also allocate one image to the entire large region 4. The projection setting unit 113 can also perform region division and image allocation for projection region 41 and projection region 42 respectively. Regarding the division of the large region 4 and the allocation of images to the regions obtained from dividing the large region 4, please refer to... Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 To be described later.

[0055] The projection setting unit 113 stores the division method of the large area 4 and the result of image allocation as setting data 122 in the PJ storage unit 120.

[0056] When multiple images are output from PC 2, the priority determination unit 114 determines the priority of each image. The priority of an image is its relative position among the images output from PC 2. The projection setting unit 113 can also perform processing to allocate a display area for the image within the large area 4 based on the image priority. For example, a smaller area can be allocated to images with lower priority within the large area 4.

[0057] The projection setting unit 113 can also control the display system 1000, causing projectors 1A and 1B to project images according to setting data 122. In this case, the projection setting unit 113, according to the image allocation shown in the setting data 122, specifies whether the projection area 42 of the projector 1B is divided, the number of areas of the divided projection area 42, and the images displayed in each area obtained by dividing the projection area 42, and performs projection. In addition, the projection setting unit 113 can also specify the output destination of the images output via the communication network NW for PCs 2A, 2B, and 2C. In this case, the projection setting unit 113 specifies whether to output each image to projector 1A or projector 1B for each image source detected by the input detection unit 111 in PCs 2A, 2B, and 2C. Thus, the PC 2, as the image source, can output images according to the allocation determined by the projection setting unit 113.

[0058] The projection control unit 115 controls the light source drive circuit 61, the light modulation device drive circuit 62, and the image processing unit 63 to project images onto the screen SC.

[0059] The projection control unit 115 receives the images output from the PC 2 via the communication interface 17 and projects the received images according to the allocation set by the projection setting unit 113.

[0060] The structure of projector 1B is interchangeable with that of projector 1A, therefore illustrations and descriptions are omitted. Here, projector 1B may also lack the input detection unit 111, projection area determination unit 112, projection setting unit 113, and priority determination unit 114. That is, projector 1B may not perform the processing executed by projector 1A through projection setting unit 113. The PJ control unit 11 of projector 1B projects the image output by PC 2 onto projection area 42 via projection unit 50 according to the setting data 122 generated by projector 1A.

[0061] When the display system 1000 includes three or more projectors 1, the third and subsequent projectors 1 can be configured with the same structure as projector 1B. That is, any one of the multiple projectors 1 included in the display system 1000 has... Figure 2 The structure shown is sufficient.

[0062] [1-3. Structure of PC]

[0063] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of PC 2 in the first embodiment, with PC 2A being an example of the structure shown.

[0064] PC 2A includes a PC control unit 21, a PC display unit 24, a PC input unit 25, and a PC communication unit 26, which are interconnected via a bus 27.

[0065] The PC control unit 21 includes a PC processor 22 and a PC storage unit 23. The PC processor 22 is composed of a CPU, an MPU, and other processors. The PC control unit 21 controls the various parts of the PC 2A by executing programs through the PC processor 22.

[0066] PC storage unit 23 is a storage device that stores data non-volatilely using flash memory, magnetic recording media, optical recording media, etc. PC storage unit 23 stores programs executed by PC processor 22 and data processed by PC processor 22. For example, PC storage unit 23 stores OS (Operating System) 231, application programs 232, and image data 233. OS 231 is the basic control software that controls PC 2A and provides a platform for executing application programs 232. Application programs 232 are programs that have the function of outputting images to projector 1. Image data 233 is image content data, which is output to projector 1 through the function of application programs 232. Image data 233 may also include audio data.

[0067] The PC display unit 24 includes a display device. The display device is, for example, a... Figure 1 The display 20A shown is configured to have an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. Alternatively, the display 20A may also have a structure with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) panel, an OLED (Organic LED) panel, or other display panels. The PC display unit 24 displays images and videos on a display device under the control of the PC control unit 21. The PC display unit 24 may also be configured to connect to an external display device connected to the PC 2A.

[0068] The PC input unit 25 includes or is connected to an input device operated by the user of the PC 2A. The input device may be a switch panel with an operation switch, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The PC input unit 25 detects the user's operation on the input device and outputs the detection result to the PC control unit 21.

[0069] PC communication unit 26 is a communication device that communicates according to a specified communication standard. PC communication unit 26 is connected to the communication network NW via wired or wireless communication. Alternatively, it may be a structure where a communication line or communication device is located between PC communication unit 26 and the communication network NW. PC communication unit 26 communicates with projector 1 via the communication network NW under the control of PC control unit 21.

[0070] The structure of PC 2B is the same as that of PC 2A, so illustrations and explanations are omitted. The same applies to PC 2C; if the display system 1000 includes four or more PC 2 units, the fourth and subsequent PC 2 units will also be configured in the same way.

[0071] [1-4. Display Methods in a Display System]

[0072] Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a display in display system 1000.

[0073] Figure 4 This describes a display example where only PC 2A outputs an image as the image source, and PC 2A outputs one image. PC 2A outputs an image identical to the first image P1 displayed on the monitor 20A under the control of PC control unit 21.

[0074] The projection setting unit 113 of the projector 1A, based on the situation where only one image, namely the first image P1, is output to the display system 1000, uses the large area 4 as one area. The projection setting unit 113 allocates the first image P1 to the entire large area 4. In this case, as... Figure 4 As shown, large area 4 is a large display area, and the first image P1 is displayed in large area 4. Figure 4 In the example, the first image P1 maintains its aspect ratio but is magnified and displayed over the entire large area 4. Projector 1 can also change the aspect ratio of the first image P1 to magnify and display it over the entire large area 4. Figures 5-7 Similarly, in the example shown, projector 1 can either maintain the aspect ratio and display the image in a large area 4, or change the aspect ratio.

[0075] Figure 5 This illustrates a display example where only PC 2A outputs an image as the image source, and PC 2A outputs two images. PC 2A, under the control of PC control unit 21, outputs a first image P1 displayed on monitor 20A and a second image P2 not displayed on monitor 20A.

[0076] Based on the case where two images are output to the display system 1000, the projection setting unit 113 of the projector 1A uses the large area 4 as two areas. In this case, the projection setting unit 113 divides the large area 4 into projection area 41 and projection area 42. That is, the projection setting unit 113 divides the large area 4 into small areas 4A and 4B. Small area 4A corresponds to the entirety of projection area 41, and small area 4B corresponds to the entirety of projection area 42. The projection setting unit 113 assigns a first image P1 to small area 4A and a second image P2 to small area 4B. Thus, as Figure 5 As shown, the first image P1 is displayed in projection area 41, and the second image P2 is displayed in projection area 42. The small area corresponds to an example of a sub-area.

[0077] Figure 6 This describes a display example where PC 2A and PC 2B output images as image sources, with PC 2A outputting one image and PC 2B outputting one image. PC 2A outputs the first image P1 displayed on monitor 20A under the control of PC control unit 21. PC 2B outputs the third image P3 displayed on monitor 20B under the control of PC control unit 21.

[0078] Based on the case where two images are output to the display system 1000, the projection setting unit 113 of the projector 1A uses the large area 4 as two areas. In this case, the projection setting unit 113 divides the large area 4 into projection area 41 and projection area 42. That is, the projection setting unit 113 divides the large area 4 into small areas 4A and 4B. Small area 4A corresponds to the entirety of projection area 41, and small area 4B corresponds to the entirety of projection area 42. The projection setting unit 113 assigns a first image P1 to small area 4A and a third image P3 to small area 4B. Thus, as Figure 6 As shown, the first image P1 is displayed in projection area 41, and the third image P3 is displayed in projection area 42.

[0079] Figure 7 This describes a display example where PC 2A, PC 2B, and PC 2C each output one image as an image source. PC 2A outputs a first image P1 displayed on monitor 20A under the control of PC control unit 21. PC 2B outputs a third image P3 displayed on monitor 20B under the control of PC control unit 21. PC 2C outputs a fourth image P4 displayed on monitor 20C under the control of PC control unit 21.

[0080] The priority determination unit 114 determines the priorities of the first image P1, the third image P3, and the fourth image P4. Figure 7 In the example shown, the priority of the first image P1 determined by the priority determination unit 114 is higher than the priority of the third image P3 and the priority of the fourth image P4.

[0081] Based on the scenario where three images are output to the display system 1000, the projection setting unit 113 of the projector 1A uses the large area 4 as three areas. In this case, the projection setting unit 113 divides the large area 4 into three areas of different sizes according to the priority determined by the priority determination unit 114. Specifically, the large area 4 is divided into a small area 4A equal to the projection area 41, a small area 4C contained in the projection area 42, and a small area 4D. Small area 4A has a larger area than small areas 4C and 4D, so a higher priority image is assigned to small area 4A. Images with lower priority than small area 4A are assigned to small areas 4C and 4D. Specifically, the projection setting unit 113 assigns a first image P1 to small area 4A, and a third image P3 and a fourth image P4 to small areas 4C and 4D, respectively.

[0082] The projection setting unit 113 may also allocate based on the resolution of the display area rather than the area, and make priority-based allocations.

[0083] In this way, the projection setting unit 113 divides the large area 4 into one or more small areas in accordance with the number of images output by the PC 2 in the display system 1000, and allocates images to each small area. As a result, the user of the PC 2 can appropriately divide the large area 4 to display one or more images without having to study the image allocation or perform setting operations.

[0084] The projection setting unit 113 can also determine the priority corresponding to each PC 2. For example, the projection setting unit 113 may have preset priorities for PCs 2A, 2B, and 2C respectively. Furthermore, for a portion of the multiple PCs 2 included in the display system 1000, a higher priority may be preset than the other PCs 2. Additionally, the projection setting unit 113 may determine the priority of a PC 2 based on the order in which the starting image is output. In this case, the priority determined for a PC 2 reflects the priority of the image output by that PC 2. Furthermore, the projection setting unit 113 may determine the priority based on the attributes of the data of the image output by the PC 2. For example, the projection setting unit 113 may also determine the priority of each image based on the image resolution and / or frame rate.

[0085] [1-5. Display System Actions]

[0086] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the actions of display system 1000.

[0087] In the first embodiment, the projector 1A performs... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The controls shown.

[0088] The PJ control unit 11 detects the number of PC 2s outputting images to the display system 1000 via the input detection unit 111 (step S11). In step S11, the input detection unit 111 can also detect the number of images output by the PC 2s. In the following description, let M be the number of images output by the PC 2s and N be the number of projectors 1. N is an integer of 2 or more, and M is an integer of 1 or more.

[0089] The projection setting unit 113 determines whether the number of PC 2 detected by the input detection unit 111 is 2 or more (step S12). If the number of PC 2 detected by the input detection unit 111 is 2 or more (step S12; yes), the PJ control unit 11 proceeds to step S21 described later. Figure 9 ).

[0090] If the number of PC 2 detected by the input detection unit 111 is 1 (step S12; no), the projection setting unit 113 determines whether an instruction to divide the large area 4 has been given (step S13). The instruction to divide the large area 4 is based on the number of images output by the PC 2. This instruction can be given, for example, by the PC 2A sending control data to the projector 1A according to the user's operation, or by the user operating the operation panel 68 of the projector 1A or the remote control 70.

[0091] If an instruction to divide the large area 4 is given (step S13; Yes), the projection setting unit 113 determines whether the number of images detected by the input detection unit 111 is one, i.e., whether M=1 (step S14). If M=1 (step S14; Yes), the projection setting unit 113 allocates one image output by PC 2 to the entire large area 4 (step S15). Otherwise, if no instruction to divide the large area 4 is given (step S13; No), the projection setting unit 113 performs the allocation in step S15.

[0092] The projection control unit 115 starts displaying images or updates the display of images via projectors 1A and 1B according to the allocation made by the projection setting unit 113 (step S16).

[0093] If the number of images detected by the input detection unit 111 is not one (step S14; no), that is, if M > 1, the projection setting unit 113 divides the large area 4 into multiple small areas (step S17). The projection setting unit 113 assigns images to each small area (step S18) and proceeds to step S16.

[0094] In steps S11 to S15, when the number of PCs 2 is less than the number of projectors 1, the PJ control unit 11 divides the large area 4 into segments corresponding to the number of images output by the PCs 2, or displays the large area 4 as a single display area.

[0095] When the number of PCs 2 is greater than the number of projectors 1, the PJ control unit 11 performs the processing steps S21 to S27.

[0096] In step S21, the projection setting unit 113 determines whether the image output by PC 2 is the same as that of projector 1, i.e., whether M=N (step S21). If the number of images output by PC 2 is the same as that of projector 1, i.e., M=N (step S21; yes), the PJ control unit 11 allocates the images output by PC 2 to the display area of ​​projector 1 on a 1-to-1 basis (step S22). For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the image of PC 2A is assigned to projection area 41, and the image of PC 2B is assigned to projection area 42. After the processing in step S22, the PJ control unit 11 moves to step S16.

[0097] When the number of images output by PC 2 differs from the number of projectors 1, i.e., when M > N (step S21: No), the projection setting unit 113 selects the projector 1 that is the object to be segmented (step S23). The projector 1 that is the object to be segmented is the projector 1 that is used to segment the projection area. In the processing after step S23, the projection setting unit 113 segments the projection area only for a portion of the projectors 1 included in the display system 1000, and distributes images to a portion of the projectors 1 without segmenting the projection area. In step S23, the projection setting unit 113 selects at least one projector 1. For example, the projection setting unit 113 selects the projector 1 located at the far end as the object to be segmented projector 1 based on the relative position of the projectors 1 determined by the projection area determination unit 112. The projector 1 selected in step S23 corresponds to one example of the object to be segmented display device.

[0098] The projection setting unit 113 divides the projection area of ​​the segmented object projector 1 into multiple small areas (step S24). In step S24, the number of small areas divided by the projection setting unit 113 is calculated by M-N+1. Here, the PJ control unit 11 determines the priority of the image output by the PC 2 by the priority determination unit 114 (step S25).

[0099] The projection setting unit 113 allocates one image to each display area of ​​the projector 1 that is not a segmentation target, in descending order of priority (step S26). As a result, the image with higher priority is displayed on the entire display area of ​​one projector 1.

[0100] The projection setting unit 113 assigns one image to each of the small regions segmented in step S24 (step S27). In step S27, the projection setting unit 113 assigns the low-priority images to the small regions.

[0101] Through the processing in steps S26 and S27, images are assigned to the display area of ​​the segmentation target projector 1 in ascending order of priority, and images with higher priority than these images are assigned to the display area of ​​the projector 1 that are not segmentation targets. After the processing in step S27, the PJ control unit 11 moves to step S16.

[0102] [1-6. Summary of the First Implementation]

[0103] As explained above, the display system 1000 of the first embodiment includes one or more PCs 2 and N (N is an integer of 2 or more) projectors 1. The display control method of this disclosure is as follows: M (M is an integer of 1 or more) images are output by the PC 2. When M < N, the large area 4, which is the entire projection area of ​​the N projectors 1, is divided into M small areas 4A and 4B, and one image is assigned to each small area 4A and 4B for display. When M = N, one image is assigned to each projection area 41 and 42 of the projector 1 for display.

[0104] According to the display control method disclosed herein, it will not burden the user operating PC 2, and can appropriately allocate and display images to the large area 4 according to the number of images output by PC 2.

[0105] The display device disclosed herein is a projector 1A that displays images in a projection area, comprising one or more PCs 2, and a communication interface 17 connected to (N-1) external projectors 1B (N being an integer of 2 or more). The projector 1A includes a PJ control unit 11, which distributes and displays M images (M being an integer of 1 or more) output from the PCs 2 in the projection area and the projection area of ​​the external projectors 1. When M < N, the PJ control unit 11 divides the entire projection area 41 of the projector 1A and the projection area 42 of the projector 1B into M smaller areas 4A and 4B, assigns and displays one image to each smaller area 4A and 4B, and when M = N, assigns and displays one image to both the projection area 41 and the projection area 42.

[0106] According to the projector 1A disclosed herein, it will not burden the user operating the PC 2, and can appropriately allocate and display images to a large area 4 based on the number of images output by the PC 2.

[0107] The display control method described above can be applied to situations where multiple images are output from a single PC 2. In this case, it is not limited to the number of PC 2s, and the images can be appropriately allocated and displayed in a large area 4 according to the number of images output by the PC 2s.

[0108] In the above display control method, when N < M, one projector 1 is designated as the segmentation target projector 1, and one image is assigned to each of the other N-1 projectors 1 (excluding the segmentation target projector 1) for display. The projection area of ​​the segmentation target projector 1 is divided into (M-N+1) small areas, and one image is assigned to each small area for display. This allows the projection area to be segmented, displaying more images than the number of projectors 1 in a large area 4. Furthermore, by selecting the segmentation target projector 1, images can be displayed more extensively even through projectors that are not segmentation target projectors. Moreover, even when the number of projectors 1 N is not a multiple of the number of images M output by PC 2, images can still be displayed with excellent visibility.

[0109] In the above display control method, the priority of the M images output by PC 2 is determined, and the projector 1 displays (M-N+1) images with relatively low priority. Therefore, multiple images output by PC 2 can be displayed in a large area 4, and thus, high-priority images can be displayed in a way that provides better visibility.

[0110] [2. Second Implementation]

[0111] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the structure of PC 2 in the second embodiment, and also showing the structure of PC 2D.

[0112] The display system 1000 of the second embodiment includes at least one PC 2D. For example, the display system 1000 is configured such that the PC 2D replaces the PCs 2A, 2B, and 2C described in the first embodiment, or the PC 2D is also provided in the display system 1000 in addition to the PCs 2A, 2B, and 2C.

[0113] Like the PC 2A, the PC 2D has a PC storage unit 23, a PC display unit 24, a PC input unit 25, a PC communication unit 26, and a bus 27.

[0114] The PC 2D includes a PC control unit 21D. The PC control unit 21D includes a PC processor 22D and a PC storage unit 23. The PC processor 22D is composed of a CPU, an MPU, and other processors. The PC control unit 21D executes programs through the PC processor 22D, thereby controlling various parts of the PC 2D. The PC control unit 21D corresponds to an example of an output device control unit.

[0115] PC storage unit 23 stores setting data 234 and control program 235.

[0116] The PC processor 22D includes an output detection unit 221, a projection area determination unit 222, a projection setting unit 223, and a priority determination unit 224. These functional units are implemented through the PC processor 22D executing a control program 235, via the cooperation of software and hardware.

[0117] The output detection unit 221 detects the number of images output by PC 2 in the display system 1000. The number of images detected by the output detection unit 221 includes images output by PC 2D and images output by PC 2 other than PC 2D. The output detection unit 221 communicates with other PC 2 via PC communication unit 26, for example, thereby detecting the image source and the number of images in the same way as the input detection unit 111.

[0118] The projection area determination unit 222 functions similarly to the projection area determination unit 112. The projection area determination unit 222 determines the number and positional relationships of the projection areas included in the display system 1000. For example, the projection area determination unit 222 determines... Figure 1 The projection area determination unit 222 shows the number of projection areas 41 and 42, as well as their relative positions. The projection area determination unit 222 can also communicate with the projectors 1A and 1B via the PC communication unit 26, thereby determining the number and position of the projection areas. Alternatively, the projection area determination unit 222 can determine the number and position of the projection areas based on the content input by the PC input unit 25.

[0119] The projection setting unit 223 performs the overall distribution of the projection area of ​​the display system 1000, i.e. the large area 4, determined by the projection area determination unit 222.

[0120] For example, in detail, the projection setting unit 223 performs the following processing: It divides the large region 4 according to the number of images determined by the output detection unit 221, and allocates the images output by the PC 2 to the large region 4. The projection setting unit 223 can also allocate one image to the entire large region 4. The projection setting unit 223 can also perform region division and image allocation for projection region 41 and projection region 42 respectively. Regarding the division of the large region 4 and the allocation of images for the regions obtained by dividing the large region 4, compared with reference... Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The operation of the projection setting unit 113 described herein is the same.

[0121] The projection setting unit 223 stores the division method of the large area 4 and the result of image allocation as setting data 234 in the PC storage unit 23.

[0122] When PC 2 outputs multiple images, priority determination unit 224 determines the priority of each image. The priority of an image is its relative position among the images output by PC 2. Projection setting unit 223 can also allocate display areas for images within large area 4 based on the image priority. For example, a smaller area can be allocated to images with lower priority within large area 4.

[0123] The projection setting unit 223 controls the display system 1000, causing projectors 1A and 1B to project images according to setting data 234. In this case, the projection setting unit 223, according to the image allocation shown in the setting data 234, specifies the presence or absence of projection area 42 divisions, the number of areas dividing the projection area 42, and the images displayed in each area obtained by dividing the projection area 42, and performs projection. Additionally, the projection setting unit 223 can also specify the output destination for PCs 2A, 2B, and 2C to output images via the communication network NW. In this case, the projection setting unit 223 specifies whether to output each image to projector 1A or projector 1B for each image source detected by the output detection unit 221 in PCs 2A, 2B, and 2C. Thus, each PC 2, acting as an image source, can output images according to the allocation determined by the projection setting unit 223.

[0124] In the second embodiment, the PC control unit 21D performs the following: Figure 8 and Figure 9 The functions of the input detection unit 111, projection area determination unit 112, projection setting unit 113, and priority determination unit 114 are explained below. Therefore, as explained in the first embodiment, the display mode of the images in the large area 4 can be set according to the number M of images output by the PC 2 and the number N of projectors 1. These functions can be performed by the PC 2D.

[0125] In the second embodiment, both projectors 1A and 1B can be configured to not have an input detection unit 111, a projection area determination unit 112, a projection setting unit 113, and a priority determination unit 114.

[0126] Thus, the PC 2D of the second embodiment of this disclosure is an image output device that connects to N (N is an integer of 2 or more) projectors 1 and outputs M (M is an integer of 1 or more) images. The PC 2D, through the PC control unit 21D, divides the projection areas of the N projectors 1 into M smaller areas when M < N, assigns one image to each smaller area, and displays the image through the projectors 1. When M = N, it assigns one image to the projection area of ​​each projector 1 and displays the image through the projectors 1.

[0127] According to the display control method in the display system 1000 of the second embodiment and the PC 2D, the control of the PC 2D will not burden the user operating the PC 2, and the images can be appropriately allocated to the large area 4 for display according to the number of images output by the PC 2.

[0128] [3. Other Implementation Methods]

[0129] The first and second embodiments described above are preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, they are not limited thereto, and various modifications can be implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0130] For example, in the embodiments described above, a structure was described in which one projector 1 is used as the segmentation object projector 1 for display when M > N. However, multiple projectors 1 can also be used as segmentation objects. Furthermore, the method of segmenting the projection area 42 of the segmentation object projector 1 is arbitrary. For example, the projection area 42 can be divided into four small areas, and images can be displayed in three of these small areas. Additionally, when the large area 4 is divided into small areas, the size and resolution of each small area can be different. In this case, a higher priority image can be assigned to the larger small area.

[0131] The display device is not limited to the projector 1. For example, it can also be a liquid crystal display device that displays images on a liquid crystal display panel, a display device that displays images on an organic EL panel, or a self-emissive display device such as a monitor or LCD TV. In addition, various other display devices can also be used.

[0132] In addition, the functions of the PJ control unit 11 and the PC control unit 21 can also be implemented by multiple processors or semiconductor chips.

[0133] Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 10 The projectors 1A, PC 2A, and 2D shown represent functional structures, and there are no particular restrictions on the specific installation method. That is, it is not necessary to install hardware corresponding to each functional unit; of course, it is also possible to configure the system so that the functions of multiple functional units are implemented by a single processor executing a program. In addition, in the above embodiments and variations, a portion of the functions implemented by software can be implemented by hardware, and conversely, a portion of the functions implemented by hardware can be implemented by software.

[0134] in addition, Figure 8 , Figure 9The processing units in the flowchart shown are units divided according to the main processing content to make the processing of the PJ control unit 11 easier to understand. This invention is not limited by the method or name of the processing unit division. The processing of the PJ control unit 11 can be divided into more processing units based on the processing content, or it can be divided into one processing unit containing more processing. Furthermore, the processing order in the above flowchart is not limited to the example shown. The same applies to the processing of the PC control unit 21D.

[0135] The control program 121 executed by the PJ control unit 11 and the control program 235 executed by the PC control unit 21D can, for example, be recorded on a recording medium readable by the projector 1A and the PC 2D. As the recording medium, magnetic, optical, or semiconductor memory devices can be used. Specifically, examples include portable or fixed recording media such as floppy disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), Blu-ray discs, optical disks, flash memory, and card-type recording media. Alternatively, the above-described display control method can be implemented by pre-storing these programs in a server device or the like and downloading the control program from the server device to the projector 1A or the PC 2D.

Claims

1. A display control method, wherein, M images are output through one or more image output devices, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1. When M < N, each of the M sub-regions, which are obtained by dividing a large region into M sub-regions from the region where the images are displayed on N display devices, is assigned to display one of the M images, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. When M=N, each of the M images is assigned to each of the N display areas corresponding to the N display devices for display. When N < M, each of the N-1 display devices (excluding the 1 display device) is assigned one of the N-1 images from the M images for display, and each of the sub-regions obtained by dividing the display area of ​​the 1 display device into M-N+1 sub-regions is assigned one of the M images (excluding the N-1 images) for display.

2. The display control method according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple images from the M images are output from one of the one or more image output devices.

3. The display control method according to claim 1, wherein, Determine the priority of the M images. The M-N+1 images with relatively low priority among the M images are displayed by the 1 display device.

4. A display device comprising: a communication interface which communicates with one or more image output devices outputting M images, and N-1 external display devices, M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; and At least one processor, When M < N, the at least one processor assigns each of the M images to each of the M sub-regions obtained by dividing the entire large area of ​​the image to be displayed by the display device and the external display device. When M=N, the at least one processor allocates each of the M images to each of the N display areas corresponding to the display device and the N-1 external display devices. When N < M, the at least one processor assigns each of the N-1 images out of the M images to each of the display devices (excluding the first display device) of the display device and displays each of the N-1 external display devices. It also assigns each of the M images (excluding the N-1 images) to each of the sub-regions obtained by dividing the display area of ​​the first display device into M-N+1 sub-regions.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, Determine the priority of the M images. The M-N+1 images with relatively low priority among the M images are displayed by the 1 display device.

6. An image output device comprising: A communication device outputs M images to N display devices, wherein N is an integer greater than 2, and M is an integer greater than 1; and At least one processor, When M < N, the at least one processor assigns each of the M images to each of the M sub-regions obtained by dividing a large region of images to be displayed by the N display devices. When M=N, the at least one processor allocates the M images to each of the N display areas corresponding to the N display devices. When N < M, the at least one processor assigns each of the N-1 images out of the M images to each of the N-1 display devices (excluding the 1 display device) for display, and assigns each of the M images (excluding the N-1 images) to each of the sub-regions obtained by dividing the display area of ​​the 1 display device into M-N+1 sub-regions for display.

7. The image output device according to claim 6, wherein, Determine the priority of the M images. The M-N+1 images with relatively low priority among the M images are displayed by the 1 display device.

Images