Projection device, projection system and projection image correction method

Abstract

The present application provides a projection device, a projection system and a projection image correction method. The projection device and an external projection device receive the same image source, and respectively project an image corresponding to the image source and another image. The two images overlap the same part of the image source to form an overlapping area. The projection device comprises a lens, a light shielding component and a processor. The light shielding component is arranged on the lens. The processor controls the light shielding component to selectively shield a local area of the lens according to the brightness of the image source. The local area corresponds to the overlapping area. The present application can improve the problem of excessively high brightness of the overlapping area in some cases.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus, system, and image correction method, and more particularly to a projection apparatus, projection system, and projection image correction method. Background Technology

[0002] With advancements in display technology, several projection technologies have been developed for displaying large images, such as large billboards and interactive experience zones in exhibition halls. This type of projection technology can be achieved using two or more projection devices, each projecting its own image, which can then be stitched together to form a complete picture.

[0003] When stitching images together, each image partially overlaps with its neighboring images to form a blending area, preventing gaps between images and making the projected image visually smoother and more fluid. However, current technology still has some issues regarding this blending area that have not been addressed, resulting in uneven brightness in certain projected scenes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates to a projection device, a projection system, and a projection image correction method. By setting a light-blocking component on the lens of one of the projection devices, the light-blocking component can block a local area of ​​the lens in certain situations to block the light projected onto the overlapping area, thereby improving the problem of excessive brightness in the overlapping area in certain situations.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a projection system comprising:

[0006] A first projection device includes a lens and a light-shielding component, the light-shielding component being disposed on the lens; and

[0007] The second projection device receives the same image source as the first projection device and projects a first image and a second image corresponding to the image source respectively. The first image and the second image overlap the same part of the image source to form an overlapping area.

[0008] The first projection device controls the light-blocking component to selectively block a local area of ​​the lens based on the brightness of the image source, and the local area corresponds to the overlapping area.

[0009] Preferably, when the first projection device controls the light-shielding component to shield the local area, the light-shielding component completely blocks the light projected by the first projection device onto the overlapping area.

[0010] Preferably, when the minimum brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlapping area is lower than a threshold value, the first projection device controls the light-shielding component to shield the local area of ​​the lens.

[0011] Preferably, the threshold value is the sum of the minimum output brightness of the first projection device and the second projection device.

[0012] Preferably, the first projection device includes a processor that analyzes image data corresponding to the overlay region of the first image and obtains the minimum brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlay region based on the grayscale values ​​of the image data.

[0013] Preferably, the first projection device further includes an input interface and an output interface, the processor being coupled to the input interface and the output interface respectively, and the output interface being coupled to the light-shielding component, wherein the processor receives the image data through the input interface and selectively transmits a shielding signal to the light-shielding component through the output interface according to the image data.

[0014] Preferably, the output interface includes at least one connection terminal, which is a trigger terminal, an HDMI terminal, or a USB terminal.

[0015] Preferably, the processor also receives a control signal via the input interface and selectively switches the first projection device to a light-shielding component control mode or an external device control mode based on the control signal; wherein, when the first projection device switches to the light-shielding component control mode, the processor selectively transmits the shading signal to the light-shielding component based on the image data.

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also proposes a projection image correction method applicable to a first projection device and a second projection device, the method comprising:

[0017] The first projection device and the second projection device receive the same image source and respectively project the first image and the second image corresponding to the image source.

[0018] Adjust the first projection device and the second projection device so that the first image and the second image overlap in the same area of ​​the image source to form an overlapping region; and

[0019] The brightness of the image source is controlled to control the light-blocking component located on the first projection device, so that the light-blocking component selectively blocks a local area of ​​the lens of the first projection device, the local area corresponding to the overlapping area.

[0020] Preferably, the partial area of ​​the lens of the first projection device that is blocked specifically includes the light-blocking component completely blocking the light projected by the first projection device onto the overlapping area.

[0021] Preferably, the step of controlling the light-shielding component according to the brightness of the image source includes:

[0022] Obtain the lowest brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlay area; and

[0023] When the minimum brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlapping area is lower than the threshold value, the first projection device controls the light-shielding component to block the local area of ​​the lens.

[0024] Preferably, the threshold value is the sum of the minimum output brightness of the first projection device and the second projection device.

[0025] Preferably, the step of obtaining the lowest brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlay region includes:

[0026] The first projection device analyzes the image data corresponding to the overlapping area of ​​the first image and obtains the minimum brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlapping area based on the grayscale value of the image data.

[0027] Preferably, the method further includes: the first projection device receiving a control signal and selectively switching to a light-shielding component control mode or an external device control mode according to the control signal; wherein when the first projection device switches to the light-shielding component control mode, the first projection device performs the step of controlling the light-shielding component according to the brightness of the image source.

[0028] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also proposes a projection device that receives the same image source as an external projection device and projects an image corresponding to the image source and another image, respectively. The image and the other image overlap the same portion of the image source to form an overlapping area. The projection device is characterized by comprising:

[0029] Lens;

[0030] A light-shielding component is provided on the lens; and

[0031] The processor controls the light-blocking component to selectively block a local area of ​​the lens based on the brightness of the image source, the local area corresponding to the overlapping area.

[0032] Preferably, it also includes an output interface, which is coupled to the processor and the light-shielding component respectively; wherein, the processor determines whether the minimum brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlapping area is lower than a threshold value. When it is determined that it is lower than the threshold value, the processor transmits a shading signal to the light-shielding component through the output interface so that the light-shielding component blocks the local area of ​​the lens.

[0033] Preferably, the threshold value is the sum of the minimum output brightness of the first projection device and the second projection device.

[0034] Preferably, the output interface includes at least one connection terminal, which is a trigger terminal, an HDMI terminal, or a USB terminal.

[0035] Preferably, it also includes an input interface coupled to the processor;

[0036] The processor receives the image via the input interface, analyzes the image data corresponding to the overlay area, and obtains the minimum brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlay area based on the grayscale value of the image data.

[0037] Preferably, the processor also receives a control signal via the input interface and selectively switches the first projection device to a light-shielding component control mode or an external device control mode based on the control signal.

[0038] When the first projection device switches to the light-shielding component control mode, the processor selectively transmits the shielding signal to the light-shielding component based on the image data. In summary, according to the projection device, projection system, and projection image correction method provided by the present invention, by setting a light-shielding component on the lens of one of the projection devices, the light-shielding component can block a local area of ​​the lens in certain situations to block light projected onto the overlapping area, thereby improving the problem of excessive brightness in the overlapping area under certain circumstances. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a projection system according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a case where the projection image correction method of the present invention has not been followed.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a projection system according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the projection image correction method according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating a first projection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a projection image correction method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the steps of controlling a light-shielding component according to the brightness of an image source in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the steps of obtaining the lowest brightness of the overlapping region corresponding to the image source according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0045] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of additional steps in a projection image correction method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To provide a further understanding of the purpose, structure, features, and functions of the present invention, detailed descriptions are provided below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0047] This invention utilizes a light-shielding component to shield a local area of ​​the lens, thereby blocking light projected onto the overlapping area and improving the problem of excessive brightness in the overlapping area under certain circumstances.

[0048] The various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, with illustrations provided. In addition to these detailed descriptions, the present invention can be widely implemented in other embodiments, and any easy substitutions, modifications, or equivalent changes to the described embodiments are included within the scope of the present invention and are subject to the following patent claims. In the description of the specification, many specific details and implementation examples are provided to give the reader a more complete understanding of the present invention; however, these specific details and implementation examples should not be considered as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, well-known steps or elements are not described in the details to avoid unnecessarily limiting the present invention.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a projection system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a case where the projection image correction method of the present invention has not been followed. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a projection system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the projection image correction method according to the present invention.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 1 The projection system 100 includes a first projection device 110, a second projection device 120, and an image supplier 130. The first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 receive the same image source IMS from the image supplier 130 and project a first image IMG1 corresponding to the first part of the corresponding image source IMG and a second image IMG2 corresponding to the second part of the corresponding image source IMG onto the projection surface 140 to display the complete image IMG. The overlapping portions of the first image IMG1 and the second image IMG2 that correspond to the same part of the image source IMS form an overlay area OA on the projection surface 140.

[0051] To achieve this spliced ​​image effect, the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 are usually the same or similar models, and therefore their output brightness capabilities will also be the same or similar. Generally, the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 will adjust the brightness of the light projected onto the overlapping area OA, for example, by halving the brightness of the light projected onto the overlapping area OA, so that the brightness of the light in the overlapping area OA is approximately similar to the brightness of the light in the non-overlapping areas A1 and A2, so as to avoid the situation where the brightness of the light in the overlapping area OA is too bright compared to the non-overlapping areas A1 and A2.

[0052] However, the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 have a minimum output brightness limitation; that is, the images projected by the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 will not be completely black, but will still have some brightness. When the overall brightness of the image source IMS is low, such as when a scene of dusk or even night is projected, although the brightness of the light projected by the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 onto the non-overlapping areas A1 and A2 is still greater than their respective minimum output brightness, it is impossible to reduce the brightness of the light projected onto the overlapping area OA to below their respective minimum output brightness, so that the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 still project light onto the overlapping area OA with their respective minimum output brightness. As a result, the brightness of the overlapping area OA will be higher than that of the non-overlapping areas A1 and A2, such as... Figure 1 The situation depicted.

[0053] For ease of explanation, an example is given here, but it is not intended to limit the invention. If the minimum output brightness of the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 is 30 lumens (lm), and it is desired to project an image source IMS with a brightness of 50 lumens onto the projection surface 140, the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 can still project the first image IMG1 and the second image IMG2 with a brightness of 50 lumens onto the non-overlapping areas A1 and A2. However, the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 cannot halve the brightness of the light projected onto the overlapping area OA (i.e., reduce the brightness of the light projected onto the overlapping area OA to 25 lumens, which is lower than 30 lumens); instead, the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 will project light onto the overlapping area OA with a brightness of 30 lumens, making the brightness of the overlapping area OA 60 lumens, which is brighter than the brightness of the non-overlapping areas A1 and A2.

[0054] To solve this problem, such as Figure 1 As shown, one of the projection devices (here, the first projection device 110) further includes a light-shielding component 112 disposed on the lens 111L of the first projection device 110. The first projection device 110 can control the light-shielding component 112 to selectively shield a local area of ​​the lens 111L according to the brightness of the image source IMS.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 2The light-shielding component 112 is installed in a local area of ​​the lens 111L, and this local area corresponds to the overlay area OA. Specifically, the light-shielding component 112 is installed at the position where the lens 111L of the first projection device 110 projects light onto the overlay area. When the brightness of the image source IMS meets a certain condition (such as, but not limited to, the conditions mentioned in the previous examples), the light-shielding component 112 can be controlled to block the local area of ​​the lens 111L, so that the light projected by the first projection device 110 onto the overlay area OA is completely blocked. At the same time, the second projection device 120 does not reduce the brightness of the light projected onto the overlay area OA; that is, the second projection device 120 can simultaneously project a second image IMG2 with the same brightness onto the overlay area OA and the non-overlapping area A2. In this way, the brightness of the complete image IMG projected onto the projection surface 140 can present a uniform visual experience.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a block diagram of a first projection device 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first projection device 110 includes a lens module 111, a processor 113, an output interface 114, and an input interface 115. The processor 113 is coupled to the lens module 111, the output interface 114, and the input interface 115. A light-shielding member 112 is disposed on the lens 111L of the lens module 111. Furthermore, the output interface 114 is also coupled to the light-shielding member 112.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the processor 113 can receive a first image IMG1 corresponding to a first portion of the image source IMS via the input interface 115, and transmit the first image IMG1 to the projection module 111 so that the projection module 111 can project the first image IMG1 onto the projection surface 140. In addition, the processor 113 can selectively transmit a blocking signal to the light-blocking component 112 via the output interface 114 according to the brightness of the image source IMS, so as to instruct the light-blocking component 112 to block a local area of ​​the lens 111L.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a projection image correction method S100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figures 1 to 4 First, in step S110, the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 receive the same image source IMS and respectively project a first image IMG1 and a second image IMG2 corresponding to the image source IMS. Here, the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 can respectively receive the image data of the first image IMG1 of the first part of the image source IMS and the second image IMG2 of the second part of the image source IMS, and project image beams onto the projection surface 140 according to the image data they have received, so as to form the first image IMG1 and the second image IMG2 corresponding to their image data on the projection surface 140.

[0059] Next, in step S120, the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 are adjusted so that the overlapping image sources IMS of the first image IMG1 and the second image IMG2 form an overlay region OA. Then, in step S130, a light-shielding member 112 is installed on the lens 111L of the first projection device 110. Specifically, the light-shielding member 112 is installed in a local area of ​​the lens 111L, which corresponds to the position where the lens 111L projects light onto the overlay region OA.

[0060] Subsequently, in step S150, the processor 113 of the first projection device 110 controls the light-shielding component 112 according to the brightness of the image source IMS, so that the light-shielding component 112 selectively blocks a local area of ​​the lens 111L of the first projection device 110.

[0061] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating step S150 of controlling the light-shielding member 112 according to the brightness of the image source IMS according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Further, before step S150, the minimum output brightness of the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 must be obtained, such as... Figure 4 The steps are shown in step S140.

[0062] Next, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 In step S151, processor 113 obtains the lowest brightness of the overlapping region OA corresponding to the image source IMS. Here, please refer to... Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of step S151, which describes obtaining the minimum brightness of the overlay region OA corresponding to the image source IMS, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step S1511, the processor 113 analyzes the image data of the overlay region OA corresponding to the first image IMG1. In step S1512, the processor 113 obtains the minimum brightness of the overlay region OA corresponding to the image source IMS based on the grayscale values ​​of the image data. In other words, the processor 113 can calculate the minimum brightness of the overlay region OA corresponding to the image source IMS based on the grayscale values ​​of the image data of the first image IMG1.

[0063] Back to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5Next, in step S153, the processor 113 determines whether the minimum brightness is lower than a threshold value, which can be calculated via step S152. In step S152, the processor 113 calculates the threshold value based on the minimum output brightness of the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 (already known from step S140). For example, if the minimum output brightness of the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 is 30 lumens respectively, then the threshold value can be the sum of the minimum output brightness of the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120, which is 60 lumens.

[0064] If the minimum brightness is determined to be below the threshold value, step S154 is executed, and the processor 113 transmits a shielding signal to the light-shielding component 112 via the output interface 114, causing the light-shielding component 112 to shield a local area of ​​the lens 111L to completely block the light projected onto the superimposed area OA. If the minimum brightness is determined not to be below the threshold value, step S155 is executed, and the processor 113 does not issue a shielding signal to control the light-shielding component 112 not to shield a local area of ​​the lens 111L.

[0065] In other words, if the minimum brightness of the overlay area OA corresponding to the image source IMS is found to be lower than a preset threshold value, the light-shielding component 112 can be immediately controlled to block the light projected onto the overlay area OA, thus solving the problem of excessive brightness in the overlay area OA under certain circumstances. Furthermore, since the first projection device 110 and the second projection device 120 are typically the same or similar models, they should have the same or similar minimum output brightness. Therefore, for the dual projection device of this embodiment, the threshold value can be preset to twice the minimum output brightness. However, in practical applications, the threshold value can be adjusted according to different actual usage scenarios.

[0066] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of additional steps in the projection image correction method S100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 7 In this invention, the output interface 114 may include at least one connection terminal. In one embodiment, this connection terminal may be a trigger terminal, which may be used to switch the mode of the first projection device 110. Specifically, the switching of the mode of the first projection device 110 may be performed before step S110.

[0067] like Figure 7As shown in step S160, the processor 113 can first receive a control signal via the input interface 115. The user can select which mode the first projection device 110 should enter according to their needs, such as by operating a remote control, pressing a physical button, or clicking the touch screen on the first projection device 110 to perform an input operation, thereby sending a control signal, so that the processor 113 can selectively switch the first projection device 110 to the light-shielding component control mode (step S170) or the external device control mode (step S180) according to the control signal. If it is switched to the light-shielding component control mode, then continue to node A and continue the subsequent process of step S110. At this time, the trigger terminal of the output interface 114 is coupled to the light-shielding component 112; once it is found that the minimum brightness of the superimposed area OA of the image source IMS is lower than the preset threshold value, the processor 113 can transmit a shielding signal to the light-shielding component 112 via the trigger terminal. If switched to external device control mode, the trigger terminal of output interface 114 is coupled to an external device, such as an electric screen. When the power of the first projection device 110 is turned on, the processor 113 can send a start signal to the electric screen via the trigger terminal, causing the electric screen to automatically lower. At this time, the subsequent process of step S110 is no longer performed. Therefore, the user can select the control mode of the first projection device 110 according to whether an image splicing process is currently required, and thus determine the coupling object of the trigger terminal of output interface 114.

[0068] In addition, the connection terminal can be any terminal other than the trigger terminal. In other embodiments, the connection terminal can be an HDMI terminal or a USB terminal, which is also suitable for coupling with the light-shielding component 112.

[0069] In summary, the projection device, projection system, and projection image correction method provided by the present invention improve the problem of excessive brightness in the overlapping area under certain circumstances by setting a light-shielding component on the lens of one of the projection devices, thereby blocking the light projected onto the overlapping area.

[0070] The present invention has been described in the above-described embodiments; however, these embodiments are merely examples for implementing the present invention. It must be noted that the disclosed embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. Conversely, any modifications and refinements made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention are within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A projection system, characterized in that, include: A first projection device includes a lens and a light-shielding component, the light-shielding component being disposed on the lens; as well as The second projection device receives the same image source as the first projection device and projects a first image and a second image corresponding to the image source respectively. The first image and the second image overlap the same part of the image source to form an overlapping area. Wherein, when the minimum brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlapping area is lower than a threshold value, the first projection device controls the light-blocking component to block a local area of ​​the lens, the local area corresponding to the overlapping area; wherein, the threshold value is the sum of the minimum output brightness of the first projection device and the second projection device.

2. The projection system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the first projection device controls the light-shielding component to shield the local area, the light-shielding component completely blocks the light projected by the first projection device onto the overlapping area.

3. The projection system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first projection device includes a processor that analyzes the image data corresponding to the overlay area of ​​the first image and obtains the minimum brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlay area based on the grayscale value of the image data.

4. The projection system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first projection device also includes an input interface and an output interface. The processor is coupled to the input interface and the output interface respectively, and the output interface is coupled to the light-shielding component. The processor receives the image data through the input interface and selectively transmits a shielding signal to the light-shielding component through the output interface according to the image data.

5. The projection system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The output interface includes at least one connection terminal, which is a trigger terminal, an HDMI terminal, or a USB terminal.

6. The projection system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The processor also receives control signals via the input interface and selectively switches the first projection device to a light-shielding component control mode or an external device control mode based on the control signals. When the first projection device switches to the light-shielding component control mode, the processor selectively transmits the shading signal to the light-shielding component based on the image data.

7. A projection image correction method, applicable to a first projection device and a second projection device, characterized in that, The method includes: The first projection device and the second projection device receive the same image source and respectively project the first image and the second image corresponding to the image source. Adjust the first projection device and the second projection device so that the first image and the second image overlap in the same part of the image source to form an overlapping area; Obtain the lowest brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlay area; and When the minimum brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlapping area is lower than a threshold value, the first projection device controls the light-blocking component located on the first projection device to block a local area of ​​the lens of the first projection device, which corresponds to the overlapping area; wherein, the threshold value is the sum of the minimum output brightness of the first projection device and the second projection device.

8. The projection image correction method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Specifically, the partial area of ​​the lens of the first projection device that is blocked includes the light-blocking component completely blocking the light projected by the first projection device onto the overlapping area.

9. The projection image correction method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The steps for obtaining the lowest brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlay area include: The first projection device analyzes the image data corresponding to the overlapping area of ​​the first image and obtains the minimum brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlapping area based on the grayscale value of the image data.

10. The projection image correction method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: The first projection device receives a control signal and selectively switches to a light-shielding component control mode or an external device control mode based on the control signal. When the first projection device switches to the light-shielding component control mode, the first projection device performs the step of controlling the light-shielding component according to the brightness of the image source.

11. A projection device that receives the same image source as an external projection device and projects an image corresponding to the image source and another image respectively, wherein the image and the other image overlap in the same portion as the image source to form an overlapping area, characterized in that, The projection device includes: Lens; A light-shielding component is provided on the lens; and Processor; and The output interface is coupled to the processor and the light-shielding component, respectively; The processor determines whether the minimum brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlapping area is lower than a threshold value. When it is determined that it is lower than the threshold value, the processor transmits a masking signal to the light-blocking component through the output interface so that the light-blocking component blocks a local area of ​​the lens, which corresponds to the overlapping area. The threshold value is the sum of the minimum output brightness of the projection device and the external projection device.

12. The projection device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The output interface includes at least one connection terminal, which is a trigger terminal, an HDMI terminal, or a USB terminal.

13. The projection device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes an input interface coupled to the processor; The processor receives the image via the input interface, analyzes the image data corresponding to the overlay area, and obtains the minimum brightness of the image source corresponding to the overlay area based on the grayscale value of the image data.

14. The projection device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The processor also receives control signals via the input interface and selectively switches the projection device to a light-shielding component control mode or an external device control mode based on the control signals. When the projection device switches to the light-shielding component control mode, the processor selectively transmits the shading signal to the light-shielding component based on the image data.

Images