Projection system

By introducing a variable projection direction component and a support mechanism into the projection system, the problem of limited screen position and angle adjustment is solved, enabling richer and more colorful image performance and greater setup flexibility.

CN116736619BActive Publication Date: 2026-07-03SEIKO EPSON CORP

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SEIKO EPSON CORP
Filing Date
2023-03-08
Publication Date
2026-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, the screen position and angle cannot be adjusted over a wide range, resulting in a limited range of image performance.

Method used

The conveyor table, which has a variable projection direction and a support mechanism, allows for the movement and adjustment of the screen's position and angle, including changes in height and projection direction.

Benefits of technology

It achieves rich and varied image expression, enhances image variation and performance, and improves screen setting flexibility and image diversity.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A projection system capable of realizing various image expressions is provided. The projection system includes a screen (100), an image projection device (200) that projects an image toward the screen (100), and a conveyance stage (500) that holds the image projection device (200) and is movable. The conveyance stage (500) has a projection direction variable portion that makes a projection direction of the image variable, and a support mechanism (400) that supports the screen (100) in a manner that allows adjustment of a position of the screen (100) in a direction that intersects a setting surface on which the conveyance stage (500) is set.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to projection systems. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image display device comprising: a projector that projects an image onto a stereoscopic screen; a projector holding stage that can adjust the height of the projector and the spacing between the stereoscopic screen and the projector; and a mounting stage that can hold and move the stereoscopic screen, the projector, and the projector holding stage.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-204697

[0004] However, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, since the position and angle of the screen cannot be moved significantly, there is a problem that the screen posture is constant, and only a certain image display can be performed. That is, there is a requirement to achieve diverse image displays. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The projection system includes: a screen; an image projection device that projects an image onto the screen; and a transfer table that holds the image projection device and is movable, the transfer table having: a projection direction variable part that allows the projection direction of the image to be variable; and a support mechanism that supports the screen in such a way that the position of the screen can be adjusted in a direction intersecting with the mounting surface on which the transfer table is mounted. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the projection system.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the structure of the projection system.

[0008] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the conveyor.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a side view showing the structure of the conveyor.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing a part of the structure of the second position adjustment mechanism.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing a part of the structure of the second position adjustment mechanism.

[0012] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the variable projection direction part.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a side view showing the structure of the projection system in a modified example.

[0014] Label Explanation

[0015] 100: Screen; 110: Counterweight as positioning mechanism; 200: Image projection device; 250: Variable projection direction part; 251: Fixing part; 252: Cable; 253: Pulley; 300: Transport box; 310: Roller; 320: Speaker; 330: Battery; 400: Support mechanism; 401: Rotating shaft; 410: First position adjustment mechanism; 411: First height adjustment tube; 412: Second height adjustment tube; 420: Second position adjustment mechanism; 421: First... Support section; 421a: one end; 421b: the other end; 422: second support section; 422a: one end; 422b: the other end; 422c: line; 422d: handle as an operating part; 423: arm; 423a: first arm; 423a1: clamping member; 423b: second arm; 500: conveyor table; 1000: projection system; 1001: projection system; 1200: image projection device; 1300: conveyor table. Detailed Implementation

[0016] In the following figures, the three mutually orthogonal axes are referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The direction along the X-axis is designated as the "X direction," the direction along the Y-axis as the "Y direction," and the direction along the Z-axis as the "Z direction." The direction of the arrow is the "+" direction, and the direction opposite to the "+" direction is designated as the "-" direction. It should be noted that the +Z direction is sometimes referred to as "up" or "above," and the -Z direction as "down" or "below." Viewing from the +Z direction is also referred to as a top-down view. Furthermore, the surface on the +Z side is designated as the upper surface, and the surface on the opposite side (the -Z direction) is designated as the lower surface.

[0017] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Explain the structure of projection system 1000.

[0018] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the projection system 1000 includes a screen 100, an image projection device 200 that projects images onto the screen 100, and a transport table 500 on which the image projection device 200 is mounted.

[0019] The projection system 1000 is, for example, as follows Figure 2 As shown, one can access the lower side of screen 100, sit down from below screen 100 to view the image, or lie in bed to view the image.

[0020] The screen 100 is made of a flexible and semi-transparent material. For example, the screen 100 is a thin fabric, configured to be thin enough to flutter when a breeze blows. The end of the screen 100 is fixed to a counterweight 110, which serves as a positioning mechanism, for example, via a rope.

[0021] The image projection device 200 is, for example, a short-focus projector that projects images onto a screen 100 that is positioned at an angle and is curved.

[0022] The transfer table 500 has, for example, a wooden transfer box 300. Rollers 310 are installed on the lower surface of the transfer box 300. Therefore, the image projection device 200 and the screen 100 can be freely moved to the location where the user wants to set them.

[0023] In addition, the transfer table 500 has a support mechanism 400 that can adjust the position of the screen 100 in a direction intersecting the mounting surface where the transfer box 300 is provided, specifically in the Z direction, i.e., the height direction. The screen 100 is supported by the support mechanism 400.

[0024] Next, refer to Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The structure of the transfer platform 500 will be explained.

[0025] As described above, the transfer table 500 includes a transfer box 300 and a support mechanism 400. Furthermore, the transfer table 500 includes a projection direction variable section 250 (see reference 200) that allows the projection direction of the image from the image projection device 200 to be variable. Figure 7 Furthermore, a description of the projection direction variable part 250 will be provided later.

[0026] The support mechanism 400 has a first position adjustment mechanism 410 for adjusting the height of the screen 100 in the Z direction and a second position adjustment mechanism 420 for adjusting the position of the screen 100 in a direction intersecting the Z direction.

[0027] The first position adjustment mechanism 410 has a first height adjustment tube 411 and a second height adjustment tube 412. The first height adjustment tube 411 is, for example, a square tube and is fixed to the transport box 300. The second height adjustment tube 412 is a square tube that is thinner than the first height adjustment tube 411 and is fixed to the first height adjustment tube 411. That is, although not shown, the second height adjustment tube 412 of the first position adjustment mechanism 410 is slidably disposed in the first height adjustment tube 411.

[0028] like Figure 4As shown, by inserting the second height adjustment tube 412 into the first height adjustment tube 411, the height of the screen 100 can be lowered, thus becoming the first height. By pulling the second height adjustment tube 412 out of the first height adjustment tube 411, the height of the screen 100 can be raised, thus becoming the second height. That is, the position of the screen 100 can be changed by a height H.

[0029] Alternatively, a knob screw (not shown) can be used as a method for fixing the second height adjustment tube 412 and the first height adjustment tube 411. Specifically, the length of the second height adjustment tube 412 is adjusted by loosening the knob screw, and after adjustment, the knob screw is tightened to fix the second height adjustment tube 412 to the first height adjustment tube 411.

[0030] Additionally, a speaker 320 is disposed on the -Y direction side of the transport box 300. To improve the sound quality output from the speaker 320, an enclosure is provided in the transport box 300 to surround the back of the speaker 320. The speaker 320 is connected to a player and amplifier (not shown).

[0031] The second position adjustment mechanism 420 includes: a first support portion 421 extending in the X direction as a first direction; a second support portion 422 extending in the +Y direction as a second direction relative to the extending direction of the first support portion 421; and an arm portion 423 extending in the -Y direction as a third direction relative to the extending direction of the first support portion 421.

[0032] The first support portion 421 is, for example, a circular tube, which is rotatably supported on the second height adjustment tube 412 of the first position adjustment mechanism 410.

[0033] The second support portion 422 extends in the +Y direction, opposite to the side of the screen 100, with one end 422a fixed to the center of the first support portion 421. The other end 422b of the second support portion 422 is connected to the handle 422d, which serves as an operating part, via a wire 422c.

[0034] By rotating the handle 422d, the other end 422b of the second support portion 422 moves in the vertical direction, thereby rotating the first support portion 421, which is fixed to one end 422a of the second support portion 422, specifically, rotating about the rotation axis 401.

[0035] The arm 423 has a first arm 423a and a second arm 423b, extending in a third direction, i.e., the -Y direction, opposite to the second direction, and supports the screen 100. Specifically, the first arm 423a is fixed to one end 421a of the first support portion 421. The second arm 423b is fixed to the other end 421b of the first support portion 421.

[0036] Next, the method for adjusting the angle of screen 100 will be explained. For example, in the initial stage, screen 100 is fixed at a first angle where the arms 423a and 423b are parallel to the setting surface (see reference). Figure 4 ),become Figure 1 The state shown.

[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, firstly, by rotating the handle 422d, the line 422c is pulled, causing the position of the other end 422b of the second support portion 422 to drop, and the first support portion 421 to rotate around the rotation axis 401. Simultaneously, the ends of the arms 423a and 423b, which are fixed to the first support portion 421, are raised, and the screen 100 is configured at the second angle.

[0038] On the other hand, by rotating the handle 422d in the opposite direction to release the line 422c, the position of the other end 422b of the second support portion 422 rises, and the first support portion 421 rotates around the rotation axis 401. Accompanying this, the ends of the arms 423a and 423b fixed to the first support portion 421 descend, and the screen 100 is configured at a third angle.

[0039] In this way, the height and angle of the screen 100 can be changed by the first position adjustment mechanism 410 and the second position adjustment mechanism 420, enabling a variety of image displays. Furthermore, for example, even when the screen 100 is at a height that is inaccessible to the hand, the angle of the screen 100 can be easily changed by operating the handle 422d.

[0040] Furthermore, if the handle 422d is rotated left or right, i.e., in the +Y or -Y direction, the angle of the screen 100 changes, creating a floating effect. It also allows airflow to reach the screen 100. This enriches the display of images and videos. Additionally, by moving the screen 100 closer to or further away from the person lying in bed, the changing images and videos can be appreciated. While there may be instances where the image or video projected onto the screen 100 is out of focus, this can also be enjoyed as a variation in the image or video.

[0041] Next, refer to Figure 5 as well as Figure 6The structure of the first support portion 421, the second support portion 422, and the arms 423a and 423b constituting the second position adjustment mechanism 420 will be specifically described.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, the first support portion 421 is slidably disposed on the second height adjustment tube 412. The second support portion 422 has a through hole at one end 422a, into which the first support portion 421 is inserted. Furthermore, the second support portion 422 is fixed in a non-rotational manner by means of adhesive or the like so as to be linked to the rotational movement of the first support portion 421.

[0043] Additionally, a through hole is provided at the other end 422b of the second support portion 422. The wire 422c passes through this through hole and is fixed in place. The other end 422b of the second support portion 422 is under tension, for example, due to the screen 100 being mounted on the arm portions 423a and 423b, by the weight of the screen 100, which stretches it upwards.

[0044] like Figure 6 As shown, the first arm 423a is fixed to one end 421a of the first support 421 via a T-joint, for example. The first arm 423a is provided with a plurality of clamping members 423a1 for fixing the screen 100. Furthermore, the structure of the second arm 423b is the same as that of the first arm 423a.

[0045] By configuring the first arm 423a and the second arm 423b, a space is formed below the screen 100. Therefore, the user can enter the space (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0046] In addition, it can also project images onto the screen 100 between the first arm 423a and the second arm 423b, creating a space for the user that is like being in a cave.

[0047] In addition, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the length L1 of the second support portion 422, specifically the length from one end 422a to the other end 422b, is shorter than the length L2 of the arms 423a and 423b, specifically the length from one end of the arms 423a and 423b to the other end. In other words, the length between the rotating shaft 401 and the other end 422b of the second support portion 422 is shorter than the length between the rotating shaft 401 and the other ends of the arms 423a and 423b on the opposite side of the end fixed to one end of the first support portion 421.

[0048] Therefore, by utilizing the lever principle, with the rotation axis 401 of the first support section 421 as the fulcrum, when the second support section 422, which has a shorter length L1, is used as the force point to move it, the arms 423a and 423b, which have a longer length L2, can also be used as the force application points to move it. Thus, even small movements can cause the screen 100 to produce large movements.

[0049] Next, refer to Figure 7 The structure of the projection direction variable part 250 constituting the transfer table 500 will be described.

[0050] like Figure 7 As shown, the projection direction variable part 250 changes the projection direction of the image from the image projection device 200. As described above, the image projection device 200 is, for example, a short-focal-point projector using a concave mirror and a projection optics system with a bent optical axis, and is arranged longitudinally. A housing that guides the image projection device 200 is arranged around it. A fixing part 251 for fixing the line 252 is provided in this housing. The fixing part 251 may also be directly provided in the housing of the image projection device 200.

[0051] The cable 252 extends from the pulley 253 to the +Y direction side of the transport box 300 and is fixed to a rod (not shown). By moving the rod and pulling the cable 252, the projection direction of the image from the image projection device 200 can be changed. On the other hand, by moving the rod and releasing the cable 252, the projection direction of the image from the image projection device 200 can be restored.

[0052] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, the transport box 300 includes a battery 330. By using the battery 330, the image projection device 200 and the audio equipment can be operated regardless of their installation location.

[0053] As described above, the projection system 1000 of this embodiment includes: a screen 100; an image projection device 200 that projects an image onto the screen 100; and a transport table 500 that holds the image projection device 200 and is movable. The transport table 500 includes: a projection direction variable part 250 that makes the projection direction of the image variable; and a support mechanism 400 that supports the screen 100 in such a way that the position of the screen 100 can be adjusted in a direction intersecting the mounting surface on which the transport table 500 is provided.

[0054] According to this structure, by using the support mechanism 400 to raise and lower the position of the screen 100 in a direction intersecting the mounting surface, such as vertically, the posture of the screen 100 can be changed, thus changing the appearance of the projected image. That is, the diversity of image display can be improved. Furthermore, since the direction of the projected image can be changed by the projection direction variable part 250, the appearance of the image can be changed. In addition, since the image projection device 200 is mounted on the transport table 500, the ease of setting up the screen 100 can be improved.

[0055] Furthermore, in the projection system 1000 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the support mechanism 400 includes: a first position adjustment mechanism 410, which adjusts the position of supporting the screen 100 in the height direction from the setting surface; and a second position adjustment mechanism 420, which adjusts the position of supporting the screen 100 in the direction intersecting the height direction. According to this structure, by adjusting the position of the screen 100 in the height direction by the first position adjustment mechanism 410 and adjusting the position of the screen 100 in the direction intersecting the height direction by the second position adjustment mechanism 420, a richer and more varied image display can be achieved.

[0056] Furthermore, in the projection system 1000 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the second position adjustment mechanism 420 includes: a first support portion 421, which is rotatably supported on the first position adjustment mechanism 410 and extends in a first direction parallel to the setting surface; a second support portion 422, which extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction, with one end 422a fixed to the center of the first support portion 421 and rotating about the rotation axis 401 of the first support portion 421 along the first direction; a handle 422d, which is connected to the other end 422b of the second support portion 422 to rotate the second support portion 422; and arm portions 423a and 423b, which are respectively provided at one end 421a and the other end 421b of the first support portion 421 and extend in a third direction opposite to the second direction to support the screen 100.

[0057] According to this structure, the other end 422b of the second support portion 422 is moved in the height direction by the handle 422d, thereby causing the first support portion 421, which is fixed to the second support portion 422, to rotate around the rotation axis 401. The rotation of the first support portion 421 causes the two arms 423a and 423b to rotate in the height direction. Therefore, by operating the handle 422d, the angle and height of the screen 100 can be changed, enabling a variety of image displays. Furthermore, for example, even when the screen 100 is at a height inaccessible to the hand, the arms 423a and 423b can be easily rotated by operating the handle 422d.

[0058] Furthermore, in the projection system 1000 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the length of the second support portion 422 is shorter than the length between the ends of one of the arms 423a and 423b. According to this structure, the first support portion 421 is rotatably supported on the first position adjustment mechanism 410. In other words, utilizing the lever principle, with the first support portion 421 as the fulcrum, when the shorter end 422b of the second support portion 422 is used as the force point to move it, the longer arms 423a and 423b can be used as the force application point to rotate it. Therefore, even small movements can produce large movements of the screen 100. That is, the screen 100 can be easily set up.

[0059] Furthermore, in the projection system 1000 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the transfer platform 500 is equipped with a battery 330 for supplying power to the image projection device 200. With this structure, because it has the battery 330, power can be stably supplied to the image projection device 200 even when there is no power outlet to supply power to the surrounding area. Therefore, for example, even in places such as events, the flexibility in setting up the transfer platform 500 can be increased, enabling a higher degree of spatial performance.

[0060] Furthermore, in the projection system 1000 of this embodiment, it is preferable to have a counterweight 110 on the side of the screen 100 opposite to the support mechanism 400, which positions the screen 100 on the mounting surface. According to this structure, the position of the end of the screen 100 is determined by the counterweight 110; in other words, the end of the screen 100 is fixed. Therefore, by actuating the first position adjustment mechanism 410 and the second position adjustment mechanism 420, the height and angle of the screen 100 can be easily changed.

[0061] Hereinafter, variations of the above-described embodiments will be described.

[0062] It is not limited to projecting images or videos onto screen 100 from inside the area covered by screen 100 as described above; it can also be... Figure 8 The structure shown. Figure 8 This is a side view showing the structure of a modified projection system 1001.

[0063] like Figure 8As shown, the modified projection system 1001 projects images and videos onto the screen 100 from the outside of the screen 100, based on the embodiment described above. Specifically, a transport stage 1300 for mounting another image projection device 1200 is arranged on the outside of the screen 100, i.e., on the -Y direction side. By adopting such a structure, the diversity of image display can be further improved. In addition, it is not limited to viewing images and videos from inside the screen 100, but can also be viewed from the outside of the screen 100.

[0064] Not limited to the first position adjustment mechanism 410 only sliding the second height adjustment tube 412 as described above, the first height adjustment tube 411 can also be slid. Specifically, a linear guide or the like can be used to make the first height adjustment tube 411 slide relative to the transport box 300 in the vertical direction.

[0065] Instead of using knobs and screws to fix the first height adjustment tube 411 and the second height adjustment tube 412 as described above, for example, through holes can be provided on both the first height adjustment tube 411 and the second height adjustment tube 412, and height adjustment can be performed by inserting a pin into the through hole.

[0066] The image projection device 200 can be arranged longitudinally as described above, or it can be placed on the bottom surface inside the transport box 300.

[0067] The operation is not limited to rotating the handle 422d when changing the angle of the screen 100 as described above; the cable 422c can also be wound or unwound electrically.

Claims

1. A projection system comprising: Screen; An image projection device that projects an image onto the screen; and A transfer table, which houses the image projection device and is movable. The conveyor table has: A projection direction variable part, which makes the projection direction of the image variable; and A support mechanism that supports the screen in a manner that allows adjustment of the screen's position in a direction intersecting the mounting surface where the conveyor table is set. The support mechanism has: The first position adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the screen supported in the height direction from the set surface; and The second position adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the screen supported in the direction intersecting the height direction. The second position adjustment mechanism has: The first support portion, which is rotatably supported on the first position adjustment mechanism, extends in a first direction parallel to the setting surface; The second support portion extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and one end of the second support portion is fixed to the central portion of the first support portion. The second support portion rotates about the rotation axis of the first support portion along the first direction. An operating part, which is connected to the other end of the second support portion, causes the second support portion to rotate; and An arm, which is respectively disposed at one end of the first support portion and the other end of the first support portion, extends in a third direction on the side opposite to the second direction, and supports the screen.

2. The projection system according to claim 1, wherein, The length between the rotating shaft and the other end of the second support portion is shorter than the length between the rotating shaft and the other end of the arm portion, and the other end of the arm portion is located on the side of the arm portion opposite to the end of the arm portion fixed to the first support portion.

3. The projection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The conveyor is equipped with a battery that supplies power to the image projection device.

4. The projection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A positioning mechanism is provided on the side of the screen opposite to the support mechanism to position the screen on the mounting surface.