Control method of display apparatus and display apparatus

Abstract

A control method for a display device and a display device are provided. A large-screen image is displayed on a display surface without degrading image quality. The projector (100A) performs the following: receiving a first image (50a) through a first receiving unit (111A) of the projector (100A); receiving a second image (50b) through a second receiving unit (113A) of the projector (100A); generating a first composite image (21A) including a portion of the second image (50b) and the first image (50a); and displaying the first composite image (21A) on the projection surface (10). The projector (100B) performs the following: receiving a second image (50b) through a first receiving unit (111B) of the projector (100B); and displaying the second image (50b) on the projection surface (10).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Previously, there were display systems that used multiple display devices to display a single image.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a multi-projection system that daisy-chains multiple projectors and transmits image data from the projector at the top position in the daisy chain to the projector at the bottom position.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-54421

[0005] However, when a large-screen image is displayed by transmitting a single image from multiple display devices through a daisy chain to multiple display devices, there is a limit to the size of the image that a display device can send and receive through a single interface. Therefore, it is not possible to process images larger than the size of the image that can be sent and received through a single interface among multiple daisy chained display devices. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure discloses a control method for a display system, wherein a first display device performs the following actions: receiving a first image through a first interface of the first display device; receiving a second image through a second interface of the first display device; generating a first composite image comprising a portion of the second image and the first image; and displaying the first composite image on a display surface; and a second display device performs the following actions: receiving the second image through a third interface of the second display device; and displaying the second image on the display surface; wherein the first composite image comprises: a first region, which is a portion of the first composite image; and a first overlapping region, which is a portion of the first composite image different from the first region, comprising a portion of the second image; and the second image comprises: a second overlapping region, which comprises a portion of the second image, overlapping the first overlapping region on the display surface; and a second region, which is a portion of the second image different from the second overlapping region.

[0007] This disclosure discloses a control method for a display device, which performs the following actions: receiving a first image through a first interface of the display device; receiving a second image through a second interface of the display device; generating a first composite image comprising a portion of the second image and the first image; and displaying the first composite image on a display surface, the first composite image comprising: a first region, which is a portion of the first composite image; and a first overlapping region, which is a portion of the first composite image different from the first region, comprising a portion of the second image, wherein in the region of the display surface where the first overlapping region is displayed, a portion of the second image is displayed via another display device.

[0008] This disclosure discloses a display device having: a first interface for receiving a first image; a second interface for receiving a second image; and a control unit for generating a first composite image comprising a portion of the second image and the first image, and displaying the first composite image on a display surface, the first composite image comprising: a first region being a portion of the first composite image; and a first overlapping region being a portion of the first composite image different from the first region, comprising a portion of the second image, wherein a portion of the second image is displayed via another display device in the region of the display surface where the first overlapping region is displayed. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the system structure of the projection system.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the structure of a projector.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the state in which the first image and the second image are displayed on the projection surface.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the connection structure between the image supply device and the projector.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram representing the first composite image.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram representing the second composite image.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a graph representing an image based on the first image.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a graph representing an image based on the second image.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the actions of the projector.

[0018] Figure 10 This diagram shows the connection structure when six projectors are connected.

[0019] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing the state in which the first image, the second image, and the third image are displayed on the projection surface.

[0020] Label Explanation

[0021] 1: Display system; 5: Remote control; 10: Projection surface; 31, 33, 35, 37, 39: Overlapping display areas; 50a: First image; 50b: Second image; 50c: Third image; 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F: Projector; 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D: Image I / F; 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D, 111E, 111F: First receiving unit; 113A, 113B, 113C, 113D, 113E, 113F: Second receiving unit; 115A, 115B, 115C, 115D, 115E, 115F: First transmitting unit; 117A, 117B, 117C, 1 17D, 117E, 117F: Second transmitting unit; 120A: Remote control light receiving unit; 130, 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D, 130E, 130F: Image processing unit; 135A: Frame memory; 140A: Image projection unit; 141A: Light source; 143A: Light modulation device; 145A: LCD panel; 147A: Optical unit; 150A: Control unit; 160A: Storage unit; 165A: Control program; 170A: Processor; 201, 203, 205, 211, 213, 215, 217, 221, 223, 225: HDMI cable; 300: Image supply device; 310: First transmitting unit; 330: Second transmitting unit; 350: Third transmitting unit. Detailed Implementation

[0022] 1. System structure of the display system

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

[0024] The display system 1 has multiple projectors 100 and an image supply device 300.

[0025] exist Figure 1The diagram shows a display system 1 with four projectors: 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D. However, the number of projectors 100 is not limited to four. In the following description, projectors 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D will be referred to as projector 100 unless it is necessary to distinguish between them. Projector 100A corresponds to the first display device, projector 100B corresponds to the second display device, projector 100C corresponds to the third display device, and projector 100D corresponds to the fourth display device.

[0026] Image supply device 300, for example, uses a laptop PC (Personal Computer), desktop PC, tablet terminal, smartphone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc.

[0027] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows an example of projectors 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D arranged in a row along the horizontal direction of the projection surface 10. The projectors 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D can also be arranged longitudinally along the projection surface 10.

[0028] Projectors 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D project image light onto projection surface 10, causing the projection surface 10 to display images. The area of ​​projection surface 10 where images are displayed by projectors 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D is called display area 30. Projection surface 10 is equivalent to display surface.

[0029] The display area 30 of the projection surface 10 is divided into 4 areas.

[0030] The display area 30 on which the projector 100A displays the image is referred to as display area 30A.

[0031] The display area 30 on which the projector 100B displays the image is referred to as display area 30B.

[0032] The display area 30 on which the projector 100C displays the image is referred to as display area 30C.

[0033] The display area 30 of the image displayed by the projector 100D is referred to as the display area 30D.

[0034] Display area 30A corresponds to the first display area. Display area 30B corresponds to the second display area. Display area 30C corresponds to the third display area. Display area 30D corresponds to the fourth display area. Display areas 30A and 30B are adjacent in the horizontal direction (first direction) of the projection surface 10. Figure 1 The diagram shows an example where projectors 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D are arranged in a row along the horizontal direction of the projection surface 10. However, projectors 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D can also be arranged in the vertical direction of the projection surface 10. In this case, display areas 30A and 30B are adjacent in the vertical direction of the projection surface 10, i.e., the second direction.

[0035] In the accompanying drawings, the right end of display area 30C overlaps with the left end of display area 30A.

[0036] In the accompanying drawings, the right end of display area 30A overlaps with the left end of display area 30B.

[0037] In the accompanying drawings, the right end of display area 30B overlaps with the left end of display area 30D.

[0038] In the accompanying drawings, the area where the right end of display area 30C overlaps with the left end of display area 30A is called display overlap area 31. The area where the right end of display area 30A overlaps with the left end of display area 30B is called display overlap area 33. The area where the right end of display area 30B overlaps with the left end of display area 30D is called display overlap area 35.

[0039] Edge blending is performed in the overlapping display area 31, adjusting the brightness of the images displayed by projectors 100A and 100C. Specifically, projector 100C adjusts the brightness of the image displayed in the overlapping display area 31, reducing the brightness difference between the area in display area 30C where only projector 100C displays its image and the overlapping display area 31. Similarly, projector 100A adjusts the brightness of the image displayed in the overlapping display area 31, reducing the brightness difference between the area in display area 30A where only projector 100A displays its image and the overlapping display area 31. The same applies to overlapping display areas 33 and 35.

[0040] 2. Structure of the projector

[0041] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the projector 100A.

[0042] Reference Figure 2 The structure of the projector 100A will be explained.

[0043] Projectors 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D have roughly the same structure. Therefore, the structure of projector 100 will be described using projector 100A as an example.

[0044] The projector 100A includes an image interface 110A, a remote control light receiver 120A, an image processing unit 130A, a frame memory 135A, an image projection unit 140A, and a control unit 150A. Hereinafter, the interface will be abbreviated as I / F.

[0045] The image I / F 110A has a connector and interface circuitry for connection to other projectors 100 or image supply devices 300. In this embodiment, the image I / F 110A will be described as having an HDMI interface corresponding to the HDMI standard. HDMI is short for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. HDMI is a registered trademark.

[0046] The image I / F 110A includes a first receiving unit 111A, a second receiving unit 113A, a first transmitting unit 115A, and a second transmitting unit 117A. The first receiving unit 111A and the second receiving unit 113A have HDMI connectors and HDMI receivers. The first transmitting unit 115A and the second transmitting unit 117A have HDMI connectors and HDMI transceivers.

[0047] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The connection structure of the image I / F 110 of projectors 100A, 100B, 100C and 100D is described.

[0048] The light-receiving unit 120A of the remote controller receives the infrared signal sent from the remote controller 5 and outputs the operation signal corresponding to the operation content shown by the received infrared signal to the control unit 150A.

[0049] The remote controller 5 has a control element for operating the user interface. When the user operates the control element, the remote controller 5 transmits an infrared signal corresponding to the operated control element.

[0050] The image processing unit 130A is connected to a frame memory 135A. The image processing unit 130A unfolds images input from the control unit 150A and the image I / F 110A into the frame memory 135A. The frame memory 135A has multiple storage bins. Each storage bin has a storage capacity capable of writing one frame of image. The frame memory 135A is, for example, constructed of SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0051] The image processing unit 130A performs image processing on the image unfolded in the frame memory 135A, such as resolution transformation or resizing, distortion and aberration correction, shape correction, digital zoom, and adjustment of image tone or brightness. The image processing unit 130A executes the image processing specified by the control unit 150A, using parameters input from the control unit 150A as needed. Furthermore, the image processing unit 130A can also perform multiple image processing operations in combination. The image processing unit 130A reads the processed image from the frame memory 135A and outputs the read image to the image projection unit 140A.

[0052] The image processing unit 130A and the frame memory 135A are, for example, constructed from integrated circuits. Integrated circuits include LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), SoC (System-on-a-chip), etc. Furthermore, a portion of the integrated circuit structure may include analog circuitry, or it may be a structure combining the control unit 150A and the integrated circuit.

[0053] The image projection unit 140A includes a light source 141A, a light modulation device 143A, and an optical unit 147A.

[0054] The light source 141A can be a discharge-type light source such as an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp or a metal halide lamp, or a solid-state light source such as a light-emitting diode or a semiconductor laser. The light emitted from the light source 141A is incident on the light modulation device 143A.

[0055] The light modulation apparatus 143A includes a light modulation element that modulates the light emitted from the light source 141A. In this embodiment, the light modulation element is a transmissive liquid crystal panel 145A, in which liquid crystal is sealed between a pair of transparent substrates. The liquid crystal panel 145A has a panel area composed of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix. The light modulation apparatus 143A applies a driving voltage corresponding to an input image to each pixel of the panel area, thereby changing the transmittance of each pixel to a transmittance corresponding to the image. The light emitted from the light source 141A passes through the liquid crystal panel 145A, thereby modulating the light and generating image light corresponding to the image.

[0056] The optical modulation element of the optical modulation device 143A is not limited to a transmissive liquid crystal panel; for example, it can also be a reflective liquid crystal panel or a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device).

[0057] The optical unit 147A includes a projection lens (not shown) and other components, which amplifies and projects the image light modulated by the light modulation device 143A onto the projection surface 10. Thus, an image corresponding to the image light, i.e., a projected image, is displayed on the projection surface 10.

[0058] The control unit 150A is a computer device having a storage unit 160A and a processor 170A.

[0059] The storage unit 160A includes non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory). ROM stores the control program 165A used for the motion control of the projector 100A and various setting information. RAM is used for temporary storage of various data, etc.

[0060] The processor 170A is a computing device that includes one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro-processing Units), etc. The processor 170A executes the control program 165A to control the operation of various parts of the projector 100A.

[0061] 3. The image displayed on the projection surface

[0062] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the state in which the first image 50a and the second image 50b are displayed on the projection surface 10.

[0063] The first image 50a and the second image 50b are images output by the image supply device 300 from the screens of multiple displays, i.e., two screens, as a continuous screen.

[0064] The first image 50a is displayed in display areas 30C, 30A, and 30B. Therefore, it is necessary to supply an image signal containing the first image 50a to projectors 100A, 100B, and 100C. The image signal containing the first image 50a is referred to as the first image signal S1.

[0065] The second image 50b is displayed in display areas 30A, 30B, and 30D. Therefore, it is necessary to supply an image signal containing the second image 50b to projectors 100A, 100B, and 100D. This image signal containing the second image 50b is referred to as the second image signal S2.

[0066] 4. Projector 100 connection

[0067] Figure 4 This diagram shows the connection structure between the image supply device 300 and the projectors 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D. Figure 4 S1 shown represents the first image signal S1. Figure 4 S2 shown represents the second image signal S2.

[0068] The image supply device 300 has a first transmitting unit 310 and a second transmitting unit 330.

[0069] The first transmitting unit 310 is connected to the first receiving unit 111A of the projector 100A via an HDMI cable 201. The image supply device 300 transmits a first image signal S1, containing the first image 50a, to the projector 100A via the first transmitting unit 310. The projector 100A receives the first image signal S1 via the first receiving unit 111A. The first receiving unit 111A is equivalent to the first interface.

[0070] The second transmitting unit 330 is connected to the first receiving unit 111B of the projector 100B via an HDMI cable 211. The image supply device 300 transmits a second image signal S2, containing the second image 50b, to the projector 100B via the second transmitting unit 330. The projector 100B receives the second image signal S2 via the first receiving unit 111B. The first receiving unit 111B is equivalent to a third interface.

[0071] Projectors 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D are connected via a dual-system daisy-chain connection.

[0072] The daisy-chain connection of System 1 connects Projector 100A, Projector 100C, and Projector 100B.

[0073] The daisy-chain connection of the second system connects projectors 100B, 100D, and 100A.

[0074] First, the daisy chain connection of System 1 will be explained.

[0075] The first transmitter 115A of the projector 100A and the first receiver 111C of the projector 100C are connected via an HDMI cable 203.

[0076] The first transmitter 115C of the projector 100C and the second receiver 113B of the projector 100B are connected via an HDMI cable 205.

[0077] The projector 100A extracts the first image 50a contained in the first image signal S1 received by the first receiving unit 111A and outputs the extracted first image 50a to the image processing unit 130A. Furthermore, the projector 100A outputs the first image signal S1 received by the first receiving unit 111A to the first transmitting unit 115A. The first transmitting unit 115A transmits the input first image signal S1 to the projector 100C.

[0078] Projector 100C receives a first image signal S1 via a first receiving unit 111C. The first receiving unit 111C corresponds to a fifth interface. Projector 100C extracts a first image 50a contained in the first image signal S1 received by the first receiving unit 111C and outputs the extracted first image 50a to the image processing unit 130C. Furthermore, projector 100C outputs the first image signal S1 received by the first receiving unit 111C to a first transmitting unit 115C. The first transmitting unit 115C transmits the input first image signal S1 to projector 100B. The first transmitting unit 115C corresponds to a sixth interface.

[0079] The projector 100B receives the first image signal S1 through the second receiving unit 113B. The projector 100B extracts the first image 50a contained in the first image signal S1 received by the second receiving unit 113B and outputs the extracted first image 50a to the image processing unit 130B.

[0080] Next, the daisy chain connection of the second system will be explained.

[0081] The first transmitter 115B of the projector 100B and the first receiver 111D of the projector 100D are connected via an HDMI cable 213.

[0082] The first transmitter 115D of the projector 100D and the second receiver 113A of the projector 100A are connected via an HDMI cable 215.

[0083] The projector 100B extracts the second image 50b contained in the second image signal S2 received by the first receiving unit 111B and outputs the extracted second image 50b to the image processing unit 130B. Additionally, the projector 100B outputs the second image signal S2 received by the first receiving unit 111B to the first transmitting unit 115B. The first transmitting unit 115B transmits the input second image signal S2 to the projector 100D.

[0084] Projector 100D receives the second image signal S2 via first receiving unit 111D. First receiving unit 111D corresponds to the 7th interface. Projector 100D extracts the second image 50b contained in the second image signal S2 received by first receiving unit 111D and outputs the extracted second image 50b to image processing unit 130D. Furthermore, projector 100D outputs the second image signal S2 received by first receiving unit 111D to first transmitting unit 115D. First transmitting unit 115D transmits the input second image signal S2 to projector 100A. First transmitting unit 115D corresponds to the 8th interface.

[0085] The projector 100A receives the second image signal S2 through the second receiving unit 113A. The second receiving unit 113A is equivalent to the second interface. The projector 100A extracts the second image 50b contained in the second image signal S2 received by the second receiving unit 113A and outputs the extracted second image 50b to the image processing unit 130A.

[0086] Figure 5 This represents the first composite image 21A. More specifically, it is the image cut out from... Figure 3 The image shown is a diagram of the image displayed by the projection surface 10 and the image displayed by the projector 100A.

[0087] The image processing unit 130A of the projector 100A combines at least a portion of the input first image 50a and a portion of the second image 50b to generate a first composite image 21A, and projects image light based on the generated first composite image 21A onto the display area 30A.

[0088] The image in the first composite image 21A that is displayed in the display area 30A excluding the display overlap area 33 is referred to as the first region 23A. The first region 23A contains at least a portion of the first image 50a.

[0089] Additionally, the image displayed in the overlapping region 33 of the first composite image 21A is referred to as the first overlapping region 25A. The first overlapping region 25A includes the area of ​​the first image 50a excluding the first region 23A and a portion of the second image 50b.

[0090] Figure 6 This represents the second composite image 21B. More specifically, it is the image cut out from... Figure 3 The image shown is a diagram of the image displayed on the projection surface 10 and the image displayed on the projector 100B.

[0091] The image processing unit 130B of the projector 100B combines a portion of the input first image 50a and at least a portion of the second image 50b to generate a second composite image 21B, and projects image light based on the generated second composite image 21B onto the display area 30B.

[0092] The image in the second composite image 21B that is displayed in the display area 30B excluding the display overlap area 33 is referred to as the second region 23B. The second region 23B contains at least a portion of the second image 50b.

[0093] The image displayed in the overlapping region 33 of the second composite image 21B is referred to as the second overlapping region 25B. The second overlapping region 25B includes the area of ​​the second image 50b excluding the second region 23B and a portion of the first image 50a.

[0094] Figure 7 This refers to the image 21C displayed by the projector 100C based on the first image 50a. More specifically, it is a cut-out image... Figure 3 The image shown is a diagram of the image displayed on the projection surface 10 and the image displayed by the projector 100C. The image processing unit 130C of the projector 100C projects the image 21C based on the input first image 50a onto the display area 30C.

[0095] The image displayed in the display area 30C of image 21C, excluding the display overlap area 31, is referred to as the third area 23C. The image displayed in the display overlap area 31 of image 21C is referred to as the third overlap area 25C.

[0096] Figure 8 This represents the image 21D displayed by projector 100D based on the second image 50b. More specifically, it is a cut-out image... Figure 3 The image shown is a diagram of the image displayed by the projection surface 10 and the image displayed by the projector 100D.

[0097] The image processing unit 130D of the projector 100D projects the image 21D based on the input second image 50b onto the display area 30D.

[0098] The area of ​​image 21D excluding the overlapping region 35 is referred to as the fourth region 23D. The image displayed in image 21D within the overlapping region 35 is referred to as the fourth overlapping region 25D.

[0099] The first overlapping region 25A of the first composite image 21A and the second overlapping region 25B of the second composite image 21B are overlaid in the display overlapping region 33.

[0100] A portion of the first region 23A of the first composite image 21A and the third overlapping region 25C of image 21C are overlaid in the display overlapping region 31.

[0101] A portion of the second region 23B of the second composite image 21B and the fourth overlapping region 25D of image 21D are overlaid in the display overlapping region 35.

[0102] 5. Projector operation

[0103] Next, the operation of the projector 100 will be explained.

[0104] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of projector 100A.

[0105] The operation of projectors 100A, 100B, 100C and 100D is roughly the same, therefore, the operation of projector 100A will be explained here.

[0106] As a pre-configuration, the projector 100 displays an OSD (On-Screen Display) screen on the projection surface 10, which allows users to set the configuration of the projector 100, the start and end positions of the area for edge blending, etc. The user views the OSD screen while operating the remote control 5 to input these settings. Based on the input from the remote control 5, the projector 100 generates configuration information specifying the projector 100's configuration, the start and end positions of the edge blending process, etc.

[0107] This setting can also be performed individually by projectors 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D. Alternatively, it can be performed by one of the projectors 100 connected via a daisy-chain connection in the first system and another by one of the projectors 100 connected via a daisy-chain connection in the second system. The projector 100 that receives the setting sends the setting information to the other projectors 100 connected via the daisy chain. Alternatively, the image supply device 300, which functions as a personal computer, can generate the setting information and send it to each projector 100.

[0108] First, the control unit 150A determines whether it has received a request to transmit an image signal from the image supply device 300 (step S1). If no request to transmit an image signal is received (step S1 / No), the control unit 150A waits until a request to transmit an image signal is received (step S1).

[0109] When the control unit 150A receives a request to transmit an image signal (step S1 / Yes), it determines whether an image signal has been received (step S2). If no image signal has been received (step S2 / No), the control unit 150A proceeds to the determination in step S10.

[0110] When the control unit 150A receives an image signal (step S2 / Yes), it determines whether there is a downstream projector 100 daisy-chained to the projector 100A (step S3). As a first system daisy-chain connection, a projector 100C is connected downstream of the projector 100A. If a downstream projector 100 is daisy-chained (step S3 / Yes), the control unit 150A sends the received image signal to the downstream projector 100 (step S4).

[0111] Furthermore, when the projector 100 is not present (step S3 / No), or when the image signal is sent to the projector 100 (step S4), the control unit 150A causes the image I / F 110A to extract the image contained in the image signal (step S5). When the image I / F 110A receives the first image signal S1, it extracts the first image 50a contained in the received first image signal S1 and outputs the extracted first image 50a to the image processing unit 130A. Furthermore, when the image I / F 110A receives the second image signal S2, it extracts the second image 50b contained in the received second image signal S2 and outputs the extracted second image 50b to the image processing unit 130A.

[0112] The image processing unit 130A expands the first image 50a input from the image I / F 110A into the first storage of the frame memory 135A, and expands the second image 50b input into the second storage of the frame memory 135A (step S5).

[0113] The image processing unit 130A reads the first image 50a from the first storage repository and expands the read first image 50a into the third storage repository according to the setting information. Similarly, the image processing unit 130A reads the second image 50b from the second storage repository and expands the read second image 50b into the third storage repository according to the setting information. As a result, the first composite image 21A projected by the projector 100A is generated in the third storage repository of the frame memory 135A (step S6).

[0114] Furthermore, the image processing unit 130A performs a brightness reduction process to adjust the brightness of the first composite image 21A displayed in the third repository, thereby reducing the brightness difference in the display overlap area 31 where the images displayed by the projector 100C and the projector 100A overlap (step S7). Similarly, the image processing unit 130A performs a brightness reduction process to adjust the brightness of the first composite image 21A, thereby reducing the brightness difference in the display overlap area 33 where the images displayed by the projector 100A and the projector 100B overlap (step S7).

[0115] Next, the image processing unit 130A reads the first composite image 21A, which has undergone light reduction processing, from the frame memory 135A and outputs the read first composite image 21A to the light modulation device 143A. The light modulation device 143A applies a driving voltage corresponding to the input first composite image 21A to each pixel of the liquid crystal panel 145A, changing the transmittance of each pixel to the transmittance corresponding to the first composite image 21A. Light emitted from the light source 141A passes through the liquid crystal panel 145A, thereby generating image light corresponding to the first composite image 21A (step S8). The image light generated by the light modulation device 143A is amplified by the optical unit 147A and projected onto the projection surface 10. As a result, the first composite image 21A is displayed on the projection surface 10 (step S9).

[0116] Then, the control unit 150A returns to the determination in step S2. If no image signal is received (step S2 / No), the control unit 150A determines whether the reception of the image signal has ended (step S10). If the reception of the image signal has not ended (step S10 / No), the control unit 150A returns to the determination in step S2.

[0117] In addition, when the reception of the image signal has ended (step S10 / Yes), the control unit 150A terminates the processing flow.

[0118] 6. Other connections for the projector

[0119] Figure 10 This diagram shows an example of the connection structure when six projectors 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, and 100F) are connected to the image supply device 300.

[0120] exist Figure 10 The diagram shows six projectors 100 (100C, 100A, 100B, 100D, 100E, and 100F) arranged in a row along the horizontal direction of the projection surface 10. In the accompanying drawings, projectors 100C, 100A, and 100B are shown in two columns, while projectors 100D, 100E, and 100F are shown in two separate columns. Furthermore, the overall diagram of the image supply device 300 is omitted; only the first transmitting unit 310, the second transmitting unit 330, and the third transmitting unit 350 are shown.

[0121] Figure 11 This shows the state in which three images, namely the first image 50a, the second image 50b, and the third image 50c, are displayed on the projection surface 10.

[0122] The first image 50a, the second image 50b, and the third image 50c are images output by the image supply device 300 from the screens of multiple displays, i.e., the three screens, as a single continuous screen.

[0123] The first image 50a is displayed in display areas 30C, 30A, and 30B. A first image signal S1 containing the first image 50a needs to be supplied to projectors 100A, 100B, and 100C.

[0124] The second image 50b is displayed in display areas 30A, 30B, 30D, and 30E. Display area 30E is the area where the image light projected by projector 100E is projected. Projector 100E is positioned adjacent to the right of projector 100D in the attached view. A second image signal S2 containing the second image 50b needs to be supplied to projectors 100A, 100B, 100D, and 100E.

[0125] The third image 50c is displayed in display areas 30D, 30E, and 30F. Display area 30F is the area where the image light projected by projector 100F is projected. Projector 100F is positioned adjacent to the right side of projector 100E in the attached view. Therefore, a third image signal S3 containing the third image 50c needs to be supplied to projectors 100D, 100E, and 100F.

[0126] When the first image 50a, the second image 50b, and the third image 50c are displayed on the projection surface 10, in addition to displaying overlapping areas 31, 33, and 35, display overlapping areas 37 and 39 are also formed.

[0127] In the accompanying drawings, the area where the right end of display area 30D overlaps with the left end of display area 30E is referred to as display overlap area 37. Additionally, in the accompanying drawings, the area where the right end of display area 30E overlaps with the left end of display area 30F is referred to as display overlap area 39.

[0128] In addition to the first transmitting unit 310 and the second transmitting unit 330, the image supply device 300 also has a third transmitting unit 350.

[0129] The first transmitting unit 310 is connected to the first receiving unit 111A of the projector 100A via an HDMI cable 201. The image supply device 300 transmits a first image signal S1, which includes the first image 50a, from the first transmitting unit 310 to the projector 100A.

[0130] The second transmitting unit 330 is connected to the first receiving unit 111B of the projector 100B via an HDMI cable 211. The image supply device 300 transmits a second image signal S2, which includes the second image 50b, from the second transmitting unit 330 to the projector 100B.

[0131] The third transmitting unit 350 is connected to the first receiving unit 111E of the projector 100E via an HDMI cable 221. The image supply device 300 transmits a third image signal S3, which includes the third image 50c, from the third transmitting unit 350 to the projector 100E.

[0132] Projectors 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, and 100F are connected via a daisy-chain connection of the three systems.

[0133] The daisy-chain connection of System 1 connects Projector 100A, Projector 100C, and Projector 100B.

[0134] The daisy-chain connection of the second system connects projectors 100B, 100D, 100E, and 100A.

[0135] The daisy-chain connection of System 3 connects Projector 100E, Projector 100F, and Projector 100D.

[0136] Figure 10 S1 shown represents the first image signal S1. Figure 10 S2 shown represents the second image signal S2. Figure 10 S3 shown represents the third image signal S3.

[0137] First, the daisy chain connection of System 1 will be explained.

[0138] The first transmitter 115A of the projector 100A and the first receiver 111C of the projector 100C are connected via an HDMI cable 203.

[0139] The first transmitter 115C of the projector 100C and the second receiver 113B of the projector 100B are connected via an HDMI cable 205.

[0140] The projector 100A extracts the first image 50a contained in the first image signal S1 received by the first receiving unit 111A and outputs the extracted first image 50a to the image processing unit 130A. Furthermore, the projector 100A outputs the first image signal S1 received by the first receiving unit 111A to the first transmitting unit 115A. The first transmitting unit 115A transmits the input first image signal S1 to the projector 100C.

[0141] Projector 100C receives first image signal S1 via first receiving unit 111C. Projector 100C extracts first image 50a contained in first image signal S1 received by first receiving unit 111C and outputs the extracted first image 50a to image processing unit 130C. Furthermore, projector 100C outputs first image signal S1 received by first receiving unit 111C to first transmitting unit 115C. First transmitting unit 115C transmits the input first image signal S1 to projector 100B.

[0142] The projector 100B receives the first image signal S1 through the second receiving unit 113B. The second receiving unit 113B is equivalent to the fourth interface. The projector 100B extracts the first image 50a contained in the first image signal S1 received by the second receiving unit 113B and outputs the extracted first image 50a to the image processing unit 130B.

[0143] Next, the daisy chain connection of the second system will be explained.

[0144] The first transmitter 115B of the projector 100B and the first receiver 111D of the projector 100D are connected via an HDMI cable 213.

[0145] The first transmitter 115D of the projector 100D and the second receiver 113E of the projector 100E are connected via an HDMI cable 215.

[0146] The second transmitter 117E of the projector 100E and the second receiver 113A of the projector 100A are connected via an HDMI cable 217.

[0147] The projector 100B extracts the second image 50b contained in the second image signal S2 received by the first receiving unit 111B and outputs the extracted second image 50b to the image processing unit 130B. Additionally, the projector 100B outputs the second image signal S2 received by the first receiving unit 111B to the first transmitting unit 115B. The first transmitting unit 115B transmits the input second image signal S2 to the projector 100D.

[0148] Projector 100D receives the second image signal S2 via first receiving unit 111D. Projector 100D extracts the second image 50b contained in the second image signal S2 received by first receiving unit 111D and outputs the extracted second image 50b to image processing unit 130D. Furthermore, projector 100D outputs the second image signal S2 received by first receiving unit 111D to first transmitting unit 115D. First transmitting unit 115D transmits the input second image signal S2 to projector 100E.

[0149] Projector 100E receives the second image signal S2 via second receiving unit 113E. Projector 100E extracts the second image 50b contained in the second image signal S2 received by second receiving unit 113E and outputs the extracted second image 50b to image processing unit 130E. Additionally, projector 100E outputs the second image signal S2 received by second receiving unit 113E to second transmitting unit 117E. Second transmitting unit 117E transmits the input second image signal S2 to projector 100A.

[0150] The projector 100A receives the second image signal S2 through the second receiving unit 113A. The projector 100A extracts the second image 50b contained in the second image signal S2 received by the second receiving unit 113A and outputs the extracted second image 50b to the image processing unit 130A.

[0151] Next, the daisy chain connection of the third system will be explained.

[0152] The first transmitter 115E of the projector 100E and the first receiver 111F of the projector 100F are connected via an HDMI cable 223.

[0153] The first transmitter 115F of the projector 100F and the second receiver 113D of the projector 100D are connected via an HDMI cable 225.

[0154] The projector 100E extracts the third image 50c contained in the third image signal S3 received by the first receiving unit 111E, and outputs the extracted third image 50c to the image processing unit 130E. Additionally, the projector 100E outputs the third image signal S3 received by the first receiving unit 111E to the first transmitting unit 115E. The first transmitting unit 115E transmits the input third image signal S3 to the projector 100F.

[0155] Projector 100F receives the third image signal S3 via first receiving unit 111F. Projector 100F extracts the third image 50c contained in the third image signal S3 received by first receiving unit 111F and outputs the extracted third image 50c to image processing unit 130F. Furthermore, projector 100F outputs the third image signal S3 received by first receiving unit 111F to first transmitting unit 115F. First transmitting unit 115F transmits the input third image signal S3 to projector 100D.

[0156] The projector 100D receives the third image signal S3 through the second receiving unit 113D. The projector 100D extracts the third image 50c contained in the third image signal S3 received by the second receiving unit 113D and outputs the extracted third image 50c to the image processing unit 130D for image processing.

[0157] 7. Display the effectiveness of the system's control methods.

[0158] As explained above, this embodiment discloses a control method for system 1.

[0159] The projector 100A receives the first image 50a through the first receiving unit 111A of the projector 100A.

[0160] The projector 100A receives the second image 50b through the second receiving unit 113A of the projector 100A.

[0161] Projector 100A generates a first composite image 21A that includes a portion of the second image 50b and the first image 50a.

[0162] Projector 100A displays the first composite image 21A on projection surface 10.

[0163] The projector 100B receives the second image 50b through its first receiving unit 111B.

[0164] Projector 100B displays the second image 50b on projection surface 10.

[0165] The first composite image 21A includes a first region 23A, which is part of the first composite image 21A, and a first overlapping region 25A, which is a portion of the first composite image 21A that is different from the first region 23A and includes part of the second image 50b.

[0166] The second image 50b includes: a second overlapping region 25B, which contains a portion of the second image 50b and overlaps with the first overlapping region 25A in the projection surface 10; and a second region 23B, which is a portion different from the second overlapping region 25B.

[0167] Therefore, projector 100A receives the first image 50a and the second image 50b, and displays a first composite image 21A, which combines either the first image 50a or the second image 50b, on the projection surface 10. Additionally, projector 100B receives the second image 50b and displays it on the projection surface 10. Thus, projectors 100A and 100B can achieve the display of a large screen using an image larger than the one using either the first image 50a or the second image 50b.

[0168] The projector 100B receives the first image 50a through its second receiving unit 113B.

[0169] Projector 100B generates a second composite image 21B based on the first image 50a and the second image 50b. Projector 100B displays the generated second composite image 21B on projection surface 10.

[0170] Displaying the second composite image 21B means displaying the second image 50b as part of the second composite image 21B.

[0171] The first overlapping region 25A includes a portion of the first image 50a and a portion of the second image 50b.

[0172] The second overlapping region 25B contains a portion of the first image 50a and a portion of the second image 50b.

[0173] Therefore, the projector 100B receives the first image 50a and the second image 50b, and displays a second composite image 21B, which combines the first image 50a or the second image 50b, on the projection surface 10. Furthermore, the image displayed in the first overlapping region 25A and the second overlapping region 25B can be set to include a portion of the first image 50a and a portion of the second image 50b.

[0174] Projector 100A performs edge blending processing on the first overlapping region 25A, and projector 100B performs edge blending processing on the second overlapping region 25B.

[0175] Therefore, the image with edge blending processing can be displayed in the first overlapping region 25A and the second overlapping region 25B, and the degradation of image quality in the overlapping regions 31, 33, and 35 can be suppressed.

[0176] Projector 100A sends the first image 50a to projector 100C.

[0177] Projector 100B sends the second image 50b to projector 100D.

[0178] The projector 100C receives the first image 50a sent by the projector 100A through the first receiving unit 111C of the projector 100C.

[0179] The projector 100C transmits the first image 50a to the projector 100B via the first transmitting unit 115C of the projector 100C.

[0180] Projector 100C displays an image based on the first image 50a on projection surface 10.

[0181] The projector 100D receives the second image 50b transmitted by the projector 100B through its first receiving unit 111D.

[0182] The projector 100D transmits the second image 50b to the projector 100A via the first transmitting unit 115D of the projector 100D.

[0183] Projector 100D displays an image based on second image 50b on projection surface 10.

[0184] Receiving the second image 50b by the second receiving unit 113A of the projector 100A means receiving the second image 50b transmitted by the first transmitting unit 115D of the projector 100D.

[0185] Receiving the first image 50a by the second receiving unit 113B of the projector 100B means receiving the first image 50a transmitted by the first transmitting unit 115C of the projector 100C.

[0186] Therefore, a large image can be displayed on the projection surface 10 using projectors 100A, 100B, 100C and 100D.

[0187] Image 21C based on the first image 50a includes a third overlapping region 25C that overlaps with a portion of the first region 23A of the first composite image 21A in the projection plane 10, and a third region 23C that is different from the third overlapping region 25C in image 21C based on the first image 50a.

[0188] Image 21D based on the second image 50b includes a fourth overlapping region 25D that overlaps with a portion of the second region 23B of the second composite image 21B in the projection plane 10, and a fourth region 23D that is different from the fourth overlapping region 25D in image 21D based on the second image 50b.

[0189] Therefore, as an image 21C based on the first image 50a displayed on the projection surface 10, an image including the third overlapping region 25C and the third region 23C can be displayed. Furthermore, as an image 21D based on the second image 50b displayed on the projection surface 10, an image including the fourth overlapping region 25D and the fourth region 23D can be displayed.

[0190] 8. The effect of the control method for the display device

[0191] The projector 100A receives the first image 50a through the first receiving unit 111A of the projector 100A.

[0192] The projector 100A receives the second image 50b through the second receiving unit 113A of the projector 100A.

[0193] Projector 100A generates a first composite image 21A that includes a portion of the second image 50b and the first image 50a.

[0194] Projector 100A displays the first composite image 21A on projection surface 10.

[0195] The first composite image 21A includes a first region 23A, which is part of the first composite image 21A, and a first overlapping region 25A, which is a portion of the first composite image 21A that is different from the first region 23A and includes part of the second image 50b.

[0196] In the area of ​​the first overlapping region 25A displayed in the projection surface 10, a portion of the second image 50b is displayed by another projector 100.

[0197] Therefore, the projector 100A receives the first image 50a and the second image 50b through the receiving units 111A and 113A to generate the first composite image 21A. Thus, it is able to receive the first image 50a and the second image 50b of the size that the receiving units 111A and 113A of the projector 100A can receive, composite the first image 50a or the second image 50b, and display the composite first image 21A on the projection surface 10.

[0198] Furthermore, since the projector 100A receives the first image 50a and the second image 50b, it is able to display the image with edge blending processing implemented in the display overlap area 33, and suppress the degradation of image quality in the display overlap area 33.

[0199] 9. The effect of the display device

[0200] The projector 100A has a first receiving unit 111A, a second receiving unit 113A, and a control unit 150A.

[0201] The first receiving unit 111A receives the first image 50a.

[0202] The second receiving unit 113A receives the second image 50b.

[0203] The control unit 150A generates a first composite image 21A that includes a portion of the second image 50b and the first image 50a.

[0204] The control unit 150A displays the first composite image 21A on the projection surface 10.

[0205] The first composite image 21A includes a first region 23A, which is part of the first composite image 21A, and a first overlapping region 25A, which is a portion of the first composite image 21A that is different from the first region 23A and includes part of the second image 50b.

[0206] In the area of ​​the first overlapping region 25A displayed in the projection surface 10, a portion of the second image 50b is displayed by another projector 100.

[0207] Therefore, the projector 100A receives the first image 50a and the second image 50b through the receiving units 111A and 113A. Thus, it is able to receive the first image 50a and the second image 50b, which are of a size that the receiving units 111A and 113A of the projector 100A can receive, combine them into an image larger than the first image 50a or the second image 50b, and display the combined image on the projection surface 10.

[0208] Furthermore, since the projector 100A receives the first image 50a and the second image 50b, it is able to display the image with edge blending processing implemented in the display overlap area 33, and suppress the degradation of image quality in the display overlap area 33.

[0209] The above-described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the cable used for image transmission connecting the image supply device 300 and the projector 100 may be a cable corresponding to standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) and DisplayPort.

[0210] in addition, Figure 2 The projector 100 shown represents a functional structure, 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 individually; of course, it can also be configured so that a single processor executes a program to implement the functions of multiple functional units. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, some functions implemented by software can be implemented by hardware, and some functions implemented by hardware can be implemented by software. In addition, the specific details of the structure of other parts of the projector can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0211] also, Figure 9 The processing units in the flowchart shown are divided according to the main processing content for easy understanding of the projector 100A's processing. This invention is not subject to... Figure 9 The flowchart illustrates the segmentation method or naming restrictions for processing units. Furthermore, the processing of the control unit 150A can be divided into more processing units based on the processing content, or it can be divided into a single processing unit containing more processes. Additionally, the processing order in the flowchart is not limited to the example shown.

[0212] Furthermore, when using the computer included in the projector 100 to implement the control method for the display system and the control method for the display device, it can also be configured using a recording medium containing a program that causes the computer to execute, or a transmission medium for transmitting the program. The recording medium can be a magnetic, optical, or semiconductor storage device. Specifically, examples include removable or fixed recording media such as floppy disks, HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memory, and card-type recording media. Additionally, the aforementioned recording media can also be non-volatile storage devices such as RAM, ROM, and HDDs, which are internal storage devices found in server devices. Blu-ray is a registered trademark.

Claims

1. A display control method for a display device, the display device comprising a first display device, a second display device, a third display device, and a fourth display device connected to an image supply device and interconnected via a dual-system daisy-chain connection, wherein the dual-system daisy-chain connection comprises: a first-system daisy-chain connection connecting the first, second, and third display devices; and a second-system daisy-chain connection connecting the first, second, and fourth display devices, wherein... The display control method includes: The first image is received from the image supply device via a first interface of the first display device based on a daisy-chain connection of the first system; The second image is received from the fourth display device via a daisy-chain connection of the second system through the second interface of the first display device; The first display device displays a first composite image on the display surface, which includes a portion of the second image and the first image; The second image is received from the image supply device via a daisy-chain connection of the second system through a third interface of the second display device; and The second display device displays the second image on the display surface. The first synthesized image includes: Area 1; and The first overlapping region, which is a portion different from the first region, includes a part of the second image. The second image contains: A second overlapping region, which includes a portion of the second image, overlaps with the first overlapping region on the display surface; and The second region is the portion of the second image that differs from the second overlapping region.

2. The display control method for the display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display control method includes: The first image is received from the third display device via a daisy-chain connection of the first system through the fourth interface of the second display device; and The second display device displays a second composite image on the display surface based on the second image and the first image. The second image is displayed as part of the second composite image. The first overlapping region includes a portion of the first image and a portion of the second image. The second overlapping region includes a portion of the first image and a portion of the second image.

3. The display control method for the display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The display control method also includes: The first display device performs edge blending processing on the first overlapping region; and The second display device performs edge blending processing on the second overlapping area.

4. The display control method for the display device according to claim 2, wherein, The display control method also includes: The first display device sends the first image to the third display device based on the daisy-chain connection of the first system; The first image is received via a daisy-chain connection of the first system through the fifth interface of the third display device. The first image is sent to the fourth interface of the second display device via the sixth interface of the third display device based on the daisy-chain connection of the first system; and The third display device displays an image based on the first image on the display surface.

5. The display control method for the display device according to claim 4, wherein, The display control method also includes: The second display device sends the second image to the fourth display device based on the daisy-chain connection of the second system; The second image is received via the seventh interface of the fourth display device based on a daisy-chain connection of the second system; The second image is sent to the second interface of the first display device via the eighth interface of the fourth display device based on the daisy-chain connection of the second system; and The fourth display device displays an image based on the second image on the display surface.

6. The display control method for the display device according to claim 4, wherein, The image based on the first image includes: A third overlapping region, which overlaps with a portion of the first region of the first composite image on the display surface; and The third region is a portion that differs from the third overlapping region.

7. The display control method for the display device according to claim 5, wherein, The image based on the second image includes: A fourth overlapping region, which overlaps with a portion of the second region of the second composite image on the display surface; and The fourth region is a portion that differs from the fourth overlapping region.

8. A display device comprising a first display device connected to an image supply device and connected to other display devices via a dual-system daisy-chain connection, the other display devices including a second display device, a third display device, and a fourth display device, the dual-system daisy-chain comprising: a first-system daisy-chain connection connecting the first, second, and third display devices; and a second-system daisy-chain connection connecting the first, second, and fourth display devices, wherein... The first display device has: The first interface receives the first image from the image supply device via a daisy-chain connection based on the first system. A second interface, which receives a second image from the fourth display device via a daisy-chain connection based on the second system; and At least one processor performs the following processing: generating a first composite image comprising a portion of the second image and the first image, and displaying the first composite image on a display surface. The first synthesized image includes: Area 1; and The first overlapping region, which is a portion different from the first region, includes a part of the second image. The first overlapping region overlaps with a portion of the second image displayed by the second display device on the display surface.

Images