Method for controlling projector, and projector

Abstract

To arrange, in a first area in which a first image is displayed, a first flipped image obtained by horizontally flipping the first image in place of the first image.SOLUTION: A method for controlling a projector 100 includes: setting, inside a projectable range RA of the projector 100, a first area RA1 that is a rectangular area smaller than the projectable range RA in which a first image PC1 is displayed; and when receiving a first instruction CM1 for horizontally flipping the first image PC1 in the first area RA1, arranging a first flipped image PR1 obtained by horizontally flipping the first image PC1 in the first area RA1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a projector and a projector.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a projector that detects an obstacle on a display surface and, when it is determined that the obstacle cannot be ignored, performs reduction, division, or shifting of an image and projects it onto an area where there is no obstacle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since a projector has a wide projection range, in order to avoid obstacles on the display surface or to make it easier for a user viewing from a position close to the display surface to visually recognize, the image may be reduced and the display position may be moved within the projection range. In such a case, when a user who wants to invert the image left - right or up - down and view it like a mirror executes the screen inversion function, the following problems exist in conventional projectors such as those in Patent Document 1. That is, when the screen inversion function is executed, the entire projection range is inverted left - right or up - down, so the position where the image is placed in the projection range changes, and thus it is necessary to set the position where the image is displayed again.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A projector control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes setting a first region, which is a rectangular area smaller than the projection range for displaying a first image, within the projection range of the projector, and, when a first instruction is received to horizontally flip the first image within the first region, placing a horizontally flipped first image, which is the first flipped image, in the first region.

[0006] A projector according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit which performs the following actions: setting a first region, which is a rectangular region smaller than the projection range, within the projection range of the projector for displaying a first image; and, upon receiving a first instruction to horizontally flip the first image within the first region, placing a horizontally flipped first image, which is the first image, in the first region. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the projector configuration according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a projector's control unit. [Figure 3] The first image transition diagram shows an example of image changes during the first processing step. [Figure 4] The second image transition diagram shows an example of image changes during the second processing step. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing an example of the first and second processes of the control unit. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing another example of the third and fourth processes of the control unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] [1. Projector Configuration] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the projector 100 according to this embodiment. The projector 100 projects the first image PC1 onto the first area RA1 of the screen SC. The projector 100 displays the first image PC1 on the first area RA1 of the screen SC by, for example, projecting projection light PLA toward the screen SC. The first image PC1 and the first region RA1 will be further explained with reference to Figures 2 to 5.

[0010] In this embodiment, the projector 100 is described as being installed on the floor, for example, in front of the screen SC. However, the projector 100 may also be installed by being suspended from the ceiling, for example. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case in which the projector 100 projects onto a flat screen SC is illustrated, but the projection target is not limited to the screen SC. It may be a flat surface such as a building wall, or it may be a curved or uneven surface. As shown in Figure 1, the projector 100 comprises a projection unit 110 and a drive unit 120 that drives the projection unit 110. The projection unit 110 forms an optical image and projects the image onto the screen SC. The projection unit 110 includes a light source unit 111, an optical modulator 112, and a projection optical system 113. The drive unit 120 includes a light source drive unit 121 and an optical modulator drive unit 122.

[0011] The light source unit 111 includes a lamp such as a halogen lamp, xenon lamp, or ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, or a solid-state light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or laser light source. Furthermore, the light source unit 111 may include a reflector and an auxiliary reflector to guide the light emitted from the light source to the light modulation device 112. In addition, the light source unit 111 may include a group of lenses, a polarizing plate, or a dimming element to reduce the amount of light emitted from the light source along the path to the light modulation device 112 in order to improve the optical characteristics of the projected light. The light source drive unit 121 is connected to the internal bus 107 and turns the light source of the light source unit 111 on and off according to instructions from the control unit 150, which is also connected to the internal bus 107.

[0012] The optical modulator 112 includes, for example, three liquid crystal panels 115 corresponding to the three primary colors R, G, and B. R represents red, G represents green, and B represents blue. That is, the optical modulator 112 includes a liquid crystal panel 115 corresponding to R color light, a liquid crystal panel 115 corresponding to G color light, and a liquid crystal panel 115 corresponding to B color light. The light emitted from the light source 111 is separated into three RGB colored lights, each incident on the corresponding liquid crystal panel 115. Each of the three liquid crystal panels 115 is a transmissive liquid crystal panel, which modulates the transmitted light to generate image light PL. The modulated image light PL that has passed through each liquid crystal panel 115 is combined by a composite optical system such as a cross dichroic prism and emitted into the projection optical system 113.

[0013] The optical modulator 112 is driven by the optical modulator drive unit 122. The optical modulator drive unit 122 is connected to the image processing unit 145. The optical modulator drive unit 122 receives image data corresponding to the R, G, and B primary colors from the image processing unit 145. The optical modulator drive unit 122 converts the input image data into data signals suitable for the operation of the liquid crystal panels 115. Based on the converted data signals, the optical modulator drive unit 122 applies a voltage to each pixel of each liquid crystal panel 115 and draws an image on each liquid crystal panel 115.

[0014] The projection optical system 113 includes lenses, mirrors, etc., for forming an image of the incident image light PL onto the screen SC. The projection optical system 113 may also include a zoom mechanism for enlarging or reducing the image projected onto the screen SC, and a focus adjustment mechanism for adjusting the focus.

[0015] The projector 100 further comprises an operation unit 131, a remote control receiver 133, an input interface 135, a storage unit 137, a communication interface 141, an image buffer memory 143, an image processing unit 145, and a control unit 150. The input interface 135, storage unit 137, communication interface 141, image processing unit 145, and control unit 150 are connected to each other via an internal bus 107 so as to be able to communicate data.

[0016] The operation unit 131 includes various buttons and switches provided on the housing surface of the projector 100, generates an operation signal corresponding to the operation of these buttons and switches, and outputs it to the input interface 135. The input interface 135 outputs the operation signal input from the operation unit 131 to the control unit 150.

[0017] The remote control light receiving unit 133 receives an infrared signal transmitted from the remote control 5, decodes the received infrared signal, and generates an operation signal. The remote control light receiving unit 133 outputs the generated operation signal to the input interface 135. The input interface 135 outputs the operation signal input from the remote control light receiving unit 133 to the control unit 150.

[0018] The storage unit 137 is a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 137 stores programs executed by the control unit 150, data processed by the control unit 150, image data, and the like.

[0019] The communication interface 141 includes a connector and an interface circuit, and is communicably connected to the control device 200. In this embodiment, the communication interface 141 is an interface for communicating with the control device 200, for example, in accordance with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard.

[0020] The control unit 150 includes a processor 150A and a memory 150B. Memory 150B is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by processor 150A. Memory 150B is composed of a magnetic storage device, semiconductor storage elements such as flash ROM (Read Only Memory), or other types of non-volatile storage devices. Memory 150B may also include RAM (Random Access Memory) which constitutes the work area of ​​processor 150A. Memory 150B may also include non-volatile storage devices such as HDDs and SSDs. Memory 150B stores data processed by the control unit 150 and control programs 156 executed by the processor 150A.

[0021] The processor 150A may consist of a single processor or multiple processors may function as the processor 150A. The processor 150A executes the control program 156 to control various parts of the projector 100. For example, the processor 150A outputs to the image processing unit 145 an execution instruction for image processing corresponding to an operation received by the operation unit 131 or the remote control 5, and parameters used for this image processing. The parameters include, for example, geometric correction parameters for correcting geometric distortion of the image projected onto the screen SC. The processor 150A also controls the light source drive unit 121 to control the turning on and off of the light source unit 111.

[0022] Each of the image processing unit 145 and the control unit 150 can be configured, for example, by an integrated circuit. Integrated circuits include LSIs, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices). PLDs include, for example, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). Furthermore, analog circuits may be included as part of the configuration of the integrated circuit, or it may be a combination of a processor and an integrated circuit. A combination of a processor and an integrated circuit is called a microcontroller (MCU), SoC (System-on-a-chip), system LSI, chipset, etc.

[0023] The image processing unit 145 expands the image data stored in memory 150B or storage unit 137 into the image buffer memory 143. The image buffer memory 143 comprises multiple banks. Each bank has a storage capacity capable of writing image data for one frame. The image buffer memory 143 is configured, for example, as SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0024] The image processing unit 145 performs image processing on the image data expanded in the image buffer memory 143 according to instructions from the control unit 150, such as resolution conversion or resizing, distortion correction, shape correction, digital zoom, and adjustment of image color and brightness.

[0025] [2. Configuration of the control unit] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the control unit 150 of the projector 100. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 150 comprises an instruction receiving unit 151, a first execution unit 152, a second execution unit 153, a third execution unit 154, and a fourth execution unit 155. Specifically, the processor 150A of the control unit 150 functions as the instruction receiving unit 151, the first execution unit 152, the second execution unit 153, the third execution unit 154, and the fourth execution unit 155 by executing a control program 156 stored in the memory 150B.

[0026] The instruction receiving unit 151 receives a first instruction CM1, a second instruction CM2, a third instruction CM3, and a fourth instruction CM4 from the user in response to the user's operation of the operation unit 131 or the remote control 5. The first instruction CM1 is an instruction to horizontally flip the first image PC1 within the first region RA1. The second instruction CM2 is an instruction to horizontally flip the first image PC1 within the projection range RA. The third instruction CM3 is an instruction to vertically flip the first image PC1 within the first region RA1. The fourth instruction CM4 is an instruction to vertically flip the first image PC1 within the projection range RA.

[0027] Furthermore, this embodiment describes a case in which the projector 100 receives a first instruction CM1, a second instruction CM2, a third instruction CM3, and a fourth instruction CM4 from the user in response to user operation on the operation unit 131 or the remote control 5, but is not limited to this. For example, the control device 200 may receive the first instruction CM1, the second instruction CM2, the third instruction CM3, and the fourth instruction CM4 and transmit the received first to fourth instructions CM4 to the projector 100.

[0028] In this embodiment, the control unit 150 sets a first region RA1, which is a rectangular area for displaying the first image PC1, within the projection range RA of the projector 100, before the instruction receiving unit 151 receives the first instruction CM1 to the fourth instruction CM4. The first region RA1 is smaller than the projection range RA. Furthermore, the first region RA1 is set at a position where the line dividing the first region RA1 symmetrically from left to right does not coincide with the line dividing the projection range RA symmetrically from left to right. Also, the first region RA1 is set at a position where the line dividing the first region RA1 symmetrically from up to down does not coincide with the line dividing the projection range RA symmetrically from up to down. Furthermore, the projection range RA is pre-set to a rectangular area located within the display surface of the screen SC. The projection range RA corresponds to the displayable range of the liquid crystal panel 115. Therefore, in the following explanation, the displayable range of the liquid crystal panel 115 will be referred to as the displayable range RB of the liquid crystal panel 115.

[0029] Furthermore, as explained with reference to Figure 1, the liquid crystal panel 115 is composed of a liquid crystal panel 115 corresponding to red light, a liquid crystal panel 115 corresponding to green light, and a liquid crystal panel 115 corresponding to blue light. For example, if a certain pixel value above a predetermined value is set for all pixels constituting the liquid crystal panel 115 corresponding to red light, and the pixel values ​​of all pixels constituting the liquid crystal panel 115 corresponding to green light and the liquid crystal panel 115 corresponding to blue light are set to zero, a solid red image will be displayed in the projection range RA of the screen SC. In other words, the displayable range RB of the liquid crystal panel 115 corresponds to the projection range RA.

[0030] Furthermore, the displayable range RB of the liquid crystal panel 115 corresponds to the storage range of the image buffer memory 143. For example, if an image stored in the entire range of the image buffer memory 143 is drawn to the liquid crystal panel 115, the image will be drawn across the entire range of the liquid crystal panel 115. Therefore, in the following explanation, the memory range of the image buffer memory 143 will be referred to as the memory range RC. The memory range RC corresponds to the displayable range RB and the projectionable range RA. The storage area of ​​the image buffer memory 143 is set with coordinates corresponding to the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115. In this embodiment, as will be described later with reference to Figure 3, the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 are defined by the U-axis and V-axis. The storage area of ​​the image buffer memory 143 is set with coordinates defined by the U-axis and V-axis.

[0031] When the instruction receiving unit 151 receives the first instruction CM1, the first execution unit 152 places the first inverted image PR1, which is the first image PC1 flipped horizontally, into the first region RA1. The first execution unit 152, for example, by executing the "first process," places the first inverted image PR1, which is a horizontal inversion of the first image PC1, into the first region RA1. The "first process" is a process that the first execution unit 152 executes when the instruction receiving unit 151 receives the first instruction CM1. The "first process" includes moving the display position of the first image PC1 in the left-right direction by geometric correction in the image buffer memory 143, and inverting the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 in the left-right direction. The "first process" of the first execution unit 152 will be further explained with reference to Figures 3 and 5.

[0032] When the instruction receiving unit 151 receives the second instruction CM2, the second execution unit 153 places a second inverted image PR2, which is the first image PC1 flipped horizontally within the projection range RA. The second execution unit 153, for example, by executing a "second process," places a second inverted image PR2, which is obtained by horizontally flipping the first image PC1 with respect to the projection range RA. The "second process" is a process that the second execution unit 153 executes when the instruction receiving unit 151 receives a second instruction CM2. The "second process" includes inverting the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 in the left-right direction. The "second processing" of the second execution unit 153 will be further explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0033] When the instruction receiving unit 151 receives the second instruction CM2, the third execution unit 154 places the third inverted image, which is the first image PC1 inverted vertically, into the first region RA1. The third execution unit 154, for example, by executing the "third process," places the third inverted image, which is the first image PC1 inverted vertically, into the first region RA1. The "third process" is a process that the third execution unit 154 executes when the instruction receiving unit 151 receives the third instruction CM3. The "third process" includes moving the display position of the first image PC1 vertically by geometric correction in the image buffer memory 143, and inverting the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 vertically. The "third process" of the third execution unit 154 will be further explained with reference to Figure 6. The "third process" is obtained by converting "left and right" in the "first process" to "up and down." Therefore, the following will mainly explain the "first process," and the explanation of the "third process" will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0034] When the instruction receiving unit 151 receives the fourth instruction CM4, the fourth execution unit 155 places a fourth inverted image, which is the first image PC1 inverted vertically within the projection range RA. The fourth execution unit 155, for example, by executing the "fourth process," places a fourth inverted image obtained by vertically inverting the first image PC1 with respect to the projection range RA. The "fourth process" is a process that the fourth execution unit 155 executes when the instruction receiving unit 151 receives the fourth instruction CM4. The "fourth process" includes inverting the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 in the vertical direction. The "fourth process" of the fourth execution unit 155 will be further explained with reference to Figure 6. The "fourth process" is obtained by converting "left and right" in the "second process" to "up and down." Therefore, the following will mainly explain the "second process," and the explanation of the "fourth process" will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0035] [3. Specific examples of the first process] Next, with reference to Figure 3, an example of image changes in the first processing will be explained. Figure 3 is the first image transition diagram ST1, which shows an example of image changes in the first processing. The first image transition diagram ST1 includes the first image diagram ST11, the second image diagram ST12, the third image diagram ST13, the fourth image diagram ST14, the fifth image diagram ST15, and the sixth image diagram ST16.

[0036] The first image, ST11, shows the image stored in the image buffer memory 143 and the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 115 in the initial state. The second image, ST12, shows the image displayed on the screen SC in the initial state. As shown in Figure 1 ST11, the image buffer memory 143 and the liquid crystal panel 115 are each configured with a U-axis and a V-axis as coordinate axes. The U-axis is the left-right axis, and in the initial state, the positive direction of the U-axis is set to the right. The V-axis is the up-down axis, and in the initial state, the positive direction of the V-axis is set to the down direction.

[0037] In the initial state, as shown in the first image ST11, the control unit 150 stores the first image PC1 in the first area RC1 of the image buffer memory 143. Also, as shown in the first image ST11, the control unit 150 displays the first image PC1 in the first area RB1 of the liquid crystal panel 115. The first area RC1 is located in the upper left of the storage range RC, and the first area RB1 is located in the upper left of the display range RB. The first image PC1 is, for example, an isosceles triangle whose base is located on the left side of the first region RC1, and which is positioned parallel to the V-axis, i.e., vertically. The vertex opposite the base of the first image PC1 is located on the right side of the first region RC1. Furthermore, the first image PC1 is, for example, an isosceles triangle whose base is located at the left side of the first region RB1, and which is positioned parallel to the V-axis, i.e., vertically. Also, the vertex opposite the base of the first image PC1 is located at the right side of the first region RB1. Each of the first regions RC1 and RB1 corresponds to the first region RA1 of the screen SC. That is, when the first image PC1 is stored in the first region RC1 of the image buffer memory 143, the control unit 150 displays the image from the storage range RC of the image buffer memory 143 in the display range RB of the liquid crystal panel 115. As a result, the control unit 150 displays the first image PC1 in the first region RB1 of the liquid crystal panel 115.

[0038] Furthermore, when the first image PC1 is displayed in the first area RB1 of the liquid crystal panel 115, the control unit 150 projects the displayable area RB of the liquid crystal panel 115 onto the projectionable area RA of the screen SC. As a result, as shown in the second image, Figure ST12, the control unit 150 projects the first image PC1 onto the first area RA1 of the screen SC. As shown in the second image, Figure ST12, the first region RA1 is located in the upper left corner of the displayable area RA of the screen SC. The first image PC1 is, for example, an isosceles triangle whose base is located on the left side of the first region RA1, i.e., positioned vertically. The vertex opposite the base of the first image PC1 is located on the right side of the first region RA1.

[0039] Next, referring to Figures ST13 to ST16, the "first process" executed by the first execution unit 152 will be described. For example, as shown in the third image, Figure ST13, the first execution unit 152 first moves the display position of the first image PC1 in the left-right direction by geometric correction in the image buffer memory 143. The first execution unit 152 performs geometric correction in the image buffer memory 143 to move, for example, the display position of the first image PC1 to a position symmetrical with respect to the center line CM that divides the image buffer memory 143 symmetrically. In the third image figure ST13, the first region RC1 after the move is referred to as the second region RC2, and the first image PC1 after the move is referred to as the first image PC11 for convenience. The second region RC2 is located in the upper right part of the memoryable range RC. The bottom edge of the first image PC11 is located at the left edge of the second region RC2. The vertex opposite the bottom edge of the first image PC11 is located at the right edge of the second region RC2. Vector VA indicates the direction and amount of movement by which the first execution unit 152 moves the display position of the first image PC1 from the first region RC1 to the second region RC2. As shown in Vector VA, the direction of movement is to the right. The length of Vector VA indicates the amount of movement by which the first execution unit 152 moves the display position of the first image PC1.

[0040] The fourth image, ST14, is an image showing the liquid crystal panel 115 corresponding to the third image, ST13. In other words, the fourth image, ST14, shows the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 115 when the image in the memoryable range RC, which includes the first image PC11 shown in the third image, ST13, is displayed in the displayable range RB of the liquid crystal panel 115. As shown in the fourth image, Figure ST14, the second region RB2 is located in the upper right part of the displayable range RB. The second region RB2 corresponds to the second region RC2 of the image buffer memory 143. The bottom edge of the first image PC11 is located at the left edge of the second region RB2. The vertex opposite the bottom edge of the first image PC11 is located at the right edge of the second region RB2. Note that Figure 4 ST14 is a diagram included to explain Figure 5 ST15, and in this embodiment, the image shown in Figure 4 ST14 is not displayed on the liquid crystal panel 115. Therefore, in Figure 4 ST14, the second region RB2 and the first image PC11 are shown with dashed lines.

[0041] Next, as shown in the fifth image, Figure ST15, the first execution unit 152 inverts the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 in the left-right direction. The first execution unit 152 also inverts the direction of the U-axis of the liquid crystal panel 115. That is, the first execution unit 152 inverts the positive direction of the U-axis of the liquid crystal panel 115 from right to left. The first execution unit 152 then places the first inverted image PR1 in the third region RB3 by displaying the image in the memoryable range RC, which includes the first image PC11 shown in the third image figure ST13, in the displayable range RB of the liquid crystal panel 115. The third region RB3 is a region that is line-symmetric with respect to the center line CP that divides the liquid crystal panel 115 symmetrically with respect to the second region RB2. The third region RB3 coincides with the first region RB1. The first inverted image PR1 is an image obtained by inverting the first image PC1 in the left-right direction.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, ST15, when the first inverted image PR1 is displayed in the first region RB1 of the liquid crystal panel 115, the first execution unit 152 projects the displayable area RB of the liquid crystal panel 115 onto the projectionable area RA of the screen SC. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, ST16, the first execution unit 152 projects the first inverted image PR1 onto the first region RA1 of the screen SC.

[0043] As explained with reference to Figure 3, in the initial state, the control unit 150 displays the first image PC1 in the first region RA1 of the screen SC. Then, the first execution unit 152 moves the display position of the first image PC1 in the left-right direction by geometric correction in the image buffer memory 143 and inverts the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 in the left-right direction. As a result, the first execution unit 152 can project the first inverted image PR1 onto the first region RA1 of the screen SC.

[0044] [4. Specific Examples of the Second Process] Next, with reference to Figure 4, an example of image changes in the second processing will be explained. Figure 4 is the second image transition diagram ST2, which shows an example of image changes in the second processing. The first image transition diagram ST1 includes the first image diagram ST21, the second image diagram ST22, the third image diagram ST23, the fourth image diagram ST24, and the fifth image diagram ST25. The first image, Figure ST21, is identical to the first image, Figure ST11, shown in Figure 3, and the second image, Figure ST22, is identical to the second image, Figure ST12, shown in Figure 3. Therefore, the explanation of the first image, Figure ST21, and the second image, Figure ST22, will be omitted.

[0045] Referring to Figures ST23 to ST25, the "second process" executed by the second execution unit 153 will be explained. The third image, Figure ST23, is a reproduction of the first image, Figure ST21, for convenience. Figure ST23 shows the displayable range RB when the first image PC1 is displayed in the first area RB1 of the liquid crystal panel 115.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, ST24, the second execution unit 153 inverts the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 in the left-right direction. The second execution unit 153 also inverts the direction of the U-axis of the liquid crystal panel 115. That is, the second execution unit 153 inverts the positive direction of the U-axis of the liquid crystal panel 115 from right to left. The second execution unit 153 then places the second inverted image PR2 in the second region RB2 by drawing the first image PC1, which is displayed in the image buffer memory 143, onto the liquid crystal panel 115. The second region RB2 is a region that is symmetrical with respect to the first region RB1 and the center line CP that divides the liquid crystal panel 115 symmetrically. The second inverted image PR2 is an image obtained by flipping the first image PC1 in the left-right direction.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, ST24, when the second inverted image PR2 is displayed in the second region RB2 of the liquid crystal panel 115, the second execution unit 153 projects the displayable area RB of the liquid crystal panel 115 onto the projectionable area RA of the screen SC. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, ST15, the second execution unit 153 projects the second inverted image PR2 onto the second region RA2 of the screen SC. That is, the second execution unit 153 projects the second inverted image PR2, which is the first image PC1 flipped horizontally with respect to the projectionable area RA, onto the screen SC.

[0048] As explained with reference to Figure 4, in the initial state, the control unit 150 displays the first image PC1 in the first region RA1 of the screen SC. Then, the second execution unit 153 inverts the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 in the left-right direction. As a result, the second execution unit 153 can project the second inverted image PR2 onto the second region RA2 of the screen SC. In other words, the second inverted image PR2, which is the first image PC1 inverted left-right within the projection range RA, can be projected onto the screen SC.

[0049] [5. First and second processing of the control unit] Next, with reference to Figure 5, an example of the first and second processes of the control unit 150 will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the first and second processes of the control unit 150. As shown in Figure 5, in step S101, the control unit 150 projects the first image PC1 onto the first region RA1. In step S101, the control unit 150 executes the process described with reference to, for example, the first image diagram ST11 and the second image diagram ST12 in Figure 3. Next, in step S103, the instruction receiving unit 151 determines whether or not it has received the first instruction CM1 from the user. If the instruction receiving unit 151 determines that it has received the first instruction CM1 (step S103; YES), the process proceeds to step S107. Then, the first execution unit 152 executes the "first process" in steps S107 to S113. If the instruction receiving unit 151 determines that it has not received the first instruction CM1 (step S103; NO), the process proceeds to step S105. Then, in step S105, the instruction receiving unit 151 determines whether or not it has received the second instruction CM2 from the user. If the instruction receiving unit 151 determines that it has received the second instruction CM2 (step S105; YES), the process proceeds to step S115. Then, the second execution unit 153 executes the "second process" in steps S115 to S119. If the instruction receiving unit 151 determines that it has not received the second instruction CM2 (step S105; NO), the process returns to step S103.

[0050] If the instruction receiving unit 151 determines in step S103 that it has received the first instruction CM1 (step S103; YES), then in step S107, the first execution unit 152 moves the display position of the first image PC1 in the left-right direction by geometric correction in the image buffer memory 143. The first execution unit 152 moves the display position of the first image PC1 to a position symmetrical with respect to the center line CM that divides the image buffer memory 143 symmetrically by geometric correction in the image buffer memory 143. In step S107, the first execution unit 152 executes the process described with reference to, for example, the third image ST13 in Figure 3. Next, in step S109, the first execution unit 152 inverts the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 in the left-right direction. The first execution unit 152 also inverts the direction of the U-axis of the liquid crystal panel 115. That is, the first execution unit 152 inverts the positive direction of the U-axis of the liquid crystal panel 115 from right to left. Next, in step S111, the first execution unit 152 displays the image in the storable range RC of the image buffer memory 143 in the displayable range RB of the liquid crystal panel 115. As a result, the first execution unit 152 places the first inverted image PR1 in the third area RB3 of the liquid crystal panel 115. The third area RB3 coincides with the first area RB1. The first inverted image PR1 is an image obtained by flipping the first image PC1 in the left-right direction. In steps S109 and S111, the first execution unit 152 performs the processing described with reference to, for example, the fifth image ST15 in Figure 3. Next, in step S113, the first execution unit 152 projects the first inverted image PR1 onto the first region RA1 of the screen SC by projecting the displayable area RB of the liquid crystal panel 115 onto the projectionable area RA of the screen SC. In step S113, the process described with reference to, for example, the sixth image ST16 in Figure 3 is executed. After that, the process is terminated.

[0051] If the instruction receiving unit 151 determines in step S105 that it has received the second instruction CM2 (step S105; YES), then in step S115, the second execution unit 153 inverts the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 in the left-right direction. The second execution unit 153 inverts the direction of the U-axis of the liquid crystal panel 115. That is, the second execution unit 153 inverts the positive direction of the U-axis of the liquid crystal panel 115 from right to left. Next, in step S117, the second execution unit 153 displays the image in the storage range RC of the image buffer memory 143 in the display range RB of the liquid crystal panel 115. In steps S115 and S117, the second execution unit 153 performs the processing described with reference to, for example, the fourth image ST24 in Figure 4. Next, in step S119, the second execution unit 153 projects the displayable area RB of the liquid crystal panel 115 onto the projectionable area RA of the screen SC. As a result, the second execution unit 153 projects a second inverted image PR2 onto the screen SC, which is the first image PC1 inverted horizontally with respect to the projectionable area RA. In step S119, the process described with reference to, for example, the fifth image ST15 in Figure 4 is executed. After that, the process is terminated.

[0052] [6. Third and fourth processing of the control unit] Next, with reference to Figure 6, an example of the third and fourth processes of the control unit 150 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the third and fourth processes of the control unit 150. As shown in Figure 6, in step S201, the control unit 150 projects the first image PC1 onto the first region RA1. In step S201, the control unit 150 executes the process described with reference to, for example, the first image diagram ST11 and the second image diagram ST12 in Figure 3. Next, in step S203, the instruction receiving unit 151 determines whether or not it has received the third instruction CM3 from the user. If the instruction receiving unit 151 determines that it has received the third instruction CM3 (step S203; YES), the process proceeds to step S207. Then, the third execution unit 154 executes the "third process" in steps S207 to S213. If the instruction receiving unit 151 determines that it has not received the third instruction CM3 (step S203; NO), the process proceeds to step S205. Then, in step S205, the instruction receiving unit 151 determines whether or not it has received the fourth instruction CM4 from the user. If the instruction receiving unit 151 determines that it has received the fourth instruction CM4 (step S205; YES), the process proceeds to step S215. Then, the fourth execution unit 155 executes the "fourth process" in steps S215 to S219. If the instruction receiving unit 151 determines that it has not received the fourth instruction CM4 (step S205; NO), the process returns to step S203.

[0053] If the instruction receiving unit 151 determines in step S203 that it has received the third instruction CM3 (step S203; YES), then in step S207, the third execution unit 154 moves the display position of the first image PC1 vertically by geometric correction in the image buffer memory 143. The third execution unit 154 moves the display position of the first image PC1 to a position symmetrical with respect to a center line that divides the image buffer memory 143 vertically, for example, by geometric correction in the image buffer memory 143. Next, in step S209, the third execution unit 154 inverts the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 in the vertical direction. The first execution unit 152 inverts the direction of the V-axis of the liquid crystal panel 115. That is, the first execution unit 152 inverts the positive direction of the V-axis of the liquid crystal panel 115 from the downward direction to the upward direction. Next, in step S211, the third execution unit 154 displays the image from the storable range RC of the image buffer memory 143 in the displayable range RB of the liquid crystal panel 115. As a result, the third execution unit 154 places the third inverted image in the first area RB1 of the liquid crystal panel 115. The third inverted image is an image obtained by inverting the first image PC1 in the vertical direction. Next, in step S213, the third execution unit 154 projects the displayable area RB of the liquid crystal panel 115 onto the projectionable area RA of the screen SC, thereby projecting the third inverted image onto the first area RA1 of the screen SC. After that, the process is terminated.

[0054] If the instruction receiving unit 151 determines in step S205 that it has received the fourth instruction CM4 (step S205; YES), then in step S215, the fourth execution unit 155 inverts the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 in the vertical direction. The fourth execution unit 155 inverts the direction of the V-axis of the liquid crystal panel 115. That is, the fourth execution unit 155 inverts the positive direction of the V-axis of the liquid crystal panel 115 from downward to upward. Next, in step S217, the fourth execution unit 155 displays the image from the storage range RC of the image buffer memory 143 within the display range RB of the liquid crystal panel 115. Next, in step S219, the fourth execution unit 155 projects the displayable area RB of the liquid crystal panel 115 onto the projectionable area RA of the screen SC. As a result, the fourth execution unit 155 projects a fourth inverted image onto the screen SC, which is the first image PC1 inverted vertically within the projectionable area RA. After that, the process is terminated.

[0055] As explained with reference to Figure 6, in the initial state, the control unit 150 displays the first image PC1 in the first region RA1 of the screen SC. Then, the third execution unit 154 moves the display position of the first image PC1 vertically by geometric correction in the image buffer memory 143 and inverts the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 vertically. As a result, the third execution unit 154 can project a third inverted image, which is the first image PC1 inverted vertically, onto the first region RA1 of the screen SC.

[0056] Furthermore, the fourth execution unit 155 inverts the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 in the left-right direction. As a result, the fourth execution unit 155 can project a fourth inverted image onto the screen SC, which is the first image PC1 inverted vertically within the projection range RA.

[0057] In this embodiment, the case in which the control unit 150 executes the first and second processes has been described with reference to Figure 5, and the case in which the control unit 150 executes the third and fourth processes has been described with reference to Figure 6, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The control unit 150 only needs to execute at least the first process. For example, the control unit 150 may execute the first to fourth processes.

[0058] [7. This Embodiment and its Effects] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6, the control method for the projector 100 according to this embodiment includes setting a first region RA1, which is a rectangular area smaller than the projection range RA for displaying the first image PC1, within the projection range RA of the projector 100, and, when a first instruction CM1 for horizontally reversing the first image PC1 within the first region RA1 is received, placing a first inverted image PR1, which is the horizontally reversed first image PC1, in the first region RA1.

[0059] According to this configuration, when the projector 100 receives a first instruction CM1 to horizontally invert the first image PC1 within the first region RA1, it places the horizontally inverted first image PR1, which is the first image PC1, into the first region RA1. Therefore, the horizontally inverted first image PR1, which is the first image PC1, can be projected within the first region RA1.

[0060] Furthermore, in the control method for the projector 100 according to this embodiment, setting the first region RA1 includes setting the first region RA1 at a position where the line dividing the projectionable range RA symmetrically from left to right and the line dividing the first region RA1 symmetrically from left to right do not coincide, and placing the first inverted image PR1 in the first region RA1 includes moving the display position of the first image PC1 in the left-right direction by geometric correction in the image buffer memory 143 and inverting the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 from left to right. With this configuration, the display position of the first image PC1 is moved horizontally by geometric correction in the image buffer memory 143, and the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 are reversed horizontally, thereby allowing the first inverted image PR1 to be placed in the first region RA1. Therefore, the first inverted image PR1, which is the first image PC1 reversed horizontally within the first region RA1, can be easily projected.

[0061] Furthermore, the control method for the projector 100 according to this embodiment includes, when a second instruction CM2 is received to horizontally invert the first image PC1 with respect to the projection range RA, arranging a second inverted image PR2 which is the first image PC1 horizontally inverted with respect to the projection range RA. According to this configuration, when a second instruction CM2 is received to horizontally flip the first image PC1 with respect to the projection range RA, a second inverted image PR2, which is the first image PC1 flipped horizontally with respect to the projection range RA, is placed. Therefore, the second inverted image PR2, which is the first image PC1 flipped horizontally with respect to the projection range RA, can be projected.

[0062] Furthermore, in the control method for the projector 100 according to this embodiment, setting the first region RA1 includes setting the first region RA1 at a position where the line dividing the projectionable range RA vertically symmetrically and the line dividing the first region RA1 vertically symmetrically do not coincide, and when a third instruction CM3 is received to vertically invert the first image PC1 within the first region RA1, the third inverted image obtained by vertically inverting the first image PC1 is placed in the first region RA1. According to this configuration, when a third instruction CM3 is received to invert the first image PC1 vertically within the first region RA1, the third inverted image, which is the first image PC1 inverted vertically, is placed in the first region RA1. Therefore, the third inverted image, which is the first image PC1 inverted vertically within the first region RA1, can be projected.

[0063] Furthermore, in the control method for the projector 100 according to this embodiment, placing the third inverted image in the first region RA1 includes moving the display position of the first image PC1 vertically by geometric correction in the image buffer memory 143 and inverting the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 vertically. With this configuration, the display position of the first image PC1 can be moved vertically by geometric correction in the image buffer memory 143, and the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel 115 can be inverted vertically, thereby allowing the third inverted image to be placed in the first region RA1. Therefore, the third inverted image, which is the first image PC1 inverted vertically within the first region RA1, can be easily projected.

[0064] Furthermore, the control method for the projector 100 according to this embodiment includes, when a fourth instruction CM4 is received to invert the first image PC1 vertically with respect to the projection range RA, arranging a fourth inverted image which is the first image PC1 inverted vertically with respect to the projection range RA. According to this configuration, when a fourth instruction CM4 is received to invert the first image PC1 vertically within the projection range RA, a fourth inverted image, which is the first image PC1 inverted vertically within the projection range RA, is placed. Therefore, the fourth inverted image, which is the first image PC1 inverted vertically within the projection range RA, can be projected.

[0065] The projector 100 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 150, which performs the following actions: setting a first region RA1, which is a rectangular area smaller than the projection range RA, within the projection range RA of the projector 100, for displaying the first image PC1; and, when it receives a first instruction CM1 to horizontally invert the first image PC1 within the first region RA1, it places a first inverted image PR1, which is the horizontally inverted first image PC1, in the first region RA1.

[0066] With this configuration, the projector 100 according to this embodiment will have the same effect as the control method for the projector 100 according to this embodiment.

[0067] [8. Other Embodiments] The embodiment described above is a preferred embodiment. However, it is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0068] Furthermore, the functional units shown in Figures 1 and 2 represent functional configurations, and their specific implementation is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each functional unit be implemented individually; it is certainly possible to have a single processor execute a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above embodiment may be realized by hardware, or vice versa. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of other parts of the projector 100 can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the main purpose.

[0069] Furthermore, the processing units in the flowcharts shown in Figures 5 and 6 are divided according to their main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the control unit 150. The way the processing units are divided and the names of the processing units shown in the flowcharts in Figures 5 and 6 do not limit the process; it is possible to divide the process into even more processing units depending on the processing content, or to divide it so that one processing unit contains even more processing. Also, the processing order in the flowcharts described above is not limited to the examples shown.

[0070] Alternatively, after the inverted image is displayed in the flowcharts of Figures 5 and 6, the flowcharts of Figures 5 and 6 may be executed again, using the inverted image as the first image. Furthermore, the order in which the flowcharts in Figure 5 and Figure 6 are executed does not matter; either one can be performed first, and they can be executed multiple times.

[0071] Furthermore, the control method for the projector 100 can be implemented by having the processor 150A of the projector 100 execute a control program 156 corresponding to the control method for the projector 100. This control program 156 can also be recorded on a recording medium that is readable by a computer. As the recording medium, a magnetic, optical, or semiconductor memory device can be used. Specifically, examples include portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, HDDs, CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVDs, Blu-ray® Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memory, and card-type recording media. Alternatively, the recording media may be non-volatile storage devices such as RAM, ROM, and HDDs, which are internal storage devices of image processing equipment. Furthermore, a control program 156 corresponding to the control method of the projector 100 can be stored in a server device or the like, and the control method of the projector 100 can be realized by downloading the control program 156 from the server device to the projector 100. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1…Display system, 100…Projector, 110…Projection unit, 112…Optical modulator, 115…Liquid crystal panel, 150…Control unit, 150A…Processor, 150B…Memory, 151…Instruction reception unit, 152…First execution unit, 153…Second execution unit, 154…Third execution unit, 155…Fourth execution unit, 156…Control program, CM1…First instruction, CM2…Second instruction, CM3…Third instruction, CM4…Fourth instruction, PC1, PC11…First image, PR1…First inverted image, PR2…Second inverted image, RA…Projection possible RB…Displayable range, RC…Storable range, RA1, RB1, RC1…First area, RA2, RB2, RC2…Second area, SC…Screen, ST1…First image transition diagram, ST11…First image diagram, ST12…Second image diagram, ST13…Third image diagram, ST14…Fourth image diagram, ST15…Fifth image diagram, ST16…Sixth image diagram, ST2…Second image transition diagram, ST21…First image diagram, ST22…Second image diagram, ST23…Third image diagram, ST24…Fourth image diagram, ST25…Fifth image diagram, VA…Vector.

Claims

1. setting a first area, which is a rectangular area smaller than a projectable range of the projector, within the projectable range of the projector and in which a first image is to be displayed; when a first instruction to horizontally flip the first image within the first region is received, placing a first inverted image obtained by horizontally flipping the first image in the first region; A method for controlling a projector.

2. setting the first area includes setting the first area at a position where a line that symmetrically divides the projectable range and a line that symmetrically divides the first area do not coincide with each other; Placing the first inverted image in the first area includes: moving a display position of the first image in a left-right direction by performing geometric correction in an image buffer memory; Horizontally inverting the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel; The method of controlling a projector according to claim 1 , comprising:

3. when a second instruction to horizontally invert the first image with respect to the projectable range is received, a second inverted image obtained by horizontally inverting the first image with respect to the projectable range is arranged; The method for controlling a projector according to claim 1 , further comprising:

4. setting the first area includes setting the first area at a position where a line that vertically symmetrically divides the projectable range and a line that vertically symmetrically divides the first area do not coincide with each other; when a third instruction to upside-down invert the first image in the first region is received, placing a third inverted image obtained by upside-down inverting the first image in the first region; The method for controlling a projector according to claim 1 , further comprising:

5. Placing the third inverted image in the first area includes: moving a display position of the first image in a vertical direction by performing geometric correction in an image buffer memory; Inverting the panel coordinates of the liquid crystal panel upside down The method for controlling a projector according to claim 4 .

6. when a fourth instruction to upside down the first image with respect to the projectable range is received, arranging a fourth inverted image obtained by upside down the first image with respect to the projectable range; The method for controlling a projector according to claim 1 , further comprising:

7. A control unit is provided, The control unit: setting a first area, which is a rectangular area smaller than a projectable range of the projector, within the projectable range of the projector and in which a first image is to be displayed; when a first instruction to horizontally flip the first image within the first region is received, placing a first inverted image obtained by horizontally flipping the first image in the first region; Run the projector.

Images