Projection method, projection system, and projector

Abstract

To improve the working efficiency for a user who builds a multi-projection system.SOLUTION: A processor 22, when determining that it has received a request for starting display of a thumbnail image from a user U1, requests a second projector 2b and a third projector 2c to create and transmit a thumbnail image. The processor 22 acquires a second thumbnail image TI2 created in the second projector 2b and a third thumbnail image TI3 created in the third projector 2c. The processor 22 creates a first thumbnail image TI1. The processor 22 projects the first thumbnail image TI1, the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3 side by side in a first projection area PA1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection method, a projection system, and a projector. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a multi-projection system in which each projector projects a partial image onto a projection target. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-117989 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when an operator checks whether each partial image is projected as intended by the operator, the operator may not be able to see each partial image from one location depending on the size, shape, arrangement, etc. of the projection target. In such cases, the operator needs to move to a position where each partial image can be viewed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the projection method according to the present disclosure is a projection method in a multi-projection system including a first projector and a second projector, in a first projection mode, a first projection image based on an input image input to the first projector and the second projector is projected from the first projector to a first projection area, and a second projection image based on the input image is projected from the second projector to the second projection area, and in a second projection mode, a first reduced image and a second reduced image are projected side by side from the first projector to the first projection area, the first reduced image being an image obtained by reducing the first projection image, and the second reduced image being an image obtained by reducing the second projection image.

[0006] One aspect of the projection method according to the present disclosure is a projection method in a multi-projection system including a first projector and a second projector, in a first projection mode, a first projection image based on an input image input to the first projector and the second projector is projected from the first projector to a first projection area, and a second projection image based on the input image is projected from the second projector to the second projection area, and in a second projection mode, at least one of a first reduced image and a second reduced image is projected from the first projector to the first projection area, the first reduced image being an image obtained by reducing the input image input to the first projector, and the second reduced image being an image obtained by reducing the input image input to the second projector.

[0007] One aspect of the projection method according to the present disclosure is a projection method in a multi-projection system including a first projector and a second projector, in a first projection mode, a first projection image is projected from the first projector onto a first projection area, and a second projection image is projected from the second projector onto the second projection area, and in a second projection mode, a first reduced image and a second reduced image are projected side by side onto the first projection area from the first projector, the first reduced image being a first captured image of the first projection area onto which the first projection image is projected, and the second reduced image being a second captured image of the second projection area onto which the second projection image is projected.

[0008] One aspect of the projection system according to the present disclosure includes a first projector and a second projector, and is a projection system that performs multi-projection using the first projector and the second projector, wherein in a first projection mode, the first projector projects a first projection image onto a first projection area, and in the first projection mode, the second projector projects a second projection image onto a second projection area, and in the second projection mode, the first projector projects a first reduced image obtained by reducing the first projection image and a second reduced image obtained by reducing the second projection image side by side onto the first projection area.

[0009] One aspect of the projector according to the present disclosure is a projector that constitutes a multi-projection system and has a first projection mechanism, and is equipped with one or more processors, the one or more processors acquire an input image, acquire setting information specifying the content of image processing including at least cutting out an image of a range to be projected onto a first projection area from the input image, output a first projection image by applying the image processing indicated by the setting information to the input image, generate a first reduced image by reducing the input image or the first projection image from the input image or the first projection image, acquire a second reduced image generated based on the second projection image to be projected onto a second projection area in another projector that constitutes the multi-projection system, project the first projection image onto the first projection area in a first projection mode by the first projection mechanism, and project the first reduced image and the second reduced image side by side onto the first projection area by the first projection mechanism in a second projection mode. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a projection system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of an input image input to each projector. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the master projector in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing the relationship between orientation information, orientation setting information, and the top-bottom orientation of thumbnail images. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a data server in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the projection system in a first projection mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the projection system in a second projection mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the projection system in a second projection mode. [Figure 9]FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the projection system in a second projection mode. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of displaying thumbnail images by a processing device of a master projector. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart showing the thumbnail image selection and setting change operations which are a subroutine of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a projection system according to a first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the dimensions and scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions, and some parts are shown diagrammatically to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present invention is limited thereto.

[0012] 1. First embodiment 1.1.Projection System Overview Hereinafter, an overview of the projection system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] 1 is a configuration diagram of a projection system according to a first embodiment. The projection system 1 includes a plurality of projectors 2 and a data server 3. The plurality of projectors 2 include a first projector 2a, a second projector 2b, and a third projector 2c.

[0014] The first projector 2a, the second projector 2b, the third projector 2c, and the data server 3 are connected to one another via a network 4. The network 4 is, for example, a LAN. Here, LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. The LAN may be connected to the Internet.

[0015] In the first embodiment, the projection target 5 is a columnar structure having four side surfaces. A first projection area PA1, a second projection area PA2, and a third projection area PA3 are provided on each of three of the four side surfaces of the projection target 5. The second projection area PA2 is disposed adjacent to the first projection area PA1 on the right side of the first projection area PA1. The third projection area PA3 is disposed adjacent to the first projection area PA1 on the left side of the first projection area PA1.

[0016] The first projector 2a projects a first projection image PI1 onto the first projection area PA1. That is, the first projector 2a is installed at a position where it can project the first projection image PI1 onto the first projection area PA1. The first projector 2a is installed so that the posture of the first projector 2a is a basic posture. Here, the basic posture means a normal posture in which the main body of the first projector 2a is not installed upside down.

[0017] The second projector 2b projects a second projection image PI2 onto the second projection area PA2. That is, the second projector 2b is installed at a position where it can project the second projection image PI2 onto the second projection area PA2. The posture of the second projector 2b is the basic posture, similar to the posture of the first projector 2a.

[0018] The third projector 2c projects a third projection image PI3 onto the third projection area PA3. That is, the third projector 2c is installed at a position where it can project the third projection image PI3 onto the third projection area PA3. The third projector 2c is also installed upside down in a so-called suspended state. The position of the third projector 2c is an inverted position that is inverted from the basic position.

[0019] The data server 3 stores data of the projection images projected by the first projector 2a, the second projector 2b, and the third projector 2c. The data server 3 transmits the stored data of the projection images to the first projector 2a, the second projector 2b, and the third projector 2c.

[0020] That is, the projection system 1 is a multi-projection system constructed using three projectors 2 and a data server 3.

[0021] User U1 is an operator who performs the work of constructing the projection system 1. User U1 operates the first projector 2a to determine the projectors that will participate in the multi-projection. In this example, the first projector 2a operated by user U1 becomes the master projector in the projection system 1. The master projector manages all the projectors that will participate in the multi-projection.

[0022] A user U1 selects a projector to participate in the multi-projection from among the projectors connected to the network 4, for example, by specifying an address on the network 4. In this example, the second projector 2b and the third projector 2c are the projectors selected by the user U1. The second projector 2b and the third projector 2c selected by the user U1 are each a slave projector. The slave projectors are managed by the master projector.

[0023] A user U1 can change various settings related to projection in the first projector 2a, the second projector 2b, and the third projector 2c by operating the first projector 2a. For example, when the first projector 2a requests the second projector 2b for setting information of the second projector 2b, the second projector 2b transmits its own setting information to the first projector 2a. When the first projector 2a requests the third projector 2c for setting information of the third projector 2c, the third projector 2c transmits its own setting information to the first projector 2a.

[0024] In this example, the first projector 2a is set as the master projector, and the second projector 2b and the third projector 2c are set as slave projectors, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the second projector 2b may be set as the master projector, and the other projectors may be set as slave projectors. Also, the third projector 2c may be set as the master projector, and the other projectors may be set as slave projectors.

[0025] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the field of view of the user U1 includes the first projection area PA1 and the second projection area PA2, but does not include the third projection area PA3. In other words, the third projection area PA3 is in the blind spot of the user U1. Therefore, in the situation shown in Fig. 1, the user U1 can view the first projection image PI1 and the second projection image PI2, but cannot view the third projection image PI3.

[0026] 2 is a diagram showing an example of an input image input to each projector. An input image II1 is output from a data server 3 and input to the first projector 2a, the second projector 2b, and the third projector 2c via a network 4. That is, in this example, the same input image II1 is input to the first projector 2a, the second projector 2b, and the third projector 2c. In this example, one projection image based on the input image II1 is formed by a first projection image PI1 from the first projector 2a, a second projection image PI2 from the second projector 2b, and a third projection image PI3 from the third projector 2c.

[0027] The first projector 2a generates a first projection image PI1 from an input image II1. The second projector 2b generates a second projection image PI2 from the input image II1. The third projector 2c generates a third projection image PI3 from the input image II1.

[0028] User U1 plans to project a projection image corresponding to the first partial image II1a, a projection image corresponding to the second partial image II1b, and a projection image corresponding to the third partial image II1c into the first projection area PA1, the second projection area PA2, and the third projection area PA3, respectively. User U1 also plans not to use the fourth partial image II1d in any of the projectors, i.e., not to project the fourth partial image II1d from any of the projectors.

[0029] 1.2.Projector configuration The configuration of the projector according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first projector 2a in Fig. 1. The first projector 2a includes a storage device 21, a processing device 22, a communication device 23, an operation device 24, a projection device 25, and a posture detection device 26.

[0031] The storage device 21 stores various types of information. The storage device 21 includes, for example, a volatile memory such as a RAM and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM. Here, RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. Also, ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. The storage device 21 stores a control program 211 and the like. The volatile memory of the storage device 21 is used by the processing device 22 as a work area 212 of the processing device 22. The control program 211 is a program that controls the entire first projector 2a.

[0032] Note that a part or all of the storage device 21 may be provided in an external storage device, an external server, etc. Also, a part or all of the various information stored in the storage device 21 may be stored in advance in the storage device 21, or may be acquired from an external storage device, an external server, etc.

[0033] The processing device 22 controls the operation of the first projector 2a. The processing device 22 has functions as an input image acquisition unit 221, a setting information acquisition unit 222, an image processing unit 223, a generation unit 224, a reduced image acquisition unit 225, a projection control unit 226, an attitude information acquisition unit 227, a request reception unit 228, an information transmission unit 229, and a setting change unit 220. The processing device 22 is configured to include one or more CPUs. However, the processing device 22 may include a programmable logic device such as an FPGA instead of or in addition to the CPU. Here, CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit, and FPGA is an abbreviation for Field-Programmable Gate Array.

[0034] The processing device 22 reads out the control program 211 from the storage device 21, and executes the read out control program 211. By executing the control program 211, the processing device 22 functions as an input image acquisition unit 221, a setting information acquisition unit 222, an image processing unit 223, a generation unit 224, a reduced image acquisition unit 225, a projection control unit 226, an attitude information acquisition unit 227, a request reception unit 228, an information transmission unit 229, and a setting change unit 220.

[0035] The input image acquisition unit 221 acquires the input image II1 via the communication device 23 .

[0036] The setting information acquisition unit 222 acquires the setting information of the first projector 2a. The setting information is information that specifies the content of image processing that includes at least cutting out an image of a range to be projected onto the first projection area PA1 from the input image II1.

[0037] The image processing unit 223 outputs the first projection image PI1 by performing image processing indicated by the setting information on the input image II1. The image processing includes processes such as clipping and brightness expansion. The clipping process is a process for clipping an image of the range to be projected onto the first projection area PA1 from the input image II1. The brightness expansion process is a process for adjusting the brightness of the first projection image PI1 based on a statistical amount obtained by performing statistical processing on the pixel values ​​of each pixel of the input image II1 across all pixels.

[0038] In other words, the first projection image PI1 is a first processed image obtained by at least performing a process of cutting out the range to be projected onto the first projection area PA1 from the input image II1.

[0039] The generation unit 224 generates a first thumbnail image TI1 from the first projection image PI1. The first thumbnail image TI1 is an image obtained by reducing the first projection image PI1. The generation unit 224 determines the top-bottom orientation of the first thumbnail image TI1 based on the orientation information of the first projector 2a acquired by the orientation information acquisition unit 227 and the orientation setting information. The orientation setting information is information indicating in which orientation the top-bottom orientation of the first projection image PI1 in the first projector 2a is to be set.

[0040] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the attitude information, the attitude setting information, and the orientation of the thumbnail images. In Fig. 4, "front" indicates that, as in this embodiment, the projector is installed in front of the projection target when viewed from the position of the viewer who views the projected image, and the orientation is not inverted. "Ceiling-mounted front" indicates that, as in the present embodiment, the projector is installed in front of the projection target when viewed from the position of the viewer, and the orientation is inverted.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, when the orientation information indicates the basic orientation and the orientation setting information indicates front, the orientation of the thumbnail image is set to non-inverted. "Non-inverted" indicates that the orientation of the first thumbnail image TI1 is the same as the orientation of the input image II1. When the orientation information indicates the basic orientation and the orientation setting information indicates ceiling-mounted front, the orientation of the thumbnail image is set to inverted. "Inverted" indicates that the orientation of the first thumbnail image TI1 is inverted with respect to the orientation of the input image II1. When the orientation information indicates an inverted orientation and the orientation setting information indicates front, the orientation of the first thumbnail image TI1 is set to inverted. Also, when the orientation information indicates an inverted orientation and the orientation setting information indicates ceiling-mounted front, the orientation of the first thumbnail image TI1 is set to non-inverted.

[0042] The reduced image acquisition unit 225 acquires from the slave projector a thumbnail image generated based on a projection image projected from another projector constituting the multi-projection system, i.e., a slave projector. That is, the reduced image acquisition unit 225 acquires from the second projector 2b a second thumbnail image generated based on a second projection image PI2 projected onto the second projection area PA2. The reduced image acquisition unit 225 also acquires from the third projector 2c a third thumbnail image generated based on a third projection image PI3 projected onto the third projection area PA3.

[0043] In the first projection mode, the projection control unit 226 causes the projection device 25 to project the first projection image PI1 onto the first projection area PA1. The first projection mode is a normal projection mode for performing multi-projection in the projection system 1.

[0044] In the second projection mode, the projection control unit 226 causes the projection device 25 to project a first thumbnail image TI1, a second thumbnail image TI2, and a third thumbnail image TI3 side by side in the first projection area PA1. The second projection mode is a mode in which thumbnail images corresponding to each of a plurality of projectors are collectively displayed in one projection area, allowing the user U1 to check or change the settings of each projector participating in the multi-projection.

[0045] The first projection mode and the second projection mode are switched by the user U1 operating the operation device 24. Note that the first projection mode and the second projection mode may be switched by the user U1 operating the second projector 2b or the third projector 2c.

[0046] The orientation information acquisition unit 227 acquires orientation information indicating the orientation of the first projector 2a acquired by the orientation detection device 26. The acquired orientation information is used by the generation unit 224 to generate a reduced image.

[0047] The request receiving unit 228 receives various requests from the user U1 via the operation device 24. For example, the request receiving unit 228 receives a request from the user U1 regarding multi-projection settings. The multi-projection settings include selection of projectors participating in multi-projection, selection of input images, setting of the cutout range of the input images, setting of brightness extension processing, setting of edge blend processing, and the like. For example, the request receiving unit 228 receives a request from the user U1 to switch between the first projection mode and the second projection mode. The request receiving unit 228 receives a request from the user U1 to start or end display of thumbnail images.

[0048] In the second projection mode, the setting change section 220 changes at least one of the setting information of the first projector 2a, the setting information of the second projector 2b, and the setting information of the third projector 2c.

[0049] The information transmission unit 229 transmits information such as request information and setting change information to other projectors, i.e., the second projector 2b and the third projector 2c. The request information is, for example, information requesting generation and transmission of a thumbnail image and information requesting transmission of setting change information. The setting change information is, for example, information on the settings of the other projectors that have been changed in the setting change unit 220.

[0050] The communication device 23 is hardware as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 23 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 23 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 23 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, USB, etc. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. The communication device 23 performs data communication with external devices such as the second projector 2b, the third projector 2c, and the data server 3.

[0051] The operation device 24 is an input interface that accepts an input operation from the user U1 to the first projector 2a. The operation device 24 has, for example, an operation button provided on the housing of the first projector 2a. The operation device 24 outputs information identifying the pressed operation button to the processing device 22. As a result, the content of the input operation by the user U1 to the operation device 24 is output to the processing device 22. As a result, the content of the input operation by the user U1 to the operation device 24 is transmitted to the processing device 22.

[0052] The operation device 24 may have a touch panel instead of an operation button. In this case, the operation device 24 outputs data indicating the detected touch position to the processing device 22. The operation device 24 may also be a remote control device independent of the housing of the first projector 2a.

[0053] The projection device 25 projects projection light. The projection device 25 also includes a light source (not shown), a light modulator 251, and a projection lens 252. The light source includes a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, an extra-high pressure mercury lamp, an LED, a laser light source, etc. The light modulator 251 includes one or more liquid crystal panels. The light modulator 251 may include a DMD instead of a liquid crystal panel.

[0054] The optical modulator 251 modulates the light emitted from the light source into projection light for displaying a first projection image PI1 on the projection target 5 based on a signal input from the processing device 22. Here, LED is an abbreviation for Light Emitting Diode, and DMD is an abbreviation for Digital Mirror Device. The projection lens 252 forms an image on the projection target 5 of the projection light modulated by the optical modulator 251.

[0055] The projection device 25, under the control of the projection control unit 226, projects projection light for displaying a first projection image PI1 on the projection target 5. In other words, the projection device 25 projects an image based on the image information input from the processing device 22 onto the projection target 5.

[0056] The attitude detection device 26 detects whether the attitude of the first projector 2a is the basic attitude or the inverted attitude. Specifically, the attitude detection device 26 is realized by a one or more axis acceleration sensor, one or more axis gyro sensor, or the like, and is fixed to the main body of the first projector 2a.

[0057] It should be noted that the configurations of the second projector 2b and the third projector 2c are similar to that of the first projector 2a, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] The second projection image PI2 is a second processed image obtained by at least processing the input image II1 to cut out a range to be projected onto the second projection area PA2 in the second projector 2b. The third projection image PI3 is a third processed image obtained by at least processing the input image II1 to cut out a range to be projected onto the third projection area PA3 in the third projector 2c.

[0059] 1.3.Data Server Configuration Hereinafter, the configuration of the data server 3 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0060] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the data server 3 shown in Fig. 1. The data server 3 includes a storage device 31, a processing device 32, and a communication device 33.

[0061] The storage device 31 stores various types of information. The storage device 31 includes, for example, a volatile memory such as a RAM and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM. A control program 311, video data 312, etc. are stored in the storage device 31. The volatile memory of the storage device 31 is used by the processing device 32 as a work area 313 of the processing device 32. The control program 311 is a program that controls the entire data server 3.

[0062] The processing device 32 controls the operation of the data server 3. The processing device 32 has the functions of a management unit 321 and a transmission unit 322. The processing device 32 is configured to include one or more CPUs. However, the processing device 32 may include a programmable logic device such as an FPGA instead of or in addition to a CPU.

[0063] The processing device 32 reads the control program 311 from the storage device 31, and executes the read control program 311. The processing device 32 executes the control program 311, thereby functioning as a management unit 321 and a transmission unit 322.

[0064] The management unit 321 manages the distribution schedule and the like of the multiple video data 312. When the management unit 321 receives a transmission request for specific video data from the first projector 2a, the management unit 321 identifies the video data to be transmitted to the projection system 1 from the multiple video data 312. The management unit 321 transmits the identified video data to the projection system 1 in accordance with the transmission request from the first projector 2a.

[0065] Based on an instruction from the management unit 321 , the transmission unit 322 transmits specific image data from among the multiple image data 312 to the projection system 1 via the communication device 33 .

[0066] The communication device 33 is hardware as a transmitting / receiving device for communicating with other devices. The communication device 33 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 33 may include a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 33 may also include a wireless communication interface. Examples of the connector and interface circuit for wired connection include products that comply with wired LAN, IEEE1394, USB, etc. Examples of the wireless communication interface include products that comply with wireless LAN, Bluetooth, etc. The communication device 33 performs data communication with external devices such as the first projector 2a, the second projector 2b, and the third projector 2c.

[0067] A part or all of the storage device 31 may be provided in an external storage device, an external server, etc. A part or all of the various information stored in the storage device 31 may be stored in advance in the storage device 31, or may be acquired from an external storage device, an external server, etc.

[0068] 1.4. Overview of Projection System Operation Hereinafter, an overview of the operation of the projection system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0069] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the projection system 1 in the first projection mode. As shown in FIG. 6, the first projector 2a projects a first projection image PI1 onto the first projection area PA1. The image projected onto the first projection area PA1 is an image corresponding to the first partial image II1a. The second projector 2b projects a second projection image PI2 onto the second projection area PA2. The image projected onto the second projection area PA2 is an image corresponding to the second partial image II1b.

[0070] The third projector 2c projects a third projection image PI3 onto the third projection area PA3. Here, the image projected onto the third projection area PA3 corresponds to the third partial image II1c in the user U1's plan, but in FIG. 6, an image corresponding to the fourth partial image II1d is projected onto the third projection area PA3. Also, an inverted image of the fourth partial image II1d is projected onto the third projection area PA3. Therefore, in the state of FIG. 6, a projection image different from the user U1's plan is projected onto the third projection area PA3.

[0071] In this example, it is considered that the third projector 2c has not been set appropriately. However, since the third projection area PA3 is in the blind spot of the user U1, it is difficult for the user U1 to recognize that the image projected in the third projection area PA3 is different from the image that the user U1 had planned.

[0072] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the projection system 1 in the second projection mode. As shown in FIG. 7, the first projector 2a projects a first thumbnail image TI1, a second thumbnail image TI2, and a third thumbnail image TI3 in the first projection area PA1. The first thumbnail image TI1 is an image corresponding to the first partial image II1a. The second thumbnail image TI2 is an image corresponding to the second partial image II1b. The third thumbnail image TI3 is an image corresponding to the fourth partial image II1d and is an inverted image. The third thumbnail image TI3 is output as an image inverted with respect to the input image II1 based on the attitude information and the attitude setting information in the third projector 2c.

[0073] According to the plan of user U1, the third partial image II1c should be projected in the third projection area PA3 in a "non-inverted" manner. In this way, user U1 can recognize that in the second projection mode, an image different from the image planned by user U1 is projected in the third projection area PA3 in the opposite direction to the planned direction.

[0074] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the projection system 1 in the second projection mode. When the user U1 operates the operation device 24, the processing device 22 displays various information set in the third projector 2c in the first projection area PA1. More specifically, the information transmission unit 229 transmits request information for requesting the setting information of the third projector 2c to the third projector 2c. Upon receiving the request information from the setting information acquisition unit 222, the third projector 2c transmits the setting information of the third projector 2c to the first projector 2a.

[0075] The setting information acquisition unit 222 acquires the setting information of the third projector 2c. As shown in Fig. 8, the projection control unit 226 projects the third thumbnail image TI3 and the setting information INF1 of the third projector 2c onto the first projection area PA1 based on the acquired setting information.

[0076] In the setting information INF1, a cut-out range corresponding to the fourth partial image II1d is set as the cut-out range of the input image II1, and "front" is set as the installation posture.

[0077] User U1 modifies the settings of the third projector 2c according to his / her plan. In this case, user U1 changes the cropping range of the input image II1 from the cropping range corresponding to the fourth partial image II1d to the cropping range corresponding to the third partial image II1c by operating the operation device 24. User U1 also changes the setting of the installation posture from "front" to "ceiling-mounted front" by operating the operation device 24.

[0078] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the projection system 1 in the second projection mode. By referring to the changed third thumbnail image TI3, the user U1 can confirm that the third projection image PI3 is correctly projected. As shown in FIG. 9, the arrangement of the first thumbnail image TI1, the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3 coincides with the arrangement of the first projection area PA1, the second projection area PA2, and the third projection area PA3.

[0079] 1.5.Projection system operation example An example of the operation of the projection system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0080] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of displaying thumbnail images by the processing device 22 of the first projector 2a. Hereinafter, the operation of displaying thumbnail images by the processing device 22 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The routine of Fig. 10 is started, for example, when the processing device 22 is started, and is executed every time a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0081] 10 starts, first, in step S11, the processing device 22 determines whether or not a request to start displaying thumbnail images has been received from the user U1. In other words, in step S11, the processing device 22 determines whether or not a request to switch the projection mode from the first projection mode to the second projection mode has been received from the user U1.

[0082] In step S11, if the processing device 22 determines that a request to start displaying thumbnail images has been received from the user U1, that is, if the determination result in step S11 is positive (step S11: YES), the processing device 22 executes the process of step S12. In this case, in step S12, the processing device 22 requests the participating projectors, that is, the second projector 2b and the third projector 2c, to generate and transmit thumbnail images.

[0083] On the other hand, in step S11, if the processing device 22 determines that a request to start displaying thumbnail images has not been received from the user U1, that is, if the determination result in step S11 is negative (step S11: NO), the processing device 22 omits the processes from step S12 to step S18 and temporarily ends this routine. That is, in this case, the processing device 22 does not execute display of thumbnail images.

[0084] Next, in step S13, the processing device 22 acquires a second thumbnail image TI2 generated by the second projector 2b and a third thumbnail image TI3 generated by the third projector 2c.

[0085] In step S14, the processing device 22 generates a first thumbnail image TI1.

[0086] Next, in step S15, the processing device 22 projects the first thumbnail image TI1, the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3 side by side onto the first projection area PA1.

[0087] Next, in step S16, the processing device 22 executes a process of selecting a thumbnail image and changing settings. The process of selecting a thumbnail image and changing settings is a process in which the user U1 selects a displayed thumbnail image and checks and changes the settings of the projector corresponding to the selected thumbnail image. The details of the process of selecting a thumbnail image and changing settings will be described later.

[0088] Next, in step S17, the processing device 22 determines whether or not a request to end the display of thumbnail images has been received from the user U1. In other words, in step S17, the processing device 22 determines whether or not a request to switch the projection mode from the second projection mode to the first projection mode has been received from the user U1.

[0089] In step S17, if the processing device 22 determines that a request to end the display of thumbnail images has been received from the user U1, that is, if the determination result in step S17 is positive (step S17: YES), the processing device 22 executes the process of step S18. In this case, in step S18, the processing device 22 ends the display of the first thumbnail image TI1, the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3, and then temporarily ends this routine.

[0090] On the other hand, if the processing device 22 determines in step S17 that it has not received a request from the user U1 to end the display of the thumbnail images, that is, if the determination result in step S17 is negative (step S17: NO), the processing device 22 executes the process of step S12 again. That is, the processing device 22 continues to display the first thumbnail image TI1, the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3 until it receives a request to end the display of the thumbnail images.

[0091] In step S18, when the processing device 22 ends the display of the thumbnail images, it is preferable that the processing device 22 notifies the second projector 2b and the third projector 2c that the second projection mode has ended. This allows the second projector 2b and the third projector 2c to stop generating and transmitting thumbnail images. In addition, the second projector 2b and the third projector 2c may periodically transmit an Ack to the first projector 2a, and if no response to the transmitted Ack is received, may stop generating and transmitting thumbnail images.

[0092] The above is the operation of displaying thumbnail images by the processing device 22 according to the first embodiment. The processing device 22 functions as follows in each of the above-mentioned steps. The processing device 22 functions as a request receiving unit 228 in steps S11 and S17. The processing device 22 functions as an information transmitting unit 229 in step S12. The processing device 22 functions as a reduced image acquiring unit 225 in step S13. The processing device 22 functions as a generating unit 224 in step S14. The processing device 22 functions as a projection control unit 226 in steps S15 and S18.

[0093] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of selecting thumbnail images and changing settings, which is a subroutine of Fig. 10. Hereinafter, the operation of selecting thumbnail images and changing settings of the processing device 22 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The routine of Fig. 11 is executed after step S15 as shown in Fig. 10.

[0094] When the routine of FIG. 11 starts, first, in step S21, the processing device 22 determines whether or not any one of the first thumbnail image TI1, the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3 has been selected by the user U1.

[0095] In step S21, if the processing device 22 determines that any one of the thumbnail images has been selected, that is, if the determination result in step S21 is positive (step S21: YES), the processing device 22 executes the process of step S22. In this case, in step S22, the processing device 22 acquires setting information of the projector corresponding to the selected thumbnail image.

[0096] More specifically, the processing device 22 transmits a transmission request to the projector corresponding to the selected thumbnail image to transmit the setting information of the projector to the first projector 2a. When the projector receives the transmission request from the first projector 2a, the projector transmits its own setting information to the first projector 2a. The processing device 22 acquires the setting information of the projector from the information received by the communication device 23.

[0097] Next, in step S23, the processing device 22 displays the acquired setting information in the first projection area PA1 as a part of the first projection image PI1.

[0098] Next, in step S24, the processor 22 determines whether or not a request to change the settings by the user U1 has been accepted.

[0099] In step S24, if the processing device 22 determines that a setting change request from the user U1 has been received, that is, if the determination result in step S24 is positive (step S24: YES), the processing device 22 executes the process of step S25. In this case, in step S25, the processing device 22 transmits the changed setting information and a request to generate a thumbnail image to the projector.

[0100] Next, in step S26, the processing device 22 acquires the thumbnail image generated by the projector.

[0101] Next, in step S27, the processor 22 displays the acquired thumbnail image. The thumbnail image displayed at this time reflects the result of the setting change made in step S25.

[0102] Next, in step S28, the processor 22 determines whether or not an instruction to end the setting change function has been received from the user U1.

[0103] In step S28, if the processing device 22 determines that the user U1 has requested the termination of the setting change function, that is, if the determination result in step S28 is positive (step S28: YES), the processing device 22 executes the process of step S29. In this case, in step S29, the processing device 22 terminates the setting change function, displays all thumbnail images, that is, the first thumbnail image TI1, the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3, and ends this routine.

[0104] On the other hand, in step S28, if the processing device 22 determines that it has not received a request from user U1 to terminate the setting change function, that is, if the determination result in step S28 is negative (step S28: NO), the processing device 22 executes the processing of step S21 again.

[0105] On the other hand, if the processing device 22 determines in step S24 that it has not accepted a request to change the settings from user U1, i.e., if the determination result in step S24 is negative (step S24: NO), the processing device 22 skips the processes from step S25 to step S27 and executes the process of step S28.

[0106] Also, in step S21, if the processing device 22 determines that any of the thumbnail images has not been selected, that is, if the judgment result in step S21 is negative (step S21: NO), the processing device 22 skips the processes from step S22 to step S27 and executes the process of step S28.

[0107] The above is the operation of thumbnail image selection and setting change by the processing device 22 according to the first embodiment. The processing device 22 functions as a request receiving unit 228 in steps S21 and S28. The processing device 22 functions as a setting information acquisition unit 222 in step S22. The processing device 22 functions as a projection control unit 226 in steps S23, S27, and S29. The processing device 22 functions as a request receiving unit 228 and a setting change unit 220 in step S24. The processing device 22 functions as an information transmission unit 229 in step S25. The processing device 22 functions as a reduced image acquisition unit 225 in step S26.

[0108] 1.6. Advantages of the First Embodiment As described above, the projection method according to the first embodiment is a projection method in a multi-projection system including the first projector 2a, the second projector 2b, and the third projector 2c.

[0109] In this method, in a first projection mode, a first projection image PI1 is projected from a first projector 2a onto a first projection area PA1, a second projection image PI2 is projected from a second projector 2b onto a second projection area PA2, and a third projection image PI3 is projected from a third projector 2c onto a third projection area PA3. The first projection image PI1, the second projection image PI2, and the third projection image PI3 are based on an input image II1 input to the first projector 2a, the second projector 2b, and the third projector 2c.

[0110] In this method, in the second projection mode, the first projector 2a projects a first thumbnail image TI1, a second thumbnail image TI2, and a third thumbnail image TI3 side by side into the first projection area PA1.

[0111] Here, the first thumbnail image TI1 is a reduced image of the first projection image PI1, the second thumbnail image TI2 is a reduced image of the second projection image PI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3 is a reduced image of the third projection image PI3.

[0112] According to this method, the first thumbnail image TI1, the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3 are projected side by side in the first projection area PA1. Therefore, the user U1 can simultaneously view the first thumbnail image TI1, the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3. ​​Therefore, even if the user U1 cannot view the third projected image PI3 from the user U1's position, the user U1 can immediately check whether the third projected image PI3 is an image as intended. In this way, according to this method, the work efficiency of the user U1 who configures the multi-projection system can be improved.

[0113] In the first embodiment, the first thumbnail image TI1 is an example of a "first reduced image," the second thumbnail image TI2 is an example of a "second reduced image," the processing device 22 is an example of a "processor," and the projection device 25 is an example of a "first projection mechanism."

[0114] Moreover, the first projection mode and the second projection mode are switched by an operation of the user U1 on the first projector 2a.

[0115] According to this, the user U1 can operate the first projector 2a to switch the projection mode of the first projector 2a from the first projection mode to the second projection mode. This allows the first projector 2a to display thumbnail images corresponding to the projection images of each projector, making it easy to check the settings of each projector.

[0116] The first projection image PI1 is a first processed image obtained by at least cutting out a range to be projected onto the first projection area PA1 from the input image II1 in the first projector 2a. The second projection image PI2 is a second processed image obtained by at least cutting out a range to be projected onto the second projection area PA2 from the input image II1 in the second projector 2b.

[0117] This allows the processed image after the input image is cut out, i.e., an image closer to the actually projected image, to be output as a thumbnail image. Therefore, the user U1 can more easily check whether the third projected image PI3 is as intended.

[0118] Furthermore, the arrangement of the first thumbnail image TI1, the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3 coincides with the arrangement of the first projection area PA1, the second projection area PA2, and the third projection area PA3.

[0119] This allows the user U1 to view the situations of the first projected image PI1, the second projected image PI2, and the third projected image PI3 as thumbnail images in an arrangement that matches the arrangement actually projected, thereby enabling the user U1 to grasp the situation more accurately.

[0120] This method also determines the orientation of the third thumbnail image TI3 based on the orientation information and the orientation setting information. The orientation information is information indicating whether the orientation of the third projector 2c is a basic orientation or an inverted orientation obtained by inverting the basic orientation. The orientation setting information is information indicating the orientation to which the orientation of the third projection image PI3 of the third projector 2c is to be set.

[0121] According to this, the orientation of the third thumbnail image TI3 reflects the attitude of the third projector 2c and also reflects the orientation set by the user U1. Therefore, the orientation of the third thumbnail image TI3 and the orientation of the third projection image PI3 projected in the third projection area PA3 match, allowing the user U1 to grasp the situation more accurately.

[0122] Moreover, the projection system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a first projector 2a, a second projector 2b, and a third projector 2c. The projection system 1 is a projection system that performs multi-projection by the first projector 2a, the second projector 2b, and the third projector 2c.

[0123] In the first projection mode, the first projector 2a projects a first projection image PI1 onto the first projection area PA1. In the first projection mode, the second projector 2b projects a second projection image PI2 onto the second projection area PA2. In the first projection mode, the third projector 2c projects a third projection image PI3 onto the third projection area PA3.

[0124] In the second projection mode, the first projector 2a projects, side by side, into the first projection area PA1, a first thumbnail image TI1 obtained by reducing the first projection image PI1, a second thumbnail image TI2 obtained by reducing the second projection image PI2, and a third thumbnail image TI3 obtained by reducing the third projection image PI3.

[0125] According to this, the user U1 can simultaneously view the first thumbnail image TI1, the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3. ​​Therefore, even if the user U1 cannot view the third projected image PI3 from the user U1's position, the user U1 can immediately check whether the third projected image PI3 is the image as intended. In this way, according to this method, the work efficiency of the user U1 who configures the multi-projection system can be improved.

[0126] Moreover, the first projector 2a according to the first embodiment is a projector that configures a multi-projection system and has a projection device 25. The first projector 2a is equipped with a processing device 22. The processing device 22 is equipped with an input image acquisition unit 221, a setting information acquisition unit 222, an image processing unit 223, a generation unit 224, a reduced image acquisition unit 225, and a projection control unit 226.

[0127] The input image acquisition unit 221 acquires an input image II1. The setting information acquisition unit 222 acquires setting information. The setting information is information that specifies the content of image processing that includes at least cutting out an image of a range to be projected onto the first projection area PA1 from the input image II1. The image processing unit 223 outputs a first projection image PI1 by performing image processing indicated by the setting information on the input image II1. The generation unit 224 generates a first thumbnail image TI1 by reducing the first projection image PI1 from the first projection image PI1.

[0128] The reduced image acquisition unit 225 acquires a second thumbnail image TI2 and a third thumbnail image TI3. ​​The second thumbnail image TI2 is an image generated based on a second projection image PI2 projected onto a second projection area PA2 by a second projector 2b constituting the multi-projection system. The third thumbnail image TI3 is an image generated based on a third projection image PI3 projected onto a third projection area PA3 by a third projector 2c constituting the multi-projection system.

[0129] In the first projection mode, the projection control unit 226 causes the projection device 25 to project the first projection image PI1 onto the first projection area PA1. In the second projection mode, the projection control unit 226 causes the projection device 25 to project the first thumbnail image TI1, the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3 side by side onto the first projection area PA1.

[0130] According to this, even if the user U1 cannot view the third projection image PI3 from the position of the user U1, the user U1 can view the first thumbnail image TI1, the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3 simultaneously. Therefore, the user U1 can check on the spot whether the third projection image PI3 is the image as intended without moving to a position where the user U1 can view the third projection image PI3. In this way, according to this projector, the work efficiency of the user U1 who configures the multi-projection system can be improved.

[0131] Moreover, the first projector 2a further includes a setting change unit 220. The setting change unit 220 changes at least one of the setting information of the first projector 2a, the setting information of the second projector 2b, and the setting information of the third projector 2c in the second projection mode.

[0132] The setting information of the second projector 2b is information that specifies the contents of image processing that includes at least a process of cutting out a range to be projected onto the second projection area PA2 from the input image II1 input to the second projector 2b. The setting information of the third projector 2c is information that specifies the contents of image processing that includes at least a process of cutting out a range to be projected onto the third projection area PA3 from the input image II1 input to the third projector 2c.

[0133] According to this, if there is a problem with the settings of the first projector 2a to the third projector 2c, the user U1 can change at least one of the settings of the first projector 2a to the third projector 2c on the spot. Therefore, according to this projector, it is possible to further improve the work efficiency of the user U1 who configures the multi-projection system.

[0134] 2. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modified examples can be adopted within the scope of the present invention. Specific modified examples are exemplified below. Two or more aspects arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict each other. In the modified examples exemplified below, the symbols used in the above explanation are used for elements whose actions and functions are equivalent to those of the above embodiment, and detailed explanations of each are appropriately omitted.

[0135] 2.1. Variation 1 The projection system may include an information processing device. Fig. 12 is a configuration diagram of a projection system 1A according to Modification 1. The projection system 1A includes a plurality of projectors 2, a data server 3, and an information processing device 6. The plurality of projectors 2, the data server 3, and the information processing device 6 are connected to each other via a network 4.

[0136] The configuration of a projection system 1A according to this modification is different from the configuration of the projection system 1 according to the first embodiment in that an information processing device 6 is included.

[0137] When the first projector 2a functions as the master projector, the information processing device 6 executes part of the functions of the first projector 2a.

[0138] For example, the information processing device 6 can switch the projection mode of the first projector 2a between the first projection mode and the second projection mode by an operation of the user U1. When the information processing device 6 switches the projection mode from the first projection mode to the second projection mode, it transmits request information to the second projector 2b and the third projector 2c, requesting them to generate and transmit thumbnail images.

[0139] Furthermore, in the second projection mode, the information processing device 6 can select one thumbnail image from the first thumbnail image TI1, the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3 through an operation by the user U1. As a result, the information processing device 6 notifies the projector corresponding to the selected thumbnail image of a request to transmit setting information of the projector.

[0140] Furthermore, the information processing device 6 displays the setting information of the projector corresponding to the thumbnail image in the first projection area PA1 or on the display of the information processing device 6. The information processing device 6 can change the setting information of the projector corresponding to the thumbnail image by an operation by the user U1.

[0141] 2.2. Variation 2 The image processing may include edge blending. The edge blending is a process in which two adjacent projection images are partially overlapped and the overlapping portion of each of the adjacent projection images is dimmed so that the seam between the two adjacent projection images is difficult to recognize. For example, when the projection target 5 is not a columnar structure as shown in the first embodiment, but a flat surface having a first projection area PA1, a second projection area PA2, and a third projection area PA3, or a structure close to a flat surface, it is preferable to perform edge blending on the two adjacent projection images.

[0142] The first processed image is an image obtained by cutting out the range to be projected onto the first projection area PA1 from the input image II1, and the edge blending process is performed on the second processed image. The second processed image is an image obtained by cutting out the range to be projected onto the second projection area PA2 from the input image II1, and the third processed image is an image obtained by cutting out the range to be projected onto the third projection area PA3 from the input image II1, and the edge blending process is performed on the third processed image.

[0143] In this case, the result of the edge blending process is reflected in each thumbnail image. When two adjacent projection images are superimposed and projected onto a projection target, the thumbnail images corresponding to the two adjacent projection images may be displayed superimposed as if they were actually projected. Also, each thumbnail image may be displayed with a space between the two adjacent thumbnail images. This makes it easy to grasp the status of the edge blending process.

[0144] 2.3. Variation 3 In addition, in the first embodiment, each thumbnail image was generated by the generation unit 224 based on the input image II1, but each thumbnail image may be generated based on an image captured using a camera of a projection image projected onto each projection area.

[0145] In the method according to this modification, first, a first captured image is acquired by capturing an image of a first projection area PA1 onto which a first projection image PI1 is projected in a first projection mode using a first camera. Similarly, a second captured image is acquired by capturing an image of a second projection area PA2 onto which a second projection image PI2 is projected in a first projection mode using a second camera. A third captured image is acquired by capturing an image of a third projection area PA3 onto which a third projection image PI3 is projected in a first projection mode using a third camera.

[0146] The first thumbnail image is a first captured image of the first projection area PA1 onto which the first projection image PI1 is projected. The second thumbnail image is a second captured image of the second projection area PA2 onto which the second projection image PI2 is projected. The third thumbnail image is a third captured image of the third projection area P3 onto which the third projection image PI3 is projected.

[0147] Next, in the second projection mode, the first projector 2a projects the first captured image, the second captured image, and the third captured image side by side in the first projection area PA1. This allows the user U1 to observe the situation of the third projected image PI3 that is actually projected as a thumbnail image, so that the user U1 can grasp the situation more accurately. At least one of the first captured image, the second captured image, and the third captured image may or may not be reduced before being projected as a thumbnail image. For example, depending on the distance from the first camera to the first projection area PA1, the first projected image PI1 included in the first captured image may appear small. In such a case, even if the first captured image is not reduced, a first captured image suitable for a thumbnail image can be obtained.

[0148] 2.4. Variation 4 In the first embodiment, each thumbnail image is an output image of each projector, but each thumbnail image may be an image obtained by reducing the input image II1. In this case, the generation unit 224 generates each thumbnail image from the input image II1.

[0149] For example, consider a case in which, in the second projection mode, the first projector 2a projects onto the first projection area PA1 an image obtained by reducing the size of the first projection image as a first thumbnail image TI1, projects an image obtained by reducing the size of the second projection image as a second thumbnail image TI2, and projects an image obtained by reducing the size of the third projection image as a third thumbnail image TI3, and an abnormality is found in the second thumbnail image TI2.

[0150] In this case, user U1 can cause the first projector 2a to project a reduced image of the input image II1 as the first thumbnail image TI1, the second projector 2b to project an image of the input image II1 as the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third projector 3c to project an image of the input image II1 as the third thumbnail image TI3.

[0151] In other words, the first thumbnail image TI1 is a reduced image of the input image II1 input to the first projector 2a. The second thumbnail image TI2 is a reduced image of the input image II1 input to the second projector 2b. The third thumbnail image TI3 is a reduced image of the input image II1 input to the third projector 2c.

[0152] As a result, the entire input image II1 used for multi-projection is projected onto the first projection area PA1. This allows the user U1 to easily check whether there is a problem with the input image II1 input to each projector. Note that the user U1 may project only the second thumbnail image TI2 without projecting the first thumbnail image TI1 and the third thumbnail image TI3.

[0153] 2.5. Variation 5 Although the projection system 1 according to the first embodiment and the projection system 1A according to the first modification include the data server 3, the data server 3 is not necessarily required. In that case, in the projection system 1, any one of the multiple projectors 2 may also function as the data server. Also, in the projection system 1A, any one of the multiple projectors 2 or the information processing device 6 may also function as the data server.

[0154] 2.6. Variation 6 In the projection system 1 according to the first embodiment and the projection system 1A according to the first modification example, the setting information of the first projector 2a, the setting information of the second projector 2b, and the setting information of the third projector 2c may include information about the arrangement of the multiple projectors 2 that constitute the multi-projection system. This makes it possible to correctly arrange the first thumbnail image TI1, the second thumbnail image TI2, and the third thumbnail image TI3 based on the information about the arrangement.

[0155] 2.7. Variation 7 In the projection system 1 according to the first embodiment and the projection system 1A according to the first modification, thumbnail images corresponding to all projectors participating in the multi-projection are displayed in the first projection area PA1. However, only thumbnail images corresponding to one or more projectors arbitrarily selected by the user U1 may be displayed. For example, the user U1 may select only the third thumbnail image TI3 corresponding to the third projection image PI3 that the user U1 cannot view, and display it in the first projection area PA1. Alternatively, the user U1 may display the third thumbnail image TI3 and the first thumbnail image TI1 adjacent to the third thumbnail image TI3 side by side.

[0156] 2.8. Variation 8 In the projection system 1 according to the first embodiment and the projection system 1A according to the first modification, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like is used for the attitude detection device 26, but the attitude detection device is not limited to this. For example, the attitude detection device may be a device that is installed inside the projector and includes a moving body that moves according to gravity and a detector that detects the position of the moving body. Also, the attitude detection device may be a device that is installed outside the projector and includes a camera that can capture an image of the projector and a determiner that determines the orientation of the projector from an image captured by the camera.

[0157] 2.9. Variation 9 Also, the attitude detection device 26 is not necessarily required, and the user U1 may use the operation device 24 to set attitude information in the projector.

[0158] 3. Notes Below, a summary of this disclosure is provided as an appendix.

[0159] Appendix 1 A projection method in a multi-projection system including a first projector and a second projector, the projection method comprising: in a first projection mode, projecting a first projection image based on an input image input to the first projector and the second projector onto a first projection area from the first projector; and projecting a second projection image based on the input image from the second projector onto a second projection area from the second projector; and in a second projection mode, projecting a first reduced image and a second reduced image side by side onto the first projection area from the first projector, the first reduced image being an image obtained by reducing the first projection image, and the second reduced image being an image obtained by reducing the second projection image.

[0160] According to the projection method described in Supplementary Note 1, a reduced image of the first projection image and a reduced image of the second projection image are projected side by side in the first projection area. Therefore, the user can simultaneously view the reduced image of the first projection image and the reduced image of the second projection image. Therefore, even if the second projection image cannot be viewed from the user's position, the user can immediately check whether the second projection image is as intended.

[0161] Appendix 2 A projection method in a multi-projection system including a first projector and a second projector, the projection method comprising: in a first projection mode, projecting a first projection image based on an input image input to the first projector and the second projector onto a first projection area from the first projector; and projecting a second projection image based on the input image from the second projector onto a second projection area from the second projector; and in a second projection mode, projecting at least one of a first reduced image and a second reduced image onto the first projection area from the first projector, the first reduced image being an image obtained by reducing the input image input to the first projector, and the second reduced image being an image obtained by reducing the input image input to the second projector.

[0162] According to the projection method described in Supplementary Note 2, at least one of an image obtained by reducing the input image input to the first projector and an image obtained by reducing the input image input to the second projector can be projected onto the first projection area. Therefore, the user can easily check whether there is a problem with the input image input to the first projector or the input image input to the second projector. In this way, according to the projection method described in Supplementary Note 2, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of a user who constructs a multi-projection system.

[0163] Appendix 3 The projection method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first projection mode and the second projection mode are switched by a user's operation on either the first projector or the second projector.

[0164] According to the projection method described in Supplementary Note 3, a user can switch the projection mode of the operated projector from the first projection mode to the second projection mode by operating the first projector or the second projector. This allows one of the first projector and the second projector to display a reduced image in the same way as the other, making it easy to check the settings of each projector.

[0165] Appendix 4 The projection method described in Appendix 1, wherein the first projection image is a first processed image that has been subjected to at least a process of cutting out a range to be projected onto the first projection area from the input image, and the second projection image is a second processed image that has been subjected to at least a process of cutting out a range to be projected onto the second projection area from the input image.

[0166] According to the projection method described in Supplementary Note 4, it is possible to output a processed image after the input image is cut out, i.e., an image closer to the projection image to be actually projected, as a reduced image. Therefore, the user can more easily check whether the second projection image is as intended.

[0167] Appendix 5 The projection method described in Appendix 4, wherein the first processed image is an image obtained by cutting out a range to be projected onto the first projection area from the input image, and the second processed image is an image obtained by cutting out a range to be projected onto the second projection area from the input image, and wherein edge blending processing is applied to the image.

[0168] According to the projection method described in Supplementary Note 5, the status of the edge blending process can be easily grasped.

[0169] Appendix 6 A projection method in a multi-projection system including a first projector and a second projector, the projection method comprising: in a first projection mode, projecting a first projection image from the first projector onto a first projection area; and projecting a second projection image from the second projector onto the second projection area; and in a second projection mode, projecting a first reduced image and a second reduced image side by side onto the first projection area from the first projector, the first reduced image being a first captured image of the first projection area onto which the first projection image is projected; and the second reduced image being a second captured image of the second projection area onto which the second projection image is projected.

[0170] According to the projection method described in Supplementary Note 6, the situation of the second projection image that is actually projected can be observed as a reduced image, so that the situation can be grasped more accurately.

[0171] Appendix 7 7. The projection method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an arrangement of the first reduced image and the second reduced image and an arrangement of the first projection area and the second projection area are consistent with each other.

[0172] According to the projection method described in Appendix 7, the situations of the first projected image and the second projected image can be observed as reduced images in an arrangement that matches the arrangement actually projected, allowing the situation to be grasped more accurately.

[0173] Appendix 8 The projection method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 7, further comprising determining a top-to-bottom orientation of the second reduced image based on orientation information indicating whether the orientation of the second projector is a basic orientation or an inverted orientation obtained by inverting the top-to-bottom orientation from the basic orientation, and orientation setting information indicating in which orientation the top-to-bottom orientation of the second projection image on the second projector is to be set.

[0174] According to the projection method described in Supplementary Note 8, the orientation of the second reduced image reflects the attitude of the second projector as well as the orientation set by the user. Therefore, the orientation of the second reduced image and the orientation of the second projection image projected in the second projection area match, allowing the user to grasp the situation more accurately.

[0175] Appendix 9 A projection system including a first projector and a second projector, performing multi-projection using the first projector and the second projector, wherein in a first projection mode, the first projector projects a first projection image onto a first projection area, and in the first projection mode, the second projector projects a second projection image onto a second projection area, and in the second projection mode, the first projector projects a first reduced image obtained by reducing the first projection image and a second reduced image obtained by reducing the second projection image side by side onto the first projection area.

[0176] According to the projection system described in Supplementary Note 9, the user can simultaneously view the first reduced image and the second reduced image. Therefore, even if the user cannot view the second projected image from the user's position, the user can immediately check whether the second projected image is as intended. In this way, according to the projection system described in Supplementary Note 8, the work efficiency of the user who configures the multi-projection system can be improved.

[0177] Appendix 10 a first projection mechanism that constitutes a multi-projection system, the first projection mechanism comprising one or more processors, the first processor acquiring an input image, acquiring setting information that specifies image processing content including at least cutting out an image of a range to be projected onto a first projection area from the input image, outputting a first projection image by applying image processing indicated by the setting information to the input image, generating a first reduced image by reducing the input image or the first projection image from the input image or the first projection image, acquiring a second reduced image generated based on a second projection image to be projected onto a second projection area in another projector that constitutes the multi-projection system, causing the first projection mechanism to project the first projection image onto the first projection area in a first projection mode, and causing the first projection mechanism to project the first reduced image and the second reduced image side by side onto the first projection area in a second projection mode.

[0178] According to the projector described in Supplementary Note 10, even if the user cannot view the second projection image from the user's position, the user can view the first reduced image and the second reduced image simultaneously. Therefore, the user can check on the spot whether the second projection image is as intended, without having to move to a position where the second projection image is visible. In this way, according to the projector described in Supplementary Note 9, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of a user who configures a multi-projection system.

[0179] Appendix 11 The projector described in Appendix 10, further comprising a setting change unit that, in the second projection mode, changes at least one of the setting information and other setting information that specifies the content of image processing that includes at least a process of cutting out a range to be projected onto the second projection area from another input image input to the other projector.

[0180] According to the projector described in Supplementary Note 11, if a user has a problem with the settings of the first projector and the second projector, the user can change at least one of the settings of the first projector and the second projector on the spot. Therefore, the projector described in Supplementary Note 11 can further improve the work efficiency of a user who configures a multi-projection system.

[0181] Appendix 12 The projector according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the setting information and the other setting information include information regarding an arrangement of a plurality of projectors that constitute the multi-projection system.

[0182] According to the projector described in Supplementary Note 12, the first reduced image and the second reduced image can be correctly arranged based on the information regarding the arrangement. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 1, 1A...projection system, 2...multiple projectors, 2a...first projector, 2b...second projector, 2c...third projector, 22...processing device, 220...setting change unit, 221...input image acquisition unit, 222...setting information acquisition unit, 223...image acquisition unit, 224...generation unit, 225...reduced image acquisition unit, 226...projection control unit, 227...posture information acquisition unit, 228...request reception unit, 229...information transmission unit, II1...input image, PA1...first projection area, PA2...second projection area, PA3...third projection area, PI1...first projection image, PI2...second projection image, PI3...third projection image, TI1...first thumbnail image, TI2...second thumbnail image, TI3...third thumbnail image, U1...user.

Claims

1. A projection method in a multi-projection system including a first projector and a second projector, comprising: in a first projection mode, a first projection image based on an input image input to the first projector and the second projector is projected from the first projector to a first projection area, and a second projection image based on the input image is projected from the second projector to a second projection area; In a second projection mode, a first reduced image and a second reduced image are projected side by side from the first projector onto the first projection area; the first reduced image is an image obtained by reducing the first projection image, The second reduced image is an image obtained by reducing the second projection image. Projection method.

2. A projection method in a multi-projection system including a first projector and a second projector, comprising: in a first projection mode, a first projection image based on an input image input to the first projector and the second projector is projected from the first projector to a first projection area, and a second projection image based on the input image is projected from the second projector to a second projection area; In a second projection mode, at least one of a first reduced image and a second reduced image is projected from the first projector onto the first projection area; the first reduced image is an image obtained by reducing the input image input to the first projector, the second reduced image is an image obtained by reducing the input image input to the second projector; Projection method.

3. the first projection mode and the second projection mode are switched by a user's operation on either the first projector or the second projector; The projection method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first projection image is a first processed image obtained by at least performing a process of cutting out a range to be projected onto the first projection area from the input image input to the first projector, the second projection image is a second processed image obtained by at least performing a process of cutting out a range to be projected onto the second projection area from the input image input to the second projector; The projection method according to claim 1 .

5. the first processed image is an image obtained by cutting out a range to be projected onto the first projection area from the input image, and edge blending is performed on the image; the second processed image is obtained by performing edge blending processing on an image obtained by cutting out a range to be projected onto the second projection area from the input image; The projection method according to claim 4.

6. A projection method in a multi-projection system including a first projector and a second projector, comprising: In a first projection mode, a first projection image is projected from the first projector onto a first projection area, and a second projection image is projected from the second projector onto a second projection area; In a second projection mode, a first reduced image and a second reduced image are projected side by side from the first projector onto the first projection area; The first reduced image is a first captured image obtained by capturing an image of the first projection area onto which the first projection image is projected, and the second reduced image is a second captured image obtained by capturing an image of the second projection area onto which the second projection image is projected. Projection method.

7. an arrangement of the first reduced image and the second reduced image and an arrangement of the first projection area and the second projection area are consistent with each other; The projection method according to claim 1 or 2.

8. determining a top-bottom orientation of the second reduced image based on orientation information indicating whether the orientation of the second projector is a basic orientation or an inverted orientation obtained by inverting the top-bottom orientation from the basic orientation, and on orientation setting information indicating in which orientation the top-bottom orientation of the second projection image of the second projector is to be set; The projection method according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A projection system including a first projector and a second projector, the projection system performing multi-projection by the first projector and the second projector, In a first projection mode, the first projector projects a first projection image onto a first projection area, and in the first projection mode, the second projector projects a second projection image onto a second projection area; In a second projection mode, the first projector projects a first reduced image obtained by reducing the first projection image and a second reduced image obtained by reducing the second projection image side by side onto the first projection area. Projection system.

10. A projector that constitutes a multi-projection system and has a first projection mechanism, One or more processors; The one or more processors: Take an input image, acquiring setting information that specifies the content of image processing that includes at least cutting out an image within a range to be projected onto a first projection area from the input image; outputting a first projection image by performing image processing indicated by the setting information on the input image; generating a first reduced image by reducing the input image or the first projection image from the input image or the first projection image; acquiring a second reduced image generated based on a second projection image projected onto a second projection area in another projector constituting the multi-projection system; In a first projection mode, the first projection mechanism projects the first projection image onto the first projection area, and in a second projection mode, the first projection mechanism projects the first reduced image and the second reduced image side by side onto the first projection area. projector.

11. a setting change unit that changes, in the second projection mode, at least one of the setting information and other setting information that specifies content of image processing including at least processing for cutting out a range to be projected onto the second projection area from another input image input to the other projector; The projector according to claim 10.

12. the setting information and the other setting information include information regarding an arrangement of a plurality of projectors that configure the multi-projection system; The projector according to claim 11.

Images