Projection control device, projection device, projection control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a projection control device for enabling a user to save the effort of selecting contents.SOLUTION: A projection control device includes a control section for selecting contents to be projected by a projector capable of changing a projection direction on the basis of the projection direction of the projector. The control section makes the projector project viewing contents when the projection direction is a first direction for the viewing contents, and makes the projector project lighting contents when the projection direction is a second direction different from the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection control device, a projection device, a projection control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there are image projection devices that derive angle information relating to the installation angle of the image projection device and perform inversion processing and trapezoidal distortion correction on a video signal based on the angle information (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-273157 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the image projection device described in Patent Document 1 cannot select (switch) the content to be projected depending on the projection direction (installation angle).

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve convenience by eliminating the need for a user to select content according to the projection direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the projection control device according to the present invention comprises: The projection device includes a control unit that selects content to be projected by the projection unit, based on the projection direction of the projection unit, which is capable of changing the projection direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the need for a user to select content according to the projection direction, thereby improving convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] (a) is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a cylindrical projection device when the projection direction is downward, and (b) is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a cylindrical projection device when the projection direction is horizontal. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the projection device of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of a projection control process A executed by the control unit of FIG. 2 in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a projection control process B executed by the control unit of FIG. 2 in the second embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a projection control process C executed by the control unit of FIG. 2 in the third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1(a) is a front view of a prismatic projection device, and FIG. 1(b) is a side view of the prismatic projection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are subject to various limitations that are technically preferable for implementing the present invention. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0010] First Embodiment [Configuration of Projection Device 1] First, the configuration of the projection device 1 of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a projection device 1. Fig. 1(a) shows a case where the projection direction is downward (vertical direction), and Fig. 1(b) shows a case where the projection direction is horizontal. 1, the projection device 1 includes a projection unit 11, a projection target unit 12, a light source unit 13, a support 14, and a base 15. The projection unit 11, the projection target unit 12, and the light source unit 13 each have a cylindrical (columnar) housing 11a to 13a. In this embodiment, at least the housing 11a of the projection unit 11 and the housing 12a of the projection target unit 12 have the same radius (diameter).

[0011] The projection unit 11 is configured to include, inside a housing 11a, a display element such as a digital micromirror device (DMD), an optical system such as a group of projection lenses, an optical system driving unit, etc. The projection unit 11 adjusts the intensity distribution of light output from the light source unit 13 using the display element in accordance with the video (image) to be projected, and projects a projection image onto the projection surface by emitting light (projection light L) toward the projection surface through the group of projection lenses driven by the optical system driving unit.

[0012] The projection unit 11 is provided outside the housing 12a of the projection target unit 12, above the housing 12a (above when viewed from the base 15), and is supported together with the housing 12a by the support body 14. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), when the base 15 is used as a reference, the projection unit 11 is supported by the support body 14 so as to be provided at a position above the projection target unit 12. A rotation hinge 141 is provided on the support body 14, and the projection unit 11 is supported by the support body 14 so as to be rotatable about the rotation hinge 141 as an axis, as shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b). That is, the projection unit 11 is supported by the support body 14 so that the projection direction can be changed.

[0013] 1(a), when the exit 111 of the projection unit 11 (exit of the projection light L) faces downward, that is, when the projection direction of the projection unit 11 faces downward, the support body 14 supports the projection unit 11 and the projection target unit 12 so that the end of the housing 11a of the projection unit 11 on the exit 111 side and the upper end of the housing 12a of the projection target unit 12 face each other in close proximity or contact within a predetermined distance. By facing the projection direction of the projection unit 11 downward, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the housing 11a of the projection unit 11 and the housing 12a of the projection target unit 12 form a single cylindrical shape.

[0014] The projection target unit 12 has a housing 12a that is open at the top and hollow inside, and receives projection light L emitted from the projection unit 11 through the emission port 111 with the projection direction directed downward from the inside of the side surface of the housing 12a in all directions. The housing 12a is made of a transparent resin material such as an acrylic material that is light-transmitting, and a diffusion sheet containing a diffusion material that diffuses light is attached to the inside of the side surface of the housing 12a over at least the range (the range in the longitudinal direction of the housing 12a) that the projection light L from the projection unit 11 can hit. In other words, the projection target unit 12 receives projection light L emitted from the projection unit 11 with the projection direction directed downward from the inside of the side surface of the housing 12a, transmits and diffuses the light, and supplies illumination light to the outside. In addition, a fisheye lens or a conversion lens for diffusing the projection light L from the projection unit 11 may be provided on the upper part of the housing 12a.

[0015] The support body 14 has a hollow pipe shape inside, and wiring such as optical fibers that connect the projection unit 11 and the light source unit 13 is provided inside the support body 14, so that the light output by the light source unit 13 is supplied to the projection unit 11.

[0016] The light source unit 13 includes a light source such as a laser diode or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) inside a housing 13a, and outputs light to the projection unit 11 via an optical fiber. In this embodiment, the projection unit 11 and the light source unit 13 are separate bodies, but the light source unit 13 may be integrated with the projection unit 11. In other words, the light source unit 13 may be configured to be provided inside the housing 11a.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the projection device 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the projection device 1 includes a control unit 10, a projection unit 11, a light source unit 13, a sensor unit 16, a storage unit 17, a video input unit 18, a microphone 19 (audio acquisition unit), a speaker 20, etc., and each unit is connected via a bus 21.

[0018] The control unit 10 (projection control device) is provided, for example, inside the housing 11a or the housing 13a. The control unit 10 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 10 controls the operation of each part of the projection device 1 by reading programs stored in the storage unit 17 into the RAM and executing various processes. The control unit 10 may have multiple processors, and the multiple processes executed by the control unit 10 may be executed by the multiple processors. In this case, the multiple processors may be involved in a common process, or the multiple processors may independently execute different processes in parallel.

[0019] The sensor unit 16 is provided, for example, inside the housing 11a. The sensor unit 16 is configured, for example, with an acceleration sensor, and outputs measurement data of acceleration to the control unit 10. The sensor unit 16 may also include an angular velocity sensor in addition to the acceleration sensor, and output measurement data of acceleration and angular velocity to the control unit 10.

[0020] The storage unit 17 is provided, for example, inside the housing 11a or the housing 13a. The storage unit 17 is a non-transitory recording medium readable by the control unit 10, and stores programs and various data. The storage unit 17 includes a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The programs stored in the storage unit 17 include a program for executing a projection control process A, which will be described later, and are stored in the storage unit 17 in the form of computer-readable program code.

[0021] Furthermore, the storage unit 17 stores audiovisual content 171 and lighting content 172. The viewing content 171 is content for the user to view, such as a movie. The viewing content 171 may be a moving image or a still image. The viewing content 171 is content to be projected onto the projection surface 3 by orienting the exit 111 of the projection unit 11 mainly in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 1(b). The lighting content 172 is content for providing illumination light. Examples of the lighting content 172 include monochrome images of various colors, including a white image for providing white light, a multi-color gradation image, and a video that creates a lighting effect by adding movement and variation to light, such as a video showing the movement of flames. The lighting content 172 is content for projecting onto the projection target unit 12 (specifically, the inside of the housing 12a) by mainly directing the exit 111 of the projection unit 11 downward as shown in FIG. 1(a). The viewing content 171 and the lighting content 172 include at least video (images) and may or may not include audio. In this embodiment, the viewing content 171 includes video and audio, and the lighting content 172 includes video but does not include audio.

[0022] Video input unit 18 is provided, for example, inside housing 11a or housing 13a. Video input unit 18 includes an input terminal (for example, an HDMI (registered trademark) terminal, an RGB terminal, a DVI terminal, etc.) for inputting a video signal or an audio signal transmitted from an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer), or a wireless communication adapter, and outputs video or audio data input via the input terminal or by communication to control unit 10.

[0023] The microphone 19 is provided in one of the housings 11a to 13a. The microphone 19 acquires ambient sounds and inputs them to the control unit . The speaker 20 outputs sound in accordance with the control operation of the control unit 10.

[0024] Next, the operation of the projection device 1 in this embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the projection control process A executed by the control unit 10. The projection control process A shown in Fig. 3 is executed by the control unit 10 in cooperation with a program stored in the storage unit 17, for example, when the power of the projection device 1 is turned on.

[0025] In the projection control process A, first, the control unit 10 determines whether the projection direction of the projection unit 11 (the direction in which the emission port 111 faces) is the direction toward the content to be viewed (first direction) (step S1). For example, the control unit 10 determines whether the output value of the sensor unit 16 is within a predetermined range, and if it is within the predetermined range, determines that the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is a direction toward the content to be viewed. Here, in this embodiment, the predetermined range is, for example, a range of values equivalent to approximately 0° (0°±α° (α is a predetermined positive integer, for example, 30°)) when the horizontal direction is set to 0° (reference).

[0026] When it is determined that the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is a direction toward the content for viewing (step S1; YES), the control unit 10 selects the content for viewing 171 as the content to be projected (step S2). For example, the control unit 10 selects the viewing content 171 stored in the storage unit 17 as the content to be projected. If a plurality of viewing contents 171 are stored in the storage unit 17, the control unit 10 selects the viewing content 171 to be projected according to a predetermined priority order or randomly. Alternatively, the control unit 10 may select the viewing content 171 input from the video input unit 18 as the content to be projected.

[0027] Next, the control unit 10 causes the projection unit 11 to project the selected viewing content (step S3), and proceeds to the processing of step S6. Note that in step S3, the sound of the viewing content is also output from the speaker 20.

[0028] In step S1, if it is determined that the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is not a direction for the content to be viewed, i.e., a direction (second direction) different from the direction for the content to be viewed (step S1; NO), the control unit 10 selects the lighting content 172 as the content to be projected (step S4). For example, the control unit 10 selects the lighting content 172 stored in the storage unit 17 as the content to be projected. If a plurality of lighting contents 172 are stored in the storage unit 17, the control unit 10 selects the lighting content 172 to be projected according to a predetermined priority order or randomly.

[0029] Generally, the projection surface is a surface perpendicular to the horizontal plane, such as the projection surface 3 shown in FIG. 1(b). Therefore, if the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is different from the direction for viewing content, which is approximately horizontal, the projection image of the viewing content 171 projected will be distorted, resulting in an inappropriate projection image. Alternatively, if the projection direction is upward (approximately +90° from the horizontal), such as toward the ceiling, a proper projection image may be obtained using the ceiling as the projection surface, but the user will have to assume an awkward posture to view the projected content. Therefore, when the projection direction is a direction other than the direction for viewing content, the control unit 10 controls the projection unit 11 to project the lighting content 172. For example, when the projection direction is downward (approximately −90° from the horizontal), the projection light L is projected into the housing 12a and transmits to the outside through the side of the housing 12a. Therefore, by projecting the lighting content 172, the projection device 1 can function as a lighting fixture. Even if the projection direction is not downward, projecting the lighting content 172 can produce an indirect lighting effect. Alternatively, it can be used as a reading light.

[0030] Next, the control unit 10 causes the projection unit 11 to project the selected lighting content 172 (step S5), and proceeds to the processing of step S6.

[0031] In step S6, the control unit 10 determines whether the power of the projection device 1 has been turned off (step S6). If it is determined that the power of the projection device 1 is not turned off (step S6; NO), the control unit 10 returns to step S1. If it is determined that the power supply of the projection device 1 has been turned off (step S6; YES), the control unit 10 ends the projection control process A.

[0032] As described above, in the first embodiment, when the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is a direction for the viewing content, the control unit 10 causes the projection unit 11 to project the viewing content 171. When the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is a direction different from the direction for the viewing content, the control unit 10 causes the projection unit 11 to project the lighting content 172. Therefore, when the user moves the housing 11a of the projection unit 11 to change the projection direction, the content is automatically switched to one suitable for the projection direction, which saves the user the trouble of selecting content suitable for the projection direction and improves convenience.

[0033] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the storage unit 17 stores only the lighting content 172 as the content for projection, and does not store the viewing content 171. The storage unit 17 also stores a program for causing the control unit 10 to execute a projection control process B, which will be described later. The rest of the configuration of the projection device 1 in the second embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be used to describe the second embodiment of the present invention below.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the projection control process B executed by the control unit 10. The projection control process B shown in Fig. 4 is executed by the control unit 10 in cooperation with a program stored in the storage unit 17, for example, when the power of the projection device 1 is turned on.

[0035] In the projection control process B, first, the control unit 10 determines whether the projection direction of the projection unit 11 (the direction in which the emission port 111 faces) is the direction toward the content to be viewed (first direction) (step S21). The process of step S21 is similar to the process of step S1 in FIG. 3, and therefore the same description will be used.

[0036] When it is determined that the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is a direction for viewing content (step S21; YES), the control unit 10 limits the acquisition source (input source) of the content to be projected to an external device (step S22). That is, the control unit 10 limits the content to be projected to that input from the video input unit 18.

[0037] Here, when an external device is connected to the projection device 1 and content input from the external device is sequentially projected, the input content is generally viewing content 171 intended for viewing by the user. Therefore, the control unit 10 limits the source of content to be projected to the external device, thereby limiting the content to be projected to viewing content 171.

[0038] Next, it is determined whether or not content has been input from the video input unit 18 within a predetermined time period (step S23). If it is determined that content has been input from video input unit 18 within the predetermined time (step S23; YES), control unit 10 selects the content input from video input unit 18, i.e., viewing content 171, as the projection target (step S24), causes projection unit 11 to project the selected content (step S25), and proceeds to processing in step S29. In step S25, the sound of the selected content is also output from speaker 20.

[0039] When it is determined that the content has not been input from the video input unit 18 within the predetermined time (step S23; NO), the control unit 10 proceeds to the process of step S26.

[0040] On the other hand, in step S21, when it is determined that the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is not the direction toward the content to be viewed (the second direction) (step S21; NO), the control unit 10 proceeds to the process of step S26.

[0041] In step S26, the control unit 10 limits the source of the content to be projected to the storage unit 17, which is an internal storage device (step S26). Next, the control unit 10 selects, as the content to be projected, the content stored in the storage unit 17, i.e., the lighting content 172 (step S27). If a plurality of lighting contents 172 are stored in the storage unit 17, the control unit 10 selects the lighting content 172 to be projected according to a predetermined priority order or randomly. Next, the control unit 10 causes the projection unit 11 to project the selected lighting content 172 (step S28), and proceeds to the processing of step S29.

[0042] In step S29, the control unit 10 determines whether the power of the projection device 1 has been turned off (step S29). If it is determined that the power of the projection device 1 is not turned off (step S29; NO), the control unit 10 returns to step S21. If it is determined that the power supply of the projection device 1 has been turned off (step S29; YES), the control unit 10 ends the projection control process B.

[0043] As described above, in the second embodiment, when the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is a direction for viewing content, the control unit 10 limits the content to be projected to the viewing content 171 input from the video input unit 18. When the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is a direction other than the direction for viewing content, the control unit 10 limits the content to be projected to the lighting content 172 stored in the storage unit 17. Therefore, when the user moves the housing 11a of the projection unit 11 to change the projection direction, the content is automatically switched to the content appropriate for the projection direction, thereby eliminating the user's need to select content appropriate for the projection direction and improving convenience. Furthermore, when the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is a direction other than the direction for viewing content, limiting the content acquisition source to the lighting content 172 stored in the storage unit 17 reduces processing load and power consumption.

[0044] If it is determined that no content has been input from the video input unit 18 within a predetermined time (step S23; NO), the control unit 10 preferentially selects, in step S27, content consisting of monochromatic projection light L, such as white or orange, as the lighting content 172. This allows the optimal content to be automatically selected when the projection direction is not downward and the projection device 1 is used, for example, as a reading light to illuminate the user's hands, thereby improving user convenience. The control unit 10 also acquires the current time measured by a real-time clock circuit (timekeeping circuit, timekeeping unit) (not shown) within the control unit 10, and preferentially selects white as the lighting content 172 for reading light if it is morning or daytime, and orange if it is nighttime. This automatically selects the lighting content 172 appropriate for the time of day, thereby further improving convenience.

[0045] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, the storage unit 17 stores only the lighting content 172 as the content for projection, and does not store the viewing content 171. The storage unit 17 also stores a program for causing the control unit 10 to execute a projection control process C, which will be described later. The rest of the configuration of the projection device 1 in the third embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be used to describe the third embodiment of the present invention below.

[0046] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the projection control process C executed by the control unit 10. The projection control process C shown in Fig. 5 is executed by the control unit 10 in cooperation with a program stored in the storage unit 17, for example, when the power of the projection device 1 is turned on.

[0047] In the projection control process C, first, the control unit 10 determines whether the projection direction of the projection unit 11 (the direction in which the emission port 111 faces) is the direction toward the content to be viewed (first direction) (step S31). The process of step S31 is the same as step S1 in FIG. 3, and therefore the same explanation will be used.

[0048] When it is determined that the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is directed toward the content for viewing (step S31; YES), the control unit 10 causes the microphone 19 to acquire ambient sounds (step S32).

[0049] Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the acquired sound exceeds a predetermined level (volume) continuously for a predetermined period of time or more (step S33). If it is determined that the acquired sound does not exceed a predetermined level continuously for a predetermined time or more (step S33; NO), the control unit 10 limits the source of the content to be projected to an external device (step S34). That is, the control unit 10 limits the content to be projected to that input from the video input unit 18. As described above, the control unit 10 can limit the content to be projected to the content for viewing 171 by limiting the source of the content to be projected to an external device.

[0050] Next, it is determined whether or not content has been input from the video input unit 18 within a predetermined time period (step S35). If it is determined that content has been input from video input unit 18 within the predetermined time (step S35; YES), control unit 10 selects the content input from video input unit 18, i.e., viewing content 171, as the content to be projected (step S36), causes projection unit 11 to project the selected viewing content (step S37), and proceeds to processing of step S41. In step S37, the sound of the viewing content is also output from speaker 20.

[0051] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is not a direction toward the content to be viewed (it is a second direction) (step S31; NO), if it is determined in step S33 that the acquired sound has exceeded a predetermined level continuously for a predetermined period of time or more (step S33; YES), or if it is determined in step S35 that no content has been input from the video input unit 18 within a predetermined period of time (step S35; NO), the control unit 10 proceeds to processing of step S38.

[0052] Here, if a sound exceeding a predetermined level is acquired continuously for a predetermined period of time or more, it can be determined that a television or audio device is operating near the projection device 1. In such a case, if the projection device 1 further outputs viewing content 171, the user will hear multiple images and sounds, which can be inconvenient. Therefore, if it is determined in step S33 that the acquired sound has exceeded a predetermined level continuously for a predetermined period of time or more, the control unit 10 proceeds to the process of step S38 and causes the projection unit 11 to project lighting content 172.

[0053] In step S38, the control unit 10 limits the source of the content to be projected to the storage unit 17, which is an internal storage device (step S38). Next, the control unit 10 selects, as the content to be projected, the content stored in the storage unit 17, i.e., the lighting content 172 (step S39). If a plurality of lighting contents 172 are stored in the storage unit 17, the control unit 10 selects the lighting content 172 to be projected according to a predetermined priority order or randomly. Next, the control unit 10 causes the projection unit 11 to project the selected lighting content 172 (step S40), and proceeds to the processing of step S41.

[0054] In step S41, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the power supply of the projection device 1 has been turned off (step S41). If it is determined that the power of the projection device 1 is not turned off (step S41; NO), the control unit 10 returns to step S31. If it is determined that the power supply of the projection device 1 has been turned off (step S41; YES), the control unit 10 ends the projection control process C.

[0055] The determination of step S33 in FIG. 5 may be performed between step S1 and step S2 in FIG. 1, and if the acquired sound does not exceed a predetermined level for a predetermined period of time or more, the process may proceed to step S2, and if the acquired sound does exceed a predetermined level, the process may proceed to step S4.

[0056] 5, if it is determined that the acquired sound has exceeded a predetermined level continuously for a predetermined time or more (step S33; YES), or if it is determined in step S35 that no content has been input from the video input unit 18 within a predetermined time (step S35; NO), then in step S39, the control unit 10 may preferentially select content constituted by projection light L of a single color, such as white or orange, as the lighting content 172. This automatically selects and projects the optimal content for illuminating the user's hands, etc., thereby improving user convenience. Furthermore, in step S31, if it is determined that the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is not a direction toward the content for viewing (it is the second direction) (step S31; NO), the control unit 10 may preferentially select content configured with projection light L of a single color, such as white or orange, in step S39, but is not limited to this. In this case, since the projection light L is irradiated toward the projection target unit 12, any lighting content 172 may be selected.

[0057] As described above, in the third embodiment, when the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is toward the viewing content, the control unit 10 causes the projection unit 11 to project the viewing content 171 unless the microphone 19 continuously acquires a sound exceeding a predetermined level for a predetermined period of time or more, but when the microphone 19 continuously acquires a sound exceeding a predetermined level for a predetermined period of time or more, the control unit 10 causes the projection unit 11 to project the lighting content 172 instead of projecting the viewing content 171. Therefore, when a television or audio equipment is operating near the projection device 1, it is possible to prevent the projection device 1 from further outputting the viewing content 171.

[0058] As described above, the projection device 1 includes the projection unit 11 that can change the projection direction, and the control unit 10 that selects content to be projected by the projection unit 11 based on the projection direction of the projection unit 11. This eliminates the need for the user to select content depending on the projection direction, thereby improving convenience.

[0059] For example, the control unit 10 causes the projection unit 11 to project the viewing content 171 when the projection direction is a first direction, and causes the projection unit 11 to project the lighting content 172 when the projection direction is a second direction different from the first direction. This eliminates the need for the user to select the viewing content 171 or the lighting content 172 depending on the projection direction, thereby improving convenience.

[0060] For example, the first direction is set to a direction within a predetermined angle range with the horizontal direction as a reference, and the second direction is set to a direction other than the first direction, and control unit 10 causes projection unit 11 to project viewing content 171 when the projection direction is the first direction, and causes projection unit 11 to project lighting content 172 when the projection direction is the second direction. Therefore, viewing content 171 can be automatically projected when the projection direction is for projection onto a wall or screen perpendicular to a horizontal plane, and lighting content 172 can be automatically projected when the projection direction is other than the first direction.

[0061] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 10 limits the source of content projected from the projection unit 11 based on the projection direction. For example, when the projection direction is a first direction for viewing content, the control unit 10 limits the source of content to an external device, and when the projection direction is a second direction different from the first direction, the control unit 10 limits the source of content to the internal storage unit of the projection device 1. Therefore, it is possible to switch so that content appropriate for the projection direction is projected. Furthermore, when the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is the second direction, limiting the source of content to the internal storage unit can reduce processing load and power consumption.

[0062] Furthermore, the projection device 1 includes a microphone 19, and the control unit 10 selects the content to be projected from the projection unit 11 based on the projection direction of the projection unit 11 and the volume of the sound acquired from the microphone 19. Therefore, for example, even if the projection direction is directed toward the content to be viewed, if a television or audio equipment is operating near the projection device 1, it is possible to prevent the projection device 1 from outputting the content to be viewed 171.

[0063] The description of the above embodiment is a preferred example of the projection device 1 according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0064] For example, in the above embodiment, the projection device 1 has been described as being cylindrical, but the shape of the projection device 1 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the projection device 1 may be prismatic. FIG. 6(a) is a front view of the prismatic projection device 1, and FIG. 6(b) is a side view of the prismatic projection device 1. In FIG. 6, components corresponding to the respective parts of the projection device 1 in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the light source unit 13 is provided inside the housing 11a of the projection unit 11.

[0065] The control unit 10 may also select content to be projected by the projection unit 11 based on the shape of the projection device 1. For example, the shape of the content projected onto the projection target unit 12 (how the content appears) differs between a cylindrical projection device 1 and a prismatic projection device 1. This is because the projection surface of the projection target unit 12 is circular (arc-shaped) in a cylindrical projection device 1, and the projection surface of the projection target unit 12 is four flat surfaces in a prismatic projection device 1. Therefore, the control unit 10 may determine the shape of the projection device 1 and cause the projection unit 11 to project content corresponding to the shape of the projection device 1. For example, by storing shape information of the projection device 1 in the memory unit 17, the control unit 10 can determine the shape of the projection device 1. Specifically, since a prismatic projection device 1 includes flat surfaces, the projected image is less likely to be distorted even if the content on the projection target unit 12 includes a moving object, such as a flickering flame, to some extent. Therefore, for a prismatic projection device 1, content including moving objects may be selected as the lighting content 172. On the other hand, in the case of a cylindrical shape, there is a high possibility that the projected image will be distorted, so content that does not include movement of objects (for example, a single color such as white or orange) may be selected as the lighting content 172.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, viewing content 171 is projected when the projection direction is substantially horizontal, and lighting content 172 is projected when the projection direction is otherwise, but there is no particular limitation on what content is selected for what projection direction.

[0067] For example, the second direction may be the direction in which the projection light from the projection unit 11 is directed toward the projection target unit 12, and the first direction may be the direction in which the projection light from the projection unit 11 is not directed toward the projection target unit 12, and the control unit 10 may cause the projection unit 11 to project viewing content 171 when the projection direction is the first direction, and may cause the projection unit 11 to project lighting content 172 when the projection direction is the second direction. In this way, when the projection device 1 is used as a lighting fixture by projecting projection light onto the projection target unit 12, it is possible to automatically project lighting content, and in other cases it is possible to automatically project viewing content.

[0068] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 10 may perform control so as to project the viewing content 171 when the projection direction is approximately horizontal, to project the lighting content 172 when the projection light is directed toward the projection target unit 12, and not to project any content in other directions. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 10 may perform control so as to project the viewing content 171 when the projection direction is approximately horizontal or upward, and to project the lighting content 172 when the projection direction is other directions. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 10 may perform control so as to project the viewing content 171 when the projection direction is approximately horizontal, to project content of an image representing the sky when the projection direction is upward, and to project the lighting content 172 when the projection direction is toward the projection target unit.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the projection direction of the projection unit 11 is detected using the output value of an acceleration sensor or the like, but this is not limiting and, for example, an inclination sensor may be used. Also, the control unit 10 may detect the projection direction of the projection unit 11 from an image of the projection device 1 acquired by a camera or the like.

[0070] Furthermore, in step S4 of the projection control process A, when the control unit 10 selects the lighting content 172 stored in the storage unit 17 as the content to be projected, the control unit 10 may acquire the current time measured by a real-time clock circuit (timekeeping circuit, timekeeping unit) (not shown) in the control unit 10, and select the content according to the time period indicated by the current time. For example, white lighting content 172 may be selected in the morning or afternoon, and orange lighting content 172 may be selected in the evening. This allows the lighting content 172 appropriate for the time period to be selected even when the projection device 1 is used as lighting, thereby improving convenience.

[0071] When changing the projection direction of the projection device 1 (projection unit 11), it is conceivable that the orientation of the projection unit 11 is changed by user operation, for example, around the rotation hinge 141 as an axis, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The projection device 1 may also include a rotation drive unit (not shown) including a motor, gears, etc., that changes the orientation of the projection unit 11 in response to an instruction from the control unit 10. This configuration enables the projection direction of the projection unit 11 to be changed in response to an instruction from the control unit 10 without user operation. As an operation of the projection device 1 having this configuration, for example, in the first to third embodiments, when the control unit 10 projects the viewing content (specifically, steps S3, S25, and S37) and determines that playback of the viewing content has ended (or when it determines that the viewing content has not been input from an external device for a predetermined period of time), the control unit 10 may issue an instruction to the rotation drive unit to change the projection direction of the projection unit 11 toward the lighting content, thereby automatically changing the projection direction of the projection unit 11. According to this, when the playback of the viewing content is finished, the projection direction of the projection unit 11 automatically changes, and then the lighting content is selected and projected, thereby improving user convenience.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first direction (for example, the direction of a horizontal wall surface) has been cited as the direction for viewing content, but when the projection unit 11 is directed in a third direction different from the first direction (for example, the direction of a vertical ceiling surface), content with different viewing directions (angles) may be selected as viewing content. For example, in the first direction, content in which a landscape video is viewed from a sideways (horizontal) angle may be selected, and in the third direction, content in which the landscape video is viewed from an angle looking up from below may be selected.

[0073] Furthermore, the control unit 10 as a projection control device may be configured as a separate unit from the projection unit 11 and the light source unit 13. In this case, the projection control device may also include a storage unit 17, a video input unit 18, a microphone 19, a speaker 20, etc.

[0074] In addition, the detailed configuration and operation of the projection device can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0075] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but is defined by the claims. Furthermore, the technical scope of the present invention also includes equivalents to the claims that are not related to the essence of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1 Projection device 10 Control Unit 11 Projection section 11a enclosure 12 Projection area 12a housing 13 Light source section 13a enclosure 14 Support 15 Pedestal 16 Sensor section 17 Memory section 171 Viewing Content 172 Lighting Content 18 Video input section 19. Mike 20 speakers 21 Bus

Claims

1. A projection control device comprising: a control unit that selects content to be projected by a projection unit, the projection direction of which is changeable, based on the projection direction of the projection unit.

2. the control unit causes the projection unit to project viewing content when the projection direction is a first direction, and causes the projection unit to project lighting content when the projection direction is a second direction different from the first direction; The projection control device according to claim 1 .

3. the first direction is a direction within a range of a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal direction, and the second direction is a direction other than the first direction; The projection control device according to claim 2 .

4. a projection target unit that receives light emitted from the projection unit, the second direction is a direction in which the projected light from the projection unit is directed toward the projection target unit, and the first direction is a direction in which the projected light from the projection unit is not directed toward the projection target unit. The projection control device according to claim 2 .

5. the control unit limits a source of acquisition of content to be projected from the projection unit based on the projection direction. The projection control device according to claim 1 .

6. the control unit limits the source of acquisition of the content to an external device when the projection direction is a first direction, and limits the source of acquisition of the content to a storage unit inside the projection control device when the projection direction is a second direction different from the first direction. The projection control device according to claim 5 .

7. when the control unit determines that the content has not been input from the external device within a predetermined time when the projection direction is a first direction, the control unit limits the source of acquisition of the content to a storage unit inside the projection control device. The projection control device according to claim 6 .

8. when the control unit determines that the content has not been input from the external device within a predetermined time when the projection direction is a first direction, the control unit selects the content configured in a single color from the storage unit. The projection control device according to claim 7 .

9. a sound acquisition unit for acquiring ambient sounds; the control unit selects content to be projected from the projection unit based on a projection direction of the projection unit and a volume of the sound acquired from the sound acquisition unit. The projection control device according to claim 1 .

10. the control unit, when determining that the projection direction is a first direction in which viewing content is projected from the projection unit and that the volume of the sound acquired from the sound acquisition unit exceeds a predetermined level, selects lighting content as the content; The projection control device according to claim 9 .

11. A projection device comprising: the projection control device according to claim 1; and a projection unit capable of changing a projection direction.

12. The computer selecting content to be projected by the projection unit based on a projection direction of the projection unit whose projection direction is changeable; Projection control method.

13. Computer, a control unit that selects content to be projected by the projection unit based on a projection direction of the projection unit, the projection direction of which is changeable; A program to function as a

Images