Image projection method for projector and image projection system

Abstract

To improve the visibility of an entrance constituted in a body to be projected by a user.SOLUTION: The image projection method of the projector 1 is a projection method of the projector 1 that projects the projection image PM into the maze MZ in which the entrance EN and the exit EX are formed by the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2, and includes projecting, from the projector 1, the first image P1 including the object QB moving from the position away from the entrance EN toward the entrance EN in the maze MZ.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Various technologies relating to projectors have been known in the past (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming device having the following configuration: The image forming device displays an image in a drawing area formed on a display surface and has a projector configured to be able to change the position of the drawing area, a detection means that detects whether or not a person is present in a detection area set near the display surface and detects the movement state of the person if a person is present in the detection area, and a control means that controls the operation of the projector based on the detection result of the detection means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-170139 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of cases where projection mapping is performed on various types of objects, as described in Patent Document 1. However, when projection mapping is performed on a projection object that has an entrance and an exit formed by combining multiple screens, it becomes difficult for users to visually identify the entrance and exit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a projection method for a projector that projects a projection image onto a projection object having an entrance and an exit formed by multiple screens, the method including projecting from the projector a projection image that includes an object that moves from a position away from the entrance towards the entrance on the projection object.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an image projection system comprising a projection object, a projector that projects a projection image onto the projection object, and a projection control device that controls the projector, wherein the projection object has an entrance and an exit formed by a plurality of screens, and the computer causes the projector to project a projection image onto the projection object that includes an object moving from a position away from the entrance towards the entrance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of an image projection system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a maze. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of a maze configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a projector. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a projection control device. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a side view showing an example of a first image and a second image. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of a third image and a fourth image. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the projection control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] First, an image projection system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of an image projection system 100 according to this embodiment. The image projection system 100 includes a projector 1, a projection control device 2, and a motion sensor S. The projector 1 includes a first projector 1A and a second projector 1B.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates three mutually orthogonal axes: the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. The X axis and the Y axis are parallel to the horizontal direction. The Z axis is parallel to the vertical direction. The Y axis is parallel to the front-to-rear direction of the projector 1. The X axis is parallel to the left-to-right direction of the projector 1. The positive direction of the Y axis is the front direction of the second projector 1B and the rear direction of the first projector 1A. The positive direction of the X axis is the right direction of the first projector 1A and the left direction of the second projector 1B. In addition, in the following drawings, dimensions and scales may be different from the actual dimensions to make the explanation easier to understand. Also, the same X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis as in Figure 1 are shown in Figures 2, 3, 6, and 7.

[0011] Furthermore, the first projector 1A and the second projector 1B are connected to a projection control device 2 so that they can communicate with each other. The projector 1 is connected to the projection control device 2 so that they can communicate with each other, for example, via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) (registered trademark) cable.

[0012] In this embodiment, the first projector 1A and the second projector 1B are connected to the projection control device 2 via a USB (registered trademark) cable or the like to enable wired communication, but may also be connected via Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the like to enable wireless communication.

[0013] The projection control device 2 is configured by, for example, a personal computer, and controls the first projector 1A and the second projector 1B. The projection control device 2 controls the images projected by the first projector 1A and the second projector 1B. Furthermore, the projection control device 2 calculates the distance LH between the human body H and the screen SC based on the detection result of the human sensor S.

[0014] Each of the first projector 1A and the second projector 1B projects projection light PL onto a screen SC that constitutes the maze MZ, and displays a projection image PM on the screen SC that constitutes the maze MZ. The screens SC include a first screen SC1 and a second screen SC2. The first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 form a maze MZ. The maze MZ is formed in a spiral shape. The first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 form an entrance EN and an exit EX of the maze MZ. The maze MZ corresponds to an example of a "projection target." The first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 correspond to an example of "plurality of screens." The maze MZ is further described with reference to Figures 2-3.

[0015] 1, the motion sensors S are arranged, for example, on the ceiling of a room RM in a lattice pattern at approximately equal intervals. The room RM is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape in a plan view. The ceiling of the room RM is formed in a rectangular shape. The short side direction of the ceiling of the room RM is parallel to the Y axis. The long side direction of the ceiling of the room RM is parallel to the X axis. As shown in Fig. 1, for example, eight motion sensors S are arranged on the ceiling of room RM along the Y-axis direction. Also, twelve motion sensors S are arranged on the ceiling of room RM along the X-axis direction. A total of 96 (=8 x 12) motion sensors S are arranged on the ceiling of room RM.

[0016] In the room RM, a door D1 is arranged on a wall surface in the negative direction of the Y axis, and a door D2 is arranged on a wall surface in the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0017] A first projector 1A is disposed on the wall surface in the negative Y-axis direction, above the approximate center in the X-axis direction, and a second projector 1B is disposed on the wall surface in the positive Y-axis direction, above the approximate center in the X-axis direction. The first projector 1A projects projection light PL representing a projection image toward the screen SC in the positive direction of the Y axis and the negative direction of the Z axis, i.e., diagonally downward. The second projector 1B projects projection light PL representing a projection image toward the screen SC in the negative direction of the Y axis and the negative direction of the Z axis, i.e., diagonally downward. As shown by the dashed-dotted line in Figure 1, the center line of the projection light PL projected by the first projector 1A passes near the entrance EN of the maze MZ. In other words, the first projector 1A projects the projection light PL toward the entrance EN of the maze MZ. The center line of the projection light PL projected by the second projector 1B passes near the exit EX of the maze MZ. In other words, the second projector 1B projects the projection light PL toward the exit EX of the maze MZ.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, inside a room RM, for example, a user's body H is present near a door D1. Each of the 96 motion sensors S detects whether a human body H is present in a rectangular area delimited by a dashed line in Fig. 1. Each of the 96 motion sensors S also outputs a detection signal SG indicating the detection result to the projection control device 2. For example, when a human body H is present at the position shown in Fig. 1, one of the 96 human body sensors S, human body sensor SA, detects the presence of the human body H. Based on the detection result of the human body sensor S, the projection control device 2 calculates the distance LH between the human body H and the screen SC.

[0019] In this embodiment, a case where a single human body H is present in a room RM as shown in Fig. 1 will be described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. There may be multiple human bodies H corresponding to multiple people in the room RM.

[0020] Next, the configuration of the maze MZ will be further described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the maze MZ. Fig. 3 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the maze MZ. First, the configuration of the maze MZ will be further described with reference to Fig. 2. 2, the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 form a maze MZ, which is formed in a spiral shape.

[0021] The first screen SC1 is integrally formed by a semicircular first portion SC11 and a semicircular second portion SC12 that is a circle with a smaller radius than the first portion SC11. The first portion SC11 is formed in a semicircular arc shape that is convex in the negative direction of the X axis. The second portion SC12 is formed in a semicircular arc shape that is convex in the positive direction of the X axis. An end E11 of the first portion SC11 in the negative Y-axis direction forms the entrance EN of the maze MZ. An end E12 of the second portion SC12 in the positive Y-axis direction is connected to an end E11 of the first portion SC11 in the positive Y-axis direction. The end E12 of the second portion SC12 in the negative Y-axis direction is located approximately at the center of the maze MZ.

[0022] The second screen SC2 is integrally formed by a semicircular first portion SC21 and a semicircular second portion SC22 that is a circle with a smaller radius than the first portion SC21. The first portion SC21 is formed in a semicircular arc shape that is convex in the positive direction of the X axis. The second portion SC22 is formed in a semicircular arc shape that is convex in the negative direction of the X axis. An end E21 of the first portion SC21 in the positive direction along the Y axis forms an exit EX of the maze MZ. An end E22 of the first portion SC21 in the negative direction along the Y axis is connected to an end E22 of the second portion SC22 in the negative direction along the Y axis. The end E22 of the second portion SC22 in the positive direction along the Y axis is located approximately at the center of the maze MZ.

[0023] A user can pass through the maze MZ, which is made up of a first screen SC1 and a second screen SC2, by moving along a route RT, for example. The route RT is formed so that the user enters the maze MZ at an entrance EN, moves along a passage formed between the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2, and exits at an exit EX. As shown in Figure 2, the maze MZ can be formed with a simple configuration using the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2. Furthermore, as shown by the route RT in Figure 2, in order to pass through the maze MZ, it is necessary to move along a complex route.

[0024] The first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 are made of a material that is transparent and diffusive. Transparent means that it is semi-transparent. The first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 preferably have a light transmittance of, for example, 40% or more and 80% or less. Diffusivity refers to the property of diffusing light. Because the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 have diffusivity, the image light projected onto one of the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 is diffused, resulting in a blurred image. The first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 are preferably made of, for example, cheesecloth, organza, or the like.

[0025] An arrow EL1 indicates the projection direction of the first projector 1A. For example, the projection light PL projected from the first projector 1A first forms a projection image on the first portion SC11 of the first screen SC1. Then, the projection light PL is transmitted through and diffused by the first portion SC11 of the first screen SC1, and forms a projection image on the second portion SC22 of the second screen SC2.

[0026] For example, the projection light PL projected from the first projector 1A first forms a projection image on the first portion SC21 of the second screen SC2. Then, the projection light PL is transmitted through and diffused by the first portion SC21 of the second screen SC2, and forms a projection image on the second portion SC12 of the first screen SC1.

[0027] An arrow EL2 indicates the projection direction of the second projector 1B. The projection light PL projected from the second projector 1B first forms a projection image on the first portion SC11 of the first screen SC1, for example. Then, the projection light PL is transmitted through and diffused by the first portion SC11 of the first screen SC1, and forms a projection image on the second portion SC22 of the second screen SC2.

[0028] The projection light PL projected from the second projector 1B first forms a projection image on the first portion SC21 of the second screen SC2, for example. Then, the projection light PL is transmitted through and diffused by the first portion SC21 of the second screen SC2, and forms a projection image on the second portion SC12 of the first screen SC1.

[0029] In this way, by projecting the projection light PL from the first projector 1A and the second projector 1B onto the maze MZ, it is possible to form projected images on all surfaces of the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 that make up the maze MZ. Furthermore, in the passages within the maze MZ, i.e., between the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2, the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 are projected with diffused projection light, creating a fantastical atmosphere.

[0030] Next, the configuration of the maze MZ will be further described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows a central axis CL that indicates the center of the maze MZ in the X-axis direction. The central axis CL extends in the vertical direction, i.e., in a direction parallel to the Z-axis.

[0031] The upper part of FIG. 3 shows a side view of the maze MZ when the maze MZ is viewed from the negative direction of the Y axis relative to the maze MZ, as indicated by the arrow EL1 in FIG. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 3, the first screen SC1 is disposed to the left of the second screen SC2. The first screen SC1 is disposed in front of the second screen SC2. An entrance EN is formed at the boundary between the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2. The entrance EN is located to the left of the central axis CL. The entrance EN corresponds to the position of the end E11 of the first screen SC1.

[0032] The bottom part of FIG. 3 shows a side view of the maze MZ when the maze MZ is viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis relative to the maze MZ, as indicated by the arrow EL2 in FIG. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 3, the second screen SC2 is disposed to the left of the first screen SC1. The second screen SC2 is disposed in front of the first screen SC1. An outlet EX is formed at the boundary between the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2. The outlet EX is located to the left of the central axis CL. The outlet EX corresponds to the position of the end E21 of the second screen SC2.

[0033] Next, the configuration of the projector 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the projector 1. The first projector 1A and the second projector 1B have approximately the same configuration, so in the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first projector 1A and the second projector 1B, each of the first projector 1A and the second projector 1B may be referred to as projector 1.

[0034] 4, the projector 1 includes a projection unit 110 and a drive unit 120 that drives the projection unit 110. The projection unit 110 forms an optical image and projects projection light PL onto a screen SC. In this embodiment, the projection unit 110 projects projection light PL corresponding to image data from the projection control device 2 onto the screen SC. The projection unit 110 includes a light source unit 111, a light modulation device 112, and a projection optical system 113. The drive unit 120 includes a light source drive unit 121 and a light modulation device drive unit 122.

[0035] The light source unit 111 includes a solid-state light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a laser light source. In this embodiment, the light source unit 111 is described as including a solid-state light source, but is not limited to this. Instead of the solid-state light source, the light source unit 111 may include a lamp light source such as a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, or an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp. The solid-state light source may be referred to as a light source in the following description.

[0036] The light source unit 111 may also include a reflector and an auxiliary reflector that guide the light emitted by the light source to the light modulation device 112. Furthermore, the light source unit 111 may also include a group of lenses for improving the optical characteristics of the projection light, a polarizing plate, or a dimming element that reduces the amount of light emitted by the light source on the path leading to the light modulation device 112. The light source driving unit 121 is connected to the internal bus 107, and controls the output of the light source by turning on and off the light source of the light source unit 111 in accordance with instructions from the first control unit 150, which is also connected to the internal bus 107. In this embodiment, the light source driving unit 121 controls the output of the light source in accordance with instructions from the projection control device 2, which will be described with reference to FIG.

[0037] The light modulation device 112 includes, for example, three liquid crystal panels 115 corresponding to the three primary colors of R, G, and B. R indicates red, G indicates green, and B indicates blue. That is, the light modulation device 112 includes a red liquid crystal panel corresponding to R light, a green liquid crystal panel corresponding to G light, and a blue liquid crystal panel corresponding to B light. The light emitted by the light source of the light source unit 111 is incident on the liquid crystal panel 115 .

[0038] Each of the three liquid crystal panels 115 is a transmissive liquid crystal panel that modulates light passing through it to generate projection light PL. The projection light PL includes red image light, green image light, and blue image light. The red image light is red image light that has been modulated after passing through a red liquid crystal panel. The green image light is green image light that has been modulated after passing through a green liquid crystal panel. The blue image light is blue image light that has been modulated after passing through a blue liquid crystal panel. The red image light, the green image light, and the blue image light are combined by a combining optical system such as a cross dichroic prism to generate the projection light PL, and the projection light PL is emitted to the projection optical system 113. In this embodiment, the light modulation device 112 is described as having a transmissive liquid crystal panel 115 as a light modulation element, but is not limited to this. The light modulation element may be a reflective liquid crystal panel or a digital micromirror device.

[0039] The light modulation device 112 is driven by a light modulation device driving unit 122. The light modulation device driving unit 122 is connected to the image processing unit 145. Image data corresponding to each of the primary colors R, G, and B is input to the light modulation device driving unit 122 from the image processing unit 145. The light modulation device driving unit 122 converts the input image data into a data signal suitable for the operation of the liquid crystal panel 115. Based on the converted data signal, the light modulation device driving unit 122 applies a voltage to each pixel of each liquid crystal panel 115, and draws an image on each liquid crystal panel 115.

[0040] The projection optical system 113 includes a projection lens 113A that forms an image of the incident projection light PL on the screen SC, a mirror, etc. The projection optical system 113 also includes a zoom mechanism that enlarges or reduces the image projected onto the screen SC, a focus adjustment mechanism that adjusts the focus, and a lens shift mechanism that adjusts the projection direction of the projection light PL.

[0041] The projector 1 further includes an operation unit 131, a remote control receiver 133, an input interface 135, a storage unit 137, a first communication interface 141, a frame memory 143, an image processing unit 145, and a first control unit 150. The input interface 135, the storage unit 137, the first communication interface 141, the image processing unit 145, and the first control unit 150 are connected to each other via an internal bus 107 so as to be able to communicate data with each other.

[0042] The operation unit 131 includes various buttons and switches provided on the surface of the housing of the projector 1, generates operation signals corresponding to the operation of these buttons and switches, and outputs the operation signals to the input interface 135. The input interface 135 includes a circuit that outputs the operation signals input from the operation unit 131 to the first control unit 150.

[0043] The remote control light receiving unit 133 receives an infrared signal transmitted from the remote control 5, decodes the received infrared signal, and generates an operation signal. The remote control light receiving unit 133 outputs the generated operation signal to the input interface 135. The input interface 135 includes a circuit that outputs the operation signal input from the remote control light receiving unit 133 to the first control unit 150.

[0044] The storage unit 137 is, for example, a magnetic recording device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a storage device using a semiconductor storage element such as a flash memory or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 137 stores programs executed by the first control unit 150, data processed by the first control unit 150, image data, etc.

[0045] The first communication interface 141 is a communication interface that communicates with the projection control device 2 in accordance with the USB (registered trademark) standard. The first communication interface 141 includes a connector for connecting a USB (registered trademark) cable and an interface circuit for processing signals transmitted through the connector. The first communication interface 141 is an interface board having a connector and an interface circuit, and is connected to a main board on which the first processor 150A of the first control unit 150 and the like are mounted. Alternatively, the connector and interface circuit that make up the first communication interface 141 are mounted on the main board of the first control unit 150. The first communication interface 141 receives various instruction information from the projection control device 2.

[0046] The first control unit 150 includes a first memory 150B and a first processor 150A. The first memory 150B is a storage device that nonvolatilely stores programs and data executed by the first processor 150A. The first memory 150B is configured by a semiconductor storage element such as a magnetic storage device or a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), or other types of nonvolatile storage device. The first memory 150B may also include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that configures the work area of ​​the first processor 150A. The first memory 150B stores data processed by the first control unit 150, the first control program executed by the first processor 150A, and the like.

[0047] The first processor 150A may be configured as a single processor, or multiple processors may function as the first processor 150A. The first processor 150A executes a first control program to control each unit of the projector 1. For example, the first processor 150A outputs to the image processing unit 145 an instruction to execute image processing corresponding to operations received via the operation unit 131 and the remote control 5, and parameters used for this image processing. The parameters include, for example, geometric correction parameters for correcting geometric distortion of the image projected on the screen SC. In addition, the first processor 150A controls the light source driving unit 121 to turn on and off the light source unit 111 in accordance with instructions from the projection control device 2, and also adjusts the output of the light source unit 111, i.e., the light intensity.

[0048] The first processor 150A may be configured as a system on chip (SoC) integrated with part or all of the first memory 150B and other circuits. The first processor 150A may also be configured as a combination of a central processing unit (CPU) that executes programs and a digital signal processor (DSP) that executes predetermined arithmetic processing. All of the functions of the first processor 150A may be implemented in hardware, or may be configured using a programmable device.

[0049] The image processing unit 145 and the frame memory 143 can be configured, for example, by an integrated circuit. Integrated circuits include large-scale integration (LSI), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), and programmable logic devices (PLD). PLDs include, for example, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA). An integrated circuit may also include an analog circuit as part of its configuration, or may be a combination of a processor and an integrated circuit. The combination of a processor and an integrated circuit is called a microcontroller (MCU), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a system LSI, a chipset, or the like.

[0050] The image processing unit 145 expands the image data input from the first communication interface 141 into the frame memory 143. The frame memory 143 includes a plurality of banks. Each bank has a storage capacity capable of writing image data for one frame. The frame memory 143 is configured, for example, by an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0051] The image processing unit 145 performs image processing such as resolution conversion, resizing, distortion correction, shape correction, and digital zooming on the image data stored in the frame memory 143 . The image processing unit 145 also generates a vertical synchronization signal by converting the input frame frequency of the vertical synchronization signal into a drawing frequency. The generated vertical synchronization signal is called an output synchronization signal. The image processing unit 145 outputs the generated output synchronization signal to the light modulation device driving unit 122.

[0052] Next, the configuration of the projection control device 2 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the projection control device 2. The projection control device 2 instructs the projected image PM to be projected by the projector 1. The projection control device 2 is configured, for example, by a personal computer.

[0053] 5, the projection control device 2 includes a second control unit 20. The second control unit 20 controls the operation of each unit of the projection control device 2. The second control unit 20 includes a second memory 22 and a second processor 21. The second memory 22 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the second processor 21. The second memory 22 is configured by a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage device. The second memory 22 may also include RAM that configures the work area of ​​the second processor 21. The second memory 22 stores data processed by the second control unit 20, the second control program PG2 executed by the second processor 21, and the like.

[0054] The second processor 21 may be configured as a single processor, or multiple processors may function as the second processor 21. The second processor 21 executes the second control program PG2 to control each part of the projection control device 2. The second processor 21 also executes the second control program PG2 to instruct the projected image PM to be projected by the projector 1.

[0055] The second processor 21 may be configured as an SoC integrated with part or all of the second memory 22 and other circuits. The second processor 21 may also be configured as a combination of a CPU that executes programs and a DSP that executes predetermined arithmetic processing. All of the functions of the second processor 21 may be implemented in hardware, or may be configured using a programmable device.

[0056] In the following description, a case will be described in which the second processor 21 executes the second control program PG2 to instruct the projected image PM to be projected by the projector 1.

[0057] The second control unit 20 includes a distance calculation unit 211, a projection control unit 212, and an image storage unit 221. Specifically, the second processor 21 of the second control unit 20 executes the second control program PG2 stored in the second memory 22, thereby functioning as a distance calculation unit 211 and a projection control unit 212. In addition, the second processor 21 of the second control unit 20 executes the second control program PG2 stored in the second memory 22, thereby causing the second memory 22 to function as an image storage unit 221.

[0058] The image storage unit 221 stores in advance a first image P1, a second image P2, a third image P3, and a fourth image P4. Each of the first image P1, the second image P2, the third image P3, and the fourth image P4 includes a plurality of objects QB. Each of the first image P1, the second image P2, the third image P3, and the fourth image P4 is a moving image. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of objects QB represents a fish.

[0059] Based on the detection result of the human sensor S, the distance calculation unit 211 obtains the distance LH from the user to the entrance EN of the maze MZ. 1, the distance calculation unit 211 acquires the distance LH from the user to the entrance EN of the maze MZ based on the detection result of the human sensor S. The distance calculation unit 211 calculates, for example, the distance on a plan view between the human sensor SA that detected the human body H and the entrance EN of the maze MZ as the distance LH.

[0060] If the distance LH is equal to or less than the threshold value TH, the projection control unit 212 causes the first projector 1A to project the first image P1. The first image P1 includes an object QB moving in the maze MZ from a position away from the entrance EN toward the entrance EN.

[0061] If the distance LH is equal to or less than the threshold value TH, the projection control unit 212 causes the second projector 1B to project the second image P2. The second image P2 includes an object QB moving in the maze MZ from the exit EX toward a position away from the exit EX. The first image P1 and the second image P2 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0062] Each of the first image P1 and the second image P2 may be an image that emphasizes the projected image projected into the first area AR1, which is an area near each of the entrance EN and the exit EX, compared with the projected image projected into the second area AR2, which is an area other than the first area AR1. For each of the first image P1 and the second image P2, for example, the luminance of the projected image projected onto the first area AR1 may be higher than the luminance of the projected image projected onto the second area AR2. Furthermore, the first image P1 and the second image P2 may each be projected in the first area AR1 with a brightness higher than the brightness of the projected image projected in the second area AR2.

[0063] If the distance LH is not equal to or less than the threshold value TH, the projection control unit 212 causes the first projector 1A to project the third image P3. The third image P3 includes an object QB that moves in a random direction in the maze MZ.

[0064] If the distance LH is not equal to or less than the threshold value TH, the projection control unit 212 causes the second projector 1B to project a fourth image P4. The fourth image P4 includes an object QB that moves in a random direction in the maze MZ. The third image P3 and the fourth image P4 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0065] Next, the first image P1 and the second image P2 will be further described. Fig. 6 is a side view showing an example of the first image P1 and the second image P2. The side view shown in the upper part of FIG. 6 shows a state in which the first image P1 is projected onto the screen SC in the side view shown in the upper part of FIG.

[0066] The first image P1 includes an object QB that moves from a position away from the entrance EN toward the entrance EN in the maze MZ. As shown in the side view in the upper part of FIG. 6, the first image P1 includes, for example, a plurality of objects QB. Each of the plurality of objects QB is a fish moving in the water. Of the plurality of objects QB, the object QB displayed on the first screen SC1 to the left of the entrance EN moves to the right. Here, the movement to the right is indicated by the fish corresponding to the object QB facing right. Of the multiple objects QB, the object QB displayed on the second screen SC2 to the right of the entrance EN moves to the left. Here, the movement to the left is indicated by the fish corresponding to object QB facing left.

[0067] The object QB displayed on the second screen SC2 to the right of the entrance EN includes a specific object QBN. The specific object QBN represents a fish entering the entrance EN. The entrance EN is formed between the edge E11 of the first screen SC1 located in the foreground and the second screen SC2 located in the background. Therefore, the part of the specific object QBN located on the second screen SC2 is displayed, and the part located on the first screen SC1 is not displayed, thereby representing a fish entering the entrance EN.

[0068] The side view shown in the lower part of FIG. 6 shows a state in which the second image P2 is projected onto the screen SC in the side view shown in the lower part of FIG.

[0069] The second image P2 includes an object QB moving in the maze MZ from the exit EX toward a position away from the exit EX. As shown in the side view in the lower part of FIG. 6, the second image P2 includes, for example, a plurality of objects QB. Each of the plurality of objects QB is a fish moving in the water. Of the plurality of objects QB, the object QB displayed on the second screen SC2 to the left of the exit EX moves to the left. Here, the movement to the left is indicated by the fish corresponding to the object QB facing left. Of the multiple objects QB, the object QB displayed on the first screen SC1 to the right of the exit EX moves to the right. Here, the movement to the right is indicated by the fish corresponding to object QB facing right.

[0070] The object QB displayed on the first screen SC1 to the right of the exit EX includes a specific object QBX. The specific object QBX represents a fish exiting the exit EX. The exit EX is formed between the edge E21 of the second screen SC2 located in front and the first screen SC1 located in the back. Therefore, the part of the specific object QBX located on the first screen SC1 is displayed, and the part located on the second screen SC2 is not displayed, thereby representing a fish exiting the exit EX.

[0071] Next, the third image P3 and the fourth image P4 will be further described. Fig. 7 is a side view showing an example of the third image P3 and the fourth image P4. The side view shown in the upper part of FIG. 7 shows a state in which the third image P3 is projected onto the screen SC in the side view shown in the upper part of FIG.

[0072] The third image P3 includes an object QB that moves in a random direction in the maze MZ. As shown in the side view in the upper part of FIG. 7, the third image P3 includes, for example, a plurality of objects QB. Each of the plurality of objects QB is a fish moving in the water. Each of the plurality of objects QB moves in a random direction. Here, movement to the right is represented by the fish corresponding to the object QB facing right. Furthermore, movement to the left is represented by the fish corresponding to the object QB facing left.

[0073] The object QB displayed on the second screen SC2 to the right of the entrance EN includes a specific object QBN and a specific object QBX. The specific object QBN represents a fish entering the entrance EN. The specific object QBX represents a fish exiting the entrance EN. The entrance EN is formed between the edge E11 of the first screen SC1 located in the foreground and the second screen SC2 located in the background. Therefore, a fish entering the entrance EN is shown by displaying the part of the specific object QBN located on the second screen SC2 and not displaying the part located on the first screen SC1. Also, a fish leaving the entrance EN is shown by displaying the part of the specific object QBX located on the second screen SC2 and not displaying the part located on the first screen SC1.

[0074] In this way, in the third image P3, each of the multiple objects QB moves in a random direction, making it more difficult to visually recognize the position of the entrance EN than in the first image P1. On the other hand, the third image P3 includes a specific object QBN, just like the first image P1, and therefore it is possible to visually recognize the position of the entrance EN from the shape of the specific object QBN in the third image P3.

[0075] The side view shown in the lower part of FIG. 7 shows a state in which a fourth image P4 is projected onto the screen SC in the side view shown in the lower part of FIG.

[0076] The fourth image P4 includes an object QB that moves in a random direction in the maze MZ. As shown in the side view in the lower part of FIG. 7, the fourth image P4 includes, for example, a plurality of objects QB. Each of the plurality of objects QB is a fish moving in the water. Each of the plurality of objects QB moves in a random direction. Here, movement to the right is represented by the fish corresponding to the object QB facing right. Furthermore, movement to the left is represented by the fish corresponding to the object QB facing left. Of the multiple objects QB, the object QB displayed on the first screen SC1 to the right of the exit EX moves to the right. Here, the movement to the right is indicated by the fish corresponding to object QB facing right.

[0077] The object QB displayed on the first screen SC1 to the right of the exit EX includes a specific object QBN and a specific object QBX. The specific object QBN represents a fish entering the exit EX. The specific object QBX represents a fish exiting the exit EX. The exit EX is formed between the edge E21 of the second screen SC2 located in the foreground and the first screen SC1 located in the background. Therefore, a fish entering the exit EX is shown by displaying the part of the specific object QBN located on the first screen SC1 and not displaying the part located on the second screen SC2. Also, a fish leaving the exit EX is shown by displaying the part of the specific object QBX located on the first screen SC1 and not displaying the part located on the second screen SC2.

[0078] In this way, in the fourth image P4, each of the multiple objects QB moves in a random direction, making it more difficult to visually recognize the position of the exit EX than in the second image P2. On the other hand, the fourth image P4, like the second image P2, includes a specific object QBX, and therefore it is possible to visually recognize the position of the exit EX from the shape of the specific object QBX in the fourth image P4.

[0079] Next, the processing of the projection control device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the projection control device 2. As shown in FIG. 7, the distance calculation unit 211 acquires a detection signal from the human sensor S in step S101. Next, in step S103, the distance calculation unit 211 calculates the distance LH between the user's body H and the entrance EN.

[0080] Next, in step S105, the projection control section 212 determines whether the distance LH is equal to or less than the threshold value TH. If the projection control section 212 determines that the distance LH is not equal to or less than the threshold value TH (step S105; NO), the process proceeds to step S107. Then, in step S107, the projection control section 212 causes the first projector 1A to project the third image P3. Next, in step S109, the projection control section 212 causes the second projector 1B to project the fourth image P4. After that, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0081] If the projection control section 212 determines that the distance LH is equal to or less than the threshold value TH (step S105; YES), the process proceeds to step S111. Then, in step S111, the projection control section 212 causes the first projector 1A to project the first image P1. Next, in step S113, the projection control section 212 causes the second projector 1B to project the second image P2. After that, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0082] Next, in step S115, the second control unit 20 determines whether or not the projection of the image by the projector 1 should be ended. If the second control unit 20 determines not to end the image projection by the projector 1 (step S115; NO), the process returns to step S101. If the second control unit 20 determines that the image projection by the projector 1 will end (step S115; YES), the second control unit 20 ends the image projection by the projector 1, and then the process ends.

[0083] [Embodiment and Effects] As explained above with reference to Figures 1 to 8, the first image projection method of the projector 1 according to this embodiment is a projection method of the projector 1 that projects a projection image PM onto a maze MZ having an entrance EN and an exit EX formed by a first screen SC1 and a second screen SC2, and includes projecting from the projector 1 a first image P1 that includes an object QB moving from a position away from the entrance EN towards the entrance EN in the maze MZ.

[0084] Therefore, in the maze MZ, the first image P1 including the object QB moving from a position away from the entrance EN toward the entrance EN is projected from the projector 1, thereby improving the visibility of the entrance EN to the user.

[0085] In addition, the second image projection method of the projector 1 is a projection method of the projector 1 that projects a projection image PM onto a maze MZ having an entrance EN and an exit EX formed by a first screen SC1 and a second screen SC2, and includes projecting from the projector 1 a second image P2 that includes an object QB moving from the exit EX toward a position away from the exit EX in the maze MZ.

[0086] Therefore, since the projector 1 projects the second image P2 including the object QB moving from the exit EX to a position away from the exit EX in the maze MZ, the visibility of the exit EX to the user can be improved.

[0087] Furthermore, the third image projection method of the projector 1 is a projection method of the projector 1 that projects a projection image PM onto a maze MZ formed by a first screen SC1 and a second screen SC2, with an entrance EN and an exit EX, and includes projecting from the projector 1 a projection image projected onto a first area AR1, which is an area near each of the entrance EN and the exit EX in the maze MZ, in comparison with a projection image projected onto a second area AR2, which is an area other than the first area AR1.

[0088] That is, in the maze MZ, the projected image projected onto the first area AR1, which is the area near the entrance EN and the exit EX, is emphasized compared to the projected image projected onto the second area AR2, which is the area other than the first area AR1, and projected from the projector 1. Therefore, the visibility of the entrance EN and the exit EX to users can be improved.

[0089] In the first image projection method, the second image projection method, and the third image projection method of the projector 1, the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 each have transparency and diffusion properties. Therefore, because the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 are each transparent, the projection image can be projected onto the entire first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 that make up the maze MZ. Also, because the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 are each diffusive, the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 are projected with diffused projection light in the passages within the maze MZ, creating a fantastical atmosphere.

[0090] In addition, the first image projection method of the projector 1 includes projecting from the projector 1 a first image P1 including an object QB moving from a position away from the entrance EN toward the entrance EN in the maze MZ when the distance LH between the user's body H and the entrance EN is less than or equal to a threshold value TH. Therefore, by setting the threshold value TH appropriately, the first image P1 including the object QB moving from a position away from the entrance EN toward the entrance EN can be projected appropriately from the projector 1.

[0091] The first image projection method of the projector 1 also includes projecting from the projector 1 a third image P3 in which an object QB moves in a random direction in the maze MZ when the distance LH between the user's body H and the entrance EN is not less than a threshold TH. Therefore, by appropriately setting the threshold value TH, the third image P3 in which the object QB moves in a random direction can be appropriately projected from the projector 1.

[0092] The image projection system 100 of this embodiment is an image projection system 100 comprising a maze MZ, a projector 1 that projects a projection image onto the maze MZ, and a projection control device 2 that controls the projector 1, wherein the maze MZ has an entrance EN and an exit EX formed by a first screen SC1 and a second screen SC2, and the projection control device 2 causes the projector 1 to project a first image P1 including an object QB that moves from a position away from the entrance EN towards the entrance EN in the maze MZ. Therefore, the image projection system 100 of this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the first image projection method of the projector 1 of this embodiment, and therefore achieves the same effects as the first image projection method of the projector 1 of this embodiment.

[0093] The image projection system 100 of this embodiment is an image projection system 100 comprising a maze MZ, a projector 1 that projects a projection image onto the maze MZ, and a projection control device 2 that controls the projector 1, wherein the maze MZ has an entrance EN and an exit EX formed by a first screen SC1 and a second screen SC2, and the projection control device 2 causes the projector 1 to project a second image P2 including an object QB that moves from the exit EX towards a position away from the exit EX in the maze MZ. Therefore, the image projection system 100 of this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the second image projection method of the projector 1 of this embodiment, and therefore achieves the same effects as the second image projection method of the projector 1 of this embodiment.

[0094] The image projection system 100 of this embodiment is an image projection system 100 comprising a maze MZ, a projector 1 that projects a projection image onto the maze MZ, and a projection control device 2 that controls the projector 1. The maze MZ has an entrance EN and an exit EX formed by a first screen SC1 and a second screen SC2, and the projection control device 2 causes the projector 1 to project a projection image onto a first area AR1 in the maze MZ, which is an area near each of the entrance EN and the exit EX, in an emphasized manner compared to a projection image projected onto a second area AR2, which is an area other than the first area AR1. Therefore, the image projection system 100 of this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the third image projection method of the projector 1 of this embodiment, and therefore achieves the same effects as the third image projection method of the projector 1 of this embodiment.

[0095] [Other embodiments] The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment, but is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0096] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the "projector" is made up of two projectors 1, but the "projector" may also be made up of, for example, one projector 1. Also, the "projector" may also be made up of three or more projectors.

[0097] In this embodiment, the "projection object" is a maze MZ, but the "projection object" may be any object in which an entrance EN and an exit EX are formed by multiple screens. For example, the "projection object" may be a passageway.

[0098] In this embodiment, the "plurality of screens" refers to two screens SC, i.e., a first screen SC1 and a second screen SC2, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The "plurality of screens" may also refer to three or more screens SC.

[0099] In this embodiment, the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 each have translucency and diffusivity, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Each of the first screen SC1 and the second screen SC2 may have at least one of translucency and diffusivity.

[0100] In this embodiment, the "object" is an image of a fish, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The "object" may be, for example, an image of another animal. The "object" may be, for example, a character or a graphic.

[0101] In this embodiment, the projection control device 2 is configured as a personal computer, but the projection control device 2 may also be configured as a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like. The projection control device 2 may also be configured integrally with the projector 1. For example, the first control unit 150 of the first projector 1A may function as the projection control device 2, and the first control unit 150 of the second projector 1B may function as the projection control device 2. In this case, there is no need to provide the projection control device 2, and the configuration of the image projection system 100 can be simplified.

[0102] 4 and 5 show functional configurations, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually, and it is also possible to configure a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above embodiments may be realized by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of each unit of the projector 1 and the projection control device 2 can be changed as desired without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0103] Furthermore, the processing units in the flowchart shown in Fig. 8 are divided according to the main processing content in order to make it easier to understand the processing of the second control unit 20 of the projection control device 2. There is no limitation to the way the processing units are divided or the names shown in the flowchart of Fig. 8, and the processing can be divided into more processing units depending on the processing content, or one processing unit can be divided so that it includes more processes. Furthermore, the processing order in the above flowchart is not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0104] Furthermore, the image projection method of the projector 1 can be realized by having the second processor 21 of the second control unit 20 of the projection control device 2 execute a second control program PG2 that corresponds to the image projection method of the projector 1. Furthermore, the second control program PG2 can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium may be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device. Specific examples include portable or fixed recording media such as a flexible disk, HDD, CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD, Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, magneto-optical disk, flash memory, and card-type recording medium. The recording medium may also be a non-volatile storage device such as RAM, ROM, or HDD, which is an internal storage device provided in the projection control device 2. The image projection method of the projector 1 can also be realized by storing the second control program PG2 in a server device or the like and downloading the second control program PG2 from the server device to the projection control device 2.

[0105] [Note] A summary of this disclosure is provided below. (Supplementary Note 1) A projection method for a projector that projects a projection image onto a projection object having an entrance and an exit formed by a plurality of screens, the method including projecting from the projector a projection image that includes an object that moves from a position away from the entrance towards the entrance on the projection object.

[0106] This allows the projector to project a projection image including an object moving from a position away from the entrance toward the entrance, thereby improving visibility for users at the entrance.

[0107] (Appendix 2) A projection method of a projector that projects a projection image onto a projection object having an entrance and an exit formed by a plurality of screens, the method including projecting from the projector a projection image that includes an object that moves from the exit towards a position away from the exit on the projection object.

[0108] This allows the projector to project a projection image including an object moving from the exit toward a position away from the exit, thereby improving visibility for users at the entrance.

[0109] (Supplementary Note 3) A projection method of a projector that projects a projection image onto a projection object having an entrance and an exit formed by a plurality of screens, the method including projecting from the projector a projection image that is projected onto a first area, which is an area near each of the entrance and the exit of the projection object, in comparison with a projection image that is projected onto a second area, which is an area other than the first area.

[0110] This improves the visibility of entrances and exits for users.

[0111] (Supplementary Note 4) The image projection method of the projector according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, wherein each of the plurality of screens has at least one of transparency and diffusion properties.

[0112] This allows the projection image to be projected onto the entire subject when each of the multiple screens is transparent, and creates a fantastical atmosphere within the subject when each of the multiple screens is diffusive.

[0113] (Appendix 5) An image projection method of the projector described in Appendix 1, comprising projecting from the projector a projection image including an object on the projection target that moves from a position away from the entrance toward the entrance when the distance between the user and the entrance is equal to or less than a threshold.

[0114] Thus, by setting the threshold appropriately, it is possible to properly project from the projector a projection image including an object moving from a position away from the entrance toward the entrance.

[0115] (Appendix 6) An image projection method of the projector described in Appendix 5, which includes projecting from the projector a projection image in which the object moves in a random direction on the projection target when the distance between the user and the entrance is not equal to or less than the threshold.

[0116] As a result, the image projection method of the projector described in Supplementary Note 6 can properly project from the projector a projection image in which an object moves in a random direction by properly setting the threshold value.

[0117] (Appendix 7) An image projection system comprising a projection object, a projector that projects a projection image onto the projection object, and a projection control device that controls the projector, wherein the projection object has an entrance and an exit formed by a plurality of screens, and the projection control device causes the projector to project a projection image onto the projection object that includes an object moving from a position away from the entrance towards the entrance.

[0118] As a result, the image projection system described in Supplementary Note 7 has the same configuration as the projector correction method described in Supplementary Note 1, and therefore has the same effects as the projector correction method described in Supplementary Note 1.

[0119] (Appendix 8) An image projection system comprising a projection object, a projector that projects a projection image onto the projection object, and a projection control device that controls the projector, wherein the projection object has an entrance and an exit formed by a plurality of screens, and the projection control device causes the projector to project a projection image onto the projection object that includes an object that moves from the exit toward a position away from the exit.

[0120] As a result, the image projection system described in Supplementary Note 8 has the same configuration as the projector correction method described in Supplementary Note 2, and therefore has the same effects as the projector correction method described in Supplementary Note 2.

[0121] (Appendix 9) An image projection system comprising a projection object, a projector that projects a projection image onto the projection object, and a projection control device that controls the projector, wherein the projection object has an entrance and an exit formed by a plurality of screens, and the projection control device causes the projector to project a projection image onto a first area, which is an area near each of the entrance and the exit on the projection object, in an emphasized manner compared to a projection image projected onto a second area, which is an area other than the first area.

[0122] As a result, the image projection system described in Supplementary Note 9 has the same configuration as the projector correction method described in Supplementary Note 3, and therefore has the same effects as the projector correction method described in Supplementary Note 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 100...image projection system, 1...projector, 1A...first projector, 1B...second projector, 111...light source unit, 115...liquid crystal panel, 150...first control unit, 150A...first processor, 150B...first memory, 2...projection control device, 20...second control unit, 21...second processor, 22...second memory, 211...distance calculation unit, 212...projection control unit, 221...image storage unit, EN...entrance, E X...exit, H...human body, LH...distance, MZ...maze (projected object), P1...first image, P2...second image, P3...third image, P4...third image, PG2...second control program, PL...projection light, PM...projected image, QB...object, QBN, QBX...specific object, TH...threshold, S...human sensor, SC1...first screen (part of multiple screens), SC2...second screen (part of multiple screens).

Claims

1. A projection method for a projector that projects a projection image onto a projection target having an entrance and an exit formed by a plurality of screens, comprising: projecting, from the projector, a projection image including an object moving from a position away from the entrance toward the entrance on the projection target; An image projection method of a projector, comprising:

2. A projection method for a projector that projects a projection image onto a projection target having an entrance and an exit formed by a plurality of screens, comprising: projecting, from the projector, a projection image including an object moving from the exit toward a position away from the exit on the projection target; An image projection method of a projector, comprising:

3. A projection method for a projector that projects a projection image onto a projection target having an entrance and an exit formed by a plurality of screens, comprising: projecting, from the projector, a projection image projected onto a first area, which is an area near the entrance and the exit, in the projection object, in comparison with a projection image projected onto a second area, which is an area other than the first area; An image projection method of a projector, comprising:

4. 4. The image projection method according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of screens has at least one of transparency and diffusivity.

5. If the distance between the user and the entrance is equal to or less than a threshold, projecting, from the projector, a projection image including an object moving from a position away from the entrance toward the entrance on the projection target; The image projection method of claim 1 , comprising:

6. If the distance between the user and the entrance is not equal to or less than the threshold, projecting, from the projector, a projection image in which the object moves in random directions on the projection target; The image projection method of claim 5 , comprising:

7. A projection object; a projector that projects an image onto the projection object; a projection control device that controls the projector; An image projection system comprising: The projection object has an entrance and an exit formed by a plurality of screens, the projection control device causes the projector to project, onto the projection target, a projection image including an object moving from a position away from the entrance toward the entrance; Image projection system.

8. A projection object; a projector that projects an image onto the projection object; a projection control device that controls the projector; An image projection system comprising: The projection object has an entrance and an exit formed by a plurality of screens, the projection control device causes the projector to project, on the projection target, a projection image including an object moving from the exit toward a position away from the exit; Image projection system.

9. A projection object; a projector that projects an image onto the projection object; a projection control device that controls the projector; An image projection system comprising: The projection object has an entrance and an exit formed by a plurality of screens, the projection control device causes the projector to project a projection image onto a first area, which is an area near the entrance and the exit of the projection object, in a manner that emphasizes the projection image compared to a projection image onto a second area, which is an area other than the first area; Image projection system.

Images