Connection Method

Abstract

To provide a connection method that improves user convenience. [Solution] The projector 100 displays a first identification code CD1 that identifies the projector 100; the terminal device 300 acquires identification information IF that identifies the information processing device 200; the terminal device 300 captures the first identification code CD1; the terminal device 300 associates the first identification code CD1 with the identification information IF and transmits them to the management server 400; the information processing device 200 receives the first identification code CD1 corresponding to the identification information IF from the management server 400; and the information processing device 200 connects to the projector 100.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system has been known in which a projection device and an information processing device are connected via wireless communication using an image projected by the projection device.

[0003] For example, the image display system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a projector, a notebook PC, and a mobile phone connected to the notebook PC via a cable. This image display system projects a connection information code using the projector, prompts the notebook PC to capture an image of the connection information code using the mobile phone and transfer the captured image, and then initiates a wireless LAN connection with the projector using the transferred connection information code. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-15402 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Capturing an image projected by a projector using an information processing device intended for use on a desk or the like, or using a device connected to the information processing device via a wired connection, can be a burden for users. For example, in Patent Document 1, the user must connect a mobile phone to a laptop PC via a wired connection, and then capture an image projected by a projector using a mobile phone connected to the laptop PC via a wired connection, which can be a burden for users. Furthermore, the camera installed in an information processing device used on a desk or the like is often an in-camera, and capturing an image projected by a projector using the imaging function of the information processing device is cumbersome and can be a burden for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connection method disclosed herein includes displaying a first identification code that identifies the projection device by a projection device; acquiring first identification information that identifies a first information processing device by a second information processing device; capturing an image of the first identification code by the second information processing device; associating the first identification code with the first identification information and transmitting them to a third information processing device by the second information processing device; receiving the first identification code that corresponds to the first identification information from the third information processing device by the first information processing device; and connecting to the projection device by the first information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a projection system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a projector. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 5] Block diagram showing the configuration of the management server. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the projection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a projection system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the projection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a projection system according to another embodiment 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a projection system according to another embodiment 2. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of a projection system according to another embodiment 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [1. Configuration of the Projection System of the First Embodiment] The first embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a projection system 1. As shown in FIG. The projection system 1 includes a projector 100, an information processing device 200, a terminal device 300, and a management server 400. In the example of the projection system 1 in Fig. 1, one projector 100, one information processing device 200, one terminal device 300, and one management server 400 are provided. However, the numbers of projectors 100, information processing devices 200, terminal devices 300, and management servers 400 included in the projection system 1 are not limited to these, and it is sufficient that there is one or more of each.

[0009] The projector 100 and the information processing device 200 are configured to be connectable via a communication network NW. The information processing device 200 and the management server 400 are configured to be connectable via the communication network NW. Furthermore, the terminal device 300 and the management server 400 are configured to be connectable via the communication network NW.

[0010] 1 shows an example in which the projector 100, the information processing device 200, and the terminal device 300 are connected to the communication network NW wirelessly, but they may also be connected to the communication network NW via a wired connection. Also, while Fig. 1 shows an example in which the management server 400 is connected to the communication network NW via a wired connection, the management server 400 may also be connected to the communication network NW wirelessly.

[0011] The communication network NW includes, for example, a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN), etc. The communication network NW may also include various devices such as an access point, a base station, a router, a gateway, etc.

[0012] The projector 100 displays an image based on data supplied by the information processing device 200 on a display surface SC. The display surface SC is, for example, a screen or a wall surface of a building. The projector 100 generates image light based on the data supplied from the information processing device 200. The projector 100 projects the generated image light onto the display surface SC. As a result, an image corresponding to the data supplied from the information processing device 200 is displayed on the display surface SC. The projector 100 is an example of a "projection device."

[0013] The information processing device 200 supplies data to be displayed by the projector 100 to the projector 100. The information processing device 200 is, for example, a desktop, notebook, or tablet personal computer, or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In this embodiment, the information processing device 200 is a device that is used while placed on a desk, a table, or the like, such as a desktop or notebook personal computer. The information processing device 200 is an example of a "first information processing device."

[0014] The terminal device 300 is a device having an imaging device that captures an image of an object. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a mobile phone such as a feature phone or a smartphone, a personal computer such as a tablet, or other mobile device. In this embodiment, the terminal device 300 is a portable device that is held in the hand of a user U. The terminal device 300 is an example of a "second information processing device."

[0015] The management server 400 manages information that associates the information processing device 200 with the projector 100. The management server 400 is, for example, a server device. Note that the management server 400 may be configured by one server device or by multiple server devices.

[0016] 2. Configuration of the projector according to the first embodiment FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the projector 100. The configuration of the projector 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The projector 100 includes a light receiving unit 110, a first wireless communication interface 120, an image processing unit 130, a frame memory 135, a projection unit 140, and a first control unit 170. Hereinafter, the interface will be abbreviated as I / F.

[0017] The light receiving unit 110 receives an infrared signal transmitted by the remote control 105. The light receiving unit 110 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the received infrared signal to the first control unit 170. The operation signal is a signal corresponding to the switch of the remote control 105 that has been operated.

[0018] The first wireless communication I / F 120 connects to the communication network NW via wireless communication. For example, the first wireless communication I / F 120 may be configured to perform wireless communication using a communication method compliant with Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and connect to the communication network NW via a wireless LAN router (not shown) or the like. In addition, the communication method of the first wireless communication I / F 120 in the case of wireless communication is not limited to Wi-Fi, and may be, for example, mobile communication using a mobile phone network or Bluetooth (registered trademark). Furthermore, the first wireless communication I / F 120 is configured to be able to communicate data with the information processing device 200 by being directly connected thereto without going through the communication network NW. For example, the first wireless communication I / F 120 may perform data communication directly with the information processing device 200 using a method such as Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth. In this embodiment, the projector 100 and the information processing device 200 are configured to be able to communicate data with each other using Wi-Fi Direct.

[0019] The image processing unit 130 is connected to a frame memory 135. The frame memory 135 includes a plurality of banks. Each bank has a storage capacity capable of writing image data for one frame. The frame memory 135 is configured, for example, by an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM). The image processing unit 130 expands the image data input from the first wireless communication I / F 120 into the frame memory 135.

[0020] The image processing unit 130 performs image processing on the image data stored in the frame memory 135. The image processing performed by the image processing unit 130 includes, for example, resolution conversion or resizing, distortion correction, shape correction, digital zooming, and adjustment of image color and brightness. The image processing unit 130 executes processing specified by the first control unit 170, and, if necessary, performs processing using parameters input from the first control unit 170. Of course, the image processing unit 130 can also execute a combination of multiple image processing operations described above. Upon completing the image processing, the image processing unit 130 reads out the data stored in the frame memory 135 as display data and outputs the read display data to a panel driving unit of the light modulation device 143. The panel driving unit is not shown in the figure.

[0021] The image processing unit 130 and the frame memory 135 are configured, for example, by an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), etc. The integrated circuit may also include an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), an SoC (System-on-a-chip), etc. An analog circuit may also be included as part of the integrated circuit configuration, or the first control unit 170 may be configured in combination with an integrated circuit.

[0022] The projection unit 140 includes a light source 141 , a light modulation device 143 , and an optical unit 147 . The light source 141 includes a discharge light source lamp such as an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp or a metal halide lamp, or a solid-state light source such as a light-emitting diode or a semiconductor laser. The light emitted from the light source 141 is separated into red, green, and blue light by a color separation optical system (not shown).

[0023] The light modulation device 143 includes three liquid crystal panels 145R, 145G, and 145B corresponding to the red, green, and blue color components. Hereinafter, the liquid crystal panels 145R, 145G, and 145B will be collectively referred to as liquid crystal panel 145. The color light separated into the red, green, and blue color components by the color separation optical system is incident on the liquid crystal panels 145R, 145G, and 145B, respectively.

[0024] Each of the liquid crystal panels 145R, 145G, and 145B is a transmissive liquid crystal panel in which liquid crystal is sealed between a pair of transparent substrates. The liquid crystal panel has a pixel region made up of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and a drive voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal for each pixel.

[0025] The light modulation device 143 includes a panel driver that drives the liquid crystal panels 145R, 145G, and 145B. The panel driver applies a drive voltage corresponding to input display data to each pixel in the pixel region, setting each pixel to a light transmittance corresponding to the display data. Light emitted from the light source 141 is modulated for each pixel as it passes through the pixel region of the liquid crystal panel, and image light corresponding to the display data is formed for each color light. The formed image light of each color is combined for each pixel by a color combining optical system (not shown) to become image light representing a color image. The optical unit 147 includes a projection lens and the like, and enlarges and projects the image light modulated by the liquid crystal panel 145 onto the display surface SC. As a result, a display image based on arbitrary image data is displayed on the display surface SC.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the projector 100 has a first display unit 150. The first display unit 150 has a display device such as a display, and displays information such as characters or images. The first display unit 150 may also be configured to be a touch panel, accept operations without using the remote control 105, and transmit operation signals corresponding to the operations to the first control unit 170.

[0027] The first control unit 170 is a computer device that includes a first storage unit 180 and a first processor 190 .

[0028] The first storage unit 180 includes memories such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The RAM is used for temporary storage of various data and the like, and the ROM stores a control program for controlling the operation of the projector 100, various setting information, and the like.

[0029] The first storage unit 180 stores a control program 181. The control program 181 is a program such as firmware executed by the first processor 190 or an application program.

[0030] The first storage unit 180 stores a first identification code CD1. The first identification code CD1 includes information for identifying the projector 100. In detail, the first identification code CD1 includes information used for a device such as the information processing device 200 to connect to the projector 100. For example, the first identification code CD1 may include an IP address of the projector 100 as information for connecting to the projector 100 via the communication network NW. Also, for example, the first identification code CD1 may include an SSID, a password, etc. as information for connecting to the projector 100 directly without going through the communication network NW.

[0031] The first identification code CD1 includes a communication setting 183. The communication setting 183 includes information about the setting of the connection method between the projector 100 and the information processing device 200. Specifically, the communication setting 183 includes setting information about whether the connection between the projector 100 and the information processing device 200 will be made via the communication network NW or without the communication network NW. The value of the communication setting 183 can be changed by the user U operating the remote control 105 or the like.

[0032] When the value of the communication setting 183 is set to a value that causes the connection between the projector 100 and the information processing device 200 to be made via the communication network NW, the projector 100 is connected to the communication network NW. When the value of the communication setting 183 is set to a value that causes the connection between the projector 100 and the information processing device 200 to be made without going through the communication network NW, the projector 100 waits for a direct connection with the information processing device 200.

[0033] The first processor 190 is an arithmetic processing device configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The first processor 190 executes a control program 181 to control each unit of the projector 100. The first processor 190 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The first processor 190 may also be configured with an SoC integrated with part or all of the first storage unit 180 or other circuits. The first processor 190 may also be configured with a combination of a CPU that executes a program and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that executes predetermined arithmetic processing. Furthermore, all of the functions of the first processor 190 may be implemented in hardware, or may be configured using a programmable device.

[0034] The first control unit 170 encodes the first identification code CD1 stored in the first storage unit 180 as text data or the like into the first identification code CD1 as image data that can be recognized by the terminal device 300. The format in which the first control unit 170 encodes the first identification code CD1 may be, for example, a two-dimensional barcode or a one-dimensional barcode. In this embodiment, the first control unit 170 encodes the first identification code CD1 stored as text data or the like to generate the first identification code CD1 as a two-dimensional barcode.

[0035] 3. Configuration of the Information Processing Device of the First Embodiment 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 200. The configuration of the information processing device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The information processing device 200 includes a second wireless communication I / F 210, a second display unit 220, a second operation unit 230, and a second control unit 250.

[0036] The second wireless communication I / F 210 connects to the communication network NW via wireless communication. For example, the second wireless communication I / F 210 may be configured to perform wireless communication using a communication method compliant with Wi-Fi and connect to the communication network NW via a wireless LAN router (not shown) or the like. In the case of wireless communication, the communication method of the second wireless communication I / F 210 is not limited to Wi-Fi, and may be, for example, mobile communication using a mobile phone network or Bluetooth. In addition, the second wireless communication I / F 210 can be directly connected to the projector 100 using Wi-Fi Direct or the like, without going through the communication network NW.

[0037] The second display unit 220 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, and displays an image on the display panel based on image data input from the second control unit 250. The information processing device 200 may also include a touch panel that serves as both the second display unit 220 and the second operation unit 230.

[0038] The second operation unit 230 includes input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard, and receives operations from the user U. The second operation unit 230 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the received operation to the second control unit 250. When the operation signal is input from the second operation unit 230, the second control unit 250 determines that the operation has been received.

[0039] The second control unit 250 includes a second storage unit 260 and a second processor 270 .

[0040] The second storage unit 260 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM, and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, etc. The second storage unit 260 also includes an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0041] The second storage unit 260 stores control programs such as an OS (Operating System) 261 and an application program 263 executed by the second processor 270. The application program 263 will be referred to as an APP263 hereinafter.

[0042] The second storage unit 260 stores a connection APP 263A as the APP 263. The connection APP 263A is an application program used to connect the projector 100 and the information processing device 200. The APP 263 is executed by the second processor 270, causing the second processor 270 to display the identification information IF on the second display unit 220. At this time, the identification information IF displayed on the second display unit 220 may be in the form of characters or the like that can be read by the user U, or may be in the form of an encoded one-dimensional barcode, two-dimensional barcode, or the like that can be read by the terminal device 300.

[0043] The second storage unit 260 stores the identification information IF. The identification information IF is information that can identify the information processing device 200. The identification information IF is, for example, unique information such as an IP address or a serial number of the information processing device 200. The identification information IF may also be a PIN code or the like. The identification information IF is an example of "first identification information."

[0044] The second storage unit 260 stores access information 265. The access information 265 is information for accessing a device that provides a dedicated APP (described later) via a communication network NW. The access information 265 is, for example, a URL. In this embodiment, the dedicated APP is provided by the management server 400, and therefore the access information 265 includes information for accessing the management server 400.

[0045] The second processor 270 is an arithmetic processing unit configured with a CPU or an MPU. The second processor 270 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The second processor 270 may also be configured with an SoC integrated with part or all of the second storage unit 260 or other circuits. The second processor 270 may also be configured with a combination of a CPU that executes a program and a DSP that executes predetermined arithmetic processing. Furthermore, all of the functions of the second processor 270 may be implemented in hardware, or may be configured using a programmable device.

[0046] 4. Configuration of the Terminal Device of the First Embodiment 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 300. The configuration of the terminal device 300 will be described with reference to FIG. The terminal device 300 includes a third wireless communication I / F 310 , a third display unit 320 , a third operation unit 330 , an imaging unit 340 , and a third control unit 350 .

[0047] The third wireless communication I / F 310 connects to the communication network NW via wireless communication. For example, the third wireless communication I / F 310 may be configured to perform wireless communication using a communication method compliant with Wi-Fi and connect to the communication network NW via a wireless LAN router (not shown). Furthermore, the communication method of the third wireless communication I / F 310 in the case of wireless communication is not limited to Wi-Fi, and may be, for example, mobile communication using a mobile phone network or Bluetooth.

[0048] Third display unit 320 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and displays an image based on image data input from third control unit 350 on the display panel.

[0049] The third operation unit 330 includes input devices such as a numeric keypad and a touch sensor, and receives operations from the user U. The third operation unit 330 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the received operation to the third control unit 350. The third control unit 350 determines that the operation has been received when the operation signal is input from the third operation unit 330. In this embodiment, the terminal device 300 has a touch panel that serves as both the third display unit 320 and the third operation unit 330.

[0050] The imaging unit 340 is a camera equipped with an imaging element (not shown), such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor. The imaging unit 340 is provided on a surface of the terminal device 300 that is different from the surface on which the third display unit 320 is provided. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 340 is provided on the surface behind the surface on which the third display unit 320 is provided. Therefore, when the user U uses the terminal device 300 to capture an image of an object in front of the user U, the user U can check the image within the field of view of the imaging unit 340 that is displayed on the third display unit 320.

[0051] The third control unit 350 includes a third storage unit 360 and a third processor 370 .

[0052] The third storage unit 360 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM, and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, etc. The third storage unit 360 also includes an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD, HDD, or eMMC (embedded multi media card).

[0053] The third storage unit 360 stores control programs such as an OS 361 and an application program 363 executed by the third processor 370. The application program 363 will be referred to as an APP363 hereinafter.

[0054] The third storage unit 360 stores an image capturing APP 363A as the APP 363. The image capturing APP 363A is an application program used to capture images using the image capturing unit 340. By activating the image capturing APP 363A, the third control unit 350 can read characters or encoded information such as one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes included in images captured by the image capturing unit 340. In this embodiment, while the image capturing APP 363A is activated, the third control unit 350 causes the third display unit 320 to display images within the field of view of the image capturing unit 340 in real time.

[0055] The third storage unit 360 stores a web browser 363B as the APP 363. The web browser 363B is an application program that displays information received from a server device or the like connected to the communication network NW. The web browser 363B is also started when a web application is used.

[0056] The third processor 370 is an arithmetic processing unit configured with a CPU or MPU. The third processor 370 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The third processor 370 may also be configured with an SoC integrated with part or all of the third storage unit 360 or other circuits. The third processor 370 may also be configured with a combination of a CPU that executes programs and a DSP that executes predetermined arithmetic processing. Furthermore, all of the functions of the third processor 370 may be implemented in hardware, or may be configured using a programmable device.

[0057] [5. Configuration of the Management Server in the First Embodiment] 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 400. The configuration of the management server 400 will be described with reference to FIG. The management server 400 includes a fourth communication I / F 410 and a fourth control unit 450.

[0058] The fourth communication I / F 410 includes, for example, a communication card such as a NIC, and performs data communication with the terminal device 300 and the information processing device 200 via the communication network NW.

[0059] The fourth control unit 450 includes a fourth storage unit 460 and a fourth processor 470 .

[0060] The fourth storage unit 460 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM, and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, etc. The fourth storage unit 460 also includes an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD or HDD.

[0061] The fourth storage unit 460 stores control programs such as an OS 461 and an application program 463 executed by the fourth processor 470.

[0062] The fourth storage unit 460 stores dedicated APP data 465. The dedicated APP data 465 includes programs and data for providing a dedicated APP, which is a Web application, to the terminal device 300 that accesses the management server 400 via the communication network NW.

[0063] The dedicated APP is a web application for transmitting information associating the first identification code CD1 with the identification information IF to the management server 400. The terminal device 300 provided with the dedicated APP captures an image of the first identification code CD1 using the imaging unit 340, and acquires the first identification code CD1. The terminal device 300 provided with the dedicated APP also acquires the identification information IF by any means, including input from the user U. The terminal then transmits the acquired information associating the first identification code CD1 with the identification information IF to the management server 400.

[0064] The fourth storage unit 460 stores a database 467. The database 467 stores information that associates identification information IF that identifies the information processing device 200 with a first identification code that identifies the projector 100. Each record of the database 467 includes, for example, identification information IF and a first identification code CD1.

[0065] The fourth processor 470 is an arithmetic processing unit configured with a CPU or an MPU. The fourth processor 470 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The fourth processor 470 may also be configured with an SoC integrated with part or all of the fourth storage unit 460 or other circuits. The fourth processor 470 may also be configured with a combination of a CPU that executes programs and a DSP that executes predetermined arithmetic processing. Furthermore, all of the functions of the third processor 370 may be implemented in hardware, or may be configured using a programmable device.

[0066] 6. Operation of the Projection System of the First Embodiment FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the projection system 1 of the first embodiment. The operation of the projection system 1 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

[0067] First, the projector 100 displays the first identification code CD1 in response to an operation of the user U on the remote control 105 (step S1). At this time, the first control unit 170 projects the first identification code CD1 in an encoded format. In this embodiment, the projector 100 projects the first identification code CD1 encoded as a two-dimensional barcode onto the display surface SC using the projection unit 140. Note that the projector 100 may also be configured to display the first identification code CD1 using the first display unit 150.

[0068] Next, the information processing device 200 starts up the connection APP 263A in response to an operation by the user U on the second operation unit 230, and displays the identification information IF on the second display unit 220 (step S2). In detail, in this embodiment, the second control unit 250 encodes information that is a combination of the identification information IF and the access information 265, and displays it on the second display unit 220. The encoding format at this time is, for example, a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode.

[0069] Next, the terminal device 300 starts up the imaging APP 363A in response to an operation by the user U on the third operation unit 330 (step S3).

[0070] Next, the terminal device 300 captures an image of the information including the identification information IF displayed on the second display unit 220 in response to an operation by the user U, and acquires the identification information IF (step S4). At this time, in this embodiment, the third control unit 350 acquires the access information 265 together with the identification information IF. In this embodiment, the user U can capture information including the identification information IF displayed on the second display unit 220 using the imaging unit 340 of the terminal device 300 held in his / her hand, while viewing an image within the field of view of the imaging unit 340 displayed on the third display unit 320. This makes it easy to reduce the effort required of the user U when the terminal device 300 acquires the identification information IF.

[0071] Next, the terminal device 300 starts the web browser 363B and uses the access information 265 acquired in step S4 to request the management server 400 to provide the dedicated APP (step S5). At this time, the request sent by the terminal device 300 to the management server 400 may include the identification information IF. For example, when the access information 265 is a URL, the request sent in step S5 may be the URL indicated by the access information 265 to which the identification information IF has been added as a parameter. In this case, the management server 400 can provide the terminal device 300 with the dedicated APP in which the identification information IF has been specified.

[0072] Next, the management server 400 provides the dedicated APP to the terminal device 300 (step S6). As a result, the terminal device 300 is provided with the dedicated APP via the web browser 363B.

[0073] Next, the terminal device 300, in response to an operation by the user U, captures an image of the first identification code CD1 displayed by the projector 100 using the dedicated APP, and acquires the first identification code CD1 (step S7). In this embodiment, the request sent in step S5 includes the identification information IF, so the dedicated APP provided to the terminal device 300 is in a state in which it has already acquired the identification information IF acquired by the terminal device 300 in step S4. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user U can capture an image of the first identification code CD1 displayed by the projector 100 using the imaging unit 340 of the terminal device 300 held in his / her hand while viewing an image within the field of view of the imaging unit 340 displayed on the third display unit 320. This makes it easier to reduce the effort required of the user U when the terminal device 300 acquires the first identification code CD1.

[0074] Next, the terminal device 300 associates the first identification code CD1 acquired in step S7 with the identification information IF acquired in step S4, and transmits them to the management server 400 (step S8).

[0075] Next, the management server 400 stores information in which the first identification code CD1 received from the terminal device 300 is associated with the identification information IF in the database 467 (step S9).

[0076] Next, in response to an operation by the user U, the information processing device 200 requests the management server 400 for the first identification code CD1 corresponding to its own identification information IF (step S10). At this time, the information processing device 200 transmits a request including information about its own identification information IF to the management server 400. After starting the connection APP 263A in step S2, the information processing device 200 may repeatedly make the request in step S10 without depending on the operation of the user U.

[0077] Next, the management server 400 extracts from the database 467 the first identification code CD1 corresponding to the identification information IF included in the received request, and transmits the extracted first identification code CD1 to the information processing device 200 that has sent the request (step S11).

[0078] After receiving the first identification code CD1, the information processing device 200 transmits a deletion request to the management server 400 (step S12). The deletion request includes the identification information IF of the information processing device 200 or the received first identification code CD1, and requests that information including the first identification code CD1 or the identification information IF be deleted from the database 467.

[0079] Next, upon receiving the deletion request, the management server 400 deletes the information corresponding to the deletion request from the database 467 (step S13).

[0080] Next, the management server 400 transmits deletion completion information, which is information indicating that the deletion of the information in accordance with the deletion request has been completed, to the information processing device 200 that is the sender of the deletion request (step S14).

[0081] After receiving the deletion completion information, the information processing device 200 connects to the projector 100 using the first identification code CD1 received in step S11 (step S15), and ends the sequence shown in FIG.

[0082] In step S15, the information processing device 200 refers to the communication settings 183 included in the first identification code CD1 and determines whether to connect to the projector 100 via the communication network NW or not via the communication network NW. In this embodiment, before connecting to the projector 100, the information processing device 200 transmits a deletion request in step S12 and receives deletion completion information in step S14, which require connection to the communication network NW. Therefore, even if the projector 100 and the information processing device 200 are directly connected not via the communication network NW, the information processing device 200 does not need to reconnect to the communication network NW to send and receive the deletion request.

[0083] 7. Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a projection system 1001 according to the second embodiment. The projection system 1001 includes another information processing device 200 in addition to the configuration of the projection system 1 of the first embodiment. However, the projection system 1001 may include three or more information processing devices 200.

[0084] Hereinafter, when distinguishing between the multiple information processing devices 200 included in the projection system 1001, one will be referred to as a first information processing device 200A and the other as a fourth information processing device 200B.

[0085] Furthermore, the identification information IF stored in the first information processing device 200A and used to identify the first information processing device 200A is referred to as first identification information IF1. The identification information IF stored in the fourth information processing device 200B and used to identify the fourth information processing device 200B is referred to as second identification information IF2.

[0086] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device 300 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the third storage unit 360 of the terminal device 300 stores a second dedicated APP 363C as the APP 363. The second dedicated APP 363C is an application program used in place of the dedicated APP provided as a Web application in the first embodiment.

[0087] The terminal device 300 that has started the second dedicated APP 363C is configured to be able to switch the operation mode between a stand-alone connection mode and a collective connection mode.

[0088] In the standalone connection mode, the terminal device 300 performs an operation for connecting one information processing device 200 and one projector 100, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0089] In the collective connection mode, the terminal device 300 performs an operation for connecting one projector 100 and multiple information processing devices 200. In detail, in the collective connection mode, the terminal device 300 that has started the second dedicated APP 363C captures an encoded first identification code CD1 and acquires the first identification code CD1. Furthermore, in the collective connection mode, the terminal device 300 acquires multiple identification information IFs corresponding to the multiple information processing devices 200. In this embodiment, the terminal device 300 in the collective connection mode accepts input operations for the multiple identification information IFs performed by the user U. Furthermore, in the collective connection mode, the terminal device 300 transmits information that associates the acquired first identification code CD1 with each of the identification information IFs to the management server 400.

[0090] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the projection system 1001 of the second embodiment. The operation of the projection system 1001 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 9. Note that the following describes the operation when both the first information processing device 200A and the fourth information processing device 200B are connected to the projector 100.

[0091] First, the first information processing device 200A starts up the connection APP 263A in response to an operation by the user U on the second operation unit 230, and displays the first identification information IF1 on the second display unit 220 (step S101). Similarly, the fourth information processing device 200B starts up the connection APP 263A in response to an operation by the user U on the second operation unit 230, and displays the second identification information IF2 on the second display unit 220 (step S102). In this embodiment, each information processing device 200 displays its own identification information IF as characters readable by the user U on the second display unit 220.

[0092] Next, the projector 100 displays the first identification code CD1 in response to an operation of the user U on the remote control 105 (step S103). At this time, the first control unit 170 projects the first identification code CD1 in an encoded format.

[0093] Next, the terminal device 300 launches the second dedicated APP 363C in response to an operation by the user U on the third operation unit 330 (step S104). After launching the second dedicated APP 363C, the terminal device 300 displays on the third display unit 320 a screen that accepts an operation by the user U to select an operation mode of the terminal device 300.

[0094] Next, the terminal device 300 switches the operation mode of the terminal device 300 all together to the connection mode in response to an operation by the user U on the third operation unit 330 (step S105).

[0095] Next, the terminal device 300 in the collective connection mode acquires multiple pieces of identification information IF. In this embodiment, the terminal device 300 acquires the first identification information IF1 by accepting an input operation of the first identification information IF1 by the user U via the third operation unit 330 (step S106). Similarly, the terminal device 300 acquires the second identification information IF2 by accepting an input operation of the second identification information IF2 by the user U via the third operation unit 330 (step S107). The terminal device 300 in the collective connection mode may be configured to acquire multiple pieces of identification information IF by using the imaging unit 340 to capture images of each piece of identification information IF.

[0096] Next, the terminal device 300 in the collective connection mode captures an image of the first identification code CD1 using the imaging unit 340 in response to an operation by the user U, and acquires the image (step S108).

[0097] Next, the terminal device 300 in the collective connection mode transmits information associating the acquired first identification code CD1 with the multiple pieces of identification information IF to the management server 400. In this embodiment, the terminal device 300 in the collective connection mode transmits information associating the acquired first identification code CD1 with the first identification information IF1 and the second identification information IF2 to the management server 400 (step S109). At this time, the terminal device 300 may transmit separately the information associating the first identification code CD1 with the first identification information IF1 and the information associating the first identification code CD1 with the second identification information IF2.

[0098] Next, the management server 400 stores information in which the first identification code CD1 received in step S109 is associated with the first identification information IF1 and the second identification information IF2 in the database 467 (step S110). In this embodiment, the management server 400 stores the received information in the database 467, dividing it into a record of information correlating the first identification code CD1 with the first identification information IF1 and a record of information correlating the first identification code CD1 with the second identification information IF2.

[0099] Next, in response to an operation by the user U, the first information processing device 200A requests the management server 400 for the first identification code CD1 corresponding to the first identification information IF1 stored in the second storage unit 260 (step S111).

[0100] Next, the management server 400 extracts the first identification code CD1 corresponding to the first identification information IF1 included in the received request from the database 467, and transmits it to the first information processing device 200A that is the sender of the request (step S112).

[0101] Next, in response to an operation by the user U, the fourth information processing device 200B requests the management server 400 for the first identification code CD1 corresponding to the second identification information IF2 stored in the second storage unit 260 (step S113).

[0102] Next, the management server 400 extracts the first identification code CD1 corresponding to the second identification information IF2 included in the received request from the database 467, and transmits it to the fourth information processing device 200B that is the sender of the request (step S114).

[0103] After receiving the first identification code CD1, the first information processing device 200A transmits a deletion request to the management server 400 (step S115). The deletion request transmitted at this time may include the first identification code CD1 stored in the first information processing device 200A.

[0104] Next, the management server 400 that has received the deletion request deletes the information associating the first identification information IF1 corresponding to the deletion request with the first identification code CD1 from the database 467 (step S116).

[0105] Next, the management server 400 transmits deletion completion information to the first information processing device 200A that is the sender of the deletion request (step S117).

[0106] Next, the first information processing device 200A that has received the deletion completion information connects to the projector 100 using the first identification code CD1 received in step S112 (step S118).

[0107] After receiving the first identification code CD1, the fourth information processing device 200B transmits a deletion request to the management server 400 (step S119). The deletion request transmitted at this time may include the second identification information IF2 stored in the fourth information processing device 200B.

[0108] Next, the management server 400 that has received the deletion request deletes the information that associates the second identification information IF2 corresponding to the deletion request with the first identification code CD1 from the database 467 (step S120).

[0109] Next, the management server 400 transmits deletion completion information to the fourth information processing device 200B that is the sender of the deletion request (step S121).

[0110] Next, the fourth information processing device 200B, which has received the deletion completion information, connects to the projector 100 using the first identification code CD1 received in step S114 (step S122). After that, the sequence of FIG. 9 ends.

[0111] 8. Other Embodiments The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0112] In the first and second embodiments, it has been explained that the information processing device 200 transmits a deletion request to the management server 400 before connecting to the projector 100. However, the timing at which the information processing device 200 transmits the deletion request may be any timing as long as it is after the information processing device 200 receives the first identification code CD1 from the management server 400.

[0113] Hereinafter, other embodiments 1 to 3 will be described, which are embodiments in which the timing of transmitting a deletion request is changed in a projection system 1 having the same configuration as the first embodiment.

[0114] 10 is a sequence diagram of the projection system 1 according to another embodiment 1. In another embodiment 1, the value of the communication setting 183 is set to a value that connects the projector 100 and the information processing device 200 via the communication network NW.

[0115] In the first alternative embodiment, the projection system 1 executes steps S1 to S11 similar to those in the first embodiment, and causes the information processing device 200 to acquire the first identification code CD1.

[0116] Thereafter, the information processing device 200 connects to the projector 100 via the communication network NW using the first identification code CD1 acquired before transmitting the deletion request (step S212). Therefore, even after step S212, the information processing device 200 can communicate with the management server 400 via the communication network NW.

[0117] Next, the information processing device 200 transmits a deletion request to the management server 400 (step S213). Next, the management server 400 deletes the information corresponding to the deletion request from the database 467 (step S214). Furthermore, the management server 400 transmits deletion completion information to the information processing device 200 that transmitted the deletion request (step S215).

[0118] 11 is a sequence diagram of the projection system 1 according to another embodiment 2. In another embodiment 2, the value of the communication setting 183 is set to a value that connects the projector 100 and the information processing device 200 via the communication network NW.

[0119] In the second alternative embodiment, the projection system 1 executes steps S1 to S11 similar to those in the first embodiment, and causes the information processing device 200 to acquire the first identification code CD1.

[0120] Thereafter, the information processing device 200 connects to the projector 100 via the communication network NW using the first identification code CD1 acquired before transmitting the deletion request (step S312). Therefore, even after step S312, the information processing device 200 can communicate with the management server 400 via the communication network NW.

[0121] Next, after the projection by the projector 100 ends, the information processing device 200 transmits a disconnection request to the projector 100 in response to an operation by the user U (step S313). The projector 100 that has received the disconnection request disconnects communication with the information processing device 200 (step S314).

[0122] Next, the information processing device 200 transmits a deletion request to the management server 400 (step S315). Upon receiving the deletion request, the management server 400 deletes the information corresponding to the deletion request from the database 467 (step S316). Next, the management server 400 transmits deletion completion information to the information processing device 200 that sent the deletion request (step S317).

[0123] In other embodiments 1 and 2, the projector 100 and the information processing device 200 are connected via a communication network NW. Therefore, even after connecting to the projector 100, the information processing device 200 can transmit a deletion request to and receive deletion completion information from the management server 400 without reconnecting to the communication network NW. However, as in the first embodiment and alternative embodiment 1, when the deletion request is sent immediately after receiving the first identification code CD1, there is no need to keep running the loop process of determining whether the connection between the information processing device 200 and the projector 100 has been disconnected. For this reason, in the first embodiment and alternative embodiment 1, it is easier to reduce the load on the information processing device 200 compared to alternative embodiment 2.

[0124] 12 is a sequence diagram of the projection system 1 according to another embodiment 3. In the another embodiment 3, the value of the communication setting 183 is set to a value that allows the projector 100 and the information processing device 200 to connect directly without going through the communication network NW.

[0125] In the third alternative embodiment, the projection system 1 executes steps S1 to S11 similar to those in the first embodiment, and causes the information processing device 200 to acquire the first identification code CD1.

[0126] Thereafter, the information processing device 200 uses the first identification code CD1 acquired before transmitting the deletion request to connect to the projector 100 without going through the communication network NW (step S412). That is, in step S412, communication between the information processing device 200 and the communication network NW is cut off.

[0127] Next, after the projection by the projector 100 ends, the information processing device 200 transmits a disconnection request to the projector 100 in response to an operation by the user U (step S413). The projector 100 that has received the disconnection request disconnects communication with the information processing device 200 (step S414).

[0128] Next, the information processing device 200 reconnects to the communication network NW (step S415), thereby enabling communication between the information processing device 200 and the management server 400.

[0129] Next, the information processing device 200 transmits a deletion request to the management server 400 (step S416). The management server 400, which has received the deletion request, deletes the information corresponding to the deletion request from the database 467 (step S417). Next, the management server 400 transmits deletion completion information to the information processing device 200 that sent the deletion request (step S418).

[0130] In another embodiment 3, the projector 100 and the information processing device 200 are connected without going through the communication network NW. Therefore, the information processing device 200 can transmit a deletion request to the management server 400 and receive deletion completion information by disconnecting from the projector 100 and reconnecting to the communication network NW.

[0131] The functional units of the projector 100 shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 200 shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 300 shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, and the management server 400 shown in FIG. 5 illustrate functional configurations, and specific implementation forms are not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually. Of course, a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units is also possible. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above embodiments may be realized by hardware. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above embodiments may be realized by software, and some of the functions realized by the hardware of the projector 100, the information processing device 200, the terminal device 300, or the management server 400 may be realized by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the other units of the projector 100 may also be changed as desired without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0132] Furthermore, the processing units in the sequence diagrams shown in Figures 6, 9, 10, 11, and 12 are divided according to the main processing content to make the processing of the projection system 1 easier to understand. The present invention is not limited by the division method or names of the sequence diagrams shown in Figures 6, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Furthermore, the processing of the projection system 1 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content, or one processing unit can be divided so that it includes even more processes. Furthermore, the processing order of the above flowcharts is not limited to the example shown in the figures.

[0133] In the above-described embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 145 included in the light modulation device 143 may be a transmissive liquid crystal panel or a reflective liquid crystal panel. The light modulation device 143 may be configured to include a digital mirror device, or may be configured to combine a digital mirror device with a color wheel. The light modulation device 143 may also employ a configuration capable of modulating light emitted from a light source, other than a liquid crystal panel and a DMD.

[0134] Summary of this disclosure A summary of this disclosure is provided below.

[0135] (Supplementary Note 1) A connection method including: displaying, by a projection device, a first identification code that identifies the projection device; acquiring, by a second information processing device, first identification information that identifies a first information processing device; capturing an image of the first identification code by the second information processing device; associating the first identification code with the first identification information and transmitting them to a third information processing device by the second information processing device; receiving, by the first information processing device, the first identification code that corresponds to the first identification information from the third information processing device; and connecting to the projection device by the first information processing device.

[0136] This allows the second information processing device to easily associate the first identification information with the captured first identification code, and the first information processing device can receive the first identification code via the third information processing device as a relay, thereby reducing the effort required to connect the first information processing device and the projection device and improving user convenience.

[0137] (Appendix 2) The connection method described in Appendix 1, wherein acquiring the first identification information that identifies the first information processing device includes capturing an image of the first identification information displayed by the first information processing device by the second information processing device.

[0138] As a result, when the second information processing device acquires the first identification information, it can acquire the first identification information by capturing an image without performing an input operation for the first identification information, etc. This reduces the effort required to connect the first information processing device and the projection device, and improves user convenience.

[0139] (Appendix 3) A connection method described in Appendix 1 or 2, including: after the first information processing device receives the first identification code from the third information processing device, sending a deletion request to the third information processing device; and, based on the deletion request, the third information processing device deleting information that associates the first identification information with the first identification code.

[0140] This makes it possible to prevent the first information processing device from receiving the first identification code of another projection device to which it has previously connected when connecting the first information processing device to the projection device, thereby preventing erroneous connection with another projection device when connecting the first information processing device to the projection device.

[0141] (Appendix 4) A connection method described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, including: displaying second identification information that identifies the fourth information processing device by a fourth information processing device; acquiring the second identification information by the second information processing device; associating the first identification code with the second identification information and transmitting them to the third information processing device by the second information processing device; receiving the first identification code corresponding to the second identification information from the third information processing device by the fourth information processing device; and connecting to the projection device by the fourth information processing device.

[0142] This allows both the first information processing device and the fourth information processing device to be easily connected to the projection device, thereby reducing the effort required to connect the first information processing device and the fourth projection device to the projection device and improving user convenience. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1...projection system, 100...projector (projection device), 150...first display unit, 200...information processing device (first information processing device, fourth information processing device), 220...second display unit, 230...second operation unit, 300...terminal device (second information processing device), 320...third display unit, 330...third operation unit, 340...imaging unit, 400...management server (third information processing device), CD1...first identification code, IF...identification information (first identification information, second identification information), NW...communication network, U...user.

Claims

1. displaying, by a projection device, a first identification code that identifies the projection device; acquiring, by a second information processing device, first identification information for identifying the first information processing device; capturing an image of the first identification code by the second information processing device; transmitting the first identification code and the first identification information to a third information processing device in association with each other by the second information processing device; receiving, by the first information processing device, the first identification code corresponding to the first identification information from the third information processing device; connecting the first information processing device to the projection device; How to connect.

2. The acquiring of the first identification information for identifying the first information processing device includes: capturing, by the second information processing device, an image of the first identification information displayed by the first information processing device. The connection method according to claim 1 .

3. transmitting a deletion request to the third information processing device by the first information processing device after receiving the first identification code from the third information processing device; deleting, by the third information processing device, information associating the first identification information with the first identification code based on the deletion request. The connection method according to claim 1 .

4. displaying, by a fourth information processing device, second identification information for identifying the fourth information processing device; acquiring the second identification information by the second information processing device; transmitting the first identification code and the second identification information to the third information processing device in association with each other by the second information processing device; receiving, by the fourth information processing device, the first identification code corresponding to the second identification information from the third information processing device; connecting the fourth information processing device to the projection device; The connection method according to claim 1 .

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