Short-throw projection device and installation assistance method

Abstract

This invention provides a projection device and an installation assistance method that assist users in setting up the projection device. [Solution] A short-throw projector comprising: a housing 50 having at least one of an air intake 61 and an exhaust 63 formed on its front surface 55; a left distance sensor 141 positioned at the left end of the front surface 55 facing the projection surface 30 and measuring a first distance from the left end to the projection surface 30; a right distance sensor 143 positioned at the right end of the front surface 55 and measuring a second distance from the right end to the projection surface 30; and a control unit 150 that outputs a first movement guidance image 310 to guide the installation position of the projection device 1 when the difference between a first measurement value output by the left distance sensor 141 and a second measurement value output by the right distance sensor 143 is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and outputs a second movement guidance image 320 to guide the installation position of the projection device 1 when the average value of the first and second measurement values ​​is less than a second threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a short-focus projection device and an installation assistance method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a projector having an installation guide function is known. For example, the projector of Patent Document 1 calculates the tilt angle of the projector with respect to the projection surface, calculates the movement amount with respect to the projection surface based on the calculated tilt angle, and notifies the calculated movement amount.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of a short-focus projection device, an air intake or an air outlet may be provided on the surface facing the projection surface. In this case, if the short-focus projection device is installed only for the purpose of improving the accuracy of the image projected on the projection surface, the distance between the projection surface and the air intake or the air outlet may become too close, causing a decrease in cooling efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This disclosure relates to a short-throw projection device comprising: a projector for projecting an image onto a projection surface; a housing for housing at least a part of the projector and having at least one of an air intake and an exhaust port formed on a side surface facing the projection surface; a first distance sensor disposed at one end of the side surface for measuring a first distance from the one end of the side surface to the projection surface; a second distance sensor disposed at the other end of the side surface for measuring a second distance from the other end of the side surface to the projection surface; and a control unit that outputs first movement guidance information to guide the installation position of the short-throw projection device if the difference between a first measured value output by the first distance sensor and a second measured value output by the second distance sensor is greater than or equal to a first threshold; and outputs second movement guidance information to guide the installation position of the short-throw projection device if the average value of the first measured value and the second measured value is less than a second threshold.

[0006] This disclosure relates to an installation assist method performed by a processor in a short-throw projection device comprising: a projector for projecting an image onto a projection surface; and a housing for housing at least a part of the projector, with at least one of an air intake and an exhaust port formed on a side surface facing the projection surface, wherein the processor is instructed to perform an acquisition step of acquiring a first measurement value obtained by measuring a first distance from one end of the side surface to the projection surface and a second measurement value obtained by measuring a second distance from the other end of the side surface to the projection surface; a first output step of outputting first movement guidance information to guide the short-throw projection device to move its installation position if the difference between the first measurement value and the second measurement value is greater than or equal to a first threshold; and a second output step of outputting second movement guidance information to guide the short-throw projection device to move its installation position if the average value of the first distance and the second distance is less than a second threshold. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the system configuration of the system, including the projection device. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the configuration of the projection device. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the configuration of a projector. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the projection device and projection surface viewed from above. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the projection device and projection surface viewed from above. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the projection device and projection surface viewed from above. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of the first guidance image. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of the first guidance image. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of the second guidance image. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of the third guidance image. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of an image after installation is complete. [Figure 12] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the projection device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [1. System Configuration] Figure 1 shows the system configuration of a system including a projection device 1. This system comprises a projection device 1 and an external device 20 connected via a network 10.

[0009] The external device 20 supplies the projection device 1 with image data that will form the basis of the image displayed on the projection surface 30. The external device 20 can be, for example, a personal computer such as a notebook, desktop, or tablet. Alternatively, a smartphone may be used as the external device 20.

[0010] The projection surface 30 onto which the projection device 1 projects image light can be the wall, ceiling, or screen of the room where the projection device 1 is installed. Alternatively, the exterior wall of a building or the like may be used as the projection surface 30.

[0011] [2. Projection Device Configuration] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the projection device 1. Projection device 1 is a short-throw projection device equipped with a short-throw lens as the projection lens. Projection device 1 includes a communication interface 110, an image processing unit 120, a frame memory 125, a remote control light receiver 130, a distance sensor 140, a projector 200, and a control unit 150. Hereafter, the interface will be abbreviated as I / F.

[0012] The communication interface 110 includes, for example, a communication card such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), and communicates data with the external device 20 via the network 10. The communication interface 110 receives image data from the external device 20 and outputs the received image data to the image processing unit 120. Figure 1 shows an example in which the communication interface 110 is connected to the network 10 via a wired connection, but the connection between the projection device 1 and the network 10 may be a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark.

[0013] The image processing unit 120 is connected to a frame memory 125. The frame memory 125 has multiple banks. Each bank has a storage capacity that can write image data for one frame. The frame memory 125 is composed of, for example, SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). The image processing unit 120 loads the image data input from the communication interface 110 into the frame memory 125.

[0014] The image processing unit 120 performs image processing on the image data developed in the frame memory 125. The image processing performed by the image processing unit 120 includes, for example, resolution conversion processing or resizing processing, correction of distortion aberration, shape correction processing, digital zoom processing, adjustment of the color tone and brightness of the image, etc. The image processing unit 120 executes the processing specified by the control unit 150 and performs the processing using the parameters input from the control unit 150 as necessary. Also, the image processing unit 120 can of course execute a combination of a plurality of the above image processes. The image processing unit 120 reads out the image data developed in the bank selected by the control unit 150 from the frame memory 125 and outputs the read image data to the projector 200.

[0015] The image processing unit 120 and the frame memory 125 are constituted by, for example, an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), SoC (System-on-a-chip), etc. Also, an analog circuit may be included in a part of the configuration of the integrated circuit, or a configuration in which the control unit 150 and the integrated circuit are combined may be adopted.

[0016] The remote control light receiving unit 130 receives an infrared signal transmitted from the remote control 135. The remote control 135 includes a plurality of buttons such as a power button, a source switching button, a volume button, a projection start button, a projection end button, and an installation assist button. The installation assist button is a button that instructs the execution of a function to assist the installation of the projection device 1 so that the projection device 1 is installed at a suitable position with respect to the projection surface 30 when the projection device 1 is installed. This function is hereinafter referred to as the installation assist function. The remote control 135 transmits an infrared signal corresponding to the button operated by the user to the projection device 1. The remote control light receiving unit 130 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the received infrared signal to the control unit 150. The operation signal is a signal corresponding to the button of the remote control 135 operated by the user.

[0017] The distance sensor 140 includes a left distance sensor 141 and a right distance sensor 143. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the left distance sensor 141 is installed on the left side of the projection device 1 as viewed from the user P facing the projection surface 30 across the projection device 1. The right distance sensor 143 is also installed on the right side of the projection device 1 as viewed from the user P.

[0018] The left distance sensor 141 and the right distance sensor 143 are sensors that measure distance by the ToF (Time of Flight) method. Any of laser light, visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, millimeter wave, and ultrasonic wave may be used for distance measurement.

[0019] The left distance sensor 141 and the right distance sensor 143 output sensor data indicating the measurement results to the control unit 150. The sensor data output by the left distance sensor 141 is referred to as first sensor data, and the sensor data output by the right distance sensor 143 is referred to as second sensor data.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the projector 200. Here, the configuration of the projector 200 will be described while referring to FIG. 2. The projector 200 modulates the light emitted from the light source 210 to generate image light, and projects the generated image light onto the optical unit 250. The projector 200 comprises the light source 210, three liquid crystal panels 230R, 230G, and 230B as light modulation devices, the optical unit 250, and the panel drive unit 270. Hereinafter, the liquid crystal panels 230R, 230G, and 230B of the projector 200 will be collectively referred to as the liquid crystal panel 230.

[0021] The light source 210 includes discharge-type light sources such as ultra-high pressure mercury lamps and metal halide lamps, or solid-state light sources such as light-emitting diodes and semiconductor lasers. Light emitted from the light source 210 is incident on the liquid crystal panel 230. Liquid crystal panels 230R, 230G, and 230B are each composed of transmissive liquid crystal panels in which liquid crystal is sealed between a pair of transparent substrates. Liquid crystal panel 230R modulates red light, liquid crystal panel 230G modulates green light, and liquid crystal panel 230B modulates blue light. Each liquid crystal panel has a pixel region formed therein, consisting of multiple pixels arranged in a matrix, and a driving voltage can be applied to each pixel of the liquid crystal.

[0022] The panel drive unit 270 receives image data output by the image processing unit 120. The panel drive unit 270 applies a drive voltage corresponding to the input image data to each pixel in the pixel area, setting each pixel to a light transmittance corresponding to the image data. Light emitted from the light source 210 is modulated for each pixel as it passes through the pixel areas of the liquid crystal panels 230R, 230G, and 230B, forming image light corresponding to the image data for each color. The formed image light of each color is combined for each pixel by a color synthesis optical system (not shown) to form image light representing a color image. The optical unit 250 is equipped with a short-focus lens as a projection lens, and the image light modulated by the liquid crystal panels 230R, 230G, and 230B is magnified and projected onto the projection surface 30.

[0023] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the projection device 1 as seen from the front. The projection device 1 is housed within the housing 50. The projection lens, which is part of the projector 200, is exposed to the outside of the housing 50. In other words, the housing 50 houses at least a portion of the projector 200. On the front 55, which is one side of the housing 50 of the projection device 1, an air intake port 61 for drawing air into the projection device 1 and an exhaust port 63 for expelling the drawn air are formed. A left distance sensor 141 and a right distance sensor 143 are also positioned on the front 55. The front 55 is the surface that faces the projection surface 30 when the projection device 1 is installed. One of the left distance sensor 141 and the right distance sensor 143 corresponds to the first distance sensor, and the other corresponds to the second distance sensor.

[0024] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the left distance sensor 141 is positioned at the left end of the front surface 55 of the housing 50, as viewed from the user P facing the projection surface 30 across the projection device 1, and measures the first distance from the left end of the front surface 55 to the projection surface 30. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the right distance sensor 143 is positioned at the right end of the front 55 of the housing 50, which is the other end of the front 55, as viewed from the user P facing the projection surface 30 with the projection device 1 in between. It measures the second distance from the right end of the front 55 to the projection surface 30.

[0025] Returning to Figure 1, we will continue to explain the configuration of projection device 1. The control unit 150 is a computer device comprising a storage unit 160 and a processor 170.

[0026] The memory unit 160 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The RAM is used for temporary storage of various types of data. For example, the RAM stores sensor data output by the distance sensor 140. The ROM stores control programs 165 that control the operation of the processor 170, as well as various setting data.

[0027] The processor 170 is an arithmetic processing unit comprising a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The processor 170 may consist of a single processor or multiple processors. Furthermore, the processor 170 may consist of part or all of the memory unit 160, or an SoC integrated with other circuits. The processor 170 may also consist of a combination of a CPU that executes programs and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that performs predetermined arithmetic processing. Additionally, the processor 170 may be configured with all its functions implemented in hardware, or it may be configured using programmable devices.

[0028] [3. Operation of the control unit] When, for example, the power button or installation assist button on the remote control 135 is pressed, the control unit 150 executes the installation assist function and instructs the left distance sensor 141 and the right distance sensor 143 to measure distance. The left distance sensor 141 performs distance measurement of the first distance and outputs first sensor data indicating the measurement result to the control unit 150. The first distance is the distance from the left edge of the front surface 55 of the housing 50 on which the left distance sensor 141 is located to the projection surface 30. The right distance sensor 143 performs distance measurement of the second distance and outputs second sensor data indicating the measurement result to the control unit 150. The second distance is the distance from the right edge of the front surface 55 of the housing 50 where the left distance sensor 141 is located to the projection surface 30.

[0029] The control unit 150 acquires first sensor data from the left distance sensor 141, which indicates the direction of the normal to the front 55 and the measurement result of a preset elevation angle. Similarly, the control unit 150 acquires second sensor data from the right distance sensor 143, which indicates the direction of the normal to the front 55 and the measurement result of a preset elevation angle. The same elevation angle is selected for both the first and second sensor data. The distance indicated by the acquired first sensor data is called the first measurement value D1, and the distance indicated by the acquired second sensor data is called the second measurement value D2.

[0030] Next, the control unit 150 calculates the absolute value of the difference between the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2, and the average value of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2. The average value is calculated by dividing the sum of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 by 2.

[0031] Figures 4 to 6 show the projection device 1 and projection surface 30 as viewed from above. Figure 4 shows the projection device 1 installed so that its front surface 55 and the projection surface 30 are parallel. Figure 5 shows the state in which the projection device 1 is installed such that, in drawing view, the distance between the left end of the projection device 1 and the projection surface 30 is shorter than the distance between the right end of the projection device 1 and the projection surface 30. Figure 6 shows the setup in which the projection device 1 is installed such that the distance between its right end and the projection surface 30 is shorter than the distance between its left end and the projection surface 30.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, by positioning the projection device 1 so that its front surface 55 and the projection surface 30 are parallel, the shape of the image displayed on the projection surface 30 by the projection device 1 becomes rectangular. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, if the front surface 55 of the projection device 1 and the projection surface 30 are not parallel, the shape of the image displayed on the projection surface 30 by the projection device 1 will not be rectangular. In this case, the projection device 1 performs shape correction such as trapezoidal distortion correction, but the size of the image after shape correction becomes smaller or the image quality deteriorates.

[0033] The control unit 150 determines whether the projection device 1 is installed so that its front surface 55 is parallel to the projection surface 30, based on the absolute value of the difference between the calculated first measurement value D1 and the second measurement value D2. If the second measurement value D2 is greater than the first measurement value D1, then, as shown in Figure 5, the right end of the projection device 1 is further away from the projection surface 30 than the left end of the projection device 1. Furthermore, if the first measurement value D1 is greater than the second measurement value D2, as shown in Figure 6, the left end of the projection device 1 is further away from the projection surface 30 than the right end of the projection device 1.

[0034] The control unit 150 determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is less than a preset first threshold. If the control unit 150 determines that the absolute value of the difference between the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is less than the first threshold, it determines that the front surface 55 of the projection device 1 is installed parallel to the projection surface 30. Furthermore, the control unit 150 determines that the front surface 55 of the projection device 1 is not installed parallel to the projection surface 30 if the absolute value of the difference between the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value.

[0035] The control unit 150 determines the distance of the larger of the two measured values ​​if the absolute value of the difference between the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is greater than or equal to the first threshold. The control unit 150 displays a guidance image that directs the user to move the installation position of the projection device 1 so as to shorten the distance of the larger of the two values ​​determined.

[0036] Figures 7 and 8 show examples of the first navigation guidance image 310. The first movement guidance image 310 is an image that guides the projection device 1 to move its installation position so as to shorten the distance between the end of the first and second measured values ​​D1 and D2 where the larger value is measured and the projection surface 30, when the absolute value of the difference between the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is greater than or equal to the first threshold. The first movement guidance image 310 includes the first movement guidance image 310A shown in Figure 7 and the first movement guidance image 310B shown in Figure 8.

[0037] The first movement guidance image 310A shown in Figure 7 is an image displayed on the projection surface 30 when the projection device 1 is installed relative to the projection surface 30 in a positional relationship where the distance between the right end of the projection device 1 and the projection surface 30 is shorter than the distance between the left end of the projection device 1 and the projection surface 30, as viewed from the drawing. This first movement guidance image 310A displays text 311A ​​that guides the user to bring the left end of the projection device 1 closer to the projection surface 30, and an arrow image 313A that indicates the direction of movement of the projection device 1 as guidance information. This first movement guidance image 310A may display only the text 311A ​​that guides the user to bring the right end of the projection device 1 closer to the projection surface 30, or it may display only shapes such as the arrow image 313A. The text 311A ​​and arrow image 313A included in the first movement guidance image 310A correspond to the first movement guidance information.

[0038] The first movement guidance image 310B shown in Figure 8 is an image displayed on the projection surface 30 when the projection device 1 is installed relative to the projection surface 30 in a positional relationship where the distance between the left end of the projection device 1 and the projection surface 30 is shorter than the distance between the right end of the projection device 1 and the projection surface 30. This first movement guidance image 310B displays text 311B guiding the user to move the right end of the projection device 1 closer to the projection surface 30, and an arrow image 313B indicating the direction of movement of the projection device 1 as guidance information. This first movement guidance image 310B may display only the text 311B guiding the user to move the right end of the projection device 1 closer to the projection surface 30, or it may display only the arrow image 313B or other shapes. The text 311B and arrow image 313B included in the first movement guidance image 310B correspond to the first movement guidance information.

[0039] Next, the control unit 150 compares the average value of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 with the preset second threshold and third threshold values. The third threshold value is set to a value greater than the second threshold value. The second and third threshold values ​​are threshold values ​​that define the distance between the projection device 1 and the projection surface 30. For example, in this embodiment, the appropriate distance between the projection device 1 and the projection surface 30 is set to 20 cm or more and 60 cm or less. Therefore, the second threshold value is set to 20 cm and the third threshold value is set to 60 cm. The second and third threshold values ​​are not limited to these values.

[0040] First, the control unit 150 compares the average value of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 with the second threshold value. If the average value of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is less than the second threshold value, the control unit 150 determines that the installation position of the projection device 1 is close to the projection surface 30. If the distance between the projection device 1 and the projection surface 30 is too close, the gap between the air intake port 61 or exhaust port 63 and the projection surface 30 becomes narrower, which may reduce the cooling efficiency of the projection device 1. To suppress the reduction in the cooling efficiency of the projection device 1, the control unit 150 determines that the installation position of the projection device 1 is close to the projection surface 30 if the average value of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is less than the second threshold value.

[0041] Furthermore, if the average value of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the control unit 150 compares the average value of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 with the third threshold. If the average value of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is greater than the third threshold, the control unit 150 determines that the installation position of the projection device 1 is far from the projection surface 30. If the distance between the projection device 1 and the projection surface 30 is too great, the image quality of the image projected by the projection device 1 onto the projection surface 30 may decrease.

[0042] Figure 9 shows an example of the second navigation guidance image 320, and Figure 10 shows an example of the third navigation guidance image 330. The second navigation guidance image 320 is displayed when the average value of the first measurement D1 and the second measurement D2 is less than the second threshold. The third navigation guidance image 330 is displayed when the average value of the first measurement value D1 and the second measurement value D2 is greater than the third threshold value.

[0043] The second movement guidance image 320 shown in Figure 9 displays text 321 instructing the user to move the projection device 1 away from the projection surface 30, and an arrow image 323 indicating the direction of movement of the projection device 1, as guidance information. The text 321 and arrow image 323 included in the second movement guidance image 320 correspond to the second movement guidance information. Note that the second movement guidance image 320 may display only the text 321, or only the arrow image 323 or other graphics.

[0044] The third movement guidance image 330 shown in Figure 10 displays text 331 guiding the user to move the projection device 1 closer to the projection surface 30, and an arrow image 333 indicating the direction of movement of the projection device 1, as guidance information. The text 331 and arrow image 333 included in the third movement guidance image 330 correspond to the third movement guidance information. Note that the third movement guidance image 330 may display only the text 331, or only the arrow image 333 or other graphics.

[0045] Figure 11 shows an example of a completed installation image 350. The control unit 150 determines that the installation position of the projection device 1 on the projection surface 30 is normal if the following conditions are met. The conditions for determining that the installation position of the projection device 1 on the projection surface 30 is normal are that the absolute value of the difference between the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is less than the first threshold, and the average value of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than or equal to the third threshold. In this case, the control unit 150 displays the installation completion image 350 shown in Figure 11 on the projection surface 30. The installation completion image 350 includes text 351 indicating that the projection device 1 has been correctly installed, and a graphic 353 indicating that the projection device 1 has been correctly installed, as shown in Figure 11. The installation completion image 350 may display only the text 351, or it may display only the graphic 353 indicating that the installation position of the projection device 1 on the projection surface 30 is normal. The text 351 and graphic 353 included in the installation completion image 350 correspond to the installation completion information.

[0046] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the projection device 1. The operation of the projection device 1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 12. The processor 170 controls each part of the projection device 1 according to the control program 165, thereby realizing the following processing operations.

[0047] When the power button or installation assist button is pressed (step S1), the control unit 150 instructs the left distance sensor 141 and the right distance sensor 143 to measure distance (step S2). The control unit 150 temporarily stores the first sensor data input from the left distance sensor 141 and the second sensor data input from the right distance sensor 143 in the storage unit 160.

[0048] Next, the control unit 150 acquires sensor data (step S3). The control unit 150 acquires first sensor data from the first sensor data stored in the storage unit 160 that shows the measurement result of a preset elevation angle in the normal direction of the front 55. Similarly, the control unit 150 acquires second sensor data from the second sensor data stored in the storage unit 160 that shows the measurement result of a preset elevation angle in the normal direction of the front 55 (step S3). Step S3 corresponds to the acquisition step.

[0049] The control unit 150 calculates the difference between the first measurement value D1 indicated by the acquired first sensor data and the second measurement value D2 indicated by the second sensor data (step S4). The control unit 150 also calculates the average value of the first measurement value D1 and the second measurement value D2 (step S5).

[0050] Next, the control unit 150 determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is greater than or equal to the first threshold (step S6). If the absolute value of the difference between the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the control unit 150 displays the first movement guide image 310 on the projection surface 30 (step S7). If the distance between the right end of the projection device 1 and the projection surface 30 is shorter than the distance between the left end of the projection device 1 and the projection surface 30, the control unit 150 displays the first movement guide image 310A shown in Figure 7. Also, if the distance between the left end of the projection device 1 and the projection surface 30 is shorter than the distance between the right end of the projection device 1 and the projection surface 30, the control unit 150 displays the first movement guide image 310B shown in Figure 8. Step S7 corresponds to the first output step.

[0051] Subsequently, the control unit 150 determines whether a certain amount of time has elapsed since the first navigation guidance image 310 was displayed (step S13). If the control unit 150 has not yet displayed the first navigation guidance image 310 for a certain period of time (step S13 / NO), it repeats the determination in step S13. If the control unit 150 has already displayed the first navigation guidance image 310 for a certain period of time (step S13 / YES), it returns to step S3 and acquires the sensor data again.

[0052] Furthermore, if the absolute value of the difference between the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is less than the first threshold (step S6 / NO), the control unit 150 determines whether the average value of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is less than the second threshold (step S8).

[0053] If the average value of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is less than the second threshold (step S8 / YES), the control unit 150 displays the second movement guidance image 320 shown in Figure 9 on the projection surface 30 (step S9). The control unit 150 displays the second movement guidance image 320 shown in Figure 9 on the projection surface 30 and guides the user to move the projection device 1 away from the projection surface 30. The subsequent operation of the control unit 150 is the same as the operation after processing in step S7, so the explanation is omitted. Step S9 corresponds to the second output step.

[0054] Next, if the control unit 150 determines that the average value of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is not less than the second threshold (step S8 / NO), it determines whether the average value of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is greater than the third threshold (step S10).

[0055] If the control unit 150 determines that the average of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is greater than the third threshold (step S10 / YES), it displays the third movement guidance image 330 shown in Figure 10 on the projection surface 30 and guides the user to move the projection device 1 closer to the projection surface 30. The subsequent operation of the control unit 150 is the same as the operation after processing in step S7, so the explanation is omitted.

[0056] Next, when the control unit 150 determines that the average value of the first measured value D1 and the second measured value D2 is less than or equal to the third threshold (step S10 / NO), it displays the installation completion image 350 shown in Figure 11 on the projection surface 30 (step S12), and terminates this processing flow.

[0057] The embodiments described above are preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0058] For example, in the embodiment described above, a case in which a liquid crystal panel 230 is provided as the light modulation device is illustrated, but the liquid crystal panel 230 may be a transmissive liquid crystal panel 230 or a reflective liquid crystal panel 230. Furthermore, the light modulation device may use a digital mirror device instead of the liquid crystal panel 230. Alternatively, a configuration combining a digital mirror device and a color wheel may be used. In addition, the light modulation device may employ a configuration capable of modulating light emitted from a light source, in addition to the liquid crystal panel 230 and the digital mirror device.

[0059] Furthermore, the functional components of the projection device 1 shown in Figure 1 represent functional configurations, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each functional component be implemented individually, and it is certainly possible to have a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional components. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above embodiment may be realized by hardware, or some of the functions realized by software may be realized by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of other parts of the projector can also be arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0060] Furthermore, the processing units in the flowchart shown in Figure 12 are divided according to their main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the projection device 1. The present invention is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or named as shown in the flowchart of Figure 12. In addition, the processing of the projection device 1 can be further divided into many more processing units depending on the processing content, or it can be divided so that one processing unit includes even more processing. Also, the processing order in the flowchart above is not limited to the example shown.

[0061] [4. Summary of this disclosure] A summary of this disclosure is provided below.

[0062] (Note 1) A short-throw projection device comprising: a projector for projecting an image onto a projection surface; a housing for housing at least a part of the projector and having at least one of an air intake and an exhaust port formed on a side surface facing the projection surface; a first distance sensor disposed at one end of the side surface for measuring a first distance from the one end of the side surface to the projection surface; a second distance sensor disposed at the other end of the side surface for measuring a second distance from the other end of the side surface to the projection surface; and a control unit that outputs first movement guidance information to guide the installation position of the short-throw projection device if the difference between a first measurement value output by the first distance sensor and a second measurement value output by the second distance sensor is greater than or equal to a first threshold; and outputs second movement guidance information to guide the installation position of the short-throw projection device if the average value of the first measurement value and the second measurement value is less than a second threshold.

[0063] In the short-throw projector described in Appendix 1, if the difference between a first measurement (the distance from one end of the housing's side to the projection surface) and a second measurement (the distance from the other end of the housing's side to the projection surface) is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the first movement guidance information is output. Furthermore, if the average value of the first and second measurements is less than the second threshold, the second movement guidance information is also output. This allows for user assistance in setting up the projector.

[0064] (Note 2) The short-focus projection device as described in Appendix 1, wherein the control unit outputs a third movement guidance information that guides the installation position of the short-focus projection device to move when the average value of the first measurement value and the second measurement value is greater than a third threshold value which is greater than the second threshold value.

[0065] In the short-throw projector described in Appendix 2, if the average of the first and second measured values ​​is greater than the third threshold, a third movement guidance information is output. Therefore, the user can be notified that the distance to the projection surface is greater than the third threshold, and that the distance between the short-throw projector and the projection surface 30 is too far.

[0066] (Note 3) The short-focus projector as described in Appendix 2, wherein the control unit outputs information indicating that the installation of the short-focus projector is complete when the difference between the first measured value and the second measured value is less than the first threshold, and the average value of the first measured value and the second measured value is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than or equal to the third threshold.

[0067] For the short-throw projector described in Appendix 3, installation completion information is output when the difference between the first measured value and the second measured value is less than the first threshold, and the average value of the first and second measured values ​​is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than or equal to the third threshold. Therefore, the user can be notified that the orientation of the projector and the distance from the projection surface are correct.

[0068] (Note 4) An installation assist method performed by a processor in a short-throw projection device comprising: a projector for projecting an image onto a projection surface; and a housing for housing at least a part of the projector, with at least one of an air intake and an exhaust port formed on a side facing the projection surface, wherein the processor is instructed to perform an acquisition step of acquiring a first measurement value obtained by measuring a first distance from one end of the housing to the projection surface and a second measurement value obtained by measuring a second distance from the other end of the housing to the projection surface; a first output step of outputting first movement guidance information for moving the installation position of the short-throw projection device if the difference between the first measurement value and the second measurement value is greater than or equal to a first threshold; and a second output step of outputting second movement guidance information for moving the installation position of the short-throw projection device if the average value of the first distance and the second distance is less than a second threshold.

[0069] According to the installation assistance method described in Appendix 4, if the difference between the first measurement value, which is the first distance measured from one end of the side of the housing to the projection surface, and the second measurement value, which is the second distance measured from the other end of the side of the housing to the projection surface, is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the first movement guidance information is output. In addition, if the average value of the first and second measurement values ​​is less than the second threshold, the second movement guidance information is also output. This allows for assistance in the user's installation of the projection device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1...Projection device, 10...Network, 20...External device, 30...Projection surface, 50...Housing, 55...Front, 61...Air intake, 63...Exhaust, 110...Communication interface, 120...Image processing unit, 125...Frame memory, 130...Remote control receiver, 135...Remote control, 140...Distance sensor, 141...Left distance sensor, 143...Right distance sensor, 150...Control unit, 160...Storage unit, 165...Control program, 170...Processor, 200...Projector, 210...Light source, 230...Liquid crystal panel, 230B...Liquid crystal panel, 230G...LCD panel, 230R...LCD panel, 250...Optical unit, 270...Panel drive unit, 310...First movement guidance image, 310A...First movement guidance image, 310B...First movement guidance image, 311A...Text, 311B...Text, 313A...Arrow image, 313B...Arrow image, 320...Second movement guidance image, 321...Text, 323...Arrow image, 330...Third movement guidance image, 331...Text, 333...Arrow image, 350...Installation complete image, 351...Text, D1...First measurement value, D2...Second measurement value, P...User.

Claims

1. A short-throw projector, A projector that projects an image onto a projection surface, A housing that houses at least a part of the projector and has at least one of an air intake and an exhaust port formed on the side facing the projection surface, A first distance sensor is positioned at one end of the side surface and measures a first distance from one end of the side surface to the projection surface. A second distance sensor is positioned at the other end of the side surface and measures the second distance from the other end of the side surface to the projection surface. A control unit outputs first movement guidance information to guide the installation position of the short-focus projector if the difference between a first measurement value output by a first distance sensor and a second measurement value output by a second distance sensor is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and outputs second movement guidance information to guide the installation position of the short-focus projector if the average value of the first and second measurement values ​​is less than a second threshold, A short-throw projection device equipped with the following features.

2. The short-focus projection device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs a third movement guidance information that guides the installation position of the short-focus projection device to move when the average value of the first measurement value and the second measurement value is greater than a third threshold value which is greater than the second threshold value.

3. The short-focus projection device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit outputs information indicating that the installation of the short-focus projection device is complete when the difference between the first measured value and the second measured value is less than the first threshold, and the average value of the first measured value and the second measured value is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than or equal to the third threshold.

4. An installation assist method performed by a processor of a short-throw projection device comprising a projector that projects an image onto a projection surface, and a housing that houses at least a part of the projector and has at least one of an air intake and an exhaust port formed on its side surface facing the projection surface, The aforementioned processor, An acquisition step to obtain a first measurement value obtained by measuring a first distance from one end of the side surface to the projection surface, and a second measurement value obtained by measuring a second distance from the other end of the side surface to the projection surface, If the difference between the first measured value and the second measured value is greater than or equal to a first threshold, a first output step is performed to output first movement guidance information that guides the installation position of the short-focus projection device to be moved. If the average value of the first distance and the second distance is less than a second threshold, a second output step outputs second movement guidance information that guides the installation position of the short-focus projector to be moved. A method for assisting installation to enable the execution of this procedure.

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