Projection device, projection system, and projection method

Abstract

A projection device (20) comprises: a projecting unit (23) that projects drawing data of a building onto a projection surface (50) of the building during construction; a distance measuring unit (22) that measures the distance from each of three or more points on the projection surface (50) to the projection device (20); and a control unit (24) that causes the projection unit (23) to project the drawing data to a projection position on the projection surface (50) determined on the basis of the measured distance and an angle of the distance measuring unit (22) when the distance was measured. When a user is selecting each of the three or more points, the control unit (24) forms, on the projection surface (50), a light emission point based on light emitted by the distance measuring unit (22), thereby presenting the position of the point that the user is about to select to the user, and shining guide light for guiding the position of the light emission point onto the projection surface (50).

Description

Projection device, projection system, and projection method

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection apparatus, a projection system, and a projection method.

[0002] Various technologies relating to laser distance meters have been proposed in the past. Patent Document 1 discloses a shape and dimension measurement device that can easily, quickly, and accurately measure the shape and dimensions of a window frame or the like on which a fixture is to be installed.

[0003] JP 2017-194438 A

[0004] The present invention provides a projection device, a projection system, and a projection method that can assist a user in understanding a position on a projection surface from which the user is attempting to measure the distance.

[0005] A projection device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a projection unit that projects building drawing data onto a projection surface of the building under construction; a distance measurement unit that measures the distance from each of three or more points on the projection surface selected by a user, the three or more points not being aligned in a straight line, to the projection device; an angle measurement unit that measures the angle of the distance measurement unit when the distance is measured; and a control unit that causes the projection unit to project the drawing data onto a projection position on the projection surface that is determined based on the measured distance and the angle of the distance measurement unit when the distance is measured.When the user selects each of the three or more points, the control unit forms a light-emitting point on the projection surface based on light emitted by the distance measurement unit, thereby presenting the position of the point that the user is attempting to select to the user, and irradiates the projection surface with guide light that guides the user to the position of the light-emitting point.

[0006] A projection system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the projection device and an operation device that allows the user to remotely operate the projection device.

[0007] A projection method according to one aspect of the present invention is a projection method executed by a projection device for projecting drawing data of a building onto a projection surface of the building under construction, and includes a distance measurement step using a distance measurement unit provided in the projection device to measure the distance from each of three or more points on the projection surface selected by a user, the three or more points not being aligned in a straight line, to the projection device; an angle measurement step measuring the angle of the distance measurement unit when the distance is measured; and a projection step projecting the drawing data onto a projection position on the projection surface determined based on the measured distance and the angle of the distance measurement unit when the distance is measured, wherein when the user selects each of the three or more points in the distance measurement step, a light-emitting point is formed on the projection surface to present the position of the point the user is attempting to select, and a guide light is irradiated onto the projection surface to guide the position of the light-emitting point.

[0008] The projection device, projection system, and projection method of the present invention can help a user to understand the position on the projection surface from which the user is attempting to measure the distance.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the operation of a projection system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the projection system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external view of devices constituting the projection system according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the projection system according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing coordinate axes of Cartesian coordinates in space. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a formula for calculating an orthogonal projection vector. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of irradiating a guide light together with a light-emitting point. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first example of a configuration for irradiating a guide light. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second example of a configuration for irradiating a guide light. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of a configuration for irradiating a guide light.

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0011] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [Outline] First, an outline of a projection system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the operation of a projection system according to an embodiment.

[0013] A projection system 10 according to an embodiment includes a projection device 20. The projection device 20 is installed in a space 100 within a building under construction. The projection device 20 projects drawing data, which is at least a part of architectural design data, onto structures (specifically, floors, walls, ceilings, etc.) that make up the space 100 in actual size. Projecting in actual size means projecting onto the structure at a size that conforms to the dimensions specified in the architectural design data. The drawing data is, for example, data that indicates marking positions in space, and a line of light of the designed length is projected onto a position where a user, such as a construction worker, should draw a marking line.

[0014] This allows the user to easily draw a marking line by simply tracing the projected light line. Note that it is not essential that the light line be used as a guide for drawing the marking line; the light line itself may be used as the marking line.

[0015] The projection system 10 only needs to be able to project part or all of the architectural design data, and the drawing data may be data other than data indicating marking positions. For example, if the drawing data includes data indicating the installation positions of equipment such as a system kitchen or a bathtub, the projection system 10 may project the installation positions of the equipment in actual size.

[0016] [Configuration] Next, the configuration of a projection device according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a projection system 10. Fig. 3 is an external view of devices that make up the projection system 10. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the projection system 10 includes a projection device 20 and an operation device 40. First, the projection device 20 will be described.

[0017] The projection device 20 is a device that displays drawing data, which is at least a part of architectural design data, on a structure in actual size. The structure is specifically a floor, wall, ceiling, or pillar. The projection device 20 is mounted on a tripod and installed on the floor, for example. The projection device 20 may be installed on a hanging bolt on the ceiling or on a wall. The projection device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a distance measurement unit 22, a projection unit 23, a control unit 24, a memory unit 25, a drive unit 26, an angle measurement unit 27, an attachment unit 28 (shown in FIG. 3), and a housing 29 (shown in FIG. 3).

[0018] The communication unit 21 is a communication circuit (in other words, a communication module) for the projection device 20 to communicate with the operation device 40. The communication unit 21 performs wireless communication with the operation device 40, but may also perform wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication by the communication unit 21.

[0019] The distance measurement unit 22 detects the distance from the projection device 20 to a structure that constitutes the space 100. The distance measurement unit 22 is, for example, a distance measurement sensor such as a TOF (Time Of Flight) sensor. The distance measurement unit 22 may be a distance measurement sensor using a phase difference detection method, a distance measurement sensor using a triangulation method, or another distance measurement sensor. The distance measurement unit 22 has a distance measurement light source 22 a and a detection unit 22 b.

[0020] The distance measurement light source 22a is a light source that emits light toward a structure. The distance measurement light source 22a is realized, for example, by a light emitting element that emits infrared light, but may also be realized by a light emitting element that emits visible light. As will be described later, the distance measurement unit 22 has a laser pointer function for presenting the current distance measurement target point to the user. This function is realized, for example, by a light source separate from the distance measurement light source 22a, but may also be realized by the distance measurement light source 22a if the distance measurement light source 22a emits visible light.

[0021] Furthermore, the distance measurement light source 22 a does not necessarily need to be separate from the light source 23 a of the projection unit 23, and the light source 23 a of the projection unit 23 may be used as the distance measurement light source 22 a. In other words, the distance measurement unit 22 may be a sensor that does not have the distance measurement light source 22 a and has only the detection unit 22 b.

[0022] The detector 22b is a light receiving element that detects the light emitted by the distance measurement light source 22a and reflected by a structure, and is realized by a photodiode or the like.

[0023] The projection unit 23 is a projection module for projecting drawing data onto the projection surface 50. The projection unit 23 has a light source 23 a and a scanning unit 23 b. Although not shown, the projection unit 23 also includes other optical components such as lenses and mirrors.

[0024] The light source 23 a is, for example, a laser light source realized by a semiconductor light emitting element. Note that the light source 23 a may include a plurality of light emitting elements emitting different colors of light (for example, red light emitting elements, green light emitting elements, and blue light emitting elements) and may be configured to be able to switch the emitted color.

[0025] The scanning unit 23b scans the structure with the light emitted by the light source 23a. The scanning unit 23b is realized by, for example, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror, but may also be realized by a galvanometer mirror.

[0026] The control unit 24 is a control device that controls the distance measurement unit 22, the projection unit 23, and the drive unit 26 in order to project the drawing data onto the projection surface 50. The control unit 24 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer or a processor. The control unit 24 may also include a drive circuit for driving the projection unit 23 and a drive circuit for driving the drive unit 26. The functions of the control unit 24 are realized, for example, by the processor or the like that constitutes the control unit 24 executing a control program stored in the storage unit 25.

[0027] The storage unit 25 is a storage device that stores the drawing data and a control program for projecting the drawing data in actual size, which is executed by the control unit 24. The storage unit 25 is realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0028] The drive unit 26 is a drive mechanism for changing the orientation of the projection device 20 (in other words, the orientation and angle of the distance measuring unit 22). More specifically, the drive unit 26 changes the orientation of the housing 29 based on the mounting unit 28. The drive unit 26 has a first drive unit 26a for changing the orientation of the projection device 20 in the tilt direction and a second drive unit 26b for changing the orientation of the projection device 20 in the pan direction. Each of the first drive unit 26a and the second drive unit 26b is realized by a rotation drive device such as a motor. The drive unit 26 may also have a third drive unit for changing the orientation of the projection device 20 in the roll direction. The drive unit 26 may also be a mechanism having a ball-shaped joint.

[0029] The angle measurement unit 27 measures the orientation of the projection device 20 (in other words, the orientation and angle of the distance measurement unit 22). Specifically, the angle measurement unit 27 is an angle sensor that measures the drive amount (i.e., the tilt angle and pan angle) of the drive unit 26. Note that if the drive unit 26 has a third drive unit for changing the orientation of the projection device 20 in the roll direction, the angle measurement unit 27 may measure the roll angle as the drive amount of the drive unit 26.

[0030] The mounting portion 28 is a mounting structure for mounting the projection device 20 on a tripod. The projection device 20 may also be mounted on a hanging bolt on the ceiling, in which case the mounting portion 28 is a mounting structure for mounting the projection device 20 on the ceiling.

[0031] The housing 29 accommodates the communication unit 21, the distance measurement unit 22, the projection unit 23, the control unit 24, and the storage unit 25. The housing 29 is made of, for example, resin, but may also be made of metal.

[0032] Next, the operation device 40 will be described. The operation device 40 is a remote controller that allows a user to remotely operate the projection device 20. The operation device 40 is, for example, a dedicated remote controller for the projection device 20. A mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal on which a dedicated application program is installed may also be used as the operation device 40. Specifically, the operation device 40 includes an operation reception unit 41, a communication unit 42, a control unit 43, a storage unit 44, and a display unit 45.

[0033] The operation reception unit 41 is a user interface device that receives user operations. The operation reception unit 41 is realized by, for example, hardware buttons, but may also be realized by a touch panel or the like.

[0034] The communication unit 42 is a communication circuit (in other words, a communication module) that enables the operation device 40 to communicate with the projection device 20. The communication unit 42 performs wireless communication with the projection device 20, but may also perform wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication by the communication unit 42.

[0035] The control unit 43 causes the communication unit 42 to transmit to the projection device 20 an instruction signal for operating the projection device 20 in accordance with the operation accepted by the operation acceptance unit 41. The control unit 43 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer or a processor. The functions of the control unit 43 are realized, for example, by the processor or the like constituting the control unit 43 executing a control program stored in the storage unit 44.

[0036] The storage unit 44 is a storage device that stores a control program executed by the control unit 43. The storage unit 44 is realized by a semiconductor memory or the like. The storage unit 44 also stores architectural design data.

[0037] The architectural design data is three-dimensional data (more specifically, three-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design) data) that indicates the size and shape of the space 100. The architectural design data also includes drawing data (two-dimensional data) that indicates the layout of the space 100 and drawing data that indicates marking positions. At least the drawing data of the architectural design data is also stored in the memory unit 25 of the projection device 20.

[0038] The display unit 45 displays a screen showing the operating status of the projection device 20. The display unit 45 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel.

[0039] [Operation Example] In order to accurately project drawing data, it is important to link positions within the drawing data with positions within the projection surface 50. An operation example of the projection system 10, including a process for linking such positions, will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the operation example of the projection system 10.

[0040] In the following description of the operation example, the coordinate axes of the Cartesian coordinate system are set in the space 100 as shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the coordinate axes of the Cartesian coordinate system in the space 100. The coordinate axes shown in Fig. 5 are defined with the position of the projection device 20 (more specifically, predetermined positions around the distance measuring unit 22 and the projection unit 23 in the projection device 20) as the origin O.

[0041] In the following description of the operation example, the projection surface 50 is a floor surface, and two reference lines L1 and L2 are drawn on the floor surface. The two reference lines L1 and L2 are drawn, for example, by a user. The two reference lines L1 and L2 are, for example, perpendicular to each other, and the position of the intersection of the two reference lines L1 and L2 is reference point D. Reference point D is the point onto which a predetermined point in the drawing data is to be projected. Note that the positions of the reference lines L1 and L2 are defined within the drawing data, and can be used to link positions in the drawing data with positions within the projection surface 50. It is not essential that the two reference lines L1 and L2 are perpendicular to each other; they may simply intersect (as long as they are not parallel).

[0042] First, the user installs the projection device 20 in the space 100 and measures the distance from each of three distance measurement points (hereinafter also referred to as measurement points) on the projection surface 50 to the projection device 20 (S11). Note that the user only needs to measure the distance from each of at least three distance measurement points to the projection device 20. The user may also measure the distance from each of three or more distance measurement points to the projection device 20.

[0043] For example, the distance measurement unit 22 of the projection device 20 presents a measurement point on the projection surface 50 to the user using a laser pointer. The user drives the drive unit 26 to align the laser pointer with the reference line L1 (or reference line L2) and performs a measurement instruction operation to instruct measurement (storage) of the distance in this state. The distance from the measurement point to the projection device 20 is then stored in the storage unit 25 together with the pan angle φ and tilt angle θ at the time the measurement instruction operation was issued. The pan angle φ and tilt angle θ are measured by the angle measurement unit 27. If the user repeats this operation three times, the distance r from each of three different measurement points on the projection surface 50 to the projection device 20, as well as the pan angle φ and tilt angle θ at that time, are stored in the storage unit 25.

[0044] Next, the control unit 24 calculates the Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z coordinates) of the three measurement points based on the stored information (i.e., the distance measurement results) (S12). The distance r from each of the three measurement points to the projection device 20, and the pan angle φ and tilt angle θ at that time, which are stored in the storage unit 25, indicate the polar coordinates of the three measurement points, and the control unit 24 can convert these polar coordinates into Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z coordinates) based on the following equation 1.

[0045]

[0046] Next, the control unit 24 calculates the orthogonal coordinates of the reference point D based on the orthogonal coordinates of the three measurement points (S13). As shown in Fig. 5, if the three measurement points are measurement point A, measurement point B, and measurement point C, the control unit 24 can calculate the coordinates of the reference point D based on the calculation formula for the orthogonal projection vector shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the calculation formula for the orthogonal projection vector. Note that if one of measurement point A, measurement point B, and measurement point C is the same point as reference point D, the processing of step S13 is omitted.

[0047] Next, the control unit 24 calculates the distance from the projection device 20 to the projection surface 50 (i.e., the plane passing through measurement points A, B, and C) and the inclination of the projection surface 50 relative to the projection device 20 (S14). The equation for the projection surface 50 is ax+by+cz=d, and the coordinates of measurement point A are (x ａ , y ａ , z ａ ), the coordinates of measurement point B are (x ｂ , y ｂ , z ｂ ), the coordinates of measurement point C are (x ｃ , y ｃ , z ｃ ), the following equation 2 (determinant) holds. The control unit 24 calculates the normal vector n = (a, b, c) of the projection surface 50 by transforming this equation 2 into equation 3. The normal vector n indicates the inclination of the projection surface 50 in Cartesian coordinates, and the length of the normal vector n indicates the distance from the projection device 20 to the projection surface 50. In other words, calculating the normal vector is equivalent to calculating the distance from the projection device 20 to the projection surface 50 and the inclination of the projection surface 50 with respect to the projection device 20.

[0048]

[0049] Next, the control unit 24 causes the projection unit 23 to project the drawing data onto the projection surface 50 based on the calculated distance from the projection device 20 to the projection surface 50 and the calculated inclination of the projection surface 50 (S15). Specifically, the control unit 24 corrects distortion of the drawing data in accordance with the calculated inclination of the projection surface 50, and corrects the projection magnification of the drawing data based on the calculated distance to the projection surface 50.

[0050] The drawing data also includes position information of the reference lines. Then, the control unit 24 controls the projection unit 23 to project the corrected drawing data onto the projection surface 50 so that the reference lines L1 and L2 in the corrected drawing data overlap with the reference lines L1 and L2 of the projection surface and so that a predetermined point in the corrected drawing data overlaps with the calculated coordinates of the reference point D (i.e., the control unit 24 determines the projection position). As a result, the drawing data is projected onto the projection surface 50 in actual size.

[0051] As described above, the projection system 10 uses points on the reference lines L1 and L2 of the projection surface 50, the positions of which are defined in the drawing data, as measurement points (points whose coordinates are specified). Therefore, the projection system 10 can easily link positions in the drawing data with positions on the projection surface 50.

[0052] [Configuration Example 1 for Irradiating Guide Light] As described above, the three measurement points are selected by the user using the laser pointer function of the distance measuring unit 22. Here, the light-emitting point formed on the projection surface 50 by the laser pointer function of the distance measuring unit 22 is small, on the order of a few millimeters, and therefore it may be difficult to know where on the projection surface 50 the light-emitting point (i.e., the point the user is trying to select) is located.

[0053] Therefore, the projection device 20 irradiates (projects) the light-emitting point and a guide light for guiding the position of the light-emitting point onto the projection surface 50. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which the guide light is irradiated together with the light-emitting point.

[0054] In the example of Fig. 7, the guide light is emitted using the projection unit 23. A first configuration example for emitting the guide light will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the first configuration example for emitting the guide light.

[0055] 8, the projection device 20 includes a laser light source 61, a lens 62 that collimates the laser light emitted by the laser light source 61, and a deflection mirror 63 that can deflect the collimated laser light. The laser light source 61 corresponds to the light source 23a included in the projection unit 23, and the deflection mirror 63 corresponds to the scanning unit 23b included in the projection unit 23. In other words, the laser light source 61 and the deflection mirror 63 are included in the projection unit 23.

[0056] The control unit 24 moves the deflection mirror 63 while the laser light source 61 is emitting light (i.e., scans the laser light using the deflection mirror 63), thereby irradiating the projection surface 50 with a linear guide light pattern. The linear shape here means a curved line or a straight line, and the guide light pattern is more specifically a circumferential shape, a straight line, or a rectangular frame shape, but is not particularly limited and may be any other polygonal frame shape.

[0057] Here, the control unit 24 may project a guide light pattern having a linear shape (such as a circular or rectangular frame shape) surrounding the light-emitting point onto the projection surface 50. Note that the positional relationship between the light-emitting point and the guide light pattern on the projection surface 50 varies depending on the distance from the projection device 20 to the light-emitting point (projection surface), so it may be difficult for the guide light pattern to always surround the light-emitting point regardless of how the distance from the projection device 20 to the light-emitting point changes. Therefore, for example, it is preferable to design the guide light pattern to surround the light-emitting point when the distance from the projection device 20 to the light-emitting point is within a predetermined distance range (e.g., 1 m to 3 m) that is frequently used.

[0058] The control unit 24 may also project a guide light pattern having a spot shape that irradiates a wider area than the light-emitting point (a shape that is different from the above-mentioned linear shape in that light is also irradiated to an area surrounded by the linear shape) onto the projection surface 50. Specifically, the spot shape here may be any shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon. The control unit 24 may also shape the spot light into any shape, such as an arrow.

[0059] The projection device 20 can assist the user in grasping the position of the light-emitting point (distance measurement target point) by irradiating the projection surface 50 with guide light (guide light pattern) based on configuration example 1. Configuration example 1 has the advantage of providing a high degree of freedom in the guide light pattern by using the deflection mirror 63 (movable part).

[0060] [Configuration Example 2 for Irradiating Guide Light] In Configuration Example 1, an example has been described in which guide light is irradiated using the projection unit 23, but the projection device 20 may also include a dedicated optical system (laser light source 61, lens 62, and deflection mirror 63) for irradiating the guide light. That is, the projection device 20 may include the laser light source 61, lens 62, and deflection mirror 63 in addition to the projection unit 23.

[0061] Furthermore, if the projection device 20 is equipped with a dedicated optical system for irradiating the guide light, the irradiation of the guide light can be realized by a configuration different from that of the projection unit 23. A second configuration example for irradiating the guide light will be described below with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the second configuration example for irradiating the guide light.

[0062] 9 , the projection device 20 includes a laser light source 71 and a lens 72 that converts the laser light emitted by the laser light source 71 into parallel light or diverging light to form a guide light pattern on the projection surface 50. The laser light source 71 and the lens 72 are housed in a housing 29, and their orientations are changed by the drive unit 26 in the same manner as the distance measurement unit 22.

[0063] The control unit 24 can form a guide light pattern on the projection surface 50 by causing the laser light source 71 to emit light. Specifically, the control unit 24 projects a guide light pattern having a spot shape that irradiates a wider area than the light-emitting point (different from the linear shape described above, this shape is such that light is also irradiated on the area surrounded by the linear shape) onto the projection surface 50. Specifically, the spot shape here is a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or the like. Note that the spot shape can also be made into any shape, such as a polygon, by providing the projection device 20 with an aperture or the like that blocks part of the light emitted from the lens 72 toward the projection surface 50.

[0064] The projection device 20 can assist the user in grasping the position of the light-emitting point (distance measurement target point) by irradiating the projection surface 50 with guide light (guide light pattern) based on Configuration Example 2. Configuration Example 2 has the advantage of being able to be realized at lower cost than Configuration Example 1 because it does not require a deflection mirror (movable part).

[0065] [Configuration Example 3 for Irradiating Guide Light] Configuration Example 3 for irradiating guide light will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing Configuration Example 3 for irradiating guide light.

[0066] 10 , the projection device 20 includes a laser light source 81, a lens 82 that collimates the laser light emitted by the laser light source 81, and a diffractive optical element 83 that diffracts the collimated laser light. Specifically, the diffractive optical element 83 is a diffraction grating or the like. The laser light source 81 and the diffractive optical element 83 are housed in a housing 29, and their orientations are changed by the drive unit 26, similar to the distance measurement unit 22.

[0067] The control unit 24 can form a guide light pattern on the projection surface 50 by causing the laser light source 81 to emit light. In configuration example 3, the guide light pattern has a shape according to the specifications of the diffractive optical element 83. That is, by changing the specifications of the diffractive optical element 83, the guide light pattern can be formed into various shapes. As with configuration example 1, configuration example 3 can realize guide light patterns such as a line shape, a line shape surrounding a light-emitting point, and a spot shape. Furthermore, configuration example 3 can also form the spot shape into any shape, such as an arrow.

[0068] The projection device 20 can assist the user in grasping the position of the light-emitting point (distance measurement target point) by irradiating the projection surface 50 with guide light (guide light pattern) based on Configuration Example 3. Configuration Example 3 has the advantage of being able to be realized at lower cost than Configuration Example 1 because it does not require a deflection mirror (movable part).

[0069] [Effects, etc.] Inventions derived from the disclosure of this specification are, for example, the following inventions. Hereinafter, the inventions derived from the disclosure of this specification will be described together with the effects, etc. obtained by the inventions.

[0070] Invention 1 is a projection device 20 comprising a projection unit 23 that projects building drawing data onto a projection surface 50 of a building under construction, a distance measurement unit 22 that measures the distance from each of three or more points on the projection surface 50 selected by the user, the three or more points not being aligned in a straight line, to the projection device 20, an angle measurement unit 27 that measures the angle of the distance measurement unit 22 when the distance is measured, and a control unit 24 that causes the projection unit 23 to project the drawing data onto a projection position on the projection surface 50 that is determined based on the measured distance and the angle of the distance measurement unit 22 when the distance is measured, and when the user selects each of the three or more points, the control unit 24 forms a light-emitting point on the projection surface 50 based on light emitted by the distance measurement unit 22, thereby presenting the position of the point that the user is attempting to select to the user and irradiating the projection surface 50 with guide light that guides the user to the position of the light-emitting point.

[0071] By emitting guide light, the projection device 20 as described above can help the user to grasp the position on the projection surface 50 from which the user is attempting to measure the distance.

[0072] A second aspect of the present invention is the projection device 20 of the first aspect, wherein the control unit 24 uses a laser light source 61, 71, or 81 and an optical element to irradiate the projection surface 50 with laser light as guide light.

[0073] Such a projection device 20 can irradiate the projection surface 50 with guide light of relatively high brightness, allowing the user to easily find the guide light.

[0074] Invention 3 is the projection device 20 of Invention 2, in which the optical element is a deflection mirror 63 that can deflect the laser light emitted by the laser light source 61, and the control unit 24 forms a pattern of guide light on the projection surface 50 by changing the angle of the deflection mirror 63.

[0075] Such a projection device 20 can realize various guide light patterns by using the deflection mirror 63 (movable part).

[0076] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the projection device 20 of the third aspect, in which the laser light source 61 and the deflection mirror 63 are included in the projection unit 23 .

[0077] Such a projection device 20 has an advantage that it can irradiate the guide light using the projection unit 23, and therefore does not require an additional configuration for irradiating the guide light.

[0078] Invention 5 is the projection device 20 of Invention 2, in which the optical element is a diffractive optical element 83 that diffracts the laser light emitted by the laser light source 81 to form a guide light pattern on the projection surface 50.

[0079] Such a projection device 20 can emit guide light at low cost without using a deflection mirror 63. Furthermore, the projection device 20 can change the pattern of the guide light according to the specifications of the diffractive optical element 83.

[0080] Invention 6 is the projection device 20 of Invention 2, in which the optical element is a lens 72 that forms a guide light pattern on the projection surface 50 by converting the laser light emitted by the laser light source 71 into parallel light or diverging light.

[0081] Such a projection device 20 can emit guide light at low cost without using a deflection mirror 63 .

[0082] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the projection device 20 of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the pattern of the guide light formed on the projection surface 50 is linear.

[0083] Such a projection device 20 can help the user to grasp the position on the projection surface 50 from which the user is attempting to measure the distance, by emitting a linear guide light pattern.

[0084] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the projection device 20 of the seventh aspect, wherein the guide light pattern formed on the projection surface 50 is a linear shape surrounding the light-emitting point.

[0085] Such a projection device 20 can surround the light-emitting point with a guide light pattern, allowing the user to easily find the light-emitting point (the position on the projection surface 50 from which the user is trying to measure the distance).

[0086] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the projection device 20 of any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the guide light pattern formed on the projection surface 50 is a spot shape that irradiates a wider range than the light emitting point.

[0087] Such a projection device 20 can irradiate the guide light over a relatively wide range, allowing the user to easily find the guide light.

[0088] A tenth aspect of the present invention is a projection system 10 including the projection device 20 of any one of the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, and an operation device 40 for allowing a user to remotely operate the projection device 20 .

[0089] By emitting guide light, the projection system 10 as described above can help the user to grasp the position on the projection surface 50 from which the user is attempting to measure the distance.

[0090] Invention 11 is a projection method executed by a projection device 20 for projecting building drawing data onto a projection surface of a building under construction, the projection method including a distance measurement step S11 in which a distance measurement unit 22 provided in the projection device 20 is used to measure the distance from each of three or more points on the projection surface 50 selected by the user, the three or more points not being aligned in a straight line, to the projection device 20, an angle measurement step in which the angle of the distance measurement unit 22 when the distance is measured, and a projection step S15 in which the drawing data is projected onto a projection position on the projection surface 50 determined based on the measured distance and the angle of the distance measurement unit 22 when the distance is measured, and in which, when the user selects each of the three or more points in the distance measurement step S11, a light-emitting point is formed on the projection surface 50 to present the position of the point the user is about to select to the user, and a guide light for guiding the position of the light-emitting point is irradiated onto the projection surface 50.

[0091] Such a projection method can help the user to grasp the position on the projection surface 50 from which the user is attempting to measure the distance, by emitting guide light.

[0092] (Other Embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0093] For example, although the above embodiment has been described with reference to a laser scanning projection device, the present invention may be realized as a projection device of another type. The projection device may be capable of projecting at least a portion of architectural design data in actual size onto a projection surface.

[0094] In the above-described embodiments, the projection system includes a projection device and an operation device. However, the projection system may be realized as a single device. The projection system may also be realized as a client-server system, in which case some of the processing described as being performed by the projection device in the above-described embodiments is performed by the server device.

[0095] The order of the processes described in the flowcharts of the above embodiments is merely an example. The order of the processes may be changed, or the processes may be executed in parallel.

[0096] Furthermore, the communication method between the devices in the above-described embodiments is not particularly limited. Wireless communication or wired communication may be performed between the devices. Furthermore, wireless communication and wired communication may be combined between the devices. Furthermore, when two devices communicate in the above-described embodiments, a relay device (not shown) may be interposed between the two devices.

[0097] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0098] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0099] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0100] For example, the present invention may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute the projection method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0101] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention.

[0102] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Projection system 20 Projection device 21, 42 Communication unit 22 Distance measurement unit 22a Distance measurement light source 22b Detection unit 23 Projection unit 23a Light source 23b Scanning unit 24, 43 Control unit 25, 44 Memory unit 26 Drive unit 26a First drive unit 26b Second drive unit 27 Angle measurement unit 28 Mounting unit 29 Housing 40 Operation device 41 Operation acceptance unit 45 Display unit 50 Projection surface 61, 71, 81 Laser light source 62, 72, 82 Lens 63 Deflection mirror 83 Diffractive optical element 100 Space

Claims

1. A projection device, comprising: a projection unit that projects building drawing data onto a projection surface of the building under construction; a distance measuring unit that measures distances from each of three or more points on the projection surface, which are selected by a user and are not arranged in a straight line, to the projection device; an angle measuring unit that measures an angle of the distance measuring unit when the distance is measured; and a control unit that causes the projection unit to project the drawing data onto a projection position on the projection surface determined based on the measured distance and the angle of the distance measuring unit when the distance is measured. When the user selects each of the three or more points, the control unit forms a light emitting point based on light emitted by the distance measuring unit on the projection surface to present the position of the point that the user is trying to select to the user, and irradiates the projection surface with guide light that guides the position of the light emitting point.

2. The projection device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit irradiates the projection surface with laser light as the guide light using a laser light source and an optical element.

3. The optical element is a mirror capable of deflecting laser light emitted by the laser light source, and the control unit forms a pattern of the guide light on the projection surface by changing an angle of the mirror. The projection device according to claim 2.

4. The projection device according to claim 3, wherein the laser light source and the mirror are included in the projection unit.

5. The optical element is a diffractive optical element that forms a pattern of the guide light on the projection surface by diffracting laser light emitted by the laser light source. The projection device according to claim 2.

6. The optical element is a lens that forms a pattern of the guide light on the projection surface by making laser light emitted by the laser light source parallel light or divergent light. The projection device according to claim 2.

7. The pattern of the guide light formed on the projection surface is linear. The projection device according to claim 1.

8. The pattern of the guide light formed on the projection surface is linear and surrounds the light emitting point. The projection device according to claim 7.

9. The pattern of the guide light formed on the projection surface is a spot shape that irradiates a range wider than the light emitting point. The projection device according to claim 1.

10. A projection system comprising the projection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and an operating device for the user to remotely operate the projection device.

11. A projection method for projecting building drawing data onto a projection surface of the building under construction, which is executed by the projection device, the method comprising: a distance measuring step of measuring, using a distance measuring unit provided in the projection device, the distance from each of three or more points on the projection surface, which are selected by the user and are not arranged in a straight line, to the projection device; an angle measuring step of measuring the angle of the distance measuring unit when the distance is measured; and a projection step of projecting the drawing data onto the projection position on the projection surface determined based on the measured distance and the angle of the distance measuring unit when the distance is measured. In the distance measuring step, when the user selects each of the three or more points, a light emitting point is formed on the projection surface to present the position of the point the user is trying to select to the user, and a guide light for guiding the position of the light emitting point is irradiated onto the projection surface.

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