Projector and operation method thereof

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a projector capable of adjusting a user touch area by adjusting an IR emission angle, and an operation method thereof. To this end, the projector may: emit IR to generate an IR emission area in a horizontal direction on a projection surface; in a predetermined operation mode, determine whether IR reflection is detected in the IR emission area; and when IR reflection is detected, adjust an IR emission angle so that the IR reflection is not detected in the IR emission area.

Description

Projector and its operating method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a projector capable of adjusting a user touch area and a method of operating the same.

[0002] A projector is a device that displays images by projecting them onto a screen (or projection surface) located at a certain distance from itself. Conventional projectors require a long projection distance to form large images on large screens, and there are issues such as the image being obscured when people pass through the wide space between the projector and the screen due to the projection distance. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for ultra-short throw (UST) projectors (or UST projectors) that can project large images even close to the screen by having a large angle of view. Furthermore, in addition to the image projection function, there is a demand for interactive features in ultra-short throw projectors that allow for user touch input on the projected screen. In this case, it is necessary to provide the projected screen and user touch area while minimizing the impact of the projector's installation environment (e.g., projector mounting table).

[0003] The present disclosure provides a projector capable of adjusting a user touch area and a method of operating the same. Specifically, various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a projector capable of adjusting a user touch area by adjusting the IR irradiation angle to normally generate an IR irradiation surface when an IR (infrared) irradiation surface is not normally generated due to curvature of the projector projection surface, and a method of operating the same.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to solve the aforementioned technical problem, a projector may include: a projection unit that projects an image onto a projection surface; an IR emitter that creates an IR irradiation area in a horizontal direction on the projection surface; at least one sensor that senses the projection surface or the IR irradiation area; a memory that stores at least one command; and at least one processor that is electrically connected to the projection unit, the IR emitter, the at least one sensor, and the memory, and executes the at least one command. The at least one processor may determine whether IR reflection is detected in the IR irradiation area in a predetermined operating mode, and if IR reflection is detected, control the IR emitter to adjust the irradiation angle or the height of the IR emitter so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area.

[0005] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating a projector may include: an operation of irradiating IR to create an IR irradiation area in a horizontal direction on a projection surface; an operation of determining whether IR reflection is detected in the IR irradiation area in a predetermined operation mode; and, if IR reflection is detected, an operation of adjusting the irradiation angle of an IR emitter or adjusting the height of an IR emitter so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area.

[0006] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable recording medium may be included on which a program for performing the method is recorded.

[0007] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, constraints on the projector installation environment, such as the curvature of the projector projection table, can be alleviated by optimizing and adjusting the IR irradiation angle (or tilt) so as not to be affected by the curvature of the projector projection floor surface.

[0008] In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, by setting an optimized IR irradiation angle that is not affected by the projector projection surface and correcting the user touch area, the limitations that inevitably required reducing the screen projection area because the user touch area was not properly generated due to the curvature of the projection surface, etc., can be overcome, and thereby, the effect of improving the user experience and product value of the UST projector can be provided.

[0009] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the description below. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a projector that projects an image in the direction of a floor surface and irradiates IR according to various embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates examples of using a projector according to various embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which an IR irradiation surface is not normally generated according to various embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an IR emitter that irradiates IR according to various embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which an IR emitter creates an IR irradiation area on a non-bending floor surface according to various embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a floor surface with bending according to various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which an IR emitter creates an IR irradiation area on a curved floor surface as illustrated in FIG. 6 according to various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates various floor surfaces where a projector is located according to various embodiments.

[0018] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the trace of IR reflection according to the curvature of the floor surface where the projector is located, according to various embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of creating an IR irradiation area by adjusting the IR irradiation angle according to various embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a projector according to various embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 13 illustrates a projection screen area and an IR irradiation area according to various embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 14 illustrates an example in which the IR irradiation area shown in FIG. 13 is divided into a predetermined number of zones.

[0023] FIG. 15 illustrates a 6-axis actuator that rotates an IR laser module according to various embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of creating an IR irradiation area by adjusting the IR irradiation angle according to various embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 17 is a schematic flowchart of a method of operation in a projector according to various embodiments.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Additionally, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a projector that projects an image in the direction of a floor surface and irradiates IR according to various embodiments.

[0028] According to various embodiments, the projector (100) may be a UST projector that can be placed close to a screen or wall serving as the projection surface. Because the UST projector can reduce the distance between the projector and the projection surface, a large image can be projected even in a small space. The UST projector may be used primarily in medium-sized spaces such as home cinemas or conference rooms. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the projector (100) of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to a UST projector and may include various types of projectors.

[0029] According to various embodiments, the projector (100) may be a projector embedded in various electronic devices or a part of an electronic device capable of performing the function of a projector. For example, the projector (100) may be a projector embedded in various electronic devices such as a tablet PC, digital camera, camcorder, laptop computer, netbook computer, tablet PC, desktop, e-book reader, video phone, digital broadcasting terminal, PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), navigation, wearable device, smart refrigerator, other home appliances, or a part of an electronic device capable of performing the function of a projector.

[0030] According to various embodiments, the projector (100) may be fixed or movable.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the projection surface may refer to a wall, floor, or screen, etc., on which the projector (100) projects an image. For example, the projection surface may be formed on a table on which the projector (100) is placed. The projection surface may be a surface where the image is clearly visible and light is strongly reflected.

[0032] According to various embodiments, the projection direction may refer to the direction in which the projector (100) projects an image. Referring to FIG. 1, the projector (100) may project an image in a direction toward the floor (e.g., table floor) on which the projector is placed using a projection unit (120). That is, referring to FIG. 1, the projection direction of the projector (100) may be a direction toward the floor on which the projector (100) is placed. The projector (100) may project a projection light (170) in a direction toward the floor on which the projector (100) is placed using a projection unit (120). Referring to FIG. 1, the projector (100) may create a projection screen area (140) by projecting an image onto the table floor surface (i.e., projection surface) on which the projector is placed. The projector (100) may determine the size and location of the created projection screen area (140) using at least one sensor (110).

[0033] According to various embodiments, the projector (100) can create an IR irradiation area by irradiating IR (150) in a horizontal direction onto the projection surface. The IR irradiation area may be an area that extends the projection screen area by a predetermined margin length. For example, the IR irradiation area may be an area that extends the projection screen area by +5% length. Additionally, the projector (100) can create the IR irradiation area by irradiating IR (150) at a predetermined distance in a vertical direction onto the projection surface. For example, the projector (100) may irradiate IR (150) at a distance of 3mm to 7mm in a vertical direction onto the projection surface, but is not limited thereto. The projector (100) may irradiate IR (150) with a thickness of 1mm to 2mm, but is not limited thereto. In an environment where there are no external obstacles, such as parts of a user's body, between the projection unit (120) and the projection surface, the projector (100) can set the area corresponding to the projection screen area among the IR irradiation areas as the user touch area.

[0034] According to various embodiments, the projector (100) can detect a user touch input on the projection surface (140) using at least one sensor (110). The touch input may be made using a part of the user's body or various input means. When there is a user touch input in the set user touch area, the projector (100) can detect the user touch by detecting an IR reflection (160) at the user touch point using at least one sensor (110). The projector (100) can detect the IR reflection by detecting a luminance component greater than a predetermined threshold value in an image where the IR irradiation area is sensed by at least one sensor (110). For example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the predetermined threshold value may be set to a luminance component greater than 50, but is not limited thereto. Based on the detected IR reflection, the projector (100) can convert the user touch point into coordinates of the projection screen area and recognize it as a user touch input. The projector (100) can perform an interaction corresponding to the recognized user touch input.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates examples of using a projector according to various embodiments.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, the projector (100) can project an image in a direction toward the bottom of a table to create a projection screen area (200) on the projection surface, which is the bottom surface of the table. The projector (100) can create an IR irradiation area by irradiating IR (150) in a horizontal direction from the projection surface by a predetermined length (e.g., 3mm to 7mm) in a vertical direction. The IR irradiation area may be an area that extends the projection screen area by a predetermined length (e.g., +5%). The IR may be irradiated with a predetermined thickness (e.g., 1mm to 2mm). If no IR reflection is detected in the IR irradiation area in a predetermined operating mode, the projector (100) may set an area corresponding to the projection screen area (200) within the IR irradiation area as a user touch area. The predetermined operating mode may be an operating mode in which the projector (100) detects IR reflection caused by an object other than a user touch in the IR irradiation area. The above-mentioned predetermined operation mode may be automatically entered after power-on of the projector (100) to set a user touch area, or manually entered by user input, but is not limited thereto. Subsequently, the projector (100) can detect a user touch by detecting IR reflection in the set user touch area. Based on the detected IR reflection, the projector (100) can convert the user touch point into coordinates of the projection screen area (200) to recognize it as a user touch input. The projector (100) can perform an interaction corresponding to the recognized user touch input.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which an IR irradiation surface is not normally generated according to various embodiments.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, a projector (100) can be positioned on a curved table (320) to create a projection screen area on the projection surface, which is the bottom surface of the table. The projector (100) can project IR in a horizontal direction from a predetermined length in a vertical direction away from the projection surface. In this case, the projector (100) can detect IR reflection at the point (310) where the IR touches the bottom of the table due to the curvature of the table, even though there are no external obstacles such as user touch. If the point (310) where the IR touches the bottom of the table is within the projection screen area, it may be incorrectly recognized as a user touch even though there is no user touch, or even if there is a user touch behind the point (310) where the IR touches the bottom of the table, the user touch point cannot be detected normally because a luminance component above a predetermined threshold cannot be detected at the user touch point.

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates an IR emitter that irradiates IR according to various embodiments.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the IR emitter (130) can create a user touch area by creating an IR irradiation area in a horizontal direction on the projection surface. The IR emitter (130) may be located at the bottom of the projector (100), but is not limited thereto. The IR emitter (130) may include various circuits, for example, an IR laser module (410) and an IR reflection module (420). The IR laser module (410) may include various circuits and may irradiate IR in a vertical direction. The IR laser module (410) may be configured in a straw-like shape, but is not limited thereto. The IR reflection module (420) may include various reflective materials and may reflect the IR irradiated in a vertical direction by the IR laser module (410) in a horizontal direction on the projection surface. The IR reflection module (420) may be configured in a cone shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which an IR emitter creates an IR irradiation area on a non-bending floor surface according to various embodiments.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, in an environment where the table is not bent, the IR emitter (130) can create an IR irradiation area in a horizontal direction on the projection surface. The IR reflection module (420) can reflect IR in a horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the projection surface, by reflecting the IR irradiated in a vertical direction by the IR laser module (410) from the cone surface.

[0043] In an environment where the table is not bent as in FIG. 5, the IR reflected horizontally onto the projection surface by the IR reflection module (420) may not reach the bottom of the table. Therefore, if there is no external obstacle, such as a part of the user's body, between the projection unit (120) and the projection surface, the IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area.

[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a curved floor surface according to various embodiments. FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which an IR emitter creates an IR irradiation area on the curved floor surface illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, in an environment where the table on which the projector (100) is placed is curved, the IR emitter (130) can create an IR irradiation area in a horizontal direction on the projection surface. In an environment where the table is curved, the IR reflected horizontally on the projection surface by the IR reflection module (420) can be affected by the curvature of the table and reach the bottom of a specific location (700) on the table. Therefore, even though there are no external obstacles, such as parts of the user's body, between the projection unit (120) and the projection surface, IR reflection can be detected at the point (700) where the IR touches the bottom of the table due to the curvature of the table.

[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates various floor surfaces on which a projector is positioned according to various embodiments. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate the traces of IR reflection according to the curvature of the floor surface according to various embodiments.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 8, the shape of the table on which the projector (100) can be placed may include a horizontal table (810), a table with a raised middle (820), a table with a lowered middle (830), and a curved table (840), but is not limited thereto.

[0048] For example, when a projector (100) is positioned on a curved table (840), the IR irradiated by the IR emitter (130) of the projector (100) may be affected by the curvature of the table surface and reach various points on the bottom of the table as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 illustrates the trace of a zigzag-shaped IR reflection according to the curvature of the table surface.

[0049] In another example, when a projector (100) is positioned on a table (830) that is lowered in the middle, the IR irradiated by the IR emitter (130) of the projector (100) can reach various bottom points of the table as shown in FIG. 10, based on the overall curved shape of the table. FIG. 10 illustrates the trace of IR reflection in a line shape according to the curvature of the bottom surface of the table.

[0050] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of creating an IR irradiation area by adjusting the IR irradiation angle according to various embodiments.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the projector (100) can determine whether it is affected by the curvature of the floor surface (or the curvature of the table) on which the projector (100) is located by determining whether IR reflection is detected in the IR irradiation area in a predetermined operation mode. The predetermined operation mode may be an operation mode for the projector (100) to detect IR reflection caused by an object other than user touch in the IR irradiation area. The predetermined operation mode may be automatically entered after power-on of the projector (100) to set the user touch area, or may be manually entered by user input, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] According to one embodiment, when IR reflection is detected in the predetermined operation mode, the projector (100) can adjust the IR irradiation angle so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area. That is, the projector (100) can detect whether the irradiated IR is affected by the bending of the table and can correct the user touch area by setting an IR irradiation angle optimized for the table shape so that it is not affected by the bending of the table.

[0053] According to one embodiment, when IR reflection is detected in the predetermined operating mode, the projector (100) can adjust the height of the IR emitter (130) so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area. That is, the projector (100) can detect whether the irradiated IR is affected by the bending of the table and can correct the user touch area by adjusting the height of the IR emitter (130) so that the distance between the projection surface and the IR irradiation area is made further apart so that it is not affected by the bending of the table.

[0054] Accordingly, according to one embodiment, the limitation of having to reduce the user touch area and screen projection area because the user touch area is not properly generated due to the curvature of the projection bottom surface, etc., can be overcome.

[0055] FIG. 11 illustrates an example in which the projector (100) adjusts the IR irradiation angle so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area in the curved table surface environment illustrated in FIG. 10. In the illustrated example, the IR irradiation area may be an area that extends the projection screen area by a predetermined length (e.g., +5%). By adjusting the IR irradiation angle, the projector (100) can ensure that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area in an environment where there are no external obstacles, such as parts of the user's body, between the projection unit (120) and the projection surface, and can set the area corresponding to the projection screen area among the IR irradiation areas where IR reflection is not detected as a user touch area.

[0056] FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a projector according to various embodiments.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 12, the projector (100) may include a processor (1210) (e.g., including a processing circuit), memory (1220), a sensor (1230), a projection unit (1240) (e.g., including a circuit) and an IR emitter (1250) (e.g., including a circuit). The projector (100) may further include at least one of an input / output interface (not shown), a speaker (not shown), a driving unit (not shown), and a power supply (not shown). The projector (100) may include additional components in addition to the illustrated components, or at least one of the illustrated components may be omitted.

[0058] A projector (100) may refer to an electronic device that projects an image (or projection). Specifically, the projector (100) may be an optical device that projects an image onto a projection surface. The projection surface may be formed on a table, screen, or wall on which the projector (100) is placed, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] The processor (1210) may include various processing circuits and may perform overall control operations of the projector (100). The processor (1210) may be embedded inside the projector (100) or connected to the projector (100) using an input / output interface.

[0060] The processor (1210) may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) that processes digital signals, a microprocessor, or a time controller (TCON). However, it is not limited thereto, and may include or be defined by one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a controller, an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a communication processor (CP), or an ARM processor. Additionally, the processor (1210) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) or large scale integration (LSI) with a built-in processing algorithm, or may be implemented in the form of a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Furthermore, the processor (1210) can perform various functions by executing computer executable instructions stored in memory (1220).

[0061] The memory (1220) may be implemented as internal memory such as ROM (e.g., EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory)) or RAM included in the processor (1210), or as memory separate from the processor (1210). In this case, the memory (1220) may be implemented as memory embedded in the projector (100) or as memory that can be attached to the projector (100), depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the projector (100) may be stored in memory embedded in the projector (100), and data for the expansion function of the projector (100) may be stored in memory that can be attached to the projector (100).

[0062] In the case of memory embedded in the projector (100), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD). In the case of memory that is detachable from the projector (100), it may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card), etc.), or external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory).

[0063] The projection unit (1240) may include various circuits, a light source lamp (not shown), and a lens (not shown). The light source lamp may refer to, for example, a light-emitting element. Light emitted from the light source lamp may be projected onto a projection surface through a lens. The projection unit (1240) may create a projection screen area on the projection surface and project an input image input via an input / output interface onto the projection screen area. The projection unit (1240) may project the input image onto the projection surface by enlarging or reducing it.

[0064] The IR emitter (1250) may include various circuits and can create a user touch area by creating an IR irradiation area in a horizontal direction on the projection surface. The IR emitter (1250) can create the IR irradiation area by extending the projection screen area by a predetermined margin length. For example, the IR emitter (1250) can create the IR irradiation area by extending the projection screen area by +5% length. Additionally, the IR emitter (1250) can create an IR irradiation area by irradiating IR (150) at a distance of a predetermined length in a vertical direction from the projection surface. For example, the projector (100) can irradiate IR (150) at a distance of 3mm to 7mm in a vertical direction from the projection surface, but is not limited thereto. The IR emitter (1250) can irradiate IR with a thickness of 1mm to 2mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] The IR emitter (1250) may include an IR laser module and an IR reflector module. The IR laser module may irradiate IR in a vertical direction. The IR laser module may be configured in a straw-like shape, but is not limited thereto. The IR reflector module may include a reflective material and may reflect IR irradiated in a vertical direction by the IR laser module in a horizontal direction to a projection surface. The IR reflector module may be configured in a cone-like shape, but is not limited thereto. The IR emitter (1250) may further include a 6-axis actuator that rotates the IR laser module along at least one axis including the X-axis and the Y-axis. The 6-axis actuator will be described below with reference to FIG. 15.

[0066] The sensor (1230) may include at least one of various types of sensors. The sensor (1230) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a camera, an infrared sensor (IR sensor), an RGB sensor, an acceleration sensor, a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, a distance sensor, an illumination sensor, a tilt sensor, a magnetic sensor, a gravity sensor (G-sensor), a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, a fingerprint sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a radiation detection sensor, a heat detection sensor, a gas detection sensor, an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, and a biometric sensor.

[0067] The sensor (1230) may include a lens and an image sensor. The lens may include a general-purpose lens, a wide-angle lens, and a zoom lens, but is not limited thereto. The lens may be determined according to the type, characteristics, and usage environment of the projector (100). The image sensor may include a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) and a Charge Coupled Device (CCD), but is not limited thereto. The sensor (1230) may output incident light as an image signal. Specifically, the sensor (1230) may be equipped with a lens, a pixel, and an AD converter. The lens collects light from the subject to form an optical image in the shooting area, and the pixel may output the light collected through the lens as an analog image signal. The AD converter may convert the analog image signal into a digital image signal and output it. The sensor (1230) may be positioned to photograph or sense the projection screen area or the IR irradiation area of ​​the projector (100).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the sensor (1230) can detect the operating state of the projector (100) (e.g., power or temperature), movement, projection screen area, IR irradiation area, and external environment state (e.g., user state), and can generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the sensor (1230) can image sense the projected screen area projected by the projection unit (1240). For example, an RGB sensor can image sense the projected screen area projected by the projection unit (1240). The processor (1210) can determine the size and location of the projected screen area based on the image of the projected screen area sensed by the sensor (1230).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the sensor (1230) can image sense the IR irradiated area irradiated by the IR emitter (1250). For example, the IR sensor can image sense the IR irradiated area irradiated by the IR emitter (1250). The processor (1210) can determine whether IR reflection is detected in the IR irradiated area based on the image of the IR irradiated area sensed by the sensor (1230). The processor (1210) can detect IR reflection by detecting a luminance component greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value in the image of the IR irradiated area sensed by the sensor (1230). For example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the predetermined threshold value may be set to a luminance component greater than or equal to 50, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the sensor (1230) can detect the movement or direction of the projector (100). For example, an accelerometer can detect the movement of the projector (100). The processor (1210) can control the adjustment of the IR irradiation angle or the height of the IR emitter (1250) in response to the detection of movement of the projector (100) by the sensor (1230) or the activation of the projector's power.

[0072] The input / output interface (not shown) may include various wired and wireless interfaces comprising various circuits capable of inputting and outputting video, video information, and audio to or from an external device under the control of the processor (1210). The input / output interface may include at least one of a wired communication interface, a wireless interface, and a short-range communication interface. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the input / output interface may be added, deleted, and / or changed depending on the performance and structure of the projector (100). The wired communication interface may include at least one interface among HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), USB (Universal Serial Bus), DP (Display Port), Thunderbolt, VGA (Video Graphics Array) port, RGB port, D-SUB (D-subminiature), and DVI (Digital Visual Interface). The wireless interface may include Wi-Fi, but is not limited thereto. The above wireless interface may support the IEEE wireless LAN standard (IEEE 802.11x). The above wireless interface may be wirelessly connected to an Access Point (AP) under the control of the processor (1210). The above short-range communication interface may wirelessly communicate with an external device over a short range under the control of the processor (1210). Short-range communication may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wide Band (UWB), WiFi Direct, and Near Field Communication (NFC).The above external device may include an image providing device (e.g., a display device) that provides images, etc.

[0073] The above speaker (not shown) can output various audio data input through the above input / output interface, as well as various notification sounds or voice messages.

[0074] The above driving unit (not shown) may include various circuits and may control the direction and angle of the projector (100) or control the movement of the projector body (100).

[0075] The above power source (not shown) can supply power to at least one component of the projector (100). The power source may include at least one of a rechargeable battery and a power cable capable of receiving external power. For example, if the power source includes both a battery and a power cable, power can be supplied by plugging in the power cable where there is an outlet, and power can be supplied through the power of the built-in battery where there is no outlet.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the processor (1210) may be electrically connected to a sensor (1230), a projection unit (1240), an IR emitter (1250), and a memory (1220).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the processor (1210) can determine a projection screen area on the projection surface. The processor (1210) can determine the size and location of the projection screen area based on an image of the projection screen area sensed by the sensor (1230).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the processor (1210) can determine whether IR reflection is detected in the IR irradiation area in a predetermined operation mode. The predetermined operation mode may be an operation mode in which the projector (100) detects IR reflection caused by an object other than a user touch in the IR irradiation area. The predetermined operation mode may be automatically entered after power-on of the projector (100) to set the user touch area, or may be manually entered by user input, but is not limited thereto. The processor (1210) may detect IR reflection by detecting a luminance component greater than a predetermined threshold value in an image in which the IR irradiation area is sensed by the sensor (1230). For example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the predetermined threshold value may be set to a luminance component greater than 50, but is not limited thereto. When IR reflection is detected, the processor (1210) may control the irradiation angle of the IR emitter (1250) to be adjusted so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the processor (1210) can control the 6-axis actuator to rotate the IR laser module along at least one axis including the X-axis and Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area. The processor (1210) can control the 6-axis actuator to rotate the IR laser module along the Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area when IR reflection is detected in the horizontal direction. The processor (1210) can control the 6-axis actuator to rotate the IR laser module along the X-axis and Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area when IR reflection is detected in the diagonal direction.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the processor (1210) can control the projector (100) to adjust the height of the IR emitter (1250) so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area. That is, the processor (1210) can adjust the height of the IR emitter (1250) so that the distance between the projection surface and the IR irradiation area is made greater so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area. The processor (1210) can gradually adjust the height of the IR emitter (1250) by a predetermined value so that touch recognition can be made at a point as close as possible to the floor surface while IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the processor (1210) can control the IR reflection module to move the IR reflection module along the Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area. The processor (1210) can control the IR reflection module to move gradually along the Y-axis by a predetermined value so that touch recognition can be achieved at a point as close as possible to the floor surface while IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the processor (1210) can set a user touch area corresponding to a projection screen area among the IR irradiation areas where IR reflection is not detected in the predetermined operation mode through at least one of adjusting the irradiation angle, adjusting the height of the IR emitter (1250), and moving the IR reflection module along the Y-axis. The processor (1210) can detect a user touch by detecting IR reflection in the set user touch area. Based on the detected IR reflection, the processor (1210) can convert the user touch point into coordinates of the projection screen area and recognize it as a user touch input. The processor (1210) can perform an interaction corresponding to the recognized user touch input.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the processor (1210) can control the adjustment of the IR irradiation angle or the height of the IR emitter (1250) in response to the operation of powering on the projector (100) and the operation of detecting movement of the projector (100). Thus, whenever the installation environment or location of the projector (100) changes, an optimized IR irradiation angle that is not affected by the projector projection surface can be set or the height of the IR emitter (1250) can be adjusted.

[0084] FIG. 13 illustrates a projection screen area and an IR irradiation area according to various embodiments. FIG. 14 illustrates an example in which the IR irradiation area illustrated in FIG. 13 is divided into a predetermined number of zones. FIG. 15 illustrates a 6-axis actuator that rotates an IR laser module according to various embodiments.

[0085] As described above, the projector (100) can create a projection screen area (1310) by projecting an image onto the bottom surface of the table on which the projector is placed (i.e., the projection surface). The projector (100) can determine the size and location of the created projection screen area (1310) using at least one sensor (110). The projector (100) can create an IR irradiation area (1320) by irradiating IR in a horizontal direction onto the projection surface. The IR irradiation area may be an area that extends the projection screen area by a predetermined margin length. For example, the IR irradiation area may be an area that extends the projection screen area by +5% length. Additionally, the projector (100) can create an IR irradiation area by irradiating IR from a distance of a predetermined length in a vertical direction onto the projection surface. For example, the projector (100) may irradiate IR from a distance of 3mm to 7mm in a vertical direction onto the projection surface, but is not limited thereto. The projector (100) can irradiate IR with a thickness of 1 mm to 2 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the projector (100) can divide the IR irradiation area (1320) into a predetermined number of zones to determine the zone where IR reflection is detected and the direction in which IR reflection is detected. Referring to FIG. 14, the IR irradiation area (1320) can be divided into 12 zones in the form of a 4x3 matrix.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the projector (100) can set an initial value of the irradiation angle of the IR emitter (1250) so that IR reflection is detected in at least one reference zone in an environment where there are no external obstacles in the IR irradiation area (1320) and no IR reflection (i.e., an unbent table environment). Referring to FIG. 14, for example, the at least one reference zone may be zones (1410) corresponding to 5, 6, 7, and 8.

[0088] According to one embodiment, when the projector (100) is positioned on the lowered table (830) shown in FIG. 8, IR reflection may be detected in at least one zone located ahead of the at least one reference zone among the IR irradiation areas (1320). For example, with reference to FIG. 14, when the projector (100) is positioned on the lowered table (830) shown in FIG. 8, IR reflection may be detected in at least one of zones 9, 10, 11, and 12 located ahead of the at least one reference zone. When IR reflection is detected, the projector (100) may control the irradiation angle of the IR emitter (1250) to be adjusted so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area (1320). When adjusting the irradiation angle of the IR emitter (1250), the projector (100) may gradually adjust the irradiation angle by a predetermined value until IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area (1320). The projector (100) can gradually adjust the IR irradiation angle so that touch recognition can be made as close as possible to the floor surface without IR reflection being detected in the IR irradiation area (1320). Alternatively, if IR reflection is detected in an area located ahead of the at least one reference area, the projector (100) can adjust the irradiation angle of the IR emitter (1250) more quickly by adjusting the irradiation angle by a value that assigns a predetermined weight to the predetermined value until IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area (1320).

[0089] Referring to FIG. 15, when IR reflection is detected in the horizontal direction, the projector (100) can control the 6-axis actuator (1500) to rotate the IR laser module (410) along the Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area (1320). The projector (100) can control the 6-axis actuator (1500) to rotate the IR laser module (410) along the +Y-axis to adjust the angle so that the IR reflected by the IR reflection module (420) is directed upward.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 15, if IR reflection is detected in a diagonal direction, the 6-axis actuator (1500) can be controlled to rotate the IR laser module (410) along the X-axis and Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area (1320). The projector (100) can control the 6-axis actuator (1500) to rotate the IR laser module (410) along the +Y-axis and -X-axis to adjust the angle so that the IR reflected by the IR reflection module (420) is directed diagonally upward.

[0091] According to one embodiment, when the projector (100) is positioned on the raised table (820) shown in FIG. 8, IR reflection may be detected in a zone located behind at least one reference zone among the IR irradiation areas (1320). For example, with reference to FIG. 14, when the projector (100) is positioned on the raised table (820) shown in FIG. 8, IR reflection may be detected in at least one of zones 1, 2, 3, and 4 located behind at least one reference zone. When IR reflection is detected, the projector (100) may control the irradiation angle of the IR emitter (1250) to be adjusted so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area (1320). When adjusting the irradiation angle of the IR emitter (1250), the projector (100) may gradually adjust the irradiation angle by a predetermined value until IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area (1320). The projector (100) can gradually adjust the IR irradiation angle so that touch recognition can be made as close as possible to the floor surface without detecting IR reflection in the IR irradiation area (1320).

[0092] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of creating an IR irradiation area by adjusting the irradiation angle of an IR emitter according to various embodiments.

[0093] FIG. 16 illustrates an example in which IR is irradiated by adjusting the IR irradiation angle of the projector (100) so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area in the curved table environment illustrated in FIG. 10. By adjusting the IR irradiation angle, the projector (100) can ensure that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area in a situation where there are no external obstacles, even though the table is curved. The projector (100) can gradually adjust the IR irradiation angle so that touch recognition can be made at a point as close as possible to the floor surface while IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area. The projector (100) can set the area corresponding to the projection screen area among the IR irradiation areas where IR reflection is not detected as the user touch area.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 16, by adjusting the IR irradiation angle, IR may not reach the table surface in the user touch area in a situation where there are no external obstacles, even if the table is bent. The projector (100) can detect user touch by detecting IR reflection in the set user touch area.

[0095] FIG. 17 is a schematic flowchart of a method of operation in a projector according to various embodiments.

[0096] The projector of FIG. 17 may be a projector corresponding to the projector (100) of FIG. 12. In the operation of the projector described in FIG. 17, parts that overlap with those described in FIG. 12 may be omitted. Some of the operations shown in FIG. 17 may be omitted, and operations not shown in FIG. 17 may be added.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the projector (100) can create a projection screen area by projecting an image onto the bottom surface of a table (i.e., a projection surface) on which the projector is placed. The projector (100) can determine the size and location of the created projection screen area using at least one sensor.

[0098] According to one embodiment, in operation 1710, the projector (100) may irradiate IR to create an IR irradiation area in a horizontal direction on the projection surface. The IR irradiation area may be an area that extends the projection screen area by a predetermined margin length. For example, the IR irradiation area may be an area that extends the projection screen area by +5% length. Additionally, the projector (100) may create an IR irradiation area by irradiating IR from a distance of a predetermined length in a vertical direction on the projection surface. For example, the projector (100) may irradiate IR from a distance of 3mm to 7mm in a vertical direction on the projection surface, but is not limited thereto. The projector (100) may irradiate IR with a thickness of 1mm to 2mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] According to one embodiment, in operation 1720, the projector (100) may determine whether IR reflection is detected in the IR irradiation area in a predetermined operation mode. The predetermined operation mode may be an operation mode in which the projector (100) detects IR reflection caused by an object other than a user touch in the IR irradiation area. The predetermined operation mode may be automatically entered after power-on of the projector (100) to set the user touch area, or may be entered manually by user input, but is not limited thereto. If IR reflection is detected, the process proceeds to operation 1730, and if IR reflection is not detected, the process proceeds to operation 1740. According to one embodiment, the projector (100) may detect IR reflection by detecting a luminance component greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value in an image in which the IR irradiation area is sensed by at least one sensor. For example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the predetermined threshold value may be set to a luminance component greater than or equal to 50, but is not limited thereto. According to one embodiment, the projector (100) can divide the IR irradiation area (1320) into a predetermined number of zones to determine the zone where IR reflection is detected and the direction in which IR reflection is detected.

[0100] According to one embodiment, in operation 1730, the projector (100) may adjust the IR irradiation angle of the IR emitter (130) or adjust the height of the IR emitter (130) so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area. The IR emitter may include an IR laser module and an IR reflection module. The IR laser module may irradiate IR in a vertical direction. The IR reflection module may reflect the IR irradiated in a vertical direction by the IR laser module in a horizontal direction onto the projection surface. According to one embodiment, the projector (100) may rotate the IR laser module along at least one axis including the X-axis and the Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area. According to one embodiment, if IR reflection is detected in a horizontal direction, the projector (100) may rotate the IR laser module along the Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area. According to one embodiment, if IR reflection is detected in a diagonal direction, the projector (100) may rotate the IR laser module along the X-axis and the Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area. According to one embodiment, the projector (100) can drive a 6-axis actuator to rotate the IR laser module along at least one axis including the X-axis and the Y-axis. According to one embodiment, the projector (100) can adjust the height of the IR emitter (130) so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area. That is, the projector (100) can adjust the height of the IR emitter (130) so that the distance between the projection surface and the IR irradiation area is greater so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area. According to one embodiment, the projector (100) can move the IR reflection module along the Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area.

[0101] According to one embodiment, in operation 1740, the projector (100) can set an area corresponding to the projection screen area among the IR irradiation areas where IR reflection is not detected in the predetermined operation mode as a user touch area.

[0102] According to one embodiment, in operation 1750, the projector (100) can detect a user touch by detecting IR reflection in the set user touch area.

[0103] With reference to FIG. 17, the operation method of the projector (100) described above may be performed in response to the operation of powering the projector (100) or the operation of detecting movement of the projector (100). Movement of the projector (100) may be detected by an accelerometer, but is not limited thereto.

[0104] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a projector may include: a projection unit that projects an image onto a projection surface; an IR emitter that creates an IR irradiation area in a horizontal direction on the projection surface; at least one sensor that senses the projection surface or the IR irradiation area; a memory that stores at least one instruction; and at least one processor that is electrically connected to the projection unit, the IR emitter, the at least one sensor, and the memory, and executes the at least one instruction. The at least one processor may determine whether IR reflection is detected in the IR irradiation area in a predetermined operating mode, and if IR reflection is detected, control the IR emitter to adjust the irradiation angle or the height of the IR emitter so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor can determine the size and location of a projection screen area on the projection plane. The IR irradiation area may be an area extended by a predetermined margin length of the projection screen area.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor sets an area corresponding to a projection screen area among the IR irradiation areas where IR reflection is not detected in the predetermined operation mode as a user touch area, and can detect a user touch by detecting IR reflection in the set user touch area.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor can detect IR reflection by detecting a luminance component greater than a predetermined threshold from an image in which the IR irradiation area is sensed by the at least one sensor.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor can divide the IR irradiation area into a predetermined number of zones to determine the zone where IR reflection is detected and the direction in which IR reflection is detected.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the IR emitter may include an IR laser module that irradiates IR in a vertical direction and a 6-axis actuator that rotates the IR laser module along at least one axis including an X-axis and a Y-axis. The at least one processor may control the 6-axis actuator to rotate the IR laser module along at least one axis including an X-axis and a Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may control the 6-axis actuator to rotate the IR laser module along the Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area when IR reflection is detected in the horizontal direction; or control the 6-axis actuator to rotate the IR laser module along the X-axis and Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area when IR reflection is detected in the diagonal direction.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the IR emitter may include an IR reflection module that reflects IR irradiated vertically within the IR emitter in a horizontal direction onto the projection surface. The at least one processor may control the IR reflection module to move the IR reflection module along the Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor can control the irradiation angle of the IR emitter to be adjusted in response to an operation in which the power of the projector is driven or an operation in which the movement of the projector is detected.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the predetermined operation mode may be an operation mode for the projector to detect IR reflection caused by an object other than a user touch in the IR irradiation area.

[0114] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating a projector may include: an operation of irradiating IR to create an IR irradiation area in a horizontal direction on a projection surface; an operation of determining whether IR reflection is detected in the IR irradiation area in a predetermined operation mode; and, if IR reflection is detected, an operation of adjusting the irradiation angle of an IR emitter or adjusting the height of an IR emitter so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the method of operating the projector may further include an operation of determining the size and position of a projected screen area on the projection surface. The IR irradiation area may be an area extended by a predetermined margin length of the projected screen area.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the method of operating the projector may further include: an operation of setting an area corresponding to a projection screen area among the IR irradiation areas where IR reflection is not detected in the predetermined operation mode as a user touch area; and an operation of detecting a user touch through IR reflection detection in the set user touch area.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the operation of determining whether IR reflection is detected in the IR irradiation area may include the operation of detecting IR reflection by detecting a luminance component greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold from an image in which the IR irradiation area is sensed by at least one sensor.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the operation of adjusting the IR irradiation angle so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area may include dividing the IR irradiation area into a predetermined number of zones and determining the zone where IR reflection is detected and the direction in which IR reflection is detected.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the IR emitter may include an IR laser module that irradiates IR in a vertical direction. The operation of adjusting the IR irradiation angle so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area may include the operation of rotating the IR laser module along at least one axis including the X-axis and Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the operation of adjusting the IR irradiation angle so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area may include at least one of the following: an operation of rotating the IR laser module along the Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area when IR reflection is detected in the horizontal direction; and an operation of rotating the IR laser module along the X-axis and Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area when IR reflection is detected in the diagonal direction.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the IR emitter may include a 6-axis actuator that rotates the IR laser module along at least one axis including the X-axis and the Y-axis. The operation of adjusting the IR irradiation angle so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area may include the operation of driving the 6-axis actuator to rotate the IR laser module along at least one axis including the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the IR emitter may include an IR reflection module that reflects IR irradiated vertically within the IR emitter in a horizontal direction onto the projection surface. The operation of adjusting the IR irradiation angle so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area may include the operation of moving the IR reflection module along the Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the method of operation of the projector may be performed in response to an operation in which the power of the projector is turned on or an operation in which the movement of the projector is detected. The predetermined operation mode may be an operation mode in which the projector detects IR reflection caused by an object other than user touch in the IR irradiation area.

[0124] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a display device, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0125] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. For example, a component expressed in the singular should be understood as a concept including a plural component unless the context clearly implies only the singular. It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used in this document encompasses any possible combination of one or more of the listed items. Terms such as "comprising," "having," and "consisting of" used in this disclosure are intended merely to indicate the existence of the features, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and the use of such terms is not intended to exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. In this document, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0126] The terms “part” or “module” as used in the various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. The “part” or “module” may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, the “part” or “module” may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0127] In the various embodiments of this document, the term “in the case of” as used may be interpreted, depending on the context, to mean “when,” “at the time of,” or “in response to a decision,” or “in response to a detection.” Similarly, “in the case where it is determined,” or “in the case where it is detected,” may be interpreted, depending on the context, to mean “at the time of determination,” or “in response to a decision,” or “at the time of detection,” or “in response to a detection.”

[0128] The program executed by the projector (100) described in this document may be implemented as a hardware component, a software component, and / or a combination of a hardware component and a software component. The program may be executed by any system capable of executing computer-readable instructions.

[0129] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, and may configure a processing unit to operate as desired or command the processing unit independently or collectively. Software may be implemented as a computer program containing instructions stored on computer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random-Access Memory), floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROMs, DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs)). Computer-readable storage media may be distributed across networked computer systems, allowing computer-readable code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner. Computer programs may be distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0130] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. Regarding projectors, A projection unit that projects an image onto a projection surface; An IR emitter that generates an IR irradiation area in a horizontal direction on the projection surface above; At least one sensor for sensing the projection surface or the IR irradiation area; Memory for storing at least one instruction; and It includes at least one processor electrically connected to the projection unit, the IR emitter, the at least one sensor, and the memory, and executing the at least one instruction; The above-mentioned at least one processor is, Determining whether IR reflection is detected in the IR irradiation area in a predetermined operating mode, and A projector configured to control the projector to adjust the irradiation angle of the IR emitter or adjust the height of the IR emitter so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area when IR reflection is detected.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned at least one processor is, It is configured to determine the size and position of the projection screen area on the above projection surface; A projector, wherein the above IR irradiation area is an area that extends the above projection screen area by a predetermined margin length.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned at least one processor is, In the above predetermined operation mode, an area corresponding to the projection screen area among the IR irradiation areas where IR reflection is not detected is set as a user touch area, and A projector configured to detect user touch through IR reflection detection in the above-described user touch area.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned at least one processor is, A projector configured to detect IR reflection by detecting a luminance component greater than a predetermined threshold from an image in which the IR irradiation area is sensed by at least one sensor.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned at least one processor is, A projector configured to divide the above-mentioned IR irradiation area into a predetermined number of zones to determine the zone where IR reflection is detected and the direction in which IR reflection is detected.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above IR emitter includes an IR laser module that irradiates IR in a vertical direction and a 6-axis actuator that rotates the IR laser module along at least one axis including the X-axis and the Y-axis; The above-mentioned at least one processor is, A projector configured to control the 6-axis actuator to rotate the IR laser module along at least one axis including the X-axis and Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above-mentioned at least one processor is, If IR reflection is detected in the horizontal direction, control the 6-axis actuator to rotate the IR laser module along the Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area; A projector configured to control the 6-axis actuator to rotate the IR laser module along the X and Y axes so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area when IR reflection is detected in a diagonal direction.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above IR emitter includes an IR reflection module that reflects IR irradiated vertically inside the IR emitter in a horizontal direction onto the projection surface; The above-mentioned at least one processor is, A projector configured to control the IR reflection module to move the IR reflection module along the Y-axis so that IR reflection is not detected in the above IR irradiation area.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned at least one processor is, A projector configured to control the adjustment of the irradiation angle of the IR emitter in response to the operation of powering on the projector or the operation of detecting movement of the projector.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above predetermined operating mode is an operating mode for the projector to detect IR reflection by an object other than user touch in the IR irradiation area.

11. Regarding the method of operation of the projector, The action of irradiating IR to create an IR irradiation area in a horizontal direction on the projection surface; An operation to determine whether IR reflection is detected in the IR irradiation area in a predetermined operation mode; and A method comprising the operation of adjusting the irradiation angle of an IR emitter or adjusting the height of an IR emitter so that IR reflection is not detected in the IR irradiation area when IR reflection is detected.

12. In Paragraph 11, It further includes an operation to determine the size and position of the projection screen area on the projection surface; A method in which the above IR irradiation area is an area that extends the above projection screen area by a predetermined margin length.

13. In Paragraph 11, An operation of setting an area corresponding to a projection screen area among the IR irradiation areas where IR reflection is not detected in the above predetermined operation mode as a user touch area; and A method further comprising the operation of detecting a user touch through IR reflection detection in the user touch area set above.

14. In Paragraph 11, The operation of determining whether IR reflection is detected in the above IR irradiation area is A method comprising the operation of detecting IR reflection by detecting a luminance component greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold from an image in which the IR irradiation area is sensed by at least one sensor.

15. In Paragraph 11, The operation of adjusting the IR irradiation angle so that IR reflection is not detected in the above IR irradiation area is A method comprising the operation of dividing the above IR irradiation area into a predetermined number of zones and determining the zone where IR reflection is detected and the direction in which IR reflection is detected.

Images