US20030081182A1 - Image projection system and a method of controlling a projected pointer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image projection system whereby a display position of a pointer on a projected image can be easily controlled from a location separated from the main control means. The system comprises a liquid crystal projector, a personal computer for controlling the liquid crystal projector to display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an operation signal from a main operating section and a predetermined program, and a remote controller for the liquid crystal projector.

The remote controller comprises a pointing device and a light emitting portion for wirelessly transmitting an operation signal.

The liquid crystal projector comprises a light receiving portion for receiving wirelessly transmitted signals. The personal computer controls the liquid crystal projector to transfer the received signals to the personal computer and further controls the display position of the pointer according to the transferred pointing device operation signals.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0001]
• The present invention relates to an image projection system and a method of controlling a projected pointer.[0002]
• 2. Prior Art[0003]
• Multimedia presentation systems utilizing personal computers as the main control means are presently being developed and commercialized. As one example of such systems, a liquid crystal projector is controlled by a personal computer and the image from the personal computer is projected onto a screen using the liquid crystal projector.[0004]
• Since the same image as shown on the computer display is displayed as an enlarged image using the liquid crystal projector, this image projection system is highly suitable for conducting presentations before large audiences.[0005]
• In the case of the above mentioned image projection system, a mouse connected to the computer is operated for controlling the position of a pointer such as a cursor projected on the screen. However, during the course of the presentation, the presenter who is standing off the computer cannot easily change the position of the cursor. The presenter has to interrupt the presentation and walk to the computer and mouse in order to change the cursor position. This is inconvenient.[0006]
• Furthermore, a keyboard connected to the computer must be operated in order to perform functions regarding the liquid crystal projector display such as, page controlling, and this is also very inconvenient.[0007]
• One conventional approach to solve these problems is to provide a computer operator in addition to the presenter. However, this type of system operation is costly, and a smooth presentation cannot be conducted without close coordination between the presenter and computer operator.[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention recognizes these issues and one object of the invention is to provide an image projection system and a method of controlling a projected pointer, whereby the position of the pointer on the projected image can be easily controlled from a location separated from the main control means.[0009]
• Another object of the invention is to provide a projection system whereby the position of the pointer on the projected image can be stably controlled from a location separated from the main control means.[0010]
• Another object of the invention is to provide a projection system whose projecting means can be adjusted from a location separated from the main control means.[0011]
• Another object of the invention is to provide a projection system whose projecting means can be remotely and stably adjusted from every direction.[0012]
• In order to achieve the above mentioned objectives, the present invention comprises:[0013]
• a projecting means for projecting an image onto a desired display area;[0014]
• a main operating section including a main pointing device;[0015]
• a main control means for controlling the projecting means to display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an operation signal from the main operating section and a predetermined control program; and[0016]
• a remote controller for the projecting means; and[0017]
• the remote controller including a pointing device and a wireless transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting an operation signal;[0018]
• the projecting means including a wireless receiving means for receiving the operation signal from the remote controller; and[0019]
• is the main control means including:[0020]
• means for controlling the projecting means to transfer a received signal from the projecting means to the main control means; and[0021]
• a first detecting means for detecting an operation signal from the main pointing device of the main operating section and an operation signal from the pointing device of the remote controller via the projection means; and[0022]
• wherein the main control means gives priority to an operation signal from the main operating section when operation signals from different portions are received to control a position of the pointer.[0023]
• A method of controlling a projected pointer of an image projection system which comprises a projecting means for projecting an image onto a desired display area, a main operating section including a main pointing device, main control means for controlling the projecting means to display a pointer on the image projected by the projecting means in accordance with an operation signal from the main operating section and a predetermined control programs and a remote controller for wirelessly transmitting a remote control signal to the projecting means, comprising the steps of:[0024]
• wirelessly transmitting an operating signal from a pointing device of the remote controller to the projecting means;[0025]
• transferring the operating signal from the pointing device of the remote controller received by the projecting means to the main control means;[0026]
• detecting an operation signal from the main pointing device and an operation signal from the pointing device of the remote controller; and[0027]
• giving priority to an operation signal from the main pointing device when operation signals from different portions are received to control a position of the pointer.[0028]
• In the case of this invention, the main control means controls the projecting means on the bases of the operation signals from the main operating means and a predetermined control program to project the image in a desired display area.[0029]
• Examples of images that can be projected by the projecting means include an image produced by the main control means itself, and the playback video signals from a VTR, laser disk player and other video playback devices.[0030]
• During this operation, a position mark such as a cursor controlled by the main control means can be displayed in the projected image.[0031]
• In the case of this invention, the remote controller comprises a pointing device and wirelessly transmits the pointing device operation signals toward the projecting means. The projecting means transmits the received pointing device operation signals to the main control means and the main control means the positioning mark display position in the projected image display on the basis of the pointing device operation signals.[0032]
• As a result of this type of construction, an operator can freely control the display position of the position mark on the projected image by merely operating the pointing device of the hand-held remote controller.[0033]
• Consequently, when a system is constructed using a liquid crystal projector as the projecting means and a personal computer as the main control means, while using the liquid crystal projector to display, for example, an enlargement of an image produced by the personal computer, by operating the pointing device of the hand-held remote controller, a presenter can change the display position of the position mark (e.g., cursor) to match the progress of the presentation.[0034]
• Also, in the case of this type system, a main pointing device is often connected to the main control means for changing the display position of the cursor type position mark. Consequently, if a conflict occurs between the operations of the main and remote controller pointing devices, a problem arises regarding which of these has priority. According to this invention, in order to maintain system stability in event the above mentioned conflict occurs, the system is constructed whereby priority is assigned to the main pointing device operation signal for controlling the display position of the position mark.[0035]
• In a preferred embodiment of this invention, an application program for controlling the projecting means is installed, controls the projecting means in accordance with the application program and an operation signal from the operating section.[0036]
• As a result of this construction, even when a multi-media presentation system is constructed by using an application program on the market, a presenter can easily control the display position of the position mark on the projected image by merely operating the pointing device of the hand-held remote controller.[0037]
• Also, in the preferred embodiment of this invention, the remote controller further comprises operation keys to which operations of the main operation section are assigned, and[0038]
• wherein the main control means further comprises means for assigning operations of the main operation section to the operation keys and controls the projecting means in accordance with a signal transmitted by operating the operation keys.[0039]
• As a result of this construction, the user can input the same signals produced when operating the main operating stage by operating the operation keys provided on the hand-held remote controller. Consequently, the overall system can be used conveniently.[0040]
• Also, in the preferred embodiment of this invention, the main control means further comprises a second detecting means for detecting an operation signal from the remote controller and an operation signal from the main operation section, and gives priority to an operation signal from the main operating section when operation signals from different portions are received to control the projecting means.[0041]
• Consequently, in the case of a conflict between the input signals from the remote controller and keyboard, priority can be allocated to the input signal from the keyboard, thereby improving overall stability of the system.[0042]
• Also, in the preferred embodiment of this invention, the main control means further comprises a display and is formed as a personal computer with an application program; and[0043]
• wherein the main operating section further comprises a keyboard and a pointing device connected to the personal computer; and[0044]
• wherein the projecting means is controlled by the personal computer to project an image transmitted from the personal computer or image reproducing means.[0045]
• As a result of this construction, a commercially available personal computer and projector can be combined to comprise a multimedia presentation system using the projector to project a large picture.[0046]
• The present invention comprises:[0047]
• a projecting means for projecting an image including a pointer onto a desired display area;[0048]
• a remote controller having an operating portion including a pointing device for controlling a display position of the pointer, a lighting key and operation keys; and[0049]
• a main control means for controlling the projecting means according to an operation signal from the operating portion and a predetermined control program, and for controlling a display position of the pointer in accordance with an operation signal from the pointing device, and[0050]
• wherein the remote controller comprises an illuminating portion for illuminating the operating portion in accordance with operation of the lighting keys, and a lighting control portion for forcibly putting the illuminating portion off during operation of the pointing device.[0051]
• In the case of this invention, the lighting means lights to illuminate the operating means keys of the remote controller on the basis of lighted key lighting instructions. When the pointing device of the remote controller is then operated, the lighted lighting means is actively extinguished.[0052]
• In order to detect pointing device operation, the power consumption is temporarily increased and the power supply circuit voltage declines. As a result, the remote controller internal circuit can operate unstably and impair stable remote control operation.[0053]
• This type of problem is resolved by forcibly cutting of the lighting means when the pointing device is operated, thereby avoiding power supply circuit instability and enabling stable remote control.[0054]
• In the case of the preferred embodiment of this invention, the lighting means is forcibly extinguished during pointing device operation, then again lighted after completion of pointing device operation.[0055]
• In this invention, the lighting control portion goes into a sleep mode to accept no instructions from the lighting key when the pointing device of the remote controller is not operated for a predetermined period.[0056]
• Thus, when the pointing device of the remote controller is entirely unused for the predetermined time span, non-operation of the remote controller itself is interpreted and even if a lighting instruction is given by the lighted keys, the lighting means is forcibly maintained at off.[0057]
• As a result of this type construction, in event a lighted key is activated for some reason while the remove controller is not being used, the remote controller power consumption can be conserved. Consequently, a video projection system with long term stable remote control operation can be realized.[0058]
• In particular, since this invention utilizes a lighting means to forcibly cutoff the remote controller lighting function in conjunction with the pointing device operation, and a sleep function to conserve remote controller power consumption, stable circuit operation together with stable remote control can be realized.[0059]
• The present invention comprises:[0060]
• a projecting means for projecting an image including a pointer onto a desired display area;[0061]
• a remote controller having an operating portion including a pointing device for controlling a display position of the pointer and operation keys; and[0062]
• a main control means for controlling the projecting means according to an operation signal from the operating portion and a predetermined control program, and for controlling a display position of the pointer in accordance with an operation signal from the pointing device, and[0063]
• wherein the remote controller goes into a sleep mode to stop power supply to the pointing device, when the pointing device is inactive for a predetermined period.[0064]
• When the pointing device of the remote controller is entirely unused for the predetermined period, non-operation of the remote controller itself is interpreted, and the electric power supply to the pointing device of the remote controller, which consumes a lot of electric power, is forcibly cut off.[0065]
• As a result of this type construction, in event the pointing device is activated for some reason while the remove controller is not being used, the remote controller power consumption can be conserved. Consequently, a video projection system with long term stable remote control operation can be realized.[0066]
• Also, this invention comprises:[0067]
• a projecting means for projecting an image including a pointer onto a desired display area:[0068]
• a remote controller having an operating portion including a pointing device for controlling a display position of the pointer and operation keys; and[0069]
• a main control means for controlling the projecting means according to an operation signal from the operating portion and a predetermined control program, and for controlling a display position of the pointer in accordance with an operation signal from the pointing device, and[0070]
• wherein the remote controller transmits a signal for adjusting the projecting means by combining operations of the pointing device and the keys.[0071]
• As a result of this invention, adjustment signals are transmitted from the remote controller by combined operation of the pointing device and operating keys, thereby enabling the projecting means to be adjusted from a separated position.[0072]
• In particular, this invention is constructed whereby combined operation of the pointing device and keys transmits adjustment signals from the remote controller to the projecting means. Consequently, the projecting means can be effectively adjusted using a limited number of individual keys disposed on the remote controller[0073]
• In the case of a preferred embodiment of this invention, the pointing device and keys for combined operation of the operating section are disposed as mutually related groups.[0074]
• Further, the pointing device and keys for combination operation disposed on the operation portion have the same is color.[0075]
• As results of these combinations, the projecting means adjustment functions can be easily understood by the user and convenience is greatly enhanced.[0076]
• For example, by using the same color to designate a group of pointing device and keys, combined operation is easily comprehended by the user and can be performed easily.[0077]
• Also, the present invention comprises a projecting means for projecting an image onto a desired display area, and a remote controller for the projecting means;[0078]
• wherein the remote controller includes a wireless transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting an operation signal; and[0079]
• wherein the projecting means includes a plurality of wireless receiving means for receiving the operation signal which may be transmitted from different directions.[0080]
• As a result of this type construction, at any change of relative position between the remote controller and projecting means, signals are reliably transmitted from the remote controller toward the projecting means and stable remote control operation is enabled.[0081]
• Cases often arise during presentations wherein another person conducts part of the presentation, while the presenter moves to a different position and controls the projecting means using the remote controller. In these type of situations, even when the relative position of the remote controller held by the presenter and the projecting means changes, the present invention enables reliable transmission of the remote control signals toward the projector and stable remote control.[0082]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a descriptive drawing showing an example of a user operating a liquid crystal projector by means of a remote controller;[0083]
• FIG. 2 is a descriptive drawing showing the correspondence between a light emitting means for wireless transmission provided in the remote controller and light receiving means for wireless reception provided in the liquid crystal projector;[0084]
• FIG. 3 shows an example of a remote controller;[0085]
• FIG. 4 is an abbreviated descriptive drawing of an example of a video projection system according to this invention comprising a remote controller, liquid crystal projector and personal computer;[0086]
• FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the system shown in FIG. 4;[0087]
• FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of main components of the system shown in FIG. 5;[0088]
• FIG. 7 is an operation flow chart of the system shown in FIG. 6;[0089]
• FIG. 8 is a descriptive drawing of the assignment setting screen shown on the display.[0090]
• FIG. 9 is a descriptive drawing of the remote controller internal circuit;[0091]
• FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the remote controller lighting control operation;[0092]
• is FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the remote controller lighting control operation:[0093]
• FIG. 12 is a flow chart of the projector function adjustment operation procedure;[0094]
• FIG. 13 is a descriptive drawing indicating the projector function adjustment procedure using the remote controller;[0095]
• FIG. 14 is a flow chart of the projector function adjustment using the remote controller; and[0096]
• FIG. 15 is a descriptive drawing illustrating an example of a function adjustment screen displayed when using the projector.[0097]
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
• Following is a description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.[0098]
• FIG. 1 shows an example of a configuration when a projecting means comprising a[0099]liquid crystal projector10 is used to project a predetermined image from aprojector output12 to a desired display area, such as ascreen16. Theliquid crystal projector10 is constructed so as to enable connecting a plurality of video sources to the terminals thereof.
• In the case of the present embodiment, two video sources can be connected. A first video source terminal allows connecting a video signal supplied from a computer, and a second video source terminal allows connecting a video playback device such as a video deck, video camera and video disk player. By selecting the video source, the video signal from the computer and video playback device can be selected and projected as a large size picture on the[0100]screen16.
• Although the basic operations of the[0101]liquid crystal projector10 can be performed from the various operating facilities provided in the projector mainframe, in the case of this embodiment, theliquid crystal projector10 can also be remotely operated by using aremote controller20 for the projector.
• As shown in FIG. 2, an infrared light emitting means[0102]36 is provided at the end of theremote controller20 as a wireless transmitting means for transmitting operation signals to theprojector10.
• Wireless receiver means comprising infrared light receiver means[0103]14aand14brespectively having receiving ranges of 30 degrees left and right in the horizontal direction for a total of 60 degrees are disposed respectively on the front and rear panels of theliquid crystal projector10. Consequently, an operator can remotely operate theprojector10 from either the front or rear direction of theprojector10 by using theremote controller20.
• FIG. 3 shows an abbreviated plan view of the[0104]remote controller20.
• In order to remotely operate the[0105]liquid crystal projector10 when power is supplied, theremote controller20 comprises anoperating section400 having akey group22 comprising a plurality of buttons.
• The[0106]key group22 comprises buttons for standby22a,source select22b,audio volume adjustment22c,audio mute22d,freeze22e,brightness adjustment22f,light level22g,sync adjustment22h,andother functions24a,24band24c.
• When the standby button[0107]22ais pressed, theliquid crystal projector10 lamp lights and warmup begins. The display image is selected for the first or second source by operating the sourceselect button22b.The output sound volume from a speaker provided in theliquid crystal projector10 can be adjusted by operating the audio volume adjustbutton22c.The sound can be muted by pressing the audiomute button22d,and restored by again pressing the audiomute button22d.A still picture can be displayed by operating thefreeze button22e,and the still display mode can be released by again operating this button. The picture brightness can be adjusted by operating the brightness adjustbutton22f.When thelight level button22gis pressed, theremote controller20operating section400 lights for approximately 10 seconds, thus enabling easy operation in dark surroundings. Operating the sync adjustbutton22hallows adjusting for flickering or out of focus images for optimum clarity.
• Construction of the illumination mechanism for lighting the[0108]operating section400 according to the light level key22goperation is described later below.
• Except for the[0109]light level button22g,the same operations as thekey group22 are also provided in the liquid crystal projector mainframe.
• The[0110]remote controller20 enables performing the same operations as provided by the operating means of theliquid crystal projector10 from a separated location.
• As indicated in FIG. 4, in the case of this embodiment, the[0111]liquid crystal projector10,remote controller20 and apersonal computer40 functioning as the main control means can be combined to comprise a video projection system for multimedia presentations utilizing thepersonal computer40 for controlling theliquid crystal projector10.
• The[0112]personal computer40 comprises acomputer mainframe42, adisplay44, and akeyboard46 and amouse48 function as main operating portion connected to thecomputer mainframe42. Theliquid crystal projector10 andpersonal computer40mainframe42 are connected via a serial transmission line50 (RS-232C) for serial transmission of digital data.
• By constructing a system in this manner whereby the[0113]liquid crystal projector10 is directly operated from thecomputer40, when conducting a presentation using a system according to this embodiment, for example, not only theprojector10 adjustments such as picture brightness and sound volume, but also picture display control functions such as page advance, page reverse, and window open and close, can be performed without interrupting the presentation.
• A predetermined[0114]operating system100 andprojector10driver software110 are installed beforehand in thecomputer mainframe42 and stored in an internal memory. In addition, various types of application software are also installed in thecomputer mainframe42. In the case of this embodiment, application software for presentation use is installed.
• The[0115]driver software110 is a type of device driver. According to commands produced by theoperating program100 andapplication software120, thedriver software110 performs actual detailed processing and data transfer with respect to theliquid crystal projector10 in thecomputer40.
• In particular, the[0116]driver software110 is comprised so as to completely control theliquid crystal projector10 via theserial transmission line50. In practical terms, a completely different picture from theprojector10 image is displayed for adjustment on thedisplay44 of thecomputer40, while theliquid crystal projector10 brightness, sound volume and other adjustments are performed by theremote controller20 and the operation means provided in theprojector10 mainframe. These types of operations are performed by the operator using themouse48 andkeyboard46 to apply the required commands to thecomputer40.
• As mentioned above, when conducting a presentation or other program wherein[0117]application software120 for presentations is installed in thecomputer mainframe42 and theprojector10 is used to display an image for presentation on thescreen16, thepersonal computer40 operator operates predetermined keys of thekeyboard46 and operates themouse48 functioning as a pointing device to control the display position of the cursor or other indicator.
• In particular, when conducting a presentation wherein a cursor points to a part of the screen, the cursor is shifted to the required icon display position, and a command is selected, and when expanding or compressing a certain display area within the picture, and when opening another window within the picture, the[0118]mouse48 is normally used for controlling the cursor display position.
• Also, when inputting various commands, characters and other types of data to the[0119]personal computer40, the operator operates predetermined keys of thekeyboard46 according to requirements.
• Consequently, if a projection system combining a[0120]personal computer40 andprojector10 such as illustrated in FIG. 4 is adopted, the operator must be located near thepersonal computer40 in order to operate themouse48 andkeyboard46. As a result, the presenter conducting a presentation using theprojector10 must continually convey various instructions to the operator operating thepersonal computer40. In absence of an operator, the presenter must continually shift to thepersonal computer40 position and operate themouse48 andkeyboard46. In either of these cases, a smooth presentation cannot be conducted.
• In order to resolve this type of difficulty, the[0121]remote controller20 according to the present embodiment incorporates pointing device functions of themouse48 or other devices connected to thepersonal computer40 mainframe, and input functions for commands and data sent from themouse48 andkeyboard46.
• The[0122]remote controller20operating section400 example shown in FIG. 3 comprises a trackball means28 functioning as a pointing device, akey group22 and a button group24.
• The trackball means[0123]28 comprises a trackball28a,adrag button28band an opposing adjustbutton28c.Thecomputer mainframe42 with installeddriver software110 controlling theprojector10 was previously described.
• Operation signals transmitted wirelessly using[0124]infrared light200 from theremote controller20 directed toward theprojector10 are first transferred from theprojector10 to thecomputer mainframe42 via theserial transmission line50. Thecomputer mainframe42 then assigns the various functions with respect to theremote controller20 trackball means and key group. When an operation signal is input from theremote controller20, various computation processes are performed according to the functions assigned to the input signal.
• Subsequently, the[0125]projector10 control, image display control and other required computations and controls are performed.
• FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a video projection system according to the present embodiment.[0126]
• As mentioned above, the[0127]remote controller20 includes a trackball means28 and operationkey group22. Asignal processor34 is used to convert these signals into digital signals sent wirelessly viainfrared light200 from the infrared transmitter means36 to theprojector10.
• The[0128]projector10 comprises amain projector mechanism64 performing the basic operations as a projector, acomputation controller62 comprising a CPU and memory for controlling themain projector mechanism64, asignal processor60 for processing the signals from theremote controller20 received by an infrared receiver means14 and converting these into electrical signals supplied to thecomputation controller62, and an I/O interface66 for connection to external equipment.
• When the[0129]projector10 is under the control of thepersonal computer40, thecomputation controller62 transfers the operation signals from theremote controller20 received by the infrared receiver means14 to thepersonal computer40 via the I/O interface66 andserial transmission line50. In addition, themain projector mechanism64 and other locations controlled on the bases of various control signal inputs from thepersonal computer40 via theserial transmission line50 and I/O interface66.
• The[0130]computer mainframe42 of thepersonal computer40 comprises a maincomputation control circuit70 comprising a CPU and other circuits, amemory76 comprising RAM, ROM and other circuits for storing theapplication software120,driver software110,operating system100 programs and other required data, and I/O interfaces72 and74 for performing external connections.
• The main[0131]computation control circuit70 processes theremote controller20 operation signals transferred via theprojector10 in the same manner as themouse48 andkeyboard46 comprising themain operating portion52, and performs various computation control operations.
• In the case of this embodiment, the operation signals of the trackball means[0132]28 andmouse48 are processed in the same manner. Also, the commands and key operations assigned to the operationkey group22, and the corresponding commands from themouse48 andkeyboard46, and the corresponding key inputs from thekeyboard46 are processed in the same manner.
• In event a conflict occurs between the operation signals from the[0133]remote controller20 and the operation signals from thekeyboard46 andmouse48 comprising the main operating portion52 (for example, a conflict between the operations of the trackball means28 and mouse48), the signals from theremote controller20 are disregarded and priority is given to the operation signals from themain operating portion52. The reason for this configuration is because application software for presentations is generally composed on the concept of operating a main operating means52 comprising amouse48 andkeyboard46 directly connected to thepersonal computer40, and not from the viewpoint of signals from aremote controller20. Consequently, overall system stability can be increased by assigning processing priority to operation signals from the main operating means52.
• As a result of this embodiment,[0134]personal computer40 operations which ordinarily needed to be performed by means of a directly connectedmouse48 andkeyboard46 can be easily performed by means of a hand-heldremote controller20. Moreover, a multimedia presentation using a system comprising aprojector10 andpersonal computer40 can be efficiently and smoothly conducted.
• In particular, the pointing device function for controlling a cursor position is an extremely important factor in various types of application software. By providing this type of pointing device function in the[0135]remote controller20, presentations using theprojector10 can be performed very smoothly.
• FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a[0136]computer mainframe42 comprising amemory76 and maincomputation control circuit70. Thecomputer mainframe42 according to this embodiment comprises an assigningmeans80, a detector means86 and a computation control means86.
• FIG. 7 shows an abbreviated flow chart of the assignment setting operation for the[0137]remote controller20 trackball means28 and operationkey group22.
• The programmable mode for performing assignments can be set by operating the[0138]keyboard46 andmouse48 connected to the computer mainframe42 (Step S10).
• When the programmable mode is set, an assignment setting screen such as indicated in FIG. 8 is displayed on the[0139]personal computer40display44 and projected from theprojector10. Icons for respective buttonskey set310,key help312, execute314 and button test are displayed at the top of the screen.
• At the bottom of the screen, a[0140]program assignment box330 showing the present assignments for the remote controller operating means320 and other operating means is displayed.
• In this state, the assignment enable mode is set by shifting the cursor at the top of the screen to the[0141]key set button310 icon and clicking (step S12). By then shifting the cursor to the required operating button of the operating meansdisplay320 and clicking, the corresponding button is highlighted and the corresponding button within theprogram assignment box330 is displayed. In the FIG. 8 example, buttons forpage return24c,page advance24d,drag28band the pair of adjustbuttons28care shown selected for respective assignments.
• After selecting the buttons in this manner, the various functions are assigned to the selected buttons. In this example, the[0142]mouse48 functions such as click and drag are assigned to the five selected buttons.
• Also, according to requirements, page advance, page return and other commands, macros (maximum 32 keystrokes and mouse command sequence) and other key inputs can be assigned. By setting in this manner, a required program can be opened by simply pressing corresponding buttons of the[0143]remote controller20 during the presentation.
• The[0144]keyboard46, for example, can be used for assigning these types of functions.
• After completing assignments, by shifting the cursor to the execute[0145]button314 position and selecting this button, thecomputer mainframe42 is set to the check mode (step S14). AS a result, the various functions using theremote controller20 assigned in the assignment enable mode (step S12) can be executed.
• Afterwards, when the[0146]test button316 is selected, a text screen appears in the display and projector screens indicating the keystrokes assigned to theremote controller20 buttons, whereupon the user can check whether or not the assignments were correctly performed by observing the screen display.
• If a setting error is noted at this time, it is sufficient to return to step S[0147]10 and change the assignment as required. Conversely, in order to confirm the assignments were correctly performed (step S18), again operate thetest button316 to release the test mode, whereupon the assignment operation with respect to theremote controller20 is completed.
• The data assigned to each key are stored in an assigned data memory means[0148]84. Afterwards, on the basis of the input signal from the remote controller, the assignment setting means82 converts the data into a signal expressing the assignment function corresponding to the input signal sent to the detector means86. For example, at the operation signal inputs frombuttons24band24c,the operation signals are converted intomouse48 click and drag signals, and sent to the detector means86. The assignment functions corresponding is to themouse48 operation with respect to theremote controller20 trackball means28aare stored beforehand in the assigned data memory means84.
• Consequently, when the trackball means[0149]28ais moved up, down, left and right, and the corresponding signals are sent from theremote controller20 to the assignment setting means82, the assignment setting means82 converts these intomouse48 operation signals for supply to the detector means86. As a result of this operation, by operating theremote controller20, the same operation signals as themouse48 andkeyboard46 are sent to thecomputer mainframe42, thereby enabling control of thecomputer mainframe42.
• The function of the detector means[0150]86 indicated in FIG. 6 is described as follows. A signal input applied from the assignment setting means82 is compared with an input signal from the main operating means52 comprising themouse48 andkeyboard46. The detector means86 then detects whether or not there is a conflict with respect to the inout from theremote controller20. In absence of a conflict, the present input signal is sent directly to the computation control means88. For example, when a signal input is supplied only from theremote controller20 while an input signal from themouse48 andkeyboard46 is absent, the input signal is supplied directly to the computation control means88. Conversely, if there is a conflict between the signals from themain operating portion52 andremote controller20, only the input signal from themain operating portion52 is sent to the computation control means88 and recognition of the signal from theremote controller20 is denied. As a result, the overall system stability can be increased as mentioned above.
• The computation control means[0151]88 computes the control signal in accordance with the selected input signal via the detector means86 and the above mentionedcomputation control programs100,110 and120 for supply to theprojector10, and computes each type of video signal for supply to thedisplay44 andprojector10. In addition, the computation control means88 computes and supplies the projector control signal output in accordance with the input signal from theprojector10.
• As a result of this embodiment, by using remote control signals from a[0152]remote controller20 ordinarily designed for a projector, acomputer mainframe42 can be operated in the same manner as from signals from amouse48 andkeyboard46, and theprojector10 can be controlled with respect to thecomputer mainframe42.
• In particular, in the case of the present system, since various functions are assigned to the[0153]remote controller20 used for controlling theprojector10 for controlling thepersonal computer40, the computer can be directly operated by using theremote controller20. As a result, an extremely easy to use video projection system for multimedia presentations can be comprised using aprojector10 andpersonal computer40.
• Following is a description of the[0154]remote controller20 lighting mechanism according to this embodiment.
• When the[0155]light level button22gis set to on, theoperating section400 of theremote controller20 lights for a predetermined period of time. Therefore, the operating issection400 comprises a plurality of buttons and a trackball28adisposed on asemi-transparent substrate402, and a plurality of illuminating LEDs disposed at the rear of thesubstrate402 for illuminating theoperating section400.
• FIG. 9 shows the circuit construction of the[0156]remote controller20 lighting mechanism.
• The[0157]remote controller20 comprises areplaceable battery410, anoperation detector420 detecting operation of the trackball28a,anoperation switch matrix430 detecting operation ofrespective button groups24 and28, aCPU440 controlling the overall remote controller, illuminatingLEDs450 disposed at the rear of thesubstrate402 and illuminating theoperating section400, and a light emitting means36 comprising a transmittingLED36a.
• The[0158]CPU400 controls a transistor Q1 to drive the transmittingLED36ato wirelessly transmit remote control signals usinginfrared light200 from the light emitting means36 toward theprojector10.
• In addition, the[0159]CPU440 detects thelight level button22goperation on the basis of a signal from theoperation switch matrix430 and switches transistor Q2 on to light theillumination LED group450 for a predetermined period of time.
• Also, the[0160]operation detector420 detects trackball28aoperation and sends a detection signal to theCPU440. As a result, theCPU440 wirelessly transmits the trackball28aoperation signal toward the projector via the transmittingLED36a.
• When the[0161]operation detector420 detects the trackball28aoperation, the power consumption increases. Consequently, the voltage temporarily declines in theremote controller20 circuit due to using asmall capacity battery410, thereby presenting a risk of overall circuit operating instability. In order to prevent this occurrence, theCPU440 forcibly switches off transistor Q2 when theoperation detector420 detects trackball operation in order to extinguish theillumination LED group450. As a result, power supply circuit instability during trackball28aoperation can be avoided and reliable remote control operation can be achieved.
• In addition, when a signal input from the operation detector is absent for a predetermined length of time (15 minutes in the present example), the[0162]CPU440 shifts to a sleep mode whereby lighting commands from thelight level button22gare not recognized. Thus, when the trackball28ais completely inactive for 15 minutes, non-operation of theremote controller20 is interpreted and power consumption of theremote controller20 is conserved by operating the lighting function in the sleep mode.
• In addition, when a signal input from the[0163]operation detector420 is absent for a predetermined length of time, theCPU440 shifts to a sleep mode whereby the electric power supply from thebattery410 to theoperation detector420 is forcibly cut off in order to put the trackball into sleep. The electric power is again supply to theoperation detector420 when any one of the operation keys is operated. As a result of this, electric power consumption of theremote controller20 is conserved during theremote controller20 is not operated even when the trackball28ais operated by mistake.
• FIG. 10 indicates a flow chart of the circuit light level control operation.[0164]
• When the[0165]remote controller20 light level button is set to on (step S30), transistor Q2 is switched on (step S32) and controls theillumination LED group450 lighting. As a result, theoperating section400 is lit from the rear of thesemi-transparent substrate402, thereby enabling easy operation even in darkened surroundings.
• Simultaneously with control of the illuminating[0166]LED group450 lighting, theCPU440 internal lighting timer starts (step S34) and after 10 seconds elapse (step S44), transistor Q2 is controlled to automatically extinguish the illumination LED group450 (step S46).
• Also, pressing either one of the[0167]buttons24 and28 while theillumination LED group450 is lighted (step S36) resets the lighting timer (step S34). As a result, lighting of theoperating section400 continues only when either of these buttons is operated.
• When the trackball[0168]28ais operated during lighting (step S38), transistor Q2 is automatically switched off, thereby forcibly extinguishing theillumination LED group450. Afterwards, when the trackball28aoperation stops, transistor Q2 switches on to thereby resumeLED group450 lighting.
• Therefore, during trackball[0169]28aoperation, which consumes a large amount of power, theillumination LED group450 is forcibly cutoff, thereby minimizingbattery410 voltage decline and enabling stable remote control operation.
• FIG. 11 shows a flow chart of the sleep function according to this embodiment.[0170]
• In complete absence of[0171]operating section400 operation, theCPU440 assumes a stand-by mode (step S50). When any button is operated (step S52), transistor Q3 switches on (step S64) and theCPU440 timer starts (step S56).
• At a trackball[0172]28aoperation signal input during timer operation, theCPU440 transmits this signal using transmittingLED36a(step S60) and restarts the timer (step S56).
• Also, in complete absence of a trackball[0173]28aoperating signal input for 15 minutes after timer start (step S62), transistor Q3 is forcibly switched off (step S64) and the stand-by mode is produced (step566). In the stand-by mode, even if the light level button is operated, the operation signal is not recognized by theCPU440.
• In this manner, if the trackball[0174]28aof theremote controller20 is completely inoperative for 15 minutes, absence of remote controller operation is interpreted and the sleep mode is produced wherein theillumination LED group450 light commands are disregarded, thereby enabling conservation of theremote controller20 power consumption.
• As described above, according to the present embodiment, the lighting function of the[0175]remote controller20illumination LED group450 is forcibly cutoff in conjunction with the trackball28aoperation and sleep operation is produced, thereby both conserving theremote controller20 power consumption and enabling stable circuit operation.
• Also, the[0176]remote controller20 is provided withprojector10 adjustment functions.
• The[0177]projector10 according to this embodiment comprises an adjustment operating section (not shown in the figures) whereby operating the facilities such as menu and select buttons of this adjustment operating section, can select and display predetermined menu screens such as indicated by the flow chart of FIG. 12. While a desired menu screen is displayed, adjustment is performed by operating predetermined adjustment buttons corresponding to adjustment items displayed on the screen.
• In the case of this example, following are among the functions adjusted by referring to the respective menu screens.[0178]
• Computer menu screen: screen brightness and contrast;[0179]
• Video menu screen: red, blue and green;[0180]
• Display menu screen: tracking and signal format;[0181]
• Sound menu screen: volume, and left and right balance;[0182]
• Option menu screen: input source select and language; and[0183]
• Custom menu screen: program button function assignment and switching.[0184]
• The[0185]remote controller20operating section400 also comprises functions for adjusting theprojector10. In the case of thepresent example projector10 adjustments using theremote controller20 are mainly performed by combined operation of amenu button22j,select button22eandtrackball section28. As indicated in FIG. 3, in order to enable the user to visually distinguish the adjustment functions of thebuttons22jand22e,and thetrackball section28, uniform colors identify therespective areas402j,402eand404 of thesubstrate402 where thebuttons22j,22eandtrackball section28 are disposed.
• Following is a description of[0186]projector10 adjustment using theremote controller20 with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.
• Press the[0187]remote controller20menu button22j,then operate theselect button22jto select a desired menu screen from among four menu screens. Themenu button22jandselect button22eoperation signals are wirelessly transmitted from theremote controller20 to theprojector10. On the bases of these received signals, theprojector10 operates in the same manner as when operating the adjustment mechanism provided in the projector itself.
• In order to simplify the description, an example of selecting the computer menu screen, indicated in FIG. 15, is described below.[0188]
• FIG. 13 illustrates the remote controller operating procedure for selecting a desired item from the computer menu screen and adjusting the corresponding function. A flow chart of the procedure is shown in FIG. 14.[0189]
• When the FIG. 15 computer menu is selected, the Bright adjustment item of the menu is initially highlighted, thereby indicating this function has been selected for adjustment.[0190]
• To select another function item, the user operated the trackball[0191]28aas indicated in FIG. 13A. Theprojector10 receives the operating signal and sequentially shifts the function items in response to the trackball operation (steps S70 and S72). When the desired item has been selected, the user stops trackball operation and uses the left and right adjustbuttons28cand28cto adjust the function as shown in FIG. 13B. Pressing the plus button increases the adjustment value and pressing the minus button decreases the adjustment value, as indicated by the graphic display (steps S74 and S78).
• By repeating this procedure of selecting a desired function item and adjusting the selected function item, each function item can be adjusted in sequence.[0192]
• After completing the adjustments of the computer menu screen, the next menu screen can be selected by simply operating the[0193]select button22e(steps S80 and S82). By repeatedly operating the select button a desired number or times, the menu screens are selected and displayed according to the flow chart of FIG. 12. To then adjust selected function items within a selected menu screen, merely perform in the same manner as steps S70-S78 indicated in FIG. 14.
• When all function adjustments have been completed, press the[0194]remote controller20menu button22j(step S84) to thereby end the menu display (step S86).
• As described above, the system according to the present embodiment enables adjusting the[0195]projector10 functions by using theremote controller20. In particular, the buttons andtrackball section28 used for combined operation of theremote controller20 are designated by the same colors on the substrate and since the relationships are easily identified visually, usage is rendered highly convenient.
• The foregoing description does not limit the present invention and numerous variations are possible within the scope of this invention.[0196]
• For example, the above description related to an example of using this invention for a presentation system. However, this invention can also be applied to numerous other types of systems as required, for example, teaching systems conveying lessons from instructor to students and systems for various types of seminars, in addition to sales demonstration systems and others.[0197]
• An example of using infrared light for wireless transmission between the[0198]remote controller20 andprojector10 was also described. However, other methods, such as various types of radio signals, can also be used as required.
• The description also related to an example of using a[0199]projector10 as the projection stage. However, this invention can also be applied to numerous other types of projection devices, such as overhead projectors.
• The description also mentioned an example of using a trackball as the pointing device for the[0200]remote controller20. However, various other types of pointing devices can also be used for the remote controller according to requirements.

Claims (15)

What is claimed is:

1. An image projection system comprising:

a projecting means for projecting an image onto a desired display area;

a main operating section including a main pointing device;

a main control means for controlling the projecting means to display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an operation signal from said main operating section and a predetermined control program; and

a remote controller for said projecting means; and

said remote controller including a pointing device and a wireless transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting an operation signal;

said projecting means including a wireless receiving means for receiving said operation signal from said remote controller; and

said main control means including:

means for controlling said projecting means to transfer a received signal from said projecting means to said main control means; and

a first detecting means for detecting an operation signal from said main pointing device of said main operating section and an operation signal from said pointing device of said remote controller via said projection means; and

wherein said main control means gives priority to an operation signal from said main operating section when operation signals from different portions are received to control a position of said pointer.

2. The image projection system according toclaim 1 wherein said main control means, in which an application program for controlling said projecting means is installed, controls said projecting means in accordance with said application program and an operation signal from said operating section.

3. The image projection system according toclaim 1,

wherein said remote controller further comprises operation keys to which operations of said main operation section are assigned, and

wherein said main control means further comprises means for assigning operations of said main operation section to said operation keys and controls said projecting means in accordance with a signal transmitted by operating said operation keys.

4. The image projection system according toclaim 2,

wherein said remote controller further comprises operation keys to which operations of said main operation section are assigned, and

wherein said main control means further comprises means for assigning operations of said main operation section to said operation keys and controls said projecting means in accordance with a signal transmitted by operating said operation keys.

5. The image projection system according toclaim 3,

wherein said main control means further comprises a second detecting means for detecting an operation signal from said remote controller and an operation signal from said main operation section, and gives priority to an operation signal from said main operating section when operation signals from different portions are received to control said projecting means.

6. The image projection system according toclaim 4,

wherein said main control means further comprises a second detecting means for detecting an operation signal from said remote controller and an operation signal from said main operation section, and gives priority to an operation signal from said main operating section when operation signals from different portions are received to control said projecting means.

7. The image projection system according toclaim 1,

wherein said main control means further comprises a display and is formed as a personal computer with an application program; and

wherein said main operating section further comprises a keyboard and a pointing device connected to said personal computer; and

wherein said projecting means is controlled by said personal computer to project an image transmitted from said personal computer or image reproducing means.

8. A method of controlling a projected pointer of an image projection system which comprises a projecting means for projecting an image onto a desired display area, a main operating section including a main pointing device, main control means for controlling said projecting means to display a pointer on the image projected by said projecting means in accordance with an operation signal from said main operating section and a predetermined control program, and a remote controller for wirelessly transmitting a remote control signal to said projecting means, comprising the steps of:

wirelessly transmitting an operating signal from a pointing device of said remote controller to said projecting means;

transferring said operating signal from said pointing device of said remote controller received by said projecting means to said main control means;

detecting an operation signal from said main pointing device and an operation signal from said pointing device of said remote controller; and

giving priority to an operation signal from said main pointing device when operation signals from different portions are received to control a position of said pointer.

9. An image projection system comprising:

a projecting means for projecting an image including a pointer onto a desired display area;

a remote controller having an operating portion including a pointing device for controlling a display position of said pointer, a lighting key and operation keys; and

a main control means for controlling said projecting means according to an operation signal from said operating portion and a predetermined control program, and for controlling a display position of said pointer in accordance with an operation signal from said pointing device, and

wherein said remote controller comprises an illuminating portion for illuminating said operating portion in accordance with operation of said lighting keys, and a lighting control portion for forcibly putting said illuminating portion off during operation of said pointing device.

10. The image projection system according toclaim 9, wherein said lighting control portion goes into a sleep mode to accept no instructions from said lighting key when said pointing device of said remote controller is inactive for a predetermined period.

11. An image projection system comprising:

a projecting means for projecting an image including a pointer onto a desired display area;

a remote controller having an operating portion including a pointing device for controlling a display position of said pointer and operation keys; and

a main control means for controlling said projecting means according to an operation signal from said operating portion and, a predetermined control program, and for controlling a display position of said pointer in accordance with an operation signal from said pointing device, and

wherein said remote controller transmits a signal for adjusting said projecting means by combining operations of said pointing device and said keys.

12. The image projection system according toclaim 11, wherein said pointing device and keys for combination operation are disposed closely for convenience on said operation portion.

13. The image projection system according toclaim 12, wherein said pointing device and keys for combination operation disposed on said operation portion have the same color.

14. An image projection system comprising a projecting means for projecting an image onto a desired display area, and a remote controller for said projecting means;

wherein said remote controller includes a wireless transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting an operation signal; and

wherein said projecting means includes a plurality of wireless receiving means for receiving said operation signal which may be transmitted from different directions.

15. An image projection system comprising:

a projecting means for projecting an image including a pointer onto a desired display area;

a remote controller having an operating portion including a pointing device for controlling a display position of said pointer and operation keys; and

a main control means for controlling said projecting means according to an operation signal from said operating portion and a predetermined control program, and for controlling a display position of said pointer in accordance with an operation signal from said pointing device, and

wherein said remote controller goes into a sleep mode to stop power supply to said pointing device, when said pointing device is inactive for a predetermined period.

Images