JP2005328481A - Projector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a projector which is capable of easily displaying contents of various media as a projector and further reducing the burden of a user. <P>SOLUTION: There are provided reproduction means (101, 103) for reproducing at least a video signal from a DVD 1; scaling means (109, 114) for inputting the video signal reproduced from the DVD 1, deciding the number of longitudinal and lateral pixels from contents of the video signal, and automatically performing scaling so that the video of the DVD 1 becomes an optimal display for an aspect ratio of the number of output pixels of a projector (so that a video area can be maximum for an output video while keeping the aspect ratio of DVD video with the roundness of "1", for example); a display element 117 for displaying the scaled video and modulating light from a light source 118 using the video; and an optical projection system 119 for projecting video light from the display element 117. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a projector with a built-in playback function for an optical disc such as a DVD.

  Conventionally, an optical image is formed by irradiating light emitted from a light source lamp to a light valve such as a liquid crystal panel displaying image information, and the optical image is projected onto a screen surface by a projection lens. Projection devices) are known.

  Such a projector is used in front of a large number of people such as a conference, an academic society, and an exhibition, and a presentation can be performed by connecting a computer or the like to the projector and displaying an enlarged image of the computer or the like on a screen.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image projection system that includes an image projection unit having a plurality of projectors and divides and displays high-definition image data created and output by a personal computer for each projector.
JP-A-9-326981

  In recent years, such projectors project personal computer images onto a screen, increase the contents to be displayed, such as DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) images, digital still camera photo images, and video camera tape images. It is coming.

In addition to the business use up to now, the use of a projector as a home theater has increased recently.
On the other hand, when a DVD player is connected to the projector from the outside, the language used, the screen size, etc. must be set according to the contents of the DVD, which puts a burden on the user.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a projector that can easily display contents of various media as a projector and can reduce the burden on the user.

The projector according to the present invention is
Reproduction means for reproducing at least the video signal recorded on the optical disc;
The video signal from the playback means is input, the number of vertical and horizontal pixels is determined from the content of the video signal, and the video on the optical disc is automatically displayed in an optimum display with respect to the aspect ratio of the number of output pixels of the projector. A scaling means for scaling with
A display element that displays the image scaled by the scaling means and modulates light from the light source by the image.

Here, the scaling means is
Aspect ratio comparison means for comparing the aspect ratio of the optical disc with the aspect ratio of the number of output pixels of the projector,
As a result of the comparison by the aspect ratio comparison means, if the two aspect ratios are different, the scaler automatically performs scaling so that the video area is maximized with respect to the output video while maintaining the aspect ratio of the video on the optical disc. And.

The projector according to the present invention is
Playback means for playing back at least the video signal and caption data recorded on the optical disc;
Setting means for automatically setting a playback language (subtitles, audio, etc.) at the time of optical disc playback based on the language setting content preset in the projector;
A synthesizing unit that synthesizes subtitle data expressed in the reproduction language set by the setting unit with the video signal reproduced by the reproducing unit;
And a display element that displays a composite image from the combining means and modulates light from a light source by the image.

Here, the setting means includes
Optical disc language confirmation means for confirming whether the language set by the projector is included in the languages supported by the optical disc,
When the optical disc language confirmation means confirms that the language set by the projector is included, the optical disc playback language includes language setting means for applying the language set by the projector to the optical disc playback language. And

Furthermore, the projector according to the present invention is
Playback means for playing back at least the video signal and caption data recorded on the optical disc;
A setting means for finding a blank area from the projection screen of the projector and setting a subtitle display position in the blank area;
Synthesizing means for synthesizing the caption data at the caption display position set by the setting means with respect to the video signal reproduced by the reproducing means;
And a display element that displays a composite image from the combining means and modulates light from a light source by the image.

Here, the setting means includes
A blank area detection means for confirming the existence of a blank area where no image is displayed in the projector projection screen;
Subtitle display position setting means for automatically setting a subtitle display position in the blank area when the blank area detecting means confirms that a blank area exists.

Furthermore, the projector according to the present invention is
Playback means for playing back at least the video signal and caption data recorded on the optical disc;
First setting means for automatically setting a playback language at the time of optical disc playback based on the contents of language settings preset in the projector;
A second setting means for finding a blank area from the projection screen of the projector and setting a subtitle display position in the blank area;
The video signal from the playback means is input, the number of vertical and horizontal pixels is determined from the content of the video signal, and the video on the optical disc is automatically displayed in an optimum display with respect to the aspect ratio of the number of output pixels of the projector. A scaling means for scaling with
With respect to the video signal scaled by the scaling means, the caption data represented by the reproduction language set by the first setting means is displayed at the caption display position set by the second setting means. A synthesis means to synthesize,
And a display element that displays a composite image from the combining means and modulates light from a light source by the image.

  The present invention is a projector with a built-in optical disc playback function, so that it can support a wide range of optical disc media such as DVDs and CDs, and automatically sets or projects the language used and the screen size used during optical disc playback. By automatically setting the caption display position in the blank area on the screen, the burden on the user is reduced.

  According to the present invention, a projector having an optical disk playback function is configured, and the language (caption, audio, etc.) and screen size used during optical disk playback are automatically set, or the subtitle display position is set in the blank area in the projection screen. By automatically setting, the burden on the user (setting effort) can be reduced.

Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the present invention is applied to a projector that uses a DVD as an optical disk and has a DVD playback function.

First, the configuration of a projector having a DVD playback function will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a projector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a projector 100 is a projection device that reproduces video data, audio data, and caption data recorded on a DVD 1 and enlarges and projects them on a screen (not shown), and a DVD slot unit 101 that constitutes a DVD reading unit. A demodulation / error correction unit 102, an MPEG decoder 103 constituting a DVD data reading unit, a video signal processing unit 107, an audio processing unit 108, a scaler 109, an external video input terminal 110, and a built-in speaker 111. , An audio output terminal 112, an operation unit 113, a control unit 114, a memory 115, a drive circuit 116, a display element 117, a light source 118, and a projection optical system 119.

  The DVD slot portion 101 constitutes a reading means for optically reading data recorded on the DVD 1. The spindle motor for rotating the DVD 1 and the DVD 1 are irradiated with light and the reflected light is received. Thus, an optical pickup for reading data recorded on the DVD 1 and a servo mechanism for controlling the rotation of the spindle motor and the irradiation position of the optical pickup are provided. The DVD slot unit 101 and the demodulation / error correction unit 102 together with an MPEG decoder 103 described later constitute a reproducing unit.

  The MPEG decoder 103 constitutes a DVD data reading unit. The MPEG decoder 103 receives the MPEG data demodulated and error-corrected by the demodulation / error correction unit 102 and decodes the video data, and the demodulation / error correction. MPEG data demodulated and error-corrected by the unit 102 and decoding audio data, and MPEG data demodulated and error-corrected by the demodulator / error correcting unit 102 and subtitle data And a sub-picture decoder 106 for decoding the video signal, and outputting a video signal, an audio signal, and caption data.

  The audio data decoded by the MPEG decoder 103 is output to an internal speaker 111 or an external speaker (not shown) via an external audio processing unit 108, and the video data decoded by the MPEG decoder 103 is output to a video signal processing unit. The data is output to the scaler 109 via 107. The caption data decoded by the MPEG decoder 103 is output to the scaler 109.

  The video signal processing unit 107 performs input switching between the video signal decoded by the MPEG decoder 103 and an external input video signal from the external video input terminal 110, level conversion of the video signal, and the like.

  The audio processing unit 108 receives the audio signal decoded by the MPEG decoder 103, amplifies the audio, and outputs the amplified audio signal to the internal speaker 111 or the audio output terminal 112 for connecting an external speaker. An external speaker (not shown) is connected to the audio output terminal 112.

  The scaler 109 receives the video signal output from the video signal processing unit 107, determines the number of vertical and horizontal pixels from the content of the video signal (that is, can determine the aspect ratio of the DVD video), and outputs the projector. The DVD1 video is optimally displayed with respect to the aspect ratio of the number of pixels (for example, the roundness ratio = 1, and the video area is maximized with respect to the output video while maintaining the aspect ratio of the DVD video) ) Scaling automatically.

  Specifically, the scaler 109 displays a DVD image having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 on the display element 117 having an output pixel number aspect ratio of 16: 9 in comparison with the output pixel number of the display element 117. Interpolate the number of pixels of DVD video so that the aspect ratio of 4: 3 is maintained (that is, to maintain a perfect circle) when the number of pixels of the video is small for optimal display both vertically and horizontally Pixel data is generated accordingly. On the contrary, when the number of pixels of the DVD video is larger than the number of output pixels of the display element 117, the number of pixels is reduced by interpolation so as to reduce the number of pixels of the DVD video. .

  The scaler 109 is input with the caption data decoded by the MPEG decoder 103, and is expressed in the playback language set by the first setting function of the control unit 114 for the scaled video signal. Subtitle data is synthesized, or the scaled video signal is synthesized with subtitle data at the subtitle display position set by the second setting function of the control unit 114, or the scaled video signal is In addition, a synthesis function for synthesizing the caption data expressed in the playback language set by the first setting function of the control unit 114 at the caption display position set by the second setting function is provided. As the subtitle display position, a lower portion of the screen in the projection screen of the processor or a non-video blank area described later is selected. Note that the synthesis function in the scaler 109 may be configured as a synthesis circuit separate from the scaler 109.

  The operation unit 113 includes a key input unit on the operation panel of the projector body or a key input unit of a remote control transmitter. For example, a reproduction start key, a reproduction stop key, a title to be reproduced, etc. ) And a menu key for displaying a menu screen for performing various settings and selections of the projector.

  The control unit 114 includes a microcontroller (microcomputer), and includes arithmetic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory) and a storage circuit. The control unit 114 performs overall control of the projector 100 and performs control for performing various settings and comparisons. For example, control such as automatic scaling described later, automatic setting of the subtitle display language, and automatic setting of the subtitle display position in the blank area is performed.

  Specifically, the control unit 114 refers to the aspect ratio comparison function for comparing the aspect ratio of the DVD video with the aspect ratio of the number of output pixels of the projector, the language setting preset in the projector, and the playback during DVD playback. A first setting function for automatically setting a language (caption, audio, etc.), a second setting function for finding a blank area from the projection screen of the projector, and setting a caption display position in the blank area are provided.

The memory 115 is configured by a non-volatile memory or the like that stores the contents set by the control unit 114, and the previous setting contents (language setting and the like) are stored even after the projector power is turned off.
The drive circuit 116 inputs the scaled video signal and the synchronization signal from the scaler 109 and drives the display element 117.

The display element 117 is configured by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel, displays a scaled image, and modulates light from the light source 118 by the image.
The projection optical system 119 includes a projection lens and enlarges and projects the image light from the display element 117 on a screen (not shown).

  In the following description, it is assumed that the aspect ratio (aspect ratio) of the number of pixels of the display element 117 is 16: 9, for example.

  Next, the operation of the projector 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, when the DVD 1 is loaded in the DVD slot 101 of the projector 100 and the user operates the operation unit 113 to input a reproduction start instruction, the control unit 114 performs an operation output from the operation unit 113. In response to the command, a disk playback control command is output to the DVD slot unit 101, and reading of data recorded on the DVD 1 is started.

  Control data or management data read from the DVD 1 is supplied to the control unit 114.

  On the other hand, video data and audio data read from the DVD 1 are supplied to an MPEG decoder 103 which is a video / audio reproduction unit. The MPEG decoder 103 decodes the video data, the audio data, and the caption data, and converts the audio signal to the speaker via the audio processing unit 108 and the video signal to the scaler 109 via the video signal processing unit 107. Are output to the scaler 109.

  That is, the DVD content is acquired by the DVD slot 101 which is a DVD reading unit, and the video signal which is the DVD content, the aspect ratio of the video, the setting language, and the like are received by the MPEG decoder 103 which is the DVD data reading unit. Reading, interpreting the data by the control unit 114 configured by a microcomputer, automatic scaling for adapting the DVD video to the projection screen size, automatic setting of the subtitle display language based on the language setting of the projector, blank area Automatic setting of subtitle display position.

  As for automatic scaling, as will be described later, the aspect ratio (for example, 4: 3) of the video recorded on the DVD is optimal for a screen having an aspect ratio (for example, 16: 9) of the number of output pixels of the projector. The scaler 109 automatically performs pixel interpolation of the DVD video signal so as to be displayed so as to adapt the video size.

  The functions of automatic scaling, automatic setting of the subtitle display language, and automatic setting of the subtitle display position in the blank area will be described in order.

(1) Automatic Scaling FIG. 2 shows a specific example in which the aspect ratio of a video is acquired from the contents of a DVD and automatically scaled so as to obtain an optimum display with respect to the number of pixels of the projector display panel.

  When a DVD image having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is reproduced by a projector having a DVD reproduction function with an output pixel aspect ratio of 16: 9, an aspect ratio of 4: 3 of the DVD image is obtained by the function of the present invention. In this way, it is possible to generate and project a video of the maximum size that fits in an output with an aspect ratio of 16: 9. In this case, a 4: 3 image is projected at the center of the 16: 9 screen, and blank areas of no image are formed on the left and right sides of the screen. The blanking area may be displayed with a black level signal.

(2) Automatic setting of subtitle display language FIG. 3 shows a specific example of automatically determining the playback subtitle language of a DVD with reference to the language set in the projector. Although FIG. 3 shows a case where a DVD video having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is displayed, the present invention can be similarly applied even when the aspect ratio of the DVD video is 4: 3.

  When a multilingual DVD including Japanese is loaded into a projector with a built-in DVD playback function whose language setting is set to Japanese in advance, playback is automatically performed from the DVD-compatible languages as the DVD subtitle language. Japanese can be set and displayed.

(3) Automatic Setting of Subtitle Display Position in Blank Area FIG. 4 shows a specific example in which a blank area on the projector projection screen is detected and the subtitle display position is set there. However, as shown in FIG. 2, when a video of the maximum size that fits in an output with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is projected while maintaining an aspect ratio of 4: 3 for a DVD video (a blank of no video on the left and right sides of the screen). The area is projected).

  When a video is projected by connecting a DVD player from the outside as in the past, subtitles are always displayed in the video screen (for example, the lower part of the screen) regardless of the presence or absence of a blank area as shown in FIG. However, if the function of the present invention is used, as shown in FIG. 4B, blank areas on the left and right sides of the screen can be automatically detected when the DVD is read, and the subtitle display position can be moved there.

  An example of the operation of the projector with the built-in DVD playback function configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that the language setting (menu language setting) of the projector has already been completed in the previous stage of step S1 (when the projector is purchased).

  In the DVD reading step S1, data that cannot be acquired unless the DVD playback function is built-in, such as the aspect ratio of the DVD video and the corresponding language, is read, and in the projector setting acquiring step S2, the setting values such as the projector output size and language setting are acquired. . As described above, the set value is stored in the memory 115.

  Next, in DVD aspect ratio comparison step S3, the aspect ratio of the DVD video is compared with the aspect ratio of the number of output pixels of the projector. If they do not coincide with each other, in the automatic scaling step S4 by the scaler 109, pixel interpolation is performed while the aspect ratio of the DVD video is maintained, and scaling is automatically performed so that the video area is maximized.

  Then, in the blank area (area in which no image is displayed in the projector projection screen) detection step S5, the presence of the blank area is confirmed. If there is a blank area, the caption is automatically displayed in the blank area in the caption display position setting step S7. Set the position. If there is no blank area, the subtitle display position is set in the lower part of the screen (step S6).

  Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the automatic mode for subtitle language setting is selected (step S8). Here, “automatic” in the automatic mode means “match subtitle language to the menu language of the projector”. If the automatic mode is set, in DVD language confirmation step S9, it is confirmed whether the language set by the projector is included in the language supported by the DVD, and if included, the subtitle language setting step S10. The language set by the projector is applied to the DVD playback subtitle language. If not included, the subtitle language is forcibly set to the first language of the disc (DVD) (in many cases, it is English as the world standard language) (step S11).

  If the automatic mode is not set in the automatic mode setting step S8, the user can select the subtitle language of the DVD video from the DVD compatible languages, and can set the subtitle language selected by the user (step S12).

  In FIGS. 1 and 5, all the functions of automatic scaling, subtitle display position setting in the blank area, and automatic setting of the subtitle display language can be performed simultaneously, but each function can be implemented independently. Alternatively, it may be configured such that each function can be implemented in combination of two.

  Further, the data recorded on the optical disc may include control data, management data, etc. in addition to video data, audio data, and caption data.

  The reproduction means reproduces data recorded on an optical disk such as a DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, compact disk (CD), mini disk (MD), magneto-optical disk (MO disk), etc. It is means to do.

  The display element may be a DLP (R) (digital light processing) type using a DMD (digital micromirror device) in addition to the liquid crystal type.

  The present invention can be widely applied not only to a DVD but also to a projector incorporating an optical disk playback function.

1 is a block diagram of a projector according to a first embodiment of the invention. The figure which shows the specific example of automatic scaling. The figure which shows the specific example of the automatic setting of a subtitle display language. The figure which shows the specific example of the automatic setting of the subtitle display position to a blank area. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of a projector with a built-in DVD playback function.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... DVD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Projector 101 ... DVD slot part (DVD reading part)
103 ... MPEG decoder (DVD data reading section)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 104 ... Video decoder 105 ... Audio decoder 106 ... Sub picture data 109 ... Scaler 110 ... External video input terminal 111 ... Built-in speaker 112 ... Audio | voice output terminal 113 ... Operation part 114 ... Control part (Aspect ratio comparison function, 1st, 2nd Including the setting function)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 115 ... Memory 116 ... Display element drive circuit 117 ... Display element 118 ... Light source 119 ... Projection optical system
Agent Patent Attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (7)

Reproduction means for reproducing at least the video signal recorded on the optical disc;
The video signal from the playback means is input, the number of vertical and horizontal pixels is determined from the content of the video signal, and the video on the optical disc is automatically displayed in an optimum display with respect to the aspect ratio of the number of output pixels of the projector. A scaling means for scaling with
A display element for displaying the image scaled by the scaling means, and modulating light from the light source by the image;
A projector comprising: The scaling means includes
Aspect ratio comparison means for comparing the aspect ratio of the optical disc with the aspect ratio of the number of output pixels of the projector,
As a result of the comparison by the aspect ratio comparison means, if the two aspect ratios are different, the scaler automatically performs scaling so that the video area becomes the maximum with respect to the output video while maintaining the aspect ratio of the video on the optical disc. When,
The projector according to claim 1, further comprising: Playback means for playing back at least the video signal and caption data recorded on the optical disc;
Setting means for automatically setting a playback language at the time of optical disc playback based on the language setting content preset in the projector;
A synthesizing unit that synthesizes subtitle data expressed in the reproduction language set by the setting unit with the video signal reproduced by the reproducing unit;
A display element for displaying a composite image from the combining means, and modulating light from a light source by the image;
A projector comprising: The setting means includes
Optical disc language confirmation means for confirming whether the language set by the projector is included in the languages supported by the optical disc,
A language setting means for applying the language set in the projector to the optical disc playback language when the optical disc language confirmation means confirms that the language set in the projector is included;
The projector according to claim 3, further comprising: Playback means for playing back at least the video signal and caption data recorded on the optical disc;
A setting means for finding a blank area from the projection screen of the projector and setting a subtitle display position in the blank area;
Synthesizing means for synthesizing the caption data at the caption display position set by the setting means with respect to the video signal reproduced by the reproducing means;
A display element for displaying a composite image from the combining means, and modulating light from a light source by the image;
A projector comprising: The setting means includes
A blank area detection means for confirming the existence of a blank area where no image is displayed in the projector projection screen;
Subtitle display position setting means for automatically setting the subtitle display position to the blank area when the blank area detection means confirms that a blank area exists,
The projector according to claim 5, further comprising: Playback means for playing back at least the video signal and caption data recorded on the optical disc;
Based on the contents of the preset language setting to the projector, the first setting means for automatically setting the reproduction language at the time of optical disk reproduction,
A second setting means for finding a blank area from the projection screen of the projector and setting a subtitle display position in the blank area;
The video signal from the playback means is input, the number of vertical and horizontal pixels is determined from the content of the video signal, and the video on the optical disc is automatically displayed in an optimum display with respect to the aspect ratio of the number of output pixels of the projector. A scaling means for scaling with
With respect to the video signal scaled by the scaling means, the caption data represented by the reproduction language set by the first setting means is displayed at the caption display position set by the second setting means. A synthesis means to synthesize,
A display element for displaying a composite image from the combining means, and modulating light from a light source by the image;
A projector comprising:

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