JP7513009B2 - Projection processing device, projection system, method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a projection processing device, a projection system, a method, and a program.

Conventionally, when seats are assigned in facilities with many seats such as theaters, movie theaters, stadiums, etc., in order to reach the location of their own seats, users have to identify the row and column of the seats from the seat number written on the ticket, etc., and move while checking the actual row and column of the seats. To solve this problem, technologies such as those described in Patent Document 1 have been proposed.

JP 2003-345999 A

However, in the case of the technology described in Patent Document 1, guidance to seat locations is provided by a mobile device, so users must move while comparing the information displayed on the mobile device with their actual seat, making it difficult for users to grasp the location of their own seat at a glance.

The present invention aims to provide a projection processing device, projection system, method, and program that allows a user to easily grasp his or her position within a specific space, such as his or her seat.

A projection processing device of one embodiment of the present invention includes a processing unit that, in response to receiving input information, acquires projection position information associated with the input information, and, based on the acquired projection position information , instructs a projector to emit light or project an image that allows a user to identify a position within a specific space, and a detection unit that detects an obstacle in the direction in which the projector emits light or projects an image, and the processing unit determines at least one of the multiple projectors based on the detection of the obstacle by the detection unit .

The present invention provides a projection processing device, projection system, method, and program that allow a user to easily grasp his or her position within a specific space, such as his or her seat.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a projection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a projector according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an input terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a projector according to the present embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a projection processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of the projection processing device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a movable information table according to the embodiment. 11 is a diagram showing an example of projection position information displayed on a ticket according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating the flow of a projection process executed by the projection processing device of the present embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a mode determination process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 . 10 is a flowchart showing a brightness adjustment process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 . FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a projection system according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a projection system according to yet another embodiment.

<Projection system>
1 is a schematic diagram showing a projection system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The projection system 1 according to this embodiment is intended to project image information that allows a user to identify the position of a seat in a specific space 5 such as a theater, a cinema, a stadium, a train, a bus, an airplane, a ship, etc.

The projection system 1 includes an input terminal 2, a projector 3, and a projection processing device 4. The input terminal 2 is a terminal device for accepting and reading input information displayed on, for example, a ticket 6 owned by a user. The input terminal 2 is configured to be capable of wired or wireless communication with the projection processing device 4.

The projector 3 is a device that projects an image (e.g., at least one of a still image and a moving image) into a specific space 5. The projector 3 is configured to be capable of wired or wireless communication with the projection processing device 4.

The projection processing device 4 is configured to be capable of wired or wireless communication with the input terminal 2 and the projector 3, and is a device that controls the input terminal 2 and the projector 3. The projection processing device 4 is a general-purpose computer that can execute various functions by installing various programs. However, it is not limited to this, and may also be a computer built into dedicated hardware.

The multiple seats 7 are arranged in the specific space 5, and the position of one of the multiple seats 7 is specified on the ticket 6. The ticket 6 only needs to be capable of inputting the input information described below into the input terminal 2, and may be, for example, a mobile terminal or a recording medium incorporating an RFID chip instead of the ticket 6.

<Projector Overview>
Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the projector 3 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the projector 3 is installed on the ceiling of the specific space 5 or the like, and projects still images and moving images into the specific space 5. The projector 3 also includes a movable mechanism 311 having a rotation mechanism, a tilt mechanism, and the like. The movable mechanism 311 has a rotation mechanism that rotates the projector 3 in a horizontal direction (e.g., from 0 degrees to 360 degrees) perpendicular to the vertical direction, and a tilt mechanism that tilts the projector 3 in a vertical direction (e.g., from 0 degrees to 90 degrees) parallel to the vertical direction.

<Input terminal>
Next, a configuration of the input terminal 2 that realizes the projection system 1 will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the input terminal 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the input terminal 2 includes a processor 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, an input unit 204, a display unit 205, a storage unit 206, a communication unit 207, a reading unit 208, a notification unit 209, a power supply unit 210, a bus 211, and an input/output interface 212.

The processor 201 is the central part of the computer that performs calculations, control, and other processing necessary for the operation of the input terminal 2, and performs various calculations and processing. The processor 201 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a SoC (System on a Chip), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 201 may be a combination of two or more of these. The processor 201 may also be a combination of these with a hardware accelerator or the like.

The processor 201 controls each unit to realize various functions of the input terminal 2 based on programs such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 202 or RAM 203. The processor 201 also executes the processes described below based on the programs. Note that some or all of the programs may be incorporated into the circuitry of the processor 201.

The processor 201, ROM 202, and RAM 203 are connected to one another via a bus 211. An input/output interface 212 is also connected to this bus 211. The input/output interface 212 is connected to an input unit 204, a display unit 205, a memory unit 206, a communication unit 207, a reading unit 208, an alarm unit 209, a power supply unit 210, and the like.

The input unit 204 and the display unit 205 are user interfaces that are electrically connected to the input/output interface 19 by wire or wirelessly. The input unit 204 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, various buttons, a microphone, etc., and inputs various information in response to user instructions. The display unit 205 is composed of, for example, a display that displays images, and outputs the images.

The memory unit 206 is composed of semiconductor memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and stores various types of data, etc.

The communication unit 207 is a device for communicating with the projector 3, the projection processing device 4, and other devices (not shown) via a network including the Internet.

The reading unit 208 is composed of, for example, a camera or a scanner, and accepts input information displayed on the ticket 6. The input information may be, for example, a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, a code for RFID, or the like. If the input information is a two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code may be, for example, a QR code (registered trademark).

The notification unit 209 is a device for notifying the user by outputting a specific light and/or sound, such as a light-emitting device, a sound output device, etc.

The battery 210 supplies power to the input terminal 2. For example, the battery 210 is configured by a lithium ion battery. Note that, if the input terminal 2 is a desktop personal computer, the battery 210 may be capable of supplying power to the input terminal 2 by being connected to an external power source.

<Projector>
Next, the configuration of the projector 3 that realizes the projection system 1 will be described. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the projector 3 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the projector 3 includes a processor 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an image input unit 304, an operation unit 305, a communication unit 306, an audio processing unit 307, a speaker 308, a projection unit 309, a power supply unit 310, a movable mechanism 311, an environmental sensor 312, a bus 313, and an input/output interface 314. Note that the same names may be used for configurations that are common or similar to those already described, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

The image input unit 304 is composed of, for example, a pin jack (RCA) type video input terminal, a D-sub15 type RGB input terminal, an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal, a USB terminal, etc.

The operation unit 305 is composed of, for example, various buttons and the like, and inputs various information in response to user instructions. The operation unit 305 may also be a keyboard, a mouse, a remote controller, etc.

The communication unit 306 is a device for communicating with the input terminal 2, the projection processing device 4, and other devices (not shown) via a network including the Internet.

The audio processing unit 307 includes an audio source circuit such as a PCM sound source, converts an audio signal given during projection operation into an analog signal, and outputs the analog signal to a speaker 308 .
The speaker 308 outputs sound using the audio signal output from the audio processing unit 307 .

The projection unit 309 is composed of a projection image processing unit, a micromirror element, a light source, a mirror, a projection lens, etc. For example, when an image signal is input to the projector 3, the analog or digital image signal of various standards is digitized as necessary by the image input unit 304. The projection image processing unit of the projection unit 309 drives the micromirror element at a frame rate according to a predetermined format in response to the image signal. Meanwhile, the primary color light of R, G, and B is cyclically emitted from the light source unit in a time-division manner. The primary color light from the light source unit is totally reflected by the mirror and irradiated onto the micromirror element. An optical image is formed by the reflected light from the micromirror element, and the formed optical image is projected to the outside via the projection lens.

The power supply unit 310 supplies power to the projector 3 by being connected to an external power source.

The movable mechanism 311 has a rotation mechanism, a tilt mechanism, etc., and moves the projector 3 based on a control signal output from the projection processing device 4. Specifically, the movable mechanism 311 has a rotation mechanism that rotates the projector 3 in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and/or a tilt mechanism that tilts the projector 3 in a vertical direction parallel to the vertical direction, based on the movement information included in the control signal.

The environmental sensor 312 is composed of, for example, an illuminance sensor, a camera, etc., and acquires information on the surrounding environment of the projector 3. For example, the environmental sensor 312 acquires the illuminance in the specific space 5 as the surrounding environment (environmental information) of the projector 3.

<Projection Processing Device>
Next, a configuration of the projection processing device 4 that realizes the projection system 1 will be described. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the projection processing device 4 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the projection processing device 4 includes a processor 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, an input unit 404, a display unit 405, a storage unit 406, a communication unit 407, a power supply unit 408, a bus 409, and an input/output interface 410. Note that components that are common or similar to those already described will be given the same names and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

Next, the functional configuration of the projection processing device 4 will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of the projection processing device 4 according to this embodiment. The processing unit 420 that performs various controls of the projection processing device 4 is realized by the processor 401 that executes arithmetic processing. The processing unit 420 of this embodiment includes a projection control unit 421, a movable control unit 422, and a mode switching unit 423.

When the input terminal 2 accepts input information, the projection control unit 421 causes the projector 3 to project image information that allows the user to identify the seat position based on the projection position information included in the input information.

Here, the projection position information indicates the position of the seat arranged in the specific space, and the projection position information is stored in the movement information table 4061 in association with movement information for moving the projector 3. The movement information table 4061 is stored in the memory unit 406.

The projector 3 can also project image information onto all seats located within the specific space, and the projection control unit 421 projects the image information onto a specific seat position within the specific space. For example, the projection control unit 421 projects the image information onto an area above the user's seat position within the specific space. This allows the user to easily grasp the location of their own seat within a specific space where many seats exist.

The projection control unit 421 also causes the projector 3 to adjust the illuminance when projecting the image information based on the information on the surrounding environment acquired by the environmental sensor 312 of the projector 3. For example, when the illuminance in the specific space acquired by the environmental sensor 312 is equal to or greater than a certain condition (e.g., standard indoor illuminance), the projection control unit 421 controls the projector 3 to increase the illuminance when projecting the image information. When the illuminance in the specific space acquired by the environmental sensor 312 is less than the certain condition, the projection control unit 421 controls the projector 3 not to change (maintain) the illuminance when projecting the image information.

The movement control unit 422 generates a control signal for controlling the movable mechanism 311 based on the movement information associated with the projection position information included in the input information, and outputs it to the movable mechanism 311. Specifically, the movement control unit 422 reads out the movement information associated with the projection position information included in the input information from the movement information table 4061, and generates a control signal for controlling the movable mechanism 311 based on the read movement information, and outputs it to the movable mechanism 311.

The mode switching unit 423 can switch between a seat instruction mode in which the projector 3 projects video information onto a specific seat position within a specific space, and a mode other than the seat instruction mode (e.g., a standby mode). Here, the standby mode is, for example, a mode in which a specific still image and moving image including an advertisement are projected onto a specific location (which may be a stage curtain, a front screen, etc.) other than the seats within the specific space. The mode switching unit 423 may also be capable of switching to a mode other than the standby mode as the other mode.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing the movable information table 4061 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the movable information table 4061 stores projection position information indicating the position of the seat placed in a specific space in association with movable information for moving the projector 3. This enables the projection system 1 to project video information for each seat.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of projection position information displayed on a ticket 6 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, projection position information 61 is printed on the ticket 6 as text information for the user to visually confirm, and input information 62 is printed on the input terminal 2 to be input (read).

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the input information 62 is configured as a QR code, but the input information 62 is not limited to this. Furthermore, the medium on which the input information 62 is displayed is not limited to the ticket 6. For example, the input information 62 may be displayed on the display of a mobile terminal, or the input information 62 stored in an RFID may be read by the input terminal 2.

<Projection processing>
Next, an example of the projection process will be described with reference to Fig. 9 to Fig. 11. Fig. 9 to Fig. 11 are an example of a flowchart illustrating the flow of the projection process executed by the projection processing device 4 of this embodiment. First, the mode switching unit 423 executes a mode determination process to receive input information from the input terminal 2 (step S1).

Next, when the projection control unit 421 receives the input information from the input terminal 2, it accesses the movement information table 4061 and reads out the movement information associated with the projection position information included in the input information (step S2). Next, the movement control unit 422 generates a control signal for controlling the movement mechanism 311 based on the movement information that has been read out, and outputs the control signal to the movement mechanism 311 (step S3).

Next, the projection control unit 421 executes a brightness adjustment process that causes the projector 3 to adjust the illuminance when projecting the video information based on the information about the surrounding environment acquired by the environmental sensor 312 of the projector 3 (step S4).

Next, the projection control unit 421 causes the projector 3 to project image information that allows the user to identify the seat position based on the projection position information included in the input information and the illuminance adjusted by the brightness adjustment process. As a result, the projector 3 moves the movable mechanism 311 based on the movement information included in the control signal, and projects the image information based on the projection position information (step S5).

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the mode determination process in the flowchart shown in Figure 9. First, the mode switching unit 423 transitions to a seat instruction mode in which the projector 3 projects video information onto a specific seat position in a specific space as a default state (step S11).

Next, the mode switching unit 423 determines whether or not input information has been received (step S12). If the mode switching unit 423 has received input information (step S12: YES), the mode switching unit 423 proceeds to step S2 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 (step S13).

If no input information is received (step S12: NO), the mode switching unit 423 determines whether or not input information is received within a certain period of time (step S14). If no input information is received within a certain period of time (step S14: YES), the mode switching unit 423 transitions to standby mode (step S15).

If input information is received within a certain period of time (step S14: NO), the mode switching unit 423 transitions to the seat instruction mode (step S11). The mode switching unit 423 determines whether any input other than input information has been received during the standby mode (step S16). If any input for ending the standby mode (including the reception of input information from an input terminal, etc.) is received (step S16: YES), the mode switching unit 423 transitions to the seat instruction mode (step S11). If any input has not been received (step S16: NO), the mode switching unit 423 returns to step S15 again.

Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the brightness adjustment process in the flowchart shown in Figure 9. First, the environment sensor 312 acquires the illuminance in the specific space (step S41).

Next, the projection control unit 421 determines whether the illuminance in the acquired specific space is equal to or greater than a certain condition (step S42). If the illuminance is equal to or greater than the certain condition (step S42: YES), the projection control unit 421 controls the projector 3 to increase the illuminance when projecting the video information (step S43). If the illuminance is less than the certain condition (step S42: NO), the projection control unit 421 controls the projector 3 not to change (maintain) the illuminance when projecting the video information (step S44).

As described above, according to this embodiment, the projection system 1 includes an input terminal 2 that accepts input information, a projector 3 that projects an image into a specific space 5, and a projection processing device 4 that is configured to be able to communicate with the input terminal 2 and the projector 3 and controls the input terminal 2 and the projector 3. The projection processing device 4 has a projection control unit 421 that acquires projection position information associated with the input information in response to the acceptance of the input information from the input terminal 2, and instructs the projector 3 to emit light or project an image that allows the user to identify a position within the specific space based on the acquired projection position information. This allows the projection system 1 to project image information that allows the user to identify the position of the seat, so that the user can easily grasp the position of his or her seat within the specific space.

The projection position information indicates the position of the seat arranged in the specific space 5, and is stored in association with movement information for moving the projector 3. The projector 3 has a movement mechanism 311 that moves the projector 3 based on the movement information associated with the projection position information. This allows the projection system 1 to project image information by moving the projector 3 to an appropriate position using the movement mechanism 311.

The movable mechanism 311 is also controlled by the projection processing device 4 based on the movable information to rotate the projector 3 in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and tilt the projector 3 in a vertical direction parallel to the vertical direction. This allows the projection system 1 to move the projector 3 to an appropriate position for projecting the video information.

The projector 3 can also project image information onto all seats arranged within the specific space 5, and the projection control unit 421 projects the image information onto the position of a specific seat within the specific space 5. This allows the projection system 1 to appropriately project image information onto a seat designated by a user within the specific space 5.

The projector 3 also has an environmental sensor 312 that acquires information about the surrounding environment, and the projection control unit 421 determines the illuminance at which the projector 3 emits light or projects an image, based on the environmental information indicating the surrounding environment in the specific space acquired by the environmental sensor 312. As a result, for example, when the specific space is a movie theater and the illuminance inside the movie theater is low, the projection system 1 does not change the illuminance of the image information, and when the illuminance inside the movie theater is sufficiently high, the projection system 1 can increase the illuminance of the image information so that the user can easily view the image information.

The projection system 1 also has a mode switching unit 423 that can switch between a seat instruction mode in which the projector 3 projects video information onto a specific seat position within the specific space 5, and a mode other than the seat instruction mode. This allows the projection system 1 to project information about a movie using the projector 3, for example, when the specific space is a movie theater, and to perform processes other than projecting video information.

The mode switching unit 423 may also switch to a projection mode different from the standby mode of the above embodiment. For example, the mode may be one in which the projector 3 functions as lighting for a stage, show, etc. In this case, the projector 3 may be installed on the stage side.

<Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications and improvements within the scope of the present invention that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

For example, the movable mechanism 311 may have a rail mechanism that moves the projector 3 in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction based on the movable information. This allows the projection system 1 to move the projector 3 to an appropriate position to project the image information.

The projector 3 may also have a reflector that adjusts the angle at which the image information is projected. This allows the projection system 1 to project the image information from an appropriate adjusted angle.

In the above embodiment, the input terminal 2 is installed in one place. However, if the specific space has a large area, multiple input terminals 2 may be installed. In this case, however, if multiple input terminals 2 simultaneously accept input information, the projector 3 will project multiple pieces of video information, making it difficult for the user to distinguish between the pieces of video information.

Therefore, when there are multiple input terminals 2, the projection control unit 421 instructs the projector 3 to emit light or project an image at a brightness determined based on the projection position where the video information is projected or the timing at which the input information is received. In other words, the projection control unit 421 controls the projector 3 to change the mode when projecting the video information. Furthermore, the input terminal 2 has an alarm unit 209 that issues an alarm in a predetermined mode using sound and/or light, and the alarm unit 209 issues an alarm in a predetermined mode in conjunction with the projection of the video information by the projector 3.

Specifically, the projection control unit 421 sets a plurality of different blinking patterns corresponding to each of the input terminals 2, and projects the image information using the plurality of different blinking patterns based on the projection position where the image information is projected or the timing at which the input information is received. Furthermore, the notification unit 209 outputs light and/or sound in conjunction with (synchronization with) the projection of the image information by the projector 3.

In addition, instead of multiple different blinking patterns, the projection control unit 421 may set multiple different colors corresponding to each of the input terminals 2, and project the image information using the multiple colors. This allows the projection system 1 to project image information that allows the user to identify the position of his or her seat, even when multiple input terminals 2 are installed.

The projection control unit 421 may also project the image information three-dimensionally onto a seat that corresponds to the projection position information within a specific space, for example, as in projection mapping. This allows the user to more clearly identify the position of their seat.

The projection control unit 421 may also cause the projector 3 to project text information that enables the user to identify the projection position information as image information. Specifically, the projection control unit 421 may cause the projector 3 to project the seat number, name, handle name, etc. as text information as image information. This allows the user to more clearly identify the position of their seat.

In the above embodiment, the projector 3 is installed in one location, but multiple projectors 3 may be installed. The projection control unit 421 may control the projector 3 to end the projection of the projection information after a certain period of time has elapsed after projecting the video information. The input terminal 2 may also authenticate the user using face recognition or the like before accepting the input information.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the projection control unit 421 controls the projector 3 to project image information capable of identifying the seat position, but the image information is not limited to the seat position, and may be information capable of identifying, for example, the user's standing position or the position of an exhibit that the user wishes to view, if the specific space is a museum or art gallery.

In addition, if the specific space is a hospital waiting room or the like, the projection control unit 421 may control the projector 3 to project video information onto multiple seats within a certain range in order to guide the user to seats within that range.

In the above-described embodiment, the projection control unit 421 causes the projector to project an image that allows the user to identify a position within the specific space onto a specific seat based on the projection position information, but the location to which the video information is projected is not limited to a seat. For example, the projection control unit 421 may control the projector 3 to project the video information onto a position to which the user moves. The projector 3 may also be a spotlight that emits light that allows the user to identify a position within the specific space as the video information. The projection control unit 421 may also instruct the projector 3 to emit light or project an image that allows the user to identify the position of an artwork introduced in the specific space as the position within the specific space.

The above-mentioned series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, the functional configuration of FIG. 6 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. In other words, it is sufficient that the projection processing device 4 is provided with a function that can execute the above-mentioned series of processes as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not particularly limited to the example of FIG. 6.

<Other embodiments>
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a projection system 1A according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the projection system 1A includes an input terminal 2A, an input terminal 2B, a projector 3A, a projector 3B, a projection processing device 4A, and a projection processing device 4B. That is, the projection system 1A is different from the above-mentioned embodiment in that it controls two projectors 3A and 3B. The other configurations of the projection system 1A are the same as those of the above-mentioned projection system 1. The projection processing device 4A and the projection processing device 4B can communicate with each other, and the projector 3A and the projector 3B may be controlled by both the projection processing device 4A and the projection processing device 4B. The projector 3A and the projector 3B may also be controlled by the projection processing device 4A or the projection processing device 4B.

In the projection system 1A, the input terminal 2A acquires input information from the ticket 6A, and the projection control unit 421 of the projection processing device 4A, upon receiving the input information from the input terminal 2A, determines which two projectors 3A and 3B to use based on the projection position information contained in the input information. The projection control unit 421 causes the two determined projectors 3A and 3B to project or emit image information that allows the user to identify the seat position.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the projection control unit 421 determines, based on the projection position information, the projector 3B closest to the input terminal 2A that received the input information from the ticket 6A, i.e., the projector 3B far from the seat position of the user who has the ticket 6A, as the projector that projects the image M1 and/or M2 that can identify the path to the seat position. Also, based on the projection position information, the projection control unit 421 determines, based on the projection position information, the projector 3A far from the input terminal 2A that received the input information from the ticket 6A and close to the seat position, as the projector that emits the light L1 that can identify the seat position. Note that the projection control unit 421 may use other methods to determine the projector that projects the image M1 and/or M2 that can identify the path to the seat position and the projector that emits the light L1 that can identify the seat position.

Then, the projection control unit 421 causes the determined projector 3B to project images M1 and/or M2 capable of identifying the path to the seat position within the specific space 5A, and causes the determined projector 3A to emit light L1 capable of identifying the seat position within the specific space 5A.

Here, when the projection control unit 421 receives input information from the input terminal 2A, it first causes the projector 3B to project an image M1 onto the corridor located close to the input terminal 2A. The image M1 shows the route from the position of the input terminal 2A to the seat position, and is an image having an arrow shape.

Next, the movement control unit 422 generates a control signal for changing the projection position by the movable mechanism 311 based on the movement information associated with the projection position information, and outputs it to the movable mechanism 311. The projection control unit 421 causes the projector 3B to project image M2, instead of image M1, onto the aisle located near the seat position. Image M2 is an image having an arrow shape that shows the path from the aisle to the seat position. The timing for switching image M1 to image M2 may be determined using a timer built into the projection processing device 4A, or may be determined using a detection unit such as various sensors or cameras.

Next, the projection control unit 421 causes the projector 3B to stop projecting the image M1, and causes the projector 3A to emit light L1 capable of identifying the seat position. With this configuration, the projection system 1A provides seat information on both the seat position and the route to the seat position, so that the user with the ticket 6A can reach his/her seat without getting lost in the specific space 5A. In addition, the timing of projecting the image M1 and/or M2 capable of identifying the route to the seat position in the specific space 5A may be simultaneous with the timing of emitting light L1 capable of identifying the seat position in the specific space 5A. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the projection system 1A projects and emits the image M1 and/or M2 and light L1 using two projectors 3A and 3B, but may be configured to project and emit the image M1 and/or M2 and light L1 using either one of the projectors 3A and 3B.

The projection control unit 421 may also receive input information from two different input terminals 2A and 2B, determine to use two projectors 3A and 3B based on the positions of the two input terminals 2A and 2B that received the input information, and cause the determined two projectors 3A and 3B to project image information that allows the user to identify the seat position.

Specifically, the projection control unit 421 of the input terminals 2A and 2B may determine one projector located close to the position of the input terminals 2A and 2B that received the input information, based on the positions of the two input terminals 2A and 2B that received the input information, and instruct the determined projector to emit light or project an image that allows the user to identify the seat position.

For example, when the projection control unit 421 receives input information from both input terminals 2A and 2B, it decides to have projector 3B, which is closer to the position of input terminal 2A, project the image information onto the user who used input terminal 2A, and decides to have projector 3A, which is closer to the position of input terminal 2B, project the image information onto the user who used input terminal 2B. Then, the projection control unit 421 causes projector 3B to project the image information onto the user who used input terminal 2A (i.e., the user who has ticket 6A), and causes projector 3A to project the image information onto the user who used input terminal 2B (i.e., the user who has ticket 6B).

With this configuration, the projection system 1A can efficiently present the seat position to the user within the specific space 5A by controlling multiple projectors in conjunction with each other according to the position of the input terminal that accepts input information from the ticket.

In addition, the projection control unit 421 may, for example, while projecting video information onto the projector 3B that is close to the position of the input terminal 2A, project information encouraging the user to wait (for example, an image showing the text "Please wait a moment" or an image of a sign indicating no entry) onto the vicinity of the input terminal 2B onto the projector 3A that is close to the position of the input terminal 2B.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the projection control unit 421 causes the projector 3B to project and emit image M1, image M2, and light L1 as image information that allows the user to identify the seat position, but may also project and/or emit other images and/or light.

For example, when the input terminal 2A accepts the input information of the ticket 6A, and there is no seat among the multiple seats 7A that corresponds to the seat position information included in the input information, the projection control unit 421 may project an image indicating no entry near the input terminal 2A. By projecting such an image, the projection system 1A can suggest to the user that the entrance near the input terminal 2A is incorrect, and urge the user to move to another input terminal (another entrance).

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the projection control unit 421 causes the projectors 3A and 3B to project and/or emit image information, but the projection control unit 421 may also cause the input terminals 2A and 2B to output sound.

For example, when the input terminal 2A receives input information, the projection control unit 421 causes the input terminal 2A to output a sound in a first tone. Furthermore, the projection control unit 421 causes the projector 3B to project blinking light in a first pattern in synchronization with the output of the first tone.

Similarly, when the input terminal 2B accepts input information, the projection control unit 421 causes the input terminal 2B to output a sound in a second tone different from the first tone. Furthermore, the projection control unit 421 causes the projector 3B to project blinking light in a second pattern different from the first pattern in synchronization with the output of the second tone.

With this configuration, the projection system 1A notifies the user of the seat location not only by the flashing lights of the projectors 3A and 3B, but also by using sounds from the input terminals 2A and 2B. Therefore, the user can reach his/her seat without getting lost in the specific space 5A by checking the seat where the sound output from the input terminal 2A or 2B matches (synchronizes) with the flashing lights from the projector 3A or 3B.

In addition, the projection system 1A described above synchronizes the sound output from the input terminal 2A or 2B with the blinking of the light from the projector 3A or 3B, making it possible to distinguish between other sound outputs and other blinking lights, but other methods may be used.

For example, the projection control unit 421 may display a specific color on the display unit 205 of the input terminals 2A and 2B, and match the color displayed on the display unit 205 of the input terminal 2A or 2B with the color of the image projected by the projectors 3A and 3B. This allows the user to find a seat where the color of the input terminal 2A or 2B matches the color of the image projected by the projectors 3A or 3B, and thus reach his or her seat without getting lost within the specific space 5A.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the projection system 1A uses two projectors, 3A and 3B, but it may be configured such that three or more projectors are arranged in the specific space 5A and at least two of the three or more projectors are determined.

Furthermore, each of the two or more projectors may have a projection range for emitting light or projecting an image within the specific space 5A, and each projection range may completely separate the specific space 5A, or the projection ranges may partially overlap within the specific space 5A.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a projection system 1B according to yet another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the projection system 1B includes an input terminal 2, a projector 3A, a projector 3B, a projection processing device 4, and a camera 8.

That is, projection system 1B differs from the above-described embodiment in that it includes a camera 8 as a detection unit that detects obstacles in the direction in which projector 3A and projector 3B emit light or project an image. The other configurations of projection system 1B are the same as those of projection systems 1 and 1A described above. Then, the projection control unit 421 of the projection processing device 4 decides to use either of the two projectors 3A or 3B based on the detection of an obstacle by camera 8.

Specifically, the camera 8 captures an image of the entirety of multiple seats 7B within the specific space 5B. The projection control unit 421 determines that the projector 3A close to the seat position will emit light L2 that allows the user 9A using the input terminal 2 to identify the seat position. The projection control unit 421 then causes the projector 3A to emit light L2 to seat "C12."

Here, the projection control unit 421 determines which of the multiple seats 7B another user (obstacle) is present in, based on the image captured by the camera 8. Furthermore, based on the information about the seat in which the other user is present, the projection control unit 421 determines whether the other user will interfere with the projection when the projector 3A emits light.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the projection control unit 421 determines, based on the image captured by the camera 8, that the user 9B sitting next to the seat "C12" is preventing the projection of light by the projector 3A. In this case, the projection control unit 421 causes the projector 3B to emit light L3 to the seat "C12" instead of the projector 3A. With this configuration, the projection system 1B can avoid using the projector 3A, which prevents the projection or emission of image information, and switch to the projection or emission of image information by the projector 3B.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the projection system 1B uses two projectors, 3A and 3B, but it may be configured to have more projectors so that there is at least one projector that does not interfere with the projection of an image, regardless of which seat a person is sitting in.

As described above, the projection system 1B may also be controlled such that the movable mechanism 311 adjusts the projection angle of the image using a rail mechanism that moves the projector 3 in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, or a reflector that adjusts the angle at which the video information is projected, so that other users do not interfere with the projection of the image.

In addition, instead of using the camera 8, the projection system 1B may determine at least one projector that does not interfere with the projection of an image based on the settings of a preset table or the like. For example, the preset table may store the input terminal 2 in association with a projector that does not interfere with the projection of an image. Then, when the projection control unit 421 receives input information from the input terminal 2, it may refer to the preset table and determine that the projector associated with the input terminal 2 is at least one projector that does not interfere with the projection of an image.

Furthermore, at least one projector that will not interfere with the projection may be determined based on the relationship between the seat positions and the accepted seats. For example, the projection control unit 421 acquires the accepted seat positions where the input terminal 2 has already accepted the ticket 6. The projection control unit 421 then compares the newly accepted new seat positions with the accepted seat positions to select a projector. The criteria for selecting a projector are set in advance according to the positional relationship between the new seat positions and the accepted seat positions. In other words, in this configuration, the projection control unit 421 functions as a detection unit that detects obstacles, and control similar to that shown in FIG. 13 can be executed even without the camera 8.

Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as a single piece of hardware, a single piece of software, or a combination of both. The functional configuration in this embodiment is realized by a processor that executes arithmetic processing, and processors that can be used in this embodiment include those configured as single processing devices such as single processors, multiprocessors, and multicore processors, as well as those that combine these various processing devices with processing circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays).

When a series of processes is executed by software, the programs that make up the software are installed onto a computer or the like from a network or recording medium. The computer may be a computer that is built into dedicated hardware. The computer may also be a computer that can execute various functions by installing various programs, such as a general-purpose personal computer.

The recording medium containing such a program may be a removable medium distributed separately from the device body in order to provide the user with the program, or may be a recording medium provided to the user in a state where the program is already installed in the device body. Removable media may be, for example, a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk), an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk. Optical disks may be, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc. Magneto-optical disks may be, for example, a Mini-Disk (MD). Recording media provided to the user in a state where the program is already installed in the device body may be, for example, the ROM 202 in FIG. 3 in which the program is recorded, or a hard disk included in the storage unit 206 in FIG. 3.

In this specification, the steps of writing a program to be recorded on a recording medium include not only processes that are performed chronologically according to the order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically but are performed in parallel or individually. The projection processing device may be included in the input terminal. The projection processing device may also be included in the projector.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. The present invention can take various other embodiments, and various modifications such as omissions and substitutions can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention described in this specification, etc., and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

The invention as described in the claims of the present application as originally filed is set forth below.
[Appendix 1]
In response to receiving the input information, acquiring projection position information associated with the input information;
a projection processing device having a processing unit that instructs a projector to emit light or project an image that allows a user to identify a position within a specific space, based on the acquired projection position information.
[Appendix 2]
2. The projection processing device according to claim 1, wherein the projection position information is stored in association with movement information for moving the projector.
[Appendix 3]
controlling the projector to rotate in a horizontal direction perpendicular to a vertical direction and to tilt in a vertical direction parallel to the vertical direction based on the movement information;
3. The projection processing device of claim 2.
[Appendix 4]
The processing unit includes:
instructing the projector to emit light or project an image at a brightness determined based on the timing of receiving the input information;
4. The projection processing device according to claim 1 .
[Appendix 5]
The processing unit includes:
5. The projection processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a projection processing device that determines an illuminance when the projector emits light or projects an image based on environmental information within the specific space.
[Appendix 6]
an input terminal for accepting input information provided by a user;
A projector,
a projection processing device having a processing unit that acquires projection position information associated with the input information in response to reception of the input information, and instructs the projector to emit light or project an image capable of identifying a position within a specific space based on the acquired projection position information;
A projection system comprising:
[Appendix 7]
The processing unit includes:
determining at least two of the plurality of projectors based on the projection position information associated with the input information;
2. The projection processing device according to claim 1, which instructs the determined at least one projector to emit light or project an image.
[Appendix 8]
Instructing the plurality of projectors to cooperate in emitting light or projecting images;
8. The projection processing device of claim 7.
[Appendix 9]
The processing unit includes:
instructing one of the projectors to emit light or project an image capable of identifying a seat position within the specific space;
instructing the other of the determined projectors to emit light or project an image capable of identifying a path to the seat position within the specific space;
9. The projection processing device according to claim 7 or 8.
[Appendix 10]
A detection unit that detects an obstacle in a direction in which the projector emits light or projects an image,
The processing unit includes:
determining at least two of the plurality of projectors based on the detection of the obstacle by the detection unit;
6. The projection processing device according to claim 1 .
[Appendix 11]
The computer
In response to receiving the input information, acquiring projection position information associated with the input information;
instructing a projector to emit light or project an image that allows a user to identify a position within a specific space based on the acquired projection position information;
Method.
[Appendix 12]
The computer
In response to receiving the input information, acquiring projection position information associated with the input information;
instructing a projector to emit light or project an image that allows a user to identify a position within a specific space based on the acquired projection position information;
program.

Reference Signs List 1 Projection system 2 Input terminal 3 Projector 4 Projection processing device 5 Specific space 6 Ticket 421 Projection control unit 422 Movable control unit 423 Mode switching unit

Claims (11)

In response to receiving the input information, acquiring projection position information associated with the input information;
a processing unit that instructs a projector to emit light or project an image that allows a user to identify a position within a specific space based on the acquired projection position information;
a detection unit that detects an obstacle in a direction in which the projector emits light or projects an image,
The processing unit determines at least one of the plurality of projectors based on the detection of the obstacle by the detection unit. The projection processing device according to claim 1, wherein the projection position information is stored in association with movement information for moving the projector. controlling the projector to rotate in a horizontal direction perpendicular to a vertical direction and to tilt in a vertical direction parallel to the vertical direction based on the movement information;
The projection processing device according to claim 2 . The processing unit includes:
instructing the projector to emit light or project an image at a brightness determined based on the timing of receiving the input information;
The projection processing device according to claim 1 . The processing unit includes:
The projection processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: determining an illuminance when the projector emits light or projects an image, based on environmental information in the specific space. an input terminal for accepting input information provided by a user;
A projector,
a projection processing device having a processing unit that acquires projection position information associated with the input information in response to reception of the input information, and instructs the projector to emit light or project an image capable of identifying a position within a specific space based on the acquired projection position information;
A projection system comprising: The processing unit includes:
determining at least two of the plurality of projectors based on the projection position information associated with the input information;
The projection processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: an instruction for emitting light or projecting an image to at least one of the determined projectors. Instructing the plurality of projectors to cooperate in emitting light or projecting images;
The projection processing device according to claim 7. The processing unit includes:
instructing one of the projectors to emit light or project an image capable of identifying a seat position within the specific space;
instructing the other of the determined projectors to emit light or project an image capable of identifying a path to the seat position within the specific space;
9. The projection processing device according to claim 7 or 8. The computer
In response to receiving the input information, acquiring projection position information associated with the input information;
Instructing a projector to emit light or project an image that allows a user to identify a position within a specific space based on the acquired projection position information ;
Detecting an obstacle in a direction in which the projector emits light or projects an image;
The method, wherein the step of instructing the projector to emit light or project an image that allows the user to identify a position within the specific space includes a step of determining at least one of the plurality of projectors based on the detection of the obstacle. The computer
In response to receiving the input information, acquiring projection position information associated with the input information;
Instructing a projector to emit light or project an image that allows a user to identify a position within a specific space based on the acquired projection position information ;
Detecting an obstacle in a direction in which the projector emits light or projects an image;
A program, comprising: a process of instructing the projector to emit light or project an image that allows the user to identify a position within the specific space, the process including a process of determining at least one of the plurality of projectors based on the detection of the obstacle .

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