NL1041135B1 - Interactive projector. - Google Patents
Interactive projector. Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NL1041135B1 NL1041135B1 NL1041135A NL1041135A NL1041135B1 NL 1041135 B1 NL1041135 B1 NL 1041135B1 NL 1041135 A NL1041135 A NL 1041135A NL 1041135 A NL1041135 A NL 1041135A NL 1041135 B1 NL1041135 B1 NL 1041135B1
- Authority
- NL
- Netherlands
- Prior art keywords
- image
- projector
- images
- triggers
- projected
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B21/00—Projectors or projection-type viewers; Accessories therefor
- G03B21/005—Projectors using an electronic spatial light modulator but not peculiar thereto
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
- F21V33/0004—Personal or domestic articles
- F21V33/0052—Audio or video equipment, e.g. televisions, telephones, cameras or computers; Remote control devices therefor
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B21/00—Projectors or projection-type viewers; Accessories therefor
- G03B21/14—Details
- G03B21/145—Housing details, e.g. position adjustments thereof
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B29/00—Combinations of cameras, projectors or photographic printing apparatus with non-photographic non-optical apparatus, e.g. clocks or weapons; Cameras having the shape of other objects
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/74—Projection arrangements for image reproduction, e.g. using eidophor
- H04N5/7416—Projection arrangements for image reproduction, e.g. using eidophor involving the use of a spatial light modulator, e.g. a light valve, controlled by a video signal
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Projection Apparatus (AREA)
- Transforming Electric Information Into Light Information (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus for projecting images, comprising a bulb adapter arranged for electrical connection in a light bulb socket such as a E27 fitting, a control unit arranged for controlling the apparatus, a projector arranged for being powered by the light bulb socket via the light bulb socket, the projector arranged for projecting images, wherein the apparatus is arranged for interactively projecting the images in response to one or more triggers. Universal implementation and continuous operation is possible. Additionally a camera may be configured for computer vision operation and provide feedback for image correction.
Description
INTERACTIVE PROJECTOR
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates, in general, to projection devices and methods, and, more particularly, to a projection system for use in public or private spaces such as living rooms, bed rooms in private houses, receptions areas, waiting spaces/rooms, and the like.
BACKGROUND A projector or image projector is an optical device that projects an image (or moving images) onto a surface, commonly a projection screen. Most projectors create an image by shining a light through a small transparent lens, but other types of projectors can project the image directly, by using lasers. A particular type of projector comprises a handheld projector. A handheld projector (also known as a pocket projector, mobile projector or pico projector (hereinafter referred to as “pico projector”) is technology that applies the use of an image projector in a handheld device. It provides an answer to compact portable devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants, which have an attached display screen, which is relatively small and may be read only from a small distance. Handheld projectors involve miniaturized hardware and software that can project (even enlarged) digital images onto any nearby viewing surface.
The system usually comprises five main parts: the battery; the electronics; the laser or LED light sources; the combiner optic; and in some cases, scanning mirrors. First, the electronics system turns the image into an electronic signal. Next, the electronic signals drive laser or led light sources with different colors and intensities down different paths. In the combiner optic, the different light paths are combined into one path, defining a palette of colors. Finally, in some technologies the mirrors copy the image pixel-by-pixel and can then project the image. Other optical systems do not use the "mirrors" technology. This entire mirror system is compacted into one very tiny chip. An important design characteristic of a handheld projector is the ability to project a clear image, regardless of the physical characteristics of the viewing surface. In this way projector phones allow photographs, movies and other content to be shared with a larger audience. Hereinafter Patent applications are described which propose a particular application of the pico projector. US 2014/0198949 A1 by Disney Enterprise discloses a display system that includes a projector light bulb. The system includes a light fixture with a conventional light bulb socket. A projector light bulb is provided with a socket adapter for mating electrically with the light bulb socket. A projector such as a pico projector is fit into the socket adapter or to mate with this adapter to be powered by the light bulb socket via the adapter. In lamp-type implementations, the projector is used to project onto a lamp shade-shaped rear projection screen or through a translucent shade and also upon surfaces of the ceiling or objects above the projector light bulb. A light conditioning or directing assembly may be provided that directs a portion of the projected light onto the projection screen (or shade) and another portion up onto the ceiling so as to concurrently focus on two or more surfaces at two or more focal distances. US 2009/0015799 A1 by Luciano discloses a set of techniques and embodiments for implementing image projection inside a lamp such as a table or wall lamp and provides techniques for dealing with the unique physical attributes of lamps such as the shape of the lamp and the bright source of light that would tend to wash out the projected image. In addition, the invention presents a series of novel embodiments that respond changes in the environment to enable an immersive user experience and operation as a pet entertainment device. A disadvantage of current solutions is that they do not provide a versatile interactive operation. More particular, the interaction is limited to either a response to environmental stimuli as in US 2009/0015799 A1, or to merely streaming content from a user (mobile) device to a projector as in US 2014/0198949 A1.
Another disadvantage of the current solutions is that they largely depend on an integrated and/or fixed projection surface.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for projecting images in dependence of user interaction. It is a further object to provide an apparatus for projecting images in response to external triggers in an improved manner. It is yet a further object of the invention to provide such apparatus with an improved interaction with a user. It is yet a further object of the invention to provide such apparatus with means which enable projection of images independent of an integrated projection surface. It is yet a further object of the invention to provide such apparatus with an autonomous and/or intelligent operation. It is yet a further object of the invention to provide such apparatus with means for flexible, safe and sustainable integration in an environment such as a living room.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The figures show views of embodiments in accordance with the present invention. FIGURE 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invented apparatus. FIGURE 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGURE 1 shows an embodiment of the invented apparatus wherein a projector is comprised in a housing 110. The apparatus is provided with connector 101, which may comprise a screw type connection, such as a standard E27 connection. The connector comprises two electrodes 102 and 103. Connector 102 is the outside of the screw, which may be made of electrically conductive material such as metal. Connector 103 is a relative small area of electrically conductive material such as metal. Connectors 102 and 103 are connected to the electronics of the apparatus and conduct electricity form a power source to the apparatus. The power source is preferably a mains power. The screw 101 may be fitted into a standard E27 fitting.
To enable turning of the apparatus after screwing it in a fitting, a slip ring may be provided between the connector 101 and the housing 110.
The apparatus may further be provided with a power button for turning the apparatus on and off. A control wheel 105 may be provided for controlling the control unit or dimming the projector directly.
In order to facilitate cooling of the apparatus, cooling holes 106 a and 106b are configured in the housing 110. FIGURE 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of figure 1, wherein, in addition to the element described in figure 1, a projector 107 is shown. Projector 107 is preferably centralized in the top of the apparatus.
The invention is now described by the following aspects and embodiments, with reference to the figures.
In a first aspect of the invention an apparatus for projecting images is disclosed, comprising: a bulb adapter arranged for electrical connection in a light bulb socket; a control unit arranged for controlling the apparatus, a projector arranged for being powered by the light bulb socket via the light bulb socket; the projector arranged for projecting images, wherein the apparatus is arranged for interactively projecting the images in response to one or more triggers.
In this way an apparatus is provided which has a universal electrical connection to, for example existing fittings which are usually configured to connect a light bulb. Typically the apparatus has a so called E27 standard screw which has a negative and a positive electrical connection. The outside of the screw serves as a one electrical connection, whereas the inside extends to a contact serving as the other connection. The apparatus would therefore preferably use mains electrical power as power source.
By employing this connection the apparatus may be connected to standard armature. A preferred armature comprises an armature of a ceiling mounted armature, whereby the fitting is arranged to connect a light bulb from the bottom. In this way the apparatus may be connected in a similar manner. The projected images will in this case point downwards, for example on a tabletop beneath the apparatus. Any lamp with a fitting that may be directed sideways towards a wall will further be advantageous in order to project images on a wall. Alternatively a standing lamp is advantageous, whereby the fitting is arranged to connect a light bulb from the top. In this way the apparatus may be connected in a similar manner. The projected images will in this case point towards the ceiling by default.
The apparatus is particular useful for showing information to a user based on triggers. The apparatus is arranged for receiving triggers, which may comprise external triggers or commands and even be manual input on the apparatus itself, and consequently adjust the type of information in accordance with the triggers and particular algorithms comprised in the software of the apparatus.
This type of interaction is a clear advantage over current art projectors, which only serve to translate received content into images, by way of streaming.
It may, of course, be possible to stream images through the apparatus as well. Hereinafter embodiments of the first aspect are described.
The control unit may be arranged for controlling the apparatus in dependence of a captured image, said image being captured by a video camera, whereby said captured image is mapped to stored representations of images, wherein each of the representations relates to a command for operating the apparatus.
In this way computer vision technology enables to adjust the projected images to a captured image or to an interpretation of the captured image. In order to capture the images, or to track gestures of a user for that matter, a video camera may be arranged for capturing. The camera may be comprised in the apparatus mounted in position which is favorable for capturing images, such as the front of the apparatus.
The camera may, on the other hand also be mounted in another part of the room or even in another room or space. The camera only needs to be connected to the apparatus for this purpose. This could be a direct line connection, a connection through Internet, existing domotics, or via a wireless connection.
The one or more triggers may comprise triggers of the group comprising: a command for operating the apparatus; entry, presence and/or movement of a person in a room; a preset time; an event, such as an upcoming appointment, a news item, an emergency situation, or a weather alert; a wirelessly communicated message; a location or a change of the location of the apparatus; brightness and/or color of at least a part of the projected image, the captured image.
The apparatus may further comprise one or more sensors arranged for detecting, registering and/or capturing the one or more triggers.
The one or more sensors comprise sensors of the group comprising: manual switch active ultrasonic sensor; active Infrared sensor; passive infrared sensor; LIDAR sensor; RADAR sensor; capacitive sensor;
Active Reader Passive Tag;
Active Reader Active Tag;
Wi-Fi receiver;
Bluetooth receiver;
Near-Field Communication unit; microphone; video camera.
The one or more triggers may be transmitted wirelessly.
The apparatus may be arranged for generating the projected images autonomously.
This enables autonomous operation of the apparatus. The software in the apparatus determines the actions of the control unit independent of direct manual input for example. The apparatus may for example show the weather forecast on its own initiative. This may be very useful when, for example a public warning is issued for dangerous tornados in the vicinity of the location of the apparatus, or in the area which is entered by a user as a geographical area of interest for example.
The projector may be arranged for projecting the images instead of or in addition to a computer screen or to a screen of a mobile device.
In this way the apparatus functions in a similar manner as a regular computer screen. Operating the apparatus with a computer mouse is possible, using the apparatus, because for example the cursor is shown in the projected images and responds directly to mouse movement.
The control unit may be arranged for controlling the apparatus through an interface arranged for receiving an input by a user and arranged for presenting images in relation to the input.
The control unit may be arranged for controlling the apparatus by employing computer vision technology.
This computer vision technology may for example be used to distinguish for example gestures by a user and to translate the captured images into a meaningful interaction. A user moving his arm from left to right may for example lead to an instruction by the control unit to move to the next presentation of information, such as move to the weather forecast of the next day.
The apparatus may comprise a bracket arranged for pivotably connecting the apparatus to the light bulb socket.
In this way the direction of the projected images may be adjusted. If the apparatus is mounted in a ceiling armature for example, and the ceiling armature is not positioned exactly above a table, the pivotable connection serves to direct the apparatus towards (the middle of) the table.
The apparatus may comprise a bracket arranged for pivotably connecting the projector to the apparatus.
Instead or together with adjusting the projection angle of the apparatus, the orientation of projector itself may be adjusted. Especially when there is little space in the armature for pivoting the apparatus, the projector element may be pivoted. It may also be useful to pivot the apparatus together with pivoting the projector in order to achieve even more degrees of freedom or direct the projected images in a smaller angle.
The apparatus may comprise an image correction unit arranged for taking correcting measures for correcting the projected image.
It may be possible that the armature is such that the apparatus cannot project for example a square image by default as a square image on a surface, because the surface is not even or is located at an with respect to the apparatus. The image correction unit accounts for correction of the projected image resulting in a perceived projected square image. The video camera may be arranged for capturing the projected image and the image correction unit is arranged for processing the captured projected image, comparing the project image with the original image to be projected and taking a correcting measure for correcting the projected image to resemble the image to be projected.
The correcting may comprise any correcting measures of the group comprising: adjusting a beaming angle of the projector; lens shift;
Keystone correction.
Brightness adaptation Focal point adjustment
The image correction unit may be arranged for correcting Keystone automatically in dependence of a detected aspect ratio of the image to be projected and/or in dependence of the projected image.
The image correction unit may be arranged for correcting Keystone and or focal point automatically in dependence of a detected three dimensional structure of a surface on which the image is projected, whereby a 3D camera and related software is arranged for detecting said three dimensional structure.
The apparatus may comprise one or more speakers arranged for producing sound.
This increases the possibilities of interaction. The apparatus may for example play back a previously recorded voicemail, or the latest weather forecast.
The control unit may comprise a computer running an operating system such as Android. The apparatus may have an operating system which is generally available. This increases usability and improves the interaction for the user. It also enables new users to get more easily acquainted with the operation of the apparatus. Especially when used in hotel rooms for example this increases ease of use.
The apparatus may comprise an additional light source such as a LED light source, said light source arranged for being controlled by the control unit in response to the one or more triggers, whereby said control comprises control of on/off status, brightness and/or color.
The apparatus may comprise a wireless communication unit arranged for wirelessly communicating with an external wireless communication enabled device such as a smart phone.
The apparatus may be arranged for continuous operation, as long as the power supply is continued, whereby the apparatus is arranged for continuously listening for said one or more triggers and arranged for projecting images instantly or nearly instantly in response to said one or more triggers.
In this way considerable less delay in starting up is achieved. When somebody enters a room for example, the apparatus may immediately or nearly immediately respond in an autonomous manner.
The apparatus may comprise a speech recognition unit combined with a microphone, arranged for voice command based interaction with a user.
This increases the richness of the interaction further.
The apparatus may be arranged for two-way communication with multiple mobile devices simultaneously.
If, for example the apparatus is shared by multiple users, as may be the case in a household or in an office, multiple users may for example use their mobile phone to interact with the apparatus. Measures are taken to support one to many and many to one two-way communication.
The apparatus may be arranged for controlling one or more external apparatuses, such as comprised in home automation systems.
The apparatus may for example project images or a light show representing a sun set. The apparatus may for this purpose also control the lighting system of a building, for example by dimming all the lights, in order to enhance the visual effect of a sunset.
The apparatus may be arranged for adjusting one or more settings for operating of the apparatus in dependence of a stored profile and/or preferences of a user using the apparatus. A user may for example enter a profile setting comprising that he is interested in a weather forecast only, if the temperature will rise above a certain level in a certain country. This helps him to plan a holiday to that country for example. The apparatus will consequently only project images in relation to the weather forecast of that country when the conditions of the profile are met.
The apparatus may comprise a power converter arranged for converting mains power into electric energy suitable for supplying power to the apparatus.
The projector may comprise a pico projector.
In a second aspect of the invention a system is disclosed comprising a plurality of apparatuses arranged for projecting images, each apparatus comprising: a bulb adapter arranged for electrical connection in a light bulb socket; a projector arranged for being powered by the light bulb socket via the light bulb socket; the projector arranged for projecting images, a control unit arranged for controlling the apparatus, wherein: each apparatus is arranged for interactively projecting the images in response to one or more triggers; the system comprises a master and one or more slaves; the master comprises a first apparatus of the plurality of apparatuses arranged for controlling the one or more slaves; a slave of the one or more slaves comprises a second apparatus of the plurality of apparatuses arranged for being controlled by the master; the master and the one or more slaves are arranged for communicating with each other.
In this way multiple projected images may be coordinated by one master.
The master may be arranged for distributing at least a part of the projected images to the one or more slaves.
In this way it is for example possible to divide a large image over multiple apparatuses. The master controls which part of the same image is to be projected by which slave. In this way a elongated wall may be fully projected upon by multiple apparatuses.
Although the use of a pico projector is a possible embodiment of the invention, the invention is not limited to the use of pico projectors. Full size or regular sized projectors may also be applied in the invented apparatus.
It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The article "the" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
Claims (30)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NL1041135A NL1041135B1 (en) | 2015-01-07 | 2015-01-07 | Interactive projector. |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NL1041135A NL1041135B1 (en) | 2015-01-07 | 2015-01-07 | Interactive projector. |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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NL1041135A NL1041135A (en) | 2016-09-23 |
NL1041135B1 true NL1041135B1 (en) | 2016-09-30 |
Family
ID=52998028
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
NL1041135A NL1041135B1 (en) | 2015-01-07 | 2015-01-07 | Interactive projector. |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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NL (1) | NL1041135B1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2005099588A (en) * | 2003-09-26 | 2005-04-14 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Projection type image display system and connector device |
JP2006227143A (en) * | 2005-02-16 | 2006-08-31 | Seiko Epson Corp | Projector |
IT1399161B1 (en) * | 2010-03-26 | 2013-04-11 | Seco S R L | LIGHTING DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH MEANS OF RECEPTION AND DIFFUSION OF MULTIMEDIA CONTENT. |
JP2013125166A (en) * | 2011-12-15 | 2013-06-24 | Seiko Epson Corp | Lighting system |
JP6089551B2 (en) * | 2012-10-09 | 2017-03-08 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Lighting device |
-
2015
- 2015-01-07 NL NL1041135A patent/NL1041135B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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Publication number | Publication date |
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NL1041135A (en) | 2016-09-23 |
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MM | Lapsed because of non-payment of the annual fee |
Effective date: 20180201 |