WO2009057053A1

WO2009057053A1 - System for adjusting a projector device, and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2009057053A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/054489
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew Harris; Cristina Bescos Del Castillo
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.; Philips Intellectual Property & Standards Gmbh
Priority date: 2007-11-01
Filing date: 2008-10-29
Publication date: 2009-05-07

Abstract

A projector device (1) for projecting images onto a surface (3) is provided with at least one adjustment device (13,18,19) for adjusting at least a component of the projector device (1) so as to affect at least one geometrical parameter of a beam of light projected onto the surface (3). The projector device (1) is arranged to receive a signal carrying video data over a communications link (4) from a data processing system located at a distance from the projector device (1). A method of adjusting the projector device so as to affect at least one geometrical parameter of the beam of light projected onto the surface (3) includes measuring motion of a device (5,33) housing at least a component of the data processing system and moveable independently of the projector device (1), and transforming the measured motion into at least one signal for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices (13,18,19).

Description

System for adjusting a projector device, and method thereof

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method of adjusting a projector device for projecting images onto a surface, a device for use in a system for adjusting a projector device for projecting images onto a surface, and a system for adjusting a projector device for projecting images onto a surface.

The invention also relates to a method for use in a system for adjusting a projector device for projecting images onto a surface, and a computer programme.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION WO 2005/046225 describes an image projector which has a projector housing with a first leg opening and a second leg opening. A first extendable leg member extends through and is received in the first leg opening, and a second extendable leg member extends through and is received in the second leg opening. A first translation device is attached to the projector housing and operably coupled to the first extendable leg member. A second translation device is attached to the projector housing and operably coupled to the second extendable leg member. The electrical translation devices, such as a linear stepper motor or a motor having a gear assembly, extend or retract extendable leg members when the linear stepper motor or a motor having a gear assembly is actuated. A controller is electrically coupled to the translation devices. The controller receives a position input signal and sends a translation control signal to the first translation device or the second translation device based on the position input signal, thereby providing rotation control of a projected image. Rotation of the projected image allows the user to line up the projected image with, for example a projection surface such as a projection screen. Position input signals may be received from an input device such as a wired or wireless remote control device, an image rotation control button attached to the image projector, a menu selection from a menu projected by the image projector, or an image rotation application running on a computer operably coupled to the image projector. Menus require navigation, which has to be learnt, and makes the adjustment facility generally cumbersome to use, whereas buttons attached to the image projector are often not accessible, for example because the image projector is suspended from a ceiling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide methods, a system and device of the types mentioned in the opening paragraphs that make adjustment of the projector device to cause the images to be projected in a clear fashion onto a desired area of the display surface relatively easily, even when the projector device is located at a relatively large distance from the data processing device providing the video data.

This object is achieved by the method of adjusting a projector device for projecting images onto a surface and provided with at least one adjustment device for adjusting at least a component of the projector device so as to affect at least one geometrical parameter of a beam of light projected onto the surface, wherein the projector device is arranged to receive a signal carrying video data over a communications link from a data processing system located at a distance from the projector device, which method includes: measuring motion of a device housing at least a component of the data processing system and moveable independently of the projector device, and transforming the measured motion into at least one signal for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices.

Geometrical parameters of the beam include those relating to its size, position, orientation and degree of taper.

Using the measured motion of a device housing at least a component of the data processing system and moveable independently of the projector device, the method can be used to adjust the projector device even when it is located at a relatively large distance from the data processing system providing the video data. The user will generally be located in the immediate vicinity of the data processing system in order to set up the presentation or video playback, making the adjustment method easy to use for the user. In addition, no menus need be navigated or separate controls learned, because adjustment is effected simply by moving the device housing at least a component of the data processing system. Moreover, adjustment can take place at the appropriate speeds in this way, by moving the device housing at least a component of the data processing system quickly in a relatively large increment for a first crude adjustment and then nudging it to fine tune the position of the boundary of the area of the surface on which images are to be projected. The adjustment can therefore be effected in an intuitive manner.

An embodiment of the method includes measuring motion by means of at least one inertial sensor held in fixed relation to the device housing at least a component of the data processing system.

An effect is that motion is measured independently of an external reference object, making the system for implementing the method simpler to set up.

In an embodiment, at least one sensor for measuring motion of the device housing at least a component of the data processing system is provided in a dongle having a connector for co-operation with a connector provided in the device housing at least a component of the data processing system.

An effect is to allow the method to be implemented using standard data processing systems, i.e. those provided without sensors for measuring motion of device housing components of the data processing system. The co-operating connectors hold the dongle comprising the sensor in fixed relation to the device housing at least a component of the data processing system, so that movement of the latter is measured.

In an embodiment, the projector device is provided with at least one controller for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices, wherein a signal representative of at least one of the measured motion and the signal obtained by transforming the measured motion, is communicated to the projector device over a communications link. An effect is to make use of interfaces provided at the projector device for establishing the communications link. A system for implementing the method does not therefore need to be provided with a receiver for placement in the immediate vicinity of the projector device.

In a variant, the signal is communicated over a communications link shared with the signal carrying the video data.

An effect is to make use of resources already present in the data processing system. Only one communications link between it and the projector device is needed to implement the method, which is the link already present to allow the assembly of data processing system and projector device to function in the first place. In an embodiment, at least one of the adjustment devices includes an actuator for translating at least a point of the projector device relative to a structure supporting the projector device.

An effect is to be able to compensate for unsuitable placements of the projector device. The method allows for compensation of incorrect alignments between the projector device and the area of the surface on which it is intended to display images. Depending on the placement of the actuator, tilt adjustment can be effected, in order to rotate the area of projection.

In an embodiment, at least one of the adjustment devices is arranged to adjust a beam-shaping device included in the projector device.

An effect is to adjust the projector device so as to affect the boundary of the area onto which images are projected in such a manner that parts of the boundary, i.e. edges of the area, are displaced relative to each other. It is for instance possible to change the magnification or to effect an adjustment where the beam from the projector is initially not at right angles to the surface on which images are to be projected.

An embodiment of the method includes: measuring a rate of motion of the device housing at least a component of the data processing system, and transforming the measured motion into at least one control signal for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices, such that a rate of adjustment of at least one geometrical parameter of the projected beam of light is changed in dependence on the measured rate of motion.

An effect is to allow for compensation of significant misalignment between the projector device and the surface, yet also allow for fine tuning, and without the need for separate user controls to switch between these modes of adjustment.

In an embodiment, the device housing at least a component of the data processing system is configured to have a pre-determined side facing a user, in normal use, so as to enable the user to interact with the device, including: transforming the measured motion into at least one control signal for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices, such that at least one section of a boundary of an area of the surface onto which the images are projected is moved in a direction corresponding to a measured direction of movement relative to a user, in normal use, of the device housing at least a component of the data processing system. An effect is to provide an adjustment facility for use in a relatively intuitive manner. Further correction due to user actions with unintended consequences can be avoided.

The device according to the present invention is configured for use in a system for adjusting a projector device for projecting images onto a surface, which projector device is provided with at least one adjustment device for adjusting at least a component of the projector device so as to affect at least one geometrical parameter of a beam of light projected onto the surface, wherein the device is provided with means for connecting it in generally fixed relation to a device housing at least a component of a data processing system and moveable independently of the projector device, and wherein the device includes: at least one sensor for measuring motion of the device, a processing system for transforming the measured motion into at least one signal for a system for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices, and an interface for providing the at least one signal for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices.

The device is specifically adapted for use in implementing a method according to the invention.

According to another aspect, the system is provided for adjusting a projector device for projecting images onto a surface and provided with at least one adjustment device for adjusting at least a component of the projector device so as to affect at least one geometrical parameter of a beam of light projected onto the surface, wherein the projector device is arranged to receive a signal carrying video data over a communications link from a data processing system located at a distance from the projector device, which system includes: at least one sensor for measuring motion of a device housing at least a component of the data processing system and moveable independently of the projector device, a processing system for transforming the measured motion into at least one signal for a system for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices, and an interface for providing the at least one signal to the control system.

The system is suited to adjusting a projector device located at a distance from the data processing system. A user is able to interact with the system in a simple and intuitive manner to carry out the adjustment. In particular, the user need only move the device housing at least a component of the data processing system.

In an embodiment, the system is configured to carry out a method of adjusting a projector device according to the invention. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for use in a system for adjusting a projector device for projecting images onto an area of a surface, which projector device is provided with at least one adjustment device for adjusting at least a component of the projector device so as to affect at least one geometrical parameter of a beam of light projected onto the surface, which method includes: receiving a signal from a device according to the invention, transforming the signal into at least one control signal for a system for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices, and causing the control signal to be communicated to the control system. Such a method is ideally suited for implementation in a computer device arranged to co-operate with the device according to the invention, in order to provide a system for adjusting a projector device located at a distance from the data processing system with which a user can interact in an intuitive manner.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer programme including a set of instructions capable, when incorporated in a machine-readable medium, of causing a system having information processing capabilities to perform a method according to the invention for use in a system for adjusting a projector device for projecting images onto an area of a surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be explained in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an assembly of a data processing system and a projector device; and Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating some components of the assembly and of a system for adjusting the projector device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the example of Fig. 1, a projector 1 is arranged to project still or moving images onto an area 2 of a screen 3. The location and size of the area 2 depend on the position and orientation of the projector 1 relative to the screen 3. These parameters also affect whether the projected images are in focus or not.

The projector 1 may be any known type of video projector, e.g. a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) projector, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projector, DLP (Digital Light Processor) or LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) projector. In the following, the example of an LCD projector will be used for simplicity.

The projector 1 is arranged to receive a signal carrying video data over a wired connection 4 to a laptop computer 5. The laptop computer 5 is located at a distance between 0.5 m to several tens of metres to the projector 1. In any case, the projector 1 and the laptop computer 5 are physically distinct systems. Any type of portable computer can be used instead of the laptop computer 5, e.g. a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), smart phone, or even a very basic data processing device like a streaming media server. In an alternative embodiment, the video signal is provided by a data processing system comprising a device housing a computer and at least one further device housing a peripheral component of the computer, with the further device being portable at least to a limited extent. Examples of such a further device would be a keyboard or other type of input device with a wired or wireless connection to the computer.

The signal carrying video data over the wired connection 4 can be a signal for use in one of any number of established video interfaces, e.g. VGA, S-Video, Scart, DVI, HDMI or UDI. Furthermore, the signal is provided over a wireless connection instead of the wired connection 4 in an alternative embodiment.

It is possible to move the projector 1 relative to a support surface 6 and/or to adjust components of the image projection system comprised in the projector 1 so as to affect at least the location of edges 7-10 of the area 2 of the screen 3 illuminated by the projector 1. In certain embodiments, the linearity of the edges 7-10 may also be affected. The adjustment is carried out independently of the processing of image contents.

As shown in the detailed diagram of Fig. 2, the projector 1 used as an example includes a lamp 11, an LCD panel system 12, an adjustable lens system 13 and an exit lens 14. A controller 15 controls the operation of the projector 1. By means of a video signal interface 16 and digital signal processor 17, the LCD panel system 12 is controlled to modulate the light from the lamp 11 to create the images.

The projector 1 is further provided with first and second linear actuators 18,19 for adjusting the height of the back and a corner of the projector 1 relative to the support surface 6. The actuators 18,19 are provided with driving signals by respective actuator controllers 20,21 arranged to generate the driving signals in response to commands from the controller 15 indicating a desired displacement. In this way, the area 2 projected onto the screen 3 can be rotated and moved laterally and in height. One or more actuators (not shown) in the lens system 13 are arranged to displace lenses relative to a housing 22 of the projector 1, to allow the area 2 to be increased or reduced in size. This is also carried out in response to commands from the controller 15.

The controller 15 is provided with the commands, or instructions that it translates into the commands, by means of a signal from the laptop computer 5. Only certain components are shown in Fig. 2. The laptop 5 includes a graphics processor 23 for generating video data, and a video output 24 for providing a signal that is a composite of the signal carrying the video data and a signal carrying the projector adjustment commands to the controller 15 of the projector 1. For example, the signal carrying the adjustment commands may be provided in the consumer electronics control signal of an HDMI interface. In another embodiment, the signal may be provided in a frequency range separate from the (analogue) video signal, e.g. a VGA signal, and then filtered out by the video signal interface 16.

In an example, the adjustment commands are generated by software running on the laptop 5 using a central processing unit 25 and main memory 26. The software receives a signal from a dongle 27 connected in generally fixed relation to the laptop 5 by means of mating connectors 28,29, e.g. USB (Universal Serial Bus) type A or type B connectors. The laptop 5 includes a host controller 30, and the dongle 27 includes a further controller 31 for communicating the signal.

The dongle 27 further includes at least one sensor 32 for measuring motion of the dongle 27, and thus of the laptop 5. In one embodiment, the sensor 32 is an inertial sensor such as an accelerometer. It measures acceleration of the dongle 27, from which both displacement of the dongle and a rate of motion are inferred. In embodiments in which the dongle 27 provides displacement data to the laptop 5, the software infers the rate of motion from the displacement data it receives from the dongle 27. In embodiments in which the software is provided with data representative of the direction and rate of motion, the software can perform an integration to derive the displacement. In yet another embodiment, the dongle 27 provides all the data. In another embodiment, one or more gyroscopes are used to measure motion in terms of changes in orientation, augmenting the linear acceleration data provided by the accelerometer. The software analyses the measured motion and transforms it into adjustment commands for the projector controller 15. Where the rate of motion is available, the measured motion is transformed into a signal for controlling the actuators 18,19 and/or lens system 13 such that a rate of adjustment of the edges 7-10 is changed in dependence on the measured rate of motion. That is to say that rapid and large displacements of the laptop 5 result in rapid and large displacements of the edges 7-10 of the area 2 of display.

In an alternative embodiment to the one described above, the laptop 5 running the software does not analyse the measured motion and transforms it into adjustment commands for the projector controller 15. Instead, a processing device in the dongle, such as the controller 31 analyses the measured motion and transforms it into at least one signal for controlling the actuators 18,19 and/or the lens system 13. The signal carries data indicating desired adjustments, which are communicated to the controller 15 of the projector. The data may be in the form of desired adjustments to the edges 7-10 of the area 2 of illumination, which are translated by the controller 15 in the projector 1 into appropriate signals for the controllers 20,21 driving the actuators 18,19.

In an alternative embodiment, the dongle 27 is provided with a wireless or wired network interface for communication with the projector 1 or with a further dongle or other peripheral device connected to the projector 1.

In yet another embodiment, one or more sensors for measuring motion are additionally or alternatively fixed directly to the laptop 5, e.g. glued to a housing of the laptop 5 or fixed internally to a chassis or printed circuit board of the laptop 5. In one particular embodiment, at least one sensor is arranged to measure swivelling motion of one of two components of the laptop 5 connected via a hinged connection relative to the other. In particular, swivelling motion of a lid 33 of the laptop 5 housing a screen 34 relative to a body 35 of the laptop 5 may be measured (this is also possible in cases where a clamshell cellular handset or a PDA with a hinged cover is used). In one embodiment, the measured motion of the lid 33 is analysed and transformed into a signal to direct the projector controller 15 to adjust the relative position of the edges 7-10. Thus, the lens system 13 can be adjusted to affect the size of the area 2 or to remove skew of the area 2 where it is initially not completely rectangular. In such embodiments, translatory motion of the laptop 5 will result in translations of the area 2, whereas an essentially rotary motion will result in other types of adjustment. The result is a relatively intuitive interface for adjusting the projector 1 to affect the area 2 of projection. The intuitive nature of the method is further enhanced by making use of the fact that the laptop 5 is configured to have a pre-determined side facing a user, in normal use, so as to enable the user to interact with the device. More particularly, the user is, in normal use, positioned facing the laptop screen 34. An intuitive method of adjustment is provided by transforming the measured motion of the laptop 5 into at least one control signal for controlling at least one of the actuators 18,19 and/or the lens system 13 such that at least one of the edges 7-10 is moved in a direction corresponding to a measured direction of movement of the laptop 5 relative to the user. In effect, if the laptop 5 is moved to the left, then so is the area 2 on which the projector 1 projects images. If the laptop 5 is moved forward, the size of the area 2 is increased, so that it appears to be closer.

As a result, a user is able to use the device normally situated close to him to control the projector 1 so as to adjust the area 2 of display, even when the projector 1 is in a relatively inaccessible position. The intuitive nature of the adjustment method makes the method relatively efficient and effective. It should be noted that the embodiments described above 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 "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. 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.

Instead of using the wired connection 4 over which the video signal is communicated, a signal for controlling the projector 1 can be provided over a separate wired or wireless connection. Some or all of the adjustment devices may be separate from the projector 1, and provided with their own control system that is arranged to receive a signal from the laptop 5 or dongle 27 over such a separate wired or wireless connection. Instead of measuring the motion of the laptop 5, motion of a peripheral device for providing input data to the laptop 5 may be measured and transformed into at least one signal for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices 13,18,19. It is also conceivable that motion be measured relative to the projector 1, e.g. using an optical or other electromagnetic system.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Method of adjusting a projector device (1) for projecting images onto a surface (3) and provided with at least one adjustment device (13,18,19) for adjusting at least a component of the projector device (1) so as to affect at least one geometrical parameter of a beam of light projected onto the surface (3), wherein the projector device (1) is arranged to receive a signal carrying video data over a communications link (4) from a data processing system located at a distance from the projector device (1), which method includes: measuring motion of a device (5,33) housing at least a component of the data processing system and moveable independently of the projector device (1), and transforming the measured motion into at least one signal for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices (13,18,19).

2. Method according to claim 1, including: measuring motion by means of at least one inert ial sensor (32) held in fixed relation to the device (5,33) housing at least a component of the data processing system.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one sensor (32) for measuring motion of the device (5,33) housing at least a component of the data processing system is provided in a dongle (27) having a connector (28) for co-operation with a connector (29) provided in the device (5,33) housing at least a component of the data processing system.

4. Method according to any claim 1 or 2, wherein the projector device (1) is provided with at least one controller (15,20,21) for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices (13,18,19), wherein a signal representative of at least one of: the measured motion and the signal obtained by transforming the measured motion, is communicated to the projector device (1) over a communications link (4).

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein the signal is communicated over a communications link (4) shared with the signal carrying the video data.

6. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the adjustment devices (18,19) includes an actuator for translating at least a point of the projector device (1) relative to a structure (6) supporting the projector device (1).

7. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the adjustment devices is arranged to adjust a beam-shaping device (12,33) included in the projector device (1).

8. Method according to claim 1 or 2, including: measuring a rate of motion of the device (5,33) housing at least a component of the data processing system and transforming the measured motion into at least one control signal for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices (12,13), such that a rate of adjustment of at least one geometrical parameter of the projected beam of light is changed in dependence on the measured rate of motion.

9. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device (5,33) housing at least a component of the data processing system is configured to have a pre-determined side facing a user, in normal use, so as to enable the user to interact with the device (5,33), including: transforming the measured motion into at least one control signal for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices (12,13), such that at least one section of a boundary (7-10) of an area (2) of the surface (3) onto which the images are projected is moved in a direction corresponding to a measured direction of movement relative to a user, in normal use, of the device (5,33) housing at least a component of the data processing system.

10. Device for use in a system for adjusting a projector device (1) for projecting images onto a surface (3), which projector device (1) is provided with at least one adjustment device (12,13) for adjusting at least a component of the projector device (1) so as to affect at least one geometrical parameter of a beam of light projected onto the surface (3), wherein the device is provided with means for connecting it in generally fixed relation to a device (12) housing at least a component of a data processing system and moveable independently of the projector device (1), and wherein the device includes: at least one sensor (32) for measuring motion of the device, a processing system for transforming the measured motion into at least one signal for a system (15,20,21) for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices (12,13), and an interface (28,31) for providing the at least one signal for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices (12,13).

11. System for adjusting a projector device for projecting images onto a surface (3) and provided with at least one adjustment device (12,13) for adjusting at least a component of the projector device (1) so as to affect at least one geometrical parameter of a beam of light projected onto the surface (3), wherein the projector device (1) is arranged to receive a signal carrying video data over a communications link (4) from a data processing system located at a distance from the projector device (1), which system includes: at least one sensor (32) for measuring motion of a device (12,33) housing at least a component of the data processing system and moveable independently of the projector device (1), a processing system (25,26,31) for transforming the measured motion into at least one signal for a system (15,20,21) for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices (12,13), and an interface for providing the at least one signal to the control system (15,20,21).

12. System according to claim 11, configured to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1-9.

13. Method for use in a system for adjusting a projector device (1) for projecting images onto a surface (3), which projector device (1) is provided with at least one adjustment device (12,13) for adjusting at least a component of the projector device (1) so as to affect at least one geometrical parameter of a beam of light projected onto the surface (3), which method includes: receiving a signal from a device according to claim 9, transforming the signal into at least one control signal for a system (15,20,21) for controlling at least one of the adjustment devices (12,13), and causing the control signal to be communicated to the control system (15,20,21).

14. Computer programme including a set of instructions capable, when incorporated in a machine-readable medium, of causing a system having information processing capabilities to perform a method according to claim 11.