Projector

A projector includes a housing, an image projection unit, and a plurality of connection ports including a power connection port. The housing has a top face, and a first face and a second face adjacent to each other, and a light projection port on the top face. The image projection unit includes an optical system to project light corresponding to image data, via the light projection port disposed on the top face, in an upward oblique direction with respect to the first face. The plurality of connection ports is disposed on the second face. The power connection port is disposed at a position in the second face closest to the first face side.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-186743, filed on Aug. 30, 2011 in the Japan Patent Office, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a projector, and more particularly to a projector that projects light corresponding to image data via a light projection port disposed on a top face of a housing.

2. Description of the Background Art

Short-focus projector can project light corresponding image data from a light projection port, disposed on a top face of a housing, to a screen disposed at a upward oblique direction with respect to the housing (e.g., JP-2008-158495-A).

Such projector may be placed near the screen, and a space opposite to the screen with respect the projector can be used as a passageway.

Further, such projector typically has a housing having two opposing faces, in which the light projection port is disposed in one face and a plurality of connection ports for connecting cables of, for example, power supply, communication, image, and audio is disposed in the other face (e.g., JP-2003-215710-A).

When such projector is positioned for use, the one face with the light projection port faces the screen and the other face with the plurality of connection ports faces away from the screen.

However, if the plurality of connection ports is disposed on the other face of the housing of a short-focus projector, which is positioned opposite to the screen as indicated in JP-2003-215710-A, cables connected to the plurality of connection ports may droop from the housing into to the space, by which the cables might trip a person entering the space between the screen and the projector.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present invention, a projector is devised. The projector includes a housing, an image projection unit, and a plurality of connection ports including a power connection port. The housing has a top face, and a first face and a second face adjacent to each other, and a light projection port on the top face. The image projection unit includes an optical system to project light corresponding to image data, via the light projection port disposed on the top face, in an upward oblique direction with respect to the first face. The plurality of connection ports is disposed on the second face. The power connection port is disposed at a position in the second face closest to the first face side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Furthermore, although in describing views shown in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner and achieve a similar result. Referring now to the drawings, an apparatus or system according to an example embodiment is described hereinafter.

A description is given of a projector or a projection system according to an example embodiment with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 14.FIG. 1shows a perspective view of a projector10according to an example embodiment, wherein the projector10is an example of electronic devices.FIG. 2shows a block diagram of the projector10.

The projector10may be, for example, placed on a platform P disposed on a floor F parallel to a horizontal face (seeFIG. 12), or placed on the floor.

For example, the projector10includes a housing12, an optical projection unit16, a light detecting unit28, an operation unit14, a cooling device22, a speaker18, a connection unit8, and the control unit20. Such units are connected to the control unit20. The optical projection unit16, encased in the housing12, can project light beams generated based on information input from external devices such as a digital versatile disk (DVD)/video recorder R, a personal computer PC, or a universal serial bus (USB) memory M, onto a face of a screen S (seeFIGS. 11 and 12). Such external devices can be connected to the connection unit8of the projector10. Further, the projector10includes an adjustment unit to move a part of the optical projection unit16to change an image size projected on the screen S.

A description is given of the optical projection unit16and the cooling device22encased in the housing12.

As shown inFIG. 3, the optical projection unit16includes, for example, a light source80, a color wheel82, a light tunnel84, condenser lenses86and88, mirrors90and92, a digital micro mirror device (DMD)94, a projection lens96, a minor97, and a free-form-surface minor98, which are arranged from the light source80along a light path. The light source80emits light. The color wheel82is an example of light separator, in which the wheel is segmented into a plurality of areas to pass through corresponding color light beam. The light tunnel84is an example of light intensity unifying unit. The condenser lenses86and88are examples of light refraction member (or light focusing member). The mirrors90and92are examples of light reflector. The DMD94is an example of light modulator.

The projection lens96is an example of wide-angle projection and focusing unit. The mirror97is an example of light reflector. The free-form-surface mirror98is an example of wide-angle projection and reflection unit.

The projection lens96can be composed of a plurality of lens elements having an optical axis direction along the Z-axis direction, and arranged with a given interval along the optical axis direction. The DMD94can be controlled by the control unit20based on, for example, image data output from the personal computer PC, the DVD/video recorder R, or the like. InFIG. 3, the light path from the light source80to the mirror97is indicated by arrows.

In the optical projection unit16, the light emitted from the light source80enters the color wheel82. The light entered the color wheel82can be sequentially separated, and output as three primary colors of lights from the color wheel82as timewise manner. Each of the light output from the color wheel82enters the light tunnel84to set uniform distribution of light intensity, and then enters the condenser lenses86and88sequentially. Each of the primary color lights that enters the condenser lenses86and88receives a focus-face adjustment process, and reflected by the mirrors90and92sequentially, and then enters the DMD94. Each of the primary color lights that enters the DMD94is modulated by the DMD94based on the image data, and reflected at the DMD94, and then enters the projection lens96sequentially. Each of the primary color lights that enters the projection lens96receives an wide angle process, and reflected by the minor97, and then enters the free-form-surface minor98sequentially. Each of the primary color lights that enters the free-form-surface minor98is reflected with a wide angle by the free-form-surface minor98, and then projected to an upward direction of the housing12via a light projection port, to be described later. Specifically, the light is sequentially projected to an upward direction such as upward oblique direction from a rear face42of the housing12, which is +Z and +Y direction from the housing12as shown inFIG. 12.

The optical projection unit16is configured to have a short focus so that the focus distance of the light projected from the projector10can be set shorter from the projector10. The shorter projection distance enables a greater display or projection of a color image or a monochrome image on the screen S arranged, for example, at upward oblique direction of the housing12such as +Z and +Y direction near from the housing12as shown inFIG. 12.

The optical projection unit or system such as the optical projection unit16having a configuration of the short focus means that the optical projection unit16is an optical unit or system having a mirror such as the free-form-surface minor98having a given level of refractive index or an index of refraction. The refractive index may be positive and negative. Because the optical projection unit16includes the mirror having a given level of refractive index, a greater projection image can be displayed on the screen S even if the distance between a light projection port and the screen S is short. For example, if the distance between the light projection port and the screen S is within 50 cm, a projection image of about 80 inch can be displayed on the screen S. Further, the configuration of the optical projection unit16is not limited to the above described configuration, but can be changed as required.

The cooling device22is used to cool a heat generating element or source such as the light source80(seeFIGS. 2 and 3), a central processing unit (CPU)11disposed on a substrate of the control unit20(seeFIG. 2). Specifically, the cooling device22releases or ejects heat generated by the heat generating element or source to the outside the housing12to cool the heat generating element or source.

The cooling device22includes, for example, a heat releasing member such as a metal heat sink connected to a heat generating source such as the light source80and the CPU11, a gas-flow guide member such as a duct, a gas-flow generator such as a fan15(seeFIG. 2), and a gas-flow port such as a gas-intake port and a gas-ejection port, to be described later.

The duct includes a first portion and a second portion. One end (e.g., open end) of the first portion is positioned near the gas-intake port disposed on the housing12, to be described later, and another end (e.g., open end) of the first portion is positioned near the heat sink connected to the light source80and the CPU11. One end (e.g., open end) of the second portion is positioned near the gas-ejection port disposed on the housing12, to be described later, and another end (e.g., open end) of the second portion is positioned near the light source80and the CPU11. Further, a dust-proof filter may be disposed between the gas-intake port and the one end of the first portion, and a dust-proof filter is disposed between the gas-ejection port and the one end of the second portion.

The fan15may be disposed, for example, at a position of the second portion of the duct close to the gas-ejection port. The fan15may be, for example, a large fan. The fan15may be activated when the power supply to the electrical system of the projector10is set to ON. Further, the fan15can be positioned at any positions as long as the fan15can generate the gas flow in the duct effectively and efficiently such as a position next to the gas-intake port.

When the fan15is activated, gas such as air can be sent into the duct (or housing12) via the gas-intake port, to be described later. The air flows along the duct, and sucks heat released from a heat generation device such as each heat sink of the light source80and the CPU11, and then the air is ejected outside of the duct (or housing12) via the gas-ejection port, to be described later. With such a configuration, the heat released from the heat generation device (i.e., each heat sink) can be ejected outside the housing12, by which the heat generation device such as the light source80and the CPU11can be cooled effectively and efficiently.

As shown inFIG. 1, the housing12can be formed into, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing12of the projector10is placed in a space defined by the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis directions. In an example embodiment, the X-axis direction is a width direction of the housing12of the projector10which may be set parallel to the screen S when the projector10is placed on the top face of a platform, which is parallel to a horizontal face; the Y-axis a depth direction of the housing12of the projector10, which is perpendicular to the X-axis in a horizontal face; and the Z-axis is a height direction of the housing12of the projector10, which is perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis.

FIGS. 4 to 8show a front view, a top view, a right side view, a left side view, and a bottom view of the projector10. The front view is viewed from the −Y direction (FIG. 4); the top view is viewed from the +Z direction; the right side view is viewed from the +X direction; the left side view is viewed from the −X direction, and the bottom view is viewed from the −Z direction. A description is given of each parts observable on the projector10with reference toFIGS. 4 to 8.

The housing12may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape such as a box having an internal hollow space. The housing12may be made of materials, relatively light weight and strong robust such as for example, rigid resin, rigid plastics, hard resin such as plastic. The housing12may be colored in, for example, white except a top face38.

As shown in the housing12ofFIGS. 6 and 7, the length of the Y-axis direction of the base24is set smaller than the height of the front face26, which is the −Y side face of the housing12, and the height of the rear face42, which is the +Y side face of the housing12. As such, the area of the front face26and the rear face42are set greater than the area of the base24. Such projector10can be referred to as a vertically-oriented projector.

For example, the base24of the housing12has a given depth (i.e., length in the Y-axis direction) such as from 5 cm to 8 cm. Then, the height (i.e., length in Z-axis direction) of the housing12is set, for example, to two times of the length in the Y-axis direction of the base24(e.g., 10 cm to 16 cm), and the width (i.e., length in X-axis direction) of the housing12, is set, for example, to three times of the length in the Y-axis direction of the base24(e.g., 15 cm to 24 cm). As such, the projector10can be configured as a compact and vertically-oriented projector.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the front face26of the housing12may include three parts such as a lower part26a, an upper part26b, and a the middle part26c. The lower part26ais extended in parallel to the X-Z plane. The upper part26bis extended in parallel to the X-Z plane, and position at the +Z side and −Y side with respect to the lower part26a. The middle part26cconnects the lower part26aand the upper part26bwith a smooth curved face. The middle part26cmay be formed as a curved portion, and thereby the middle part26cmay be also referred to as a curved portion26c, as required. When a user holds the projector10by his both hands, the housing12can be held securely by holding the curved portion26cby his both hands.

As shown inFIG. 4, the light detecting unit28may be disposed at a top center of the upper part26bof the front face26of the housing12. The light detecting unit28includes a light sensor at its center to receive optical signals coming from a remote controller, and a light emitting diode (LED) is disposed near the light sensor. The LED can change the color of emitting light and/or the emitting timing depending on the status of the projector10such as normal operation and abnormal operation. The abnormal operation of the projector10may mean, for example, an abnormal operation of the fan15, the CPU11, or the light source80, to be described later.

Upon receiving optical signals from the remote controller, the light sensor converts the optical signals to electronic/electrical signals, and outputs the electronic/electrical signals to the control unit20. The control unit20controls various operations based on instructions corresponding to the electronic/electrical signals. Because the light sensor is disposed at the center of the light detecting unit28, the light sensor can effectively receive light coming from the remote controller. Further, the status of the projector10can be notified to a user by light emitting timing of the LED, and/or the light color of the LED. Further, for example, the remote controller and the operation unit14have the same function such as instructing the control unit20to conduct given operations. The detail of function of the operation unit14will be described later.

Further, as shown inFIG. 4, an audio releasing port30is disposed at the lower center of the upper part26bof the front face26of the housing12, which is lower than the light detecting unit28. The audio releasing port30includes a plurality of through-holes to release audio/sound output from the speaker18(seeFIG. 2). The plurality of through-holes composing the audio releasing port30is disposed two-dimensionally with a given interval with each other while arranging the through-holes with two-dimensional polygon area such as a rectangular area, a circle area, and an ellipse area. The size, number, and density of through-holes of the audio releasing port30can be changed depending the desired performance level of the speaker18. The speaker18will be described later.

Further, as shown inFIG. 4, a window36is disposed at the center of the X-axis direction of the middle part26cof the front face26of the housing12, which may be below the audio releasing port30, wherein a focus adjustment lever34having a knob34ais set in the window36. The focus adjustment lever34may be simply referred to as a lever, hereinafter. The focus adjustment lever34is operated to adjust the focus point of the projection lens96(seeFIG. 3). The knob34aof the focus adjustment lever34and the window36may be disposed at the curved portion26cof the front face26of the housing12, and may not be so visible.

As shown inFIG. 4, the window36may have a rectangular shape in the X-axis direction, and may be formed in a tapered shape in the Y-axis direction, in which the −Y side of the window36has a greater length compared to the +Y side of the window36.

The focus adjustment lever34may be slide-able in the X-axis direction (or pivotable about the Z-axis), and is mechanically coupled to the projection lens96(seeFIG. 3) via a drive-force transmission mechanism such as a gear. Upon sliding the focus adjustment lever34, the drive-force transmission mechanism moves a part of the lens elements configuring the projection lens96along the optical axis direction. With such movement, the focus point of the projection lens96can be adjusted. Specifically, when the focus adjustment lever34is activated into one side of the X-axis direction (or one direction about the Z-axis), the image focus point of light projected via the projection lens96is set at far. In contrast, when the focus adjustment lever34is activated into another side of the X-axis direction (or another direction about the Z-axis), the image focus point of light projected via the projection lens96is set at near.

The knob34aof the focus adjustment lever34is inserted into the window36from the inner side of the housing12, and the knob34ais designed to have a size so that an edge of the knob34adoes not protrude from the face of the middle part26cof the front face26of the housing12. With such a configuration, the focus adjustment lever34does not protrude from the face of the housing12, by which an unintended operation of the focus adjustment lever34can be prevented, and further, the focus adjustment lever34may not become an obstacle when to carry the projector10.

As shown inFIGS. 4,6, and7, the top face38of the housing12may be a substantially flat plate, parallel to the X-Y plane, and the top face38is connected to the upper part26bof the front face26of the housing12. For example, the top face38of the housing12may be colored with a given color such as black, and the rest of the housing12may be colored with a given color such as white. With such coloring, the appearance of the projector10has an effective contrast as a whole.

As shown inFIG. 5, a light projection port40and the operation unit14may be disposed on the top face38of the housing12. The light projection port40may be formed as an opening having a two-dimensional polygon shape (e.g., hexagonal shape) at a portion of the top face38such as +X/+Y position on the top face38. The light projection port40may be covered by a transparent cover or a semi- transparent cover. As described later, the light coming from the optical projection unit16is projected outside the housing12via the cover, which covers the light projection port40. Hereinafter, the light projection port40may mean a light projection port covered by the cover.

As shown inFIG. 5, the operation unit14may include a plurality of controls (e.g., 6) disposed on the top face38of the housing12, which may be the −X area with respect to the light projection port40. The plurality of controls may be, for example, press-type controls such as pushbuttons.

Specifically, a power button68, an input button70, a mute button72, and an enter button74may be sequentially disposed on the top face38of the housing12in a direction from the −X side to +X side. The input button70can be used as an input switching button.

The power button68is used as a control to switch power-ON/OFF for electrical parts in the projector10. The power button68may have a press portion having a circular shape, and the press portion is inserted in a circular opening68a, formed on the top face38of the housing12and greater than the diameter of the press portion. The press portion is co-axially inserted and moveable in the upward/downward direction in the circular opening68a. The power button68may be biased into an upward direction by a spring. When the power button68is pressed down against an upward-biasing force of the spring, the power-ON/OFF for the electrical parts can be switched. Further, the power-ON condition can be set by pressing and maintaining the pressed position of the power button68. Further, the power-ON/OFF condition can be switched whenever the power button68is pressed.

Further, the power button68may be disposed with a lighting member such as for example a blue light emitting diode (LED). The blue LED can be set to emit a light when the power-ON condition is set, by which the position of the power button68can be recognized even the projector10is used in a dark environment.

The input button70is used as a control to switch a data input source such as external devices or memories connected to the projector10. The external devices and memories may be also referred to as connectable devices. The input button70may have a press portion having a circular shape, and the press portion is inserted in a circular opening70a, formed on the top face38of the housing12and greater than the diameter of the press portion. The press portion is co-axially inserted and moveable in the upward/downward direction in the circular opening70a. The input button70may be biased into an upward direction by a spring. When the input button70is pressed down against an upward-biasing force of the spring, the data input source to the projector10can be switched from one connectable device to another connectable device that outputs image signals.

The mute button72is used as a control to mute the light projected from the optical projection unit16, and audio/sound output from the speaker18. The mute button72may have a press portion having a having a circular shape, and the press portion is inserted in a circular opening72a, formed on the top face38of the housing12and greater than the diameter of the press portion. The press portion is co-axially inserted and moveable in the upward/downward direction in the circular opening72a. The mute button72may be biased into an upward direction by a spring. When the mute button72is pressed down against an upward-biasing force of the spring while the optical projection unit16is projecting the light, and/or the speaker18outputs the audio/sound, the light projection from the optical projection unit16is stopped, and/or the audio/sound output from the speaker18is stopped. When the mute button72is pressed again, the mute is canceled, by which the light projection from the optical projection unit16is resumed, and/or the audio/sound output from the speaker18is resumed.

The enter button74is used as a control to determine items selected on a menu screen projected on the screen S. Specifically, when a menu button78is operated, a menu screen is projected and displayed on the screen S (seeFIGS. 11 and 12). In such menu screen, a cursor76, to be described later, is operated to select an item, wherein the cursor76is used to point one of menu items, and then the enter button74is pressed to enter the selected item. The enter button74may have a press portion having a having a circular shape, and the press portion is inserted in a circular opening74a, formed on the top face38of the housing12and greater than the diameter of the press portion. The press portion is co-axially inserted and moveable in the upward/downward direction in the circular opening74a. The enter button74may be biased into an upward direction by a spring. When the enter button74is pressed down against an upward-biasing force of the spring under a condition that one item is pointed and selected in the menu screen, the menu screen displays the detail of the selected item.

As shown inFIG. 5, on the top face38of the housing12, the cursor76is disposed along the outer periphery of the enter button74, and the cursor76is disposed in the circular opening74a. The cursor76is used as a control to select items in the menu screen projected on the screen S. The cursor76may have a press portion having a ring shape, and the press portion is inserted between the enter button74and the circular opening74a. Such press portion can be slantingly pressed into the downward in the X and Y-axis directions.

The cursor76may be biased into an upward direction by a spring. When the cursor76is pressed down against an upward-biasing force of the spring at any one of +X, −X, −Y, and +Y ends of the cursor76, a direction indicator displayed on the menu screen, moves to a direction corresponded to the cursor-selected direction such as +X, −X, −Y, or +Y direction.

The items of to-be-selected and entered using the menu screen may be, for example, an image adjustment mode and setting mode. Further, when the cursor76is pressed down to the +X and −X ends, the volume of audio/sound output from the speaker18may be adjusted.

The menu button78may be disposed near the cursor76on the top face38of the housing12such as the −X and −Y side with respect to the cursor76. Specifically, when the menu button78is operated, a menu screen is projected and displayed on the screen S (seeFIGS. 11 and 12). The menu button78may have a press portion having a circular shape, and the press portion is inserted in a circular opening78a, formed on the top face38of the housing12and greater than the diameter of the press portion. The press portion is co-axially inserted and moveable in the upward/downward direction in the circular opening78a. The menu button78may be biased into an upward direction by a spring. When the menu button78is pressed down against an upward-biasing force of the spring, the display or non-display of the menu screen can be switched.

When each one of the above described controls is pressed, a corresponding operation terminal installed on a circuit board of the control unit20is pressed because the corresponding operation terminal is placed right under the corresponding control. Then, the control unit20receives instruction signals specifically set for each one of the controls, and the control unit20conducts the instructed functions. When each of the controls is not in the pressed condition, the top face of the controls may be set higher than the top face38of the housing12with some length.

Each of the controls may be colored with the same color of the top face38of the housing12(e.g., black), by which appearance of the controls can be assimilated into the top face38. As shown inFIG. 5, at each of the controls, a ring-like space can be set between the press portion and its surrounding circular opening inserted with the press portion, by which a user can recognize the positions of each one of the controls easily. Further, as shown inFIG. 5, the cursor76and the menu button78having a close functional relationship can be linked with each other by forming a groove between the cursor76and the menu button78on the top face38, by which a user can recognize the positional relationship between the cursor76and the menu button78easily.

Further, the above described remote controller may have pushbuttons having the same function (i.e., operation contents) of the controls of the operation unit14.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, a sloped portion44may be disposed at the upper end of the rear face42of the housing12. The mirror97(seeFIG. 3), used as a part configuring the optical projection unit16, is disposed in an inner side of the sloped portion44of the housing12.

As shown inFIG. 6, a gas-intake port17is disposed at the center portion of a right side face48, which is the +X side face or wall of the housing12. The gas-intake port17includes a plurality of through-holes17aused as a gas-flow port.

As shown inFIG. 6, the gas-intake port17can be defined by a frame23formed on the right side face48of the housing12. The frame23may have a pentagonal opening shape. The plurality of through-holes17aof the gas-intake port17can be formed by the frame23, and a lattice structure21arranged in the frame23.

When viewed from the +X direction, for example, the frame23has a substantially pentagonal shape, and the frame23is connected to the lattice structure21at a plurality of outer peripheral portions of the lattice structure21. A pentagonal area encircled by the frame23may be set to a given value such as about one third (⅓) of the entire area of the right side face48of the housing12. Further, the frame23may be protruded a little in the +X direction with respect to the surface of the right side face48of the housing12.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 9, the lattice structure21includes a plurality of vertical lattice members29b, a plurality of horizontal lattice members29c, and a plurality of column members29a. The plurality of vertical lattice members29bis arranged with a given interval along the Z-axis direction (or parallel to the X-Z plane). The plurality of horizontal lattice members29cis arranged with a given interval along the Y-axis direction (or parallel to the X-Y plane). The vertical lattice member29band the horizontal lattice member29cmay be collectively referred to as a main lattice29of a two-dimensional lattice having an even thickness in the X-axis direction. The column member29ais disposed at each crossing point of the vertical lattice member29band the horizontal lattice member29cforming the main lattice29.

When viewed from the +X direction inFIG. 6, the column members29aare arranged in a matrix, and, for example,169column members29aare disposed. As shown inFIG. 9, the +X side end of the column member29ahas a protruded portion41, which protrudes from the main lattice29into the +X side. The protruded portion41, protruded from the main lattice29into the +X side, has a cross-sectional circular area greater than a square area at the crossing of the vertical lattice member29band the horizontal lattice member29c.The protruded portion41may be also referred to as a protruded column41.

Further,FIG. 14shows the cross-sectional shape of the column member29awith the vertical lattice members29band the horizontal lattice members29c, in which the protruded portion41is cut on the Y-Z plane. As shown inFIG. 14, the column member29a(see cross-hatched portion ofFIG. 14) can be formed on the vertical lattice members29band the horizontal lattice members29calong the X-direction. The column member29a(i.e., cross-hatched portion) occupies a part of corner of the through-hole17adefined by the vertical lattice members29band the horizontal lattice members29c.

In an example embodiment, the main lattice29and the column member29aare formed integrally to form the lattice structure21. However, the main lattice29and the column member29acan be formed separately, and then the column member29acan be assembled to the main lattice29. In both cases, the strength such as rigidity of the lattice structure21can be enhanced compared to a lattice structure having no column members29a. Therefore, when the strength such as rigidity of the lattice structure21is set with the same level of strength of the conventional lattice structure having no column members29a, the thickness of the main lattice29can be set thinner in the X-axis direction, which means the length in the X-axis direction can be set shorter.

Because the gas-intake direction (or gas-flow direction) of the gas-intake port17, to be described later, is set along the X-axis direction, the pressure loss of the lattice structure21caused by the gas-intake can be reduced compared to a conventional lattice structure having the same opening area and the same strength. The pressure loss means the reduction of pressure of fluid caused by frictional resistance between fluid and a solid object.

Further, when viewed form the +X side, each of the column members29acan be used as a concealing member, which can prevent to see parts disposed inside the housing12via the through-holes17. The greater the diameter of the column member29a, the greater the concealing effect of the concealing member. However, the greater the diameter of the column member29a, the greater the pressure loss, by which a too-great diameter of the column member29ais not preferable.

The lattice pitch of the main lattice29, which is a distance between the shaft axises of the adjacent two column members29ain the Y-axis and the Z-axis directions, may be set the same for the Y-axis and the Z-axis directions with a given pitch of, for example, 6 mm or so.

The +X side end of the protruded column41may be positioned with respect to the frame23as follows. Specifically, the +X side end of the protruded column41may be positioned at flush with the +X side end of the frame23, or is positioned lower than the +X side end of the frame23, which means the +X side end of the protruded column41is at a submerged position with respect to the +X side end of the frame23(i.e., inward direction to the housing12). The diameter of the protruded column41or column member29ais set greater than the thickness of the main lattice29.

When the housing12is viewed from a perspective direction (seeFIG. 1) such as from the +X side oblique direction (e.g., +X and −Y oblique direction, +X and +Y oblique direction, +X and +Z oblique direction, +X and −Z oblique direction), an inside view that can be seen via the through-hole17aof the gas-intake port17may be blocked by the protruded column41disposed around the through-holes17a(e.g., cross-hatched portion inFIG. 10), which means the protruded column41can function as a concealing member to prevent to see parts inside the housing12via the through-holes17a.

When the housing12is viewed from the +X side oblique direction, the shorter the length of the main lattice29in the X-axis direction (i.e., length along the through-holes17a), or the greater the lattice pitch of the main lattice29, the inside area of the housing12that can be seen via the through-hole17abecomes greater.

Therefore, to effectively function the protruded column41as the concealing member, the height and diameter of the protruded column41is required to set to a value, matched to the length of the main lattice29in the X-axis direction, and the lattice pitch of the main lattice29. Specifically, the shorter the length of the main lattice29in the X-axis direction, or the greater the lattice pitch of the main lattice29, it is preferable to set at least one of the height of the protruded column41(i.e., length in the X-axis direction), and the diameter of the protruded column41with a greater value.

However, the greater the diameter of protruded column41(or column member29a), the smaller the opening area of the gas-intake port17(seeFIG. 14).

When the fan15is activated and is rotated at a given speed, the greater the opening area of the gas-intake port17, the slower the inflow speed of the gas such as air into the housing12via the gas-intake port17. Therefore, the greater the opening area of the gas-intake port17, the gas-intake sound such as wind noise at the gas-intake port17can be reduced. The opening area of the gas-intake port17can be computed by subtracting the Y-Z plane cross-sectional area of each of the protruded columns41(and column members29a) and the Y-Z plane cross-sectional area of the main lattice29from the pentagonal area defined by the frame23.

In an example embodiment, to set the pressure loss as low as possible, to set the opening area of the gas-intake port17as great as possible, and to have an effective concealing effect, the height of the protruded column41is set, for example, about from one third (⅓) to two thirds (⅔) (i.e., 2 mm to 4 mm or so) of the thickness of the main lattice29(i.e., length in the X-axis direction), and the diameter of the protruded column41is set, for example, about from one third (⅓) to two thirds (⅔) (i.e., 2 mm to 4 mm or so) of the lattice pitch of the main lattice29.

Further, the Y-Z plane cross-sectional area of the vertical lattice member29band the horizontal lattice member29cis set to a value to secure the opening area of the gas-intake port17as great as possible, and to secure an effective rigidity. As above described, the pentagonal area (or opening area) of the gas-intake port17defined by the frame23is set great such as for example one third (⅓) of the entire area of the right side face48, which is the +X side face of the housing12. Therefore, the opening area of the gas-intake port17becomes relatively great with respect the volume of the housing12.

A description is given of the connection unit8with reference to drawings. As shown inFIG. 6, the connection unit8is disposed at a position lower than the gas-intake port17formed on the right side face48of the housing12. Te connection unit8includes a plurality of connection ports (e.g., seven). Each of the plurality of connection ports is used as a connection terminal to be connected to an external device, an external memory, and an external power source, which may be connected to the control unit20(seeFIG. 2).

As shown inFIG. 1, a concave portion50is formed at the lower part of the right side face48of the housing12, which is relatively at the −Y side the right side face48as shown inFIGS. 1 and 6. InFIG. 6, six out of seven connection ports may be disposed at the concave portion50having a polygon shape (e.g., pentagon shape) when viewed from the +X side (seeFIG. 6), and the six connection ports are arranged in two stages such as an upper stage and a lower stage. Further, the shape of the concave portion50may not be limited to the polygon shape, but a circle shape and an ellipse shape can be used.

At the upper stage of the concave portion50, a USB terminal52and a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) terminal54are arranged from the −Y side to the +Y side. The USB terminal52is connectable to external devices and memories such as the USB memory M, and the HDMI terminal54is connectable to an audio/visual (AV) device. Each of the USB terminal52and the HDMI terminal54can be inserted from the inner side of the housing12through a hole, formed on the bottom face of the concave portion50.

At the lower stage of the concave portion50, a local area network (LAN) terminal56used for communication, a computer terminal58, a video input terminal60, and an audio input terminal62are arranged from the −Y side to the +Y side. The computer terminal58is connectable to the personal computer PC to input red/green/blue (RGB) signals or the video device such as DVD/video recorder R to input component image signals. The video input terminal60is connectable to the video device to input image signals. The audio input terminal62is connectable to the personal computer PC and the video device to input audio/sound signals.

The LAN terminal56is inserted from the inner side of the housing12through a hole formed on the bottom face of the concave portion50. Further, each of the computer terminal58, the video input terminal60, and the audio input terminal62is inserted from the inner side of the housing12through a hole formed on the bottom face of the concave portion50. As shown inFIG. 1, the +X side end of each of the computer terminal58, the video input terminal60, and the audio input terminal62are within the concave portion50, which means not protruding from the height of the concave portion50, which may be a face of the housing12.

The rest of the seven connection ports is a power terminal64, used as a power connection port, connectable to an external power source. A concave portion66is formed at a portion of the housing12where the right side face48and the rear face42intersect with each other as shown inFIGS. 1 and 6. Specifically, at the bottom corner of the housing12at the +X side and +Y side (i.e., +Y side from the concave portion50), the concave portion66is formed with a depth (i.e., depth in X-axis direction) greater than a depth of the concave portion50. Such concave portion66can be accessed from the +X side and +Y side. The power terminal64can be inserted from the inner side of the housing12through an opening66aformed on the bottom face of the concave portion66.

The power terminal64includes insertion dents64ato insert a plurality of electrodes (e.g., three) of the terminal7aof a power cable7(seeFIG. 13). As shown inFIG. 13, when the terminal7aof the power cable7is connected to the power terminal64, a part of a connector block supporting the three electrodes (e.g., more than half of connector block) can be engaged to the concave portion66, by which the falling off of power cable7can be prevented.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection ports of the connection unit8is inserted into openings formed on the right side face48of the housing12. Instead of such configuration, for example, a connector unit such as for example a connector panel or box having the plurality of connection ports can be prepared, and the connector unit can be fit to an opening formed on the right side face48of the housing12.

As shown inFIG. 2, the speaker18is connected to the control unit20. The control unit20can be connected to an external device such as the DVD/video recorder R and PC via the HDMI terminal54and the audio input terminal62using an audio cable, and can be connected to the USB memory M via the USB terminal52. Upon receiving audio/sound signals from such devices, the control unit20transmits the audio/sound signals to the speaker18. The speaker18converts the audio/sound signals to audio/sound, and outputs the audio/sound. The output audio/sound is released from the housing12via the audio releasing port30(seeFIG. 4).

As shown inFIG. 7, a gas-ejection port19is disposed at the upper part of the left side face31, which is the −X side face or wall of the housing12. The gas-ejection port19includes a plurality of through-holes19a.

As shown inFIG. 7, the gas-ejection port19can be defined by a frame35formed on the left side face31of the housing12. The frame35may have a rectangular opening shape. The plurality of through-holes19aof the gas-ejection port19can be formed by the frame35, and a lattice structure33arranged in the frame35.

When viewed from the −X direction, for example, the frame35has a substantially rectangular shape, and the frame35is connected to the lattice structure33at a plurality of outer peripheral portions of the lattice structure33. The rectangular area encircled by the frame35may be set to a given value such as for example one third (⅓) or so of the entire area of the left side face31of the housing12. Further, the rectangular area encircled by the frame35may be set a given value which is smaller than the pentagonal area encircled by the frame23. Further, the frame35may be protruded a little in the −X direction with respect to the surface of the left side face31of the housing12.

As shown inFIGS. 7 and 9, the lattice structure33includes a main lattice43of a two-dimensional lattice having an even thickness in the X-axis direction, and the column member29aat each crossing point of the main lattice43.

When viewed from the −X direction inFIG. 7, the column members29aare arranged in a matrix, and, for example,143column members29aare disposed. As shown inFIG. 9, the −X side end of the column member29ahas the protruded portion41, which protrudes from the main lattice29into the −X side. The protruded portion41, protruded from the main lattice29into the −X side, has a cross-sectional circular area greater than a square area at the crossing of the vertical lattice member29band the horizontal lattice member29c.

Except the outer shape and part arrangement, the lattice structure33and the lattice structure21employ a similar configuration for the encircling frame and positional relationship, and functions. Further, inFIG. 7, each part of the lattice structure33may be assigned with the same reference characters of the lattice structure21such as the column member29a, the vertical lattice members29b, and the horizontal lattice members29cas similar toFIG. 6.

Further, the opening area of the gas-ejection port19defined by the frame35becomes relatively great with respect the volume of the housing12as similar to the opening area of the gas-intake port17. The opening area of the gas-ejection port19may be set smaller than the opening area of the gas-intake port17.

When the fan15is activated and is rotated at a given speed, the greater the opening area of the gas-ejection port19, the slower the outflow speed of the gas such as air outside the housing12via the gas-ejection port19. Therefore, the greater the opening area of the gas-ejection port19, the gas ejection sound such as wind noise at the gas-ejection port19can be further reduced.

A description is given of legs of the housing12. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 8, a base24of the housing12may be disposed with at least three legs46at triangular positions with each other. The three legs46may have a short leg and may not be aligned on the same straight line. Such leg is an example of supporter of the housing12.

Each parts may be disposed in the housing12to set the weight balance of the projector10at the −Y side so that the −Y side becomes heavy compared to the +Y side. Therefore, the center of gravity of the projector10is, for example, set at a position of −Y side with respect to the center portion of the housing12.

In an example embodiment, in view of such weight balance of the projector10, as shown inFIG. 8, two of the three legs46are respectively disposed at a corner of the −Y side end and +X side end, and a corner of the −Y side end and −X side end on the base24of the housing12, and the remaining one is disposed at a center of +Y side end on the base24of the housing12. With such a configuration, the projector10can be supported at three points on a horizontal face by using the three legs46, and thereby the projector10can stand with a stable manner, and is hard to fall down. Further, the positions of the three legs46can be preferably changed at any positions in view of the weight balance of the projector10.

Each of the three legs46may have an axis along the Z-axis direction, and has a disk-like member such as a gear having formed the convexes and concaves on its periphery. For example, a screw type adjuster is employed for the legs46so that the height of the legs46disposed at the base24of the housing12can be adjusted. Therefore, a user can adjust the height of each of the legs46by rotating the legs46about the Z-axis, by which the posture of the housing12can be adjusted. With such a configuration, the projection angle of light projected from the housing12via the light projection port40can be adjusted. Because each of the legs46may be disposed with the gear member, the user can touch the gear effectively, by which the height adjustment can be conducted easily.

A description is given of an use environment of the projector10with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12, in which the projector10is used for a meeting of a plurality of participants.

As shown inFIG. 11, for example, a plurality of participants (e.g., seven) takes seats around a table T such as a rectangular table, wherein a long side of the table T extends along the Y-axis direction in a meeting room. Each one of the participants takes a seat at the +X, −X, and −Y sides of the table T while facing the table T.

Further, a screen S is extended along a wall W, which is positioned at the +Y side with respect to the table T. Further, the projector10may be placed on the platform P arranged near the lower part of the wall W or under the screen S as shown inFIG. 12, by a user, who is one of the participants.

When placing the projector10on the platform P, the user may move the projector10, for example, by holding a portion of the housing12including the curved portion26c(seeFIGS. 6 and 7) with his both hands. The user places the projector10on the platform P by setting the front side of the housing12(i.e., the front face26, which is the −Y side face of the housing12) to the −Y direction in the meeting room, and distancing the housing12from the wall W for a given distance (e.g., several centimeters) so that a size of screen projected on the screen S becomes a desired size as shown inFIG. 12. Because the sloped portion44is disposed between the top face38and the rear face42(i.e., +Y side face) of the housing12as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the user can easily check the distance between the housing12and the wall W from the upward of the housing12, by which the projector10can be placed on the platform P easily.

Because the projector10is a vertically-oriented projector, the length of the projector10in the depth direction (i.e., Y-axis direction) becomes short. Therefore, when the projector10is placed near the wall W, a space can be used efficiently. For example, compared to a horizontally-oriented projector having a longer length in the depth direction (i.e., Y-axis direction), the space between the projector10and the table T can be set greater. Further, even if a person exists in such space, the person may not interfere with the projector10such as the person does not block the light path projected from the projector10.

After placing the projector10, the user may adjust the height of at least one of the three legs46(seeFIG. 8) to adjust the posture of the housing12. For example, when the projector10is placed near the wall W, the two legs46disposed at the −Y side end on the base24are set far from the wall W while the two legs46are being distanced with each other in the X-axis direction, and the one leg46disposed at the +Y side end on the base24is set closer to the wall W. Therefore, by using the height of the one of the legs46at the +Y side end on the base24as a reference height, the user can adjust the height of at least one of the two legs46at the −Y side end on the base24, by which the posture of the housing12can be adjusted easily, and thereby the projection angle of light projected from the light projection port40can be adjusted easily.

Further, after placing the projector10, cables or the like are connected to corresponding connection ports as shown inFIG. 13. Specifically, at first, the user connects the power cable7to the power terminal64(seeFIG. 6) by inserting the three electrodes disposed at the terminal7aof the power cable7to the corresponding insertion dents64aof the power terminal64(seeFIG. 6). When the power cable7is connected to the power terminal64, the power cable7may droop from the housing12. Because a part of the connector block supporting the three electrodes of the terminal7aengages with the concave portion66, the falling off of power cable7can be prevented.

Hereinafter, the personal computer PC, the USB memory M, and the DVD/video recorder R having a HDMI terminal may be used as examples of external devices or memories connected to the projector10(seeFIGS. 2 and 11). The personal computer PC and the DVD/video recorder R may be placed on the table T, and operated by one or more of the meeting participants.

The user may connect cables as follows: an audio cable25is used to connect the personal computer PC and the audio input terminal62, in which one end of the audio cable25is connected to an audio output terminal of the personal computer PC, and another end of the audio cable25is connected to the audio input terminal62. Further, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable27is used to connect the DVD/video recorder R and the HDMI terminal54, in which one end of the HDMI cable27is connected to a HDMI terminal of the DVD/video recorder R, and another end of the HDMI cable27is connected to the HDMI terminal54. Further, a RGB cable5is used to connect the personal computer PC and the computer terminal58, in which one end of the GB cable5is connected to a RGB output terminal of the personal computer PC and another end of the RGB cable5is connected to the computer terminal58. Further, a terminal of the USB memory M can be connected to the USB terminal52.

Because the plurality of connection ports are disposed within a given area on the right side face48of the housing12, which is the +X side face of the housing12, the user can easily connect each cable end and memory terminal to the corresponding connection port without puzzlement.

Further, as above described, one end of the cable is connected to the projector10, and another end of the cable is connected to a corresponding external device. Then, a portion of the cable, corresponding to from the one end to middle of the cable, may droop from the housing12and the platform P (seeFIG. 13), the middle of the cable crawls on the floor F (seeFIG. 12), and a portion of the cable, corresponding to from the middle to another end of the cable, may droop from the table T.

After connecting cables to the projector10, the user activates the personal computer PC and/or the DVD/video recorder R so that image data and/or audio information can be transmitted to the projector10.

Then, the user presses the power button on the operation unit14or the remote controller to activate the projector10. Then, the user can switch an input source to the projector10between the personal computer PC, the DVD/video recorder R, and the USB memory M by pressing the input button70. With such setting, image data and/or audio information can be transmitted from the personal computer PC, the DVD/video recorder R, or the USB memory M to the control unit20. Then, the control unit20activates the light source80, and transmits the audio information to the speaker18. Further, when the remote controller is used for the operation, a transmitting unit of the remote controller is directed to the light detecting unit28, and then a button on the remote controller is pressed.

When the light source80is activated, the light source80emits light. The emitted light is guided to the light projection port40(seeFIG. 5) via the color wheel82, the light tunnel84, the condenser lenses86and88, the mirrors90and92, the DMD94, the projection lens96, the minor97, the free-form-surface mirror98(seeFIG. 3). The guided light can be projected to an upward oblique direction of the housing12such as the +Y side and +Z side of the housing12, which is the upward oblique direction with respect to the rear face42(i.e., +Y side face of the housing12) from the light projection port40(seeFIG. 12), by which a color image or a monochrome image can be projected with an effective size on the screen S. Because the projector10is disposed near the screen S, persons or objects rarely enter the light-path of the light projected from the projector10, by which the projected light may not be blocked persons or objects.

The user can move (e.g., pivot) the focus adjustment lever34along the front face26(i.e., −Y side face of the housing12) to adjust the focus of the projection lens96, by which focused image can be projected on the screen S. Because the focus adjustment lever34is disposed at the center of the front face26(i.e., −Y side face of the housing12), and is moveable ((e.g., pivotable) about the Z-axis, the user can easily operate the focus adjustment lever34whenever the user is at any position of the +X side, −X side, and −Y side of the housing12.

Further, in addition to such focus adjustment, the user presses the menu button on the operation unit14or the remote controller, as required, to display menu items on the screen S. By pressing the cursor76and the enter button74, the user can select and set, for example, the image adjustment mode, and the image setting mode to adjust the size of image, the position of image, the brightness of image, the contrast of image, and the density of color.

Further, when the audio information is transmitted to the speaker18, the speaker18converts the audio information to audio and outputs audio outside the housing12via the audio releasing port30. Further, the volume of audio output from the speaker18can be adjusted by operating a cursor on the operation unit14or the remote controller.

With such operations, the participants of the meeting can see image and listen audio output from the projector10.

Further, during the meeting, the user can stop the image and audio output from the projector10temporally by pressing the mute button on the operation unit14or the remote controller, in which images from other projector or an over head projector (OHP) can be projected on the screen S temporally.

Further, when the projector10is activated, the fan15of the cooling device22(seeFIG. 2) is activated and rotated at a low speed. Then, gas such as air inflows in the duct or the housing12via the gas-intake port17. The gas such as air flows along each of the heat sink to suck heat released from the heat sink, and then the gas outflow outside of the duct or the housing12via the gas-ejection port19. With such a configuration, the heat generation device such as the CPU11, the light source80, or the like can be cooled effectively and efficiently, by which the abnormal operation of the CPU11, and the exhaustion and damages of the light source80can be prevented.

Each of the cables connected to the corresponding connection port is positioned under the gas-intake port17(seeFIG. 13), by which the air inflow into the duct via the gas-intake port17is not blocked by each one of the cables.

A description is given of connection/disconnection operations of cable or the like for the projector10. For example, during the meeting, the connection/disconnection operations of cable may be conducted for the projector10to add or change an external device or memory connected to the projector10. In such a case, a cable or a memory is disconnected from at least one of the connection ports of the connection unit8by the user, who may be present at the −Y side of the projector10. When connecting or disconnecting the cables, the terminal of the cable is hold by a hand of the user to prevent breaking of the cable. Further, the added or changed external devices may be, for example, the personal computer PC, the USB memory M, the DVD/video recorder R, a liquid crystal monitor, an audio amplifier, a DVD player, and a video player, but not limited thereto.

As shown inFIG. 13, the connection unit8has the plurality of connection ports such as seven connection ports. Out of the seven connection ports, the six connection ports may be connected or disconnected with cables or the like with a relatively greater number of frequencies. Such six connection ports may be set at the −Y side portion of the right side face48of the housing12. In such a configuration, the six connection ports can be set at a position closer to the user, by which the connection/disconnection operation can be conducted smoothly. For example, the USB terminal52may be disposed at the most −Y side and +Z side in the connection unit8(seeFIG. 6). Therefore, when the USB memory M is connected or disconnected with respect to the USB terminal52, cables connected to other connection ports may not block the connection/disconnection operation of the USB memory M.

In contrast, one connection port used as the power terminal64is disposed at a position, which is the farthest from the user. Specifically, the power terminal64is disposed at the most +Y side of the right side face48of the housing12because the connection/disconnection operation of the power cable7for the power terminal64may be relatively not so frequent. In such a configuration, when cables or the like are connected or disconnected to other six connection ports, the power cable7connected to the power terminal64does not interfere the connection/disconnection operation of other cables. Further, because the terminal7aof the power cable7is positioned at the farthest from the user that conducts the connection/disconnection operation of cables, the user may not misrecognize the power cable7as other cables, and thereby the power cable7may not be disconnected unintentionally or by error by the user.

If a connection port is disposed on the front face26of the housing12(i.e., −Y side of the housing12), a cable connected to the connection port may droop from the −Y side of the housing12as indicated by the dotted line ofFIG. 12. If, for example, a person comes near the −Y side of projector10under such situation, the cable may cause a trouble such as trapping legs of the person. In an example embodiment, as shown inFIG. 12, a cable such as the RGB cable5connected to the connection port may droop from the +X side face of the housing12. Therefore, even if a person comes near the −Y side of projector10, the cable may not cause a trouble such as trapping legs of the person.

The projector10can be used in the meeting room as such. After the meeting, the user presses the power button on the operation unit14or the remote controller to stop the power supply to the projector10, and then removes or disconnects the cables connected to the plurality of connection ports.

Further, in the above described projector10, the light projection port40is disposed on the top face38of the housing12, and the plurality of connection ports (e.g., seven) of the connection unit8are disposed on the right side face48, which is the +X side face of the housing12. The projector10is placed at a position near to the projection face such as the screen S, and cables are connected to the plurality of connection ports of the connection unit8. In such a case, the cables connected to the plurality of connection ports may droop from the right side face48, which is the +X side face of the housing12. Therefore, even if a person comes near the −Y side of projector10, which is a space opposite to the projection face such as the screen S with respect to the housing12, the cable may not cause a trouble such as trapping legs of the person.

Further, as above described, when the projector10is placed near the wall W having the screen S, among the plurality of connection ports of the connection unit8, the power terminal64having the least frequency of cable connection/disconnection operation is positioned at the most +Y side (or the wall W side). With such a configuration, when cables or the like are connected or disconnected to the connection ports not used for the power terminal64, the power cable7connected to the power terminal64does not interfere the connection/disconnection operation of cables, and further, because the terminal7aof the power cable7is positioned at the farthest from the user that conducts the connection/disconnection operation of cables, the power cable7may not be disconnected by error by the user. Therefore, the connection/disconnection operation of cables with respect to the plurality of connection ports can be conducted smoothly.

Further, as shown inFIG. 1, the concave portion66used for the power terminal64is formed at a corner of +X side and +Y side of the housing12, which means the power terminal64can be accessed from both of the +X side and +Y side. Therefore, the connection/disconnection operation of the power cable7with respect to the power terminal64can be conducted smoothly.

Further, as shown inFIG. 13, the plurality of connection ports may be disposed at the lower side of the right side face48of the housing12. Therefore, when the connection/disconnection operation of cables with respect to the plurality of connection ports is conducted, a moment to lean the housing12is hard to occur, by which the unstable condition of the housing12is hard to occur. Therefore, the connection/disconnection operation of cables with respect to the plurality of connection ports can be conducted smoothly.

As above described, in the above described projector10, the connection/disconnection operation of cables with respect to the plurality of connection ports can be conducted smoothly by the user. Therefore, the connection/disconnection operation of the projector10and external devices can be conducted smoothly and faster before, during, and after the meeting, by which the preparation, progress, and ending of the meeting can be conducted smoothly.

Further, in the above described projector10, the housing12includes the frames23/35, the main lattices29/43and a plurality of protruded portions41. The frames23/35and the main lattices29/43include the gas-flow port such as the gas-intake port17and the gas-ejection port19having a plurality of through-holes. The plurality of protruded portions41projects from the main lattices29/43along the gas-flow direction (or X-axis direction) of the gas-flow port.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of protruded portions41protrudes along the gas-flow direction of the gas-flow port, by which the pressure loss of the gas flow can be reduced compared to a conventional projectors disclosed in JP-2003-215710-A that dispose a plurality of loopers (e.g., plate member) near the gas-flow port by slanting the loopers from the gas-flow direction of the gas-flow port.

Further, when the housing12is viewed from the +X side such as from the gas-intake port17and the −X side such as from the gas-ejection port19with a given oblique direction (excluding a direction such as the exact +X direction or −X direction), a part of each one of the through-holes configuring the gas-flow port is concealed by the protruded portion41set around the through-holes, by which the inside of the housing12is hard to see via each one of the through-holes. Therefore, while attaining a concealing effect, the pressure loss of the gas flow can be reduced.

Further, in the above described projector10, the column member29ais disposed at each crossing point of the lattice, by which the crossing point can be reinforced. Therefore, even if the thickness of the main lattices29/43in the X-axis direction is thin (or the length in the gas-flow direction of the gas-flow port is short), the main lattices29/43can secure enough rigidity. Further, by disposing the protruded column41, the inside of the housing12is hard to see via each one of the through-holes. Therefore, while a concealing effect is secured, the pressure loss of the gas flow can be further reduced.

As such, the protruded portion41can conceal the inside the housing12. Further, the protruded portion41can conceal each one of the through-holes configuring the gas-flow port such as the gas-intake port17and the gas-ejection port19, by which presence of the gas-intake port17and the gas-ejection port19can be reduced as much as possible, and the degradation of appearance of the projector10can be prevented.

Further, the protruded portion41having a columnar shape protrudes at each crossing point of the lattice of the main lattices29/43of the lattice structures21and33. Therefore, the lattice structure21and the lattice structure33can be seen as a specific pattern drawn on the housing12(seeFIG. 1). As such, as for the projector10, the lattice structures21and33have a concealing effect, and give a specific design effect.

Further, the column member29ahaving the protruded column41is disposed at each crossing point of the lattice while protruding the protruded column41of the column member29aoutside of each crossing point of the lattice of the main lattice29or43. Such a configuration can enhance the rigidity at the boundary of the protruded column41and the main lattices29/43compared to a configuration that the protruded column41is attached to the main lattices29/43from, for example, one side (seeFIG. 17).

Further, in the above described projector10, the opening area of the gas-intake port17and the gas-ejection port19is set great with respect the volume of the housing12. Therefore, when the fan15is activated, gas inflows into the housing12with a slow speed via the gas-intake port17, and the gas outflows from the housing12with a slow speed via the gas-ejection port19. Therefore, the gas intake sound and the gas ejection sound can be reduced.

Further, as above described, because the fan15is activated and rotated at a low speed, the driving sound of the fan15such as wind noise can be reduced, and the gas flow speed via the gas-intake port17, and the gas flow speed via the gas-ejection port19become further slow speed, by which the gas intake sound and the gas ejection sound can be further reduced.

Further, when the projector10is used under the use environment shown inFIG. 11, the gas-intake direction at the gas-intake port17(see an arrow IN ofFIG. 11), and the gas-eject direction at the gas-ejection port19(see an arrow OUT ofFIG. 11) are not directed to the meeting participants. Therefore, the gas intake sound and the gas ejection sound including wind noise at the fan15, at the gas-intake port17, and at the gas-ejection port19are further hard to be heard by the meeting participants. Further, heated gas-flow ejected via the gas-ejection port19may not flow to the meeting participants.

Further, the heat generation device such as the CPU11, the light source80, or the like is connected to the corresponding heat sink. The heated gas-flow sucking the heat released from the heat sink is ejected to the −X side of the housing12via the gas-ejection port19formed on the left side face31, which is the −X side face of the housing12(see an arrow OUT ofFIG. 11). Further, the light modulated based on image data is projected to the upward oblique direction of the housing12, which is the +Z side and +Y side of the housing12, via the light projection port40formed on the top face38of the housing12(seeFIG. 12). In such a configuration, the flow path of heated gas-flow ejected via the gas-ejection port19is deviated from the light projection path of the light projection port40. Therefore, the heated gas-flow dose not affect the light, corresponding to image data and projected via the light projection port40, and thereby blurring of the image of projected light can be prevented.

Further, the light projection port40may be formed on the top face38of the housing12at a position close to the right side face48having the gas-intake port17, which is the +X side face of the housing12. As such, the light projection port40may be formed at a position far from the left side face31having the gas-ejection port19, which is the −X side face of the housing12(seeFIG. 5), by which the effect of heated gas-flow to the light, projected via the light projection port40, can be further reduced.

As such, the projector10may have a stable light projection performance, an effective cooling performance, an effective small sound noise performance, and a specific design effect.

As for the projector10used as a vertically-oriented projector, a plurality of press-type controls such as pushbuttons can be disposed on the top face38of the housing12, in which the pushbuttons are moveable in an upward/downward.

In such a configuration, each of the pushbuttons is pressed by applying an external force, which is applied into the vertical downward direction. Therefore, when each of the pushbuttons is pressed, only gravity and the external force effecting into the vertical downward direction is applied to the projector10. Therefore, when each of the pushbuttons is pressed on the projector10, an external force effecting into the horizontal direction and a moment about the Z-axis are not applied to the projector10, and thereby the positional deviation of the housing12can be prevented.

As shown inFIGS. 1,6,7, and13, the height of the housing12is set longer than the length of the base24in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, if, for example, an external force effecting into the +Y direction is applied to the front face26, which is the −Y side face of the housing12, the housing12may rotate about one of the legs46disposed at the +Y side of the housing12, by which the housing12may lean about the X-axis.

In an example embodiment, as above described, when each of the pushbuttons is pressed, an external force effecting in the +Y direction is not applied to the projector10. If the pushbuttons are disposed on the front face26, which is the −Y side face of the housing12, and are press-able into the +Y direction of the housing12, the housing12may lean and become an unstable condition.

In contrast, in an example embodiment, because the press-type controls such as pushbuttons are disposed on the top face38of the housing12, the housing12may not lean and become an unstable condition, and thereby the falling down of the housing12can be prevented.

Further, the focus adjustment lever34may be moved (e.g., pivoted) in a direction along the front face26, which is the −Y side face of the housing12. Therefore, an external force into the Y-axis direction and the moment about the Z-axis may barely occur and affect the center of gravity of the projector10. Therefore, the positional deviation of the housing12can be prevented, and the leaning of the housing12(i.e., unstable condition) can be prevented.

Further, the focus adjustment lever34has the X-, Y-, Z-positions in the housing12. Because the X-position of the focus adjustment lever34can be set substantially same as the X-position of the center of gravity of the projector10, even if a force into the +Y direction of the housing12is applied to the housing12when the focus adjustment lever34is operated, the positional deviation of the housing12may hard to occur, especially, a rotation about the Z-axis may hard to occur.

In the above described projector10, the control such as the pushbuttons can be disposed on the top face38of the housing12, and are moveable in an upward/downward. Further, the control such as the focus adjustment lever34can be disposed on the front face26(i.e., −Y side face of the housing12), and is moveable in the X-axis direction with a given stroke. With such a configuration, even if such control is operated, the positional deviation of the housing12, and resultant unstable condition of the housing12can be prevented.

In the above described example embodiment, the types, numbers, and arrangement patterns of the connection ports are not limited to the above described example case, but can be changed as required.

In the above described example embodiment, the plurality of connection ports of the connection unit8is disposed on the right side face48of the housing12, which is the +X side face of the housing12. Instead of such configuration, the plurality of connection ports of the connection unit8can be, for example, disposed on the left side face31of the housing12, which is the −X side face of the housing12. In such a case, the plurality of connection ports is preferably disposed at a position lower than the gas-ejection port19. With such a configuration, the cables connected to the plurality of connection ports does not block the gas-ejection port19, which mean the gas ejection from the gas-ejection port19is not blocked by the cables, and the heated gas-flow ejected via the gas-ejection port19does not hit the cable.

In the above described example embodiment, the gas-intake port17is formed on the right side face48of the housing12, which is the +X side face of the housing12, and the gas-ejection port19is formed on the left side face31of the housing12, which is the −X side face of the housing12.

Further, the gas-intake port17and the gas-ejection port19can be formed on the −Y and +Y faces of the housing12. For example, the gas-intake port17and the gas-ejection port19can be formed on the −Y and +Y faces of the housing12, in which one of the gas-intake port17and the gas-ejection port19is formed on the front face26of the housing12, and another one is formed on the rear face42of the housing12, which is the +Y side face of the housing12. In such a case, the plurality of connection ports is preferably disposed at a position on the face lower than the gas-intake port and the gas-ejection port.

In the above described example embodiment, the numbers of connection ports arranged at a portion lower than the gas-intake port17formed on the right side face48of the housing12is seven, but the numbers of connection ports is not limited these. For example, the numbers of connection ports may be six or less, or eight or more.

In the above described example embodiment, the plurality of connection ports (e.g., seven) is disposed in two stages such as upper and lower stages. However, the plurality of connection ports can be disposed other way. For example, the plurality of connection ports can be disposed in one stage, three stages such as upper/middle/lower stages, or the like.

Further, the shape, size, numbers, and arrangement patterns of a plurality of protruded members (e.g., protruded column41) protruded from the main lattices29/43is not limited to the above described example. Specifically, the shape of the plurality of protruded members (e.g., protruded column41) protruded from the main lattices29/43is not limited to columnar or cylindrical shape, but other shapes can be set for the protruded members. For example, the shapes of the protruded member may be a pillar shape such as polygonal pillar (seeFIG. 18) and ellipse pillar, or may be a tapered shape or frustum shape such as a pyramidal frustum, a circular truncated cone, and an ellipse truncated cone.

Further, the plurality of protruded member disposed at each crossing point of the main lattices29/43may have different shapes, sizes, and positions with each other.

In the above described example embodiment, the column member29ahaving the protruded column41is disposed at each crossing point of the lattice of the main lattices29/43. The numbers of the column members29ais not limited such case disposing the column member29aat each crossing point of the lattice. For example, the column member29ais disposed at least one crossing point of the lattice of the main lattices29/43.

Further, the height and diameter of the protruded column41is not limited to the above described values, but can be changed as required. In the above described example embodiment, the height and diameter of the protruded column41are set in view of balancing the reduction of the pressure loss of the gas flow at the gas-intake port and the gas-ejection port, securing a given area for the opening area of the gas-intake port and the gas-ejection port, and a concealing function of the protruded column41. For example, the height of the protruded column41is set to about from one third (⅓) to two thirds (⅔) of the thickness of the main lattices29/43(i.e., length in the X-axis direction), and the diameter of the protruded column41is set to about from one third (⅓) to two thirds (⅔) of the lattice pitch of the main lattices29/43. However, the height and diameter of the protruded column41are not limited thereto.

For example, the height of the protruded column41can be set less than one third (⅓) of the thickness of the main lattices29/43(i.e., length in the X-axis direction), or the height of the protruded column41can be set longer than two thirds (⅔) of the thickness of the main lattices29/43. Further, the diameter of the protruded column41can be set less than one third (⅓) of the lattice pitch of the main lattices29/43, or the diameter of the protruded column41can be set longer than two thirds (⅔) of lattice pitch of the main lattices29/43.

Specifically, if the priority is placed for the reduction of pressure loss and the securing of the opening area, the height of the protruded column41is set, for example, less than one third (⅓) of the thickness of the main lattices29/43, and the diameter of the protruded column41is set, for example, less than one third (⅓) of the lattice pitch of the main lattices29/43. In contrast, if the priority is placed for the concealing function, the height of the protruded column41is set, for example, longer than two thirds (⅔) of the thickness of the main lattices29/43, and the diameter of the protruded column41is set, for example, longer than two thirds (⅔) of lattice pitch of the main lattices29/43.

In the above described example embodiment, the protruded portion41, disposed at each crossing point of the lattice of the main lattices29/43, protrude the outward of the housing12, wherein such outward protruded portion of the column member29ais referred to the protruded column41.

Further, instead of such outward protruded portion, an inward protruded portion can be used as shown inFIG. 15A, in which the protruded portion41is disposed at each crossing point of the lattice of the main lattices29/43while protruding to an inward of the housing12. As such, the protruded column41of the column member29amay be used as an inward protruded portion. In such a configuration, as shown inFIG. 15B, a given area inside the housing12corresponding to a cross-hatched portion of the column member29acan be concealed by the protruded column41. Further, in such a configuration, an outer face of the housing12corresponding to the main lattices29/43may be set flush with an outer face of the frames23/35, or the outer face of the housing12corresponding to the main lattices29/43may be set at an inward position compared to the outer face of the frames23/35on the housing12.

Further, as shown inFIG. 16A, the column member29adisposed at each crossing point of the lattice of the main lattices29/43can be protruded to both the outward and inward of the housing12, and such protruded portion can be used as the protruded portion41. In such a configuration, as shown inFIG. 16B, a given area inside the housing12corresponding to a cross-hatched portion of the column member29acan be concealed by the protruded column41.

In the above described example embodiment, the protruded column41is provided as a part of the column member29a. Further, for example, the protruded column41alone can be disposed at least one of the crossing points of the lattice of the main lattices29/43as shown inFIG. 17.

In the above described example embodiment, the column member29ahaving the protruded column41is disposed at each crossing point of the lattice of the main lattices29/43. Instead of such column member29a, as shown inFIG. 18, a prism member129ahaving a prism-shaped protrusion141can be disposed at each crossing point of the lattice of a main lattice129. The prism member129ahaving the prism-shaped protrusion141may have, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. As shown inFIG. 18, the prism-shaped protrusion141can be protruded to the outward of the housing12. Further, the prism-shaped protrusion141can be protruded to the inward of the housing12. Further, the prism-shaped protrusion141can be protruded to both of the outward and inward of the housing12, in which one prism-shaped protrusion141protrudes to the outward of the housing12, and another prism-shaped protrusion141protrudes to the inward of the housing12.

Further, in the above described example embodiment, the length of the main lattices29/43/129in the X-axis direction, and the lattice pitch of the main lattices29/43/129can be changed, as required. The length of the main lattices29/43/129in the X-axis direction is the length along the through-holes, and the lattice pitch is the distance between the axes of two column members29aadjacently disposed in the Y-axis and the Z-axis directions.

In the above described example embodiment, the lattice pitch that defines and forms the plurality of through-holes of the gas-flow port such as the gas-intake port17and the gas-ejection port19may be set with the same pitch for the main lattices29/43/129. However, the lattice pitch may not be required to set with the same pitch. For example, one lattice pitch can be set differently from other lattice pitch of the main lattices29/43/129.

Further, by rotating the main lattices29/43about the X-axis for a given angle such as 0° to 90°, the plurality of through-holes of the gas-flow port such as the gas-intake port17or the gas-ejection port19can be defined and formed depending on the rotated angle.

In the above described example embodiment, the plurality of through-holes of the gas-flow port such as the gas-intake port17and the gas-ejection port19is defined and formed by crossing a plurality of long and narrow members in a perpendicular direction with each other. However, the long and narrow members may not be required to be crossed in the perpendicular direction with each other. For example, the plurality of through-holes of the gas-flow port can be formed by intersecting the long and narrow members with each other with any angle.

In the above described example embodiment, the plurality of through-holes of the gas-flow port such as the gas-intake port17and the gas-ejection port19is defined and formed by intersecting the plurality of long and narrow members extending in one direction and another direction. Further, the plurality of through-holes of the gas-flow port can be defined and formed, for example, by intersecting a plurality of curved long and narrow members.

In the above described example embodiment, the plurality of through-holes of the gas-flow port such as the gas-intake port17and the gas-ejection port19is defined and formed by the main lattices29/43/129and the frames23/35encircling the main lattices29/43/129. Further, the plurality of through-holes of the gas-flow port can be formed, for example, by hollowing out a wall face of the housing12.

In the above described example embodiment, the gas-intake port17is disposed on the right side face48of the housing12(i.e., +X side face of the housing12), and the gas-ejection port19is disposed on the left side face31of the housing12(i.e., −X side face of the housing12). Instead of such configuration, the gas-intake port and the gas-ejection port can be disposed on different portions of the housing12, and preferably, the gas-intake port and the gas-ejection port are disposed on different faces or walls of the housing12.

In the above described example embodiment, the protruded column41is disposed at each crossing point of the lattice of the main lattices29/43/129. In addition, the protruded column41can be disposed at a portion of the main lattices29/43/129, which is other than the crossing point of the lattice.

In the above described example embodiment, the projector10is placed on a general purpose base such as the platform P. Further, instead of such general purpose base, the projector10can be placed on a specific base Q, which can be fixed with the projector10as shown inFIG. 19. When the projector10is fixed with the specific base Q to set a base-fixed projector, the distance between the projector10and the bottom end of the specific base Q may become longer. If an external force is applied to a side face of the projector10, a moment caused by the external force becomes greater because the distance from a fulcrum (i.e., the bottom end of the specific base Q) to a line of action of force becomes too long, by which the projector10may lean. However, as above described, when the pushbutton is pressed, and the lever is moved (e.g., pivoted), an external force in the horizontal direction barely occurs to the projector10, by which leaning of the base-fixed projector can be prevented.

Further, the projector10and the specific base Q can be integrated as one unit, or can be configured as separable units. The height of the specific base Q is set to a value preferable for the image projection from the projector10to the screen S such as 50 cm to 100 cm but not limited these. Further, the height and angle of the specific base Q can be adjusted by disposing an adjuster. Specifically, the adjuster may be three height adjustment legs disposed at the bottom face of the specific base Q while the three height adjustment legs are not on the same straight line.

In the above described example embodiment, the plurality of controls is disposed at the −X side area of the top face38of the housing12, and the light projection port40is disposed at the +X side area of the top face38of the housing12. However, the positions of the light projection port40and the controls can be switched.

In the above described example embodiment, types (functions), numbers, size, and shapes of the plurality of controls are not limited to any specific value, but can be changed as required.

In the above described example embodiment, the plurality of press-type controls employs pushbuttons. However, the press-type control can employ, for example, a press-type switch having two pressing portions for ON/OFF.

In the above described example embodiment, the focus adjustment lever34is disposed on the front face26of the housing12while the focus adjustment lever34can be moved (e.g., pivoted) about the Z-axis direction. Further, the focus adjustment lever34can be disposed on the front face26of the housing12by setting the moving direction of the focus adjustment lever34along the direction on the front face26of the housing12, in which the focus adjustment lever34may be moved (e.g., pivoted) about the X-axis or Y-axis.

In the above described example embodiment, the focus adjustment lever34is disposed on the front face26of the housing12while the focus adjustment lever34can be moved (e.g., pivoted) about the Z-axis direction. Further, the focus adjustment lever34can be disposed on the front face26of the housing12by setting the moving direction of the focus adjustment lever34along the direction on the front face26of the housing12, in which the focus adjustment lever34may be moved (e.g., pivoted) about the X-axis or Y-axis.

In the above described example embodiment, the external devices connectable to the projector10may be the USB memory M, the personal computer PC, and the DVD/video recorder R. Further, other external devices such as a USB memory, a personal computer, a DVD/video recorder, a liquid crystal monitor, an audio amplifier, a DVD player, and a video player can be used.

In the above described example embodiment, the LAN terminal56and the video input terminal60are not connected to corresponding cable, but can be connected to the cable as follows. For example, one end of a network cable is connected to a server on the Internet, and another end of the network cable is connected to the LAN terminal56. For example, one end of an image cable is connected to an audio/visual (AV) device, and another end of the image cable is connected to the video input terminal60.

In the above described example embodiment, the housing12has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the shape of the housing12is not limited these. For example, the housing12can be shaped in a polygonal pillar shape, columnar or cylindrical shape, and ellipse pillar shape as long as the housing12has a top face and two side faces adjacent with each other and connected to the top face.

In the above described example embodiment, the projector10is used, for example, in a meeting room, but the use of the projector10is not limited these. Because the projector10is a portable and compact projector as above described, the projector10is not required to be set on a specific meeting room, but can be used at various locations.

Further, the housing12can be attached to, for example, a support pillar extending from a ceiling or a wall by setting the posture of the housing12upside down, or the housing12can be attached to the ceiling directly, in which the housing12is suspended on a ceiling.

Specifically, for example, the housing12may include a upside/downside detection sensor, and the legs46disposed on the base24of the housing12is fixed on the ceiling or the support pillar using a fixing members while setting the posture of the housing12upside down. The upside/downside detection sensor can be used to determine whether the housing12is attached with the upside down. Then, the light corresponding to image data is projected toward oblique downward direction via the light projection port40.

In the above described example embodiment, the projector10is used, for example, for a meeting of a plurality of participants, but can be used for other purposes such as presentation.

The above described example embodiment is applied to the vertically-oriented projector, but can be also applied to the horizontally-extended projector.

In the above described example embodiment, the projector10is used, for example, for a meeting of a plurality of participants, but can be used for other purposes such as presentation.

In the above described short-focus projector, cables connected to a plurality of connection ports may not interfere the operation of the projector such as connection/disconnection operation, and the movement or positioning of users.