Projector and image display apparatus

A projector (1) which projects a guide image (Pg). A first region above the center of the guide image (Pg) shows a perspective view (D) representing the projector (1) and a supporting device (2) supporting the projector (1). A second region on the upper right of the guide image (Pg), shows six illustrations (G1-G6) affixed with numbers 1 to 6. The six illustrations (G1-G6) respectively correspond to six adjustment items related to a supporting state of the projector (1). The six illustrations (G1-G6) indicate how a projected image changes when the adjustment items are adjusted. The perspective view (D) is an explanatory diagram for clearly showing the positions of adjustment operation units that adjust the six adjustment items of the supporting device (2). In the perspective view (D), the numbers 1 to 6 are affixed near the respective adjustment operation units in balloons.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a projector that modulates light emitted from a light source and projects the light and an image display apparatus including the projector.

BACKGROUND ART

There is known a supporting device (a suspension device) that supports a projector, which modulates and projects light, and enables the projector to be set on a wall surface, a ceiling, or the like (see, for example, PTL 1). Such a supporting device includes an adjusting mechanism for adjusting a supporting state (the position, the tilt, etc.) of the projector. A user can adjust (correct) the position, the size, the shape, and the like of a displayed image by operating the adjusting mechanism.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, in the supporting device explained above, it is hard for an inexperienced user to understand the operation of the adjusting mechanism. It is not easy for the user to operate the adjusting mechanism. Therefore, the user often has to work while referring to a manual (a printed matter). As a result, the user takes time in adjusting work, i.e., setting work for the projector.

Solution to Problem

Application Example 1

This application example of the invention is directed to a projector supported by a supporting device including a plurality of adjustment operation units for adjusting a supporting state of the projector. The projector includes a projecting unit configured to project light modulated according to image information and display an image and a guide display unit configured to display a guide image for guiding the adjustment by the plurality of adjustment operation units.

With the projector, since the guide image for guiding the adjustment of the supporting state by the plurality of adjustment operation units included in the supporting device, which supports the projector, is displayed, a user can adjust the supporting state while looking at the displayed guide image and easily perform adjustment operation.

Application Example 2

In the projector of the above application example, it is preferable that the guide image includes an explanatory diagram for clearly showing the positions of the plurality of adjustment operation units.

With the projector, since the guide image includes the explanatory diagram for clearly showing the positions of the adjustment operation units, the user can easily recognize the position of the adjustment operation unit that the user should operate.

Application Example 3

In the projector of the above application example, it is preferable that the guide image includes a plurality of illustrations indicating correspondence between the plurality of adjustment operation units and a plurality of adjustment items related to the supporting state of the projector.

With the projector, since the guide image includes the plurality of illustrations indicating the correspondence between the adjustment operation units and the adjustment items, the user can easily recognize which adjustment operation unit the user should operate to adjust which adjustment item.

Application Example 4

In the projector of the above application example, it is preferable that the illustrations represent changes of a projected image that occur when the adjustment items are adjusted.

With the projector, since the illustrations representing the adjustment items represent changes of a projected image that occur when the adjustment items are adjusted, when the user performs adjustment while looking at the projected image, the user can easily recognize an adjustment item that the user should adjust.

Application Example 5

In the projector of the above application example, it is preferable that, in the guide image, signs representing order in performing the adjustment of the supporting state are affixed to both of the adjustment operation units shown in the explanatory diagram and the illustrations corresponding to the adjustment operation units.

With the projector, since the signs representing the order in performing the adjustment of the supporting state are affixed to both of the adjustment operation units in the explanatory diagram and the illustrations corresponding to the adjustment operation units, the user can easily recognize correspondence between the adjustment operation units and the illustrations and easily recognize an operation procedure for the adjustment.

Application Example 6

In the projector of the above application example, it is preferable that the guide image includes a test pattern for making it easy to recognize the supporting state of the projector.

With the projector, since the test pattern for making it easy to recognize the supporting state of the projector is included in the guide image, the user can more easily perform the adjustment of the supporting state.

Application Example 7

In the projector of the above application example, it is preferable that the projector includes a storing unit configured to store information representing whether the guide image is automatically displayed and a control unit configured to read out the information from the storing unit during startup and perform control based on the information.

With the projector, since it is possible to automatically display the guide image during startup, the user can efficiently perform the adjustment work for the supporting device.

Application Example 8

This application example of the invention is directed to an image display apparatus including the projector according to the aspect explained above and a supporting device configured to support the projector.

With the image display apparatus, it is possible to obtain effects same as the effects of the projector.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

An image display apparatus according to a first embodiment is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Overall Configuration

FIGS. 1-A and1-B are diagrams showing a schematic configuration of the image display apparatus according to this embodiment.FIG. 1-A is a front view andFIG. 1-B is a side view.

As shown inFIGS. 1-A and1-B, an image display apparatus100includes a projector1and a supporting device2. The projector1projects light on a screen SC arranged on a wall surface W and displays an image on the screen SC. The supporting device2is fixed to the wall surface W above the screen SC. The supporting device2separates the projector1from the wall surface W and supports the projector1. In the following explanation, in the normal direction with respect to the wall surface W, a direction from the projector1side to the wall surface W is represented as a front direction (a +Y direction) and a direction away from the wall surface W is represented as a rear direction (a −Y direction). In the vertical direction, a direction against the gravity is represented as an up direction (a +Z direction) and the gravity direction is represented as a down direction (a −Z direction). On the wall surface W, a direction on the right side is represented as a right direction (a +X direction) and a direction on the left side is represented as a left direction (a −X direction).

The projector1is a projector of a short focus type including a concave mirror15(seeFIG. 6) for increasing the angle of projected light. The projector1can project light on the screen SC from a near distance and display an image on a large screen. As shown in the figures, an upper surface1A of the projector1is supported by the supporting device2. The projector1projects, from a projection window1C provided on a lower surface1B, light to the screen SC provided on an obliquely lower side.

Configuration of the Supporting Device

FIGS. 2 and 3are perspective views showing the supporting device2. InFIG. 2, the supporting device2supporting the projector1is shown.FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view of the supporting device2. As shown inFIGS. 2 to 4, the supporting device2includes a base section5, a first arm6, a second arm7, and a holding mechanism8.

The base section5is fixed to the wall surface W to support the first arm6. A driving shaft57for lifting and lowering the first arm6is attached to the base section5. In the base section5, three rectangular members formed of a sheet metal are coupled by screws51. The base section5includes a base section body5alocated in the center, a left side member5bcoupled on the left side of the base section body5a, and a right side member5ccoupled on the right side of the base section body5a. Plural holes52through which screws (not shown) for respectively fixing the base section body5a, the left side member5b, and the right side member5cto the wall surface W are formed in each of the base section body5a, the left side member5b, and the right side member5c.

The base section body5aincludes a plane section53arranged along the wall surface W, i.e., the XZ plane. The upper and lower ends and the left and right ends of the plane section53are bent in the −Y direction. In a lower surface section54bent at the lower end of the plane section53, a recess54ato which the driving shaft57is attached is formed. In an upper surface section55bent at the upper end of the plane section53, a through-hole55athrough which the distal end of the driving shaft57is inserted is formed.

The driving shaft57is an elongated hexagonal bolt. A thread groove (not shown in the figures) is formed in the outer circumference of the shaft. The driving shaft57is attached to the base section body5asuch that the distal end of the driving shaft57projects from the through-hole55aof the upper surface section55and a head57aof the driving shaft57is located on the lower side of the recess54aof the lower surface section54. A nut (a double nut)58is screwed with the driving shaft57with a predetermined distance apart from the head57a. The driving shaft57is attached to the base section body5asuch that the head57aand the nut58hold the lower surface section54therebetween.

In a pair of left and right side sections56bent at both the left and right ends of the plane section53, two long holes56aand56blong in the up down direction are provided. The long holes56aand56bare provided side by side on a straight line along the up down direction. The long hole56ais located above the long hole56b.

The first arm6includes a base61attached to the base section5and an arm supporting section66projecting from the base61in the −Y direction. The base61and the arm supporting section66are formed of a sheet metal. The first arm6can slide in the up down direction with respect to the base section5according to the rotation of the driving shaft57.

The base61includes a base body62having a rectangular shape in plan view opposed to the plane section53of the base section body5aand side sections63(seeFIG. 4) bent in the +Y direction from the left and right ends of the base body62. A rectangular opening62a, in which a proximal end of the arm supporting section66is arranged, is formed closer to the upper end of the base body62.

The left and right side sections63are formed to be located on the inner side of the left and right side sections56of the base section body5a. In the left and right side sections63, two holes63H respectively exposed from the long holes56aand56bof the base section body5aare provided. On the inner side of the left and right side sections63, nuts63N are fixed to positions corresponding to the holes63H. The base61includes an upper surface section64bent in the +Y direction from the upper end of the base body62and a lower surface section65(seeFIG. 3) bent in the +Y direction from the lower end of the base body62. In the upper surface section64and the lower surface section65, holes64H and65H (the hole65H is not shown in the figures), through which the driving shaft57is inserted. The holes64H and65H engage with the thread in the outer circumference of the driving shaft57.

The arm supporting section66is fixed to the base61such that one end (the proximal end) is inserted into the opening62aof the base61and the other end (the distal end) projects in the −Y direction. The arm supporting section66includes a bottom surface section67along the XY plane, standing sections68standing in the up direction from both the left and right ends of the bottom surface section67, and left and right upper surface sections69substantially parallel to the bottom surface section67and bent from the upper ends of the left and right standing sections68in directions in which the upper surface sections69come close to each other. Guide holes69H extending along the front rear direction are formed in the left and right upper surface sections69.

The first arm6is configured as explained above. The first arm6is attached to the base section body5atogether with the driving shaft57inserted through the holes64H and65H of the upper surface section64and the lower surface section65. Guide screws30and a fixing screw41are inserted through the long holes56aand56bof the base section body5a, whereby the first arm6is fixed to the base section body5a. The guide screws30are inserted through the long holes56aand56bof the side section56on the left side (the −X side) and the long hole56bon the lower side of the side section56on the right side (the +X side). The fixing screw41is inserted through the long hole56aon the upper side of the side section56on the right side (the +X side).

Although not shown in detail in the figures, thread grooves are formed on the distal end side of the guide screws30. Columnar non-screw sections, in which thread grooves are not formed, are provided in the proximal ends on the screw head side. The non-screw sections come into contact with the circumferential edges of the long holes56aand56b, whereby the guide screws30guide the first arm6.

When the fixing screw41is loosened and the driving shaft57is rotated by a wrench or the like, the first arm6slides in the up down direction according to the direction of the rotation. When the first arm6is slid, the non-screw sections of the guide screws30slide against the circumferential edges of the long holes56aand56, whereby the first arm6smoothly moves. When the fixing screw41is tightened, the first arm6is fixed in a position to where the first arm6is moved.

The second arm7includes an arm body71made of a sheet metal and a distal end cover75made of synthetic resin. The second arm7is formed to be capable of sliding in the front rear direction with respect to the first arm6. The second arm7is slid, whereby a projection amount of the second arm7with respect to the first arm6is changed. The holding mechanism8is attached to the second arm7.

The arm body71includes a bottom surface section72, standing sections73, and left and right upper surface sections74respectively located on the inner side of the bottom surface section67, the standing sections68, and the left and right upper surface sections69of the arm supporting section66.

In each of the left and right upper surface sections74, two screw holes (not shown in the figures), which are exposed from the guide hole69H of the first arm6and in which the guide screw31and the fixing screw42(seeFIG. 4) are screwed, are provided side by side in the front rear direction. Guide screws31are screwed in screw holes on the front side (the +Y side) among screw holes, two of which are provided in each of the left and right upper surface sections74. Fixing screws42are screwed in screw holes on the rear side (the −Y side) among the screw holes. In the guide screws31, as in the guide screws30, thread grooves are formed on the distal end side and non-thread sections are provided at the proximal ends on the crew head side.

When the second arm7is slid, the non-screw sections come into contact with the circumferential edges of the guide holes69H, whereby the guide screws31smoothly guide the second arm7. The fixing screws42fix the second arm7slid to a predetermined position.

After the second arm7is inserted through the first arm6, the guide screws31and the fixing screws42are inserted through from the guide holes69H and screwed in the screw holes of the upper surface sections74. InFIG. 4, a state in which the guide screws31and the fixing screws42are screwed in the screw holes of the upper surface sections74in a disassembled state of the second arm7and the first arm6is shown.

In the left and right upper surface sections74, three sets of screw holes74a,74b, and74cfor attaching the holding mechanism8are provided. The screw holes74a,74b, and74care arrayed from the front side (the +Y side) to the rear side (the −Y side) in this order. A distance between the screw holes74aand74band a distance between the screw holes74band74care equal.

The distal end cover75is a cover member for improving aesthetics and safety of the supporting device2. The distal end cover75is arranged at a −Y side end of the arm body71.

The second arm7is configured as explained above. After being inserted through the first arm6, the guide screws31and the fixing screws42are inserted through from the guide holes69H of the first arm6, whereby the second arm7is fixed to the first arm6. The fixing screws42are loosened, whereby the second arm7can slide. As explained above, when the second arm7is slid, the non-screw sections of the guide screws31slide against the circumferential edges of the guide holes69H, whereby the second arm7smoothly moves. When the fixing screws42are tightened, the second arm7is fixed to a position where the second arm7is moved.

Configuration of the Holding Mechanism

The holding mechanism8is fixed to the second arm7to support the projector1. The holding mechanism8includes a fixed member81fixed to the upper surface1A of the projector1and an adjusting mechanism9that couples the fixed member81and the second arm7.

FIGS. 5-A and5-B are perspective views of the holding mechanism8.FIG. 5-A is a diagram of the holding mechanism8viewed from obliquely above on the right side.FIG. 5-B is a diagram of the holding mechanism8viewed from obliquely above on the left side.

As shown inFIGS. 5-A and5-B, the fixed member81is formed of a sheet metal. In order to make it possible to adjust the position in the left right direction of the projector1, the fixed member81is configured to be capable of sliding in the left right direction with respect to the adjusting mechanism9in a state in which the fixed member81is fixed to the projector1.

The fixed member81includes a bottom surface section811formed substantially in parallel to the upper surface1A (seeFIG. 2) of the projector1, standing sections812standing in the up direction from both the front and rear ends of the bottom surface section811, and front and rear upper surface sections813substantially parallel to the bottom surface section811and bent from the upper ends of the front and rear standing sections812in directions in which the upper surface sections813come close to each other. In the bottom surface section811, plural through-holes811H corresponding to the screw holes provided in the upper surface1A of the projector1are formed. A long hole812H along the left right direction (the +/−X direction) is formed in the standing section812on the front side (the −Y side).

Fixing screws44(seeFIG. 2) are inserted through the through-holes811H of the bottom surface section811, whereby the fixed member81is fixed to the projector1. The upper surface sections813are locked to the adjusting mechanism9(a first plate91explained below), whereby the fixed member81can slide in the left right direction with respect to the adjusting mechanism9(the first plate91). Two fixing screws43are inserted through the long hole812H, whereby the fixed member81is fixed to the adjusting mechanism9(the first plate91).

The adjusting mechanism9is configured to be capable of adjusting the posture (the tilt) of the projector1. Specifically, the adjusting mechanism9is configured to be capable of performing fine adjustment in a rotating direction about the X axis (up down tilt adjustment), fine adjustment in a rotating direction about the Y axis (horizontal roll adjustment), and fine adjustment in a rotating direction about the Z axis (horizontal rotation adjustment).

The adjusting mechanism9includes a first plate91, a second plate92, a third plate93, a rotating mechanism94, a first shaft95, a second shaft96, a third shaft97, and three coil springs98. A dial951, a dial961, and a dial971are respectively attached to ends of the first shaft95, the second shaft96, and the third shaft97.

The first plate91, the second plate92, and the third plate93are formed of a sheet metal.

As explained above, in the first plate91, the fixed member81is configured to be capable of sliding in the X direction. The first plate91includes a flat section911to which the upper surface section813of the fixed member81is locked and a bent section912bent downward from the −Y side end of the flat section911and located on the inner side of the standing section812on the −Y side of the fixed member81. In the bent section912, two screw holes (not shown in the figures) exposed from the long hole812H of the fixed member81are formed. The fixed member81is fixed by the fixing screws43.

The second plate92is connected below the flat section911of the first plate91such that the first plate91can rotate about the Z axis.

The third plate93forms a region on the upper side of the adjusting mechanism9.

The third plate93is fixed to an upper surface section74(seeFIG. 2) of the second arm7. The third plate93includes a placing section931placed on the upper surface section74, a pair of upper bent sections932bent upward from both the front and rear ends of the placing section931, and a pair of lower bent sections933bent downward from both the left and right ends of the placing section931.

In the placing section931, two sets of through-holes93aband93bcthrough which screws are inserted are provided. The through-holes93aband93bcare formed to correspond to two sets of screw holes adjacent to each other among the three sets of screw holes74a,74b, and74c(seeFIG. 4) of the second arm7. In other words, the holding mechanism8can be attached to the second arm7in a desired position of a position where the screw holes74aand74bare exposed from the through-holes93aband93bc(a first attachment position) and a position where the screw holes74band74care exposed from the through-holes93aband93bc(a second attachment position).

The rotating mechanism94is arranged between the pair of lower bent sections933of the third plate93. The rotating mechanism94couples the second plate92and the third plate93such that the second plate92can rotate about the X axis and the Y axis with respect to the third plate93.

Although detailed explanation is omitted, the first shaft95is bridged across bent sections provided in the first plate91and the second plate92with the center axis of the first shaft95extending along the Y direction and is arranged to be urged by the coil spring98. The second shaft96is bridged across bent sections provided in the second plate92and the rotating mechanism94with the center axis of the second shaft96extending along the X direction and is arranged to be urged by the coil spring98. The third shaft97is bridged across bent sections provided in the third plate93and the rotating mechanism94with the center axis of the third shaft97extending along the Y direction and is arranged to be urged by the coil springs98. As explained above, the dials951,961, and971are respectively attached to the ends of the first shaft95, the second shaft96, and the third shaft97. The user can rotate the first shaft95, the second shaft96, and the third shaft97by respectively turning the dials951,961, and971.

The holding mechanism8is configured as explained above. After the third plate93is placed in the first attachment position or the second attachment position of the upper surface section74of the second arm7, the holding mechanism8is fixed to the upper surface section74of the second arm7by the fixing screws45(seeFIG. 2) inserted through the through-holes93aband93bc.

Adjusting Method for the Supporting Device

Adjusting operation for the supporting device2is explained with reference toFIG. 2andFIGS. 5-A and5-B.

The user can slide the first arm6in the up down direction (the +/−Z direction) with respect to the base section5by rotating the driving shaft57after loosening the fixing screw41. In other words, the user can adjust the position of the projector1in the +/−Z direction by operating the fixing screw41and the driving shaft57and can move up and down a projected image, i.e., an image displayed by projection according to the adjustment.

The user can slide the second arm7in the front rear direction (the +/−Y direction) with respect to the first arm6by loosening the fixing screw42. In other words, the user can adjust the position of the projector1in the +/−Y direction by operating the fixing screws42and can change the size of the projected image according to the adjustment. Specifically, when the projector1moves forward (a direction toward the screen SC), the projected image is reduced. When the projector1moves backward (a direction away from the screen SC), the projected image is expanded.

The user can slide the fixed member81in the left right direction (the +/−X direction) with respect to the adjusting mechanism9by loosening the fixing screws43. In other words, the user can adjust the position of the projector1in the +/−X direction by operating the fixing screws43and move the projected image to the left and right according to the adjustment.

The user can rotate the first plate91about the Z axis with respect to the second plate92by turning the dial951. The projector1also rotates about the Z axis together with the fixed member81fixed to the first plate91, whereby horizontal rotation adjustment for the projector1is performed. In other words, the user can adjust the angle (the tilt) around the Z axis of the projector1by operating the dial951and correct trapezoidal distortion in the left right direction of the projected image according to the adjustment.

The user can rotate the first plate91and the second plate92about the Y axis with respect to the rotating mechanism94by turning the dial961. The projector1also rotates about the Y axis together with the fixed member81fixed to the first plate91, whereby horizontal roll adjustment for the projector1is performed. In other words, the user can adjust the angle (the tilt) around the Y axis of the projector1by operating the dial961and correct the rotation (the tilt) of the projected image in the screen SC according to the adjustment.

The user can rotate the first plate91and the second plate92about the X axis with respect to the rotating mechanism94by turning the dial971. The projector1rotates about the X axis together with the fixed member81fixed to the first plate91, whereby vertical tilt adjustment for the projector1is performed. In other words, the user can adjust the angle (the tilt) around the X axis of the projector1by operating the dial971and correct trapezoidal distortion in the up down direction of the projected image according to the adjustment.

As explained above, the supporting device2can adjust, as adjustment items related to the supporting state of the projector1, six adjustment items, i.e., the position in the +/−X direction, the position in the +/−Y direction, the position in the +/−Z direction, the angle around the X axis, the angle around the Y axis, and the angle around the Z axis. The user can adjust the adjustment items by operating the fixing screws41,42, and43, the driving shaft57, and the dials951,961, and971. Therefore, the fixing screws41,42, and43, the driving shaft57, and the dials951,961, and971are equivalent to adjustment operation sections for adjusting the supporting state such as the position and the angle of the projector1. Specifically, the fixing screw41and the driving shaft57are equivalent to an adjustment operation section for adjusting the position in the +/−Z direction, the fixing screws42are equivalent to an adjustment operation section for adjusting the position in the +/−Y direction, and the fixing screws43are equivalent to an adjustment operation section for adjusting the position in the +/−X direction. The dial951is equivalent to an adjustment operation section for adjusting the angle around the Z axis, the dial961is equivalent to an adjustment operation section for adjusting the angle abound the Y axis, and the dial971is equivalent to an adjustment operation section for adjusting the angle around the X axis.

Configuration of the Projector

The configuration of the projector1is explained.

FIG. 6is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the projector1.

As shown inFIG. 6, the projector1includes a projecting unit10, a control unit20, an input operation unit21, an image-information input unit22, an image processing unit23, a light-source control unit24, and a power supply circuit25.

The projecting unit10includes a light source device11functioning as a light source, three liquid crystal light valves12R,12G, and12B functioning as light modulating devices, a projection optical device13, and a liquid-crystal driving unit16. The projecting unit10modulates light emitted from the light source device11with the liquid crystal light valves12R,12G, and12B, projects the light with the projection optical device13, and displays an image on the screen SC.

The light source device11includes a light source lamp11aof a discharge type including an extra-high pressure mercury lamp or a metal halide lamp. Light emitted from the light source device11is converted into light having a substantially uniform luminance distribution by a not-shown integrator optical system, separated into respective color light components of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), which are the three primary colors of light, by a not-shown color separation optical system, and then respectively made incident on the liquid crystal light valves12R,12G, and12B.

The liquid crystal light valves12R,12G, and12B include transmissive liquid crystal panels in each of which liquid crystal is encapsulated between a pair of transparent substrates. The liquid crystal light valves12R,12G, and12B include rectangular pixel regions12aon each of which plural pixels (not shown in the figure) are arrayed in a matrix shape. The liquid crystal light valves12R,12G, and12B can apply a driving voltage to the liquid crystal for each of the pixels. When the liquid-crystal driving unit16applies driving voltages corresponding to input image information to the pixels, the pixels are set to light transmittance corresponding to the image information. Therefore, light emitted from the light source device11is transmitted through the pixel regions12aof the liquid crystal light valves12R,12G, and12B to thereby be modulated for each of the color lights according to the image information. The modulated color lights are combined by a not-shown color combination optical system.

The projection optical device13includes a lens14and a concave mirror15functioning as a reflecting unit. The projection optical device13increases, with the concave mirror15, the angle of light modulated by the liquid crystal light valves12R,12G, and12B and projects the light on the screen SC.

The control unit20includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)20a, a nonvolatile ROM (Read Only Memory)20bfunctioning as a storing unit having stored therein control programs, setting data, and the like, and a RAM (Random Access Memory)20cused for temporary storage of data. The control unit20functions as a computer. The CPU20aexecutes the control program stored in the ROM20band performs arithmetic processing while temporarily storing necessary information in the RAM20cto thereby control the operation of the projector1. In the ROM20b, image information (guide image information) for displaying a guide image Pg (seeFIG. 8) used in setting the projector1is stored.

The input operation unit21receives input operation of the user and includes plural operation keys for the user to give various instructions to the projector1. When the user operates any one of the operation keys of the input operation unit21, the input operation unit21receives the operation and outputs a control signal corresponding to the operated operation key to the control unit20. When the control signal is input from the input operation section21, the control section20performs processing based on the input control signal and controls the operation of the projector1. The projector1can includes a remote controller that can be remotely operated. In this case, the remote controller is also equivalent to the input operation unit21. When the remote controller receives input operation of the user and transmits an operation signal of an infrared ray corresponding to operation content to the main body of the projector1, a not-shown receiving unit receives the operation signal and transmits the operation signal to the control unit20.

The image-information input unit22includes plural input terminals. Image information of various formats is input to the input terminals from not-shown external image supplying apparatuses such as a video player and a personal computer. The image-information input unit22outputs the input image information to the image processing unit23.

The image processing unit23converts the image information input from the image-information input unit22into image information representing the gradations of the pixels of the liquid crystal light valves12R,12G, and12B, i.e., image information for specifying driving voltages applied to the pixels. The converted image information includes plural pixel values corresponding to the pixels of the liquid crystal light valves12R,12G, and12B. The pixel value sets light transmittance of the pixel corresponding to the pixel value. The luminance of light emitted from the pixel is specified by the pixel value. Further, the image processing unit23performs, on the basis of an instruction of the control unit20, for example, image quality adjustment processing for adjusting image quality such as brightness, contrast, sharpness, and tint to the converted image information and outputs image information after the processing to the liquid-crystal driving unit16.

The image processing unit23can output the guide image information stored in the ROM20bto the liquid-crystal driving unit16instead of the image information. When the control unit20outputs the guide image information to the image processing unit23and instructs the image processing unit23to display the guide image Pg, the image processing unit23outputs the input guide image information to the liquid-crystal driving unit16and causes the projecting unit10to project light corresponding to the guide image Pg. In this way, the image processing unit23can switch, according to the instruction from the control unit20, a state in which an image (an input image) based on the image information input from the image-information input unit22is displayed and a state in which the guide image Pg based on the guide image information is displayed.

When the liquid-crystal driving unit16drives the liquid crystal light valves12R,12G, and12B according to the image information input from the image processing unit23, the light emitted from the light source device11is modulated by the liquid crystal light valves12R,12G, and12B according to the image information and projected from the projection optical device13.

The light-source control unit24controls lighting of the light source device11(the light source lamp11a) on the basis of an instruction of the control unit20. Specifically, the light-source control unit24can turn on the light source lamp11aby supplying predetermined electric power to the light source lamp11aand turn off the light source lamp11aby stopping the supply of the electric power.

A commercial power (not shown in the figure) of AC 100 V or the like is supplied to the power supply circuit25from the outside. The power supply circuit25converts the commercial power (alternating-current power) into direct-current power having a predetermined voltage and supplies electric power to the units of the projector1(supply paths to the units are not shown in the figure). The power supply circuit25can switch, on the basis of an instruction of the control unit20, a state in which the power supply circuit25supplies electric power necessary for projection of light (operating power) to the unit (a state of power-on) and a state in which the power supply circuit25stops the supply of the operating power and stands by for operation for turning on the power supply (a standby state).

Operation of the Projector

When the commercial power is supplied to the projector1, the power supply circuit25supplies standby power to at least the control unit20and the input operation unit21. The control unit20receives the power supply and starts an operation conforming to the control program. Immediately after the commercial power is supplied, the projector1is in the standby state (also referred to as “a power-off state”). The projector1stands by for operation for turning on the power supply (ON operation) in a state in which the light source lamp11ais turned off.

FIG. 7is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the projector1performed when the power supply is on. When the user performs the ON operation in the standby state, the control unit20operates according to a flow shown inFIG. 7.

As shown inFIG. 7, in step S101, the control unit20instructs the power supply circuit25to start the supply of the operating power to the units of the projector1and turns on the power supply for the projector1.

In step S102, the control unit20instructs the light-source control unit24to turn on the light source device11(the light source lamp11a). In step S103, the control unit20instructs the image processing unit23to perform image processing for image information input to the image-information input unit22and display an input image based on the image information. As a result, light corresponding to the image information is projected from the projecting unit10and the input image is displayed on the screen SC.

In step S104, the control unit20determines whether operation for turning off the power supply (OFF operation) is performed on the input operation unit21. When the OFF operation is not performed, the control unit20shifts to step S105. When the OFF operation is performed, the control unit20shifts to step S109.

When the OFF operation is not performed and the control unit20shifts to S105, the control unit20determines whether predetermined input operation for displaying the guide image Pg is performed on the input operation unit21. When the predetermined input operation is performed, the control unit20shifts to step S106. When the predetermined input operation is not performed, the control unit20returns to step S104.

When the predetermined input operation is performed and the control unit20shifts to S106, the control unit20outputs guide image information to the image processing unit23and instructs the image processing unit23to display the guide image Pg. The image processing unit23outputs the guide image information to the liquid-crystal driving unit16according to the instruction of the control unit20. Then, light corresponding to the guide image information is projected from the projecting unit10and the guide image Pg is displayed on the screen SC.

FIG. 8is a diagram showing the guide image Pg.

As shown inFIG. 8, the guide image Pg is a rectangular image formed in the entire region of the image pixel region12a. The guide image Pg includes a rectangular frame F formed along the outer periphery, longitudinal and lateral two center lines L1and L2, and two circles (concentric circles) C1and C2having different diameters. The center of the two circles C1and C2coincides with the center of the guide image Pg, i.e., the intersection of the two center lines L1and L2. The C1having the larger diameter is in contact with the upper and lower lines of the frame F. In a region above the center of the guide image Pg, a perspective view D representing the projector1and the supporting device2supporting the projector1is drawn. In a region on the upper right of the guide image Pg, six illustrations G1to G6affixed with numbers (numerals)1to6are included.

The frame F, the center lines L1and L2, and the circles C1and C2are figures (test patterns) for making it easy to recognize the tilt and the deformation (distortion) of a projected image corresponding to a supporting state of the projector1. The user can adjust a setting state of the projector1and a supporting state by the supporting device2with reference to the shapes, the sizes, the tilts, and the like of the figures.

The six illustrations G1to G6respectively correspond to six adjustment items related to the supporting state of the projector1and represent how a projected image changes when the respective adjustment items are adjusted.

Specifically, the first illustration G1represents a change (a change in the tilt) of the projected image that occurs when the projector1is rotated around the Y axis. The second illustration G2represents a change (a change in the shape) of the projected image that occurs when the projector1is rotated around the Z axis. The third illustration G3represents a change (a change in the shape) of the projected image that occurs when the projector1is rotated around the X axis. The fourth illustration G4represents a change (a change in the position) of the projected image that occurs when the projector1is slid in the +/−X direction. The fifth illustration G5represents a change (a change in the size) of the projected image that occurs when the projector1is slid in the +/−Y direction. The sixth illustration G6represents a change (a change in the position) of the projected image that occurs when the projector1is slid in the +/−Z direction.

The six illustrations G1to G6are respectively colored in different colors. Specifically, the illustrations G1to G6are respectively surrounded by frames and the backgrounds of the illustrations G1to G6on the inner side of the frames are respectively colored in different colors. The background colors of the illustrations G1to G6are colors that characterize the illustrations G1to G6most. Therefore, in this specification, the background colors are also expressed as “colors of illustrations”.

The perspective view D is an explanatory diagram for clearly showing the positions of the adjustment operation units that adjust the six adjustment items of the supporting device2and indicating correspondence between the adjustment operation units and the adjustment items (the illustrations G1to G6). In the perspective view D, the numbers1to6are affixed near the respective adjustment operation units in balloons. The numbers correspond to the numbers affixed to the illustrations G1to G6. In other words, the numbers same as the numbers of the illustrations G1to G6representing the adjustment items of the adjustment operation units are respectively affixed to the adjustment operation units on the perspective view D. The correspondence between the adjustment operation units and the adjustment items (the illustrations G1to G6) is indicated by the numbers. Specifically, the number1indicating the adjustment operation unit for adjusting the angle around the Y axis is affixed to the dial961. The number2indicating the adjustment operation unit for adjusting the angle around the Z axis is affixed to the dial951. The number3indicating the adjustment operation unit for adjusting the angle around the X axis is affixed to the dial971. The number4indicating the adjustment operation unit for adjusting the position in the +/−X direction is affixed to the fixing screws43. The number5indicating the adjustment operation unit for adjusting the position in the +/−Y direction is affixed to the fixing screws42. The number6indicating the adjustment operation unit for adjusting the position in the +/−Z direction is affixed to the driving shaft57.

On the perspective view D, the adjustment operation units (the dials951,961, and971, the driving shaft57, and the fixing screws42and43) are respectively colored in the same colors as the colors (the background colors) of the illustrations G1to G6corresponding to the adjustment operation units. The backgrounds (the insides of the balloons) of the numbers affixed to the adjustment operation units are also respectively colored in the same colors as the colors (the background colors) of the illustrations G1to G6. Therefore, the user can recognize the correspondence between the adjustment operation units and the adjustment items with not only the numbers (numerals) but also the colors.

The guide image Pg is formed as explained above. Therefore, by recognizing the correspondence between the adjustment operation units and the illustrations G1to G6with the numbers and the colors, the user can easily grasp which adjustment operation unit the user should operate to adjust which adjustment item. Since the fixing screws42and43are small and inconspicuous, regions around the fixing screws42and43(regions on the insides of the guide hole69H and the long hole812H) are also colored in the same colors as the fixing screws42and43to clearly show the positions of the fixing screws42and43. Arrows representing operation directions and moving directions are affixed near the driving shaft57and the fixing screws42and43. The arrows are colored in the same colors as the numbers.

The numbers affixed to the illustrations G1to G6and in the perspective view D represent the order in performing the adjustment operation and indicate that the adjustment operation should be performed in the order conforming to the number. In this embodiment, the operation (first to third) for adjusting the angle of the projector1is performed earlier than the operation (fourth to sixth) for adjusting the position of the projector1. This is because, since the position of a displayed image changes according to the adjustment of the angle of the projector1, even if the adjustment of the position is performed earlier, the position needs to be adjusted again after the adjustment of the angle and work efficiency is deteriorated.

The adjustment work for the supporting state may be performed by one operator or may be shared by two operators. When the adjustment work is shared by the two operators, one operator (a first operator) checks a state (the position and a deficiency) of the displayed guide image Pg in a remote position and the other operator (a second operator) mounts a stepladder or the like under the projector1and performs adjustment operation according to an instruction of the first operator. Then, the operators can efficiently perform the work. The first operator can indicate the adjustment item, which should be adjusted, to the second operator using the number or the color. Therefore, operability is further improved. If the second operator performs the work in a position shifted to the left side of a position right under the projector1and the supporting device2, both the operators can visually recognize the six illustrations G1to G6arranged on the right side. If it is easier to perform the adjustment operation in a position shifted to the right side of the position right under the projector1and the supporting device2, the guide image Pg in which the illustrations G1to G6are arranged on the left side only has to be prepared.

Referring back toFIG. 7, in step S107, the control unit20determines whether some input operation is performed on the input operation unit21, i.e., any one of the operation keys of the input operation unit21is operated. When input operation is performed, the control unit20shifts to step S108. When input operation is not performed, the control unit20repeats step S107.

When some input operation is performed and the control unit20shifts to step S108, the control unit20instructs the image processing unit23to stop the display of the guide image Pg and return to the state for displaying an input image. The control unit20returns to step S104.

When the OFF operation is performed in step S104and the control unit20shifts to step S109, the control unit20instructs the light-source control unit24to turn off the light source device11(the light source lamp11a). In step S110, the control unit20instructs the power supply circuit25to stop the supply of the operating power to the units and turns off the power supply for the projector1. In other words, the control unit20shifts the projector1to the standby state and ends the flow.

As explained above, with the image display apparatus100according to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain effects explained below.

(1) With the image display apparatus100according to this embodiment, since the supporting device2that supports the projector1includes the plural adjustment operation units (the fixing screws41,42, and43, the driving shaft57, and the dials951,961, and971) for adjusting a supporting state and the projector1displays the guide image Pg for guiding the adjustment of the supporting state by the adjustment operation units, the user can adjust the supporting state while looking at the displayed guide image Pg and easily perform adjustment operation during setting of the projector1.

(2) With the image display apparatus100according to this embodiment, since the guide image Pg includes the perspective view D for clearly showing the positions of the adjustment operation units, the user can easily recognize the position of the adjustment operation unit that the user should operate.

(3) With the image display apparatus100according to this embodiment, since the guide image Pg indicates the correspondence between the adjustment operation units and the adjustment items using the perspective view D and the illustrations G1to G6, the user can easily recognize which adjustment operation unit the user should operate to adjust which adjustment item.

(4) With the image display apparatus100according to this embodiment, since the guide image Pg includes the illustrations G1to G6representing the adjustment items and the correspondence between the adjustment operation units and the illustrations G1to G6is indicated by the numbers (numerals) and the colors, the user can sensorially recognize the adjustment items associated with the adjustment operation units.

(5) With the image display apparatus100according to this embodiment, since the illustrations G1to G6represent the changes of the projected image that occur when the adjustment items are adjusted, when the user performs adjustment while looking at the projected image, the user can easily recognize the adjustment item that the user should adjust.

(6) With the image display apparatus100according to this embodiment, since the same numbers (numerals) are affixed to both of the adjustment operation units in the perspective view D and the illustrations G1to G6corresponding to the adjustment operation units, the user can easily recognize the correspondence between the adjustment operation units and the illustrations G1to G6.

(7) With the image display apparatus100according to this embodiment, since the numbers affixed to the adjustment operation units in the perspective view D and the illustrations G1to G6represent the order in performing the adjustment of a supporting state, the user can easily recognize an operation procedure for the adjustment.

(8) With the image display apparatus100according to this embodiment, since the numbers affixed in the perspective view D and the illustrations G1to G6are colored in the same colors, the user can more easily recognize the correspondence between the adjustment operation units and the illustrations G1to G6.

(9) With the image display apparatus100according to this embodiment, since the adjustment operation units shown in the perspective view D and the illustrations G1to G6are colored in the same colors, the user can more easily recognize the correspondence between the adjustment operation units and the illustrations G1to G6.

(10) With the image display apparatus100according to this embodiment, since the test patterns (the frame F, the center lines L1and L2, and the circles C1and C2) for making it easy to recognize the tilt and the deformation (distortion) of a projected image corresponding to a supporting state of the projector1are included in the guide image Pg, the user can more easily adjust the supporting state.

(11) With the image display apparatus100according to this embodiment, since the projector1is switched to the state for displaying the guide image Pg if the predetermined input operation is performed in a state in which an input image is displayed, the user can easily start the adjustment work.

In this embodiment, the control unit20and the image processing unit23in displaying the guide image pg are equivalent to a guide display unit.

Second Embodiment

An image display apparatus according to a second embodiment is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The image display apparatus100according to this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first embodiment except the operation of the projector1. Information (guide image display information) indicating whether the guide image Pg is automatically displayed during the startup of the projector1is stored in the ROM20bof the projector1according to this embodiment. The projector1displays the guide image Pg when the guide image display information is ON and does not display the guide image Pg when the guide image display information is OFF.

FIG. 9is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the projector1performed when the power supply is on. When the ON operation is performed by a user in the standby state, the control unit20operates according to a flow shown inFIG. 9.

As shown inFIG. 9, in step S201, the control unit20instructs the power supply circuit25to start the supply of operating power to the units of the projector1and turns on the power supply for the projector1.

In step S202, the control unit20instructs the light-source control unit24to turn on the light source device11(the light source lamp11a).

In step S203, the control unit20reads out the guide image display information stored in the ROM20band determines whether the guide image display information is ON or OFF, i.e., whether the guide image Pg is automatically displayed. When the guide image display information is ON, the control unit20shifts to step S205. When the guide image display information is OFF, the control unit20shifts to step S204.

When the guide image display information is OFF and the control unit20shifts to step S204, the control unit20instructs the image processing unit23to perform image processing for image information input to the image-information input unit22and display an input image based on the image information. The control unit20shifts to step S208. As a result, light corresponding to the image information is projected from the projecting unit10. The input image is displayed on the screen SC.

On the other hand, when the guide image display information is ON and the control unit20shifts to step S205, the control unit20outputs guide image information to the image processing unit23and instructs the image processing unit23to display the guide image Pg. When the image processing unit23outputs the guide image information to the liquid-crystal driving unit16according to the instruction of the control unit20, light corresponding to the guide image information is projected from the projecting unit10and the guide image Pg is displayed on the screen SC.

In step S206, the control unit20determines whether some input operation is performed on the input operation unit21, i.e., whether any one of the operation keys of the input operation unit21is operated. When input operation is performed, the control unit20shifts to step S207. When input operation is not performed, the control unit20repeats step S206.

When some input operation is performed and the control unit20shifts to step S207, the control unit20instructs the image processing unit23to stop the display of the guide image Pg and return to the state for displaying an input image. The control unit20shifts to step S208.

In step S208, the control unit20determines whether OFF operation for turning off the power supply is performed on the input operation unit21. When the OFF operation is not performed, the control unit20shifts to step S209. When the OFF operation is performed, the control unit20shifts to step S211.

When the OFF operation is not performed and the control unit20shifts to step S209, the control unit20determines whether predetermined input operation for setting the guide image display information to OFF is performed. When the predetermined input operation is performed, the control unit20shifts to step S210. When the predetermined input operation is not performed, the control unit20returns to step S208.

When the predetermined input operation is performed and the control unit20shifts to step S210, the control unit20sets the guide image display information to OFF and stores the guide image display information in the ROM20b. The control unit20returns to step S208. Consequently, when the projector1is started next time, the guide image Pg is not automatically displayed.

When the OFF operation is performed in step S208and the control unit20shifts to step S211, the control unit20instructs the light-source control unit24to turn off the light source device11(the light source lamp11a). In step S212, the control unit20instructs the power supply circuit25to stop the supply of the operating power to the units and turns off the power supply for the projector1. In other words, the control unit20shifts the projector1to the standby state and ends the flow.

As explained above, with the projector1according to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain effects explained below.

With the projector1according to this embodiment, since the guide image Pg is automatically displayed during the startup of the projector1(turn-on of the power supply) when the guide image display information stored in the ROM20bis ON, it is possible to efficiently perform adjustment work for the supporting device2. Since the guide image display information can be set to OFF by performing the predetermined input operation, when the adjustment of the supporting device2is completed and readjustment is not planned, the guide image Pg can be set not to be automatically displayed during the startup of the projector1. In particular, if the guide image display information is set to ON during the shipment of the projector1, the guide image Pg can be automatically displayed when an operator starts the projector1for the first time. It is possible to efficiently perform the adjustment work for the supporting device2.

Modifications

The embodiments may be modified as explained below.

In the embodiments, the numbers (numerals) are affixed to the illustrations G1to G6and in the perspective view D. However, other signs such as alphabets may be used.

In the embodiments, the guide image Pg is displayed to perform adjustment in the order of the number1to the number6. However, the guide image Pg may be displayed as two sets of operation (the number1to the number3) for adjusting the angle of the projector1and operation (the number4to the number6) for adjusting the position of the projector1. This is because, although the adjustment of the angle of the projector1needs to be performed earlier than the adjustment of the position of the projector1, the order of the three kinds of adjustment of each of the angle and the position does not substantially affect the adjustment even if the order is changed.

In the embodiments, the supporting device2fixed to the wall surface W is explained. However, the invention can also be applied to a supporting device fixed to the ceiling or the floor.

In the embodiments, the 3 CCD projector1including the three liquid light valves12R,12G, and12B is explained. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the invention can also be applied to a 1 CCD projector that can modulate R light, G light, and B light with one liquid crystal light valve.

In the embodiments, the transmissive liquid crystal light valves12R,12G, and12B are used as the light modulating devices. However, a reflective light modulating device such as a reflective liquid crystal light valve can also be used. Further, a micro mirror array device or the like can also be used that modulates light emitted from a light source by controlling an emitting direction of incident light for each of micro mirrors functioning as pixels.

In the embodiments, the light source device11includes the light source lamp11aof the discharge type. However, a solid-state light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source or other light sources can also be used.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-181299, filed Aug. 23, 2011 is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST