Patent Publication Number: US-8985778-B2

Title: Image projection system and a method of controlling a projected pointer

Description:
This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 13/137,752 filed Sep. 9, 2011, which in turn in a Continuation of application Ser. No. 10/315,012 filed Dec. 10, 2002, which in turn is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 09/548,346 filed Apr. 12, 2000, which in turn is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 09/084,399 filed May 27, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,630, which in turn is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/573,520 filed Dec. 15, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,548. The disclosure of the prior applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to an image projection system and a method of controlling a projected pointer. 
     Multimedia presentation systems utilizing personal computers as the main control means are presently being developed and commercialized. As one example of such systems, a liquid crystal projector is controlled by a personal computer and the image from the personal computer is projected onto a screen using the liquid crystal projector. 
     Since the same image as shown on the computer display is displayed as an enlarged image using the liquid crystal projector, this image projection system is highly suitable for conducting presentations before large audiences. 
     In the case of the above mentioned image projection system, a mouse connected to the computer is operated for controlling the position of a pointer such as a cursor projected on the screen. However, during the course of the presentation, the presenter who is standing off the computer cannot easily change the position of the cursor. The presenter has to interrupt the presentation and walk to the computer and mouse in order to change the cursor position. This is inconvenient. 
     Furthermore, a keyboard connected to the computer must be operated in order to perform functions regarding the liquid crystal projector display such as, page controlling, and this is also very inconvenient. 
     One conventional approach to solve these problems is to provide a computer operator in addition to the presenter. However, this type of system operation is costly, and a smooth presentation cannot be conducted without close coordination between the presenter and computer operator. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention recognizes these issues and one object of the invention is to provide an image projection system and a method of controlling a projected pointer, whereby the position of the pointer on the projected image can be easily controlled from a location separated from the main control means. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a projection system whereby the position of the pointer on the projected image can be stably controlled from a location separated from the main control means. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a projection system whose projecting means can be adjusted from a location separated from the main control means. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a projection system whose projecting means can be remotely and stably adjusted from every direction. 
     In order to achieve the above mentioned objectives, the present invention comprises: 
     a projecting means for projecting an image onto a desired display area; 
     a main operating section including a main pointing device; 
     a main control means for controlling the projecting means to display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an operation signal from the main operating section and a predetermined control program; and 
     a remote controller for the projecting means; and 
     the remote controller including a pointing device and a wireless transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting an operation signal; 
     the projecting means including a wireless receiving means for receiving the operation signal from the remote controller; and 
     the main control means including: 
     means for controlling the projecting means to transfer a received signal from the projecting means to the main control means; and 
     a first detecting means for detecting an operation signal from the main pointing device of the main operating section and an operation signal from the pointing device of the remote controller via the projection means; and 
     wherein the main control means gives priority to an operation signal from the main operating section when operation signals from different portions are received to control a position of the pointer. 
     A method of controlling a projected pointer of an image projection system which comprises a projecting means for projecting an image onto a desired display area, a main operating section including a main pointing device, main control means for controlling the projecting means to display a pointer on the image projected by the projecting means in accordance with an operation signal from the main operating section and a predetermined control program, and a remote controller for wirelessly transmitting a remote control signal to the projecting means, comprising the steps of: 
     wirelessly transmitting an operating signal from a pointing device of the remote controller to the projecting means; 
     transferring the operating signal from the pointing device of the remote controller received by the projecting means to the main control means; 
     detecting an operation signal from the main pointing device and an operation signal from the pointing device of the remote controller; and 
     giving priority to an operation signal from the main pointing device when operation signals from different portions are received to control a position of the pointer. 
     In the case of this invention, the main control means controls the projecting means on the bases of the operation signals from the main operating means and a predetermined control program to project the image in a desired display area. 
     Examples of images that can be projected by the projecting means include an image produced by the main control means itself, and the playback video signals from a VTR, laser disk player and other video playback devices. 
     During this operation, a position mark such as a cursor controlled by the main control means can be displayed in the projected image. 
     In the case of this invention, the remote controller comprises a pointing device and wirelessly transmits the pointing device operation signals toward the projecting means. The projecting means transmits the received pointing device operation signals to the main control means and the main control means the positioning mark display position in the projected image display on the basis of the pointing device operation signals. 
     As a result of this type of construction, en operator can freely control the display position of the position mark on the projected image by merely operating the pointing device of the hand-held remote controller. 
     Consequently, when a system is constructed using a liquid crystal projector as the projecting means and a personal computer as the main control means, while using the liquid crystal projector to display, for example, an enlargement of an image produced by the personal computer, by operating the pointing device of the hand-held remote controller, a presenter can change the display position of the position mark (e.g., cursor) to match the progress of the presentation. 
     Also, in the case of this type system, a main pointing device is often connected to the main control means for changing the display position of the cursor type position mark. Consequently, if a conflict occurs between the operations of the main and remote controller pointing devices, a problem arises regarding which of these has priority. According to this invention, in order to maintain system stability in event the above mentioned conflict occurs, the system is constructed whereby priority is assigned to the main pointing device operation signal for controlling the display position of the position mark. 
     In a preferred embodiment of this invention, an application program for controlling the projecting means is installed, controls the projecting means in accordance with the application program and an operation signal from the operating section. 
     As a result of this construction, even when a multi-media presentation system is constructed by using an application program on the market, a presenter can easily control the display position of the position mark on the projected image by merely operating the pointing device of the hand-held remote controller. 
     Also, in the preferred embodiment of this invention, the remote controller further comprises operation keys to which operations of the main operation section are assigned, and 
     wherein the main control means further comprises means for assigning operations of the main operation section to the operation keys and controls the projecting means in accordance with a signal transmitted by operating the operation keys. 
     As a result of this construction, the user can input the same signals produced when operating the main operating stage by operating the operation keys provided on the hand-held remote controller. Consequently, the overall system can be used conveniently. 
     Also, in the preferred embodiment of this invention, the main control means further comprises a second detecting means for detecting an operation signal from the remote controller and an operation signal from the main operation section, and gives priority to an operation signal from the main operating section when operation signals from different portions are received to control the projecting means. 
     Consequently, in the case of a conflict between the input signals from the remote controller and keyboard, priority can be allocated to the input signal from the keyboard, thereby improving overall stability of the system. 
     Also, in the preferred embodiment of this invention, the main control means further comprises a display and is formed as a personal computer with an application program; and 
     wherein the main operating section further comprises a keyboard and a pointing device connected to the personal computer; and 
     wherein the projecting means is controlled by the personal computer to project an image transmitted from the personal computer or image reproducing means. 
     As a result of this construction, a commercially available personal computer and projector can be combined to comprise a multimedia presentation system using the projector to project a large picture. 
     The present invention comprises: 
     a projecting means for projecting an image including a pointer onto a desired display area; 
     a remote controller having an operating portion including a pointing device for controlling a display position of the pointer, a lighting key and operation keys; and 
     a main control means for controlling the projecting means according to an operation signal from the operating portion and a predetermined control program, and for controlling a display position of the pointer in accordance with an operation signal from the pointing device, and 
     wherein the remote controller comprises an illuminating portion for illuminating the operating portion in accordance with operation of the lighting keys, and a lighting control portion for forcibly putting the illuminating portion off during operation of the pointing device. 
     In the case of this invention, the lighting means lights to illuminate the operating means keys of the remote controller on the basis of lighted key lighting instructions. When the pointing device of the remote controller is then operated, the lighted lighting means is actively extinguished. 
     In order to detect pointing device operation, the power consumption is temporarily increased and the power supply circuit voltage declines. As a result, the remote controller internal circuit can operate unstably and impair stable remote control operation. 
     This type of problem is resolved by forcibly cutting of the lighting means when the pointing device is operated, thereby avoiding power supply circuit instability and enabling stable remote control. 
     In the case of the preferred embodiment of this invention, the lighting means is forcibly extinguished during pointing device operation, then again lighted after completion of pointing device operation. 
     In this invention, the lighting control portion goes into a sleep mode to accept no instructions from the lighting key when the pointing device of the remote controller is not operated for a predetermined period. 
     Thus, when the pointing device of the remote controller is entirely unused for the predetermined time span, non-operation of the remote controller itself is interpreted and even if a lighting instruction is given by the lighted keys, the lighting means is forcibly maintained at off. 
     As a result of this type construction, in event a lighted key is activated for some reason while the remove controller is not being used, the remote controller power consumption can be conserved. Consequently, a video projection system with long term stable remote control operation can be realized. 
     In particular, since this invention utilizes a lighting means to forcibly cutoff the remote controller lighting function in conjunction with the pointing device operation, and a sleep function to conserve remote controller power consumption, stable circuit operation together with stable remote control can be realized. 
     The present invention comprises: 
     a projecting means for projecting an image including a pointer onto a desired display area; 
     a remote controller having an operating portion including a pointing device for controlling a display position of the pointer and operation keys; and 
     a main control means for controlling the projecting means according to an operation signal from the operating portion and a predetermined control program, and for controlling a display position of the pointer in accordance with an operation signal from the pointing device, and 
     wherein the remote controller goes into a sleep mode to stop power supply to the pointing device, when the pointing device is inactive for a predetermined period. 
     When the pointing device of the remote controller is entirely unused for the predetermined period, non-operation of the remote controller-itself is interpreted, and the electric power supply to the pointing device of the remote controller, which consumes a lot of electric power, is forcibly cut off. 
     As a result of this type construction, in event the pointing device is activated for some reason while the remove controller is not being used, the remote controller power consumption can be conserved. Consequently, a video projection system with long term stable remote control operation can be realized. 
     Also, this invention comprises: 
     a projecting means for projecting an image including a pointer onto a desired display area; 
     a remote controller having an operating portion including a pointing device for controlling a display position of the pointer and operation keys; and 
     a main control means for controlling the projecting means according to an operation signal from the operating portion and a predetermined control program, and for controlling a display position of the pointer in accordance with an operation signal from the pointing device, and 
     wherein the remote controller transmits a signal for adjusting the projecting means by combining operations of the pointing device and the keys. 
     As a result of this invention, adjustment signals are transmitted from the remote controller by combined operation of the pointing device and operating keys, thereby enabling the projecting means to be adjusted from a separated position. 
     In particular, this invention is constructed whereby combined operation of the pointing device and keys transmits adjustment signals from the remote controller to the projecting means. Consequently, the projecting means can be effectively adjusted using a limited number of individual keys disposed on the remote controller. 
     In the case of a preferred embodiment of this invention, the pointing device and keys for combined operation of the operating section are disposed as mutually related groups. 
     Further, the pointing device and keys for combination operation disposed on the operation portion have the same color. 
     As results of these combinations, the projecting means adjustment functions can be easily understood by the user and convenience is greatly enhanced. 
     For example, by using the same color to designate a group of pointing device and keys, combined operation is easily comprehended by the user and can be performed easily. 
     Also, the present invention comprises a projecting means for projecting an image onto a desired display area, and a remote controller for the projecting means; 
     wherein the remote controller includes a wireless transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting an operation signal; and 
     wherein the projecting means includes a plurality of wireless receiving means for receiving the operation signal which may be transmitted from different directions. 
     As a result of this type construction, at any change of relative position between the remote controller and projecting means, signals are reliably transmitted from the remote controller toward the projecting means and stable remote control operation is enabled. 
     Cases often arise during presentations wherein another person conducts part of the presentation, while the presenter moves to a different position and controls the projecting means using the remote controller. In these type of situations, even when the relative position of the remote controller held by the presenter and the projecting means changes, the present invention enables reliable transmission of the remote control-signals toward the projector and stable is remote control. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a descriptive drawing showing an example of a user operating a liquid crystal projector by means of a remote controller; 
         FIG. 2A  is a descriptive drawing showing the correspondence between a light emitting means for wireless transmission provided in the remote controller and light receiving means for wireless reception provided in a front side of the liquid crystal projector. 
         FIG. 2B  shows a rear side of the liquid crystal projector; 
         FIG. 3  shows an example of a remote controller; 
         FIG. 4  is an abbreviated descriptive drawing of an example of a video projection system according to this invention comprising a remote controller. liquid crystal projector and personal computer; 
         FIG. 5  is a functional block diagram of the system shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a functional block diagram of main components of the system shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an operation flow chart of the system shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a descriptive drawing of the assignment setting to screen shown on the display. 
         FIG. 9  is a descriptive drawing of the remote controller internal circuit; 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart of the remote controller lighting control operation; 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart of the remote controller lighting control operation: 
         FIG. 12 , which includes  FIGS. 12A and 12B , is a flow chart of the projector function adjustment operation procedure; 
         FIGS. 13A ,  13 B and  13 C are descriptive drawings indicating the projector function adjustment procedure using the remote controller; 
         FIG. 14  is a flow chart of the projector function adjustment using the remote controller; and 
         FIG. 15  is a descriptive drawing illustrating an example of a function adjustment screen displayed when using the projector. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Following is a description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. 
       FIG. 1  shows an example of a configuration when a projecting means comprising a liquid crystal projector  10  is used to project a predetermined image from a projector output  12  to a desired display area, such as a screen  16 . The liquid crystal projector  10  is constructed so as to enable connecting a plurality of video sources to the terminals thereof. 
     In the case of the present embodiment, two video sources can be connected. A first video source terminal allows connecting a video signal supplied from a computer, and a second video source terminal allows connecting a video playback device such as a video deck, video camera and video disk player. By selecting the video source, the video signal from the computer and video playback device can be selected and projected as a large size picture on the screen  16 . 
     Although the basic operations of the liquid crystal projector  10  can be performed from the various operating facilities provided in the projector mainframe, in the case of this embodiment, the liquid crystal projector  10  can also be remotely operated by using a remote controller  20  for the projector. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , an infrared light emitting means  36  is provided at the end of the remote controller  20  as a wireless transmitting means for transmitting operation signals to the projector  10 . 
     Wireless receiver means comprising infrared light receiver means  14   a  and  14   b  respectively having receiving ranges of 30 degrees left and right in the horizontal direction for a total of 60 degrees are disposed respectively on the front and rear panels of the liquid crystal projector  10 . Consequently, an operator can remotely operate the projector  10  from either the front or rear direction of the projector  10  by using the remote controller  20 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an abbreviated plan view of the remote controller  20 . 
     In order to remotely operate the liquid crystal projector  10  when power is supplied, the remote controller  20  comprises an operating section  400  having a key group  22  comprising a plurality of buttons. 
     The key group  22  comprises buttons for standby  22   a , source select  22   b , audio volume adjustment  22   c , audio mute  22   d , freeze  22   e , brightness adjustment  22   f , light level  22   g , sync adjustment  22   h , and other functions  24   a ,  24   b  and  24   c.    
     When the standby button  22   a  is pressed, the liquid crystal projector  10  lamp lights and warmup begins. The display image is selected for the first or second source by operating the source select button  22   b . The output sound volume from a speaker provided in the liquid crystal projector  10  can be adjusted by operating the audio volume adjust button  22   c . The sound can be muted by pressing the audio mute button  22   d , and restored by again pressing the audio mute button  22   d . A still picture can be displayed by operating the freeze button  22   e , and the still display mode can be released by again operating this button. The picture brightness can be adjusted by operating the brightness adjust button  22   f . When the light level button  22   g  is pressed, the remote controller  20  operating section  400  lights for approximately 10 seconds, thus enabling easy operation in dark surroundings. Operating the sync adjust button  22   h  allows adjusting for flickering or out of focus images for optimum clarity. 
     Construction of the illumination mechanism for lighting the operating section  400  according to the light level key  22   g  operation is described later below. 
     Except for the light level button  22   g , the same operations as the key group  22  are also provided in the liquid crystal projector mainframe. 
     The remote controller  20  enables performing the same operations as provided by the operating means of the liquid crystal projector  10  from a separated location. 
     As indicated in  FIG. 4 , in the case of this embodiment, the liquid crystal projector  10 , remote controller  20  and a personal computer  40  functioning as the main control means can is be combined to comprise a video projection system for multimedia presentations utilizing the personal computer  40  for controlling the liquid crystal projector  10 . 
     The personal computer  40  comprises a computer mainframe  42 , a display  44 , and a keyboard  46  and a mouse  48  function as main operating portion connected to the computer mainframe  42 . The liquid crystal projector  10  and personal computer  40  mainframe  42  are connected via a serial transmission line  50  (RS-232C). for serial transmission of digital data. 
     By constructing a system in this manner whereby the liquid crystal projector  10  is directly operated from the computer  40 , when conducting a presentation using a system according to this embodiment, for example, not only the projector  10  adjustments such as picture brightness and sound volume, but also picture display control functions such as page advance, page reverse, and window open and close, can be performed without interrupting the presentation. 
     A predetermined operating system  100  and Projector  10  driver software  110  are installed beforehand in the computer mainframe  42  and stored in an internal memory. In addition, various types of application software are also installed in the computer mainframe  42 . In the case of this embodiment, application software for presentation use is installed. 
     The driver software  110  is a type of device driver. According to commands produced by the operating program  100  and application software  120 , the driver software  110  performs actual detailed processing and data transfer with respect to the liquid crystal projector  10  in the computer  40 . 
     In particular, the driver software  110  is comprised so as to completely control the liquid crystal projector  10  via the serial transmission line  50 . In practical terms, a completely different picture from the projector  10  image is displayed for adjustment on the display  44  of the computer  40 , while the liquid crystal projector  10  brightness, sound volume and other adjustments are performed by the remote controller  20  and the operation means provided in the projector  10  mainframe. These types of operations are performed by the operator using the mouse  48  and keyboard  46  to apply the required commands to the computer  40 . 
     As mentioned above, when conducting a presentation or other program wherein application software  120  for presentations is installed in the computer mainframe  42  and the projector  10  is used to display an image for presentation on the screen  16 , the personal computer  40  operator operates predetermined keys of the keyboard  46  and operates the mouse  48  functioning as a pointing device to control the display position of the cursor or other indicator. 
     In particular, when conducting a presentation wherein a cursor points to a part of the screen, the cursor is shifted to the required icon display position, and a command is selected, and when expanding or compressing a certain display area within the picture, and when opening another window within the picture, the mouse  48  is normally used for controlling the cursor display position. 
     Also, when inputting various commands, characters and other types of data to the personal computer  40 , the operator operates predetermined keys of the keyboard  46  according to requirements. 
     Consequently, if a projection system combining a personal computer  40  and projector  10  such as illustrated in  FIG. 4  is adopted, the operator must be located near the personal computer  40  in order to operate the mouse  48  and keyboard  46 . As a result, the presenter conducting a presentation using the projector  10  must continually convey various instructions to the operator operating the personal computer  40 . In absence of an operator, the presenter must continually shift to the personal computer  40  position and operate the mouse  48  and keyboard  46 . In either of these cases, a smooth presentation cannot be conducted. 
     In order to resolve this type of difficulty, the remote controller  20  according to the present embodiment incorporates pointing device functions of the mouse  48  or other devices connected to the personal computer  40  mainframe, and input functions for commands and data sent from the mouse  48  and keyboard  46 . 
     The remote controller  20  operating section  400  example shown in  FIG. 3  comprises a trackball means  28  functioning as a pointing device, a key group  22  and a button group  24 . 
     The trackball means  28  comprises a trackball  28   a , a drag button  28   b  and an opposing adjust button  28   c . The computer mainframe  42  with installed driver software  110  controlling the projector  10  was previously described. 
     Operation signals transmitted wirelessly using infrared light  200  from the remote controller  20  directed toward the projector  10  are first transferred from the projector  10  to the computer mainframe  42  via the serial transmission line  50 . The computer mainframe  42  then assigns the various functions with respect to the remote controller  20  trackball means and key group. When an operation signal is input from the remote controller  20 , various computation processes are performed according to the functions assigned to the input signal. 
     Subsequently, the projector  10  control, image display control and other required computations and controls are performed. 
       FIG. 5  is a functional block diagram of a video projection system according to the present embodiment. 
     As mentioned above, the remote controller  20  includes a trackball means  28  and operation key group  22 . A signal processor  34  is used to convert these signals into digital signals sent wirelessly via infrared light  200  from the infrared transmitter means  36  to the projector  10 . 
     The projector  10  comprises a main projector mechanism  64  performing the basic operations as a projector, a computation controller  62  comprising a CPU and memory for controlling the main projector mechanism  64 . a signal processor  60  for processing the signals from the remote controller  20  received by an infrared receiver means  14  and converting these into electrical signals supplied to the computation controller  62 , and an I/O interface  66  for connection to external equipment. 
     When the projector  10  is under the control of the personal computer  40 , the computation controller  62  transfers the operation signals from the remote controller  20  received by the infrared receiver means  14  to the personal computer  40  via the I/O interface  66  and serial transmission line  50 . In addition, the main projector mechanism  64  and other locations controlled on the bases of various control signal inputs from the personal computer  40  via the serial transmission line  50  and I/O interface  66 . 
     The computer mainframe  42  of the personal computer  40  comprises a main computation control circuit  70  comprising a CPU and other circuits, a memory  76  comprising RAM, ROM and other circuits for storing the application software  120 , driver software  110 , operating system  100  programs and other required data, and I/O interfaces  72  and  74  for performing external connections. 
     The main computation control circuit  70  processes the remote controller  20  operation signals transferred via the projector  10  in the same manner as the mouse  48  and keyboard comprising the main operating portion  52 , and performs various computation control operations. 
     In the case of this embodiment, the operation signals of the trackball means  28  and mouse  48  are processed in the same manner. Also, the commands and key operations assigned to the operation key group  22 , and the corresponding commands from the mouse  48  and keyboard  46 , and the corresponding key inputs from the keyboard  46  are processed in the same manner. 
     In event a conflict occurs between the operation signals from the remote controller  20  and the operation signals from the keyboard  46  and mouse  48  comprising the main operating portion  52  (for example, a conflict between the operations of the trackball means  28  and mouse  48 ), the signals from the remote controller  20  are disregarded and priority is given to the operation signals from the main operating portion  52 . The reason for this configuration is because application software for presentations is generally composed on the concept of operating a main operating means  52  comprising a mouse  48  and keyboard  46  directly connected to the personal computer  40 , and not from the viewpoint of signals from a remote controller  20 . Consequently, overall system stability can be increased by assigning processing priority to operation signals from the main operating means  52 . 
     As a result of this embodiment, personal computer  40  operations which ordinarily needed to be performed by means of a directly connected mouse  48  and keyboard  46  can be easily performed by means of a hand-held remote controller  20 . Moreover, a multimedia presentation using a system comprising a projector  10  and personal computer  40  can be efficiently and smoothly conducted. 
     In particular, the pointing device function for controlling a cursor position is an extremely important factor in various types of application software. By providing this type of pointing device function in the remote controller  20 , presentations using the projector  10  can be performed very smoothly. 
       FIG. 6  is a functional block diagram of a computer mainframe  42  comprising a memory  76  and main computation control circuit  70 . The computer mainframe  42  according to this embodiment comprises an assigning means  80 , a detector means  86  and a computation control means  86 . 
       FIG. 7  shows an abbreviated flow chart of the assignment setting operation for the remote controller  20  trackball means  28  and operation key group  22 . 
     The programmable mode for performing assignments can be set by operating the keyboard  46  and mouse  48  connected to the computer mainframe  42  (Step S 10 ). 
     When the programmable mode is set, an assignment setting screen such as indicated in  FIG. 8  is displayed on the personal computer  40  display  44  and projected from the projector  10 . Icons for respective buttons key set  310 , key help  312 , execute  314  and button test are displayed at the top of the screen. 
     At the bottom of the screen, a program assignment box  330  showing the present assignments for the remote controller operating means  320  and other operating means is displayed. 
     In this state, the assignment enable mode is set by shifting the cursor at the top of the screen to the key set button  310  icon and clicking (step S 12 ). By then shifting the cursor to the required operating button of the operating means display  320  and clicking, the corresponding button highlighted and the corresponding button within the program assignment box  330  is displayed. In the  FIG. 8  example, buttons for page return  24   c , page advance  24   d , drag  28   b  and the pair of adjust buttons  28   c  are shown selected for respective assignments. 
     After selecting the buttons in this manner, the various functions are assigned to the selected buttons. In this example, the mouse  48  functions such as click and drag are assigned to the five selected buttons. 
     Also, according to requirements, page advance, page return and other commands, macros (maximum 32 keystrokes and mouse command sequence) and other key inputs can be assigned. ay setting in this manner, a required program can be opened by simply pressing corresponding buttons of the remote controller  20  during the presentation. 
     The keyboard  46 , for example, can be used for assigning these types of functions. 
     After completing assignments, by shifting the cursor to the execute button  314  position and selecting this button, the computer mainframe  42  is set to the check mode (step S 14 ). AS a result, the various functions using the remote controller  20  assigned in the assignment enable mode (step S 12 ) can be executed. 
     Afterwards, when the test button  316  is selected, a text screen appears in the display and projector screens indicating the keystrokes assigned to the remote controller  20  buttons, whereupon the user can check whether or not the assignments were correctly performed by observing the screen display. 
     If a setting error is noted at this time, it is sufficient to return to step S 10  and change the assignment as required. Conversely, in order to confirm the assignments were correctly performed (step S 18 ), again operate the test button  316  to release the test mode, whereupon the assignment operation with respect to the remote controller  20  is completed. 
     The data assigned to each key are stored in an assigned data memory means  84 . Afterwards, on the basis of the input signal from the remote controller, the assignment setting means  82  converts the data into a signal expressing the assignment function corresponding to the input signal sent to the detector means  86 . For example, at the operation signal inputs from buttons  24   b  and  24   c , the operation signals are converted into mouse  48  click and drag signals, and sent to the detector means  86 . The assignment functions corresponding to the mouse  48  operation with respect to the remote controller  20  trackball means  28   a  are stored beforehand in the assigned data memory means  84 . 
     Consequently, when the trackball means  28   a  is moved up, down, left and right, and the corresponding signals are sent from the remote controller  20  to the assignment setting means  82 , the assignment setting means  82  converts these into mouse  48  operation signals for supply to the detector means  86 . As a result of this operation, by operating the remote controller  20 , the same operation signals as the mouse  48  and keyboard  46  are sent to the computer mainframe  42 , thereby enabling control of the computer mainframe  42 . 
     The function of the detector means  86  indicated in  FIG. 6  is described as follows. A signal input applied from the assignment setting means  82  is compared with an input signal from the main operating means  52  comprising the mouse  48  and keyboard  46 . The detector means  86  then detects whether or not there is a conflict with respect to the input from the remote controller  20 . In absence of a conflict, the present input signal is sent directly to the computation control means  88 . For example, when a signal input is supplied only from the remote controller  20  while an input signal from the mouse  48  and keyboard  46  is absent, the input signal is supplied directly to the computation control means  88 . Conversely, if there is a conflict between the signals from the main operating portion  52  and remote controller  20 , only the input signal from the main operating portion  52  is sent to the computation control means  88  and recognition of the signal from the remote controller  20  is denied. As a result, the overall system stability can be increased as mentioned above. 
     The computation control means  88  computes the control signal in accordance with the selected input signal via the detector means  86  and the above mentioned computation control programs  100 ,  110  and  120  for supply to the projector  10 , and computes each type of video signal for supply to the display  44  and projector  10 . In addition, the computation control means  88  computes and supplies the projector control signal output in accordance with the input signal from the projector  10 . 
     As a result of this embodiment, by using remote control signals from a remote controller  20  ordinarily designed for a projector, a computer mainframe  42  can be operated in the same manner as from signals from a mouse  48  and keyboard  46 , and the projector  10  can be controlled with respect to the computer mainframe  42 . 
     In particular, in the case of the present system, since various functions are assigned to the remote controller  20  used for controlling the projector  10  for controlling the personal computer  40 , the computer can be directly operated by using the remote controller  20 . As a result, an extremely easy to use video projection system for multimedia presentations can be comprised using a projector  10  and Personal computer  40 . 
     Following is a description of the remote controller  20  lighting mechanism according to this embodiment. 
     When the light level button  22   g  is set to on, the operating section  400  of the remote controller  20  lights for a predetermined period of time. Therefore, the operating section  400  comprises a plurality of buttons and a trackball  28   a  disposed on a semi-transparent substrate  402 , and a plurality of illuminating LEDs disposed at the rear of the substrate  402  for illuminating the operating section  400 . 
       FIG. 9  shows the circuit construction of the remote controller  20  lighting mechanism. 
     The remote controller  20  comprises a replaceable battery  410 , an operation detector  420  detecting operation of the trackball  28   a , an operation switch matrix  430  detecting operation of respective button groups  24  and  28 , a CPU  440  controlling the overall remote controller, illuminating LEDs  450  disposed at the rear of the substrate  402  and illuminating the operating section  400 , and a light emitting means  36  comprising a transmitting LED  36   a.    
     The CPU  400  controls a transistor  01  to drive the transmitting LED  36   a  to wirelessly transmit remote control signals using infrared light  200  from the light emitting means  36  toward the projector  10 . 
     In addition, the CPU  440  detects the light level button  22   g  operation on the basis of a signal from the operation switch matrix  430  and switches transistor Q 2  on to light the illumination LED group  450  for a predetermined period of time. 
     Also, the operation detector  420  detects trackball  28   a  operation and sends a detection signal to the CPU  440 . As a result, the CPU  440  wirelessly transmits the trackball  28   a  operation signal toward the projector via the transmitting LED  36   a.    
     When the operation detector  420  detects the trackball  28   a  operation, the power consumption increases. Consequently, the voltage temporarily declines in the remote controller  20  circuit due to using a small capacity battery  410 , thereby presenting a risk of overall circuit operating instability. In order to prevent this occurrence, the CPU  440  forcibly switches off transistor Q 2  when the operation detector  420  detects trackball operation in order to extinguish the illumination LED group  450 . As a result, power supply circuit instability during trackball  28   a  operation can be avoided and reliable remote control operation can be achieved. 
     In addition, when a signal input from the operation detector is absent for a predetermined length of time (15 minutes in the present example), the CPU  440  shifts to a sleep mode whereby lighting commands from the light level button  22   g  are not recognized. Thus, when the trackball  28   a  is completely inactive for 15 minutes, non-operation of the remote controller  20  is interpreted and power consumption of the remote controller  20  is conserved by operating the lighting function in the sleep mode. 
     In addition, when a signal input from the operation detector  420  is absent for a predetermined length of time, the CPU  440  shifts to a sleep mode whereby the electric power supply from the battery  410  to the operation detector  420  is forcibly cut off in order to put the trackball into sleep. The electric power is again supply to the operation detector  420  when any one of the operation keys is operated. As a result of this, electric power consumption of the remote controller  20  is conserved during the remote controller  20  is not operated even when the trackball  28   a  is operated by mistake. 
       FIG. 10  indicates a flow chart of the circuit light level control operation. 
     When the remote controller  20  light level button is set to on (step S 30 ), transistor Q 2  is switched on (step S 32 ) and controls the illumination LED group  450  lighting. As a result, the operating section  400  is lit from the rear of the semi-transparent substrate  402 , thereby enabling easy operation even in darkened surroundings. 
     Simultaneously with control of the illuminating LED group  450  lighting, the CPU  440  internal lighting timer starts (step S 34 ) and after 10 seconds elapse (step S 44 ), transistor Q 2  is controlled to automatically extinguish the illumination LED group  450  (step S 46 ). 
     Also, pressing either one of the buttons  24  and  28  while the illumination LED group  450  is lighted (step S 36 ) resets the lighting timer (step S 34 ). As a result, lighting of the operating section  400  continues only when either of these buttons is operated. 
     When the trackball  28   a  is operated during lighting (step S 38 ), transistor Q 2  is automatically switched off, thereby forcibly extinguishing the illumination LED group  450 . Afterwards, when the trackball  28   a  operation stops, transistor Q 2  switches on to thereby resume LED group  450  lighting. 
     Therefore, during trackball  28   a  operation, which consumes a large amount of power, the illumination LED group  450  is forcibly cutoff, thereby minimizing battery  410  voltage decline and enabling stable remote control operation. 
       FIG. 11  shows a flow chart of the sleep function according to this embodiment. 
     In complete absence of operating section  400  operation, the CPU  440  assumes a stand-by mode (step  550 ). When any button is operated (step S 52 ), transistor Q 3  switches on (step S 54 ) and the CPU  440  timer starts (step S 56 ). 
     At a trackball  28   a  operation signal input during timer operation, the CPU  440  transmits this signal using transmitting LED  36   a  (step S 60 ) and restarts the timer (step S 56 ). 
     Also, in complete absence of a trackball  28   a  operating signal input for 15 minutes after timer start (step S 62 ), transistor Q 3  is forcibly switched off (step S 64 ) and the stand-by mode is produced (step S 66 ). In the stand-by mode, even if the light level button is operated, the operation signal is not recognized by the CPU  440 . 
     In this manner, if the trackball  28   a  of the remote controller  20  is completely inoperative for 15 minutes, absence of remote controller operation is interpreted and the sleep mode is produced wherein the illumination LED group  450  light commands are disregarded, thereby enabling conservation of the remote controller  20  power consumption. 
     As described above, according to the present embodiment, the lighting function of the remote controller  20  illumination LED group  450  is forcibly cutoff in conjunction with the trackball  28   a  operation and sleep operation is produced, thereby both conserving the remote controller  20  power consumption and enabling stable circuit operation. 
     Also, the remote controller  20  is provided with projector  10  adjustment functions. 
     The projector  10  according to this embodiment comprises an adjustment operating section (not shown in the figures) whereby operating the facilities such as menu and select buttons of this adjustment operating section, can select and display predetermined menu screens such as indicated by the flow chart of  FIG. 12  which includes  FIGS. 12A and 12B . While a desired menu screen is displayed, adjustment is performed by operating predetermined adjustment buttons corresponding to adjustment items displayed on the screen. 
     In the case of this example, following are among the functions adjusted by referring to the respective menu screens, 
     Computer menu screen: screen brightness and contrast; 
     Video menu screen: red, blue and green; 
     Display menu screen: tracking and signal format; 
     Sound menu screen: volume, and left and right balance; 
     Option menu screen: input source select and language; and 
     Custom menu screen: program button function assignment and switching. 
     The remote controller  20  operating section  400  also comprises functions for adjusting the projector  10 . In the case of the present example, projector  10  adjustments using the remote controller  20  are mainly performed by combined operation of a menu button  22   j , select button  22   e  and trackball section  28 . As indicated in  FIG. 3 , in order to enable the user to visually distinguish the adjustment functions of the buttons  22   j  and  22   e , and the trackball section  28 , uniform colors identify the respective areas  402   j ,  402   e  and  404  of the substrate  402  where the buttons  22   j ,  22   e  and trackball section  28  are disposed. 
     Following is a description of projector  10  adjustment using the remote controller  20  with reference to  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
     Press the remote controller  20  menu button  22   j , then operate the, select button  22   j  to select a desired menu screen from among four menu screens. The menu button  22   j  and select button  22   e  operation signals are wirelessly transmitted from the remote controller  20  to the projector  10 . On the bases of these received signals, the projector  10  operates in the same manner as when operating the adjustment mechanism provided in the projector itself. 
     In order to simplify the description, an example of selecting the computer menu screen, indicated in  FIG. 15 , is described below. 
       FIGS. 13A ,  13 B and  13 C illustrate the remote controller operating procedure for selecting a desired item from the computer menu screen and adjusting the corresponding function. A flow chart of the procedure is shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     When the  FIG. 15  computer menu is selected, the Bright adjustment item of the menu is initially highlighted, thereby indicating this function has been selected for adjustment. 
     To select another function item, the user operates the trackball  28   a  as indicated in  FIG. 13A . The projector  10  to receives the operating signal and sequentially shifts the function items in response to the trackball operation (steps S 70  and S 72 ). When the desired item has been selected, the user stops trackball operation and uses the left and right adjust buttons  28   c  and  28   c  to adjust the function as shown in  FIG. 13B . Pressing the plus button increases the adjustment value and pressing the minus button decreases the adjustment value, as indicated by the graphic display (steps S 74  and S 78 ). 
     By repeating this procedure of selecting a desired function item and adjusting the selected function item, each function item can be adjusted in sequence. 
     After completing the adjustments of the computer menu screen, the next menu screen can be selected by simply operating the select button  22   e  (steps S 80  and S 82 ). By repeatedly operating the select button a desired number of times, the menu screens are selected and displayed according to the flow chart of  FIG. 12 . To then adjust selected function items within a selected menu screen, merely perform in the same manner as steps S 70 -S 78  indicated in  FIG. 14 . 
     When all function adjustments have been completed, as shown in  FIG. 13C , press the remote controller  20  menu button  22   j  (step S 84 ) to thereby end the menu display (step S 86 ). 
     As described above, the system according to the present embodiment enables adjusting the projector  10  functions by using the remote controller  20 . In particular, the buttons and trackball section  28  used for combined operation of the remote controller  20  are designated by the same colors on the substrate and since the relationships are easily identified visually, usage is rendered highly convenient. 
     The foregoing description does not limit the present invention and numerous variations are possible within the scope of this invention. 
     For example, the above description related to an example of using this invention for a presentation system. However, this invention can also be applied to numerous other types of systems as required, for example, teaching systems conveying lessons from instructor to students and systems for various types of seminars, in addition to sales demonstration systems and others. 
     An example of using infrared light for wireless transmission between the remote controller  20  and projector  10  was also described. However, other methods, such as various types of radio signals, can also be used as required. 
     The description also related to an example of using a projector  10  as the projection stage. However, this invention can also be applied to numerous other types of projection devices, such as overhead projectors. 
     The description also mentioned an example of using a trackball as the pointing device for the remote controller  20 . However, various other types of pointing devices can also be used for the remote controller according to requirements.