JP4803837B2 - Stereoscopic image display device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a stereoscopic image display apparatus that separates and inputs a binocular parallax image to the left and right eyes of an observer without wearing special glasses, and recognizes it as a stereoscopic image. It is related with the technique in which stereoscopic vision is possible.

  Conventionally, as this type of device (first device), a liquid crystal display panel is arranged in a horizontal posture on the upper surface of a housing, and the position around the device where an observer wearing liquid crystal glasses is located There is one that displays a stereoscopic image corresponding to the line-of-sight direction for each observer by detecting with a sensor and controlling the shutter of the liquid crystal glasses based on the detection result (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, as a second device, the liquid crystal display panel is provided in a horizontal posture, and when displaying a multi-viewpoint image for each of the divided small areas in the liquid crystal display panel, the light beam group is inclined from the vertical direction to the observation direction. For example, there is one that performs stereoscopic display (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

In addition, as a third device, there is a device in which a plurality of light sources are arranged on a back surface of a vertically oriented liquid crystal display panel via a convex lens plate, and an image corresponding to the light emission position of the light source is displayed on the entire surface of the liquid crystal display panel. (For example, refer to Patent Document 3).
Japanese Patent No. 3579585 (FIG. 2) Japanese Patent No. 3830782 (FIG. 1) Japanese Patent No. 3516774 (paragraph numbers “0092” and “0093”, FIG. 4)

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
That is, the first device among the conventional devices has a problem that a plurality of observers can stereoscopically view, but the observer needs to wear special glasses. In addition, since the second device divides the display area of the liquid crystal display panel for each viewpoint, there is a problem that high-definition stereoscopic display cannot be performed. In addition, the third apparatus has a problem that a plurality of observers cannot perform stereoscopic viewing while an image corresponding to an observation viewpoint when the observer moves can be observed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a stereoscopic image that can be stereoscopically viewed by a plurality of observers while displaying a high-definition stereoscopic image without using special glasses. An object is to provide a display device.

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In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has the following configuration.
That is , according to the first aspect of the present invention, a stereoscopic image that causes a viewer at least in two observation positions to recognize a stereoscopic image by temporally alternately displaying the right-eye image and the left-eye image. In the display device, a transmissive liquid crystal display panel arranged in a horizontal position, and a right eye disposed on the lower surface side of the transmissive liquid crystal display panel and irradiating the transmissive liquid crystal display panel from the lower surface side A pair of light sources for the left and right eyes, an optical system disposed on the lower surface side of the transmissive liquid crystal display panel, and tilts light from the pair of light sources from the vertical direction to each observation position, and the transmission For the liquid crystal display panel of the type, according to the image output for each observation position by the image output means for outputting the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye sequentially in time for each observation position, Light from the pair of light sources Light source control means for irradiating the observation position, and the pair of light sources is a single light source disposed below the center of the transmissive liquid crystal display panel, and disposed around the pair of light sources. A reflecting plate that reflects light from the pair of light sources to each observation position; and a shutter that is disposed between the pair of light sources and the reflecting plate and that can switch between a light transmitting state and a light blocking state. And shutter control means for switching the state of the shutter according to the output image of the image output means. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the light emitted from the pair of light sources passes through the transmissive liquid crystal display panel through the optical system and is condensed at the observation position in at least two directions. The image output means outputs the right eye image and the left eye image alternately in time for each observation position. At that time, the light source control means outputs a pair of light sources according to the image output for each observation position. Is irradiated to the observation position. The light emitted from the pair of light sources he guide by the reflector in each observation position, and the shutter which is controlled by the shutter control unit switches the light irradiation state of each observation position. As a result, a stereoscopic image can be observed at least in two observation positions without using special glasses, and a plurality of observers can observe the same stereoscopic image. Further, since the pair of light sources of a single body it is only provided in a central portion below the liquid crystal display panel, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus.

Further, in the present invention, the surrounding scenery capturing means for capturing the surrounding scenery of the apparatus, and the three-dimensional relation between the surrounding scenery from the surrounding scenery capturing means and the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye given to the image output means. Environment mapping means for mapping to the object data and outputting an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye reflecting the surrounding scenery to the image output means based on the mapped three-dimensional object data. It is preferable to provide (Claim 2 ). Since the surrounding scenery captured by the surrounding scenery capturing means is mapped to the three-dimensional object data by the environment mapping means, the surrounding scenery is displayed on the surface of the displayed stereoscopic image. Therefore, stereoscopic display with a high sense of reality can be performed.

According to the stereoscopic image display apparatus according to the present invention, the light emitted from the pair of light sources passes through the transmission type liquid crystal display panel through the optical system and is condensed at the observation position in at least two directions . The image output means outputs the right eye image and the left eye image alternately in time for each observation position. At that time, the light source control means outputs a pair of light sources according to the image output for each observation position. Is irradiated to the observation position. The light emitted from the pair of light sources is guided to each observation position by a reflector, and the shutter controlled by the shutter control means switches the light irradiation state to each observation position. Therefore, a stereoscopic image can be observed at least in two observation positions without using special glasses, and a plurality of observers can observe the same stereoscopic image. Further, since it is only necessary to provide a single pair of light sources below the center of the liquid crystal display panel, the apparatus can be reduced in size.

  Hereinafter, the stereoscopic image display device will be described with reference to two embodiments.

Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a stereoscopic display device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of the stereoscopic display device.

  The stereoscopic image display apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a housing 1 having a U-shaped longitudinal section. On the upper surface, a protective glass 3, a transmissive liquid crystal display panel 5, and a lens 7 (for example, a convex lens) are respectively arranged in a horizontal posture from the top. A first light source 9 and a second light source 11 are disposed on both sides of the bottom of the housing 1. The first light source 9 has a first observation position M1 across the center of the apparatus in plan view so that light is incident on the observer's right eye ER1 and left eye EL1 at the first observation position M1. Are arranged on the opposite side. Further, the second light source 11 has a second observation position M2 across the center of the apparatus in plan view so that light enters the observer's right eye ER2 and left eye EL2 at the second observation position M2. It is arrange | positioned on the opposite side. That is, the stereoscopic image display device is configured in a table shape, and is configured to be able to observe a stereoscopic image from two observation positions (first observation position M1 and second observation position M2) facing above. ing.

  The lens 7 corresponds to the optical system in the present invention.

  Since the first light source 9 and the second light source 11 have the same configuration except for the orientation, the configuration will be described by taking the first light source 9 as an example. The first light source 9 is configured by arranging a pair of light sources of a right-eye light source 13 and a left-eye light source 15 in parallel. The light source 13 for the right eye and the light source 15 for the left eye are disposed at the bottom end of the housing 1 via the mounting member 17. The light source 13 for the right eye and the light source 15 for the left eye are inclined upward by the mounting member 17, and the emitted light passes through the lens 7, the transmissive liquid crystal display panel 5, and the protective glass 3 to be the first. Are focused on the right eye ER1 and the left eye EL1 at the observation position M1.

  A camera 19 is embedded in one corner of the housing 1. The camera 19 captures a landscape around the stereoscopic image display device. The camera 19 preferably includes a wide-angle lens and can capture a wide range of surrounding scenery.

  The camera 19 corresponds to the surrounding scenery capturing means in the present invention.

  Reference is now made to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the stereoscopic display device according to the first embodiment.

  The control unit 31 receives the video signal VD and outputs the right-eye image and the left-eye image to the liquid crystal display panel 5 alternately, and the image signal output unit 33 outputs the right-eye image and the left-eye image. And a light source control unit 35 that turns on only the light sources 13 and 15 on the side corresponding to the image according to the display position of the image according to the vertical synchronization signal VS. Yes. However, since the stereoscopic image display apparatus has two observation positions (first observation position M1 and second observation position M2), the image signal output unit 33 is in the first observation position M1. After switching the right-eye image and the left-eye image, the right-eye image and the left-eye image at the second observation position M2 are switched. The light source control unit 35 switches the lighting of the right eye light source 13 and the left eye light source 15 of the first light source 9 according to the switching of the image by the image signal output unit 33, and the second light source. The lighting of the light source 13 for the right eye 11 and the light source 15 for the left eye is switched.

  The image signal output unit 33 corresponds to the image signal output unit in the present invention, and the light source control unit 35 corresponds to the light source control unit.

  Further, the surrounding scenery of the device photographed by the camera 19 is given to the mapping processing unit 36 as the surrounding scenery signal SES. The three-dimensional object data corresponding to the stereoscopic image of the video signal VD given to the control unit 31 is stored in advance in the three-dimensional object data memory 37. Based on the three-dimensional object data in the three-dimensional object data memory 37, the mapping processing unit 36 performs a process of mapping the surrounding scenery according to the surrounding scenery signal SES to each of the right eye image and the left eye image. This process is called environment mapping in which the surrounding environment is reflected on the surface of an object, and is disclosed in, for example, “Reflection Vector Shading Hardware” (Douglas Voorhies and Jim Foran: SIGGRAPH 94 Conference Proceedings, P163). A technique for overcoming the drawbacks of environment mapping is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-348197. The mapping processing unit 36 outputs a right-eye image and a left-eye image reflecting the surrounding scenery to the image signal output unit 33 based on the mapped three-dimensional object data.

  The mapping processing unit 36 corresponds to the environment mapping means in the present invention.

  The image signal output unit 33 described above can alternately switch between the right-eye image and the left-eye image as described above. However, in the present embodiment apparatus, the mapped 3 from the mapping processing unit 36 is used. Using the dimensional object data, it is possible to switch between an image reflecting the surrounding environment for the right-eye image and the left-eye image.

  According to the stereoscopic image display apparatus according to the present embodiment, the light emitted from the pair of light sources 13 and 15 is transmitted through the transmissive liquid crystal display panel 5 through the lens 7 and the like, and the first observation position M1 and 2 is focused on the observation position M2. The image signal output unit 31 alternately outputs the right-eye image and the left-eye image for each of the first observation position M1 and the second observation position M2, and at this time, the first observation position M1 and In accordance with the image output for each second observation position M2, the light source control unit 35 irradiates either the first observation position M1 or the second observation position M with light from the pair of light sources 13 and 15. . Therefore, when there are two observation positions such as the first observation position M1 and the second observation position M2, the right-eye image and the left-eye image are alternately output for the first observation position M1. Then, lighting of a pair of light sources 13 and 15 is controlled so that it may condense with respect to the 1st observation position M1. In addition, when the right-eye image and the left-eye image for the second observation position M2 are alternately output, the pair of light sources 13 and 15 are condensed so as to be condensed with respect to the second observation position M2. Lighting is controlled.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment apparatus, a stereoscopic image can be observed at a plurality of observation positions M1 and M2 without using special glasses, and two observers can observe the same stereoscopic image. it can. In addition, since the entire surface of the liquid crystal display panel 5 is used without being divided for each viewpoint, a high-definition stereoscopic image can be displayed. Furthermore, since the liquid crystal display panel 5 is placed horizontally, for example, the actual object placed on the protective glass 3 and the displayed stereoscopic image are arranged side by side and are suitable for comparison and examination between the two.

  In addition, since the apparatus of the present embodiment only guides the light emitted from the pair of light sources 13 and 15 to the observation positions M1 and M2 via the lens 7, the configuration can be simplified. Therefore, the cost of the apparatus can be reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment apparatus, since the surrounding landscape captured by the camera 19 is environment-mapped by the mapping processing unit 36, the surrounding landscape is displayed on the surface of the displayed stereoscopic image. Therefore, stereoscopic display with a high sense of reality can be performed.

Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the stereoscopic display device according to the second embodiment. In addition, about the same structure as Example 1 mentioned above, it abbreviate | omits about detailed description by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  The apparatus of the present embodiment includes a housing 1A in which a transmissive liquid crystal display panel 5 is disposed on the upper surface in a horizontal posture. The housing 1A has a smaller volume than the housing 1 due to the internal configuration.

  A pair of light sources 41 and 43 are disposed in the center of the bottom of the housing 1A with the light emitting surface facing upward. In addition, reflection plates 47 are attached to the inner walls 45 on both sides of the housing 1 </ b> A facing the pair of light sources 41 and 43. Between the pair of light sources 41 and 43 and the inner wall 45, a pair of shutters 49 and 51 capable of switching between a light transmitting state and a light blocking state are disposed. Each reflector 47 applies light from the pair of light sources 41 and 43 to the right eye position ER1 and left eye position EL1 of the first observation position M1, and the right eye position ER2 and left eye position of the second observation position M2. The light is condensed on EL2.

  Reference is now made to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the stereoscopic display device according to the second embodiment. In addition, about the same structure as Example 1 mentioned above, it abbreviate | omits about detailed description by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  In this embodiment, lighting of the pair of light sources 41 and 43 is controlled by the light source controller 35A. Specifically, when the right-eye image is output from the image signal output unit 33, the light source 41 is turned on, and when the left-eye image is output from the image signal output unit 33, the light source 41 is turned off and the light source 43 is turned on. The shutter control unit 53 controls the switching between the light transmission state and the light blocking state of the pair of shutters 41 and 43, but the image signal output unit 33 sets the right eye image and the left eye image at the first observation position M1. , The shutter 51 is set in a light blocking state and the shutter 49 is set in a light transmitting state, and the image signal output unit 33 outputs a right eye image and a left eye image to the second observation position M2. At this time, the shutter 49 is set in a light shielding state and the shutter 51 is set in a light transmitting state. In addition, when the right eye image for the observation position M1 is displayed, the light source control unit 53A turns on the light source 43 of the pair of light sources 41 and 43, and when the left eye image is displayed, Of the pair of light sources 41 and 43, the light source 41 is turned on. Conversely, at the observation position M2, the pair of light sources 41 and 43 are turned on.

  The shutter control unit 53 corresponds to the shutter control means in the present invention.

  According to the apparatus of this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and the pair of light sources 41 and 43 may be provided as a single unit. Since it only needs to be provided below the unit, the size can be reduced as compared with the apparatus of the first embodiment.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified as follows.

  (1) In each of the first and second embodiments described above, the configuration in which the stereoscopic image can be observed from the two positions of the first observation position M1 and the second observation position M2 is exemplified. It is good also as a structure provided with. In this case, a pair of light sources and shutters may be added in accordance with the increased observation position, the image output switching timing may be advanced, and the light source lighting control and shutter switching control may be changed accordingly.

  (2) In the first embodiment described above, instead of the first light source 9 and the second light source 11 that are fixed in position, only the first light source 9 is used, and the first portion is centered on the central portion of the liquid crystal display panel 5. You may comprise so that the light source 9 may be rotated. The lighting of the right-eye light source 13 and the left-eye light source 15 may be controlled at positions facing the observation positions M1 and M2.

  (3) In each of the first and second embodiments described above, the mapping processing unit 36 performs the process of mapping the surrounding scenery to the stereoscopic image, but this may be omitted. As a result, the configuration can be simplified and the device cost can be suppressed.

  (4) In the second embodiment described above, the state of the shutters 49 and 51 is switched between the first observation position M1 and the second observation position M2. , 43 can be switched between a light transmitting state and a light blocking state, and the state is switched in conjunction with switching between the right eye image and the left eye image at each observation position M1, M2. May be. Thereby, the light sources 41 and 43 can be always turned on, and the life of the light sources 41 and 43 can be extended.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a stereoscopic display device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a top view which shows schematic structure of a three-dimensional display apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a three-dimensional display apparatus. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a stereoscopic display device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a three-dimensional display apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Housing 5 ... Transmission-type liquid crystal display panel 7 ... Lens 9 ... 1st light source 11 ... 2nd light source M1 ... 1st observation position M2 ... 2nd observation position 13 ... Light source 15 for right eyes 15 ... Light source for left eye 19 ... Camera 31 ... Control unit 33 ... Image signal output unit 35 ... Light source control unit 36 ... Mapping processing unit 37 ... Three-dimensional object data memory

Claims (2)

  In a stereoscopic image display device that causes a viewer at least in two observation positions to recognize a stereoscopic image by displaying the right-eye image and the left-eye image alternately in time,
  A transmissive liquid crystal display panel arranged in a horizontal position;
  A pair of light sources for the right eye and the left eye for illuminating the transmissive liquid crystal display panel from the lower surface side, disposed on the lower surface side of the transmissive liquid crystal display panel;
  An optical system disposed on the lower surface side of the transmissive liquid crystal display panel and tilting light from the pair of light sources from the vertical direction to each observation position;
  Image output means for sequentially outputting a right eye image and a left eye image for each observation position with respect to the transmissive liquid crystal display panel;
  Light source control means for irradiating each observation position with light from the pair of light sources according to an image output for each observation position by the image output means;
  With
  The pair of light sources is a single light source disposed below the center of the transmissive liquid crystal display panel,
  A reflector disposed around the pair of light sources and reflecting light from the pair of light sources to each observation position;
  A shutter disposed between the pair of light sources and the reflector, and capable of switching between a light transmitting state and a light blocking state;
  Shutter control means for switching the state of the shutter according to the output image of the image output means;
  A stereoscopic image display device comprising:   The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 1,
  Ambient scenery capturing means for capturing the surrounding scenery of the device;
  The surrounding scenery from the surrounding scenery capturing means is mapped to the three-dimensional object data related to the right-eye image and the left-eye image given to the image output means, and based on the mapped three-dimensional object data. Environment mapping means for outputting a right eye image and a left eye image in which the surrounding scenery is reflected to the image output means;
  A stereoscopic image display device comprising:

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