JPH08211332A - Stereoscopic video reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To reduce fatigue in observer's eyes by controlling relative reproducing positions of left/right videos based on information related to a selected convergence angle. CONSTITUTION: This device is provided with a selection means 31 selecting the information related to the convergence angle for setting the convergence angle when viewing a reproducing video and control means 32, 33 controlling the relative reproducing positions of the left/right videos based on the information related to the selected convergence angle. Further, the device is provided with a proper convergence angle decision means 31 for judging the proper convergence angle when viewing the reproducing video and the control means 32, 33 controlling the relative reproducing positions of the left/right videos based on the convergence angle judged as propriety. Then, the information related to the convergence angle is selected for setting the convergence angle when viewing the reproducing video, and the relative reproducing positions of the left/right videos are controlled based on the information. The control of the relative reproducing positions of the left/right videos is performed by controlling write start positions of video information on a liquid crystal display part for reproducing the left/right videos.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a stereoscopic image reproducing device,
More specifically, the present invention relates to a stereoscopic image reproducing device that obtains a stereoscopic image using binocular parallax.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a pair of optical systems of an image pickup device are arranged side by side in order to obtain a stereoscopic image, and the images obtained by the respective optical systems are independently reproduced for the left and right eyes. Various proposals have been made for a stereoscopic image pickup device and a stereoscopic image reproducing device that obtain a stereoscopic image by utilizing so-called binocular parallax.

The stereoscopic image reproducing device reproduces the left and right images picked up by the stereoscopic image pickup device independently for the left and right eyes.
For example, Head Mounted Display (Head M
ounted Display; hereinafter referred to as HMD. ), A liquid crystal shutter spectacle system, or a polarized spectacle system. The stereoscopic image can be viewed by reproducing the image captured by the stereoscopic image capturing device by the stereoscopic image reproducing device.

Here, the appearance of the stereoscopic image reproduced by the stereoscopic image reproducing device changes depending on the image capturing state of the stereoscopic image capturing device, the reproduction state of the stereoscopic image reproducing device, and the like.

Therefore, in order to obtain a good stereoscopic image,
The angle formed by the optical axes of the pair of optical systems of the stereoscopic imaging device is
A position that matches the vergence angle of the eye when the observer looks the object directly with the naked eye (binocular vergence), and the position at which the stereoscopic image reproduced by the stereoscopic image reproducing device is imaged, that is, the virtual image position. However, it is necessary to set such that an image is formed at the same position as the actual distance to the object (focal position of the observer's eye).

That is, a good stereoscopic image means that the stereoscopic image reproduced by the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus has the same image as that when the observer directly sees the object with the naked eye, that is, it is visually observed. It refers to the case where it is played back in a close state.

By the way, when an observer observes an object with his left and right eyes, that is, when he performs binocular vergence, his right and left eyes are adjusted according to the position of the object to be gazed. There is a case of "close eye" that is closer to the inside than the center, and a case of "diffuse eye" that is closer to the outside of each optical axis than the center of each optical axis. There is a limit to the observable range, that is, the fusion range.

On the side of the stereoscopic image pickup device, a pair of optical systems arranged to obtain a stereoscopic image,
The longer the focal length, the closer the optical axis intersection point of the pair of optical systems is to the stereoscopic imaging device side, and the longer the interval between the pair of optical systems, that is, the longer the baseline length. The range where a good stereoscopic image can be obtained, that is, the fusion range tends to be narrowed.

When the fusional range is exceeded, that is, when the object exists in the non-fusional range,
The observer cannot observe the object three-dimensionally, resulting in, for example, a double image.

Therefore, for the observer, the object within the fusional range and the image of the object within the non-fusional area which becomes a double image coexist. In such a case, Will result in an extremely unsightly image.

Here, FIG. 11 shows an object and a reproduction in the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus when the image is picked up by binocular convergence vision by the stereoscopic image pickup apparatus set so that the optical axes of the pair of optical systems intersect with each other. It is a figure which shows the relationship of a video.

As shown in FIG. 11, the pair of optical systems of the stereoscopic image pickup device, that is, the left camera section 101L and the right camera section 101R are spaced apart from each other by a human eye width (baseline length A).
Are arranged side by side, and their respective optical axes are distance L
Are set so that they intersect at positions apart from each other. The image obtained by the stereoscopic image pickup device is provided on the left and right of the stereoscopic image reproduction device independently of each other.
It is adapted to be reproduced on a pair of liquid crystal display portions 102L and 102R composed of a CD or the like. The liquid crystal display units 102L and 102R are arranged at the same intervals as the base line length A, and the liquid crystal display units are set to have no vergence angle.

The images obtained by the stereoscopic image pickup device are displayed on the liquid crystal display sections 102L and 102R of the stereoscopic image reproduction device.
When the image is reproduced and displayed in FIG. 1, the target object 103 (FIG.
In No. 1, it is indicated by “◯”. The image) is formed on the liquid crystal display units 102L and 102R of the stereoscopic image reproducing device at the center of the display screen. That is, the left and right images of the object 103 are imaged at positions corresponding to the eye widths of both eyes of an observer who observes the object 103, and the observer views the left and right reproduced images in parallel by the left and right eyes. Will be observed.

Further, the object 104 located on the front side of the distance L to the optical axis intersection of the optical system of the stereoscopic image pickup device.
The image (indicated by “Δ” in FIG. 11) is
Liquid crystal display units 102L and 102R of the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus
Since an image is formed inside the center of the display screen in the upper part, both eyes of the observer who observes the object 104 tend to be “close eyes”.

The object 1 located behind the distance L to the optical axis intersection of the pair of optical systems of the stereoscopic image pickup device.
The image of 05 (indicated by “□” in FIG. 11) is the liquid crystal display portions 102L and 10L of the stereoscopic image reproducing device.
Since the image is formed outside the center of the display screen on the 2R, both eyes of the observer who observes the object 105 tend to be “diffuse eyes”.

Therefore, the range in which each of the objects 103 to 105 can be imaged as a stereoscopic image, that is, the fusional range is determined by the limit that can be performed by the "close eye" or the "diffuse eye". Will be done.

When the respective images are reproduced on the pair of liquid crystal display sections 102L and 102R of the stereoscopic image reproduction apparatus, the liquid crystal display sections 102L and 102R are reproduced.
Assuming that the angle of convergence of the observer's eyes when the image of the object (103 or the like) is formed in the center of the image is 0 ° (0 degree), the object is inward from the center of the liquid crystal display parts 102L and 102R The case where the image of an object (104 or the like) is formed and is in the "closed-eye" state is defined as the "+ (plus)" side, and the liquid crystal display unit 1 is also provided.
The object (105
Etc.) is the "diffused eye" state in which the image is formed, "-"
(Minus) ”side.

Then, the angle between the optical axes of the left and right eyes of the observer and the image forming positions of the images (104L, 104R, etc.) of the object on the liquid crystal display sections 102L, 102R in the "closed-eye" state is defined. , + Θ (plus theta) L and + θ (plus theta) R, respectively, and the liquid crystal displays 102L and 102 in the case of the “diffused eye” state with the optical axes of the left and right eyes of the observer.
The angle formed by the image forming position of the image (105L, 105R, etc.) of the object on R is -α (minus alpha) L, -α
Assuming that (minus / alpha) R is, a range in which a general person can fuse in an instant, that is, a fusion range is an angle of −2 ° according to an experimental result conducted by the applicant.
It is in the range of (minus 2 degrees) to +6 degrees (plus 6 degrees).

The angle of the fusion range is −2 ° to + 6 °.
Is a general human fusion range, for example, the fusion range is wide on the "side eye" side, and also, there is a wide person on the "diffusion eye" side. Has individual differences,
In addition, the central value of the fusion range also differs.

Therefore, due to individual differences in the fusion range,
Since the fusion range common to all people becomes extremely narrow, some viewers try to force the reconstructed image to fuse, and in such a case, it puts a strain on the eyes. Therefore, it may cause fatigue and the like.

In other words, since the optimum fusional range in which an individual can relax most is present in each individual, if the image is reproduced within the fusional range corresponding to each individual, the observation is performed. It is possible to reduce the feeling of fatigue without imposing a burden on the eyes of the person.

Therefore, in order to obtain a good stereoscopic image, for example, a stereoscopic image display device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-235885 discloses a convergence position (an optical axis intersection point of a pair of optical systems of a stereoscopic image pickup device). In order to match the image formation position of the virtual image with the position of the image display (reproduction) device that detects the change in the line-of-sight direction of the left and right eyes of the observer and the image displayed on the image display device. At least one of the position of the optical system for forming an enlarged image as a virtual image is controlled according to the vergence angle of the left and right eyes of the observer, thereby reproducing a good stereoscopic image, This is to reduce the burden on the eyes of the observer.

[0023]

However, according to the means disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-235885, the position of the image display device or the image displayed on the image display device is displayed as a virtual image in space. Since at least one of the optical system for forming an enlarged image is driven by the control drive means, it is necessary to provide a complicated drive mechanism, a detection means for detecting a change in the line of sight of the observer, and the like. There is a problem that the video display (reproduction) device itself becomes large and expensive.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and secures an effective fusion range of a stereoscopic image obtained by a stereoscopic image pickup device.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus capable of reducing a feeling of eyestrain of an observer caused by an individual difference in a fusion range.

[0025]

A stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus according to the present invention obtains a stereoscopic image by utilizing binocular parallax, and relates to a vergence angle for setting a vergence angle when a reproduced image is viewed. It is characterized by comprising a selection means for selecting information and a control means for controlling the relative reproduction position of the left and right images based on the information regarding the selected vergence angle, and the stereoscopic image utilizing binocular parallax. To get the video,
Providing an appropriate vergence angle determination means for determining an appropriate vergence angle when viewing a replay image, and a control means for controlling a relative replay position of the left and right images based on the vergence angle determined to be proper. Is characterized by.

The liquid crystal display section for reproducing the left and right images is provided, and the relative reproduction position of the left and right images is controlled by controlling the writing start position of the image information on the liquid crystal display section. Characterize.

[0027]

In order to set the vergence angle when the reproduced video is viewed, the selection means selects the information on the vergence angle, and based on the information on the vergence angle selected by the selection means, the control means compares the left and right images with each other. The target playback position.

Further, the proper vergence angle at the time of viewing the reproduced video is judged by the proper vergence angle judging means, and based on the vergence angle judged as proper by the proper vergence angle judging means,
The control means controls the relative reproduction positions of the left and right images.

The relative reproduction position of the left and right images is controlled by controlling the writing start position of the image information on the liquid crystal display portion for reproducing the left and right images.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a system using a stereoscopic imaging device and a stereoscopic video reproducing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Although this embodiment is an example of a system in which a stereoscopic image pickup device and a stereoscopic image reproduction device are used to perform remote control of the device and the like, the stereoscopic image pickup device and the stereoscopic image reproduction device can be replaced by another system. It may be applied for use, for example, for capturing and viewing general stereoscopic video.

As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the stereoscopic image pickup device 11 is arranged on a device for remote operation, for example, on a machine for civil engineering work.
The stereoscopic imaging device 11 is a transmitter on the device side, which includes a left and right camera unit having a pair of lens units arranged with their optical axes arranged substantially parallel to each other, an image processing circuit unit, and a camera operation circuit unit. It is composed of the section 12 and the like.

On the other hand, on the operator (viewer) side of the above-mentioned remote control device, a transmitter section 13 including a video receiving section and an operation command transmitting section, and an operation panel 15 for operating the entire system, H, which is a stereoscopic video playback device
MD14 etc. are arrange | positioned.

Then, the stereoscopic image obtained by the stereoscopic image pickup device 11 is processed in the image processing circuit unit or the like in the transmitter unit 12, and is processed by the image receiving unit of the transmitter unit 13 on the operator side. For example, a signal transmitted by wireless means or the like and received by the video receiving unit of the transmitter unit 13 on the operator side is sent to the HMD 14 connected to the transmitter unit 13 by, for example, a cable or the like. It has become.

By reproducing the video signal received as described above by the HMD 14 independently for the left and right eyes, a stereoscopic image can be obtained by utilizing the binocular parallax. Therefore, the operator of the device or the like performing the remote operation operates the operation panel 15 while watching the stereoscopic image reproduced by the HMD 14, and thereby the remote controller such as the device or the stereoscopic imaging device 11 is operated. It can be operated.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the outline of a stereoscopic image pickup apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, this stereoscopic image pickup device 11
Are composed of a right-eye camera unit 11R and a left-eye camera unit 11L, respectively, and are configured by exactly the same optical system.

That is, the right-eye camera section 11R has the right-eye lens section 1R, and the left-eye camera section 11L.
Has a left-eye lens unit 1L. The right-eye lens unit 1R and the left-eye lens unit 1L are set at regular intervals and at the same height.

The right-eye lens unit 1R and the left-eye lens unit 1L include first-group lens units 3R, 3L, second-group lens (zoom) units 4R, 4L, iris units 5R, 5L, third-group lens unit 6R, 6L, 4 group lens (focus) section 7R, 7
L, filters (low-pass filter, infrared cut filter) 8R, 8L and the like.

At the image-forming positions behind the right-eye lens unit 1R and the left-eye lens unit 1L, for example,
An image pickup device 2R for the right eye and an image pickup device 2L for the left eye, each of which is composed of a CCD or the like, are arranged, and the configuration thereof is the same as that of a general video movie or the like.

The right-eye camera section 11R and the left-eye camera section 11L are electrically connected to the video processing circuit section and the like in the transmitter section 12 by, for example, cables.

Further, a driving mechanism or the like for driving one or both of the right eye camera section 11R and the left eye camera section 11L so that the optical axes of the optical systems of the camera sections 11R and 11L intersect. It is provided. By this drive mechanism and the like, so-called binocular vergence imaging is performed, and at the same time, each of the camera units 11
By driving the R and 11L so as to be parallel to each other, so-called parallel viewing can be performed. The drive mechanism and the like are based on commonly known means, and the description and illustration thereof will be omitted.

Next, the structure of the HMD 14 which is the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus described in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the outline of the HMD 14 which is the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an outline of the HMD 14. This H
The MD 14 reproduces the right-eye image captured by the right-eye camera unit 11R and the left-eye image captured by the left-eye camera unit 11L independently of each other to generate a stereoscopic image. Is to get.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
D14 is provided with, for example, a right-eye liquid crystal display unit 21R including a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like, and a left-eye liquid crystal display unit 21L including similar members.

The right-eye liquid crystal display portion 21R and the left-eye liquid crystal display portion 21L are arranged with an interval of about 70 mm, which is the human eye width, and the right-eye liquid crystal display portion 21R. On the rear side of the liquid crystal display section 21L for the left eye and the eyepiece lens 22R for the right eye, which is an optical system for magnifying an image displayed on the liquid crystal display sections 21R, 21L as a virtual image in space. And an eyepiece lens 22L for the left eye.

The liquid crystal display sections 21R and 21L of the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus are set so that the image display range to be reproduced is slightly smaller than the effective display range, and the left and right images are relatively reproduced. The position control is performed by a control means such as a CPU at the writing start position of the video information on the liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21L, and the direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the observer's eye (arrow X in FIG. 4). Direction), the vergence angle of the observer's eye when viewing the reproduced video can be changed.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the relative reproduction positions of the left and right images formed at the centers of the left and right liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21L are changed from the AR point and the AL point to the BR point and the BL point.
By moving to each point, the convergence angle θA when viewing the reproduced video can be made the convergence angle θB.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a portion for controlling the vergence angle in the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus of the above embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus of the above-described embodiment, in order to set the convergence angle when viewing the reproduced image, the selecting means 31 and the selecting means 31 for selecting the information regarding the convergence angle. The convergence angle calculation / setting command means 32 that calculates the convergence angle to be set based on the information selected by and outputs the setting command, and the instructions from the convergence angle calculation / setting command means 32, the liquid crystal display sections 21R and 21L. In the liquid crystal display unit 21 by changing the writing start position of the video information or moving the liquid crystal display unit to the left or right.
Convergence angle setting means 33 for setting the convergence angle by adjusting the relative positions of the left and right images projected on L and 21R.
Are provided.

The selecting means 31 also has a function as an appropriate vergence angle judging means, and judges the proper vergence angle at the time of viewing a reproduced image. That is, the selection means 31 is the HMD 14
In order to properly adjust the position of the virtual image in the eye to the vergence angle of the observer's eye, an appropriate vergence angle at the time of viewing the reproduced video is judged and the judgment information is transmitted to the vergence angle calculation / setting command means 32. ing.

Here, the vergence angle calculation / setting command means 32 and the vergence angle setting means 33 are components of the control means for controlling the relative positions of the left and right images.

The selecting means 31 for selecting the information regarding the angle of convergence does not necessarily have the function of determining the appropriate angle of convergence, and the observer can freely reproduce the reproduced image regardless of the function. It is possible to select the vergence angle when viewing.

The following can be proposed as a configuration example of the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus in this case.

That is, the HMD 14 is provided with an external switch which can be arbitrarily pressed by the operator and is used to select the convergence angle. Then, every time the external switch is pressed, a command for changing the convergence angle is transmitted to the convergence angle calculation / setting command means 32. The vergence angle can be selected from the standard state of reset state A, crossed eye state B, and diffused eye state C in three stages, and is in the reset state A in the initial stage where the external switch is not yet operated, Each time you press the external switch, the state of vergence will be changed, such as pressing the switch once to the crossed eye state B, pressing it again to the diffuse eye state C, and pressing it again to the reset state A. It is designed to switch.

As a result, when the desired convergence angle is selected by operating the external switch, the information is transmitted to the convergence angle calculation / setting instruction means 32, and the convergence angle calculation / setting instruction means 3
2 controls the convergence angle setting means 33 based on the transmitted information to change the writing start position of the video information on the liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21L.
L, 21R Adjust the relative positions of the left and right images projected.

Note that the above-mentioned selection means (appropriate convergence angle determination means) 31 and processing such as necessary calculation in the control means are as follows.
It is assumed to be performed by a central processing unit (CPU).

The operation of determining the appropriate angle of convergence in the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus of the above-described one embodiment constructed as described above will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, first, when the power is turned on in step S1, the HMD is selected by the selecting means (appropriate convergence angle determining means) 31.
Images recorded in advance are displayed on the respective 14 liquid crystal display units 21R and 21L.

At this time, each of the liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21R
The image displayed on L is an image obtained by the stereoscopic imaging device, and the images of the optical axes of the pair of optical systems of the stereoscopic imaging device are gradually increased at the same distance to the same object. It is an image captured by changing the angle formed.

That is, in the case where the image is obtained by changing the image pickup conditions on the side of the stereoscopic image pickup device, and the optical axis intersections of the pair of optical systems of the stereoscopic image pickup device are located close to the stereoscopic image pickup device (" The images are sequentially captured from the "diffused eye" state) to the case where the positions are gradually separated ("close eye" state).

On the stereoscopic image reproducing device, for example, the observer decides whether or not to fuse while watching the images reproduced on the liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21L of the stereoscopic image reproducing device. Then, a fusion check button (not shown) or the like is used for checking, and the appropriate convergence angle is determined by the selection means (adequate convergence angle determination means) 31.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, "diffusion eye" is used in the processing of the next steps S2 to S7.
Judgment of the limit, and in the processing of steps S8 to S12, judgment of the "close-eyed" limit is performed.

That is, in step S2, the reproduced image 0
The (zero) number image is reproduced on the liquid crystal display sections 21R and 21L of the stereoscopic image reproducing device, and the image number 0 of the reproduced image is
When the image is fused to the observer's eye, the observer performs a check with the fusion image check button (not shown) or the like, and proceeds to the process of step S5, while the reproduced image No. 0 is the observer's eye. If the image is not fused, the observer performs a check to that effect with the fusion check button (not shown) or the like, and proceeds to the process of step S3.

In step S3, the image of the reproduction image No. 1 is the liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21R of the stereoscopic image reproduction device.
When the image of the reproduced image No. 1 is reproduced in L and fused to the eyes of the observer, the observer similarly checks the fusion check button (not shown) or the like, Proceed to the processing of S7, and "diffuse eye" limit α (R, L)
= 2 ° (2 degrees), the next step S8
If the image of the reproduction image No. 1 is not fused to the observer's eye, the process proceeds to step S4, and it is "inappropriate". It is judged that there is. Here, "inappropriate" means that the proper convergence angle cannot be determined by the selection means (adequate convergence angle determination means) 31.

On the other hand, in step S2, the reproduction image 0
No. 2 image is fused, and when the process proceeds to step S5,
In step S5, reproduced image-1 (minus 1)
No. 2 image is the liquid crystal display unit 21 of the stereoscopic image reproducing device.
Reproduced in R, 21L. Here, when the reproduced image-1 (minus 1) image is fused to the eyes of the observer, the observer similarly checks the fusion check button (not shown) or the like. Then, while proceeding to the processing of the next step S6, if the image of reproduction image-1 (minus 1) is not fused to the eyes of the observer, the processing proceeds to step S7 and the "diffusion eye "Limit α (R, L) = 0
It is determined that the angle is 0 (0 degree), the process proceeds to the next step S8, and the process proceeds to the "close-eye" limit determination flow.

On the other hand, in step S5, the reproduction image-1 (minus 1) image is fused,
6, the reproduced image-2 is displayed in step S6.
Similarly, the (minus 2) video is reproduced on the liquid crystal display sections 21R and 21L of the stereoscopic video reproduction apparatus. Here, when the image of the reproduced image-2 (minus 2) is fused to the eyes of the observer, the "diffusion eye" limit α (R,
L) = − 4 ° (minus 4 °), the process proceeds to the next step S8, and shifts to the “close eye” limit determination flow, while the number of the reproduced image-2 (minus 2) If the image is not fused, the process proceeds to the next step S7, where it is determined that the "diffused eye" limit α (R, L) =-2 ° (minus 2 °), and the next step S8 is performed. Proceed to the processing, and move to the judgment flow of the “close-eyed” limit.

In step S8, the image of reproduction image No. 1 is similarly reproduced on the liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21L of the stereoscopic image reproducing device. Here, the replay image 1
If the image No. is fused to the observer's eye, the observer similarly performs the fusion check button (not shown).
And the like, and proceeds to the processing of step S9, while if the image of the reproduced image No. 1 is not fused, the observer sees the fusion check button (not shown).
Etc., to that effect, and step S1
Proceeding to the processing of 2, the “close-eyed” limit θ (R, L) = 0 °
(0 degree).

In the process of step S9, the image of reproduction image No. 2 is similarly reproduced on the liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21L of the stereoscopic image reproducing device. Here, when the image of the reproduction image No. 2 is fused to the eyes of the observer,
On the other hand, if the image of the reproduced image No. 2 is not fused while proceeding to the processing of step S10, the processing proceeds to step S12 and the "side eye" limit θ (R, L) = 2 ° (2 degrees). Is determined.

In the process of step S10, the image of reproduction image No. 3 is similarly reproduced on the liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21L of the stereoscopic image reproducing device. Here, when the image of the reproduced image No. 3 is fused to the eyes of the observer, the process proceeds to step S11, while when the image of the reproduced image No. 3 is not fused, Proceeding to the process of step S12, the “close-eyed” limit θ (R, L) = 4 ° (4
Degree).

In the process of step S11, the image of reproduction image No. 4 is similarly reproduced on the liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21L of the stereoscopic image reproducing device. Here, when the image of the reproduced image No. 4 is fused to the observer's eye, in the process of step S12, the "close-eyed" limit θ
While it is determined that (R, L) = 8 ° (8 °), if the image of the reproduced image No. 4 is not fused, in the process of step S12, the “close-eye” limit θ (R , L)
= 6 ° (6 degrees).

In this way, the fusional range for each individual, that is, the "close-eyed" limit θ (R, L), and
The “diffusing eye” limit α (R, L) is judged by the selecting means (appropriate convergence angle judging means) 31.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5 described above, the vergence angle judged to be proper by the selecting means (appropriate vergence angle judging means) 31, that is, the "side eye" limit θ (R,
L) and the limit values of the fusion range of the “diffusing eye” limit α (R, L) are transmitted to the convergence angle calculation / setting command means 32, and the convergence angle calculation / setting command means 32 is transmitted.
At, the appropriate value of the vergence angle of the observer's eye = (θ + α) /
2 is calculated and transmitted to the convergence angle designating means 33, where the relative reproduction position of the left and right images is controlled based on the value of the convergence angle proper value = (θ + α) / 2, that is, the liquid crystal. The start position of the video information on the display units 21R and 21L is controlled.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned appropriate value of the convergence angle = (θ + α)
It is assumed that / 2 is an average value of the "close-eye" limit value θ (R, L) and the "diffuse eye" limit value α (R, L), that is, the center value of the fusion range.

Here, as described above, the liquid crystal display sections 21R and 21L of the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus reproduce the image display range (FIG. 8) with respect to the effective display range (hatched portion in FIG. 7). Is set so as to be slightly smaller, and the relative reproduction positions of the left and right images are controlled by controlling the writing start position of the image information on the liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21L. The direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the observer's eye (in FIG. 4,
By moving it in the direction of arrow X), the vergence angle of the observer's eye when viewing the reproduced video is properly adjusted.

Therefore, for example, when the appropriate value of the convergence angle is designated as "0 degree", the central portion of the reproduced image is set to the central portions of the liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21L as shown in FIG. By controlling the position of the start of writing the video information on the liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21L so that they coincide with each other,
The angle of convergence is appropriate when viewing the playback video.

When the appropriate value of the angle of convergence is designated on the "+ (plus)" side, that is, on the "side eye" side, the central portion of the reproduced image is observed as shown in FIG. The liquid crystal display unit 21 is arranged so as to be located inward of the optical axis of the human eye.
By controlling the start position of writing video information in R and 21L, an appropriate convergence angle can be obtained when viewing a reproduced video.

When the appropriate value of the convergence angle is designated on the "-(minus)" side, that is, on the "diffusion eye" side, the central portion of the reproduced image is observed as shown in FIG. By controlling the position of the beginning of writing the video information on the liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21L so as to be located outside the optical axis of the human eye, an appropriate convergence angle can be obtained when the reproduced video is viewed. At this time, the left and right liquid crystal display portions 21R,
The reproduced images on 21L are to be moved in the right and left opposite directions and evenly.

Since an observer generally tends to be a cross-eyed eye, the liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21L should be arranged so that the central portions thereof are separated from each other, that is, the respective liquid crystal display portions are slightly offset to the outside. May be.

By doing so, the control range on the side of the eye leaning can be widened, so that the liquid crystal display (LCD) can be used efficiently.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, in the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus which obtains a stereoscopic image by utilizing the binocular parallax, the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus is adapted to the proper vergence angle of the observer's eyes. Since the convergence angle of the reproduced video to be reproduced on the liquid crystal display sections 21R and 21L of is specified,
It is possible to reduce the fatigue of the eyes of the observer.

Further, the convergence angle is changed by controlling the start position of writing the video information on the liquid crystal display sections 21R and 21L, so that the liquid crystal display sections 21R and 21L and the like are changed. The mechanism can be simplified without driving the constituent members. Therefore, it is not necessary to dispose a drive mechanism or the like for driving the liquid crystal display portions 21R, 21L and the like, which can contribute to simplification of the device and miniaturization of the stereoscopic video reproducing device itself.

In the above embodiment, the writing start position of the video information on the liquid crystal display portions 21R and 21L is set to
Although the left and right are moved evenly in the opposite directions, the writing start positions of the image information on the left and right liquid crystal display units 21R and 21L are independently configured, so that the proper convergence angle of the eyes of the observer can be obtained. In addition, a stereoscopic image that is easier to see can be obtained.

[0083]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the relative reproduction positions of the left and right images can be controlled based on the information regarding the selected vergence angle. It is possible to reduce the feeling of eye fatigue of the observer caused by the individual difference.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the proper vergence angle judging means can judge the proper vergence angle when viewing the reproduced image, the observer can easily determine the vergence angle with less eye fatigue. Can be set.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the relative reproduction positions of the left and right images are controlled by controlling the writing start position of the image information on the liquid crystal display unit. It is possible to provide a stereoscopic image reproducing device that contributes to downsizing without requiring a drive mechanism for driving the liquid crystal display unit.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a system using a stereoscopic imaging device and a stereoscopic video reproducing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the outline of the stereoscopic imaging device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an outline of the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an outline of the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus of FIG.

5 is a block configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a portion that controls a vergence angle in the stereoscopic video reproduction device of FIG. 1;

6 is a flowchart showing an operation when determining an appropriate angle of convergence in the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus of FIG.

7 is a diagram showing an effective display range of a liquid crystal display unit of the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus of FIG.

8 is a diagram showing an image display range of a liquid crystal display unit of the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus of FIG. 1, showing an example in which an appropriate value of a convergence angle is designated as "0 degree".

9 is a diagram showing an image display range of the liquid crystal display unit of the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus of FIG. 1, showing an example in which the proper value of the convergence angle is designated on the “+ (plus)” side.

10 is a diagram showing an image display range of the liquid crystal display unit of the stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus of FIG. 1, showing an example in which the proper value of the convergence angle is designated on the "-(minus)" side.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a relationship between a target object and a reproduced image in the stereoscopic image reproducing device in the case where the stereoscopic image pickup device set so that the optical axes of a pair of optical systems intersect each other is imaged by vergence vision.

[Explanation of symbols]

1R: right eye lens section 1L: left eye lens section 2R: right eye image pickup element 2L ... left eye image pickup element 11R, 101R ... right eye camera section 11L, 101L ... left eye Camera section 11 …… Stereoscopic imaging device 12 …… Transmitter section (apparatus side) 13 …… Transmitter section (operator / observer side) 14 …… HMD (stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus) 15 …… Operation panel 21R …… Right eye Liquid crystal display unit 21L ... left eye liquid crystal display unit 22R ... right eye eyepiece lens 22L ... left eye eyepiece lens 31 ... information selection means (adequate vergence angle determination means) 32. vergence angle Calculation / setting command means (control means) 33 ... Convergence angle setting means (control means)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A stereoscopic image is obtained by utilizing binocular parallax, and based on a convergence angle selecting means for setting a convergence angle when viewing a reproduced image, and information on the selected convergence angle. A stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls relative reproduction positions of left and right images. 2. A stereoscopic image is obtained by utilizing binocular parallax, and an appropriate vergence angle determining means for determining an appropriate vergence angle when viewing a reproduced image, and a vergence angle determined to be appropriate. A stereoscopic image reproducing apparatus, comprising: a control unit that controls relative reproduction positions of left and right images based on the above. 3. A liquid crystal display unit for reproducing left and right images, and the relative reproduction position of the left and right images is controlled by controlling the writing start position of the image information on the liquid crystal display unit. The stereoscopic image reproducing device according to claim 1 or 2.