JP2004144873A - Picture display device and picture display method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a picture display device and a picture display method with which the imaging of a picture to be displayed on the picture display surface of a two-dimensional picture display device is performed at a prescribed position and an observer can view the picture in which three-dimensional picture display is included. <P>SOLUTION: A lens array 12 is arranged in front of the display surface 11 of a picture display device 11 while having a distance S1. A lens whose focal length is f1 and a lens whose focal length is f2 are arranged in the lens array 12. The focal lengths f1, f2 and a distance S1 decide formation positions of a first imaging face 13 and a second imaging face 14 and the imaging of the first imaging face 13 and the imaging of the second imaging face 14 are formed respectively at the distance S3 and at a distance S2 from the array 12. That is, the imaging by the pixel 111 of the display surface 11 and, on the other hand, the imaging by the pixel 112 of the display surface 11 are performed respectively at a position of S1+S3 from the display surface 11 as the first imaging pixel 131 of the first imaging face 13 and at a position of S1+S2 from the surface 11 as the second imaging pixel 142 of the second imaging face 14 and an observer 15 obtains 3-dimensional effect by observing them. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention belongs to the technical field of an image display device and an image display method capable of displaying images including three-dimensional image display.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a display device using a device such as a cathode ray tube, an EL, a liquid crystal, and a plasma. They have a form in which an image displayed on a display surface of a display device is directly viewed as a two-dimensional image. On the other hand, there is a three-dimensional image display device that displays a three-dimensional image in which an image can be viewed as a three-dimensional image using these display devices, and various forms have been proposed and implemented. The three-dimensional image is used in, for example, the fields of entertainment, design, medical treatment, and the like, and more effective three-dimensional image display means is desired.
[0003]
As an example of the three-dimensional image display device, for example, a liquid crystal shutter glasses system is well known. In this method, a three-dimensional object is photographed from different directions by a camera, and image data including the obtained parallax information is synthesized into one image signal, and input to a two-dimensional display device for display. The observer wears liquid crystal shutter glasses, for example, in the odd field, the liquid crystal shutter for the right eye is in the light transmitting state and the liquid crystal shutter for the left eye is in the light blocking state. Liquid crystal shutter is in a light blocking state. At this time, a right-eye image is displayed in an odd field and a left-eye image is displayed in an even field in synchronization with each other to obtain a stereoscopic image by viewing images including parallax for the right and left eyes with each eye. It is.
[0004]
There is also a three-dimensional display device in which a plurality of display means are provided in the front-rear direction with respect to the line of sight of an observer, and a three-dimensional image is viewed from the luminance of an object displayed on each of the display means.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, these methods require a device to be worn by an observer and signal processing for three-dimensional display of an image to be displayed, or have a plurality of display devices, or the display device itself has a complicated configuration. there were. In addition, when viewing a three-dimensional image by a method using parallax, it is said that eye fatigue is large.
[0006]
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and forms an image displayed on a screen of a two-dimensional display device at a predetermined position, so that the observer not only displays a two-dimensional image but also displays a three-dimensional image. It is an object of the present invention to provide an effective image display device and an effective image display method with a relatively simple configuration capable of viewing an image.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is an image comprising a two-dimensional image display means, and a plurality of lenses provided in front of a display surface of the two-dimensional image display means and in parallel with the display surface. The image display apparatus includes an image forming unit and an image signal generating unit that generates an image signal input to the two-dimensional image displaying unit.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 2 comprises a two-dimensional image display means, and a plurality of lenses provided in front of the display surface of the two-dimensional image display means in parallel with the display surface, and each lens Is an image forming means having any one of a plurality of focal lengths, and an image signal corresponding to each focal length of the lens and generating an image signal displayed on the two-dimensional image display means. An image display device comprising a generation unit.
[0009]
According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, an image forming means comprising a plurality of lenses is provided in front of the display surface of the two-dimensional image display means in parallel with the display surface, and the two-dimensional image display means is provided with an image signal. An image display method which inputs an image signal generated by a generation unit, displays an image, and forms the displayed image on a position different from the display surface by the image imaging unit. I do.
[0010]
Further, the invention according to claim 21 comprises a plurality of lenses in front of the display surface of the two-dimensional image display means and in parallel with the display surface, and each lens has one of a plurality of focal lengths. An image forming unit having one focal length is provided, and an image signal generated corresponding to each focal length of the lens is input to the two-dimensional image display unit by an image signal generating unit to display an image. This is an image display method in which the displayed image is formed at a position different from the display surface by the image forming means.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
[0012]
An image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a two-dimensional image display unit; and an image forming unit including a plurality of lenses provided in front of a display surface of the two-dimensional image display unit and in parallel with the display surface. And an image signal generating means for generating an image signal input to the two-dimensional image display means.
[0013]
According to the image display device of the present invention, the image displayed on the display surface is formed at a position different from the display surface by the image forming device placed in front of the display surface of the two-dimensional image display device. The image forming position is determined based on the relationship between the focal length of the lens of the image forming means and the distance between the lens and the display surface, and the image is formed forward or rearward from the display surface. The observer can see the displayed image forward or backward from the display surface by looking at the formed image. The image display device preferably has a flat display surface. Further, depending on the arrangement of the image forming means and the two-dimensional image display means, the image can be formed larger or smaller than the size of the display surface.
[0014]
An image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a two-dimensional image display unit, and a plurality of lenses provided in front of a display surface of the two-dimensional image display unit and in parallel with the display surface. Lens generates an image signal displayed on the two-dimensional image display means corresponding to each of the focal lengths of the image forming means having any one of a plurality of focal lengths and the lens. Image signal generating means.
[0015]
According to the image display device of the present invention, the image displayed on the display surface is different from the display surface by the image forming device placed in front of the display surface of the two-dimensional image display device, and the focal length of each lens. Is formed at a position based on the relationship between the distance between the lens and the display surface, and the observer can view the image as a three-dimensional image forward or backward from the display surface. The image signal generation means generates and displays an image signal corresponding to each lens. The image display device preferably has a flat display surface. Further, depending on the arrangement of the image forming means and the two-dimensional image display means, the image can be formed larger or smaller than the size of the display surface. By arranging more lenses having different focal lengths, more image planes can be set, and a smoother three-dimensional image can be viewed.
[0016]
As one mode of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming means is configured by overlapping a plurality of lens arrays.
[0017]
According to this aspect, a lens array having a different focal length or a lens array having lenses only for predetermined pixels is used. Further, in a lens array in which a portion where a lens is provided and a portion where a lens is not provided are arranged at equal intervals at the same size, two lens arrays are overlapped with a portion having a lens and a portion having no lens, and are respectively disposed at a predetermined distance from a display surface. , Two imaging planes can be obtained. Since the same lens array is used, an optical system can be configured at low cost. Further, the focal lengths of the respective lenses of the two lens arrays to be combined may be different.
[0018]
As another aspect of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming unit is configured such that an image of the two-dimensional image display unit by the image forming unit is displayed on a display surface of the two-dimensional image display unit. It is configured to be set at a position where an image is formed forward.
[0019]
The image forming means is set at a position where an image of the two-dimensional image display means by the image forming means is formed behind a display surface of the two-dimensional image display means.
[0020]
According to this aspect, based on the relationship between the focal length of the lens and the distance between the lens and the display surface, the imaging position of the display image of the two-dimensional image display means is set to the front or the rear of the display surface. Can be. The observer can see the three-dimensional image in front of or behind the display surface by viewing the image.
[0021]
As another mode of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the lens may be any of an aspherical lens, a Fresnel lens, and a distributed index lens.
[0022]
According to this aspect, the form of the lens can be selected based on the use form, conditions, and the like of the apparatus. Further, the lens may be a convex lens, a concave lens, or a flat lens.
[0023]
As another aspect of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, a member having a predetermined refractive index is inserted between the lens and the two-dimensional image display means.
[0024]
According to this aspect, by inserting a transparent member having a high refractive index between the lens and the display surface of the two-dimensional image display means, the optical path can be shortened, and the device can be reduced in size and thickness.
[0025]
In order to reduce the size or thickness, it is preferable that the distance between the lens and the two-dimensional image display means is shortened by the lens itself. However, when this is difficult, the effect of using this embodiment is advantageous. growing.
[0026]
As another mode of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, a separating unit for optically separating the lenses is provided between the lens and the two-dimensional image displaying unit.
[0027]
According to this aspect, since light from adjacent pixels and surroundings can be blocked, the quality of an image to be formed is improved. In addition, it is preferable that each lens itself is a lens which is not affected by light from an adjacent pixel or the surroundings. However, when this is difficult, the effect is large by using this embodiment.
[0028]
As another aspect of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the two-dimensional image display means can use any of a cathode ray tube display means, a liquid crystal display means, an EL display means, and a plasma display means.
[0029]
According to this aspect, it is preferable that the display surface is particularly flat as the two-dimensional image display means, and the two-dimensional image display means such as a cathode ray tube display means, a liquid crystal display means, an EL display means, and a plasma display means is used for image display. The selection can be made based on the type of use of the device, conditions, and the like.
[0030]
As another aspect of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the lens is provided corresponding to each of the pixels of the two-dimensional image display means.
[0031]
According to this aspect, since the lens is provided corresponding to each of the pixels of the two-dimensional image display means, the brightness and the image quality of all the pixels are at the same level, and a high-quality image can be obtained. .
[0032]
As another aspect of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the lens is provided corresponding to a predetermined pixel block of the two-dimensional image display means.
[0033]
According to this aspect, since one lens corresponds to a plurality of pixels of the two-dimensional image display means, the configuration of the lens array is simplified.
[0034]
As another aspect of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the lens is provided corresponding to a horizontal line of the two-dimensional image display means.
[0035]
According to this aspect, since a lens having the same focal length is associated with each horizontal line of the two-dimensional image display means, pixels on the same horizontal line are imaged on the same image plane. Therefore, since the pixels on the same horizontal line display the image on the same image plane, it is easy to create an image to be input to the two-dimensional image display means.
[0036]
As another aspect of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the lens is provided corresponding to a vertical line of the two-dimensional image display means.
[0037]
According to this aspect, since a lens having the same focal length is associated with each vertical line of the two-dimensional image display means, pixels on the same vertical line are imaged on the same image plane. Therefore, since the pixels on the same vertical line display an image on the same image plane, it is easy to create an image to be input to the two-dimensional image display means.
[0038]
As another aspect of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the image signal generating means includes luminance information, color information, size information, and focus information added to an image displayed on the display surface. And at least one piece of information.
[0039]
According to this aspect, a more effective stereoscopic image can be obtained depending on the position where the image is formed. That is, according to the display content, the brightness, the color, the size, the sense of focus, and the like are changed, and a synergistic effect that makes the sense of depth and the sense of three-dimensional feel more is obtained by combining these elements. For example, with respect to luminance, the front is bright and the back is dark and shaded, and the size is large in the front and small in the back. With respect to color, yellow appears to the front, blue appears to the back, and a sense of focus, that is, the front is felt when the subject is in focus, and the back is felt when the subject is out of focus. One or more pieces of information such as brightness, color, size, and sense of focus are added to the image displayed on the display surface in accordance with the position where the image is formed, and the image is displayed according to the information when displayed. Convert and output. Alternatively, images converted on the basis of the information may be stored and sequentially output. By introducing the above-described method, a more effective stereoscopic image can be obtained.
[0040]
An image display method according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with an image forming unit comprising a plurality of lenses in parallel with the display surface in front of the display surface of the two-dimensional image display unit, and the two-dimensional image display unit This is a method in which an image signal generated by the image signal generating means is input to display an image, and the displayed image is formed by the image forming means at a position different from the display surface.
[0041]
According to the image display method of the present invention, the image displayed on the display surface is at a position different from the display surface, that is, at a position determined based on the relationship between the focal length of the lens and the distance between the lens and the display surface. The image is formed, and the observer can view the displayed image forward or backward from the display surface.
[0042]
An image display method according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of lenses in front of a display surface of a two-dimensional image display means, parallel to the display surface, and each lens has a plurality of focal lengths. An image forming unit having any one of the focal lengths is provided, and an image signal generated corresponding to each focal length of the lens by the image signal generating unit is input to the two-dimensional image display unit to display an image. Then, the displayed image is formed by the image forming means at a position different from the display surface.
[0043]
According to the image display method of the present invention, an image displayed on the display surface is determined based on a position different from the display surface, that is, a focal length of a plurality of lenses and a relationship between the distance between the lenses and the display surface. The image is formed at a plurality of positions, and the observer can view the formed image to see it as a three-dimensional image.
[0044]
The operation and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the embodiments explained below.
[0045]
【Example】
(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the image display device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment relates to a mode in which a display image is formed in front of a display surface.
[0046]
A lens array 12 is arranged at a distance S1 in front of a display surface 11 of the image display device. In the lens array 12, a lens 121 having a focal length of f1 and a lens 122 having a focal length of f2 are arranged according to a predetermined rule. The focal length f1 and the distance S1 determine the image formation position on the first image formation plane 13, and an image is formed at a distance S3 from the lens array 12 toward the observer 15. Further, the focal length f2 and the distance S1 determine the imaging position on the second imaging surface 14, and an image is formed at a distance S2 from the lens array 12 toward the observer 15.
[0047]
That is, the pixel 111 on the display surface 11 is located at a position S1 + S3 from the display surface 11 as the first image pixel 131 on the first image surface 13, while the pixel 112 on the display surface 11 is the second image pixel 131 on the second image surface 14. The image is formed at the position of S1 + S2 from the display surface 11 as the image forming pixel 142, respectively. The observer 15 obtains a three-dimensional effect by seeing the first image forming pixel 131 and the second image forming pixel 142. Note that a light shielding member 17 may be provided between the lenses in order to prevent disturbance light from a pixel other than a predetermined pixel from entering the lenses.
[0048]
By arranging all the lens arrays 12 having the same focal length in the same plane, it is also possible to form a planar image projecting in front of the display surface 11.
[0049]
Further, a plurality of lenses having different focal lengths may be arranged according to a predetermined rule. Imaging planes are generated by the number of focal lengths, and a smoother stereoscopic image can be obtained.
[0050]
(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment of the image display device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The lens array 12 is arranged in close contact with the display surface 11 of the image display device. The distance S1 is generated from the thickness of the display surface 11 and the thickness of the lens 12. The lens array 12 includes a portion having no lens and a lens 122 having a focal length of f2 according to a predetermined rule. The second imaging plane 14 is imaged in the direction of the observer 15 by the lens having the focal length f2 at a position at a distance S2 from the lens array 12. That is, the pixels 112 on the display surface 11 are imaged as S2 + S2 from the display surface 11 as the second imaging pixels 142 on the second imaging surface 14, while the pixels not covered by the lens are the display surface 11 It is still displayed in. Therefore, the observer 15 can obtain a three-dimensional effect by viewing the image displayed on the display surface 11 and the image formed on the second imaging surface 14.
[0051]
Further, a plurality of lenses having further different focal lengths may be arranged according to a predetermined rule. With the images displayed on the display surface 11 and the images of the imaging planes corresponding to the number of focal lengths, a smoother stereoscopic image can be obtained. Note that an image is formed behind the display surface 11 depending on the value of the focal length f2.
[0052]
(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the image display device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment relates to a mode in which a display image is formed behind a display surface.
[0053]
A lens array 12 is arranged at a distance S1 in front of a display surface 11 of the image display device. In the lens array 12, a lens 121 having a focal length of f1 and a lens 122 having a focal length of f2 are arranged according to a predetermined rule. The focal length f1 and the distance S1 determine the image formation position on the first image formation plane 13, and an image is formed at a distance S3 from the lens array 12 toward the observer 15. Further, the focal length f2 and the distance S1 determine the imaging position on the second imaging surface 14, and an image is formed at a distance S2 from the lens array 12 toward the observer 15.
[0054]
That is, the pixel 111 of the display surface 11 is located at the position S3-S1 from the display surface 11 as the first imaging pixel 131 of the first imaging surface 13, while the pixel 112 of the display surface 11 is located on the second imaging surface 14. The image is formed as the second image pixel 142 at the position of S2-S1 from the display surface 11, and the observer 15 can see the image formed on the first image surface 13 and the second image surface 14. You can get a three-dimensional effect by watching.
[0055]
By arranging all the lens arrays 12 having the same focal length on the same plane, it is also possible to form a planar image retreated backward from the display surface 11.
[0056]
Further, a plurality of lenses having further different focal lengths may be arranged according to a predetermined rule. With the images displayed on the display surface 11 and the images of the imaging planes corresponding to the number of focal lengths, a smoother stereoscopic image can be obtained. Further, as in the first embodiment, a light shielding member may be provided between the lenses in order to prevent disturbance light from a pixel other than a predetermined pixel from entering the lenses.
[0057]
In each of the above-described embodiments, as a device for forming the display surface 11, a display such as a cathode ray tube, liquid crystal, EL, or plasma is used. Further, the display surface is preferably flat.
[0058]
As the lens, an aspherical lens, a Fresnel lens, a distributed index lens, or the like can be used in addition to the spherical lens. Further, the lens may be a convex lens, a concave lens, or a flat lens.
[0059]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a description will be given of the focal length of the lens and the positional relationship between the lens and the display surface 11 when the display is performed in front of and behind the display surface 11.
[0060]
First, when displaying an image in front of the display surface 11, as shown in FIG. 4, the display surface 11 is disposed on the opposite side of the lens 18 from the observer 15 and at a distance longer than the focal length f of the lens 18. I do. As a result, an image 19 is formed as a real image in the direction of the observer 15 via the lens 18. On the other hand, when an image is to be displayed behind the display surface 11, as shown in FIG. 5, the display surface 11 is disposed on the opposite side of the lens 18 from the viewer 15 and within the focal length f of the lens 18. As a result, an image 19 is formed as a virtual image on the side opposite to the observer 15 via the lens 18. Therefore, the first embodiment and the second embodiment adopt the arrangement shown in FIG. 4, and the third embodiment employs the arrangement shown in FIG.
[0061]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a means for shortening the optical system to make the display device smaller and thinner. In the upper part of FIG. 6, the display surface 11 and the lens array 12 are arranged apart from each other by a distance S11. FIG. The means for shortening the distance S11 is shown in the lower part of FIG. 6, in which an optically transparent member having a predetermined refractive index is inserted between the display surface 11 and the lens array 12. Therefore, the distance S12 between the display surface 11 and the lens array 12 based on the refractive index of the member is given, and S12 <S11. The distance between the display surface 11 and the lens array 12 can be shortened, and the display device can be reduced in size and thickness. As a member to be inserted, transparent glass or a resin material is suitably used.
[0062]
Next, modifications of the first and third embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0063]
(First modification)
First, as shown in FIG. 7, a first modified example is a mode in which two lens arrays 12a and 12b are arranged in front of the display surface 11. The lens arrays 12a and 12b have a configuration in which lenses are formed in a predetermined arrangement, and are configured to cover pixels where no lenses are provided.
[0064]
The lens array 12a is arranged at a distance S21 in front of the display surface 11 of the image display device, and the lens array 12b is arranged at a distance S22. In the lens array 12a, a lens 121 having a focal length f1 is formed corresponding to a predetermined pixel 111. In the lens array 12b, a lens 122 having a focal length of f2 is formed corresponding to a predetermined pixel 112. The focal length f1 and the focal length f2 may be the same.
[0065]
The lens array 12a forms an image of the pixel 111 as a first image forming pixel 131 of the first image forming surface 13 at a position at a distance S23 from the display surface 11, and the lens array 12b forms an image of the pixel 112 as a second image. An image is formed at a position at a distance S24 from the display surface 11 as the second image pixel 142 on the image surface 14. The observer 15 obtains a three-dimensional effect by seeing the first image forming pixel 131 and the second image forming pixel 142. By changing the distances S21 and S22 between the lens arrays 12a and 12b, the positions of the first imaging plane 13 and the second imaging plane 14 can be adjusted. In addition, by making the distance between the display surface 11 and the lens arrays 12a and 12b shorter than the focal length, both the first imaging surface 13 and the second imaging surface 14 can be set behind the display surface 11. . Also, by setting one of the lens arrays at a position between the display surface 11 and the focal point of the lens, it is possible to form an image in front of the display surface 11 and an image in the rear of the display surface 11. It is.
[0066]
The lens arrays 12a and 12b may both include lenses having the same focal length, or may include lenses having different focal lengths. Further, it may be constituted by a plurality of lens arrays. As a result, imaging planes are generated by the number of lens arrays, and a smoother three-dimensional image can be obtained.
[0067]
(Second modification)
Next, in the second modification, as shown in FIG. 8, a lens array 12c is disposed at a distance S31 in front of the display surface 11 of the image display device. The lens array 12c includes a lens group having a focal length of f1 and a lens group having a focal length of f2, which are disposed before and after. The lenses of each lens group are formed corresponding to the pixels 111 and 112. The focal length f1 and the focal length f2 may be the same.
[0068]
The image of the pixel 111 is formed as an image 131 of the first image plane 13 at a distance S32 from the display surface 11 by the lens 121 of the lens array 12c, and the pixel 112 is formed by the lens 122 of the lens array 12c. Is formed as a second image pixel 142 on the second image plane 14 at a distance S33 from the display surface 11. The observer 15 obtains a three-dimensional effect by seeing the first image forming pixel 131 and the second image forming pixel 142. By changing the distance S31 of the lens array 12c, the positions of the first imaging plane 13 and the second imaging plane 14 are adjusted. Further, by controlling the distance between the display surface 11 and the lens array 12c, that is, by setting the lens array 12c within the focal length of the lens, the lens first image forming surface 13 and the second image forming surface 14 are displayed on the display surface. 11 can be set behind. Further, by disposing one lens within the focal length of the lens, one of the imaging surfaces can be disposed in front of the display surface 11 and the other can be disposed behind.
[0069]
(Third modification)
Next, in the third modification, as shown in FIG. 9, a lens array 12d is arranged at a distance S41 in front of the display surface 11 of the image display device. The lens array 12d includes a lens group having a focal length of f1 covering all pixels and a lens group having a focal length of f2 covering predetermined pixels.
[0070]
The image of the pixel 111 is formed as a first image-forming pixel 131 of the first image-forming surface 13 at a distance S42 from the display surface 11 by the compound lens of the lens 121a and the lens 121b of the lens array 12d. The image of the pixel 112 is formed as a second imaging pixel 142 on the second imaging surface 14 at a position at a distance S43 from the display surface 11 by the lens 122. The observer 15 obtains a three-dimensional effect by seeing the first image forming pixel 131 and the second image forming pixel 142.
[0071]
By changing the distance S41 of the lens array 12d, the positions of the first imaging plane 13 and the second imaging plane 14 are adjusted. In addition, by controlling the distance between the display surface 11 and the lens array 12 c, it is possible to set both the first imaging surface 13 and the second imaging surface 14, or any one of them, on the back surface of the display surface 11.
[0072]
Next, the relationship between the pixel and the lens will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 10 is an example, in which the display surface 11 is constituted by pixels 111 arranged in the X and Y directions, and the lens array 12 is constituted by lenses 121 corresponding to each pixel 111. Each of the lenses 121 is configured to form an image of the corresponding pixel 111. FIG. 11 shows another example, in which the display surface 11 is composed of pixels 111 arranged in the X and Y directions, while the lens array 12 is composed of lenses 121 corresponding to a plurality of pixels 111. . In FIG. 11, it corresponds to a total of four pixels, each two pixels in the X and Y directions. You may make it correspond to more pixels. Each of the lenses 121 is configured to form an image of a corresponding plurality of pixels 111.
[0073]
(First example of display form)
As shown in FIG. 12, in the first example of the display mode, the display surface 11a is divided in a pixel unit in each of the X direction and the Y direction, and corresponding image information is input to each of the pixel 111 and the pixel 112. Is displayed. The lens array 12 is also divided in pixel units in each of the X direction and the Y direction, and lenses 121 and 122 are arranged corresponding to the pixels 111 and 112. The first imaging surface 13 is a surface on which the pixel 111 is imaged by the lens 121 (first imaging pixel 131), and the second imaging surface 14 is an image of the pixel 112 formed by the lens 122 (first imaging pixel). 142).
[0074]
Note that the lens 121 and the lens 122 may be configured to cover a plurality of pixels as shown in FIG. At this time, it is natural that all the pixels covered by the lens 121 or the lens 122 need to be displayed with image information to be formed on the same image plane.
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 13, in the second example of the display mode, the display surface 11b is divided in the X direction, and images corresponding to the pixels 111 and 112 are displayed. The lens array 12 is also provided with lenses 121 and 122 in which one vertical line has the same focal length corresponding to each of the pixels 111 and 112. The first imaging surface 13 is a surface on which the pixels 111 are imaged in a line in the vertical direction by the lens 121 (first imaging pixels 131), and the second imaging surface 14 is a pixel 112 in which the pixels 112 are formed in the vertical direction by the lens 122. This is a surface that is imaged in a line (first imaged pixel 142).
[0076]
The pixels corresponding to the lens 121 and the lens 122 may be configured by a plurality of horizontal pixel rows. At this time, it is natural that all the pixels covered by the lens 121 or the lens 122 need to be displayed with image information to be formed on the same image plane.
[0077]
As shown in FIG. 14, in a third example of the display mode, the display surface 11c is divided in the Y direction, and images corresponding to the pixels 111 and 112 are displayed. The lens array 12 is also provided with lenses 121 and 122 in which one horizontal row has the same focal length corresponding to each of the pixels 111 and 112. The first imaging surface 13 is a surface on which the pixels 111 are imaged in a row in the horizontal direction (first imaging pixels 131) by the lens 121, and the second imaging surface 14 is a pixel on which the pixels 112 are formed in the horizontal direction by the lens 122. This is a surface that is imaged in a line (first imaged pixel 142).
[0078]
The pixels corresponding to the lens 121 and the lens 122 may be configured by a plurality of pixel rows in the vertical direction. At this time, it is natural that all the pixels covered by the lens 121 or the lens 122 need to be displayed with image information to be formed on the same image plane.
[0079]
As shown in FIG. 15A, in the example of the display form shown in FIG. 13, a rod lens or a lenticular lens (that is, a rod lens or a lenticular lens arranged along a stripe-shaped display surface 11b extending in the vertical direction (Y direction)). , A cylindrical lens array 12L such as a lens having a semi-cylindrical shape can be used. The focal length of each rod lens or each lenticular lens constituting the columnar lens array 12L for forming an image on each of the first image forming surface 13 and the second image forming surface 14 shown in FIG. 13 corresponds to each image forming surface. Are set to the same focal length. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, focal lengths corresponding to two image planes are provided alternately every other row. Such a lens is easy to make and is highly effective in configuring an inexpensive system.
[0080]
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 15B, in the example of the display form shown in FIG. 14, a rod lens, a lenticular lens, and the like arranged along a stripe-shaped display surface 11 c extending in the horizontal direction (X direction). Can be used. The focal length of each rod lens or each lenticular lens constituting the columnar lens array 12L for forming an image on each of the first image forming surface 13 and the second image forming surface 14 shown in FIG. 14 corresponds to each image forming surface. Are set to the same focal length. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, focal lengths corresponding to two image planes are provided alternately every other row.
[0081]
(First Embodiment of Image Display Device)
A first embodiment of the image display device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The image display device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first image generation unit 21 and a second image generation unit 22 that generate an image to be displayed, and a signal that selects an image signal of the first image generation unit 21 and the second image generation unit 22. The switching unit 23 includes a driving unit 24 that drives the display device based on the selected signal, a display unit 25 that displays a stereoscopic image, and a control unit 26 that controls the operation of the entire device.
[0082]
The first image generating unit 21 and the second image generating unit 22 are signal sources for supplying images to be formed on the first image forming surface 13 and the second image forming surface 14, respectively. , Video playback images, computer graphic images, and the like.
[0083]
The signal switching unit 23 switches signals from the first image generation unit 21 and the second image generation unit 22 to select an image to be displayed. If the configuration of the display unit 25 is the mode shown in FIG. 12, switching is performed for each pixel. Further, in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the switching is performed such that the same signal of the image generating unit is displayed for each horizontal line or in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. Further, if a lens corresponds to a plurality of pixels, the pixels are switched so that the same signal of the image generation unit is displayed.
[0084]
The drive unit 24 inputs the signal selected by the signal switching unit 23 to the display device and causes the display unit 25 to display the signal.
[0085]
The display unit 25 displays the selected image, and allows the observer 15 to view a three-dimensional image. Examples of the display device include a display device such as a cathode ray tube, liquid crystal, EL, and plasma, and the display unit 25 is preferably flat.
[0086]
The control unit 26 controls the operation of the image display device 1. For example, a CPU is provided, the synchronization timings of the first image generation unit 21 and the second image generation unit 22 are aligned, and switching of the signal switching unit 23 is instructed based on the synchronization timing.
[0087]
(Second embodiment of image display device)
A second embodiment of the image display device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The image display device 2 according to the present embodiment includes a first image generation unit 31 and a second image generation unit 32 that generate an image to be displayed, an image memory 33 that stores an image of the first image generation unit 21, and a second image generation unit. An image memory 34 for storing 32 images, an image synthesizing unit 35 for synthesizing the image memory 33 and the image information stored in the image memory 34, and a recording for recording the image information synthesized by the image synthesizing unit 35 on a recording medium 37. It comprises a unit 38, a reproducing unit 39 for reproducing the recording medium 37, a display unit 40 for displaying a stereoscopic image, and a control unit 41 for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus.
[0088]
The first image generating unit 21 and the second image generating unit 22 are signal sources for supplying images to be formed on the first image forming surface 13 and the second image forming surface 14, respectively. , Video playback images, computer graphic images, and the like.
[0089]
The image memory 33 and the image memory 34 temporarily store signals from the first image generator 21 and the second image generator 22, respectively. The image to be stored is at least a field image, preferably a frame image.
[0090]
The image synthesizing unit 35 forms an image to be displayed from the image information stored in the image memory 33 and the image memory 34. For example, if the display form is the form shown in FIG. 12, an image is formed for each pixel, and if the form is shown in FIG. 13, the same image is arranged for each horizontal line, or as shown in FIG. In the case of the form, the same image is arranged for each vertical column.
[0091]
The recording unit 38 records the image information formed by the image combining unit 35 on the recording medium 37. As the recording medium 37, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a semiconductor recording medium, or the like is used.
[0092]
The reproduction unit 39 reproduces the image information recorded on the recording medium 37, inputs the image information to the display device, and displays the image information on the display unit 40. By interposing the recording medium 37 in this manner, three-dimensional image software can be stored and can be widely distributed.
[0093]
The display unit 40 displays an image reproduced from the recording medium 37, and allows the observer 15 to view a three-dimensional image. Examples of the display device include a display device such as a cathode ray tube, liquid crystal, EL, and plasma, and the display unit 25 is preferably flat.
[0094]
The control unit 41 controls the operation of the image display device 2. For example, a CPU is provided, and performs instructions of image sample timing from the first image generation unit 21 and the second image generation unit 22 and controls operations of the recording unit 38 and the reproduction unit 39.
[0095]
The image information formed by the image synthesizing unit 35 may be directly input to the drive unit 42 and displayed on the display unit 40.
[0096]
According to the image display device 1 and the image display device 2 described above, the respective signals are formed on different image planes from two types of image signal sources, so that a three-dimensional image can be visually recognized by an observer. It is also possible to visualize a two-dimensional image on a surface different from the display surface by imaging the two signals on the same imaging surface.
[0097]
Note that the image display device 1 and the image display device 2 described above are devices provided with two image forming planes, and are further provided with an image display having three or more image forming surfaces provided with three or more optical systems and signal systems. It is also possible to form
[0098]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be appropriately changed within a scope not contrary to the gist or idea of the invention which can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and an image display device with such a change and The image display method is also included in the technical idea of the present invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of an image display device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the image display device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the image display device according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an image forming position of an image.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an image forming position of an image.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing means for reducing the size and thickness of the display device.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the image display device according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the image display device according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a third modification of the image display device according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an image element to be displayed and a lens.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a relationship between an image element to be displayed and a lens.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a first example of a display mode of an image.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a display mode of an image.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a third example of a display mode of an image.
FIG. 15 is a view showing a modification of the columnar lens array arranged along the stripe-shaped display surface in the example of the display mode shown in FIG. 13 or FIG.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a specific configuration of an image display device according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing another example of the specific configuration of the image display device according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 2,... Image display device
11 ・ ・ ・ Display surface
111, 112 ... pixels
12 ... Lens array
121, 122 ... lens
13: First imaging plane
131: first image pixel
14 ... second imaging surface
142 ... second imaging pixel
15 ... observer
16 ... light transmitting member
17 ... Light shielding member
21, 31... First image generation unit
22, 32... Second image generating unit
23 ・ ・ ・ Signal switching unit
24 ・ ・ ・ Drive unit
25, 40 ... display unit
26, 41 ... control unit
33, 34 ... Image memory
35 ... Image synthesis unit
37 ・ ・ ・ Recording unit
38 ・ ・ ・ Recording medium
39 ・ ・ ・ Playback unit

Claims (21)

Two-dimensional image display means,
Image imaging means comprising a plurality of lenses provided in parallel with the display surface in front of the display surface of the two-dimensional image display means,
An image display device comprising: an image signal generation unit that generates an image signal input to the two-dimensional image display unit. Two-dimensional image display means,
In front of the display surface of the two-dimensional image display means, there are a plurality of lenses provided in parallel with the display surface, and each lens has an image formation having any one of a plurality of focal lengths. Image means,
An image display device comprising: an image signal generating unit that generates an image signal displayed on the two-dimensional image display unit, corresponding to each focal length of the lens. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit is configured by stacking a plurality of lens arrays. The image forming means is set at a position where an image of the two-dimensional image displaying means by the image forming means is formed in front of a display surface of the two-dimensional image displaying means. Item 3. The image display device according to item 1 or 2. The image forming means is set at a position where an image of the two-dimensional image display means by the image forming means is formed behind a display surface of the two-dimensional image display means. Item 3. The image display device according to item 1 or 2. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the lens is an aspherical lens. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the lens is a Fresnel lens. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the lens is a distributed index lens. 3. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein a member having a predetermined refractive index is inserted between the lens and the two-dimensional image display unit. The image display apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a separation unit that optically separates the lenses between the lens and the two-dimensional image display unit. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional image display unit is a cathode ray tube display unit. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional image display unit is a liquid crystal display unit. The two-dimensional image display means is an EL (Electronic).
3. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the image display device is a Luminescence display unit. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional image display unit is a plasma display unit. 3. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the lens is provided corresponding to each of the pixels of the two-dimensional image display unit. 3. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the lens is provided corresponding to a predetermined pixel block of the two-dimensional image display unit. The image display device according to claim 2, wherein the lens is provided corresponding to a horizontal line of the two-dimensional image display means. The image display device according to claim 2, wherein the lens is provided corresponding to a vertical line of the two-dimensional image display means. 2. The image signal generating unit according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of luminance information, color information, size information, and focus information added to the image displayed on the display surface. Or the image display device according to 2. In front of the display surface of the two-dimensional image display means, an image forming means comprising a plurality of lenses is provided in parallel with the display surface, and an image signal generated by an image signal generation means is input to the two-dimensional image display means. An image display method, wherein the displayed image is formed at a position different from the display surface by the image forming means. In front of the display surface of the two-dimensional image display means, a plurality of lenses are provided in parallel with the display surface, and each lens includes an image forming means having any one of a plurality of focal lengths. Image signals generated by the image signal generation means corresponding to the respective focal lengths of the lenses are input to the two-dimensional image display means, and an image is displayed. An image display method, wherein an image is formed at a position different from the display surface by means.

Images