JP2004240090A - Display device and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a load required for signal processing without loading on eyes of an observer for instance, in a display device capable of displaying three-dimensional images. <P>SOLUTION: The display device capable of displaying three-dimensional images is provided with a plurality of display means 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 which are arranged in front and in rear to one another on the line of sight of the observer and display an image for three-dimensional display relating to an object to be displayed, and a display control means 16 which controls a plurality of the display means in such a manner that each of a plurality of image pieces to which the image is divided at every image unit of a specified size is displayed on at least one display means among a plurality of the display means in accordance with the depth position of each of the image pieces. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a display device in which a plurality of display means are arranged one after the other in the direction of the observer's line of sight, and a display device capable of controlling an image displayed on each of the display means to perform stereoscopic viewing. And the technical field of methods.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various types of display devices have been proposed or put into practical use as devices capable of displaying a three-dimensional image. For example, as a display device that can be electrically rewritten and that can display a three-dimensional image, a liquid crystal shutter glasses system and the like are well known. In the liquid crystal shutter glasses system, an object is photographed by a camera from different directions, and image data including the obtained parallax information is synthesized into one image signal, input to a display device, and displayed. The observer wears liquid crystal shutter glasses, for example, at the time of an odd field, the liquid crystal shutter for the right eye is set to the transmitting state, and the liquid crystal shutter for the left eye is set to the light blocking state. On the other hand, at the time of the even field, the liquid crystal shutter for the left eye is in the transmission state, and the liquid crystal shutter for the right eye is in the light blocking state. At this time, by displaying the image for the right eye in the odd field and the image for the left eye in the even field in synchronization with each other, the observer can see the image including the parallax for the right eye and the left eye with each eye. It is for viewing a three-dimensional image.
[0003]
Further, by disposing a plurality of display devices one after another on the observer's line of sight and superimposing the images displayed on them, it is possible to see as a three-dimensional image which is discrete in the depth direction. Display device. Further, in order to improve the discrete state, by changing the brightness of the image displayed on each of the display devices, it is possible to visually recognize as if an object is located at an intermediate position between the discrete positions. There is a display device improved to be able to display a three-dimensional image. For example, by using multiple half mirrors to superimpose and display object images from multiple display devices, it is possible to display a translucent object or an object behind it, making it possible to display through the brightness modulation type display An apparatus has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-115812 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, for example, a display device based on the liquid crystal shutter glasses system has a problem that a viewer is burdened with eyes and is easily tired because a three-dimensional image is displayed by using a parallax between a right eye and a left eye of a human. are doing. Also, for example, a luminance modulation type display device cannot display a stereoscopic image unless each of a plurality of object images displayed successively on the line of sight of an observer is displayed at a desired luminance. Difficult or impossible. For this reason, there is a technical problem that a load required for signal processing for displaying each of the plurality of object images at desired luminance or desired luminance calculation processing increases.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in consideration of, for example, the above problems, and provides a display device and a method that can reduce a load required for signal processing performed by the display device without putting a burden on an observer's eyes, for example. As an issue.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the display device according to claim 1 is arranged in front of and behind the observer's line of sight, and a plurality of display units that display an image for a three-dimensional display related to a display target, Displaying each of the plurality of image pieces obtained by dividing the image into image units of a predetermined size on at least one display means of the plurality of display means according to the depth position of each of the plurality of image pieces; Display control means for controlling the plurality of display means so as to cause the plurality of display means to be controlled.
[0008]
In order to solve the above-described problem, a display method according to claim 14 is arranged on a line of sight of an observer one after another and includes a plurality of display units that display an image of a display target. A display method for displaying each of a plurality of image pieces obtained by dividing the image into image units each having a predetermined size, wherein at least one of the plurality of display units includes the plurality of image units. A display selection step of selecting according to the depth position of each of the pieces; and a display control step of displaying and outputting each of the plurality of image pieces to the display means selected in the display selection step.
[0009]
The operation and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
[0011]
An embodiment according to the display device of the present invention includes a plurality of display units that are arranged one after another on the line of sight of an observer and display an image related to a display target, and the image is displayed for each image unit having a predetermined size. Controlling the plurality of display units so as to display each of the plurality of divided image segments on at least one of the plurality of display units in accordance with the depth position of each of the plurality of image fragments. Display control means.
[0012]
According to the embodiment of the present invention, at the time of its operation, for example, by supplying an image signal including the entity information of the image related to the display target to each of the plurality of display means, for example, a microcomputer or the like The stereoscopic display image relating to the display object is displayed on the plurality of display units by the included display control unit.
[0013]
Here, in this embodiment, in particular, the image is divided into a plurality of image pieces by the display control means, and each image piece is displayed on at least one of the plurality of display means.
[0014]
Each of the image fragments is, for example, deeper as viewed from the observer side of the display target according to the depth position of the portion of the display target occupied by the image fragment (that is, the depth position of the image fragment). If the image corresponds to an image piece occupying the side (that is, the rear or farther side), the image is displayed on the display unit that is located more deeply when viewed from the observer side among the plurality of display units. Alternatively, for example, when the display object corresponds to an image piece that occupies a portion closer to the viewer side (that is, the front or closer side) as viewed from the observer side, the display object is viewed from the viewer side among the plurality of display units. It is displayed on the display means arranged closer to the viewer.
[0015]
Therefore, by displaying the image piece on the display means arranged on the farther side, the part relating to the display target occupied by the image piece is depressed or made visible to the observer so as to move away from the far side. Is possible. Further, by displaying the image piece on the display means arranged closer to the viewer, it is possible to make an observer visually recognize that the portion of the display object occupied by the image piece is expanded or close to the viewer. It becomes possible. That is, it is possible to display the image of the display object with irregularities. Therefore, the observer can visually recognize an image having a three-dimensional effect discrete in the depth direction.
[0016]
Preferably, as described later, if a plurality of display means are arranged in close contact with each other, it is possible to continuously display an image having a three-dimensional effect in the depth direction. That is, the observer can view a smoother and three-dimensional image.
[0017]
Such three-dimensional display can be realized by, for example, displaying a single planar image on at least one of a plurality of display units in accordance with the depth position of the display target indicated by the planar image. In other words, unlike the liquid crystal shutter glasses system, stereoscopic display is not performed by utilizing the parallax of a human, so that there is a great advantage that an image with a three-dimensional effect can be viewed without putting a burden on the eyes.
[0018]
Further, unlike a luminance modulation type display device, there is no need to perform a display process of displaying a plurality of images for stereoscopic display in an appropriately luminance-modulated state according to the depth position of the display object. That is, for example, three-dimensional display can be performed even when one flat image is used, so that there is a great advantage that a load required for signal processing can be reduced.
[0019]
As a result, according to the display device of the present embodiment, it is possible to display an image having a three-dimensional effect without using the parallax of the observer. That is, it is possible to display an image with a three-dimensional effect without putting a burden on the eyes of the observer. Further, the load required for signal processing can be greatly reduced. Therefore, it is possible to realize an excellent display device that solves the problems seen in the conventional stereoscopic display system (that is, for example, a liquid crystal shutter glasses system or a luminance modulation type display system). In addition, the configuration of the display device itself can be simplified.
[0020]
Preferably, the plurality of display units include five or more display units. Alternatively, it is more preferable to provide ten or more display means. This is because the larger the number of display means, the more smoothly a three-dimensional image can be displayed. However, even with five or less display means, it is possible to display an image with a corresponding three-dimensional effect. For example, it is possible to display an image with a three-dimensional effect correspondingly by simply superimposing two images. In particular, when displaying an image with a three-dimensional effect discontinuously, only two images are required. Also, the effect is fully exhibited. Therefore, the total number of display means may be determined as appropriate according to the device application, device specifications or required image quality, as well as manufacturing cost and device size. For example, a configuration may be employed in which a predetermined number of display units are arranged in accordance with the width of the depth of the image relating to the display target.
[0021]
In addition, from the viewpoint of displaying a smoother three-dimensional image, it is preferable that the intervals between the plurality of display units be smaller. Alternatively, as described later, it is more preferable that each of the plurality of display units is in close contact with each other. However, it is possible to display an image with a three-dimensional effect even if the intervals between the plurality of display means are not small. Also, from the viewpoint of displaying a smoother three-dimensional image, it is preferable that the image unit is smaller. For example, one image corresponding to the entire screen is divided into a plurality of image units such as tens, hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands,. However, an appropriate three-dimensional image display is possible even if the image unit has an arbitrary size, for example, the image corresponding to the entire screen is only divided into two, three or four.
[0022]
In addition, since a plurality of display means are arranged in an overlapping manner, light emitted from the display means arranged rearward as viewed from the observer passes through at least one display means arranged in front thereof. Will be seen by the observer. For this reason, the display means arranged further rearward may emit light in a state where the output luminance is increased in advance. Thus, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the luminance of the image viewed by the observer varies due to transmission through the display means. As a result, when viewed from the observer's side, it is possible to visually recognize an image having a more appropriate three-dimensional appearance in which the brightness (that is, the brightness) of the image pieces displayed on the plurality of display means is uniform.
[0023]
Similarly, with respect to the color (ie, chromaticity), light may be emitted from a display unit disposed further rearward in consideration of the fact that light passes through at least one display unit disposed frontward. Good. That is, for example, when an image of the same luminance and the same color is displayed on a plurality of display units, light may be emitted so that the image pieces have the same chromaticity and can be viewed from the observer's side. . Thus, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the chromaticity of the image viewed by the observer is varied due to transmission through the display unit. As a result, when viewed from the observer's side, it is possible to visually recognize an image having a more appropriate three-dimensional effect with little or almost no variation in chromaticity of the image pieces displayed on the plurality of display means.
[0024]
Further, the image related to the display target is not limited to one, and can be displayed as a three-dimensional image as described above even when a plurality of display targets are displayed.
[0025]
In addition, if an image relating to the display target (ie, all image pieces) is displayed on any one of the plurality of display units, normal two-dimensional display or two-dimensional display is also possible. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately switch between the stereoscopic display and the planar display according to the usage of the display device.
[0026]
In one aspect of the embodiment of the display device of the present invention, the image signal supplied to the plurality of display units and indicating the image piece includes depth information indicating the position of the depth.
[0027]
According to this aspect, the control display unit can relatively easily select the display unit that displays the image piece based on the depth information included in the image signal. Therefore, by displaying a predetermined image piece on the selected display means, a three-dimensional display is possible. That is, by referring to the depth information added to each image piece, stereoscopic display becomes relatively easy.
[0028]
In another aspect of the embodiment of the display device according to the present invention, the image piece has a size equal to a pixel of the plurality of display units.
[0029]
According to this aspect, display output can be performed with depth information in pixel units. Therefore, it is possible to display a smoother and more three-dimensional image.
[0030]
Alternatively, even if the image piece has the same size as a pixel block or a pixel line including a plurality of pixels (that is, 2, 4, 8, or 16 pixels, etc.), the embodiment according to the display device of the present invention is applicable. It is possible to obtain the same effect as.
[0031]
In another aspect of the embodiment of the display device according to the present invention, the display control unit controls each of the plurality of image pieces to be displayed on any one of the plurality of display units. .
[0032]
According to this aspect, for example, by selecting whether to display any one of the plurality of display units according to the depth information of each of the image pieces, stereoscopic display can be performed relatively easily. . That is, if depth information is added to the two-dimensional coordinates of the image relating to the display target, stereoscopic display becomes relatively easy. That is, for example, as seen in a luminance modulation type display device, it is not necessary to perform desired luminance allocation or the like according to the depth of each of the images displayed on each of the plurality of display means. Can reduce the load required for signal processing required for display output.
[0033]
In this case, the depth information included in each of the image pieces may be information indicating any one of the plurality of display means on which the image pieces are displayed. Thus, the display control unit can relatively easily select which of the plurality of display units should display the image piece.
[0034]
Alternatively, a value indicating a predetermined depth may be used. In this case, for example, the display control means may have a calculation or a conversion table based on a function provided in advance. This makes it possible to relatively easily select the display means for displaying the image piece from the depth information.
[0035]
In another aspect of the embodiment related to the display device of the present invention, the display control unit changes the brightness of at least one of the plurality of image pieces, and then changes the brightness of the plurality of display means. Control is performed so that the image pieces with the changed brightness are superimposed on each of the two display means.
[0036]
According to this aspect, for example, it is possible to allocate luminance to one image piece and display it on, for example, two adjacent display units, as in a luminance modulation type display device. For this reason, for example, it becomes possible for the observer to visually recognize as if the image piece exists between the two display units where no display unit actually exists. Therefore, it is possible to increase the apparent number of display means for displaying the image pieces. Thus, for example, when the stereoscopic effect of an image to be displayed is poor, or when the number of display means arranged is small, the number of display means in the depth direction is apparently increased, thereby providing a smoother and more stereoscopic effect. It can be displayed as an image.
[0037]
In this case, it is preferable that the display of the image piece to which the luminance is allocated is performed in order to complement the smoothness of the image. That is, it is preferable to allocate the luminance to a part of the image piece without allocating the luminance to the entire image as in the luminance modulation type display device. For example, the allocation of luminance to two adjacent display units may be simply １ ／ (half). For this reason, it is possible to relatively easily allocate the luminance and display an image with a three-dimensional effect without considering an appropriate luminance value for the entire image. This makes it possible to display a smoother and more three-dimensional image while suppressing an increase in the load of signal processing required for luminance allocation. However, for example, the allocation of the luminance to two adjacent display means is divided into a case of 1/3 and 2/3 and a case of 2/3 and 1/3 according to the depth position. It is also possible to perform more complicated control close to the luminance modulation type.
[0038]
In another aspect of the embodiment of the display device according to the present invention, the display control unit controls a luminance of at least one of the plurality of image pieces according to a depth position of each of the plurality of image pieces. Is displayed after being changed in comparison with other image fragments.
[0039]
According to this aspect, it is possible to display, for example, an image piece displayed on the display unit on the nearer side in a state of high luminance in accordance with the position of the depth (that is, for example, the depth information). For this reason, it is as if the image fragment displayed in the high luminance state is closer to (ie, closer to) the other image fragments not displayed in the high luminance state. Can be visually recognized.
[0040]
Alternatively, according to the depth position, for example, an image piece displayed on the display unit on the far side can be displayed in a state of low luminance. For this reason, the image piece displayed in the low-luminance state is compared with other image pieces not displayed in the low-luminance state, as if it were on the farther side (that is, farther away). Can be visually recognized.
[0041]
Therefore, by changing the luminance state of at least one of the plurality of image pieces, it is possible to display an image with a more three-dimensional effect.
[0042]
Further, unlike the brightness modulation type display device, it is not necessary to display the images with different brightness for each image displayed on each of the plurality of display means. That is, it is not necessary to calculate the optimum brightness for each image. For example, if the image is displayed at a predetermined brightness (that is, a high brightness state or a low brightness state) according to the depth position, a three-dimensional image is displayed. It is possible to do. For this reason, there is a great advantage that the load related to signal processing can be reduced.
[0043]
In another aspect of the embodiment of the display device of the present invention, the display control unit displays at least one image piece of the plurality of image pieces according to a depth position of each of the plurality of image pieces. The color is controlled so as to be displayed after being changed in comparison with other image pieces.
[0044]
In general, it is known that an image displayed in a bright color is viewed closer (ie, closer to or closer to) than an image displayed in a dark color.
[0045]
Therefore, according to this aspect, according to the position of the depth (that is, for example, the depth information), for example, the image piece displayed on the display means on the nearer side is changed to a conspicuous color such as green, yellow, or orange, or the like. Can be displayed by using a predetermined color such as a color close to the color of. For this reason, it is possible to visually recognize the image piece whose color has been changed as if it is closer to the user (that is, closer to the image piece) than the image piece whose color has not been changed.
[0046]
Alternatively, depending on the position of the depth, for example, an image piece displayed on the display unit on the far side can be displayed using a predetermined color such as a color that is inconspicuous such as blue or brown or a color close to these colors. It is. For this reason, it becomes possible to visually recognize the image piece whose color has been changed as if it is on the far side (that is, farther away) than the image piece whose color has not been changed.
[0047]
Therefore, by changing the color of at least one of the plurality of image pieces, an image with a more three-dimensional effect can be displayed.
[0048]
In another aspect of the embodiment of the display device of the present invention, the display processing unit displays the image pieces after changing the size of the image pieces in accordance with the depth position of each of the image pieces. Control so that
[0049]
According to this aspect, it is possible to display, for example, an image fragment displayed on the display unit on the near side in an enlarged state according to the position of the depth (that is, for example, the depth information). For this reason, whether the image fragment displayed in the enlarged state is closer to the near side (that is, closer to the image) than other image fragments not displayed in the enlarged state. It can be made to look like.
[0050]
Alternatively, according to the position of the depth, for example, an image piece displayed on the display unit on the far side can be displayed in a reduced state. For this reason, the image fragment displayed in the reduced state is as if it is on the far side (that is, farther away) than other image fragments that are not displayed in the reduced state. Can be visually recognized.
[0051]
Therefore, by changing the size of at least one of the plurality of image pieces, an image with a more three-dimensional effect can be displayed.
[0052]
In another aspect of the embodiment of the display device of the present invention, the display control unit performs signal processing on an image signal supplied to the plurality of display units and indicating the image, so that the plurality of images are displayed. Control is performed so that each of the pieces is displayed.
[0053]
According to this aspect, the display control unit performs signal processing such as rewriting a signal indicating the display position or the like with respect to the image signal including the entity information indicating the image piece displayed on each of the plurality of display units. It is possible to do. Thereby, there is a great advantage that stereoscopic display is possible without changing one process in the process of displaying a stereoscopic display image related to a display target on a plurality of display units.
[0054]
Alternatively, even when the display is performed after changing the brightness, color, size, or the like of the image piece as described above, the signal or the like indicating the brightness, color, size, or the like of the image piece included in the image signal is rewritten. This makes it possible to relatively easily realize the above aspect.
[0055]
In another aspect of the embodiment of the display device of the present invention, each of the plurality of display units is in close contact with an adjacent display unit.
[0056]
If each of the plurality of display units is not in close contact with an adjacent display unit, a spatial separation occurs between the image pieces, so that the image is viewed as a discrete image in the depth direction. However, according to this aspect, it is possible to display an image piece continuously displayed in the depth direction. That is, the observer can visually recognize the set of image pieces as a continuous image in the depth direction. Therefore, the observer can see a smoother and three-dimensional image.
[0057]
In addition, by arranging a larger number of display means, it is possible to display a smoother and more three-dimensional image.
[0058]
In another aspect of the embodiment according to the display device of the present invention, among the plurality of display units, at least the display unit excluding the display unit arranged rearmost from the observer includes a translucent display unit. Become.
[0059]
According to this aspect, it is possible to visually recognize the image displayed on the display means arranged rearward as viewed from the observer through the display means arranged forward as viewed from the observer, The display means can be directly arranged on the line of sight.
[0060]
In addition, the display means disposed rearmost (that is, farther or farther) from the observer may not be a translucent display means, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a plasma display device, or a FED (FED). Field Emission display) or the like. Alternatively, a translucent display means such as a liquid crystal display device or an electroluminescence display device may be used.
[0061]
In the aspect of the display device including the translucent display unit as described above, the translucent display unit may be configured to be a liquid crystal display device or an electroluminescence display device.
[0062]
With this configuration, it is possible to display a three-dimensional image using a translucent panel-shaped display unit such as a liquid crystal display device or an electroluminescence display device.
[0063]
In another aspect of the embodiment of the display device of the present invention, the plurality of display units include a display unit combined by a half mirror.
[0064]
According to this aspect, the display means is not arranged directly on the line of sight of the observer, but the image is synthesized via the half mirror. Therefore, it is possible to use a display device having no light transmission property, for example, a CRT, a plasma display device, an FED, or the like.
[0065]
The embodiment according to the display method of the present invention is a display method in a display device including a plurality of display means for displaying an image related to a display object, which are arranged one after another on the line of sight of an observer, For displaying each of a plurality of image fragments obtained by dividing an image into image units of a predetermined size, at least one of the plurality of display devices is provided with a depth position of each of the plurality of image fragments. And a display control step of displaying and outputting each of the plurality of image pieces to the display means selected in the display selection step.
[0066]
According to the embodiment of the display method of the present invention, similarly to the above-described embodiment of the display device of the present invention, each of the image pieces is placed at least among the plurality of display units according to the position of the depth of the image pieces. By displaying them together, it is possible to display an image with a three-dimensional effect without using the parallax of the observer. That is, it is possible to display an image with a three-dimensional effect without putting a burden on the eyes of the observer. Further, it is possible to realize a display device capable of greatly reducing a load required for signal processing.
[0067]
In addition, corresponding to the various aspects of the embodiment of the display device of the present invention described above, the embodiment of the display method of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.
[0068]
As described above, the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the display unit and the display control unit. According to the embodiment of the present invention, a display selecting step and a display controlling step are provided. Accordingly, it is possible to display an image having a three-dimensional effect without using the parallax of the observer, that is, without putting a burden on the eyes of the observer. Further, it is possible to realize a display device capable of greatly reducing a load required for signal processing. That is, it is possible to realize an excellent display device that solves the problems seen in a conventional stereoscopic display system (that is, for example, a liquid crystal shutter glasses system or a luminance modulation type display system). Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the same effect can be obtained regardless of whether the image is a moving image or a still image, that is, the observer can view an image having a three-dimensional effect.
[0069]
The operation and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the embodiments explained below.
[0070]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the display device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0071]
(Basic configuration of display device)
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a basic configuration of an embodiment according to the display device of the present invention will be described. Here, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment according to the display device of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an optical system showing another configuration of the image display unit according to the present embodiment. It is sectional drawing.
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 1 includes a first screen 11, a second screen 12 arranged behind the first screen 11, a third screen 13 arranged behind the second screen 12, A fourth screen 14 arranged behind the three screens 13, a fifth screen 15 arranged behind the fourth screen 14, and an image generation for generating an image to be displayed on each of these screens (11 to 15) The display device 1 includes a unit 16, a display driving unit 18 that displays an image signal from the image generating unit 14 on any screen, and a control unit 17 that performs overall control of the display device 1.
[0073]
The screens (11 to 15) form an image display section of the display device 1 and are arranged in front of and behind the line of sight L from the observer. The screens (11 to 15) are preferably arranged in close contact with adjacent screens, as shown in FIG. However, stereoscopic display is possible even if they are arranged at predetermined intervals. Since the screens (11 to 14) can be viewed by the observer by transmitting the image of the screen 15 at the rearmost position, a light-transmitting display device such as a liquid crystal display device or an electroluminescence display device is used. Used. On the other hand, the rearmost screen 15 may be a liquid crystal display device or an electroluminescence display device, or may be a CRT, a plasma display device, an FED, or the like because there is no need to transmit light.
[0074]
By displaying the image fragments of the image relating to the display target on each of these screens (11 to 15), the observer sees a set of the image fragments as a three-dimensional image as described later. It becomes possible. Alternatively, by displaying an image related to the display target only on the first screen 11, the observer can view the image as a two-dimensional image. Further, by displaying an image only on one screen other than the first screen 11 (for example, only on the second screen 12), the observer can view the image as a planar image.
[0075]
In addition to using a liquid crystal display device or an electroluminescence display device as the screen (11 to 14), it is also possible to adopt a configuration using a CRT, a plasma display device, an FED or the like having no light transmission. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the first screen 11 is arranged so as not to block the line of sight L with respect to the screens (12 to 15), and a half mirror 19 is provided on the line of sight of the observer. Is determined so that the image displayed on the first screen 11 overlaps the image displayed on the screen (12 to 15), so that a display device having no light transmission can be introduced into the image display unit. Become. A similar configuration can be adopted for the screens (12 to 14). For example, display light from one screen group in which two or three screens are arranged in a superimposed manner is transmitted through a half mirror. The display light from the screen group may be reflected by the half mirror, and the display light from these display groups may be combined by the half mirror.
[0076]
In FIG. 1 again, the image generator 16 generates and stores an image (ie, a plurality of image pieces) displayed on the screen (11 to 15). Further, an image input from the outside, for example, an image created by a personal computer or the like may be recorded in a predetermined recording area and read out as necessary. Images as units are individually managed, and can be independently processed for display. The display position, size, brightness (ie, brightness), hue (ie, color), display mode, image deformation, and the like can be individually controlled, as well as which of the screens (11 to 15) to display. It is.
[0077]
The display drive unit 18 is for driving each of the screens (11 to 15) for display, and performs display drive based on the image signals for the screens (11 to 15) formed by the image generation unit 16. Based on the control of the control unit 17, a function of performing decorative and effective driving such as display timing and blinking may be provided.
[0078]
The control unit 17 performs overall control of the display device 1. As for the display of a three-dimensional image, the display mode of each of the screens (11 to 15), for example, the brightness and the size, is set, and an image signal to be displayed on the image generator 16 is generated. Also, it controls the operation of the display drive unit 18.
[0079]
(Operation principle of display device)
Next, the operation principle of the display device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an image relating to the display target, and FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view conceptually showing a display mode of each screen when displaying the image shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view conceptually showing a comparative example of the display mode shown in FIG.
[0080]
As shown in FIG. 3, a case will be described in which a mountain-folded image bulging toward the viewer when viewed from the observer side is displayed. In this case, the image is managed in units of image segments obtained by dividing the image into a predetermined size, and each image segment includes depth information indicating a depth position. It is preferable that the image piece is divided according to the size of one pixel on each screen. Alternatively, the size may be adjusted to the size of a pixel block or a pixel line composed of a plurality of pixels (that is, 2, 4, 8, or 16 pixels).
[0081]
The depth information may be, for example, coordinates z indicating a predetermined position in the depth direction. In this case, the image generation unit 16 selects which screen (11 to 15) to display the pixel on the basis of the value of the coordinate z, and outputs the display. For example, if the coordinates z of the image fragment are in the range from 0 to the predetermined value z1, the image fragment is displayed and output on the first screen 11. Further, for example, if the coordinates z of the image fragment are in the range from the predetermined value z1 to the predetermined value z2, the image fragment is displayed and output on the second screen 12. The screens (13 to 15) are displayed and output by the same processing.
[0082]
Alternatively, the depth information may not directly indicate the coordinates in the depth direction, but may directly indicate, for example, a screen on which the image piece is displayed. In this case, the image piece is displayed and output on the screen indicated by the depth information by the image generation unit 16.
[0083]
In any case, as shown in FIG. 4, each of the plurality of image pieces can be displayed and output on any one of the screens (11 to 15).
[0084]
As shown in FIG. 4, each of the image pieces is displayed and output on each of the screens (11 to 15) according to the depth information. That is, by displaying and outputting the image as shown in FIG. 4 on each of the screens (11 to 15), the observer can view an image having a three-dimensional effect (that is, the image shown in FIG. 3). Become.
[0085]
At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, it is preferable that two or more screens do not simultaneously display and output pixels at the same position in the depth direction. That is, one image piece is preferably displayed on any one screen. Therefore, if position information in the depth direction (for example, the above-described coordinate z or the like) is added to one flat image, for example, for each image piece, the image is displayed as a three-dimensional image on the display device according to the present embodiment. It is possible to do. That is, there is an advantage that signal processing required for stereoscopic display can be greatly reduced. For this reason, the configuration of the display device such as the control unit 17 or the image generation unit 16 can be simplified. However, as described later, one image piece may be simultaneously displayed and output on two or more screens by modulating the brightness of the image piece. Further, according to the display mode as shown in FIG. 5, the processing load of the control unit 17 is increased, and although there is some uncomfortable feeling, the stereoscopic display itself is possible. That is, the display mode as shown in FIG. 5 is also broadly included in the present invention.
[0086]
Further, unlike a display device that performs stereoscopic display using parallax of an observer, special equipment such as liquid crystal shutter glasses is not required. For this reason, there is a great advantage that stereoscopic display is possible relatively easily and without burdening the eyes of the observer.
[0087]
As a result, according to the display device of the present embodiment, the load required for signal processing can be greatly reduced, and a three-dimensional display without burdening the eyes of the observer can be achieved.
[0088]
In the display device according to the present embodiment, for example, when an image signal relating to an image of the same luminance and the same color is supplied to each of the screens (11 to 15), the screen (11 to 15) is viewed from the observer side. It is preferable that the image pieces displayed in each of 15) are displayed such that the luminances of the image pieces are equal to each other. For example, it is preferable to display an image piece displayed on the screen 15 with its output luminance increased in advance in consideration of attenuation of light caused by transmission through the screen (11 to 14). That is, the image pieces displayed on the screens (12 to 15) excluding the screen 11 have their output luminances increased in advance in consideration of transmission through other screens arranged in front of the screen. Preferably, it is displayed. Here, “equal” means that, in addition to a literally equal state, a state in which the luminance or chromaticity thereof is visible to the same degree when viewed from the observer side is included.
[0089]
Note that the image displayed on the display device according to the present embodiment may be a moving image or a still image. Alternatively, an image related to a plurality of display objects is not limited to one display object. That is, an arbitrary image can be displayed as an image having a three-dimensional effect as described above.
[0090]
(Modification of display device)
Subsequently, a modified operation example of the display device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view conceptually showing an example in which one image piece is luminance-modulated and then displayed and output on two screens. FIG. 7 shows the image shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view conceptually showing an image actually viewed by an observer when the image is displayed. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view conceptually showing an example in which display output is performed by changing the luminance of a predetermined image piece. FIG.
[0091]
As shown in FIG. 6, a configuration may be adopted in which the image generating unit 16 displays one predetermined image piece on two screens. In this case, one image piece is displayed on two adjacent screens, and its brightness is displayed on two screens, for example, if the brightness of an image piece displayed on only one screen is 100%. It is preferable that each of the image fragments is displayed at a luminance of 50%. Thus, the observer visually perceives that the image piece is displayed at a luminance of 100% between the two screens. Therefore, the image shown in FIG. 6 (that is, the image actually displayed on each screen) is visually recognized by the observer as the image shown in FIG.
[0092]
As shown in FIG. 7, an image fragment displayed at a luminance of 50% on each of the first screen 11 and the second screen 12 has a luminance of 100% between the first screen 11 and the second screen 12. The observer sees as if it were being displayed. Similarly, an image piece displayed at the luminance of 50% on each of the second screen 12 and the third screen 13 is displayed between the second screen 12 and the third screen 13 at a luminance of 100%. Like, the observer sees. An image fragment displayed at a luminance of 50% on each of the third screen 13 and the fourth screen 14 is displayed between the third screen 13 and the fourth screen 14 as if the image fragment was displayed at a luminance of 100%. , The observer sees. An image fragment displayed at a luminance of 50% on each of the fourth screen 14 and the fifth screen 15 is displayed between the fourth screen 14 and the fifth screen 15 as if the image fragment was displayed at a luminance of 100%. , The observer sees.
[0093]
Therefore, even though five screens (11 to 15) are actually arranged, the observer visually perceives the image pieces as being displayed on the nine screens. That is, the number of apparent screens can be increased. Therefore, the observer can visually recognize the display object according to FIG. 3 as a smoother and more three-dimensional image.
[0094]
In this case, for example, the image generating section 16 selects a predetermined image fragment to be subjected to luminance modulation, reduces the luminance of the image fragment by half, and outputs it on two screens. Therefore, there is a great advantage in that it is not necessary to perform appropriate luminance calculation for the entire image in accordance with the depth position of the image as in a luminance modulation type display device.
[0095]
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the luminance of a part of the image piece may be changed. Of the image pieces, the image piece displayed on the back side as viewed from the observer side is displayed with its luminance relatively low, and the image piece displayed on the near side as viewed from the observer side. Is displayed with its luminance relatively high. Thus, the observer sees the image fragment displayed in the high-luminance state as if it is present on the near side, and the image fragment displayed in the low-luminance state is on the far side. Visual as if it exists. Therefore, by changing the luminance for each image piece, the observer recognizes the image as a shadow-added image. For example, in FIG. 8, it is emphasized that the center of the image is closer to the near side and both ends of the image are closer to the back. For this reason, it is possible to display an image having a more three-dimensional effect.
[0096]
Alternatively, by changing the color or size of the image piece and displaying the same, it is possible to display an image with a more three-dimensional effect, as in the case of displaying with changing the luminance. That is, for example, it is possible to make the image stand out by brightening the color of a part of the image piece, or to further emphasize the perspective by changing the size of the part of the image piece.
[0097]
In the present embodiment, a display device having five screens has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a display device having five or more screens can display a smoother and three-dimensional image. Alternatively, even a display device having a plurality of screens, for example, less than five, can display an image with a three-dimensional effect.
[0098]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments or examples, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit and spirit of the invention, which can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and the display accompanying such changes is possible. The apparatus and the method are also included in the technical idea of the present invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment according to a display device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an optical system showing another configuration of the display unit of the embodiment according to the display device of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an image displayed on the embodiment according to the display device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view conceptually showing the operation principle of the embodiment according to the display device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view conceptually showing a comparative example according to the operation principle of the embodiment according to the display device of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing one example of a modified operation example of the embodiment according to the display device of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a state of an image piece viewed by an observer according to an example of a modified operation example of the embodiment according to the display device of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a schematic view conceptually showing another example of a modified operation example of the embodiment according to the display device of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Display device
11 First screen
12 ... second screen
13 ... third screen
14: Fourth screen
15: Fifth screen
16 ・ ・ ・ Image generation unit
17 ... Control unit
18 Display drive unit
19: Half mirror

Claims (14)

A plurality of display means that are arranged one after another on the line of sight of the observer and display an image related to the display target,
Displaying each of the plurality of image pieces obtained by dividing the image into image units of a predetermined size on at least one display means of the plurality of display means according to the depth position of each of the plurality of image pieces; A display control means for controlling the plurality of display means so as to cause the plurality of display means to be controlled. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the image signal supplied to the plurality of display units and indicating the image piece includes depth information indicating the position of the depth. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the image piece has a size equal to a pixel of the plurality of display units. 4. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls each of the plurality of image pieces to be displayed on any one of the plurality of display units. 5. A display device according to claim 1. The display control means, after changing the luminance of at least one image piece of the plurality of image pieces, an image piece in which the brightness is changed to each of two adjacent display means of the plurality of display means. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display device is controlled so as to be displayed in a superimposed manner. The display control means displays, after changing the brightness of at least one of the plurality of image pieces according to the depth position of each of the plurality of image pieces, in comparison with other image pieces. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is controlled to cause the display device to perform the control. The display control means, according to the depth position of each of the plurality of image pieces, after changing the display color of at least one of the plurality of image pieces in comparison with other image pieces The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display device is controlled so as to be displayed. The display processing means, according to the depth position of each of the plurality of image pieces, after changing the size of at least one of the plurality of image pieces, compared with other image pieces, The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is controlled to be displayed. The display control means performs signal processing on an image signal supplied to the plurality of display means and indicating the image, so as to control each of the plurality of image pieces to be displayed. The display device according to claim 1. 10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of display units is in close contact with an adjacent display unit. 11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of display devices, except for a display device disposed rearmost from the observer, includes a translucent display device. The display device according to the item. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the translucent display unit is a liquid crystal display device or an electroluminescence display device. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of display units include a display unit combined by a half mirror. A display method in a display device including a plurality of display means for displaying an image of a display object, which are arranged one after another on a line of sight of an observer,
In order to display each of a plurality of image pieces obtained by dividing the image into image units of a predetermined size, at least one display means of the plurality of display means is provided with a depth of each of the plurality of image pieces. A display selection step of selecting according to the position;
A display control step of displaying and outputting each of the plurality of image pieces to the display means selected in the display selection step.

Images