JP2005092224A - Small-sized display device and image display control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized display device which enables a desired image to be observed in either state of eye contact and eye non-contact. <P>SOLUTION: The small-sized display device consists of: a small-sized display element 1 for displaying an image with an electric signal; an optical element 2 for magnifying the image of the small-sized display element 1; a dimming sheet 23 which can be switched to a transparent state and a semitransparent state; an eye contact discriminating sensor 10 for discriminating eye contact or eye non-contact; and an information processor 4. The information processor controls a method of displaying the image on the small-sized display element 1, including control of switching between the transparent state and the semitransparent state of the dimming sheet 23 on the basis of the output of the eye contact discriminating sensor 10. Thus the small-sized display device is realized which enables a desired image to be observed in either state of eye contact and eye non-contact. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a small display device and an image display control method for displaying an image.

  As a conventional small display device, a head mounted display (hereinafter referred to as HMD) and a face mount display (hereinafter referred to as FMD) are known. In these devices, a high-definition display element such as a liquid crystal or a light-emitting diode (LED) is arranged in front of the display user, and a micro-definition image displayed on the element is enlarged by an aspheric lens or an aspheric prism. Therefore, although a display device needs to be fixedly attached to an observer, a large fine image can be displayed with a small device. Similarly, a head-mounted projector (hereinafter referred to as “HMP”) is used as a display in which a small projector is disposed at a conjugate position between the observer's eye and the beam splitter, and an image is viewed through a retroreflective screen. It has been known.

  On the other hand, small display devices using liquid crystals and organic electroluminescence devices (organic EL) are also mounted on mobile phones and portable computers, but these display systems do not have optical elements for enlarging images. The image is observed at the display position. Unlike HMD and FMD, a full-size image can be observed without arranging a display device in front of the eyes. However, since the display screen size is limited, various automatic and manual scrolling techniques have been developed.

  As described above, among the conventional small display devices, in order to view images stably with HMD, FMD, or HMP, the device needs to be fixedly mounted on the head so that the display is close to the user's face. There is. In recent years, the use of aspherical prisms has made the display lighter and smaller, but it is uncomfortable to attach such devices to the face and to the head, and it is inconvenient to attach and detach. It is. Also, if you keep looking at the depth of the image perceived by the observer, the depth of the image created by the optical system, and the optical axis of the eye and the optical axis of the display for a long time, eye convergence and adjustment Since the function is different from that of natural vision, there may be significant eye fatigue. Especially in HMD, FMD, and HMP, since there is a high possibility of observing an image for a long time due to the inconvenience of attachment and detachment, this eye fatigue has been a particular problem.

  On the other hand, in the display of a mobile phone or a portable computer, the observer does not need to fix the device to the head when observing the screen, but the screen is small, so it is not necessarily suitable for quickly viewing a large amount of information. It wasn't a way. In addition, there is a possibility that image information may be looked into by others, and so far, directivity filters for peeping prevention are on the market.

  Therefore, if you want to look at more information quickly, or if you do not want to look into the display information from others, you can view the virtual high-definition screen with the display in the eyepiece state for a short time, otherwise, Ideally, the display can be observed without being restrained by the eyepiece.

  However, the conventional small display is not assumed to be used for both eyepiece and non-eyepiece. For example, since the HMD or FMD is premised on the use with an eyepiece, the observed image changes greatly due to slight changes in the position and orientation of the observer and the display when observed in a non-eyepiece state. In order to view a desired image in such a state, the observer must always move the display position slightly to search for the image. Various proposals have already been made on the method of magnifying and observing an image on a wall or a remote screen, but a high-luminance light source is required to scatter light once on the screen away from the display. It was difficult to reduce the size of the device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a small display device and an image display method that enable a desired image to be observed in both an eyepiece state and a non-eyepiece state.

  A small display device according to the present invention uses a small display element for displaying an image, an optical element for enlarging an image displayed on the small display element, a predetermined location in the own device, and the own device. Measuring means for obtaining a positional relationship with a predetermined body part of an observer who performs the measurement, and control means for controlling an image display method based on the positional relationship obtained by the measuring means It is characterized by comprising.

  Preferably, the measurement unit includes a unit for determining whether the observer is in an eyepiece state or in a non-eyepiece state, and the control unit is determined to be in the eyepiece state or in the non-eyepiece state. Different control may be performed depending on whether or not it is determined.

  Preferably, when it is determined that the eyepiece is in the eyepiece state, the control unit may perform control so that the entire image is displayed over the entire small display element.

  Preferably, the measurement unit includes a unit for obtaining a spatial position of the face or pupil of the observer when a predetermined position in the apparatus is used as a reference, and the control unit is in a non-eyepiece state. If it is determined, a control may be performed so that a predetermined image is displayed in a partial region corresponding to the spatial position of the observer's face or pupil in the small display element.

  Preferably, the measuring means is for obtaining a distance to the observer's face when a predetermined position in the own apparatus is used as a reference, and for obtaining an attitude or inclination in the space of the own apparatus. The control means displays a specific part of the image to be displayed in the partial area of the small display element corresponding to the distance when it is determined that the eyepiece is in the non-eyepiece state. In addition, the position of a specific portion to be displayed may be changed from the image to be displayed based on the posture or the inclination.

  The small display device according to the present invention is provided with a small display element for displaying an image, an optical element for enlarging an image displayed on the small display element, and a front surface of the optical element. A light control sheet capable of switching between a state and a semi-transmissive state, a determination unit for determining whether an observer using the device is in an eyepiece state or a non-eyepiece state, and a determination result by the determination unit And a control means for controlling a method of displaying an image on the small display element, including control of switching between a transmissive state and a semi-transmissive state of the light control sheet.

  Preferably, when it is determined that the eyepiece is in the eyepiece state, the control unit performs control so that the light control sheet is in a transmissive state and displays the entire image over the entire small display element. You may do it.

  Preferably, when it is determined that the control unit is in the non-eyepiece state, the control unit controls the light control sheet to be in a semi-transmissive state, and displays the entire image over the entire small display element. By controlling, the image projected from the small display element onto the light control sheet may be controlled so as to be observable by the observer in a non-eyepiece state.

  The present invention relating to the apparatus is also established as an invention relating to a method, and the present invention relating to a method is also established as an invention relating to an apparatus.

  In the present invention, display control can be performed according to the position of the observer's head or pupil. Thereby, for example, the eyepiece and the non-eyepiece are determined, and when the eyepiece is displayed, the entire image is displayed in the entire area of the display element (the observer can virtually view a large screen). By grasping the positional relationship between the head or eyes and the display, and controlling the display screen accordingly, it displays so that a constant image can be observed even if the observer's head moves back and forth be able to.

  Further, in the present invention, by using a light control sheet that can electronically control transmission and semi-transmission, it can be used as a transparent sheet during eye contact and as a screen during non-eye contact.

  According to the present invention, a small display capable of observing a desired image in both an eyepiece state and a non-eyepiece state can be realized. For example, if you want to see more information quickly or do not want to be looked into by someone else, you can use an eyepiece to look at a virtual large screen, otherwise it may be a non-eyepiece and look directly at you. It becomes possible.

  According to the present invention, a small display capable of observing a desired image in both an eyepiece state and a non-eyepiece state can be realized.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a small display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 6 denotes a small display device main body that is not attached to the face, and reference numeral 5 denotes an observer. Reference numeral 1 denotes a small display element, 2 denotes an optical element, 3 denotes a pupil position sensor, 4 denotes an information processing device, and 10 denotes an eyepiece determination sensor.

  The small display element 1 is an element for generating a minute image, and displays an image by an electrical signal given from the information processing apparatus 4. The small display element 1 can be configured using, for example, a liquid crystal and a light source, an organic electroluminescence device (organic EL), a field emission device (FED), or a light emitting diode (LED). Further, the small display element 1 has, for example, a screen whose diagonal is a size of 2 types or less (it may exceed 2 types).

  The optical element 2 forms an optical system of the small display device, and is an element for enlarging a minute image displayed on the small display element 1. The optical element 2 includes, for example, an element such as a lens, a prism, a holographic element (HOE), a liquid crystal element, or a retroreflector, or a combination thereof. Further, for example, if a plurality of elements or liquid crystal lenses are used, the image can be zoomed up. For example, if a diffractive optical element or a prism is used, the image can be refracted and displayed.

  The pupil position sensor 3 is a relative positional relationship of the observer's pupil or face with respect to the small display element 1 or the optical element 2 (for example, observation when the central portion of the small display element 1 or the optical element 2 is the origin) A spatial position such as a three-dimensional coordinate value of a person's face or one or both pupils). The pupil position sensor 3 includes only a passive element such as an imaging element, and an active element and passive element such as a transceiver. The former is, for example, a form in which an image obtained by taking an image of the face of the observer from the small display device main body 6 side with one or a plurality of image pickup elements is processed to obtain a relative spatial position. In the latter case, for example, the small display device main body 6 is equipped with one (one or a plurality) of transmission devices such as infrared rays or ultrasonic waves and one (a plurality of) reception devices, and the transmission device on the face of the observer or the like. A mode in which the other of the receiving devices is mounted and the transmission / reception of signals between the transmitting / receiving devices is used, or the small display device body 6 is equipped with the transmitting device (s) and the receiving device (s), For example, an echo method may be used in which a signal transmitted from a transmission device and reflected by an observer's face or the like is received by a reception device.

  The eyepiece determination sensor 10 is a sensor for determining whether the observer is observing the display of the small display device in an eyepiece state or in a non-eyepiece state. The eyepiece determination sensor 10 can be configured by using, for example, an infrared phototransistor or the like (for example, when an observer is in an eyepiece state with respect to a small display device using an infrared light emitting element and an infrared light emitting / receiving element). The infrared light transmitted from the infrared light emitting element is arranged in the small display device main body 6 so that the infrared light is reflected by the observer's face or the like and enters the infrared light emitting / receiving element).

  The information processing apparatus 4 controls the image information observed by the observer (5) by controlling the image information displayed on the small display element 1 based on the outputs of the pupil position sensor 3 and the eyepiece determination sensor 10. I do. The information processing apparatus 4 can be configured using, for example, a microcomputer and software, or a dedicated semiconductor element.

  Note that the image displayed to the observer may be data stored in the small display device. In this case, for example, the small display device may include a memory for storing image data.

  Further, the image displayed to the observer may not be data stored in the small display device. In this case, for example, the small display device may include a device (for example, a network adapter) for receiving image data from the outside. Further, in order to be able to display the encoded image data received from the outside, an apparatus (for example, an MPEG4 decoder) for decoding the encoded image data may be further provided. Thus, it can be used as a device for displaying various information.

  Moreover, you may make it provide both the function to display the image data accumulate | stored in said inside, and the function to display the image data received from the outside.

  Various other variations are possible.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 4 of the small display device of the present embodiment.

  Based on the output of the eyepiece determination sensor 10, it is determined whether the eyepiece is in an eyepiece state or a non-eyepiece state (step S1).

  If it is determined that the eyepiece is in the state (step S2), the image is displayed in the eyepiece mode (step S3). In the eyepiece mode, for example, an image (entire) is displayed over the entire small display element.

  When it is determined that the eyepiece is not in the eyepiece state (step S2), the relative positional relationship is acquired based on the output of the pupil position sensor 3 (step S4), and the image is displayed in the noneyepiece mode based on the positional relationship. Is displayed (step S5). In the non-eyepiece mode, for example, a desired image (for example, a part of the image) is displayed in an area corresponding to the pupil position of the observer of the small display element.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of use of the small display device of this embodiment. In FIG. 3, (a) is when the eye is in contact, and (b) is when the eye is not. Reference numeral 5 denotes an observer, 6 denotes a display device main body, 7 denotes a display unit (display opening), 8, 8 'denotes an observable region, and 9 denotes an observable range.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the entire region can be observed when the eye is in contact, while the observer (5) is the region in which only the region indicated by the solid line rectangle 8 ′ can be observed when the eye is not in contact ((a ), The 8 region and the 9 range coincide with each other, whereas in (b) the 8 ′ region is narrower than the 9 range). Note that the 8 'observable region includes, for example, a method for setting each small display device, a method for setting according to image content, and a method for enabling an observer to adjust.

  Now, in this embodiment, it is detected whether it is an eyepiece or a non-eyepiece, and as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 3, display control is performed according to them, and further, as shown in FIG. 3 (b). In such a non-ocular situation, the eyepiece is non-occluded by constructing a mechanism for allowing the observer to stably observe the same image regardless of changes in the observer's head position (pupil position). A small display device that can be used with either eyepiece has been realized.

  Hereinafter, the mechanism (particularly, when the eyepiece is not in use) of the small display device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 are the same as those already described with reference to FIGS.

  First, FIG. 4 shows the relationship between each element of the small display device and the pupil of the observer in a situation where the observer is viewing the display portion of the small display device with a non-eyepiece. Assuming that an image on the small display element 1 viewed by the observer (5) from the right eye is B and an image viewed from the left eye is A, the positions of the image A and the image B viewed by the observer when the observer is away from the display Are respectively as shown in FIG. 4 (in FIG. 4, 8 ′ corresponds to an observable region and 9 corresponds to an observable range). For example, if images A and B do not overlap on the small display element 1 at this time, and images are displayed with a shift corresponding to the parallax between the left and right eyes, stereoscopic viewing without glasses is possible. In addition, spatial display with depth is also possible. For example, at this time, the same image may be displayed as the image A and the image B (that is, for the left and right eyes). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, an image may be presented only to one of the left and right eyes (usually the effective side) of the observer (5).

  Next, image display control during eye contact will be described with reference to FIG. Since the position and size of the observable image at the time of non-eyepiece change depending on the relative position between the observer's eyes and the display, the pupil position sensor 3 attached to the small display device main body 6 side is used (preferably Always) grasps this positional relationship, and changes the display location on the small display element 1 based on the result. For simplicity, the eyes and the display are as shown in FIG. 6, and the case where the small display element 1 uses a convex lens 2 that is sufficiently larger than the exit pupil of the lens and has a simple focal length f is taken as an example. At this time, the image may be displayed so as to appear at the position (8 ′) indicated by the oblique lines in FIG. 6, and the position on the small display element 1 corresponding to this is the range indicated by the double-ended arrow 20.

The center of the convex lens 2 is the origin, the lens optical axis direction is the x axis, the direction perpendicular to the x axis is the y axis, the observer's eye position is (x ₀ , y ₀ ), and the position of the small display element 1 is − a, If the exit pupil of the lens 2 is 2 m, the region that can be seen by the observer is a range represented by the following equation (1).

  That is, if the image is enlarged or reduced so that the same figure, character, or the like is displayed in the range indicated by the expression (1), the image appears to stop for the observer.

  In this example, in order to simplify the explanation, it was considered in a two-dimensional plane, but the same method can be applied even if it is extended to three dimensions.

  In the above description, the information processing device 4 is an example in which the image displayed on the small display element 1 is enlarged or reduced on the basis of the output of the pupil position sensor 3. A configuration in which the enlargement ratio (or focal length) and / or display direction is changed is also possible. In this case, the optical element 2 uses an element whose display image has an enlargement factor, a display direction, or both an enlargement factor and a display direction that are variable according to the output of the pupil position sensor 3. Also good.

  Further, a configuration in which both the control of the image displayed on the small display element 1 and the control of the lens 2 are used together is possible.

  If the size of the small display element 1 is about the same as or smaller than the exit pupil of the lens, the corresponding area may be on the small display element 1 depending on the relative position between the observer and the display when the eye is not in eye contact. It may not be secured. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 7, an optical element 11 such as a variable prism for refracting and transmitting an image is inserted between the small display element 1 and the convex lens 2, and at the observer's pupil position. The corresponding image area may be deformed accordingly.

  As described above, when it is determined that the viewer is viewing the display in the non-eyepiece state as a result of the determination of the eyepiece state or the non-eyepiece state based on the result of the eyepiece determination sensor 10, a predetermined portion of the image is displayed. Can be controlled based on the output of the pupil position sensor 3 so that the observer can observe stably.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination of the eyepiece state and the non-eyepiece state based on the result of the eyepiece determination sensor 10, if it is determined that the observer is viewing the display in the eyepiece state, all display areas can be observed. Therefore, a full-size image may be displayed.

  Here, a specific example of a pupil position sensor for obtaining the relative position between the observer's eyes and the display will be described.

  First, for example, an image pickup device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS is mounted on the small display device body 6 as the pupil position sensor 3, and recognition processing is used from the face image of the observer acquired by the pupil position sensor 3. There is a method for detecting the position of the eye of the observer. As this recognition processing, for example, a method is known in which a camera, an image sensor, or the like is directed toward an observer, and an observer's face or eye position is recognized by the camera, the image sensor, or the like (for example, literature : Face feature point extraction by a combination of shape extraction and pattern matching (Fukui, Yamaguchi) The Institute of Electrical Communication, Vol. J80-D2 No. 8 pp. 2170-2177, etc.). In this case, if the optical axis of the camera, the image sensor, or the like is arranged so that the optical axis of the display coincides, the calculation of the position of the observer's face and eyes is simplified.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a light receiving element (for example, an infrared light emitting element) 31 is attached to the small display device main body 6 and a wireless light emitting element (infrared light emitting element) 32 is provided on the face of the observer. (FIG. 8 shows an example of wearing spectacles equipped with an element), and there is a method for estimating the position of the eye with respect to the display by using the light receiving element 31 and the light emitting element 32 (for example, the arrival time of infrared light). , Convert to distance and perform estimation process). In this case, in this case, a single reception element, a single transmission element, a multiple reception element, a single transmission element, a single reception element, multiple transmission elements, multiple reception elements, There is a method of using a plurality of transmission elements. Estimating accuracy can be improved by using a plurality of elements.

  In FIG. 8, an image sensor can be used instead of the light receiving element 31.

  Further, for example, in FIG. 8, there is a method of recognizing the relative position by using the light receiving element 31 as a receiver (for example, a microphone) and the light emitting element 32 as a wireless transmitter instead of the pair of the light receiving element 31 and the light emitting element 32. . In this case, the wireless transmitter may transmit a modulated ultrasonic wave, for example. This method can also determine the relative positional relationship of the receiver with respect to the wireless transmitter.

  Of course, in the above, it is possible to equip the light-emitting element and the transmitter on the small display device side, and attach the light-receiving element and the receiver to the observer side.

  Heretofore, an example of determining whether the eyepiece is an eyepiece or a non-eyepiece has been shown based on the output of the eyepiece determination sensor 10, but without the eyepiece determination sensor 10, whether the pupil position sensor 3 is an eyepiece or a non-eyepiece. A configuration can also be used for determination.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of a small display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the small display device of this embodiment includes a tilt sensor 21 and a distance sensor 22 instead of the pupil position sensor 3 of the small display device of the first embodiment. The small display element 1, the optical element 2, the information processing device 4, and the eyepiece determination sensor 10 are basically the same as those in the first embodiment. The same applies to the point that 5 is an observer, and 6 is a small display device main body with no face. Below, it demonstrates focusing on the part which is different from 1st Embodiment.

  The tilt sensor 21 is a sensor for measuring the posture or tilt of the small display element 1 or the optical element 2 in the space. As the tilt sensor 21, for example, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like can be used.

  The distance sensor 22 is a sensor for measuring the distance between the small display element 1 or the optical element 2 and the face of the observer. As the distance sensor 22, for example, a device using ultrasonic waves, a device using an LED and an image sensor, or the like can be used. Further, for example, a device using an image sensor (by image processing) is also possible. That is, a mechanism similar to that of the pupil position sensor 3 of the first embodiment can be used. (The difference from the first embodiment is that the distance can be acquired, so the configuration of the distance sensor 22 and the output of the distance sensor 22 can be obtained. The process based on is simple).

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 4 of the small display device of this embodiment.

  Based on the output of the eyepiece determination sensor 10, it is determined whether the eyepiece is in the eyepiece state or non-eyepiece state (step S11).

  When it is determined that the eyepiece is in the eyepiece state (step S12), the image is displayed in the eyepiece mode (step S13).

  When it is determined that the eyepiece is not in the eyepiece state (step S12), the distance and the inclination are acquired (as a relative positional relationship) based on the outputs of the distance sensor 22 and the inclination sensor 21 (step S14). Based on the tilt, the image is displayed in the non-eyepiece mode (step S15).

  In the present embodiment, when the viewer looks at the display, he or she uses the general property that the viewer is facing the display and the viewer hardly moves greatly. Accordingly, based on the relationship between the distance between the observer and the display and the attitude of the display with reference to the time when the observer and the display are in a certain relative positional relationship, as shown in FIG. 11 (6 is a small display device main body, 7 Is a display unit, 8 'is an observable region, and 9 is an observable range), and the image on the small display element 1 may be changed as appropriate. At this time, not only the image display area on the small display element 1 is appropriately changed as in the first embodiment, but also when the display device body 6 is rotated as indicated by a solid line arrow, observation is performed as indicated by a broken line arrow. The possible area 8 ′ is moved. In FIG. 11, the case of tilting to the left is illustrated, but similarly, when the small display device body 6 is tilted to the right, the observation region 8 ′ is to the left, and when tilting upward, the observation region 8 ′ is to the bottom. Further, when tilted downward, the observation region may be moved in a direction opposite to the direction in which the apparatus main body is tilted, such as moving the observation region 8 ′ upward.

  Of course, as in the first embodiment, instead of controlling the image displayed on the small display element 1, the lens 2 may be controlled based on the outputs of the distance sensor 22 and the tilt sensor 21. A configuration in which both are used together is also possible. Further, a configuration in which the distance sensor 22 is also used for determining whether the eyepiece is an eyepiece or a non-eyepiece without including the eyepiece determination sensor 10 is possible.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of the third embodiment of the small display device of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the small display device of this embodiment does not include the pupil position sensor 3 of the small display device of the first embodiment, but includes the light control sheet 23. The small display element 1, the optical element 2, the information processing device 4, and the eyepiece determination sensor 10 are basically the same as those in the first embodiment. The same applies to the point that 5 is an observer, and 6 is a small display device main body with no face. Below, it demonstrates focusing on the part which is different from 1st Embodiment.

  The light control sheet 23 is a switchable sheet that can be changed to a transmissive state or a semi-transmissive state by being controlled by an electric signal.

  In the present embodiment, at the time of eye contact, the light control sheet 23 is set in a transmissive state, and an image is displayed in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments. On the other hand, at the time of non-eyepiece, unlike the first and second embodiments, the light control sheet 23 is made a translucent state to form a screen and a kind of ultra-small projector that projects an image thereon. Regardless of the relative positional relationship between the observer and the display even when the eye is not in contact, the same image as that at the time of eye is projected onto the light control sheet. However, since light is scattered on the screen, when displaying an image with a non-eyepiece, it is preferable that the light intensity of the light source is larger than that at the time of eyepiece.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of the processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 4 of the small display device of this embodiment.

  Based on the output of the eyepiece determination sensor 10, it is determined whether the eyepiece is in an eyepiece state or a non-eyepiece state (step S21).

  If it is determined that the eyepiece is in the eye state (step S22), the light control sheet 23 is set to the transmissive state and an image is displayed in the eyepiece mode (step S23).

  When it is determined that the eyepiece is in the non-eyepiece state (step S22), the luminance of the small display element 1 is increased from that at the time of eyepiece, and the dimming sheet 23 is set in the semi-transmissive state to display an image in the non-eyepiece mode. It performs (step S24).

  In addition, the structure which uses the pupil position sensor 3 of 1st Embodiment and the distance sensor 22 of 2nd Embodiment for determination of an eyepiece or a non-eyepiece instead of the eyepiece determination sensor 10 is also possible.

  The small display device according to the first to third embodiments may have a function corresponding to a predetermined purpose in addition to displaying an image. For example, the small display device may be a portable computer or a mobile phone.

  It should be noted that the function corresponding to the processing part among the constituent parts described above can also be realized as software.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

The figure which shows the structural example of the small display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the process sequence of the information processing apparatus of the small display apparatus concerning the embodiment The figure for demonstrating the usage example of the small display apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment The figure for demonstrating the positional relationship of the image on the small display which concerns on the same embodiment, and an observer's right and left eyes The figure for demonstrating the case where the image of the small display apparatus concerning the embodiment is viewed with one eye The figure for demonstrating the positional relationship along the lens optical axis of the small display apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment, and an observer's eye The figure for demonstrating the positional relationship of the variable prism in the small display apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment, a display element, and an optical element. The figure for demonstrating the pupil position sensor which has arrange | positioned the receiver on the display side simultaneously with making the observer wear spectacles with a wireless transmitter in the small display device concerning the embodiment. The figure which shows the structural example of the small display apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the process sequence of the information processing apparatus of the small display apparatus concerning the embodiment The figure for demonstrating the usage example of the small display apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment The figure which shows the structural example of the small display apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the process sequence of the information processing apparatus of the small display apparatus concerning the embodiment

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Small display element 2,11 ... Optical element, 3 ... Pupil position sensor, 4 ... Information processing apparatus, 5 ... Observer, 6 ... Display main body, 10 ... Eyepiece determination sensor, 21 ... Tilt sensor, 22 ... Distance sensor , 23 ... Light control sheet, 31 ... Light receiving element, 32 ... Light emitting element

Claims (5)

A small display element for displaying an image;
An optical element for enlarging an image displayed on the small display element;
A light control sheet provided on the front surface of the optical element and capable of switching between a transmissive state and a semi-transmissive state;
A determination means for determining whether an observer using the device is in an eyepiece state or in a non-eyepiece state;
Control means for controlling a display method of an image on the small display element, including control of switching between a transmission state and a semi-transmission state of the light control sheet based on a determination result by the determination unit. A small display device. When it is determined that the eyepiece is in the eyepiece state, the control means controls the light control sheet to be in a transmissive state, and controls to display the entire image over the entire small display element. The small display device according to claim 1 . When it is determined that the control unit is in the non-eyepiece state, the control unit controls the light control sheet to be in a semi-transmissive state and controls the entire small display element to display the entire image. The small display device according to claim 1 , wherein an image projected from the small display element onto the light control sheet is controlled to be observable by the observer in a non-eyepiece state. When it is determined that the control unit is in the non-eyepiece state, the control unit controls the light control sheet to be in a semi-transmissive state and controls the brightness of the small display element to be increased. The small display device according to claim 3 , wherein the display device is a small display device. A small display element for displaying an image, an optical element for enlarging an image displayed on the small display element, and a light control provided on the front surface of the optical element and capable of switching between a transmissive state and a semi-transmissive state An image display control method in a small display device comprising a sheet,
Determine whether the observer using the device is in the eyepiece state or in the noneyepiece state,
When it is determined that the eyepiece is in an eyepiece state, the light control sheet is set to a transmissive state, and when it is determined to be in a non-eyepiece state, the light control sheet is set to a semi-transparent state. Display control method.

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