JP2009042314A - Visual distance control type display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display device capable of displaying an image in a way as to be appropriately observable by an observer even if a visual distance is changed without requiring precise control of an optical system and an increase of power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: For example, the display device 100 is equipped with a visual distance measurement section 110, an operation mode switching means 102, and a display means 103. The visual distance measurement section 110 measures the distance (visual distance) between the observer and the display means 103, and inputs the visual distance to the operation mode switching means 102. The operation mode switching means 102 controls various factors when displaying an image in the display means 103 based on the input visual distance, for example, selection as to display a stereoscopic image or a plane image, a display frequency of the image, or whether or not to display the image in enlargement. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for displaying an image, and more particularly, to a display apparatus controlled based on a viewing distance.

  In recent years, display devices have been used in various situations. For example, small and medium-sized display devices are actively used in mobile phones and digital cameras.

  By the way, in an apparatus using an optical system such as a display apparatus or a camera, the position of an object such as a subject or an observer is often important for obtaining a desired effect. This is because the optimum optical path to be formed between the device and the object of the device depends on the relative position of the object with respect to the device. Therefore, a technique has been developed in which the relative position of the object is measured and the optical path is adjusted based on the relative position of the object so that a good effect can be obtained even if the position of the object changes.

  For example, a so-called autofocus mechanism is known in which a camera measures the distance to a subject and adjusts the focus according to the distance (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Also, a technique for measuring the position of an observer in a stereoscopic image display device and adjusting an optical system so as to enable optimal stereoscopic viewing at the position is disclosed (Patent Documents 3 and 4).
JP 2004-294325 A (released on October 21, 2004) JP 2006-105604 A (published April 20, 2006) JP-A-10-142572 (published May 29, 1998) JP 2002-305759 A (published on October 18, 2002)

  However, the technology for optimizing the optical path based on the position of the object as described above requires precise control of the optical system. Therefore, when the above technique is applied to a display device, an increase in the size of the control circuit, an increase in power consumption, and an increase in the cost of the entire device are inevitable. This is a particular problem in small and medium-sized display devices for which thinning, lightening, area saving, low power consumption, and cost reduction are strongly desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and displays an image so that an observer can observe well even if the viewing distance changes without requiring a complicated mechanism and an increase in power consumption. Another object is to provide a display device that can be used.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a first display device according to the present invention displays a stereoscopic image as a first operation mode, and displays a planar image as a second operation mode, and the display unit. A visual distance measuring means for measuring a distance to the observer; and an operation mode selecting means for selecting an operation mode in the display means based on the distance measured by the visual distance measuring means. It is a feature.

  According to said structure, a 1st display apparatus measures the distance (viewing distance) between the said display means and an observer. Then, based on the viewing distance, an operation mode in the display means is selected.

  Here, in a general stereoscopic image display device, an observer cannot observe a stereoscopic image satisfactorily depending on the viewing distance. However, the first display device switches from the first operation mode in which a stereoscopic image is displayed according to the viewing distance to the second operation mode in which a flat display is displayed. As long as it is a flat image, the observer can observe well at any viewing distance. According to the above configuration, the image can be displayed so that the observer can observe well even if the viewing distance changes. Can be displayed.

  Conventionally, as a technique for displaying an image so that an observer can observe well even if the viewing distance changes, the optical path has been precisely adjusted (see Patent Document 3). According to the above configuration, it is only necessary to switch between the stereoscopic display and the flat display without making such adjustment, so that a complicated mechanism is not required and power consumption can be suppressed.

  In the first display device according to the present invention, the operation mode selection means determines whether or not the distance is within a specific distance range, and when the distance is within the distance range, The first operation mode is selected as the operation mode in the means, and when the distance is outside the distance range, the second operation mode is preferably selected as the operation mode in the display means.

  According to the above configuration, the first display device displays a stereoscopic image when the viewing distance is within a specific range, and displays a planar image when the viewing distance is outside the range.

  Accordingly, a stereoscopic image can be displayed when the viewing distance is in a range where the observer can observe a stereoscopic image satisfactorily, and a planar image can be displayed when the viewing distance is outside the range. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to easily display an image so that an observer can observe well even if the viewing distance changes.

  In the first display device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the display means includes a light shielding means, and the light shielding means is capable of changing light transmittance of the whole or a specific portion.

  According to the above configuration, the light shielding unit can switch between a state in which a parallax barrier suitable for stereoscopic display is provided and a state in which light is completely transmitted that is suitable for planar display. It can be suitably used as a component of such display means.

  A first display method according to the present invention is a display method for displaying an image, and includes a visual distance measuring step for measuring a distance between a position where the image should be displayed and an observer, and a visual distance measuring step. Based on the measured distance, an operation mode selection step of selecting an operation mode for displaying the image from a group including a first operation mode for displaying a stereoscopic image and a second operation mode for displaying a planar image. And a display step of displaying an image according to the operation mode selected in the operation mode selection step.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect similar to the 1st display apparatus which concerns on this invention.

  The second display device according to the present invention includes a display means for displaying an image, a visual distance measuring means for measuring a distance between the display means and an observer, and the distance measured by the visual distance measuring means. And a display frequency control means for controlling the display frequency of the image of the display means.

  According to said structure, a 2nd display apparatus measures the distance (viewing distance) between the said display means and an observer. Based on the viewing distance, the display frequency of the image on the display means is controlled.

  Here, in general, flicker (flicker) of an image is more easily perceived by an observer as the viewing distance is shorter. On the other hand, the higher the display frequency, the less likely flicker is detected. Since the second display device according to the present invention changes the display frequency based on the viewing distance, flicker can be suppressed by increasing the display frequency even at a short viewing distance at which flicker is easily detected. Further, at a long viewing distance where flicker is hardly detected, the display frequency can be lowered to reduce power consumption.

  As described above, according to the above configuration, an observer can observe well even if the viewing distance changes without requiring a complicated mechanism such as adjustment of the optical path and an increase in power consumption. An image can be displayed.

  In the second display device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the display frequency control means controls the display frequency so as to increase continuously or stepwise as the distance becomes longer.

  According to the above configuration, the second display device suppresses flicker by increasing the display frequency at a short viewing distance at which flicker is easily detected, and reduces the display frequency at a long viewing distance at which flicker is difficult to be detected. Lower power consumption can be achieved. Therefore, power consumption can be easily suppressed, and an image can be displayed so that an observer can observe well even if the viewing distance changes.

  A second display method according to the present invention is a display method for displaying an image, in a visual distance measuring step for measuring a distance between a position where the image is to be displayed and an observer, and a visual distance measuring step. A display frequency specifying step for specifying the display frequency of the image based on the measured distance and a display step for displaying an image at the display frequency specified in the display frequency specifying step are included.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect similar to the 2nd display apparatus which concerns on this invention.

  The third display device according to the present invention displays an image as the first operation mode and enlarges and displays a specific portion of the image as the second operation mode; and the display means and the observer A visual distance measuring means for measuring the distance between the display means and an operation mode selecting means for selecting an operation mode in the display means based on the distance measured by the visual distance measuring means.

  According to said structure, a 3rd display apparatus measures the distance (viewing distance) between the said display means and an observer. Then, based on the viewing distance, an operation mode in the display means is selected.

  Here, according to the inventors' original idea, when the observer wants to observe the image displayed on the display device in more detail, the observer approaches the display device and shortens the viewing distance. In other words, when the viewing distance is shortened, it can be considered that the observer has a request to observe the image in more detail. The third display device can present an image so as to suitably satisfy the request of the observer by enlarging the image according to a change in viewing distance.

  As described above, according to the above configuration, an observer can observe well according to a change in viewing distance without requiring a complicated mechanism such as adjustment of an optical path and an increase in power consumption. An image can be displayed.

  In the third display device according to the present invention, the operation mode selection means compares the distance with a specific threshold value, and when the distance is longer than the threshold value, the operation mode selection means is the first operation mode in the display means. When the operation mode is selected and the distance is shorter than the threshold value, it is preferable to select the second operation mode as the operation mode in the display means.

  According to said structure, a 3rd display apparatus displays an image as it is, when a visual distance is longer than a specific threshold value, and when a visual distance is shorter than this threshold value, it expands and displays an image.

  Therefore, in order to observe the image in more detail, when the observer approaches the third display device exceeding the above threshold, the image is enlarged and displayed, so that the observer can easily and easily observe the image. Images can be displayed as possible.

  In the third display device according to the present invention, when the distance is shorter than the threshold, the operation mode selection means further increases the continuous or stepwise as the distance becomes shorter. It is preferable to control the magnification of the image.

  According to the above configuration, when the observer approaches the third display device in order to observe the image in more detail, the image can be further enlarged and displayed, thereby further satisfying the request of the observer. Thus, an image can be displayed.

  In the third display device according to the present invention, the specific portion of the image is preferably a central portion of the image.

  According to the above configuration, when the third display device displays an enlarged image, the third display device displays the enlarged central portion of the image. In general display devices, an image that an observer should pay attention to in the center is often displayed. Therefore, by enlarging and displaying the center, the image is displayed so that the viewer's request can be further satisfied. Can be displayed.

  A third display method according to the present invention is a display method for displaying an image, and includes a visual distance measuring step for measuring a distance between a position where the image should be displayed and an observer, and a visual distance measuring step. Based on the measured distance, an operation mode for displaying the image is selected from a group including a first operation mode for displaying an image and a second operation mode for displaying an enlarged specific portion of the image. And an operation mode selection step for displaying an image according to the operation mode selected in the operation mode selection step.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect similar to the 3rd display apparatus which concerns on this invention.

  As described above, the display device according to the present invention selects elements other than the optical path, for example, whether to display a stereoscopic image or a planar image, the display frequency of the image, or the image according to the viewing distance. Therefore, even if the viewing distance changes, the image can be observed well without requiring the precise control of the optical system and the increase in power consumption. Can be displayed.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a display device 100 (first display device) according to an embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 100 includes a viewing distance measuring unit (viewing distance measuring unit) 110, a distance determining unit 111, a driving condition changing unit 112, a display control unit 113, a memory 114, a light shielding unit 115, and a display unit. 116 is provided. In addition, the distance determination unit 111 and the drive condition change unit 112 constitute an operation mode selection unit 102, and the display control unit 113, the light shielding unit 115, and the display unit 116 constitute a display unit 103.

  The display device 100 measures the distance (viewing distance) between the display unit 103 and the observer. Then, based on the viewing distance, an operation mode in the display unit 103 is selected.

(Example of operation)
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the display device 100 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the display device 100 will be described in detail.

  First, the viewing distance measuring unit 110 measures the distance (viewing distance) between the observer and the display unit 103 (step S100). The viewing distance measurement unit 110 inputs the measured viewing distance to the distance determination unit 111.

  The distance determination unit 111 determines whether or not the viewing distance is within a range suitable for stereoscopic viewing. The range suitable for stereoscopic viewing can vary depending on the scale, quality, application, etc. of the display device to be applied, but those skilled in the art will easily understand the range based on the design of the device. For example, when applied to a display device of a mobile phone, the distance can be, for example, 30 cm or more and less than 50 cm. In this case, first, it is determined whether the viewing distance is 30 cm or more (step S101). If the viewing distance is 30 cm or more, it is further determined whether the viewing distance is less than 50 cm (step S102). From the above, it can be determined whether or not the viewing distance is within a range of 30 cm or more and less than 50 cm. The distance determination unit 111 inputs the determination result to the drive condition change unit 112. The input can be performed by, for example, digital 1-bit data.

  The driving condition changing unit 112 switches the operation mode of the display unit 103 to an operation mode (first operation mode) for performing stereoscopic display when the viewing distance is within a range suitable for stereoscopic viewing. When the viewing distance is out of the above range, the operation mode of the display unit 103 is switched to an operation mode (second operation mode) for performing planar display. If the operation mode of the display means 103 is already an operation mode to be switched, nothing needs to be done.

  Specifically, the switching of the operation mode can be performed by the drive condition changing unit 112 sending a signal designating the drive condition to the display control unit 113. For example, when the viewing distance is within a range suitable for stereoscopic viewing, the driving condition changing unit 112 sends a signal that should be a parallax barrier to the light shielding unit and a signal that should be a stereoscopic display to the display control unit 113. Send (step S103). In addition, when the viewing distance is out of the above range, the drive condition changing unit 112 sends a signal that the light shielding unit should be fully transmissive and a signal that should be a flat display to the display control unit 113 (step S104). ).

  The display control unit 113 controls the light shielding unit 115 and the display unit 116 under the designated driving condition (step S105). The display control unit 113 sends a light shielding unit control signal to the light shielding unit 115 to make the light shielding unit 115 a parallax barrier or total transmission. Also, the image data for plane display (2D data) or the image data for 3D display (3D data) is called from the memory 114 and sent to the display unit 116.

  Next, the timing of the above-described operation will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing operation timing of the display device 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the display device 100 operates in accordance with a vertical synchronization signal (V-Sync) in the display unit 116. For example, first, in the effective image period, the viewing distance measurement unit 110 measures the viewing distance, and the distance determination unit 111 determines the viewing distance. Next, in the invalid image period, the drive condition changing unit 112 sends a signal designating the drive condition to the display control unit 113 to change the drive condition. The display control unit 113 displays an image with the changed driving condition in the next effective image period. Note that the operation timing is not limited to this, and is not particularly limited as long as the measurement and determination of the viewing distance and the change of the driving condition are performed before the next effective image period.

(Advantages of this embodiment)
In conventional stereoscopic display using the parallax barrier method, the distance that an observer can recognize as a stereoscopic image is limited due to its structure. That is, even if it is near or far from the optimal viewing distance (for example, 30 cm or more and less than 50 cm), it cannot be recognized as a stereoscopic image, and the image viewed by the observer is broken and cannot be formed as a display.

  When the display device 100 according to the present embodiment is outside the optimum viewing distance, the light shielding unit 115 is totally transmitted, and planar image data is sent to the display unit 116 to perform planar display. Thus, unlike the apparatus described in Patent Document 3, there is no demerit such as an increase in circuit scale, complexity of processing, and increase in power consumption, and stereoscopic image display capable of good display at all distances. An apparatus can be realized.

(Details and modifications of each part)
Next, details of each part and modifications will be described.

  A known distance measuring technique may be applied to the mechanism by which the viewing distance measuring unit 110 measures the viewing distance. As the distance measuring technique, for example, a sound wave, a light beam, or the like is transmitted toward an object (observer 1003), and the sound wave reflected from the object or the attenuation of light is measured. A technique for calculating the distance (see Patent Documents 1 and 2), a technique for measuring the distance by trigonometry using two sensors (see Patent Document 3), and the like.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case where the technique using the trigonometry is used. In one embodiment, the visual distance measuring unit 110 includes a base material 1000 and sensors 1001 and 1002. Two sensors 1001 and 1002 provided on the substrate 1000 measure in which direction the observer 1003 exists from each of the sensors 1001 and 1002. The viewing distance measurement unit 110 applies a known trigonometry to each measured angle and the distance between the sensors 1001 and 1002 to calculate the distance between the substrate 1000 and the observer 1003.

  The distance determining unit 111 and the driving condition changing unit 112 can be configured as a single unit. In this case, the drive control signal may be used internally, but without using the drive control signal, a signal for designating the light shielding part drive condition and the display method is generated directly from the comparison between the threshold value and the input viewing distance. Also good.

  The display means 103 at least displays the image data stored in the memory 114 in a three-dimensional display (first operation mode) or a flat display (second operation mode). In the present embodiment, stereoscopic display is performed by a parallax barrier method, but is not limited to this, and a known stereoscopic display method can be applied as appropriate.

  The display means 103 informs the user that the operation mode (third operation mode) in which no image is displayed between the display in the first operation mode and the display in the second operation mode and the operation mode is switched. You may display by operation modes, such as the operation mode (4th operation mode) which displays. That is, when the operation mode selection unit 102 selects the first operation mode as the operation mode of the display unit 103, for example, after selecting the third operation mode or the fourth operation mode once, the operation mode selection unit 102 selects the first operation mode again. May be.

  The 2D data and 3D data stored in the memory 114 may be stored in a compressed form. Note that the 3D data is image data to be used for displaying a stereoscopic image. Specifically, for example, the 3D data may be any image that includes data of images to be viewed by the left and right eyes, respectively. The images need only be appropriately processed according to the stereoscopic display format. The memory 114 stores modeling data for forming a 3D image, and the display control unit 113 generates and displays image data to be viewed by the left and right eyes based on the modeling data. You may send to the part 116.

  The light shielding unit 115 is provided on the front surface of the display unit 116, forms a parallax barrier in the first operation mode, and transmits light in the second operation mode. That is, the light shielding unit 115 is a member that can be switched between a state in which a parallax barrier is formed and a state in which light can be transmitted. Specifically, as such a member, for example, a member such as a liquid crystal panel in which a device capable of electrically switching between light shielding and transmission is formed in a stripe shape can be suitably used.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a display device 200 (second display device) according to one embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the display device 200 includes a visual distance measurement unit (visual distance measurement means) 210, a distance determination unit 211, a drive condition change unit 212, a display control unit 213, a memory 214, and a display unit 215. Yes. The distance determination unit 211 and the drive condition changing unit 212 constitute a display frequency control unit 202, and the display control unit 213 and the display unit 215 constitute a display unit 203.

  The display device 200 measures the distance (viewing distance) between the display unit 203 and the observer. Then, based on the viewing distance, the display frequency of the image on the display unit 203 is changed.

(Example of operation)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the display device 200 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the display device 200 will be described in detail.

  First, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the viewing distance measurement unit 210 measures the viewing distance (step S200), and inputs the viewing distance to the distance determination unit 211.

  The distance determination unit 211 determines which of several predetermined distance ranges includes the viewing distance. The distance range may be anything, but it is preferable to divide the possible range of viewing distance when actually used. For example, in the case of a mobile phone, three distance ranges of 0 to less than 30 cm (condition 1), 30 cm to less than 50 cm (condition 2), and 50 cm or more (condition 3) can be used. In this case, first, it is determined whether the viewing distance is 30 cm or more (step S201). If the viewing distance is less than 30 cm, condition 1 is set. When the viewing distance is 30 cm or more, it is further determined whether the viewing distance is less than 50 cm (step S202). When the viewing distance is less than 50 cm, the condition 2 is set and the viewing distance is 50 cm or more. Condition 3 is assumed. As described above, it is possible to determine in which distance range the viewing distance is included. The distance determination unit 211 inputs the determination result to the drive condition change unit 212. The input can be performed by, for example, digital 2-bit data.

  The drive condition changing unit 212 changes the display frequency of the image on the display unit 203 to a frequency corresponding to each distance range including the viewing distance. If the display frequency of the image on the display unit 203 is already a frequency to be changed, nothing need be done.

  The frequency corresponding to each distance range may be determined in consideration of the display quality of the display device to be used, the power reduction effect, and the like. For example, in the case of a mobile phone, the frequency that normally drives the LCD is 60 Hz. Can be set. In the case of the distance range described in the above conditions 1 to 3, for example, the display frequency corresponding to condition 1 can be 60 Hz, the display frequency corresponding to condition 2 can be 50 Hz, and the display frequency corresponding to condition 3 can be 40 Hz. .

  Specifically, the display frequency can be changed by the drive condition changing unit 212 sending a signal specifying the drive condition to the display control unit 213. For example, the drive condition changing unit 212 sends a signal designating the frame interval to be thinned out to the display control unit 213. When the display unit 215 has a basic display frequency of 60 Hz, the signal that the frame is not thinned out in the condition 1 (step S203), the signal that the frame is thinned out every 6 frames (the step S204), and the condition 3 Then, a signal (step S205) for thinning out one frame per three frames is sent.

  The display control unit 213 controls the display unit 215 under the designated driving condition (step S206). The display control unit 213 calls the image data to be displayed from the memory 214, thins out the frames as described above, and displays the thinned image data to the display unit 215 at the timing of displaying the thinned frames. Do not send or turn off the display on the display unit 215 at this timing.

  Note that the timing of the above-described operation is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

(Advantages of this embodiment)
In a display device using liquid crystal, it is necessary to perform AC driving. When the frequency of the AC drive is high, the power consumption is increased, and when the frequency is low, the observer can easily recognize flicker. In addition, the ease of recognizing flicker is improved as the viewing distance is shorter. Here, by switching the driving frequency according to the viewing distance, power consumption can be reduced without impairing display quality.

(Details and modifications of each part)
Next, details of each part and modifications will be described. The viewing distance measurement unit 210 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In the above, the display frequency control unit 202 (distance determination unit 211 and drive condition change unit 212) determines the display frequency to be changed based on which distance range the viewing distance is included in. I can't. For example, the display frequency may be obtained by an expression using the viewing distance as a parameter. For example, a linear expression or the like can be used as the above expression.

  In the above description, the display frequency of the display unit 215 is changed by thinning out the frame. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if image data having temporal scalability (for example, data used for scalable video stipulated in MPEG4) is stored in the memory 214, display frequency can be obtained by performing processing according to the scalability standard. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that can be easily changed.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a display device 300 (third display device) according to one embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the display device 300 includes a visual distance measuring unit (visual distance measuring unit) 310, a distance determining unit 311, a driving condition changing unit 312, a display control unit 313, a memory 314, and a display unit 315. Yes. The distance determination unit 311 and the drive condition change unit 312 constitute a display frequency control unit 302, and the display control unit 313 and the display unit 315 constitute a display unit 303.

  The display device 300 measures the distance (viewing distance) between the display unit 303 and the observer. Based on the viewing distance, an operation mode in the display unit 303 is selected.

(Example of operation)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the display device 300 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the display device 300 will be described in detail.

  First, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the viewing distance measurement unit 310 measures the viewing distance (step S300), and inputs the viewing distance to the distance determination unit 311.

  The distance determination unit 311 determines whether or not the viewing distance is within a range in which an image should be enlarged and displayed. In addition, when the viewing distance is within a range in which an image should be enlarged and displayed, in one embodiment, the distance determination unit 311 further includes any one of several predetermined distance ranges. Determine whether it is included. The distance range may be anything, but it is preferable to divide the possible range of viewing distance when actually used.

  For example, in the case of a mobile phone, a range from 0 to less than 50 cm can be set as a range in which an image is to be enlarged. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the viewing distance is included in the range by comparing the viewing distance and the threshold with 50 cm as a threshold.

  Further, for example, the above range can be further divided at 30 cm as a boundary. Therefore, in this case, the distance determination unit 311 determines whether the viewing distance is included in any of the following distance ranges: 0 or more and less than 30 cm (condition 1); 30 cm or more and less than 50 cm (condition 2); or , 50 cm or more (Condition 3).

  In the above case, first, it is determined whether or not the viewing distance is 30 cm or more (step S301). If the viewing distance is less than 30 cm, condition 1 is set. If the viewing distance is 30 cm or more, it is further determined whether or not the viewing distance is less than 50 cm (step S302). If the viewing distance is less than 50 cm, the condition 2 is set and the viewing distance is 50 cm or more. If so, condition 3 is assumed. As described above, it is possible to determine in which distance range the viewing distance is included. The distance determination unit 311 inputs the determination result to the drive condition change unit 312. The input can be performed by, for example, digital 2-bit data.

  The driving condition changing unit 312 switches the operation mode of the display unit 303 to the operation mode (first operation mode) for displaying the image as it is when the viewing distance is outside the range where the image is enlarged and displayed. When the viewing distance is within the above range, the operation mode of the display unit 303 is switched to an operation mode (second operation mode) in which a specific portion of the image is enlarged and displayed. Note that when the operation mode of the display unit 303 is an operation mode to be switched, nothing needs to be done.

  Specifically, the switching of the operation mode can be performed by the drive condition changing unit 312 sending a signal designating the drive condition to the display control unit 313. For example, when the viewing distance is within the range in which the image is enlarged and displayed, the driving condition changing unit 312 sends a signal designating the range of the specific portion to the display control unit (step S303 or step S304). Here, when the range in which the viewing distance is displayed by enlarging the image is further divided, a signal for designating the range of the specific portion corresponding to each distance range is sent.

  The range of the specific part depends on the characteristics of the data to be displayed (whether detailed observation is particularly necessary) and the target observer (whether the elderly person is the main target) You only have to set it. For example, when it is used for a display device of a general mobile phone, it is not limited to this. However, if the condition is 1, the center portion is enlarged by 150%, so that it is below the position of 1/6 from the top. To a 1/6 position, and a range surrounded by a 1/6 position from the right to a 1/6 position from the left. Similarly, if condition 2 is satisfied, the range can be set to enlarge the central portion by 125%.

  On the other hand, when the viewing distance is outside the range where the image should be enlarged and displayed (condition 3), the drive condition changing unit 312 sends a signal designating the entire range of the image to the display control unit (step S308). .

  The display control unit 313 controls the display unit 315 under the designated driving condition (step S306). The display control unit 313 calls the image data to be displayed from the memory 314, extracts the specified range, enlarges the range (complement processing), and sends the range to the display unit 315. Note that the above-described range expansion processing (complement processing) may be performed using a well-known and commonly used image processing technique.

  Note that the timing of the above-described operation is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

(Advantages of this embodiment)
When a map, characters, etc. are displayed on the display, if you want to pay close attention to the details, take actions such as enlarging the screen or bringing your face closer to the display. From this action, when the viewing distance is short, it is determined that the information to be watched is displayed, and the enlarged display is performed. As a result, a display that can easily acquire information required by the observer can be realized.

(Details and modifications of each part)
Next, details of each part and modifications will be described. The viewing distance measurement unit 310 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In the above description, when specifying the driving condition, it is specified according to the range to be enlarged, but is not limited thereto. For example, an enlargement ratio may be specified. The display control unit 313 specifies a range to be enlarged based on the designated enlargement rate, and performs an enlargement (complementation) process in the same manner as described above.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the display unit 303 sets an operation mode (third operation mode) and an operation mode in which no image is displayed between the display in the first operation mode and the display in the second operation mode. You may display by operation modes, such as the operation mode (4th operation mode) which displays the message which notifies a user to switch. That is, when the operation mode selection unit 302 selects the first operation mode as the operation mode of the display unit 303, for example, after selecting the third operation mode or the fourth operation mode once, the operation mode selection unit 302 selects the first operation mode again. May be.

  Moreover, although the case where the center part was expanded was described above, it is not restricted to this, You may expand the arbitrary positions of an image. However, in general, in the display device, it is preferable to enlarge the central portion in order to present information to which the observer pays attention in the central portion.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Moreover, all the academic literatures and patent literatures described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference.

  The display device according to the present invention can be used as a single display device or a display device in a form incorporated in another device.

It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment (1st Embodiment) of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment (1st Embodiment) of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the timing of the operation | movement in one Embodiment of the display apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment (2nd Embodiment) of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment (2nd Embodiment) of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment (3rd Embodiment) of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment (3rd Embodiment) of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline of the visual distance measurement part in one Embodiment of the display apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100, 200, 300 Display device 102, 302 Operation mode selection means 202 Display frequency control means 103, 203, 303 Display means 110, 210, 310 Viewing distance measuring unit (viewing distance measuring means)
111, 211, 311 Distance determination unit 112, 212, 312 Drive condition change unit 113, 213, 313 Display control unit 114, 214, 314 Memory 115 Light shielding unit (light shielding unit)
116, 215, 315 Display unit S100 to S306 Step 1000 Base material 1001, 1002 Sensor 1003 Observer

Claims (12)

Display means for displaying a stereoscopic image as a first operation mode and displaying a planar image as a second operation mode;
Visual distance measuring means for measuring the distance between the display means and the observer;
An operation mode selection means for selecting an operation mode in the display means based on the distance measured by the visual distance measurement means;
A display device comprising:   The operation mode selection means determines whether or not the distance is within a specific distance range, and when the distance is within the distance range, selects the first operation mode as the operation mode of the display means. 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein when the distance is outside the distance range, the second operation mode is selected as the operation mode of the display means. The display means includes a light shielding means,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding unit is capable of changing light transmittance of the whole or a specific part. A display method for displaying an image,
A visual distance measuring step of measuring a distance between a position where the image is to be displayed and an observer;
Based on the distance measured in the visual distance measurement step, an operation mode for displaying the image is selected from a group including a first operation mode for displaying a stereoscopic image and a second operation mode for displaying a planar image. An operation mode selection step to perform,
A display step of displaying an image according to the operation mode selected in the operation mode selection step;
A display method comprising: Display means for displaying an image;
Visual distance measuring means for measuring the distance between the display means and the observer;
Display frequency control means for controlling the display frequency of the image of the display means based on the distance measured by the visual distance measuring means;
A display device comprising:   The display device according to claim 5, wherein the display frequency control unit controls the display frequency so that the display frequency increases continuously or stepwise as the distance increases. A display method for displaying an image,
A visual distance measuring step of measuring a distance between a position where the image is to be displayed and an observer;
A display frequency specifying step for specifying the display frequency of the image based on the distance measured in the visual distance measuring step;
A display step of displaying an image at the display frequency specified in the display frequency specifying step;
A display method comprising: Display means for displaying an image as the first operation mode and displaying a specific portion of the image in an enlarged manner as the second operation mode;
Visual distance measuring means for measuring the distance between the display means and the observer;
An operation mode selection means for selecting an operation mode in the display means based on the distance measured by the visual distance measurement means;
A display device comprising:   The operation mode selection means compares the distance with a specific threshold value, and when the distance is longer than the threshold value, selects the first operation mode as the operation mode in the display means, and the distance is the threshold value. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the second operation mode is selected as the operation mode in the display means.   When the distance is shorter than the threshold, the operation mode selection unit controls the enlargement ratio so that the enlargement ratio of the image increases continuously or stepwise as the distance becomes shorter. The display device according to claim 9.   The display device according to claim 8, wherein the specific portion of the image is a central portion of the image. A display method for displaying an image,
A visual distance measuring step of measuring a distance between a position where the image is to be displayed and an observer;
Based on the distance measured in the visual distance measuring step, the image is displayed from a group including a first operation mode for displaying an image and a second operation mode for displaying an enlarged specific portion of the image. An operation mode selection step for selecting an operation mode to be performed;
A display step of displaying an image according to the operation mode selected in the operation mode selection step;
A display method comprising:

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