JP2012078730A - Sphere projection display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sphere projection display device which has high versatility.SOLUTION: The sphere projection display device includes: a transmission-type spherical screen 2 whose inner surface configuring a portion of the sphere is used as a projection surface; a light modulation element 5 for converting image data into projection rays of light; and projection optical systems L3 to L5 projecting an image configured of the projection rays of light converted by the light modulation element 5 to an inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2, and having a distortion correcting function for optically compensating the distortion of the image on the inner surface 2a. Thus, it is possible to project the image with no distortion without compensating in advance the image data showing the image to be projected to the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2.

Description

  The present invention relates to a spherical projection display device that projects and displays an image on a transmissive spherical screen.

  Conventionally, for example, in Patent Document 1 below, an image based on image data is projected onto the inner peripheral surface of a translucent ball constituting a transmissive spherical screen, and the projected image is projected to the ball. Describes a spherical projection display device that allows observation from the outside. According to such a spherical projection display device, a two-dimensional image can be displayed three-dimensionally.

JP 2000-207093 A

  However, when an image is projected onto a spherical screen as in the above-described spherical projection display device, the projection surface of the spherical screen is a spherical surface. Therefore, if an arbitrary image is projected as it is, the image is distorted. For this reason, when implementing the above-described technique, it is indispensable to perform a correction process for canceling distortion generated during projection on an image to be projected at the stage of image data.

  Therefore, for example, when the spherical screen is a small one having a diameter of about 10 cm and the spherical projection display device is incorporated as a mere display device in an arbitrary device having a function of outputting image data, the correction of the image data is arbitrary. This must be done on the device side. Therefore, there has been a problem that versatility is lacking when considering the case of incorporating the spherical projection display device into another device.

  The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a spherical projection display device having high versatility.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the spherical projection display device according to the first aspect of the present invention, a transmissive spherical screen using the inner surface constituting a part of the spherical surface as a projection surface, and image data are projected. A distortion correction function for projecting an image of a light modulation element that converts to light and projection light converted by the light modulation element onto the inner surface of the spherical screen and optically compensating for distortion of the image on the inner surface; And a projection optical system.

  In the spherical projection display apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the projection optical system has a spherical surface including the inner surface of the inner surface of the spherical screen that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection optical system. An image is projected onto a region exceeding the hemispherical region on one side when divided.

  Further, in the spherical projection display device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the illuminating means for illuminating the inner surface of the spherical screen during a non-display period in which an image made of projection light is not projected on the inner surface of the spherical screen. It is provided with.

  In the spherical projection display device according to claim 4, the light modulation element is a transmissive type that transmits light from a light source, and the light modulation element is used for an image formed by the projection light. In the non-display period in which projection onto the inner surface of the spherical screen is unnecessary, a moving mechanism for moving to a non-conversion position out of the optical path of light from the light source is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a spherical projection display device having high versatility.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a spherical projection display device showing a first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the distortion correction function which a projection optical system has. It is a figure which shows the detail of a projection optical system. It is a light trace figure of all the optical systems in a spherical projection display. It is explanatory drawing which showed the difference in the appearance of the image displayed on the spherical screen according to the direction of the eyes | visual_axis of an observer. It is a front view of the pachinko game machine which shows the usage example of a spherical projection display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (a) is an external appearance perspective view of a spherical projection display apparatus, (b) is a schematic cross section of a spherical projection display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the operation state of a spherical projection display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, (a) is an external appearance perspective view of a spherical projection display apparatus, (b) is a side view of a spherical projection display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the operation state of a spherical projection display apparatus.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional structure of a spherical projection display device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A spherical projection display device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a spherical screen 2 and a projector unit 3 fixed to the spherical screen 2.

  The spherical screen 2 is a transmissive screen that uses an inner surface 2a constituting a part of a spherical surface as a projection surface. For example, a material for diffusing light is applied to the spherical screen 2 on one or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the light-transmitting member, or a process for diffusing the light is performed. As a result, light diffusibility is secured. The spherical screen 2 may be formed using any material that diffuses light.

  As shown in the figure, the spherical screen 2 has a shape in which an opening 2b is provided in a part of a hollow sphere (a part on the right side in the figure). In the spherical screen 2, for example, an opening 2b is provided on one side of a pair of hemispherical members constituting a hollow sphere, and the joints of both hemispherical members are not visible as much as possible using a transparent adhesive or the like. It is formed by joining.

  On the other hand, the projector unit 3 includes a light source unit 4, a transmissive liquid crystal display element 5, and a projection unit 6. The light source unit 4 includes a point light source 42 housed in a case 41, a first lens L1 and a second lens L2 facing the point light source 42 constituting the light source optical system. The light source optical system including the first lens L1 and the second lens L2 causes the light emitted from the point light source 42 to enter the liquid crystal display element 5 in a state of parallel light or near parallel light.

  An arbitrary light source can be used as the point light source 42, but a high-luminance LED (Light Emitting Diode) is used in view of downsizing, power saving, and durability of the spherical projection display device 1. It is preferable that a white LED having a high luminance or a RGB LED having a high luminance is preferable.

  The liquid crystal display element 5 is driven in accordance with image data (RBG data or the like), and controls the light incident from the second lens L2 by displaying an image represented by the image data, and thereby the image data is displayed. It functions as a light modulation element for converting into projection light.

  As long as the liquid crystal display element 5 converts image data into projection light, the liquid crystal display element 5 can be appropriately changed to a transmissive type, a reflective type (DMD or the like), or another light modulating element of a self-luminous type. As a matter of course, when the reflective light modulation element is used, the configuration of the light source unit 4 needs to be changed, and when the self-luminous light modulation element is used, the light source unit 4 is not necessary. Become.

  Although not shown, the liquid crystal display element 5 is driven based on image data supplied from the outside (another electronic device) by a drive circuit provided integrally or separately with the projector unit 3.

  The projection unit 6 is fitted in an opening 2 b provided in the spherical screen 2, and a case 61 whose one end is located near the center (spherical center including the inner surface 2 a) O of the spherical screen 2, It is comprised by the 3rd lens L3, the 4th lens L4, and the 5th lens L5 which were accommodated and which oppose the liquid crystal display element 5.

  A projection optical system is configured by the third lens L3 to the fifth lens L5. This projection optical system converts light transmitted through the liquid crystal display element 5, that is, projection light converted from image data into the spherical screen 2. The image which is emitted from the vicinity of the center O and is represented by the image data is projected onto the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2.

  Further, the projection optical system including the third lens L3 to the fifth lens L5 has a short focal length, and projects the image onto a region exceeding the hemisphere on the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2.

  That is, the optical axis L of the first lens L1 to the fifth lens L5 passes through the center O of the spherical screen 2. The inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2 has a hemispherical area A (left side in FIG. 1) when a spherical surface including the inner surface 2a is divided by a surface M perpendicular to the optical axis L of the projection optical system, and a hemisphere on the other side. It is composed of an annular region B which is a part of the region (right side in FIG. 1) and continues to the hemispherical region A on one side. A region C (region shown by hatching in FIG. 1) extending from the hemispherical region A on one side to the annular region B is a projection region on which an image is projected on the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2. .

  Further, in the projection optical system, for example, lenses described later are used as the third lens L3 to the fifth lens L5, so that distortion that optically compensates for image distortion on the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2 is used. The correction function is secured.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for convenience showing the distortion correction function secured in the projection optical system. For example, the projection optical system distorts an image displayed based on the image data on the liquid crystal display element 5 as shown in FIG. 2A in a pincushion shape shown in FIG. Projection is performed on the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2 with a slight distortion as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the first lens L1 to the fifth lens L5 described above. The first lens L1 is a plano-convex lens, and the second lens L2 is a Fresnel lens. The third lens L3 is an asymmetric biconvex lens, the fourth lens L4 is a symmetric biconvex lens, and the fifth lens L5 is a meniscus lens having a convex surface in contact with the fourth lens L4.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the specifications of the first lens L1 to the fifth lens L5 shown in FIG. 3A. The curvature radius (Radius) and thickness (Thickness) of both surfaces of the lens are shown. ) And a radius (Semidiameter). In the drawing, the unit of each value is millimeter, and the curvature radius of each lens is the curvature radius of the light incident surface on the upper side and the curvature radius of the light emission surface on the lower side. FIG. 4 is a light trace diagram of the entire optical system in the spherical projection display device 1 when the first lens L1 to the fifth lens L5 have the specifications shown in FIG. 3B.

  In the spherical projection display device 1 having the above configuration, the distortion correction that optically compensates for the distortion of the image on the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2 is added to the projection optical system including the third lens L3 to the fifth lens L5. Since the function is ensured, an image without distortion can be projected without correcting image data representing an image to be projected onto the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2 in advance.

  For this reason, even when a small spherical screen 2 is used and the spherical projection display device 1 is incorporated as a simple display device in an arbitrary device having a function of outputting image data, the image data can be arbitrarily set. There is no need to do this on the device side. Therefore, high versatility can be secured in the spherical projection display device 1.

  In the spherical projection display device 1 of the present embodiment, the image projection area on the spherical screen 2 is an area C (see FIG. 1) that exceeds the hemisphere on the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2. For this reason, when an arbitrary image is displayed on the spherical screen 2, for an observer located on the front side (left side in FIG. 1) where the projector unit 3 is not provided, the direction of the line of sight is that of the projection optical system. Even if it is slightly inclined with respect to the optical axis L, an image can be observed over the entire surface of the spherical screen 2.

  Therefore, in the spherical projection display device 1, it is obvious that a two-dimensional image can be displayed in a three-dimensional manner as in the conventional case. For example, when the displayed image represents an arbitrary object, On the other hand, a more realistic stereoscopic effect can be given.

  A specific example is shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the difference in the appearance of the image according to the direction of the observer's line of sight when a map image representing the globe is displayed on the spherical screen 2.

  That is, FIG. 5A shows the spherical screen 2 observed by the observer when the direction of the line of sight (the direction indicated by the white arrow on the right side of the figure) coincides with the optical axis L of the projection optical system. It is the figure which showed the state. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a state of the spherical screen 2 observed by the observer when the direction of the line of sight is slightly inclined with respect to the optical axis L. FIG. 5C is a diagram showing the state of the spherical screen 2 observed by the observer when the direction of the line of sight is greatly tilted compared to that shown in FIG. The broken lines shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C indicate the boundary between the front hemispherical area and the rear hemispherical area on the surface of the spherical screen 2 for convenience. In FIG. 5C, a region D indicated by shading on the spherical screen 2 is a non-display region where no image is displayed.

  In addition, although it does not specifically limit about the apparatus which incorporates the spherical projection display apparatus 1 as a display device, If the spherical projection display apparatus 1 is integrated in amusement apparatuses, such as a pachinko game machine, for example, the entertainment property in an amusement apparatus can be improved. .

  FIG. 6 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine showing an example in which the spherical projection display device 1 is incorporated into the pachinko gaming machine. The pachinko gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 6 is one in which a display unit 101 composed of a liquid crystal display or the like for variably displaying symbols is arranged in a game area where a game ball is shot. In this type of pachinko gaming machine 100, the spherical projection display device 1 can be arranged above the display unit 101 as shown in the figure, and can be incorporated with the spherical screen 2 projecting from the equipment surface in the gaming area. .

  The spherical screen 2 may be incorporated with the entire surface exposed on the equipment surface in the game area, or may be incorporated with the portion corresponding to the projection area C of the inner surface 2a exposed. Also good. Further, for example, an image (a character's face or the like) may be displayed on the spherical screen 2 in conjunction with a symbol display operation in the display unit 101, or an image may be displayed independently of the display unit 101. .

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing the spherical projection display device 21 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7A is an external perspective view, and FIG. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG.

  The spherical projection display device 21 of the present embodiment has the following configuration, which is different from the spherical projection display device 1 described in the first embodiment.

  That is, in the spherical projection display device 21 of the present embodiment, the spherical screen 2 is formed in a hemispherical shape, and the projector unit 3 is configured so that one end of the projection unit 6 is positioned near the center O of the spherical screen 2. The relative positional relationship with the spherical screen 2 is maintained by an arbitrary configuration not shown.

  In addition, a donut-shaped plate-like support 22 is fixed to the periphery of the case 61 constituting the projection unit 6 in an externally fitted state. A plurality of auxiliary light sources 23 that illuminate the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2 are fixed in the circumferential direction on the surface of the support 22 facing the spherical screen 2 during a non-display period when no image is projected on the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2. Arranged at intervals.

  Any desired light quantity can be used as the plurality of auxiliary light sources 23. Like the point light source 42, the spherical projection display device 21 can be reduced in size, power consumption, and durability. When considered, it is preferable to use an LED, and a high-intensity white LED or high-intensity RGB-LED is preferable.

  The projector unit 3 includes a control circuit that includes a drive circuit that drives the liquid crystal display element 5 based on image data supplied from the outside (another electronic device), and a switch circuit that turns on or off the liquid crystal display element 5. 24 is provided.

  The switch circuit turns off the auxiliary light sources 23 and drives the liquid crystal display element 5 during the period in which the liquid crystal display element 5 is driven, that is, in the display period in which an image is projected on the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2. The plurality of auxiliary light sources 23 are turned on during a non-display period during which no image is projected on the inner surface 2 a of the spherical screen 2. In the present embodiment, the plurality of auxiliary light sources 23 function as the illumination means of the present invention by being turned on or off by the drive circuit.

  Since the configuration of the spherical projection display device 21 other than that described above is the same as that of the spherical projection display device 1 of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals in FIG. 7 denote the same parts as those of the first embodiment. The description is omitted by attaching.

  In the spherical projection display device 21 configured as described above, a plurality of auxiliary light sources 23 are turned on as shown in FIG. 8A during a non-display period when no image is displayed on the spherical screen 2. Thus, the spherical screen 2 is illuminated from the inside. Further, during the display period in which an image is displayed on the spherical screen 2, the plurality of auxiliary light sources 23 are turned off as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the following effects are obtained when the spherical projection display device 21 is incorporated in an amusement device such as a pachinko gaming machine as described in the first embodiment. be able to. That is, by illuminating the spherical screen 2 from the inside during a non-display period in which no image is displayed on the spherical screen 2, it is possible to prevent the player from giving an impression that the device is out of order.

  In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine, for example, the spherical screen 2 is illuminated from the inside during a non-display period when the image is not displayed on the spherical screen 2, and the image is displayed on the spherical screen 2 when reaching and hitting. It can be used as a display period.

  Further, for example, when the spherical screen 2 is illuminated from the inside by light emitted from the light source unit 4 without displaying any image on the liquid crystal display element 5 during a non-display period in which no image is displayed on the spherical screen 2. In comparison, the following points are advantageous.

  That is, since the spherical screen 2 is directly illuminated by the plurality of auxiliary light sources 23, the brightness required for the spherical screen 2 can be ensured while suppressing power consumption. At the same time, it is possible to extend the life of the point light source 42 by reducing the lighting time of the point light source 42. Moreover, the cooling means for cooling the light source part 4 etc. which are needed with the prolonged lighting time of the point light source 42 can be made unnecessary.

  Further, when the transmissive liquid crystal display element 5 is used as the light modulation element as in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display element 5 is deteriorated as the lighting time of the point light source 42 is prolonged, specifically, the liquid crystal display. It is possible to prevent deterioration of the polarizing plate constituting the element 5 due to heat with time.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which all of the plurality of auxiliary light sources 23 are simply turned on during the non-display period in which no image is displayed on the spherical screen 2 has been described. However, the specific lighting mode when lighting the plurality of auxiliary light sources 23 can be changed as appropriate. For example, when turning on the plurality of auxiliary light sources 23, all of the plurality of auxiliary light sources 23 may be flashed all at once with a fixed period, or may be turned on in order in a predetermined order. Further, the lighting colors of the plurality of auxiliary light sources 23 are arbitrary, and the lighting colors may be a plurality of colors. Further, the plurality of auxiliary light sources 23 may be changed to a single auxiliary light source.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing the spherical projection display device 31 according to the present embodiment, in which FIG. 9A is an external perspective view, and FIG. 9B is a side view.

  The spherical projection display device 31 of this embodiment has the following configuration that is different from the spherical projection display device 1 described in the first embodiment.

  That is, in the spherical projection display device 31 of the present embodiment, the spherical screen 2 is formed in a hemispherical shape as in the second embodiment, and the projector unit 3 has one end of the projection unit 6 at the center O of the spherical screen 2. The relative positional relationship with the spherical screen 2 is maintained by an arbitrary configuration (not shown) so as to be positioned in the vicinity of.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display element 5 is in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L (common to the light source optical system and the projection optical system described above) via the slider 32 provided in the projector unit 3 ( It is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction in FIG. More specifically, the slider 32 has a fixed part 32a fixed to the projector part 3 and a movable part 32b slidably supported by the fixed part 32a. It is fixed to the movable part 32b.

  Further, the projector unit 3 is provided with a drive motor 35 that slides the movable portion 32b of the slider 32 via the rack 33 and the pinion 34. In the liquid crystal display element 5, the drive motor 35 rotates forward or backward. As a result, it is moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L (see FIG. 1). In the present embodiment, the moving mechanism of the present invention is realized by the slider 32, the rack 33 and the pinion 34, and the drive motor 35 described above.

  The projector unit 3 controls the drive circuit for driving the liquid crystal display element 5 based on the image data supplied from the outside (another electronic device) and the operation of the drive motor 35 depending on whether or not the image data is supplied. A control unit 36 including a control circuit is provided.

  Since the configuration of the spherical projection display device 31 other than that described above is the same as that of the spherical projection display device 1 of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals in FIG. 9 denote the same parts as those of the first embodiment. The description is omitted by attaching.

  In the spherical projection display device 21 configured as described above, the control circuit in the control unit 36 rotates the drive motor 35 by a predetermined amount in one direction to supply image data. During the display period in which an image is to be projected onto the inner surface 2a, the liquid crystal display element 5 is controlled to the projection position shown in FIG. 10B for converting the image data into projection light. In addition, when the control circuit rotates the drive motor 35 in the other direction by a predetermined amount, no image data is supplied, and in a non-display period in which projection of the image onto the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2 is unnecessary. The liquid crystal display element 5 is controlled to the non-conversion position as shown in FIG. 10A deviated from the optical path of the light from the point light source 42.

  Here, when the liquid crystal display element 5 is controlled to the non-conversion position, the light of the point light source 42 reaches the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2 via the light source optical system and the projection optical system, whereby the spherical screen 2 is Illuminated from the inside.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, when the spherical projection display device 21 is incorporated in an amusement device such as a pachinko gaming machine, The effect of can be obtained. That is, during a non-display period in which no image is displayed on the spherical screen 2, the point screen 42 illuminates the spherical screen 2 from the inside to give the player the impression that the device is out of order. Can be prevented.

  In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine, for example, the spherical screen 2 is illuminated from the inside during a non-display period when the image is not displayed on the spherical screen 2, and the image is displayed on the spherical screen 2 when reaching and hitting. It can be used as a display period.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the image data is not supplied, and the liquid crystal display element 5 is moved to the non-conversion position during the non-display period in which the projection of the image onto the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2 is unnecessary. Deterioration of the liquid crystal display element 5, specifically, deterioration over time due to heat of a polarizing plate or the like constituting the liquid crystal display element 5 can be prevented in advance.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the slider 32, the rack 33 and the pinion 34, the rack 33 and the pinion 34, and the drive motor 35 realize the moving mechanism of the present invention. However, in carrying out the present invention, if the liquid crystal display element 5 (light modulation element) can be moved to the non-conversion position described above during a non-display period in which projection of an image onto the inner surface 2a of the spherical screen 2 is unnecessary, the movement Any structure can be adopted for the mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Spherical projection display apparatus 2 Spherical screen 2a Inner surface 3 Projector part 4 Light source part 5 Liquid crystal display element 6 Projection part 21 Spherical projection display apparatus 22 Support body 23 Auxiliary light source 31 Spherical projection display apparatus 32 Slider 33 Rack 34 Pinion 35 Drive motor 42 Point Light source A Hemispherical region B Annular region C Projection region L Optical axis L1 to L5 First lens to fifth lens

Claims (4)

A transmissive spherical screen in which an inner surface constituting a part of a spherical surface is used as a projection surface;
A light modulation element for converting image data into projection light;
A projection optical system having a distortion correction function for projecting an image of projection light converted by the light modulation element onto the inner surface of the spherical screen and optically compensating for distortion of the image on the inner surface;
A spherical projection display device comprising:   The projection optical system projects an image on an inner surface of the spherical screen, and projects an image onto a region exceeding a hemispherical region on one side when a spherical surface including the inner surface is divided by a surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection optical system. The spherical projection display device according to claim 1, wherein:   3. The spherical projection display device according to claim 1, further comprising an illuminating unit that illuminates the inner surface of the spherical screen during a non-display period in which an image composed of projection light is not projected on the inner surface of the spherical screen. . The light modulation element is a transmission type through which light from a light source is transmitted,
A moving mechanism that moves the light modulation element to a non-conversion position that is out of the optical path of the light from the light source during a non-display period in which projection of the image of the projection light onto the inner surface of the spherical screen is unnecessary. 3. The spherical projection display device according to claim 2, wherein

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