JP2013055664A - Video processing apparatus and video processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video processing apparatus capable of properly displaying a stereoscopic video in accordance with a position of a viewer, and further to provide a video processing method.SOLUTION: According to one embodiment, there is provided a video processing apparatus comprising: a viewer position detector; and a viewable region controller. The viewer position detector detects a position of a viewer using a captured video. In a case where the viewer position detector can detect the position of the viewer, the viewable region controller sets a viewable region in which a plurality of parallax images displayed on a display can be stereoscopically viewed in accordance with the detected position. In a case where the viewer position detector cannot detect the position of the viewer, the viewable region controller sets the viewable region on the basis of a predetermined setting.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a video processing apparatus and a video processing method.

In recent years, stereoscopic image display devices (so-called naked-eye 3D televisions) that allow viewers to view stereoscopic images with the naked eye without using special glasses have become widespread. This stereoscopic video display device displays a plurality of images with different viewpoints. The light rays of these images are guided to the viewer's eyes by controlling the output direction by, for example, a parallax barrier or a lenticular lens.
If the viewer's position is appropriate, the viewer sees different parallax images for the left eye and the right eye, and thus can recognize the image in three dimensions.

  However, with a naked-eye 3D television, there is a problem that an image cannot be seen stereoscopically depending on the position of the viewer.

JP-A-11-164329

  Provided are a video processing device and a video processing method capable of appropriately displaying a stereoscopic video in accordance with the position of a viewer.

  According to the embodiment, a video processing apparatus including a viewer position detection unit and a viewing zone control unit is provided. The viewer position detection unit detects the position of the viewer using the captured video. When the viewer position detection unit can detect the viewer's position, the viewing zone control unit stereoscopically views a plurality of parallax images displayed on the display unit according to the detected position. When the viewer can detect the position of the viewer, the viewing zone is set based on a predetermined setting.

1 is an external view of a video display device 100 having a viewing zone control function. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video display device 100. FIG. The figure which looked at a part of liquid crystal panel 1 and the lenticular lens 2 from upper direction. The figure which shows an example of the method of calculating viewing zone information. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a remote controller 20 that transmits a signal to the video display device 100. The figure which shows an example of OSD for setting a viewing zone control mode. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation of the controller 10 of the video display apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation of the controller 10 of the video display apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing operation of the controller 10 of the video display apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the video display apparatus 100a which concerns on 4th Embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the processing operation of the controller 10a of the video display apparatus 100a which concerns on 4th Embodiment. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the video display apparatus 100b which concerns on 5th Embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the processing operation of the controller 10b of the video display apparatus 100b which concerns on 5th Embodiment. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the video display apparatus 100c which concerns on 6th Embodiment. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing operation of a controller 10c of a video display device 100c according to a sixth embodiment. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing operation of a controller 10c of a video display device 100c according to a seventh embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the relationship between the genre of content hold | maintained at the control information holding | maintenance part 18, and the position of a viewing area. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation of the controller 10c of the video display device 100c according to the eighth embodiment. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the video display apparatus 100 'which is a modification of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of the viewing zone control function will be described.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of a video display device 100 having a viewing zone control function, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration thereof. The video display device 100 includes a liquid crystal panel 1, a lenticular lens 2, a camera 3, a light receiving unit 4, and a controller 10.

  The liquid crystal panel (display unit) 1 is, for example, a 55-inch panel, and 11520 (= 1280 * 9) pixels in the horizontal direction and 720 pixels in the vertical direction are arranged. In each pixel, three subpixels, that is, an R subpixel, a G subpixel, and a B subpixel are formed in the vertical direction. The liquid crystal panel 1 is irradiated with light from a backlight device (not shown) provided on the back surface. Each pixel transmits light having a luminance corresponding to a parallax image signal (described later) supplied from the controller 10.

  The lenticular lens (aperture control unit) 2 has a plurality of convex portions arranged along the horizontal direction of the liquid crystal panel 1, and the number thereof is 1/9 of the number of pixels in the horizontal direction of the liquid crystal panel 1. The lenticular lens 2 is affixed to the surface of the liquid crystal panel 1 so that one convex portion corresponds to nine pixels arranged in the horizontal direction. The light transmitted through each pixel is output in a specific direction with directivity from the vicinity of the top of the convex portion.

  The liquid crystal panel 1 of the present embodiment can display a stereoscopic image by a multi-parallax method (integral imaging method) of 3 or more parallax or a 2-parallax method, and can also display a normal two-dimensional image. .

  In the following description, an example in which nine pixels are provided corresponding to each convex portion of the lenticular lens 2 and a 9-parallax multi-parallax method can be adopted will be described. In the multi-parallax method, the first to ninth parallax images are displayed on nine pixels corresponding to the respective convex portions. The first to ninth parallax images are images obtained by viewing the subject from nine viewpoints arranged along the horizontal direction of the liquid crystal panel 1. The viewer can stereoscopically view the video through the lenticular lens 2 by viewing one parallax image of the first to ninth parallax images with the left eye and the other parallax image with the right eye. According to the multi-parallax method, the viewing zone can be expanded as the number of parallaxes is increased. The viewing area refers to an area in which an image can be viewed stereoscopically when the liquid crystal panel 1 is viewed from the front of the liquid crystal panel 1.

  On the other hand, in the 2-parallax method, the right-eye parallax image is displayed on four of the nine pixels corresponding to each convex portion, and the left-eye parallax image is displayed on the other five. The left-eye and right-eye parallax images are images in which the subject is viewed from the left viewpoint and the right viewpoint among the two viewpoints arranged in the horizontal direction. The viewer can stereoscopically view the video through the lenticular lens 2 by viewing the left-eye parallax image with the left eye and the right-eye parallax image with the right eye. According to the two-parallax method, the stereoscopic effect of the displayed image is more easily obtained than in the multi-parallax method, but the viewing area is narrower than that in the multi-parallax method.

  The liquid crystal panel 1 can also display a two-dimensional image by displaying the same image on nine pixels corresponding to each convex portion.

  In the present embodiment, the relative positional relationship between the convex portion of the lenticular lens 2 and the displayed parallax image, that is, how to display the parallax image on the nine pixels corresponding to each convex portion, The viewing zone can be variably controlled according to the situation. Hereinafter, control of the viewing zone will be described by taking a multi-parallax method as an example.

FIG. 3 is a view of a part of the liquid crystal panel 1 and the lenticular lens 2 as viewed from above. The shaded area in the figure shows the viewing area, and the image can be viewed stereoscopically when the liquid crystal panel 1 is viewed from the viewing area. The other areas are areas where reverse viewing and crosstalk occur, and it is difficult to stereoscopically view the video.
3 shows the relative positional relationship between the liquid crystal panel 1 and the lenticular lens 2, more specifically, the distance between the liquid crystal panel 1 and the lenticular lens 2, or the horizontal shift between the liquid crystal panel 1 and the lenticular lens 2. FIG. It shows how the viewing zone changes depending on the amount.

  Actually, since the lenticular lens 2 is attached to the liquid crystal panel 1 with high accuracy, it is difficult to physically change the relative position between the liquid crystal panel 1 and the lenticular lens 2. .

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the relative positional relationship between the liquid crystal panel 1 and the lenticular lens 2 is apparently displayed by shifting the display positions of the first to ninth parallax images displayed on each pixel of the liquid crystal panel 1. Change and thus adjust the viewing zone.

  For example, when the first to ninth parallax images are respectively displayed on nine pixels corresponding to the respective convex portions (FIG. 3A), the parallax images are displayed while being shifted to the right as a whole (FIG. 3). (B)), the viewing zone moves to the left. Conversely, when the parallax image is displayed shifted to the left as a whole, the viewing zone moves to the right.

  Further, when the parallax image is not shifted in the vicinity of the center in the horizontal direction, and the parallax image is displayed with a larger shift toward the outside toward the outer side of the liquid crystal panel 1 (FIG. 3C), the viewing zone is closer to the liquid crystal panel 1. Moving. In addition, what is necessary is just to interpolate suitably the pixel between the parallax image which shifts and the parallax image which does not shift, and the pixel between the parallax images from which the shift amount differs according to a surrounding pixel. Contrary to FIG. 3C, when the parallax image is not shifted near the center in the horizontal direction, and the parallax image is displayed with a large shift toward the center toward the outside of the liquid crystal panel 1, the viewing area is the liquid crystal panel 1. Move away from the camera.

  As described above, the viewing area can be moved in the left-right direction or the front-rear direction with respect to the liquid crystal panel 1 by shifting the whole or part of the parallax image. Although only one viewing zone is shown in FIG. 3 for the sake of simplicity, there are actually a plurality of viewing zones that move in conjunction with each other. The viewing zone is controlled by the controller 10 shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the camera 3 is attached at a predetermined elevation near the lower center of the liquid crystal panel 1, and photographs a predetermined range in front of the liquid crystal panel 1. The captured video is supplied to the controller 10 and used to detect information about the viewer such as the viewer's position and the viewer's face. The camera 3 may shoot either a moving image or a still image.

  The light receiving unit 4 is provided, for example, on the left side of the lower part of the liquid crystal panel 1. And the light-receiving part 4 receives the infrared signal transmitted from the remote control which a viewer uses. This infrared signal is used to display a stereoscopic image or a two-dimensional image, whether to use a multi-parallax method or a two-parallax method when displaying a stereoscopic image, whether to control the viewing zone, etc. Is included.

Next, details of the components of the controller 10 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the controller 10 includes a tuner decoder 11, a parallax image conversion unit 12, a viewer position detection unit 13, a viewing area information calculation unit 14, and an image adjustment unit 15. The controller 10 is mounted as one IC (Integrated Circuit), for example, and is disposed on the back side of the liquid crystal panel 1.
Of course, a part of the controller 10 may be implemented by software.

  A tuner decoder (reception unit) 11 receives and selects an input broadcast wave and decodes an encoded video signal. When a data broadcast signal such as an electronic program guide (EPG) is superimposed on the broadcast wave, the tuner decoder 11 extracts it. Alternatively, the tuner decoder 11 receives an encoded video signal from a video output device such as an optical disk playback device or a personal computer instead of a broadcast wave, and decodes it. The decoded signal is also called a baseband video signal, and is supplied to the parallax image conversion unit 12. When the video display apparatus 100 does not receive broadcast waves and displays a video signal received exclusively from the video output device, a decoder having a decoding function may be provided as a receiving unit instead of the tuner decoder 11.

  The video signal received by the tuner decoder 11 may be a two-dimensional video signal, and left-eye and right-eye images are obtained by frame packing (FP), side-by-side (SBS), top-and-bottom (TAB), or the like. It may be a three-dimensional video signal. In addition, the video signal may be a three-dimensional video signal including an image having three or more parallaxes.

  The parallax image conversion unit 12 converts the baseband video signal into a plurality of parallax image signals and supplies them to the image adjustment unit 15 in order to stereoscopically display the video. The parallax image conversion unit 12 has different processing contents depending on which of the multi-parallax method and the two-parallax method is adopted. The processing content of the parallax image conversion unit 12 differs depending on whether the baseband video signal is a two-dimensional video signal or a three-dimensional video signal.

  When the two-parallax method is adopted, the parallax image conversion unit 12 generates left-eye and right-eye parallax image signals corresponding to the left-eye and right-eye parallax images, respectively. More specifically, as follows.

  When a two-parallax method is adopted and a 3D video signal including a left-eye image and a right-eye image is input, the parallax image conversion unit 12 can display the left-eye and right-eye parallax images in a format that can be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 1. Generate a signal. When a 3D video signal including three or more images is input, for example, using any two of them, the parallax image conversion unit 12 generates a left-eye parallax image signal and a right-eye parallax image signal.

  In contrast, when a two-dimensional parallax method is used and a two-dimensional video signal that does not include parallax information is input, the parallax image conversion unit 12 uses the left eye for the left eye based on the depth value of each pixel in the video signal. And a right-eye parallax image signal is generated. The depth value is a value indicating how much each pixel is displayed so as to be seen in front of or behind the liquid crystal panel 1. The depth value may be added to the video signal in advance, or the depth value may be generated by performing motion detection, composition identification, human face detection, and the like based on the characteristics of the video signal. In the parallax image for the left eye, the pixel seen in the foreground needs to be displayed shifted to the right side from the pixel seen in the back. Therefore, the parallax image conversion unit 12 generates a left-eye parallax image signal by performing a process of shifting the pixel that appears in the foreground in the video signal to the right. The larger the depth value, the larger the shift amount.

  On the other hand, when the multi-parallax method is adopted, the parallax image conversion unit 12 generates first to ninth parallax image signals corresponding to the first to ninth parallax images, respectively. More specifically, as follows.

  When the multi-parallax method is adopted and a two-dimensional video signal or a three-dimensional video signal including an image of 8 parallax or less is input, the parallax image conversion unit 12 uses the left-eye and right-eye from the two-dimensional video signal. The first to ninth parallax image signals are generated based on the depth information in the same manner as the generation of the parallax image signal.

  When a multi-parallax method is adopted and a three-dimensional video signal including an image of 9 parallax is input, the parallax image conversion unit 12 generates the first to ninth parallax image signals using the video signal.

  The viewer position detection unit 13 detects the position of the viewer using the video taken by the camera 3 and supplies the position information to the viewing area information calculation unit 14.

  The viewer's position information is represented as, for example, positions on the X axis (horizontal direction), Y axis (vertical direction), and Z axis (direction orthogonal to the liquid crystal panel 1) with the center of the liquid crystal panel 1 as the origin. The More specifically, the viewer position detection unit 13 first recognizes the viewer by detecting a face from the video captured by the camera 3. Next, the viewer position detector 13 detects the position on the X axis and the Y axis from the position of the face in the video, and detects the position on the Z axis from the size of the face. When there are a plurality of viewers, the viewer position detector 13 may detect the positions of viewers by a predetermined number, for example, 10 people. In this case, when the number of detected faces is larger than 10, for example, the positions of 10 viewers are detected in order from the position closer to the liquid crystal panel 1, that is, the position on the Z-axis is smaller.

  The viewing area information calculation unit 14 calculates a control parameter (for example, the amount by which the parallax image described in FIG. 3 is shifted) so that the viewing area is appropriately set according to the detected viewer position information. This is supplied to the adjustment unit 15.

  In addition, there is no restriction | limiting in particular in the method in which the position detection module 13 detects a viewer's position, The camera 3 may be an infrared camera and may detect a viewer's position using a sound wave.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a technique for calculating viewing zone information. The viewing zone information calculation unit 14 determines in advance several possible viewing zone patterns. Then, for each viewing zone, the viewing zone information calculation unit 14 calculates an area where the viewing zone and the detected viewer overlap, and determines the viewing zone having the maximum area as an appropriate viewing zone. In the example of FIG. 4, among the predetermined patterns of the five viewing zones (shaded regions) in FIGS. 4A to 4E, the viewing zone is set on the left side toward the liquid crystal panel 1. In 4 (b), the area where the viewer 20 overlaps with the viewing area is maximized. Therefore, the viewing zone information calculation unit 14 determines that the viewing zone pattern in FIG. 4B is an appropriate viewing zone. In this case, control parameters for displaying a parallax image in the pattern of FIG. 4B are supplied to the image adjustment unit 15 of FIG.

  More specifically, in order to set a desired viewing zone, the viewing zone information calculation unit 14 may use a viewing zone database in which a control parameter is associated with a viewing zone set by the control parameter. The viewing zone information calculation unit 14 can find a viewing zone in which the selected viewer can be accommodated by searching the viewing zone database.

  The image adjusting unit (viewing zone control unit) 15 supplies the liquid crystal panel 1 after adjusting the parallax image signal according to the calculated control parameter in order to control the viewing zone. . The liquid crystal panel 1 displays an image corresponding to the adjusted parallax image signal.

  By appropriately detecting the viewer's position at all times and controlling the viewing zone as described above, a viewing zone appropriate for the viewer is set in real time. However, even when the viewer is standing still and watching the video, if the other person moves in front of the video display device 100, the viewing zone may move in accordance with the moving person. In this case, it is difficult for the viewer who is viewing the image at a standstill to view the image.

  Therefore, as the viewing zone control mode, the “auto tracking mode” that always detects the viewer's position and automatically controls the viewing zone, and the “manual tracking mode” that controls the viewing zone at a specific timing (described later). Allow viewers to select one of This selection can be performed using, for example, a remote controller.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a remote controller (remote operation device) 20 that transmits a signal to the video display device 100. The remote controller 20 is provided with a power key 21, a volume adjustment key 22, a channel selection key 23, a menu key 24, an enter key 25, a cursor key 26, a 3D key 27, a tracking key 28, and the like. For example, when the 3D key 27 is pressed, a signal instructing to display a stereoscopic video on the liquid crystal panel 1 is generated regardless of whether the input video signal is a 2D video signal or a 3D video signal. The

  When the menu key 24, the cursor key 26, the enter key 25, etc. are operated to select the viewing zone control mode setting menu, an OSD (On Screen Display) for setting the viewing zone control mode is displayed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an OSD for setting the viewing zone control mode. FIG. 6A shows a state where the cursor is on the auto-tracking mode, and for example, an explanation “automatic viewing zone control” is displayed. When the enter key 25 is pressed in this state, the auto tracking mode is set. On the other hand, FIG. 6B shows a state where the cursor is on the manual tracking mode, and for example, an explanation “Automatic viewing zone control is not performed” is displayed. When the enter key 25 is pressed in this state, the manual tracking mode is set.

  The remote controller 20 is not necessarily used, and buttons equivalent to these may be provided adjacent to the light receiving unit 4 and the camera 3 of the video display device 100, for example. Further, when the video display device 100 is a tablet terminal or the like and has a touch panel function, a button may be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 1 so that the user can set it.

  The first to third embodiments described below relate to the manual tracking mode. In the manual tracking mode, the viewing zone is controlled at a specific timing. In the first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which the timing is when the display of a stereoscopic image is started. The third embodiment Now, an example is shown in which the timing is when the tracking key 28 of the remote controller 20 is pressed during the display of the stereoscopic video. Note that the following embodiment can be applied regardless of which of the 2-parallax method and the multi-parallax method is employed.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing operation of the controller 10 of the video display apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that the position capture mode is set in advance.

  First, when the light receiving unit 4 receives an infrared signal indicating that the viewer has pressed the 3D key 27 of the remote controller 20, or when the video signal is switched from a 2D video signal to a 3D video signal, the viewing area information calculation unit 14 Detects the start of display of the stereoscopic video (YES in step S11). In response to the start of the display of the stereoscopic video, the viewer position detection unit 13 detects the position of the viewer using the video captured by the camera 3 (step S12). The viewing area information calculation unit 14 calculates the control parameter so that the viewing area is set at the detected position of the viewer (step S13). Then, the image adjustment unit 15 adjusts the parallax image signal according to the control parameter (step S14), and the parallax image corresponding to the adjusted parallax image signal is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 1.

  Thereby, the viewing area is set at the position of the viewer, and the viewer can stereoscopically view the parallax image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 1 via the lenticular lens 2. In the manual tracking mode, the set viewing area is kept at the same position until a viewing area adjustment instruction is received from the viewer.

  FIG. 7 shows an example in which the viewer's position is detected in response to the start of stereoscopic video display (step S12). However, the viewing zone may be set in synchronization with the start of stereoscopic video display. The position of the viewer is always detected, and the control parameter may be calculated in response to the start of stereoscopic video display. The position of the viewer is always detected and the control parameter is calculated, and the stereoscopic video display is started. The image may be adjusted according to the above.

  Further, when the visual field of the camera 3 is obstructed by some obstacle, when the viewer's face is outside the shooting range of the camera 3, the masking is performed even if the viewer's face is within the shooting range of the camera 3. When face detection is difficult due to being faced or facing downward, the viewer position detector 13 may not be able to recognize the viewer. In this case, if there is a history in which a viewer is recognized, for example, 3 to 4 seconds before detecting the start of stereoscopic video display, the viewing zone may be set at the position of the viewer at that time. If there is no history, a warning that the viewer's position cannot be recognized may be displayed.

  Furthermore, when the viewer position detector 13 detects the viewer's position, if the viewer is too close to the liquid crystal panel 1, for example, the distance between the viewer and the liquid crystal panel 1 is 3H (H is the liquid crystal panel 1). If it is less than (height), it is difficult to obtain a three-dimensional effect. Therefore, a warning that prompts the user to leave the screen may be displayed.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the viewing zone is controlled so that the viewing zone is set at the viewer's position in synchronization with the start of stereoscopic video display, and the subsequent viewing zone is not at the viewer's location. Do not follow. Therefore, even if a third party moves in front of the liquid crystal panel 1, the viewing area does not move, and the viewer can comfortably stereoscopically view the image.

  Further, since the viewer usually operates the remote controller 20 while watching the video, the viewer's position can be appropriately detected by detecting the start of display of the stereoscopic video using the infrared signal from the remote controller 20.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, the viewing zone is set at the actual viewer position at the start of stereoscopic video display. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the viewing zone when the stereoscopic video was displayed last time is stored, and the stored viewing zone is set again when the display of the stereoscopic video is started next time. Is. In the following embodiment, the description will focus on differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing operation of the controller 10 of the video display apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment.

  When the display of the stereoscopic video ends (step S21), the viewing zone information calculation unit 14 stores the control parameters at that time (step S22). Ending the display of the stereoscopic video means that, for example, when the video display device 100 is turned off, when the 3D key 27 of the remote controller 20 is pressed to switch from the stereoscopic display to the two-dimensional display, the video signal is converted into the three-dimensional video. When switching from a signal to a two-dimensional video signal, etc. Further, the control parameter stored at this time may be calculated by the auto tracking mode or may be calculated by the manual tracking mode as in the first embodiment. Further, it may be calculated by another method.

  Thereafter, when the viewing zone information calculation unit 14 detects the start of display of the stereoscopic video (YES in step S23), the image adjustment unit 15 adjusts the parallax image signal in accordance with the control parameter stored in step S22 (step S24). ). Thereby, the viewing zone is set in accordance with the position of the viewer. The set viewing area is maintained at the same position until a viewing area adjustment instruction is received from the viewer.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the viewing area at the end of the previous stereoscopic video display is set when the stereoscopic video display is started. Therefore, it is not necessary to detect the viewer's position or recalculate the control parameter when starting to display the stereoscopic video again, and the viewing zone can be set quickly.

  It is considered that the viewer often sees the video display device 100 from a certain position where the sofa or the like is placed. Therefore, even if the viewing area at the end of the previous stereoscopic video display is set without detecting the viewer's position, in many cases, the viewing area can be set at the viewer's position.

  In addition, this embodiment is particularly useful when reproducing a video signal that is mixed and mixed with a 2D video signal and a 3D video signal, such as a photo slide show display. That is, if a viewing zone is newly set every time the 2D video signal is switched to the 3D video signal, the viewing zone is different every time or the setting of the viewing zone takes time. Since the control parameters stored in the area information calculation unit 14 are used, a constant viewing area can be set quickly.

  At the start of stereoscopic video display, the viewer's position is detected and the viewing zone is set as described in the first embodiment, or the previous stereoscopic video is displayed as described in the second embodiment. The viewer may be able to select whether or not to set the viewing area when he / she has been.

(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments described above, the viewing zone is controlled at the timing of starting the display of the stereoscopic video. Even if the viewing area is set at the start of stereoscopic image display, the viewer does not always remain at a fixed position and continues to watch, but may move. In the manual tracking mode, since the viewing area does not follow the position of the viewer, if the viewer moves, the image may not be stereoscopically viewed. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the viewing area is controlled at the timing when the viewer presses the tracking key 28 of the remote controller 20 while displaying a stereoscopic image.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing operation of the controller 10 of the video display apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment.

  First, when a viewer presses down the tracking key (signal generation means) 28 of the remote controller 20 while displaying a stereoscopic video, an infrared viewing zone adjustment signal is generated and transmitted to the light receiving unit 4 of the video display device 100. When the receiving unit receives the viewing area adjustment signal (YES in step S31), the viewer position detecting unit 13 detects the position of the viewer using the video imaged by the camera 3 (step S32). The viewing zone information calculation unit 14 calculates the control parameter so that the viewing zone is set at the detected viewer position (step S33). Then, the image adjustment unit 15 adjusts the parallax image signal according to the control parameter (step S34), and the parallax image corresponding to the adjusted parallax image signal is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 1.

Thereby, the viewing area is set at the position of the viewer, and the viewer can stereoscopically view the parallax image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 1 via the lenticular lens 2. In the manual tracking mode, the set viewing area is kept at the same position until a viewing area adjustment instruction is received from the viewer.
The instruction for viewing zone adjustment is, for example, when the viewer presses the tracking key 28 again, or when the 3D key 27 is pressed as described in the first and second embodiments.

  Thus, in the third embodiment, the viewer's position is received at the timing when the viewer presses the tracking key 28 of the remote controller 20, and the viewing zone is controlled. Since the viewer can instruct the timing of viewing zone setting, the viewing zone can be appropriately reset even when the viewer moves while viewing a stereoscopic video. In addition, since the viewer normally operates the remote controller 20 while watching the video, the viewer's position can be appropriately detected by transmitting a viewing zone adjustment signal from the remote controller 20. Further, the viewing area after the viewing area has been reset does not follow the viewer's position. Therefore, even if a third party moves in front of the liquid crystal panel 1, the viewing area does not move, and the viewer can comfortably stereoscopically view the image.

  Note that the tracking key 28 does not necessarily have to be provided on the remote controller 20. When the video display device 100 is a tablet terminal, a button corresponding to the tracking key 28 (signal generation means) is provided on the video display device 100. If the video display apparatus 100 has a touch panel function, the tracking key 28 may be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 1.

(Fourth embodiment)
As described above, in order to control the viewing zone, it is necessary to detect the position of the viewer, calculate the control parameters, and adjust the image. Although it takes less time to adjust the image, it may take time to detect the viewer's position and calculate the control parameters. In particular, as described with reference to FIG. 4, in order to calculate the control parameter, it is necessary to search for an optimal viewing zone from predetermined viewing zones.

  For this reason, in the fourth embodiment, the control parameters are periodically calculated even during the display of the two-dimensional video, and the viewing zone is quickly displayed at the timing of switching from the two-dimensional video to the stereoscopic video (for example, step S11 in FIG. 7). Can be set.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a video display device 100a according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are given to the components common to FIG. 2. The controller 10a of the video display device 100a of FIG. 10 further includes a control parameter holding unit 16. The control parameter holding unit 16 holds the control parameter calculated by the viewing zone information calculation unit 14.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of the controller 10a of the video display device 100a according to the fourth embodiment. In the figure, it is assumed that a two-dimensional image is initially displayed on the liquid crystal panel 1.

  Even during the display of the two-dimensional video, the viewer position detection unit 13 detects the position of the viewer using the video taken by the camera 3 (step S41). Then, the viewing area information calculation unit 14 calculates a control parameter so that the viewing area is set at the detected position of the viewer (step S42). This control parameter is held in the control parameter holding unit 16 (step S43).

  Here, the light receiving unit 4 receives an infrared signal indicating that the viewer has pressed the 3D key 27 of the remote controller 20, or the video signal is switched from a 2D video signal to a 3D video signal, so that the controller 10a When the start of video display is detected (YES in step S44), the image adjustment unit 15 adjusts the parallax image signal according to the control parameter held in the control parameter holding unit 16 (step S45), and the adjusted parallax A parallax image corresponding to the image signal is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 1. Since the processing after switching to the stereoscopic video is only image adjustment (step S45), an appropriate viewing zone is quickly set.

  On the other hand, when the display of the two-dimensional video continues without switching to the display of the stereoscopic video (NO in step S44), for example, the controller 10a repeats steps S41 to S43 in the background at regular intervals and is held in the control parameter holding unit 16. Update control parameters.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the control parameter is calculated and held even when the stereoscopic video is not displayed. Therefore, it is possible to quickly set an appropriate viewing area when starting to display a stereoscopic video.

(Fifth embodiment)
The fifth embodiment is a modification of the above-described fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the control parameter is calculated and held while displaying the 2D video. In the fifth embodiment, the position of the viewer is detected and held during the 2D video display. It is.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a video display device 100b according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals are given to the components common to FIG. The controller 10b of the video display device 102 in FIG. 12 further includes a viewer position holding unit 17. The viewer position holding unit 17 holds the viewer position detected by the viewer position detection unit 13.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of the controller 10b of the video display device 100b according to the fifth embodiment. In the figure, it is assumed that a two-dimensional image is initially displayed on the liquid crystal panel 1.

  Even during the display of the two-dimensional video, the viewer position detection unit 13 detects the viewer's position using the video shot by the camera 3 (step S51). This viewer position is held in the viewer position holding unit 17 (step S52).

  Here, the light receiving unit 4 receives an infrared signal indicating that the viewer has pressed the 3D key 27 of the remote controller 20, or the video signal is switched from the 2D video signal to the 3D video signal, so that the controller 10b When the start of video display is detected (YES in step S53), the viewing area information calculation unit 14 sets the control parameter so that the viewing area is set at the viewer position held in the viewer position holding unit 17. Calculate (step S54).

  Then, the image adjustment unit 15 adjusts the parallax image signal according to the calculated control parameter (step S55), and the parallax image corresponding to the adjusted parallax image signal is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 1. Since the processing after switching to the stereoscopic video is only the calculation of the control parameter (step S54) and the image adjustment (step S55), appropriate viewing can be performed more quickly than in the case where the viewer's position is detected after the stereoscopic video display is started. The area is set.

  On the other hand, when the display of the two-dimensional video continues without switching to the display of the stereoscopic video (NO in step S54), for example, the controller 10b repeats steps S51 and S52 in the background at a constant interval and holds them in the viewer position holding unit 17. Update the viewer's location.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the position of the viewer is detected and held even when the stereoscopic video is not displayed. Therefore, it is possible to quickly set an appropriate viewing area when starting to display a stereoscopic video.

(Sixth embodiment)
The viewer position detection unit 13 cannot always detect the position of the viewer. For example, if the field of view of the camera 3 is obstructed by some obstacle, if the viewer's face is outside the shooting range of the camera 3, masking is performed even if the viewer's face is within the shooting range of the camera 3. When face detection is difficult due to being faced or facing downward, the viewer position detector 13 may not be able to recognize the viewer. In this case, the parallax information calculation unit cannot calculate the control parameter based on the position of the viewer. In addition, the control parameter may not be calculated due to a failure of the viewing area information calculation unit 14 or the like.

  The sixth to eighth embodiments described below relate to processing operations when control parameters cannot be calculated.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a video display device 100c according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 14, the same reference numerals are given to the components common to FIG. 2. The controller 10c of the video display device 100c of FIG. 14 further includes a control information holding unit 18. The control information holding unit 18 holds, as so-called default values, control parameters that are calculated in advance so that the viewing zone is set in a predetermined area.

  The predetermined region is, for example, the front surface of the liquid crystal panel 1, and the distance between the liquid crystal panel 1 and the viewer is set to 3H (H is the height of the liquid crystal panel 1). This is because video display apparatuses are often designed with the viewer viewing the liquid crystal panel 1 in this position. Alternatively, an area for normal viewing by the viewer may be set.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of the controller 10c of the video display device 100c according to the sixth embodiment.

  When the viewing zone information calculation unit 14 can calculate the control parameter at the timing of performing the viewing zone control (YES in step S61), the image adjustment unit 15 responds to the calculated control parameter (first control parameter). Then, the image is adjusted (step S62). Here, the timing for controlling the viewing zone includes, for example, step S11 in FIG. 8, step S24 in FIG. 9, step S31 in FIG. 10, timing for controlling the viewing zone in the auto tracking mode, and the like.

  On the other hand, when the viewing area information calculation unit 14 cannot calculate the control parameter due to the above-described reason (NO in step S61), the image adjustment unit 15 controls the control parameter (second control) held in the control information holding unit 18 The image adjustment for setting the viewing zone is performed according to the parameter) (step S63).

  Thus, in the sixth embodiment, control parameters for setting a viewing zone in a predetermined area are held in the control information holding unit 18 in advance. Therefore, the viewing zone can be set even when the control parameter cannot be calculated, such as when the viewer cannot be detected well. In particular, an appropriate viewing zone is set by setting the control parameter held in the control information holding unit 18 based on the height of the liquid crystal panel 1 or based on the normal viewing position of the viewer. The

(Seventh embodiment)
In the seventh embodiment, a plurality of control parameters are held in the control information holding unit 18 in advance, and one of them is selected according to user settings and used for setting the viewing zone. The schematic configuration of the video display apparatus according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as that shown in FIG.

One of the plurality of control parameters is a control parameter for setting the viewing zone in a region where the distance between the liquid crystal panel 1 and the viewer is 3H in consideration of viewing the video display device 100c at home, for example. The other one is a control parameter for setting the viewing zone in a region farther away, for example, in view of displaying the video display device 100c at a storefront.
The user sets in advance which of the plurality of control parameters to use.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of the controller 10c of the video display device 100c according to the seventh embodiment. The processing operation when the viewing zone information calculation unit 14 can calculate the control parameter is the same as in the sixth embodiment (YES in step S71, S72).

  On the other hand, when the viewing area information calculation unit 14 cannot calculate the control parameter (NO in step S71), the image adjustment unit 15 determines whether the control parameter is stored in the control information holding unit 18 according to the user setting. Is selected (step S73). Then, the image adjustment unit 15 performs image adjustment for setting the viewing zone in accordance with the selected control parameter (step S74).

  As described above, in the seventh embodiment, since one of the plurality of control parameters held in the control information holding unit 18 is selected, even when the control parameter cannot be calculated, the view is appropriately performed according to the user setting. You can set the area.

(Eighth embodiment)
In the eighth embodiment, a plurality of control parameters are held in the control information holding unit 18 in advance, and one of them is automatically selected according to the displayed content and used for setting the viewing zone. Is. The schematic configuration of the video display apparatus according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the content genre and the viewing zone position held in the control information holding unit 18. For example, when the genre of the displayed content is animation, there is a high possibility that the child is watching, and in this case, it is assumed that the user is away from the liquid crystal panel 1. Therefore, control parameters are set such that the viewing zone is set at a position far from the liquid crystal panel 1. In addition, when the genre is sports, there is a high possibility that exciting content is viewed close to the liquid crystal panel 1. Therefore, control parameters are set such that the viewing zone is set at a position close to the liquid crystal panel 1. When the genre is a drama or a movie, a control parameter is set such that the viewing zone is set at a position approximately between animation and sports.

  FIG. 17 is merely an example, and another genre may be set, or viewing time may be further considered as content information.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of the controller 10c of the video display device 100c according to the eighth embodiment. The processing operation when the viewing area information calculation unit 14 can calculate the control parameter is the same as that in the sixth embodiment (YES in step S81, S82).

  On the other hand, when the viewing area information calculation unit 14 cannot calculate viewing area information (NO in step S81), the tuner decoder 11 acquires the electronic program guide from the data broadcast superimposed on the broadcast wave, and based on this, the liquid crystal panel 1 The content information of the content displayed on the screen is extracted (step S83). Alternatively, content information may be acquired via the Internet.

  Then, the image adjustment unit 15 selects one of a plurality of control parameters held in the control information holding unit 18 according to the content genre (step S84). For example, when the genre is animation, the image adjustment unit 15 selects a control parameter for setting the viewing zone near the liquid crystal panel 1 (FIG. 17). Then, the image adjustment unit 15 performs image adjustment for setting the viewing zone in accordance with the selected control parameter (step S85).

  As described above, in the eighth embodiment, since the control parameter determined in advance for each piece of content information is held in the control information holding unit 18, the viewing zone can be automatically and appropriately set according to the content.

  As described in the above embodiments, the video display apparatus can appropriately set the viewing zone.

  In the video display device 100 of each embodiment described above, the example in which the viewing area is controlled by using the lenticular lens 2 and shifting the parallax image has been shown, but the viewing area may be controlled by other methods. For example, instead of the lenticular lens 2, a parallax barrier may be provided as the opening control unit. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a video display device 100 ′ that is a modification of FIG. 2. As shown in the figure, without performing the process of shifting the parallax image, a viewing zone control unit 15 ′ may be provided in the controller 10 ′ to control the aperture control unit 2 ′. In this case, the output direction of the parallax image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 1 is controlled using, as control parameters, the distance between the liquid crystal panel 1 and the opening control unit 2 ′, the amount of horizontal displacement between the liquid crystal panel 1 and the opening control unit, and the like. By doing so, the viewing zone is controlled. The video display device of FIG. 19 may be applied to each embodiment.

  At least a part of the video processing apparatus described in the above-described embodiments may be configured by hardware or software. When configured by software, a program for realizing at least a part of the functions of the video processing apparatus may be stored in a recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, and read and executed by a computer. The recording medium is not limited to a removable medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk, but may be a fixed recording medium such as a hard disk device or a memory.

  In addition, a program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the video processing apparatus may be distributed via a communication line (including wireless communication) such as the Internet. Further, the program may be distributed in a state where the program is encrypted, modulated or compressed, and stored in a recording medium via a wired line such as the Internet or a wireless line.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid crystal panel 2 Lenticular lens 3 Camera 4 Light-receiving part 10 Controller 11 Tuner decoder 12 Parallax image conversion part 13 Viewer position detection part 14 View area information calculation part 15 Image adjustment part 16 Control parameter holding part 17 Viewer position holding part 18 Control Information holding unit 20 Remote control 100, 100a, 100b, 100c Video display device

Claims (9)

A viewer position detector that detects the position of the viewer using the captured video;
When the viewer position detection unit can detect the viewer's position, a viewing zone in which a plurality of parallax images displayed on the display unit can be viewed stereoscopically according to the detected position. And a viewing zone control unit that sets the viewing zone based on a predetermined setting when the viewer's position cannot be detected.   The viewing zone control unit, when the viewer position detection unit cannot detect the position of the viewer, based on one selected according to the user's setting among a plurality of predetermined settings, The video processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a viewing zone is set. The viewing zone control unit
Adjusting the display positions of the plurality of parallax images displayed on the display unit;
The video processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the viewing zone is set by controlling an output direction of the plurality of parallax images displayed on the display unit. A display unit for displaying the plurality of parallax images;
The video processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an aperture control unit that outputs a plurality of parallax images displayed on the display unit in a predetermined direction. A receiver for decoding the input video signal;
The video processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a parallax image conversion unit that generates the plurality of parallax images based on the decoded input video signal. Detecting the viewer's position using the captured video;
When the viewer position is detected in the step of detecting the viewer position, a plurality of parallax images displayed on the display unit can be viewed stereoscopically according to the detected position. And a step of setting the viewing zone based on a predetermined setting when a viewer's position cannot be detected by setting a correct viewing zone.   In the step of detecting the position of the viewer, when the viewer position detection unit cannot detect the position of the viewer, one selected from a plurality of predetermined settings according to the user's setting The video processing method according to claim 6, wherein the viewing zone is set based on the video. The step of setting the viewing zone includes:
Adjusting the display positions of the plurality of parallax images displayed on the display unit;
The video processing method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the viewing zone is set by controlling an output direction of the plurality of parallax images displayed on the display unit. Decoding the input video signal;
The video processing method according to claim 6, further comprising: generating the plurality of parallax images based on the decoded input video signal.

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