JP2013104987A - Head-mounted display device and method for controlling head-mounted display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a head-mounted display device capable of reducing discomfort provided to a user when disturbance in an image display occurs due to disturbance in data transmission/reception inside the head-mounted display device.SOLUTION: A head-mounted display device adapted to make a user visually recognize a virtual image includes: an image light generation section adapted to generate image light representing an image using image data and then emit the image light; a light guide section adapted to guide the image light, which is emitted, to eyes of the user; a receiving section adapted to receive the image data; and a control section which is connected to the receiving section, controls image display by the image light generation section, and has a transmitting section adapted to transmit the image data to the receiving section. The control section controls luminance of the image light generation section so as to degrade visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period of time in a case in which a disturbance in data communication between the transmitting section and the receiving section is presumed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a head-mounted display device that is a display device mounted on the head and a method for controlling the head-mounted display device.

  In the video display device, when display of a new video is started, for example, when the video is switched from a state where no video is displayed on the liquid crystal panel to a state where video is displayed, or a video corresponding to the video displayed on the liquid crystal panel Various techniques have been proposed for reducing the stress applied to the user as the screen is switched when the signal input destination is changed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-38759 A

  Even in a head-mounted display device (Head Mounted Display (HMD)) that is a display device mounted on the head, when changing the image display method (for example, image display direction, display size, color) When the number is changed), the display in the image may be disturbed due to a display defect or a malfunction in the device inside the head-mounted display device. The head-mounted display device is used by being mounted on a human head and adopts a configuration in which the user visually recognizes an image as a virtual image in a visual field region of the user, that is, a position very close to the eyes. The discomfort given to the user by the disturbance is great.

  Such a problem is not limited to the case of changing the image display method. For example, data in the head-mounted display device such as when the head-mounted display device is affected by external noise. This is a common problem when disturbances occur in transmission and reception.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a head-mounted display device capable of reducing discomfort given to a user when image display disturbance occurs due to disturbance of data transmission / reception inside the head-mounted display device. Objective.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

[Application Example 1]
A head-mounted display device that allows a user to visually recognize a virtual image,
An image light generator for generating and emitting image light representing an image using image data;
A light guide for guiding the emitted image light to the eyes of the user;
A receiving unit for receiving the image data;
A control unit that is connected to the reception unit and controls image display by the image light generation unit, the control unit including a transmission unit that transmits the image data to the reception unit;
With
The controller is
A head-mounted device that adjusts the brightness of the image light generation unit to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period when disturbance of data transmission / reception between the transmission unit and the reception unit is estimated. Type display device.
With such a configuration, in the head-mounted display device that allows the user to visually recognize a virtual image, the control unit estimates a disturbance in data transmission / reception between the transmission unit that transmits and receives image data and the reception unit. In this case, the luminance of the image light generation unit is adjusted so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period. Disturbances in data transmission / reception between the transmission unit and the reception unit lead to disturbances in the image generated by the image light generation unit. Accordingly, if the visibility of the virtual image is reduced when disturbance of data transmission / reception is estimated, even if the image generated by the image light generation unit is disturbed, the user can be disturbed by the disturbance of the image. The configuration can be made difficult to notice. As a result, it is possible to provide a head-mounted display device that can reduce discomfort given to the user when image display is disturbed due to disturbance of data transmission / reception inside the head-mounted display device. .

[Application Example 2]
A head-mounted display device according to Application Example 1,
The controller is
When changing the clock rate of the transmission unit according to a change in the data amount of the image data transmitted between the transmission unit and the reception unit, the visibility of the virtual image is reduced for a predetermined period. A head-mounted display device that adjusts the luminance of the image light generation unit.
With such a configuration, when the control unit changes the clock rate of the transmission unit in accordance with the change in the data amount of the image data transmitted between the transmission unit and the reception unit, the control unit performs a virtual image for a predetermined period. In order to adjust the brightness of the image light generation unit so as to reduce the visibility of the image, even if the image is disturbed due to a change in the clock rate, the user is less likely to notice the image disturbance. be able to.

[Application Example 3]
A head-mounted display device according to Application Example 2,
The image light generation unit further includes a display element that generates the image light from the image data,
The controller is
To change at least one of the display direction of the image generated in the display element, the display size of the image, the number of display colors of the image, and the number of frames per unit time of the image And a head-mounted display device that changes a data amount of the image data to be transmitted.
With such a configuration, the control unit includes the display direction of the image generated in the display element, the display size of the image, the number of display colors of the image, and the number of frames per unit time of the image. When the image display is disturbed due to at least one of the changes, it is possible to reduce discomfort given to the user.

[Application Example 4]
A head-mounted display device according to Application Example 2,
The image light generation unit further includes a display element that generates the image light from the image data,
The controller is
A head-mounted display device that changes a data amount of the image data to be transmitted so that the image generated in the display element occupies only a part of a display area of the display element.
With this configuration, the control unit gives the user when the image generated in the display element occupies only a part of the display area of the display element and the image display is disturbed. Discomfort can be reduced.

[Application Example 5]
The head-mounted display device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 4,
The controller is
Periodically check the state of the transmission unit, and if the result of the confirmation is that an abnormality is detected in the transmission unit, adjust the brightness of the image light generation unit to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period A head-mounted display device.
With such a configuration, the control unit can automatically detect the abnormality of the transmission unit by periodically checking the state of the transmission unit. In addition, the control unit adjusts the luminance of the image light generation unit so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined time when an abnormality is detected in the transmission unit. Even when the image is disturbed, the user can hardly recognize the image disturbance.

[Application Example 6]
The head-mounted display device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 5,
The controller is
The reception unit periodically checks whether there is an abnormality in the received data, and as a result of the confirmation, if the abnormality in the received data is detected, the image is reduced so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period. A head-mounted display device that adjusts the luminance of the light generation unit.
With such a configuration, the control unit can automatically detect whether there is an abnormality in the received data received by the receiving unit. In addition, the control unit adjusts the luminance of the image light generation unit so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period when an abnormality of the reception data is detected. Even when the image is disturbed, the user can hardly notice the image disturbance.

[Application Example 7]
The head-mounted display device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 6,
The control unit further includes an input interface for connecting an external device,
The controller is
When the transfer source of the image data to the control unit is switched from one external device to another external device, the brightness of the image light generation unit is reduced so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period. Head-mounted display device that adjusts
With such a configuration, the control unit reduces the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period when the transfer source of the image data to the control unit is switched from one external device to another external device. In order to adjust the luminance of the image light generation unit, even when the image is disturbed due to the switching of the image data transfer source device, the user can hardly recognize the image disturbance.

[Application Example 8]
A head-mounted display device according to Application Example 7,
The head-mounted display device, wherein the control unit further includes a network interface for connecting an external device that is a transfer source of the image data to the control unit.
With this configuration, the control unit includes a network interface for connecting an external device that is a transfer source of image data. Therefore, in the configuration of the application example 6, in addition to the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), A corresponding head-mounted display device can be provided.

[Application Example 9]
The head-mounted display device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 8,
A pair of the image light generation unit and a pair of the light guide unit,
The controller is
When the image data to be transmitted to one of the pair of image light generation units and the image data to be transmitted to the other are different data, the pair of the pair of the image light is reduced so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period. A head-mounted display device that adjusts the luminance of the image light generator.
With such a configuration, the control unit is configured such that when the image data transmitted to one of the pair of image light generation units is different from the image data transmitted to the other, that is, the user is three-dimensional. When the display mode for visually recognizing the virtual image is set, the luminance of the pair of image light generators is adjusted so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period. Even if it occurs, it can be configured that the user is less likely to notice the disturbance of the image.

[Application Example 10]
The head-mounted display device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 9,
The predetermined period is a period from when the control unit stops the transmission unit and the reception unit, changes a clock rate in the transmission unit, and activates the transmission unit and the reception unit. Part-mounted display device.
With such a configuration, the control unit stops the transmission unit and the reception unit, changes the clock rate in the transmission unit, and reduces the visibility of the virtual image until the transmission unit and the reception unit are activated. Therefore, when the image display is disturbed due to the disturbance of data transmission / reception, the discomfort given to the user can be reduced.

[Application Example 11]
The head-mounted display device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 10,
The controller is
A head-mounted display device that stops emission of the image light by adjusting luminance of the image light generation unit.
With such a configuration, since the emission of the image light is stopped by adjusting the luminance of the image light generation unit, it is possible to reduce the visibility of the virtual image.

[Application Example 12]
The head-mounted display device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 11,
The controller is
A head-mounted display device that weakens emission of the image light by adjusting luminance of the image light generation unit.
With such a configuration, since the emission of the image light is weakened by adjusting the luminance of the image light generation unit, the visibility of the virtual image can be reduced.

[Application Example 13]
The head-mounted display device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 12,
The image light generator is
A display element for generating the image;
A light source for emitting image light representing the generated image;
Including
The controller is
A head-mounted display device that adjusts the luminance of the image light generation unit by gradually changing the luminance of the light source.
With such a configuration, the control unit adjusts the luminance of the image light generation unit by changing the luminance of the light source in a stepwise manner, so that the discomfort given to the user can be further reduced.

[Application Example 14]
A method for controlling a head-mounted display device that allows a user to visually recognize a virtual image,
(A) generating and emitting image light representing an image using image data received from the receiving unit;
(B) guiding the emitted image light to a user's eye;
(C) transmitting the image data using a transmission unit and controlling the image display in the steps (a) and (b);
With
The step (c)
A head mounted that adjusts the luminance in the step (a) so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period when disturbance of data transmission / reception between the transmission unit and the reception unit is estimated. Control method for type display device.
With such a configuration, the same effect as in Application Example 1 can be obtained.

  The present invention can be realized in various modes. For example, a head-mounted display device and a head-mounted display device control method, a head-mounted display system, these methods, devices, or The present invention can be realized in the form of a computer program for realizing the function of the system, a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, or the like.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the external appearance of the head mounted display apparatus in one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the composition of a head mount display functionally. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that image light is inject | emitted by the image light production | generation part. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the virtual image recognized by the user. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the standby process of a head mounted display. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a setting change process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the image light production | generation part in step S202 of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the virtual image VI at the time of changing the image display method. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the setting change process in 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the change of the PWM signal which a display control part transmits. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the standby process in 3rd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the virtual image at the time of transfering from full screen mode to partial display mode. It is a block diagram which shows a part of structure of the head mounted display in 4th Example functionally. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the standby process in 4th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the standby process in 5th Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the some external apparatus is connected with respect to the head mounted display. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the setting change process after standby. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the standby process in 6th Example. It is a block diagram which shows functionally the structure of the head mounted display in a modification.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.

A. First embodiment:
(A-1) Configuration of the head-mounted display device:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a head-mounted display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The head-mounted display device HM is a display device mounted on the head, and is also called a head mounted display (HMD). The head-mounted display HM of the present embodiment is an optically transmissive head-mounted display device that allows a user to visually recognize a virtual image and at the same time directly view an outside scene.

  The head-mounted display HM includes an image display unit 20 that allows the user to visually recognize a virtual image while being mounted on the user's head, and a control unit (controller) 10 that controls the image display unit 20.

  The image display unit 20 is a wearing body that is worn on the user's head, and has a glasses shape in the present embodiment. The image display unit 20 includes an ear hook unit 21, a right display drive unit 22, a left display drive unit 24, a right optical image display unit 26, and a left optical image display unit 28. The ear hook portion 21 is a member provided so as to cross over the user's ear from the end portions of the right display drive portion 22 and the left display drive portion 24, and functions as a temple. The right optical image display unit 26 and the left optical image display unit 28 are disposed so as to be positioned in front of the right and left eyes of the user, respectively, when the user wears the image display unit 20. The right display driving unit 22 is disposed at a connection location between the right ear hooking unit 21 and the right optical image display unit 26. Further, the left display driving unit 24 is disposed at a connection portion between the left ear hooking unit 21 and the left optical image display unit 28. In the following, the right display drive unit 22 and the left display drive unit 24 are collectively referred to simply as “display drive unit”, and the right optical image display unit 26 and the left optical image display unit 28 are collectively referred to simply as “optical image display”. Also called “part”.

  The display drive unit includes a drive circuit (not shown), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a projection optical system, and the like. Details will be described later. The optical image display unit includes a light guide plate (not shown) and a light control plate. The light guide plate is formed of a light transmissive resin material or the like, and emits image light taken from the display driving unit toward the user's eyes. The light control plate is a thin plate-like optical element, and is disposed so as to cover the front side of the head mounted display HM (the side opposite to the user's eye side). The light control plate protects the light guide plate, suppresses damage to the light guide plate, adhesion of dirt, etc., and adjusts the light transmittance of the light control plate to adjust the amount of external light entering the user's eyes. The ease of visual recognition of the virtual image can be adjusted. The light control plate can be omitted.

  The image display unit 20 further includes a right earphone 32 for the right ear and a left earphone 34 for the left ear. The right earphone 32 and the left earphone 34 are respectively attached to the right and left ears when the user wears the image display unit 20.

  The image display unit 20 further includes a connection unit 40 for connecting the image display unit 20 to the control unit 10. The connection unit 40 includes a main body cord 48 connected to the control unit 10, a right cord 42 in which the main body cord 48 branches into two, a left cord 44, and a connecting member 46 provided at the branch point. Yes. The right cord 42 is connected to the right display driving unit 22, and the left cord 44 is connected to the left display driving unit 24. The image display unit 20 and the control unit 10 transmit various signals via the connection unit 40. Each end of the main body cord 48 opposite to the connecting member 46 and the control unit 10 are provided with connectors (not shown) that are fitted to each other. The connector of the main body cord 48 and the control unit 10 The control unit 10 and the image display unit 20 are connected to or disconnected from each other by the fitting / releasing of the connector. For the right cord 42, the left cord 44, and the main body cord 48, for example, a metal cable or an optical fiber can be adopted.

  The control unit 10 is a device for operating the head mounted display HM. The control unit 10 includes a lighting unit 12, a touch pad 14, a cross key 16, and a power switch 18. The lighting unit 12 notifies the operation state of the head mounted display HM (for example, ON / OFF of the power supply) according to the light emission state. For example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) can be used as the lighting unit 12. The touch pad 14 detects a user's finger operation on the operation surface of the touch pad 14 and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected content. The cross key 16 detects a pressing operation on a key corresponding to the up / down / left / right direction, and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected content. The power switch 18 switches the power-on state of the head mounted display HM by detecting a slide operation of the switch.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the head mounted display HM. The control unit 10 includes an input information acquisition unit 110, a storage unit 120, a power supply 130, a CPU 140, an interface 180, and transmission units (Tx) 51 and 52, and these units are connected to each other via a bus (not shown). Has been.

  The input information acquisition unit 110 has a function of acquiring a signal (for example, an operation input to the touch pad 14, the cross key 16, and the power switch 18) according to an operation input by the user. The storage unit 120 is a storage unit including a ROM, a RAM, a DRAM, a hard disk, and the like (not shown). The power supply 130 supplies power to each part of the head mounted display HM. As the power supply 130, for example, a secondary battery can be used.

  The CPU 140 provides a function as an operating system (OS) 150 by executing a program installed in advance. The CPU 140 also functions as an image processing unit 160, a sound processing unit 170, and a display control unit 190 by developing firmware and computer programs stored in a ROM and a hard disk in the RAM and executing them. Details will be described later.

  The interface 180 is an interface for connecting various external devices OA (for example, a personal computer PC, a mobile phone terminal, and a game terminal) serving as a content supply source to the control unit 10. As the interface 180, for example, a USB interface, a micro USB interface, a memory card interface, a wireless LAN interface, or the like can be provided. The content means information content including an image (still image, moving image), sound, and the like.

  The image processing unit 160 generates a clock signal PCLK, a vertical synchronization signal VSync, a horizontal synchronization signal HSync, and image data Data based on the content input through the interface 180, and outputs these signals to the image through the connection unit 40. This is supplied to the display unit 20. Specifically, the image processing unit 160 acquires an image signal included in the content. For example, in the case of a moving image, the acquired image signal is generally an analog signal composed of 30 frame images per second. The image processing unit 160 separates synchronization signals such as the vertical synchronization signal VSync and the horizontal synchronization signal HSync from the acquired image signal. Further, the image processing unit 160 generates a clock signal PCLK using a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) circuit (not shown) or the like according to the period of the separated vertical synchronization signal VSync and horizontal synchronization signal HSync.

  The image processing unit 160 converts the analog image signal from which the synchronization signal is separated into a digital image signal using an A / D conversion circuit or the like (not shown). Thereafter, the image processing unit 160 stores the converted digital image signal as image data Data (RGB data) of the target image in the DRAM in the storage unit 120 for each frame. Note that the image processing unit 160 may perform image processing such as resolution conversion processing, various tone correction processing such as adjustment of luminance and saturation, and keystone correction processing on the image data as necessary. .

  The image processing unit 160 transmits the generated clock signal PCLK, vertical synchronization signal VSync, horizontal synchronization signal HSync, and image data Data stored in the DRAM in the storage unit 120 via the transmission units 51 and 52, respectively. . The image data Data transmitted via the transmission unit 51 is also referred to as “right eye image data”, and the image data Data transmitted via the transmission unit 52 is also referred to as “left eye image data”. The transmission units 51 and 52 function as a transceiver for serial transmission between the control unit 10 and the image display unit 20.

  The display control unit 190 generates control signals for controlling the right display drive unit 22 and the left display drive unit 24. Specifically, the display control unit 190 uses the control signal to turn on / off the right LCD 241 by the right LCD control unit 211, turn on / off the right backlight 221 by the right backlight control unit 201, and control the left LCD. The left display drive unit 22 and the left display drive unit 24 are controlled by individually controlling the ON / OFF of the left LCD 242 by the unit 212 and the ON / OFF of the left backlight 222 by the left backlight control unit 202. Each controls the generation and emission of image light. For example, the display control unit 190 may cause both the right display driving unit 22 and the left display driving unit 24 to generate image light, generate only one image light, or neither may generate image light.

  The display control unit 190 transmits control signals for the right LCD control unit 211 and the left LCD control unit 212 via the transmission units 51 and 52, respectively. In addition, the display control unit 190 transmits control signals for the right backlight control unit 201 and the left backlight control unit 202, respectively.

  The audio processing unit 170 acquires an audio signal included in the content, amplifies the acquired audio signal, and supplies the acquired audio signal to the right earphone 32 and the left earphone 34 of the image display unit 20 via the connection unit 40.

  The image display unit 20 includes a right display drive unit 22, a left display drive unit 24, a right light guide plate 261 as a right optical image display unit 26, a left light guide plate 262 as a left optical image display unit 28, and a right earphone. 32 and a left earphone 34.

  The right display driving unit 22 includes a receiving unit (Rx) 53, a right backlight (BL) control unit 201 and a right backlight (BL) 221 that function as a light source, a right LCD control unit 211 that functions as a display element, and a right An LCD 241 and a right projection optical system 251 are included. The right backlight control unit 201, the right LCD control unit 211, the right backlight 221 and the right LCD 241 are also collectively referred to as “image light generation unit”.

  The receiving unit 53 functions as a receiver for serial transmission between the control unit 10 and the image display unit 20. The right backlight control unit 201 has a function of driving the right backlight 221 based on the input control signal. The right backlight 221 is a light emitter such as an LED or electroluminescence (EL). The right LCD control unit 211 has a function of driving the right LCD 241 based on the clock signal PCLK, the vertical synchronization signal VSync, the horizontal synchronization signal HSync, and the right eye image data input via the reception unit 53. Have. The right LCD 241 is a transmissive liquid crystal panel in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which image light is emitted by the image light generation unit. The right LCD 241 changes the transmittance of the light transmitted through the right LCD 241 by driving the liquid crystal corresponding to each pixel position arranged in a matrix, thereby changing the illumination light IL emitted from the right backlight 221. It has a function of modulating into effective image light PL representing an image. As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the backlight method is adopted. However, the image light may be emitted using a front light method or a reflection method.

  The right projection optical system 251 in FIG. 2 is configured by a collimating lens that converts image light emitted from the right LCD 241 to light beams in a parallel state. The right light guide plate 261 as the right optical image display unit 26 guides the image light output from the right projection optical system 251 to the right eye RE of the user while reflecting the image light along a predetermined optical path. The right projection optical system 251 and the right light guide plate 261 are collectively referred to as “light guide unit”.

  The left display driving unit 24 includes a receiving unit (Rx) 54, a left backlight (BL) control unit 202 and a left backlight (BL) 222 that function as a light source, a left LCD control unit 212 and a left that function as a display element. An LCD 242 and a left projection optical system 252 are included. The left backlight control unit 202, the left LCD control unit 212, the left backlight 222, and the left LCD 242 are collectively referred to as an “image light generation unit”, the left projection optical system 252, and the left light guide plate 262. Are also collectively referred to as “light guides”. The right display drive unit 22 and the left display drive unit 24 are paired. Since each unit of the left display drive unit 24 has the same configuration and operation as each unit described in the right display drive unit 22, a detailed description will be given. Omitted.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a virtual image recognized by the user. As described above, the image light guided to both eyes of the user of the head mounted display HM forms an image on the retina of the user, so that the user can visually recognize the virtual image. As shown in FIG. 4, a virtual image VI is displayed in the visual field VR of the user of the head mounted display HM. In addition, the user can see the outside scene SC through the right optical image display unit 26 and the left optical image display unit 28 except the portion where the virtual image VI is displayed in the visual field VR of the user. . In the head mounted display HM of the present embodiment, the outside scene SC can be seen through the virtual image VI even in the portion where the virtual image VI is displayed in the visual field VR of the user.

(A-2) Standby processing of the head-mounted display device:
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the standby process of the head mounted display HM. The standby process of the head mounted display HM is a process in which the control unit 10 controls image display by the image display unit 20.

  First, the power supply 130 of the control unit 10 supplies power to each unit of the head mounted display HM (step S102). Next, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 performs initial settings of the transmission units 51 and 52, the reception units 53 and 54, the right LCD control unit 211, and the left LCD control unit 212 (step S104). Specifically, the display control unit 190 sends a signal for setting the serial transmission correctly to the transmission units 51 and 52 and the reception units 53 and 54, for example, a signal for setting the clock rate and the number of channels. Send. The clock rate (bps) is a frequency of a signal (clock signal) for synchronizing synchronization between the transmission unit and the reception unit. The transmission units 51 and 52 and the reception units 53 and 54 each include a PLL circuit (not shown), and can perform data transmission while being synchronized with each other by the PLL circuit. In addition, the display control unit 190 transmits a setting for properly displaying on the LCD, for example, a signal for setting a gamma value, to the right LCD control unit 211 and the left LCD control unit 212.

  In the present embodiment, the display control unit 190 transmits signals to the transmission unit, the reception unit, and the LCD control unit. However, the display control unit 190 may transmit a signal only to the transmission unit. In that case, signals to the reception unit and the LCD control unit are indirectly transmitted via the transmission unit.

  After the initial setting, the image processing unit 160 and the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 display the home screen of the operating system (Step S106). Specifically, the image processing unit 160 performs the above-described processing on the image of the home screen input from the OS 150, and the image data Data indicating the home screen, the vertical synchronization signal VSync, the horizontal synchronization signal HSync, and the clock signal PCLK. Is transmitted via the transmission units 51 and 52. Further, the display control unit 190 sends a control signal indicating that the right LCD 241 is turned on by the right LCD control unit 211 via the transmission unit 51, and a control signal indicating that the left LCD 242 is turned on by the left LCD control unit 212 via the transmission unit 52. And send each. The right LCD control unit 211 that has received the signal via the receiving unit 53 drives the right LCD 241 to draw an image on the home screen. Similarly, the left LCD control unit 212 that has received a signal via the receiving unit 54 drives the left LCD 242 and draws an image on the home screen.

  Next, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 turns on the backlight (step S108). Specifically, the display control unit 190 includes a control signal indicating that the right backlight 221 is turned on by the right backlight control unit 201, and a control signal indicating that the left backlight 222 is turned on by the left backlight control unit 202. Is transmitted to the image display unit 20. The right backlight control unit 201 that has received the signal turns on the right backlight 221. Similarly, the left backlight control unit 202 that has received the signal turns on the left backlight 222. As a result, image light indicating an image of the home screen drawn by the right LCD 241 and the left LCD 242 is emitted, and a virtual image VI indicating the home screen is displayed in the visual field VR of the user.

  After displaying the home screen, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 determines whether there is a setting change request from the application (step S110). Specifically, the display control unit 190 determines whether there is a request for changing the setting of the image display method from various applications. Here, the various applications include, for example, an application for setting / changing an image display method provided in advance as a function of the OS 150, a game application installed in the OS 150, and a still image / moving image reproduction application. Etc. The image display method means a display method of an image drawn by the right LCD 241 and the left LCD 242 and displayed as a virtual image VI in the user's visual field VR. For example, the image display method is drawn (generated) on the right LCD 241 and the left LCD 242. Display direction, display size, number of colors, number of frames per unit time, and the like.

  If there is a setting change request from the application (step S110: YES), the display control unit 190 executes a setting change process (step S112). On the other hand, when there is no setting change request from the application (step S110: NO), the display control unit 190 shifts the process to step S110, and continues monitoring whether there is a setting change request from the application.

(A-3) Setting change processing:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the setting change process. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of the image light generation unit in step S202 of FIG. First, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 turns off the backlight (step S202). Specifically, the display control unit 190 includes a control signal indicating that the right backlight 221 is driven off by the right backlight control unit 201 and a control signal indicating that the left backlight 222 is driven off by the left backlight control unit 202. Is transmitted to the image display unit 20. The right backlight control unit 201 that has received the signal turns off the right backlight 221. Similarly, the left backlight control unit 202 that has received the signal turns off the left backlight 222. If the backlight is turned off, the image generated by the image light generation unit (specifically, the image drawn by the right LCD 241 and the left LCD 242) is not emitted as image light. Disappears.

  Next, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 stops the transmission units 51 and 52 and the reception units 53 and 54 (step S204). As a result, data transmission / reception between the control unit 10 and the image display unit 20 is stopped.

  The display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 changes the settings of the transmission units 51 and 52, the reception units 53 and 54, the right LCD control unit 211, and the left LCD control unit 212 (step S206). Changing the settings of the transmission units 51 and 52 and the reception units 53 and 54 changes the image display method (the display direction of the image drawn on the right LCD 241 and the left LCD 242, the display size, the number of colors, the number of frames per unit time, etc.). The change is caused by the change in the clock signal PCLK in accordance with the change in the data amount of the image data Data transmitted by the image processing unit 160. A PLL circuit included in the transmission units 51 and 52 and the reception units 53 and 54 in order to appropriately perform serial transmission between the transmission unit and the reception unit (suppress malfunction) in response to the change of the clock signal PCLK. Must be operated at a new clock rate that matches the changed clock signal PCLK. Therefore, the display control unit 190 transmits a new clock rate in accordance with the changed clock signal PCLK and a signal for setting the number of channels to the transmission units 51 and 52 and the reception units 53 and 54.

  In addition, the setting change of the right LCD control unit 211 and the left LCD control unit 212 is caused by the necessity of resetting the LCD display control unit in accordance with the change of the image display method. In order to properly perform display on the LCD, the display control unit 190 transmits a signal for setting a new gamma value or the like to the right LCD control unit 211 and the left LCD control unit 212.

  Thereafter, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 activates the transmission units 51 and 52 and the reception units 53 and 54 (step S208). As a result, data transmission / reception based on the new clock rate and the number of channels is resumed between the control unit 10 and the image display unit 20. Specifically, the image processing unit 160 starts transmitting image data Data under the changed clock signal PCLK.

  After restarting the transmission unit / reception unit, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 turns on the backlight (step S210). Specifically, the display control unit 190 receives a control signal indicating that the right backlight 221 is driven ON by the right backlight control unit 201 and a control signal indicating that the left backlight 222 is driven ON by the left backlight control unit 202. It transmits to the image display unit 20. When the backlight is turned on, the image generated by the image light generation unit (specifically, the image drawn by the right LCD 241 and the left LCD 242) is emitted again as image light, and the visual field VR of the user is The virtual image VI is displayed again.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the virtual image VI when the image display method is changed. FIG. 8A shows a virtual image VI displayed in the visual field VR of the user before the image display method (display size) is changed, that is, before the setting change process (FIG. 6) is performed. . In the visual field VR of the user, the virtual image VI is displayed in the size of the normal mode (for example, an image is displayed at the center of the screen of the right LCD 241 and the left LCD 242 at a ratio of 4: 3). In the state of FIG. 8A, the user fills the screen of the right LCD 241 and the left LCD 242 at a ratio of 16: 9 using an application for setting / changing the image display method. When “Display image” is selected, a setting change process (FIG. 6) is executed. FIG. 8B shows a virtual image VI displayed in the visual field VR of the user after step S210 of the setting change process.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the head mounted display device (head mounted display HM) that allows the user to visually recognize a virtual image, the control unit 10 controls the image display unit 20. Estimated disturbance of data transmission / reception between the transmission unit (transmission units 51 and 52) that transmits the image data Data and the reception unit (reception units 53 and 54) that receives the image data Data on the image display unit 20 side. In this case, the luminance of the light source of the image light generation unit is adjusted so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image VI for a predetermined period (specifically, the proof light of the light source is turned off). Disturbance in data transmission / reception between the transmission unit and the reception unit leads to disturbance in an image generated by the LCD (right LCD 241 and left LCD 242) of the image light generation unit. Accordingly, if the visibility of the virtual image VI is reduced when disturbance of data transmission / reception is estimated, even if the image generated by the LCD of the image light generation unit is disturbed, the user can It is possible to adopt a configuration in which it is difficult to notice the disturbance. As a result, it is possible to provide a head-mounted display device that can reduce discomfort given to the user when image display is disturbed due to disturbance of data transmission / reception inside the head-mounted display device. .

  Specifically, the control unit 10 determines the amount of data of the image data Data transmitted between the transmission unit and the reception unit when disturbance of data transmission / reception between the transmission unit and the reception unit is estimated. When the clock rate PCLK of the transmission unit (transmission units 51 and 52) is changed in accordance with the change, the clock rate is adjusted to adjust the luminance of the image light generation unit so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image VI for a predetermined period. Even when the image is disturbed due to the change in PCLK, the user can hardly recognize the image disturbance.

  Further, the predetermined period is a period until the transmission units 51 and 52 and the reception units 53 and 54 are stopped, the clock rate of the transmission unit is changed, and the transmission unit and the reception unit are activated. The display of the virtual image VI can be reliably stopped while there is a concern about the failure of the transmission unit due to the restart. As a result, in the head mounted display HM, even when the image display is disturbed when the image display method is changed, discomfort given to the user can be reduced.

B. Second embodiment:
In the second embodiment of the present invention, a configuration for changing the luminance of a light source instead of switching on / off of the light source in the setting change process will be described. Below, only the part which has a different structure and operation | movement from 1st Example is demonstrated. In the figure, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

(B-1) Configuration of the head-mounted display device:
The configuration of the head mounted display HM in the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

  However, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 in the second embodiment controls the luminance of the right backlight 221 together with a control signal for designating ON / OFF of the right backlight 221 to the right backlight control unit 201. Send a control signal to specify. In this embodiment, a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal is used as a control signal for designating the luminance of the right backlight 221. Hereinafter, the control signal for designating the luminance of the backlight is also simply referred to as “PWM signal”.

  The right backlight control unit 201 changes the luminance of the right backlight 221 according to the duty ratio of the received PWM signal. That is, the right backlight control unit 201 increases the luminance of the right backlight 221 if the PWM signal has a high duty ratio (that is, brightens the illumination light), and decreases the luminance of the right backlight 221 if the duty ratio is low ( That is, the illumination light is darkened). Similarly, the display control unit 190 also sends a control signal for designating the luminance of the left backlight 222 to the left backlight control unit 202 together with a control signal for designating driving ON / OFF of the left backlight 222 ( PWM signal) is transmitted.

(B-2) Standby processing of the head-mounted display device:
The procedure of the standby process in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

(B-3) Setting change processing:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the setting change process in the second embodiment. The only difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is that step S302 is provided instead of step S202, and step S304 is provided instead of step S210. Other processes are the same as those in FIG. . FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in the PWM signal transmitted by the display control unit 190.

  In step S302 of FIG. 9, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 starts dimming the backlight. Specifically, the display control unit 190 gradually decreases the duty ratio of the PWM signal transmitted to the right backlight control unit 201 and the left backlight control unit 202 with time (time t1 in FIG. 10). Note that the reduction ratio of the duty ratio, time, and the like can be arbitrarily determined. As the duty ratio of the PWM signal is decreased stepwise, the illumination light from the right backlight 221 and the left backlight 222 becomes darker (dimmed) stepwise. If the illumination light from the right backlight 221 and the left backlight 222 becomes dark, the image light emitted by the image light generation unit becomes weak. Therefore, the virtual image VI displayed in the user's visual field VR is thin and blurred. Display.

  In step S304 in FIG. 9, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 starts backlight increase. Specifically, the display control unit 190 gradually increases the duty ratio of the PWM signal transmitted to the right backlight control unit 201 and the left backlight control unit 202 with time (time t2 in FIG. 10). As the duty ratio of the PWM signal is increased in steps, the illumination light from the right backlight 221 and the left backlight 222 becomes brighter (increased) in steps. If the illumination light from the right backlight 221 and the left backlight 222 becomes brighter, the image light emitted by the image light generation unit becomes stronger. Therefore, the virtual image VI displayed in the user's visual field VR is clearly displayed with a dark display. become.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the control unit 10 changes the data amount of the image data Data transmitted to the image display unit 20 in order to change the image display method. When the clock rate of the PLL circuit included in the transmitters 51 and 52 is changed with the change of PCLK), the brightness of the image light generator is reduced so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image VI for a predetermined period. Adjust (specifically, reduce the illumination light of the light source). If the visibility of the virtual image VI is lowered, the image is drawn (generated) by the right LCD 241 and the left LCD 242 when the image display method is changed (specifically, during the change and restart of the clock rate of the PLL circuit). Even when the image is disturbed, the user can hardly notice the image disturbance. As a result, in the head mounted display HM, even when the image display is disturbed when the image display method is changed, discomfort given to the user can be reduced.

  In addition, the control unit 10 changes the luminance of the light source stepwise when the illumination light is dimmed and increased by the light source. As a result, the virtual image VI displayed in the user's visual field VR gradually becomes light and blurred while setting the transmission unit and the reception unit, and gradually becomes clear after the setting of the transmission unit and the reception unit is completed. Darker display. For this reason, compared with the case where the display of the virtual image VI flickers or switches suddenly, the discomfort given to the user can be further reduced.

C. Third embodiment:
In the third embodiment of the present invention, a configuration capable of reducing discomfort given to the user when the head mounted display HM is shifted to the partial display mode in the standby processing of the head mounted display HM will be described. Below, only the part which has a different structure and operation | movement from 1st Example is demonstrated. In the figure, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

(C-1) Configuration of the head-mounted display device:
The configuration of the head mounted display HM in the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

(C-2) Standby processing of the head-mounted display device:
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of standby processing in the third embodiment. The only difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is that step S400 is provided instead of step S110, and other operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  After displaying the home screen through the processing of steps S106 and S108 in FIG. 11, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 determines whether or not the partial display selection condition is satisfied (step S400). The partial display selection condition is an event trigger for switching the head mounted display HM from the full screen mode to the partial (partial) display mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, the “full screen mode” means a display mode in which an image is displayed on all the maximum areas that can be displayed on the display elements (the right LCD 241 and the left LCD 242). On the other hand, the “partial display mode” means a display mode in which an image is displayed only on a part of the maximum area that can be displayed on the display elements (the right LCD 241 and the left LCD 242).

The “predetermined condition” can be arbitrarily determined. For example, it can be determined by selecting or combining alternatively from the following conditions.
Condition (a1): When the remaining amount of the power supply 130 (secondary battery) is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount. The predetermined remaining amount can be arbitrarily determined.
Condition (a2): A state in which an operation on the head mounted display HM (for example, an operation on the touch pad 14 and the cross key 16) is not detected continues for a predetermined time. The predetermined time can be arbitrarily determined.
Condition (a3): When activation of a predesignated application in the OS is detected.
Condition (a4): When a power saving request from the outside is acquired. Specifically, when the display control unit 190 obtains the selection of power saving via the touch pad 14 or the cross key 16 provided in the controller 10.

  If the partial display selection condition is not satisfied (step S400: NO), the display control unit 190 shifts the process to step S400 and waits for the condition to be satisfied. On the other hand, when the partial display selection condition is satisfied (step S400: YES), the display control unit 190 executes a setting change process (step S112).

(C-3) Setting change processing:
The procedure of the setting change process in the third embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 stops the transmission units 51 and 52 and the reception units 53 and 54 after the backlight is turned off (step S202) (step S204). Subsequently, the display control unit 190 changes the settings of the transmission units 51 and 52, the reception units 53 and 54, the right LCD control unit 211, and the left LCD control unit 212 (step S206).

  Changing the settings of the transmission units 51 and 52 and the reception units 53 and 54 in the third embodiment reduces the data amount of the image data Data transmitted by the image processing unit 160 when shifting from the full screen mode to the partial display mode. Along with this, the clock signal PCLK is lowered. As in the case of the first embodiment, the display control unit 190 is adapted to the changed clock signal PCLK in order to appropriately perform serial transmission between the transmission unit and the reception unit in response to the decrease in the clock signal PCLK. A signal for setting a new clock rate and the number of channels is transmitted to the transmission units 51 and 52 and the reception units 53 and 54. In addition, the setting change of the right LCD control unit 211 and the left LCD control unit 212 is caused by the necessity of resetting the LCD display control unit in accordance with the change of the image display method. The display control unit 190 transmits a signal for setting a new gamma value or the like to the right LCD control unit 211 and the left LCD control unit 212 in order to properly display on the LCD.

  After the setting change in step S206, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 activates the transmission units 51 and 52 and the reception units 53 and 54 (step S208). As a result, the image processing unit 160 starts transmission of the changed vertical synchronization signal VSync, horizontal synchronization signal HSync, and image data Data having a reduced data amount under the reduced clock signal PCLK. After restarting the transmission unit / reception unit, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 turns on the backlight (step S210). When the backlight is turned on, the image generated by the image light generation unit (specifically, the image drawn by the right LCD 241 and the left LCD 242) is emitted again as image light, and the user's visual field VR The virtual image VI is displayed again.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the virtual image VI when the full screen mode is shifted to the partial display mode. FIG. 12A shows a virtual image VI displayed in the visual field VR of the user in the full screen mode. In the full screen mode, the image is displayed on the full screen of the right LCD 241 and the left LCD 242, so the virtual image VI is displayed so as to occupy the entire visual field VR of the user. In the state of FIG. 12A, when the partial display selection condition is satisfied, for example, when a state in which an operation on the head mounted display HM is not detected continues for a predetermined time, the setting change process (FIG. 6) is executed.

  FIG. 12B shows a virtual image VI displayed in the user's visual field VR after the transition to the partial display mode, in other words, after the end of step S210 of the setting change process. In the partial display mode, an image is displayed only on a part of the right LCD 241 and the left LCD 242 based on the changed vertical synchronization signal VSync and horizontal synchronization signal HSync. For this reason, most of the visual field VR of the user is occupied by the outside scene SC, and the virtual image VI is formed only in a part thereof. In this embodiment, in the partial display mode, an image indicating that the apparatus is on standby, such as time display, is displayed.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the control unit 10 generates the data transmission / reception disturbance between the transmission unit and the reception unit, that is, in the display elements (the right LCD 241 and the left LCD 24). The light source (backlight) is turned off when the image to be displayed occupies only a part of the display area of the display element (in other words, when the head mounted display HM is switched from the full screen mode to the partial display mode). Thus, the brightness of the image light generator is adjusted so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image VI. For this reason, even when the image display is disturbed when the head mounted display HM is switched from the full screen mode to the partial display mode, the discomfort given to the user can be reduced.

  Furthermore, since the clock frequency is lowered in the partial display mode of the third embodiment, the power consumption of the head mounted display HM can be suppressed as compared with the full screen mode. For this reason, if the condition (a1) is selected as the partial display condition, the head mounted display HM can be brought into a power saving state when the remaining amount of the secondary battery is reduced. Therefore, the usage time of the battery-mounted head mounted display HM can be extended. Further, if the condition (a2) is selected as the partial display condition, the head mounted display HM can be put into a power saving state in accordance with an operation from the touch pad 14 or the cross key 16. Further, if the condition (a3) is selected as the partial display condition, the head mounted display HM can be put into a power saving state in accordance with the activation of a predesignated application. Further, if the condition (a4) is selected as the partial display condition, the head mounted display HM can be put into a power saving state when the operation on the head mounted display HM is not performed for a long time.

D. Fourth embodiment:
In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in the standby processing of the head mounted display HM, it is possible to detect an operation failure of the head mounted display HM due to external noise or the like, and to automatically return it. The structure which reduces the discomfort given to a person is demonstrated. Below, only the part which has a different structure and operation | movement from 1st Example is demonstrated. In the figure, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

(D-1) Configuration of the head-mounted display device:
FIG. 13 is a block diagram functionally showing a part of the configuration of the head mounted display HM in the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 13, for convenience of illustration, only a part of the control unit 10 and a part of the image display unit 20 are shown. The configuration of the portion not shown is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 140 in the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that it includes a state confirmation unit 145. The state confirmation unit 145 periodically confirms the state of the transmission units 51 and 52. Specifically, for example, the state confirmation unit 145 periodically refers to the value of the register indicating the status of the transmission units 51 and 52, and when the abnormality occurs in the transmission units 51 and 52, the state confirmation unit 145 detects the abnormality. Can be detected. In addition, the state confirmation unit 145 causes the reception units 53 and 54 to verify the parity bits of the received packet, and refers to the verification result to determine whether there is an abnormality in the received packet received by the reception units 53 and 54 (for example, noise It is good also as a structure which detects that it mixed. Further, the state confirmation unit 145 may perform both reference to the register of the transmission unit and reference to the parity bit verification result of the received packet.

(D-2) Standby processing of the head-mounted display device:
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of standby processing in the fourth embodiment. The only difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is that steps S500 to S504 are provided instead of step S110, and other operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  After displaying the home screen through the processing of steps S106 and S108 in FIG. 14, the state confirmation unit 145 of the control unit 10 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S500). Here, the “predetermined time” is a time indicating an interval at which the state confirmation unit 145 confirms the state of the transmission units 51 and 52, and can be arbitrarily determined. When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S500: NO), the state confirmation unit 145 shifts the process to step S500 and waits for the predetermined time. On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S500: YES), the state confirmation unit 145 confirms the state of the transmission units 51 and 52 (step S502).

  Thereafter, the state confirmation unit 145 determines whether or not an abnormality has been detected in the transmission units 51 and 52 (step S504). When no abnormality is detected in both the transmission units 51 and 52 (step S504: NO), the state confirmation unit 145 shifts the process to step S500 and waits for a predetermined time. On the other hand, when an abnormality is detected in at least one of the transmission unit 51 and the transmission unit 52 (step S504: YES), the state confirmation unit 145 resets the transmission units 51 and 52 and the reception units 53 and 54. In order to do this, the display control unit 190 is instructed to execute setting change processing (FIG. 6) (step S112). If the status check unit 145 is configured to detect whether there is an abnormality in the received packet, in step S504, it is determined whether the parity bit verification result of the received packet is normal or abnormal.

(D-3) Setting change processing:
The procedure of the setting change process in the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the setting change process of the fourth embodiment, “setting changes of the right LCD control unit 211 and the left LCD control unit 212” in step S206 may be omitted. It is often the transmitters 51 and 52 and the receivers 53 and 54 that are close to the connection unit 40 that cause malfunction due to the influence of noise from the outside. This is because much time is required as compared with the resetting of the receiving unit.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the state confirmation unit 145 of the control unit 10 automatically checks the state of the transmission unit (transmission units 51 and 52) to automatically detect the abnormality of the transmission unit. Can be detected. In addition, the state confirmation unit 145 of the control unit 10 detects a disturbance of data transmission / reception between the transmission unit and the reception unit, that is, detects an abnormality of the transmission unit or an abnormality of the received packet. In order to adjust the luminance of the image light generation unit so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image VI for a predetermined time, for example, even when the image is disturbed due to resetting of the transmission unit, etc. It can be set as the structure which a user is hard to notice the disorder of the said image.

E. Example 5:
In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in the standby processing of the head mounted display HM, when the image data transfer source for the head mounted display HM is switched, it is possible to reduce discomfort given to the user. explain. Below, only the part which has a different structure and operation | movement from 1st Example is demonstrated. In the figure, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

(E-1) Configuration of the head-mounted display device:
The configuration of the head mounted display HM in the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

(E-2) Standby processing of the head-mounted display device:
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure of standby processing in the fifth embodiment. The only difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is that steps S600 to S604 are provided instead of step S110, and other operations are the same as those of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a plurality of external devices OA are connected to the head mounted display HM.

  After displaying the home screen through the processing of steps S106 and S108 in FIG. 15, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 determines whether there is a display switching request from the reproduction application (step S600). Here, the application for reproduction means an application for reproducing content composed of images (still images, moving images), sounds, and the like on the head mounted display HM. The reproduction application includes, for example, an application provided in advance as a function of the OS 150 or an application installed on the OS 150 by a user or the like.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16, a case where a “camera” as an external device OA is connected to an interface 180 (for example, a USB interface) of the head mounted display HM will be exemplified. The OS 150 detects the connection of the camera, and automatically activates a playback application that is assigned in advance to the camera within the OS 150. The activated playback application transmits a display switching request to the display control unit 190 (step S600). Further, when the “SD card” as the external device OA is connected, the OS 150 detects the connection of the newly connected SD card, and the playback device pre-assigned to the SD card inside the OS 150 is detected. Start the application automatically. In this case as well, the newly started playback application transmits a display switching request to the display control unit 190.

  When there is no display switching request from the reproduction application (FIG. 15, Step S600: NO), the display control unit 190 shifts the process to Step S600 and waits for the display switching request. On the other hand, when there is a display switching request from the reproduction application (step S600: YES), the display control unit 190 determines whether display preparation is completed (step S602). Specifically, for example, the display control unit 190 displays “display” when content input via the interface 180 is not compressed or modulated, or when content does not need to be buffered in the storage unit 120. It is determined that preparation is complete. Note that the necessity of buffering content can be determined from, for example, the type of external device OA, the data transfer rate of the interface 180 being used, and the like.

  When the display preparation is completed (step S602: YES), the display control unit 190 executes a setting change process (step S112). On the other hand, when the display preparation is not completed (step S602: NO), the display control unit 190 executes a setting change process after standby (step S604).

(E-3) Setting change processing:
The procedure of the setting change process in the fifth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

(E-4) Setting change processing after standby:
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the post-standby setting change process. First, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 dims the backlight (step S700). The backlight dimming method is as described in the second embodiment. In step S700, the illumination light from the right backlight 221 and the left backlight 222 may be gradually reduced by decreasing the duty ratio of the PWM signal with time, or the duty ratio of the PWM signal. , The illumination light from the right backlight 221 and the left backlight 222 may be reduced to a predetermined brightness.

  After the backlight dimming, the display control unit 190 determines again whether or not display preparation is completed (step S702). Specifically, the display control unit 190 determines that “display preparation is complete” when the demodulating / developing of the input content is completed or when the input content is buffered to some extent in the storage unit. To do. When the display preparation is not completed (step S702: NO), the display control unit 190 shifts the process to step S702 and waits until the display preparation is completed. On the other hand, when the display preparation is completed (step S702: YES), the display control unit 190 shifts the process to step S202 and turns off the backlight. The processing after step S202 is the same as the setting change processing (FIG. 6).

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the control unit 10 is configured to transfer content including image data to the control unit 10 when disturbance of data transmission / reception between the transmission unit and the reception unit is estimated. When a source is switched from an external device (external device OA) to another external device (external device OA) (specifically, a display switching request is received from a playback application generated by switching the external device) The brightness of the image light generator is adjusted so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image VI for a predetermined period. For this reason, even if the image is disturbed due to the switching of the image data transfer source device, the user can hardly recognize the image disturbance.

  Furthermore, according to the fifth embodiment, the control unit 10 includes a network interface (wireless LAN interface) for connecting an external device that is a transfer source of image data. LAN HDD) can also be connected. Therefore, in the configuration of the application example 6, it is possible to provide a head-mounted display device that is compatible with DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance).

F. Example 6:
In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, a configuration capable of reducing discomfort given to the user when switching the 2D / 3D display mode in the standby process of the head mounted display HM will be described. Below, only the part which has a different structure and operation | movement from 1st Example is demonstrated. In the figure, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

(F-1) Configuration of the head-mounted display device:
The configuration of the head mounted display HM in the sixth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

  However, the head mounted display HM in the sixth embodiment can switch between two display modes, a 2D display mode and a 3D display mode. In the 2D display mode, the image processing unit 160 outputs the same image data Data (RGB data) as right-eye image data and left-eye image data. In the 3D display mode, the image processing unit 160 generates and outputs different image data Data (RGB data) for each of the right-eye image data and the left-eye image data. By making the image data for the right eye and the image data for the left eye different from each other, the user can visually recognize the 3D virtual image VI. The switching between the 2D display mode and the 3D display mode may be accepted by selection using the touch pad 14 of the control unit 10 or the cross key 16, or a 2D / 3D switching button outside the casing of the control unit 10. May be provided.

(F-2) Standby processing of the head-mounted display device:
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure of standby processing in the sixth embodiment. The only difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is that step S800 is provided instead of step S110, and the other operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  After displaying the home screen through the processes of steps S106 and S108 in FIG. 18, the display control unit 190 of the control unit 10 determines whether or not switching of the 2D / 3D display mode is detected (step S800). When switching of the 2D / 3D display mode is not detected (step S800: NO), the display control unit 190 shifts the process to step S800 and waits for detection of switching of the display mode. On the other hand, when the switching of the 2D / 3D display mode is detected (step S800: YES), the display control unit 190 executes a setting change process (step S112).

(F-3) Setting change processing:
The procedure of the setting change process in the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the control unit 10 estimates the data transmission / reception disturbance between the transmission unit and the reception unit, that is, one of the pair of image light generation units (for example, When the image data transmitted to the right LCD control unit 211) is different from the image data transmitted to the other (for example, the left LCD control unit 212) (in other words, a three-dimensional virtual image VI is given to the user). In order to adjust the luminance of the pair of image light generation units so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image VI for a predetermined period when the 3D display mode is set to be visually recognized), the image is disturbed when switching to the 3D display mode. Even if it occurs, it can be configured that the user is less likely to notice the disturbance of the image.

G. Variations:
In addition, this invention is not restricted to said Example and embodiment, A various structure can be taken in the range which does not deviate from the summary. For example, a function realized by software may be realized by hardware. In addition, the following modifications are possible.

G1. Modification 1:
In the said Example, it illustrated about the structure of the head mounted display. However, the configuration of the head-mounted display can be arbitrarily determined without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, each component can be added, deleted, converted, and the like.

  In the above embodiment, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the control unit includes a transmission unit (51, 52) and the image display unit includes a reception unit (53, 54). However, each of the transmission units (51, 52) and the reception units (53, 54) of the above embodiment has a function capable of bidirectional communication, and can function as a transmission / reception unit.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the connection unit may be omitted, and the control unit and the image display unit may be configured to perform wireless communication. Specifically, the control unit further includes a wireless communication unit (81), and the image display unit further includes a wireless communication unit (82) and a power source (280). In this case, the wireless communication unit 81 functions as the transmission unit (51, 52) in the above embodiment, and the wireless communication unit 82 functions as the reception unit (53, 54) in the above embodiment.

  For example, the configurations of the control unit and the image display unit illustrated in FIG. 1 can be arbitrarily changed. Specifically, for example, the touch pad may be omitted from the control unit, and the operation may be performed using only the cross key. Further, the control unit may be provided with another operation interface such as an operation stick. Moreover, it is good also as what receives an input from a keyboard or a mouse | mouth as a structure which can connect devices, such as a keyboard and a mouse | mouth, to a control part. In addition, a communication unit using Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) or the like may be provided in the control unit.

  For example, the control unit illustrated in FIG. 1 is connected to the image display unit via a wired signal transmission path. However, the control unit and the image display unit may be connected by a connection via a wireless signal transmission path such as a wireless LAN, infrared communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  For example, although the head-mounted display is a binocular transmissive head-mounted display, the head-mounted display may be configured as a non-transmissive head-mounted display that blocks the outside scene when the user wears the head-mounted display. Good. A monocular head-mounted display may be used.

  For example, the functional units such as the image processing unit, the display control unit, and the audio processing unit are described as being realized by the CPU developing and executing a computer program stored in the ROM or hard disk on the RAM. However, these functional units may be configured using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) designed to realize the function.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the image display unit is a head-mounted display that is mounted like glasses. ). Also in this case, the connection between the control unit and the image display unit may be a connection via a wired signal transmission path or a connection via a wireless signal transmission path. In this way, the control unit can be used as a remote controller for a normal flat display device.

  Further, as the image display unit, instead of the image display unit worn like glasses, an image display unit of another shape such as an image display unit worn like a hat may be adopted. Further, the earphone may be an ear-hook type or a headband type, or may be omitted.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the secondary battery is used as the power source. However, the power source is not limited to the secondary battery, and various batteries can be used. For example, a primary battery, a fuel cell, a solar cell, a thermal cell, or the like may be used.

G2. Modification 2:
In the said Example, an example of the standby process of a head mounted display was shown. However, the processing procedures shown in FIGS. 5, 11, 14, and 15 are merely examples, and various changes can be made. Some steps may be omitted, and other steps may be added. Further, the order of the steps to be executed may be changed.

  For example, in step S112 of FIG. 5, FIG. 11, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15, the setting change process shown in FIG. 6 is performed, but the setting change process shown in FIG. Good.

  For example, in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 11, in the partial display mode, an image indicating that it is on standby is displayed. However, in the partial display mode, the image in the content itself may be displayed by performing processing (reduction and clipping) on the image in the content. In the partial display mode, the number of colors to be displayed may be reduced in order to further improve the power saving effect.

  For example, in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the state confirmation unit repeatedly confirms the state of the transmission unit every predetermined time. However, the state confirmation unit may confirm the state of the transmission unit periodically for a longer period, for example, every time the head mounted display is activated.

  For example, in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the display control unit determines that the external device has been switched when a display switching request is received from the playback application. You may judge by the method of. For example, it is possible to determine whether or not the external device is switched by identifying the type of the input signal (analog signal such as composite, digital signal such as HDMI).

G3. Modification 3:
In the said Example, an example of the setting change process of the head mounted display was shown. However, the processing procedures shown in FIGS. 6, 9, and 18 are merely examples, and various changes can be made. Some steps may be omitted, and other steps may be added. Further, the order of the steps to be executed may be changed.

  For example, in a configuration in which an organic EL is used as the image light generation unit, instead of turning off / lighting the backlight in steps S202 and S210 of the setting change processing shown in FIGS. It is good also as dummy data. In this way, even in the organic EL in which the display element and the backlight are integrated, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  For example, in the setting change process shown in FIG. 9 (steps S302 and S304), the display control unit gradually decreases / increases the duty ratio of the PWM signal transmitted to the backlight control unit over time. However, the display control unit does not necessarily change the duty ratio stepwise. For example, in step S302, the display control unit changes the duty ratio of the PWM signal transmitted to the backlight control unit to a predetermined value (a value lower than the normal value). In step S304, the display control unit By returning the duty ratio to the normal value, the illumination light of the light source may only be reduced during steps S204 to S208.

  For example, in FIG. 9 (steps S302 and S304), the intensity of the image light emitted by the image light generation unit is changed by changing the PWM signal transmitted to the backlight control unit (that is, by adjusting the luminance of the light source). The display of the virtual image VI displayed in the user's visual field VR is adjusted. However, the brightness of the light source is maintained at a constant brightness, and the intensity of image light emitted by the image light generation unit is adjusted by adjusting the light transmittance in the liquid crystal of the LCD. The display of the virtual image VI displayed on the screen may be adjusted.

G4. Modification 4:
In the above embodiment, the image light generation unit is configured using a backlight, a backlight control unit, an LCD, and an LCD control unit. However, the above aspect is merely an example. The image light generation unit may include a configuration unit for realizing another method together with or in place of these configuration units.

  For example, the image light generation unit may include an organic EL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) display and an organic EL control unit. In this case, “adjusting the luminance of the image light generation unit” in the above embodiment means that the organic EL control unit changes the light amount of the organic EL display by adjusting the luminance of the organic EL display. means. Further, for example, the present invention can be applied to a laser retinal projection type head-mounted display device. In this case, “adjusting the luminance of the image light generation unit” means executing at least one of adjustment of the amount of laser light to be emitted and reflection angle control in the reflecting mirror and the digital mirror device (DMD). .

10. Control unit (controller)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Illuminating part 14 ... Touch pad 16 ... Cross key 18 ... Power switch 20 ... Image display part 21 ... Ear hook part 22 ... Right display drive part 24 ... Left display drive part 26 ... Right optical image display part 28 ... Left optical image Display unit 32 ... Right earphone 34 ... Left earphone 40 ... Connection unit 42 ... Right cord 44 ... Left cord 46 ... Connecting member 48 ... Body code 51 ... Transmitting unit 52 ... Transmitting unit 53 ... Receiving unit 54 ... Receiving unit 81 ... Wireless communication Unit 82 ... Wireless communication unit 110 ... Input information acquisition unit 120 ... Storage unit 130 ... Power source 140 ... CPU
145 ... Status confirmation unit 160 ... Image processing unit 170 ... Audio processing unit 180 ... Interface 190 ... Display control unit 201 ... Right backlight control unit (image light generation unit, light source)
202 ... Left backlight control unit (image light generation unit, light source)
211 ... Right LCD controller (image light generator, display element)
212 ... Left LCD controller (image light generator, display element)
221 ... Right backlight (image light generator, light source)
222: Left backlight (image light generator, light source)
241 ... Right LCD (image light generator, display element)
242 ... Left LCD (image light generation unit, display element)
251 ... Right projection optical system (light guide unit)
252 ... Left projection optical system (light guide)
261 ... Right light guide plate (light guide part)
262 ... Left light guide plate (light guide part)
280 ... Power supply PCLK ... Clock signal VSync ... Vertical synchronization signal HSync ... Horizontal synchronization signal Data ... Image data OA ... External device PC ... Personal computer SC ... Outside view VI ... Virtual image IL ... Illumination light PL ... Image light HM ... Head mounted display (head) Part-mounted display device)
VR: Field of view

Claims (14)

A head-mounted display device that allows a user to visually recognize a virtual image,
An image light generator for generating and emitting image light representing an image using image data;
A light guide for guiding the emitted image light to the eyes of the user;
A receiving unit for receiving the image data;
A control unit that is connected to the reception unit and controls image display by the image light generation unit, the control unit including a transmission unit that transmits the image data to the reception unit;
With
The controller is
A head-mounted device that adjusts the brightness of the image light generation unit to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period when disturbance of data transmission / reception between the transmission unit and the reception unit is estimated. Type display device. The head-mounted display device according to claim 1,
The controller is
When changing the clock rate of the transmission unit according to a change in the data amount of the image data transmitted between the transmission unit and the reception unit, the visibility of the virtual image is reduced for a predetermined period. A head-mounted display device that adjusts the luminance of the image light generation unit. The head-mounted display device according to claim 2,
The image light generation unit further includes a display element that generates the image light from the image data,
The controller is
To change at least one of the display direction of the image generated in the display element, the display size of the image, the number of display colors of the image, and the number of frames per unit time of the image And a head-mounted display device that changes a data amount of the image data to be transmitted. The head-mounted display device according to claim 2,
The image light generation unit further includes a display element that generates the image light from the image data,
The controller is
A head-mounted display device that changes a data amount of the image data to be transmitted so that the image generated in the display element occupies only a part of a display area of the display element. The head-mounted display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The controller is
Periodically check the state of the transmission unit, and if the result of the confirmation is that an abnormality is detected in the transmission unit, adjust the brightness of the image light generation unit to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period A head-mounted display device. The head-mounted display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The controller is
The reception unit periodically checks whether there is an abnormality in the received data, and as a result of the confirmation, if the abnormality in the received data is detected, the image is reduced so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period. A head-mounted display device that adjusts the luminance of the light generation unit. The head-mounted display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The control unit further includes an input interface for connecting an external device,
The controller is
When the transfer source of the image data to the control unit is switched from one external device to another external device, the brightness of the image light generation unit is reduced so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period. Head-mounted display device that adjusts The head-mounted display device according to claim 7,
The head-mounted display device, wherein the control unit further includes a network interface for connecting an external device that is a transfer source of the image data to the control unit. The head-mounted display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A pair of the image light generation unit and a pair of the light guide unit,
The controller is
When the image data to be transmitted to one of the pair of image light generation units and the image data to be transmitted to the other are different data, the pair of the pair of the image light is reduced so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period. A head-mounted display device that adjusts the luminance of the image light generator. The head-mounted display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The predetermined period is a period from when the control unit stops the transmission unit and the reception unit, changes a clock rate in the transmission unit, and activates the transmission unit and the reception unit. Part-mounted display device. The head-mounted display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The controller is
A head-mounted display device that stops emission of the image light by adjusting luminance of the image light generation unit. The head-mounted display device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The controller is
A head-mounted display device that weakens emission of the image light by adjusting luminance of the image light generation unit. The head-mounted display device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The image light generator is
A display element for generating the image;
A light source for emitting image light representing the generated image;
Including
The controller is
A head-mounted display device that adjusts the luminance of the image light generation unit by gradually changing the luminance of the light source. A method for controlling a head-mounted display device that allows a user to visually recognize a virtual image,
(A) generating and emitting image light representing an image using image data received from the receiving unit;
(B) guiding the emitted image light to a user's eye;
(C) transmitting the image data using a transmission unit and controlling the image display in the steps (a) and (b);
With
The step (c)
A head mounted that adjusts the luminance in the step (a) so as to reduce the visibility of the virtual image for a predetermined period when disturbance of data transmission / reception between the transmission unit and the reception unit is estimated. Control method for type display device.

Images