JP6751124B2 - Electronic device and display method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device and a display method.

BACKGROUND ART Electronic devices, for example, wearable devices that provide information such as images and messages on an extended line of sight of at least one of the wearers have been put into practical use. In this type of wearable device, the wearer can visually recognize both the image or the scene directly looking at and the image or the message displayed in an overlapping manner on the image or the scenery without substantially moving the line of sight.

JP, 2010-516186, A

However, if the image or message (information) displayed on the extension of the line of sight of one eye is different from the direct-view image or view (information) seen on the extension of the line of sight of the other eye, the wearer may In some cases, only the entered information is perceived (recognized).

That is, it is suggested that stereoscopic vision consists of visual recognition (perception) by both eyes. However, when information different from the information perceived by the other eye is displayed on the extension of the visual line of one eye, the visual line of one eye It is required that the information displayed on the extension of can be viewed stably.

Although it is possible to configure the display mechanism so that the information to be displayed can be perceived by both eyes, the weight and size of the wearable device are increased. This not only lowers the wearability of the wearable device, but may cause the (device) to be detached from the wearer, the displayed information to deviate from the line of sight, and the like. Also, the large scale and increased cost of wearable devices and systems for displaying information are unacceptable today.

The purpose of this invention, when the other eye on the extension of the line of sight of one eye to view the different information and information to be perceived, to enhance the visibility of the information displayed on the extension of the line of sight of one eye The present invention is to provide an electronic device and a display method that can be mounted on a user .

The electronic device of the embodiment includes a display unit, an optical system, and an adjusting mechanism. The electronic device is worn by the user. The display unit displays the first virtual image together with the background visible on the line of sight of the user. The display unit displays the second virtual image for enhancing the visibility of the first virtual image together with the background visible on the line of sight of the user prior to the timing of displaying the first virtual image. The optical system displays a virtual image of the display image displayed on the display unit at a position 10 cm or more away from the user's pupil. The adjustment mechanism adjusts the display position of the virtual image with respect to the display position change direction of the virtual image that occurs according to the change in the shape or size of the user's head. When the brightness of the background is brighter than the first brightness, the second virtual image includes the first virtual image having a high contrast difference with the background.

An example of the electronic device which concerns on embodiment is shown. An example of the electronic device which concerns on embodiment is shown. 1 shows an example of a main configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. An example of the display control of the electronic device which concerns on embodiment is shown. An example of the display control of the electronic device which concerns on embodiment is shown. An example of the display example in the electronic device which concerns on embodiment is shown. An example of the display example in the electronic device which concerns on embodiment is shown. An example of the display example in the electronic device which concerns on embodiment is shown. An example of the electronic device which concerns on embodiment is shown. An example of the electronic device which concerns on embodiment is shown. 1 shows an example of a main configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a wearable device (electronic device) according to an embodiment. A wearable device is a terminal device that can be carried (a user can wear it on his/her head), and for example, information from a smartphone (tablet PC) associated with a smartphone (or tablet PC) as a control unit can be freely used by both hands. It is displayed at a predetermined position on the extension of the line of sight of the wearer so that it can be visually recognized in a hands-free state that can be moved to. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the wearable device will be described by taking an eyeglass type as an example. The wearable device may be a head mounted display type that is worn on the wearer's head.

The wearable device 101 includes a light projecting unit (display information generating unit) 1, a light projecting unit supporting unit (main body) 2, a screen (display unit) 3, a driving circuit unit (image display circuit and light source driving circuit, or a signal processing unit). 4), a communication unit 5, a power supply unit 6, and the like.

The light projecting unit 1 includes a light source 10, at least an information display unit 7, and a projection (enlargement) optical system 8. The light projecting unit 1 includes a drive circuit unit 4, a communication unit 5, and a power supply unit 6, and a string portion (a string portion extending from a predetermined position of the main body 2, for example, a frame-shaped portion when the wearable device 101 is formed in a spectacle shape. It is located so that it can be attached to and removed from the ear hook. The light projecting section 1 may be built in, for example, a frame-shaped section.

The main body 2 integrally supports, together with the light projecting portion 1 and the screen 3, the transparent body 9 that functions as a counterweight of the light projecting portion 1 and the screen 3. The screen 3 has a display image (luminance spatially modulated based on the image displayed by the information display unit 7) obtained by illuminating the information (image) displayed by the information display unit 7 of the light projecting unit 1 with the light from the light source 10. The image light 13 magnified by the projection (magnification) optical system 8 is visualized. That is, the screen 3 transmits an image that is seen on the extension of the line of sight of the wearer who wears the wearable device 101, that is, a part of the background (environment) image, and a visible image of the image light 13 obtained by enlarging the display image, It should be visible (perceptible) to the wearer. Based on the display data acquired by the communication unit 5, the drive circuit unit 4 causes the information display unit 7 to display an image corresponding to the first information (a display image displayed in the display area 3a of the screen 3 for a predetermined period), such as a video or Display a message (text). The image corresponding to the first information may be abbreviated as the first information, the image of the first information, or the image. The communication unit 5 supplies data, which is a base for generating an image corresponding to the first information (video data or text data) displayed by the information display unit 7, to an information supply source, for example, a system controller or data on a network. It is received from the server and held in a built-in memory unit (storage module shown in FIG. 3) 44, for example. The information supply source complies with, for example, the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, and can be connected to the communication unit 5 or the drive circuit unit 4, and the communication unit 5 or the drive circuit unit 4 can read (data) an external memory. It may be a device. The power supply unit 6 includes, for example, a button-type battery, a connection terminal, a connection line between the drive circuit unit 4 and the communication unit 5, and the like. The information display unit 7 is, for example, a reflective LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel, and displays the first information based on the display control by the drive circuit unit 4. The transparent body 9 integrally has, for example, a light amount detection sensor surface (photoelectric conversion film) and the like, and has a brightness of the environment (background) that the wearer visually recognizes through the screen 3 (of the wearable device 101) and the transparent body 9. It is preferable to be able to obtain information. Of course, it goes without saying that a light amount detection sensor for acquiring information on the brightness of the environment (background) may be provided independently. In addition, if a camera function (lens and image processing unit) is provided, it goes without saying that the brightness detection function may be used.

It should be noted that a slide switch 16 and a rotary knob 17 are provided at a predetermined position of the light projecting unit 1, for example, at the bottom surface. The switch 16 can adjust, for example, the brightness of the image light 13 (image corresponding to display information) emitted from the light projecting unit 1 (brightness (and color tone) of illumination light output from the light source 10). The knob 17 can adjust the projection (emission) angle of the image light 13 emitted by the light projecting unit 1, for example. By configuring the switch 16 and the knob 17 so that the adjustment amount can be set by different operations, the wearer can blindly touch the brightness and brightness while visually observing the visible image of the image light 13 visualized on the screen 3. The projection angle can be adjusted. That is, by operating the switch 16, it is possible to provide the display brightness and color tone of the visible image desired by the wearer. Moreover, the projection angle can be adjusted by the knob 17 so that a visible image can be displayed at an optimum position according to the shape and size of the wearer's head. The objects to be adjusted by the switch 16 and the knob 17 may be reversed, and the positions of the switch 16 and the knob 17 may be reversed.

The light projecting section 1 can also have a speaker 18 at a predetermined position, for example, a bottom surface section. The speaker 18 is useful for notifying a worker who is a wearer (of the wearable device) as a voice message, such as a message from a manager (or a supervisor) (reproducing the voice information).

Next, the display of information (image) on the screen 3 by the light projecting unit 1 will be described.

The light source 10 of the light projecting unit 1 is preferably a dimming white LED module (L-cos) including, for example, three LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements. The respective LED elements of the dimmable white LED module have different emission colors from each other, the output light amount of each (element) can be independently changed, and light of any color can be output. Part of the white light (illumination light) from the light source 10 is directed to the information display unit 7 by the half mirror surface 11 of the mirror prism 12. The information display unit 7 is illuminated by the illumination light from the light source 10 reflected by the half mirror surface 11. As a result, the image corresponding to the first information (video or message) displayed by the information display unit 7 is reflected toward the mirror prism 12 side. Hereinafter, the light including the image corresponding to the first information reflected by the information display unit 7 is referred to as image light 13.

The light source 10 may be, for example, one having three light emitting portions that independently output light of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) (three-plate type L-cos). Good. In order to reduce the weight and improve the dynamic characteristics of the image, a single color such as green may be used. Further, when three antigens of R, G, and B are used, one frame is formed by three scans, but a single color can increase the frame rate to three times (or 1/3 of the frame rate has the same dynamic characteristics. Become).

When the light source 10 that outputs the monochromatic light or the plurality of monochromatic lights described above is used, the information display unit 7 displays an image by a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) method obtained by, for example, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Syestm) technique. , It becomes possible to output a higher resolution image. Further, by using three independent light emitting units, it is possible to further widen the variable range of the contrast ratio and the adjustable range of the brightness. Each light emitting unit (light source) may be a laser element. Further, as shown in the latter part of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, light (image) output from a laser display array obtained by applying DLP (Digital Light Precessing), that is, MEMS technology is used to screen the wearer's eyes (retina). As the above, it is also possible to apply the “retinal scanning method” that allows the wearer to directly perceive.

The image light 13 passes through the mirror prism 12, is magnified to a predetermined size by the lens 14 of the projection optical system 8, reaches the Fresnel lens type half mirror surface 15 of the screen 3, and becomes a visible image. The visible image (the image light 13 reaching the Fresnel lens type half mirror surface 15) is an expansion magnification provided by the Fresnel lens type half mirror surface 15 on the extension of the line of sight of one eye of the wearer wearing the main body 2. It can be visually recognized (perceived) in a predetermined size according to. The image light 13 includes only one light projecting unit 1, the distance between the screen 3 for displaying a visible image obtained by light projecting and the light projecting unit 1, and the distance from the light projecting unit 1 to the screen 3. Although it depends on the angle at which the image is emitted, it can be visually recognized (perceived) by only one eye of the wearer. The weight of the wearable device 101 can be reduced by configuring the light projecting unit 1 to provide the image light 13 (display information) so that it can be visually recognized (perceived) by only one eye of the wearer. Thereby, it becomes possible to work for a long time with the wearable device 101 attached. That is, the burden (load) on the wearer when wearing the wearable device 101 and working for a long time can be reduced.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the drive circuit unit.

The drive circuit unit 4 includes a processor (CPU (Central Processing Unit)) 41, a light source control unit 42, a display image generation unit (LCD drive circuit) 43, a storage module (memory unit) 44, and the like. The processor 41 and the display image generation unit 43 may be realized by a processor mounted on one electronic circuit. Further, the drive circuit unit 4 may be, for example, a one-chip microcomputer (MPU), and the processor 41, the light source control unit 42, the display image generation unit 43, the memory unit 44, and the like may be realized as firmware of the processor 41. Good.

The processor 41 drives the display image generation unit (LCD drive circuit) 43 at the display timing of the image corresponding to the first information acquired by the communication unit 5, and displays the display information or communication held by the recording module (memory unit) 44. An image corresponding to the first information which is display information (data) acquired via the unit 5 (or the drive circuit unit 4) is displayed on the information display unit 7. The processor 41 also drives the light source controller 42 to cause the light source 10 to output light of a predetermined color, and illuminates the image (corresponding to the first information) displayed by the information display unit 7. The processor 41 further displays the image corresponding to the first information generated by the display image generating unit 43 at a predetermined timing before displaying the image corresponding to the first information on the information display unit 7 for a predetermined period (time). ) The image corresponding to the second information for making the above visible (perceptible) is displayed on the information display unit 7. The display of the image corresponding to the second information is irregularly repeated by the perception (visual recognition) of the first information of the wearer and the perception (visual recognition) of the background (the environment seen through the screen 3 and the transparent body 9). This is useful for preventing exposure (under the perception of the wearer's both eyes by the binocular rivalry (sometimes referred to as ambiguity figure perception)) that is interchanged (binocular rivalry occurs).

FIG. 4 shows an example of the display control in the electronic device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as software.

As shown in FIG. 4, it is detected that the display timing of the display image on the screen 3 of the wearable device 101 is reached [01]. When it is the display timing [01-YES], the specific image (the image corresponding to the second information) for allowing the image (display image) corresponding to the first information to be visually recognized (perceived) for a predetermined period (time) or more. ) Is displayed prior to the timing of displaying the first image by a predetermined timing [02].

As a result, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, it is possible to extend the time (period) during which the wearer can perceive (visually recognize) the image corresponding to the first information.

FIG. 5 shows an example of display control by software in the electronic device shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 5, it is detected that it is the display timing of the display image on the screen 3 of the wearable device 101 [11]. If it is the display timing [11-YES], it is detected that the brightness of the field of view of the wearer (the view visually recognized by the wearer), which is the background of the display image on the screen 3 of the wearable device 101, is a predetermined brightness. Yes [12]. When the background brightness is darker than the predetermined brightness [12-YES], in the specific image displayed on the display area 3a of the screen 3 (the image corresponding to the second information), the contrast difference of the background area of the specific image is calculated. A suppressed image (display image) is prepared [13]. Hereinafter, the specific image for enabling the image corresponding to the information of the prepared display image to be perceived for a predetermined period or more is displayed at a predetermined timing before the display timing of the first image [14]. When the background brightness is brighter than a predetermined brightness [12-NO], an image (display image) in which the contrast difference of the background region of the specific image is increased is prepared in the specific image displayed in the display region 3a of the screen 3. [15], the first image is displayed at a predetermined timing prior to the display timing [14]. The image (display image) in which the contrast difference in the background area of the specific image described in block [13] is suppressed is, for example, the image described with reference to FIG. The image (display image) in which the contrast difference in the background area of the specific image described in block [15] is increased is, for example, the image described with reference to FIG.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, it is possible to prevent the wearer's perception from being exposed to “visual field rivalry” when an image corresponding to the first information (video or message) is displayed on the screen 3. A method of displaying an image corresponding to the second information will be illustrated. In addition, in the example illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8, when the wearer of the wearable device 101 moves in the city (on the street), an example of displaying a map near the current position or a target place (in the map) is displayed. However, it is also possible, for example, to guide the wearer to a place to move in the factory.

FIGS. 6A to 6C are tables of images corresponding to the first information and the second information capable of suppressing the wearer's perception from being exposed to the “binocular rivalry”. It is a schematic diagram showing an example.

FIG. 6A is an environment (background) seen through the screen 3 and the transparent body 9 perceived (visualized) by the wearer of the wearable device 101, that is, how the wearer wears the background with both eyes of the wearer. And the display area 3a are schematically shown.

FIG. 6C shows a state in which an image corresponding to the first information is visualized in the display area 3a of the screen 3 and is perceived (visualized) by the wearer of the wearable device 101, that is, when the wearable device is attached. 2 schematically shows how the wearer looks with both eyes.

FIG. 6B corresponds to the second information for surely visually recognizing (perceiving) the first information in the display area 3 a of the screen 3 before visualizing the image corresponding to the first information. A state in which an image is displayed is schematically shown. The image corresponding to the second information shown in FIG. 6B is a blank display that does not include an image or a message, for example, an entire white image (a white image in which the luminance signal is sufficiently enhanced compared to the first information) or It is preferable that the background is transparent as it is, that is, a black image in which the luminance signal is “0”.

That is, the entire-area white image shown in FIG. 6B is displayed in the display area 3a for a certain period at a predetermined timing before the image corresponding to the first information shown in FIG. 6C is displayed in the display area 3a. As a result, it is possible to reduce the wearer's perception of the wearable device 101 from being exposed to “visual field rivalry”. This makes it possible to extend the time (period) during which the wearer of the wearable device 101 can perceive (visually recognize) the image corresponding to the first information illustrated in FIG. 6C.

The image corresponding to the first information shown in FIG. 6C and the entire-area white image (or black image) shown in FIG. 6B are continuously impulse-displayed, that is, alternately displayed at a predetermined timing. By making the wearer perceive alternately, the period (time) during which the wearer can perceive the image corresponding to the first information shown in FIG. 6C is increased to about 1 minute (60 seconds). It is known to be possible. Further, the timing of alternately displaying the image corresponding to the first information and the entire-area white image (or black image) depends on the size of the image to be displayed, the brightness of the image, the contrast of the image, and the like. The number of times is preferably 1 to 100 times per second, preferably 2 to 20 times per second, more preferably 5 to 10 times per second, and is a number that does not cause eye fatigue to the wearer. The size of the image to be displayed (the size of the display area 3a of the screen 3) is, for example, the extension of the line of sight of the wearer to visually recognize (perceive) the image corresponding to the first information without moving the line of sight of the wearer. The size is possible, for example, larger than approximately 50% of the area of the screen 3. The brightness of the image is preferably classified based on whether it is bright or dark compared to the brightness of the environment (background) viewed by the wearer through the screen 3 and the transparent body 9, for example. For example, when the brightness (scenery seen by the wearer) acquired (detected) by the light amount detection sensor surface (photoelectric conversion film) 9 is dark, it is preferable to increase the brightness of the image. On the other hand, when a bright image (image corresponding to the first information) is displayed when the background (viewing the wearer can see) is dark, the pupil of the wearer's eye suddenly shrinks, making it difficult to see the background. There is. Therefore, when the image corresponding to the first information is displayed, whether the brightness of the image is to be brightened or darkened is adjusted according to the wearer's preference, for example, by an adjustment function assigned to the (luminance adjustment) switch 16. It is preferably adjustable. In addition, for example, at night or in a room where the lighting is set to be dark, it is possible to invert (positive-negative conversion) the brightness of the image message or image portion corresponding to the first information and the background brightness thereof. is there.

FIGS. 7A to 7C are tables of images corresponding to the first information and the second information capable of preventing the wearer's perception from being exposed to “visual field rivalry”. It is a schematic diagram showing an example.

FIG. 7A is similar to FIG. 6A, and schematically shows the relationship between the appearance of the background with both eyes of the wearer when wearing the wearable device and the display area 3a.

FIG. 7C is similar to FIG. 6A and is a state in which the wearer of the wearable device 101 perceives (visually recognizes) a state in which the image corresponding to the first information is visualized, that is, when the wearable device is attached. 1 schematically shows how the wearer looks with both eyes.

FIG. 7B is a display example of an image corresponding to the second information displayed in the display area 3a. The image corresponding to the second information is the difference in the contrast between the image or message portion of the image corresponding to the first information displayed (finally) in the display area 3a shown in FIG. 7C and the background portion thereof. It is preferable that the image has an enhanced image.

That is, at a predetermined timing before the image corresponding to the first information shown in FIG. 7C is displayed in the display area 3a, the contrast between the image or message portion shown in FIG. By displaying the image with the increased difference in the display area 3a for a certain period of time, it is possible to reduce the wearer's perception of the wearable device 101 from being exposed to “visual field rivalry”. This makes it possible to extend the time (period) during which the wearer of the wearable device 101 can perceive (visually recognize) the image corresponding to the first information shown in FIG. 7C within the range of the predetermined condition. ..

The wearer perceives the image corresponding to the first information by alternately displaying the image corresponding to the first information and the image in which the contrast difference between the video image or the message portion and the background portion thereof is increased. Similar to the display method described with reference to FIG. 6, the possible period (time) can be increased to about 1 minute (60 seconds). In addition, when displaying the image corresponding to the first information, whether to make the brightness of the image brighter or darker is adjusted according to the wearer's preference, for example, by the adjustment function assigned to the (luminance adjustment) switch 16. It is preferably possible. In addition, for example, at night or in a room where the illumination is set to be dark, it is preferable to invert (positive-negative conversion) the brightness of the image message or image portion corresponding to the first information and the brightness of the background thereof.

FIGS. 8(a) to 8(c) are tables of images corresponding to the first information and the second information capable of preventing the wearer's perception from being exposed to the “visual rift”. It is a schematic diagram showing an example.

FIG. 8A is similar to FIGS. 6A and 7A, and schematically shows the relationship between the background appearance with both eyes of the wearer and the display area 3a when the wearable device is worn. Show.

FIG. 8C is similar to FIGS. 6C and 7C, and the state in which the wearer of the wearable device 101 perceives (visually recognizes) the state in which the image corresponding to the first information is visualized, That is, it schematically shows how the wearer sees both eyes when wearing the wearable device.

FIG. 8B is a display example of an image corresponding to the second information displayed in the display area 3a. The image corresponding to the second information is the difference in contrast between the image of the image corresponding to the first information (finally) displayed in the display area 3a shown in FIG. 8C and the message portion and the background portion thereof. It is preferable that the image has suppressed. It should be noted that the image of the image corresponding to the first information or the image in which the difference in contrast between the message portion and the background portion thereof is suppressed and the brightness is reduced may be used. Further, it may be an image in which the brightness of the image corresponding to the first information is reduced.

That is, at a predetermined timing before the image corresponding to the first information shown in FIG. 8C is displayed in the display area 3a, the contrast between the image and the message portion shown in FIG. By displaying the image in which the difference is suppressed and the brightness is further reduced in the display area 3a for a certain period, it is possible to reduce the exposure of the wearer of the wearable device 101 to the "visual field rivalry". This makes it possible to extend the time (period) during which the wearer of the wearable device 101 can perceive (visually recognize) the image corresponding to the first information illustrated in FIG. 8C. It is to be noted that, by suppressing the difference in contrast between the image or message portion and the background portion thereof and further reducing the luminance, the images are alternately displayed at predetermined timing (alternately perceived by the wearer). As in the display method described with reference to FIG. 6 or 7, the period (time) in which the wearer can perceive the image corresponding to the information is increased. In addition, when displaying the image corresponding to the first information, whether to make the brightness of the image brighter or darker is adjusted according to the wearer's preference, for example, by the adjustment function assigned to the (luminance adjustment) switch 16. It is preferably possible. In addition, for example, at night or in a room where the illumination is set to be dark, it is preferable to invert (positive-negative conversion) the brightness of the image message or image portion corresponding to the first information and the brightness of the background thereof.

In the display of the image corresponding to the second information described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the color of the image or message portion of the image corresponding to the first information and the color of the background portion thereof are, for example, complementary colors. It may be displayed in a related color. In addition, the color (display color) of the image corresponding to the second information may be a color similar to the color (color tone) around the display area 3a, that is, the background color (color tone), or may be a similar color. Further, the color (display color) of the image corresponding to the second information may be a warning color (red) when the information to be displayed is a warning (for safety management), a caution, or the like. Note that the combination of the color of the image or message and the color of the background thereof is arbitrary in any display.For example, the image or message may be displayed as black and the background may be displayed as white. It is also possible to display white and the background black.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of another embodiment of the wearable device. The same or substantially equivalent components as those of the wearable device described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

A wearable device 1001 shown in FIG. 9 includes a light projecting unit (display information generating unit) 1011, a screen (video display unit for wearer) 1003, a light projecting unit and a screen support unit (casing) 1002, a drive circuit unit (image display). Circuit, light source drive circuit, or signal processing unit) 4, communication unit 5, power supply unit 6, and the like.

The light projecting unit 1011 includes the light source 10, at least the information display unit 7, the projection (enlargement) optical system 8, and the image output mirror 1021. The light projecting unit 1011 has the drive circuit unit 4, the communication unit 5, and the power supply unit 6 built therein, and is located at a predetermined position of the housing 1002, for example, at a position that does not hinder the line of sight of the wearer wearing the wearable device 1001. To do. The screen 1003 enlarges the display image obtained by illuminating the image displayed by the information display unit 7 of the light projecting unit 1011 with the light from the light source 10 by the projection (enlargement) optical system 8, and the screen 1003 by the image output mirror 1021. The image light 13 incident on is visualized. That is, the screen 1003 transmits an image visible on the extension of the line of sight of the wearer wearing the wearable device 1001, that is, a part of the background (environment) image, and a visible image of the image light 13 obtained by enlarging the display image, It should be visible (perceptible) to the wearer.

The screen 1003 includes a Fresnel type concave mirror having a half mirror characteristic (Fresnel lens type half mirror surface) 1032, a front side transparent refracting body 1031, a back side transparent refracting body 1033, a liquid crystal light shielding layer 1034, and the like. The screen 1003 is formed in a substantially semitransparent parallel plate shape. Therefore, through the screen 1003, the external scenery can be visually recognized as a background visual field.

The Fresnel lens type half mirror surface 1032 is located between the front transparent refracting body 1031 and the back transparent refracting body 1033, and a part of the image light 13 reflected by the mirror surface 1021 is near the wearer's pupil 1111. Reflect on.

The wearable device 1001 illustrated in FIG. 9 can be used in a state in which the eyesight correction glasses 1101 are worn due to a decrease in visual acuity at a far point or a near point, or a left-right difference between both eyes. That is, as compared with the wearable device 101 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the screen 1003 and the light projecting unit 1011 are arranged more freely. The image light 13 obtained by enlarging the display image of the information display unit 7 passes through the lens portion of the vision correction glasses 1101 only once and is guided to the wearer's pupil 1111. This makes it possible to simultaneously realize the visual acuity correction for the external scenery (background visual field) and the visual acuity correction for the additional image with the same lens portion of the visual acuity correction glasses 1101. Therefore, even the wearer wearing the vision correction glasses 1101 can visually recognize the external scenery (background field of view) and the display image at the same time.

The wearable device 1001 illustrated in FIG. 9 also includes a liquid crystal light-blocking layer 1068. The liquid crystal light-shielding layer 1068 makes the screen 1003 non-transparent (makes it a reflective surface) by applying a predetermined voltage to the front and rear transparent electrodes 1068-1 and 1068-2 at a predetermined timing. That is, the screen 1003 can block external light when the liquid crystal light shielding layer 1068 is in the on (light shielding) state. Accordingly, basically, when the lens portion of the vision correction glasses 1101 simultaneously realizes the vision correction for the external scenery (background field of view) and the vision correction for the additional image, for example, when the emergency information is displayed in the additional image. By blocking the external light, only the display image can be efficiently made visible to the operator. This shading of external light is also useful, for example, when the wearer wants to look at the additional image.

In the wearable device 1001 shown in FIG. 9, a virtual image for the display image displayed by the information display unit 7 is formed (displayed) by the combination of the lens group 14 and the screen 1003.

By the way, when the distance from the wearer's pupil 1111 to the virtual image position (the position at which the wearer recognizes that the virtual image can be seen) is shorter than the first distance, for example, 10 cm, it is necessary to visually recognize the additional image seen near the eyes. , The burden on the wearer when viewing is increased. If the virtual image position is shorter than the first distance, the wearer (viewer) may be injured, for example, myopia. From the viewpoint of eye health, it is generally said that it is preferable to separate objects by 30 cm or more. In addition, if the margin is estimated to some extent, it is desirable that the distance to the virtual image position is 50 cm or more. Therefore, in the embodiment, the virtual image position is set to 10 cm or more, preferably 30 cm or more, and more preferably 50 cm or more, as a distance from the position of the wearer's pupil.

The wearable device 1001 is, for example, a head-mounted display type, and may be placed on the wearer's head, for example, or may be supported by the wearer's shoulder or upper body. Of course, any (various) mounting method called hands-free compatible can be used.

10 and 11 are schematic diagrams showing still another example of the embodiment of the wearable device. Note that the same or substantially equivalent configurations as those of the wearable device described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 or 9 are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The wearable device 201 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 includes a light projecting unit (display information generating unit) 210, a light projecting unit supporting unit (housing) 2, a display image reflector 203, a drive circuit unit (image display circuit or signal processing). (Also referred to as a unit) 204, a communication unit 5, a power supply unit 6, and the like.

The light projecting section 210 includes an information display unit 211 and a projection (enlargement) optical system 212.

The information display unit 211 is, for example, DLP (Digital Light Precessing) using a plurality of fine laser element groups (laser arrays) capable of outputting an image corresponding to pixels of 1920×1080, which is obtained by applying the MEMS technology, Display an image directly (generate an image by self-luminous light). The image (self-luminous image) displayed by the information display unit 211 is enlarged by the projection (enlargement) optical system 212, and the wearer can directly perceive the image by the image reflection optical system 214 of the display image reflector 203. Reflects toward the wearer's eyes (retina).

The image reflection optical system 214 includes, for example, a Fresnel magnifying half mirror having a concave mirror characteristic, and displays the display image of the information display unit 211 magnified by the projection (magnifying) optical system 212 on the retina (pupil) of the wearer. I will guide you to.

The image reflection optical system 214 may be, for example, a transmitted light amount adjustment type liquid crystal layer or a transmitted light amount variable layer (on a surface opposite to the surface where the image reflection optical system 214 reflects an image toward the wearer's pupil (retina). The polarizing layer) 215 may be included. That is, when the background (external scenery) on the extension of the line of sight of the wearer is dark or too bright, the transmitted light amount adjustment type liquid crystal layer or the transmitted light amount variable layer 215 limits the incidence of background light. Thus, the brightness (visibility) of the display image guided by the image reflection optical system 214 to the retina (pupil) of the wearer can be adjusted.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the drive circuit unit of the wearable device shown in FIG.

The drive circuit unit 204 includes a processor (CPU) 41, a light emission control unit 221, a display image generation unit (image processing unit) 222, a storage module (memory unit) 223, and the like.

The processor 41 drives the display image generation unit 222 at the display timing of the image corresponding to the first information acquired by the communication unit 5, and the display information stored in the storage module 223 or the communication unit 5 (or the drive circuit unit 204). The information display unit 211 is instructed to perform the operation corresponding to the image corresponding to the first information which is the display information (data) acquired via the. The processor 41 also drives the light emission control unit 221 to control the color and contrast ratio of the image displayed by the information display unit 211. The processor 41 further corresponds to the first information at a predetermined timing before the information display unit 211 when operating the information display unit 211 corresponding to the image corresponding to the first information generated by the display image generation unit 222. The information display unit 211 is operated corresponding to the image corresponding to the second information for making the image to be visually recognized (perceived) for a predetermined period (time) or more.

Thus, in the electronic device and the display method of the embodiment, when information different from the information perceived by the other eye is displayed on the extension of the line of sight of one eye, the information is displayed on the extension of the line of sight of one eye. A state in which information can be stably viewed can be provided for a predetermined period.

As a result, the information perceived by the other eye, which is different from the image information (display image) displayed on the wearable device worn by the worker, for example, in a parts yard of a factory, a product warehouse of a mail-order company, or a delivery department of a retail business. The visibility of can be secured. That is, it is possible to cause one of the wearers (workers) to perceive the predetermined information by the eye without affecting the perception of the information (background, etc.) to be perceived by the other eye.

Therefore, it is assumed that the other side of the wearer (worker) should perceive only predetermined information, for example, movement of a vehicle or the like is assumed (safety is not always guaranteed) When displaying specific information to be perceived by one eye below, the other eye can continue to perceive (perceive) the background or the like that has been visually perceived (perceived) until then.

While some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and the gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.

101, 201, 1001... Wearable device, 1, 210, 1002... Projection unit, 3... Screen, 4, 204... Driving circuit unit (display image generation unit), 7, 211... Information display unit, 203... Display image reflection Body (guide member), 214... Image reflection optical system, 215... Transmitted light amount adjustment type liquid crystal layer or transmitted light amount variable layer (polarizing layer).

Claims (8)

An electronic device worn by a user,
Display part,
An optical system for displaying a virtual image of a display image displayed on the display unit at a position 10 cm or more away from the user's pupil;
An adjustment mechanism that adjusts the display position of the virtual image in the display position change direction of the virtual image that occurs according to the change in the shape or size of the user's head;
Equipped with,
The display unit displays a first virtual image together with a background visible on the line of sight of the user,
The display unit is ahead of the timing of displaying the first virtual image displayed together with the background visible the second virtual image to enhance the visibility of the first virtual image line of sight of the user,
When the brightness of the background is brighter than the first brightness, the second virtual image includes the first virtual image in which a contrast difference with the background is increased . The optical system includes a lens that projects the display image, and a half mirror that forms a virtual image of the display image projected by the lens,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a background image on an extension of the line of sight of the user is visible to the user via the half mirror. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the image light including the display image can be guided to the eyes of the user by passing through the vision correction glasses used by the user only once. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the image light including the display image reflected by the half mirror can pass through the eyesight correction glasses used by the user only once and be guided to the pupil of the user. In a display method of displaying a virtual image of a display image displayed on a display unit provided in an electronic device worn by a user at a position 10 cm or more away from the user's pupil,
A second virtual image for enhancing the visibility of the first virtual image is displayed on the user's line of sight prior to the timing at which the display unit displays the first virtual image together with the background visible on the user's line of sight. Displayed on the display with a visible background ,
Using the adjustment mechanism, the display position of the virtual image is adjusted with respect to the display position change direction of the virtual image that occurs according to the change in the shape or size of the user's head ,
When the brightness of the background is brighter than the first brightness, the second virtual image includes the first virtual image having a higher contrast difference with the background . A half mirror that forms a virtual image of the display image projected by a lens is used to display the virtual image at a position 10 cm or more away from the user's pupil,
The display method according to claim 5, wherein the background image on the extension of the line of sight of the user is visible to the user via the half mirror. The display method according to claim 5, wherein the image light including the display image can be guided to the eyes of the user by passing through the eyesight correction glasses used by the user only once. 7. The display method according to claim 6, wherein the image light including the display image reflected by the half mirror can be guided to the eyes of the user by passing through the eyesight correction glasses used by the user only once.

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