JP6899237B2 - Stereoscopic image display device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an integral photography (IP) type stereoscopic image display device.

In the general IP method, a lens array is installed on the front surface of the display, and the corresponding element image group is displayed on the display to display a naked-eye stereoscopic image having parallax in the horizontal and vertical directions.

Further, in the IP method, instead of using a lens array, it is possible to use a point light source as a backlight and install a display in front of the point light source to display a stereoscopic image. The method of using a point light source as a backlight has an advantage that there are few factors of deterioration in image quality due to the lens array, such as the influence of the surface shape and reflection characteristics of the lens array. It is also possible to switch between a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image by arranging an element that controls light transmission and diffusion in front of the display.

Here, a method of forming a point light source on the focal plane of a lens array using an LED array and a lens array has been proposed (Non-Patent Document 1). Further, a method of forming a point light source by using a parallel light source and a lens array has also been proposed (Non-Patent Document 2). In the method described in Non-Patent Document 2, two parallel light sources are installed at different positions and switched by time division, so that the viewing range angle of the stereoscopic image can be expanded.

OPTICS LETTERS, Vol.31, No.19, 2006.10.1 Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Vol.44, No.31, 2005.7.22

However, in the methods described in Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the light distribution characteristics of the point light source are fixed, the display characteristics of the stereoscopic image such as the viewing area angle and the resolution are fixed and cannot be controlled during the display. In order to display various stereoscopic video contents, it is preferable that the display characteristics of the stereoscopic video such as the viewing area angle and the resolution can be controlled during the display according to the contents.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a stereoscopic image display device capable of controlling the display characteristics of a stereoscopic image during display.

In view of the above problems, the stereoscopic image display device according to the present invention is an integral photography type stereoscopic image display device that displays a stereoscopic image by using a point light source group as a backlight, and has a point light source arrangement. a projection means for projecting a light source group forming patterns that mask image image are arranged in correspondence with the element lenses representing light characteristics, the parallel light that emits the projection means source group forming pattern that is projected as parallel light The emitting means, the lens array in which the element lenses are arranged in a two-dimensional shape, and the parallel light from the parallel light emitting means is focused on the focal point of each element lens to form the point light source group, and the element image. A spatial light modulation element for displaying a group and a control means are provided, and all or a part of the mask image is a rectangular non-masked region on which the projection means projects the light having the maximum brightness, and the non-masked region. the positioned around said projection means has a structure that having a mask area of the rectangular outer shape without projecting light.

According to such a configuration, a stereoscopic image display device, the control means, the position and size of the unmasked regions included in the mask image, and the light intensity distribution of the non-masked region, the mask image including the said unmasked region Any one or more of the projection interval of the above and the projection direction of the mask image is controlled.
As described above, in the stereoscopic image display device, since the projection means projects a desired mask image during the display of the stereoscopic image, the light distribution characteristics of the point light source can be arbitrarily controlled.

According to the present invention, the following excellent effects are obtained.
Since the stereoscopic image display device according to the present invention can arbitrarily change the light distribution characteristics of the point light source, the display characteristics of the stereoscopic image such as the viewing area angle and the resolution can be controlled during the display.

It is a schematic block diagram of the stereoscopic image display device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the position and light distribution angle of a point light source. It is explanatory drawing explaining the pattern for forming a point light source group. It is explanatory drawing explaining the relationship between the pattern for forming a point light source, the formation position and light distribution angle of a point light source, and the light distribution characteristic of a point light source. It is explanatory drawing explaining the control which raises the resolution of a stereoscopic image, (a) is a pattern for forming a point light source group, and (b) is a stereoscopic image display device. It is explanatory drawing explaining the control which widens the viewing area angle of a stereoscopic image, (a) is a pattern for forming a point light source group, and (b) is a stereoscopic image display device. It is a schematic block diagram of the stereoscopic image display device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (a) is the state which displayed the lower view area, (b) is the state which displayed the upper view area. .. It is explanatory drawing explaining the pattern for forming a point light source group, (a) corresponds to FIG. 7 (a), and (b) corresponds to FIG. 7 (b). It is a schematic block diagram of the stereoscopic image display apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention, (a) is the state which projected on the even-numbered element lens, (b) was projected on the odd-numbered element lens. It is in a state. It is explanatory drawing explaining the pattern for forming a point light source group, (a) corresponds to FIG. 9 (a), (b) corresponds to FIG. 9 (b). It is a schematic block diagram of the stereoscopic image display device which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the pattern for forming a point light source group, (a) corresponds to the first projector, and (b) corresponds to the second projector. It is a schematic block diagram of the stereoscopic image display device which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the pattern for forming a point light source group, (a) corresponds to the first projector, and (b) corresponds to the second projector. It is a schematic block diagram of the stereoscopic image display device which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention, (a) is the state which the 1st projector projected, and (b) is the state which the 2nd projector projected. is there. It is explanatory drawing explaining the pattern for forming a point light source group, (a) corresponds to FIG. 15 (a), and (b) corresponds to FIG. 15 (b). It is explanatory drawing explaining the overlap of a visual field. It is explanatory drawing explaining the light intensity distribution of the point light source formation pattern, (a) corresponds to FIG. 15 (a), (b) corresponds to FIG. 15 (b). (A) is a schematic configuration diagram of a stereoscopic image display device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a pattern for forming a point light source group. It is explanatory drawing explaining the 1st example of the stereoscopic image display apparatus which concerns on 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the 2nd example of the stereoscopic image display apparatus which concerns on 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the 3rd example of the stereoscopic image display apparatus which concerns on 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the stereoscopic image display device which concerns on the modification of this invention, (a) is a stage of the maximum resolution, (b) is an intermediate stage of a resolution and a viewing area angle, (c) is a viewing area. The corner is the largest stage. It is explanatory drawing explaining the pattern for forming a point light source group, (a) corresponds to FIG. 23 (a), (b) corresponds to FIG. 23 (b), (c) corresponds to FIG. 23 (c). Correspond.

(First Embodiment)
[Stereoscopic image display device]
Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In each embodiment, the same means and the same members are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The outline of the stereoscopic image display device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The stereoscopic image display device 1 displays a stereoscopic image by an IP method using a point light source group P as a backlight, and as shown in FIG. 1, a projector (projection means) 10 and a collimator lens (parallel light). The light emitting means) 20, the lens array 30, the spatial light modulation element 40, and the control device (control means) 50 are provided.

The projector 10 projects a pattern for forming a point light source group according to the control from the control device 50 described later. This pattern for forming a point light source group is a mask image for controlling the light distribution characteristics of the point light source p, and the details thereof will be described later. In this embodiment, the number of projectors 10 is one. Further, it is assumed that the projector 10 is arranged at the focal length F of the collimator lens 20 and the position is accurately calibrated. The size of the point light source p is about one pixel of the projected image of the projector 10.

The collimator lens 20 emits a pattern for forming a point light source group projected by the projector 10 as parallel light. For example, as the collimator lens 20, a general convex lens or a Fresnel lens can be mentioned.

The lens array 30 forms a point light source group P by condensing the parallel light from the collimator lens 20 at the position of the focal length f of each element lens 31. In this lens array 30, a plurality of element lenses 31 are arranged two-dimensionally in the vertical and horizontal directions or in a barrel stack. For example, as the element lens 31, a general convex lens or concave lens having a circular shape when viewed from the front can be mentioned.

The spatial light modulation element 40 displays the element image group E input from the outside (for example, the control device 50). This element image group E is composed of element images e corresponding to each element lens 31. For example, as the spatial light modulation element 40, a liquid crystal panel can be mentioned. Here, in order to effectively utilize the pixels of the spatial light modulation element 40, the spatial light modulation element 40 is preferably arranged at a position where the backlight by the point light source group P illuminates the entire spatial light modulation element 40.

The control device 50 controls the projector 10. Specifically, the control device 50 determines the position of the non-masked region, the size of the non-masked region, the light intensity distribution of the pattern for forming the point light source, and the non-masked region for the pattern for forming the point light source group projected by the projector 10. It controls one or more of the projection interval of the pattern for forming a point light source and the projection direction of the pattern for forming a point light source. Details of the control device 50 will be described later.

As described above, in the stereoscopic image display device 1, when the projector 10 projects the pattern for forming the point light source group, the light rays of the pattern for forming the point light source group become parallel light by the collimator lens 20 and are incident on the element lens 31. Become. Then, the light rays incident on the element lens 31 are focused at the position of the focal length f of the element lens 31. By regarding this condensing point as a point light source p and displaying the element image group E on the spatial light modulation element 40, it is possible to display a stereoscopic image.

Here, in the stereoscopic image display device 1, the characteristics of the lens array 30 such that the point light source group P illuminates the entire spatial light modulation element 40, the position and size of the point light source group forming pattern, and the spatial light modulation element 40. By setting the position, the pixels of the spatial light modulation element 40 can be effectively utilized.

<Position of point light source and light distribution angle>
With reference to FIG. 2, the formation position and the light distribution angle of the point light source p will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the projection direction of the point light source forming pattern is θ. The projection direction θ is an angle formed by the optical axis (x-axis) of the element lens 31 and the optical axis (shown by a broken line) of the point light source forming pattern. At this time, the formation position (p _x , _py ) of the point light source p is represented by the following equation (1). Further, the light distribution angle φ of the point light source p is represented by the following equation (2).

a and b represent the upper end and the lower end of the non-masked region of the point light source forming pattern, respectively. On the y-axis, light rays pass between the upper end a and the lower end b of the unmasked region. Therefore, by changing the projection direction θ and the unmasked area size of the point source forming pattern (upper a~ bottom b), the formation position of the point light source _p (p _x, p _y) a and distribution angle φ Can be controlled.

<Pattern for forming a point light source group>
The pattern 60 for forming a point light source group will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the point light source group forming pattern 60 is an image in which the point light source forming pattern 61 is arranged corresponding to the element lens 31. That is, the point light source group forming pattern 60 has the same arrangement as the element lens 31, and is composed of the same number of point light source forming patterns 61.

Here, the point light source forming pattern 61 has a white non-masked region 63 and a black masked region 65. In this point light source forming pattern 61, the rectangular non-masked region 63 is located at the center, and the masked region 65 is located around the non-masked region 63. Here, the non-masked area 63 is an area in which the projector 10 projects light having the maximum brightness. Further, the mask area 65 is an area in which the projector 10 does not project light. In other words, when the point light source forming pattern 61 is projected, the light rays pass through the unmasked region 63.

In FIG. 3, only six point light source forming patterns 61 are shown and the rest are omitted in order to make the drawing easier to see.
The point light source forming pattern 61 in FIG. 3 is an example, and the positions and sizes of the non-masked region 63 and the masked region 65 are not particularly limited.

<Relationship between point light source formation pattern and point light source>
With reference to FIG. 4, the relationship between the point light source forming pattern 61 and the point light source p will be described.
In FIG. 4, the point light source forming pattern 61 is shown in the upper row, the formation position and light distribution angle of the point light source p are shown in the middle row, and the light distribution characteristics of the point light source p are shown in the lower row.

In FIG. 4A, the entire surface of the point light source forming pattern 61 is defined as the non-masked region 63, and the point light source forming pattern 61 is projected from the front of the element lens 31. In this case, the point light source p is formed on the optical axis of the element lens 31. Further, since the light rays from the projector 10 pass through the entire element lens 31, the light distribution angle φ of the point light source p is maximized. Therefore, the light distribution characteristic of the point light source p spreads evenly in the front surface.

In FIG. 4B, the point light source forming pattern 61 of FIG. 4A is projected from diagonally below. In this case, the point light source p is formed above the optical axis of the element lens 31. Further, the light distribution characteristic of the point light source p spreads evenly in the upward direction.

In FIG. 4C, the center of the point light source forming pattern 61 is a non-masked region 63, and the periphery is a masked region 65. Then, the point light source forming pattern 61 is projected from the front of the element lens 31. In this case, the point light source p is formed on the optical axis of the element lens 31. Further, since the light rays from the projector 10 pass only through the center of the element lens 31, the light distribution angle φ of the point light source p becomes narrow.

In FIG. 4D, the upper side of the point light source forming pattern 61 is the non-masked area 63, and the lower side is the masked area. Then, the point light source forming pattern 61 is projected from the front of the element lens 31. In this case, the point light source p is formed on the optical axis of the element lens 31. Further, the light rays from the projector 10 pass only above the element lens 31. Therefore, the light distribution characteristic of the point light source p spreads evenly in the downward direction.

In FIG. 4E, a light intensity distribution 67 is provided in the center of the point light source forming pattern 61. The light intensity distribution 67 controls the intensity of light rays passing through by the shade of gray. That is, in the light intensity distribution 67, the light beam is strong in the thin portion and weak in the dark portion. The light intensity distribution 67 of FIG. 4E has a smooth luminance distribution so that the light rays are stronger toward the center side and weaker toward the peripheral side of the point light source forming pattern 61. Then, the point light source forming pattern 61 is projected from the front of the element lens 31. In this case, the point light source p is formed on the optical axis of the element lens 31. Further, the light distribution characteristic of the point light source p is such that the light rays are strong in the front and weak in the top and bottom.

<Control device>
The control device 50 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
In FIGS. 5 and 6, in order to make the drawings easier to see, a part of the element lens 31, the point light source forming pattern 61, and the element image e is omitted.

In FIG. 5, the control device 50 controls to increase the resolution of the stereoscopic image. As shown in FIG. 5A, in the control device 50, all the element lenses 31 form the point light source p. , The projection interval of the point light source forming pattern 61 is set (hereinafter, the projection interval = '1'). That is, the projection interval means the interval of the element lenses 31 that project the point light source forming pattern 61 including the unmasked region 63.

Further, the control device 50 sets the size of the non-masked region 63 based on the focal length f of the element lens 31, the installation position of the spatial light modulation element 40, and the size of the element image e. As shown in FIG. 5B, the size (height) of the non-masked region 63 is a, the size (height) of the element image e is b, the diameter of the element lens 31 is D, and the point light source p and space. Let L be the distance from the light modulation element 40. In this case, the size a of the non-masked region 63 is represented by the following equation (3). Further, when the size b of the element image e is equal to the diameter D of the element lens 31, the size a of the non-masked region 63 is represented by the following equation (4).

The size of the point light source forming pattern 61 is equal to or smaller than the diameter D of the element lens 31. Therefore, in the formulas (3) and (4), it is necessary to satisfy a ≦ D and b ≦ D · L / f.

In FIG. 5, the control device 50 is set so that the size a of the non-masked region 63 is D · f / L. Further, the control device 50 sets the position of the non-masked region 63 at the center of the point light source forming pattern 61.

Then, the projector 10 projects the point light source forming pattern 61 of FIG. 5A onto all the element lenses 31. Therefore, in the stereoscopic image display device 1, as shown in FIG. 5B, the light distribution angle of the point light source p is narrowed, and the same number of point light sources p as the element lenses 31 are formed. As a result, in the stereoscopic image display device 1, the resolution of the stereoscopic image is increased (on the other hand, the viewing range angle of the stereoscopic image is narrowed).

The spatial light modulation element 40 displays the element image e according to the viewing area angle of the stereoscopic image. The display position of the element image e can be obtained from the light distribution angle of the point light source p and the distance L between the point light source p and the spatial light modulation element 40.

In FIG. 6, the control device 50 controls to widen the viewing range angle of the stereoscopic image.
As shown in FIG. 6A, the control device 50 sets the projection interval of the point light source forming pattern 61 so that every other element lens 31 forms the point light source p (hereinafter, the projection interval = '2').

Further, since the size b of the element image e is twice the diameter D of the element lens 31, a = 2 · D · f / L is established by substituting b = 2D into the equation (3). Therefore, the control device 50 is set so that the size a of the non-masked region 63 is 2 · D · f / L.

Then, the projector 10 projects the point light source forming pattern 61 including the non-masked region 63 onto the element lens 31 at one interval. In other words, the projector 10 alternately projects the _{point light source forming pattern 61 W} including the non-masked region 63 and the point light source forming pattern 61 _{B having the entire masked region 65 on each element lens 31.} Therefore, in the stereoscopic image display device 1, as shown in FIG. 6B, the light distribution angle of the point light source p is widened, and the point light source p is formed in about half of the element lens 31. As a result, in the stereoscopic image display device 1, the viewing range angle of the stereoscopic image is increased (on the other hand, the resolution of the stereoscopic image is decreased).

The control device 50 controls the improvement of the resolution, the expansion of the viewing area angle, and the like in response to a command from the outside (for example, the user of the stereoscopic image display device 1). Further, the control device 50 may measure the resolution of the stereoscopic image and determine the control content according to the threshold value determination of the measured value.
Further, the projection interval is not limited to '2' and can be set to any length N. In this case, the size a of the non-masked region 63 is represented by the following equation (5) (where N is an integer of 2 or more).

[Action / Effect]
As described above, the stereoscopic image display device 1 can form a point light source p having a desired light distribution characteristic by using or combining the above-mentioned point light source forming pattern 61 alone or in combination, and display a stereoscopic image with a desired display characteristic. it can.

(Second Embodiment)
[Stereoscopic image display device]
The stereoscopic image display device 1B according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 in that it differs from the first embodiment. The stereoscopic image display device 1B is different from the first embodiment in that the stereoscopic image is displayed in time division by one projector 10.

In the present embodiment, the stereoscopic image display device 1B switches between the states of FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b) in a short time. As shown in FIG. 7, the stereoscopic image display device 1B includes a projector 10, a collimator lens 20, a lens array 30, a spatial light modulation element 40, and a control device 50B.

In the state of FIG. 7 (a), the projector 10 projects a light source group forming pattern 60 ₁ point shown in FIG. 8 (a) to the lens array 30. As a result, the visual range V ₁ is formed below the optical axis of the element lens 31. At this time, the spatial light modulation element 40 displays the _{element image group E 1} composed of the element images _{e 1} corresponding to the visual _{range V 1.}

In the state of FIG. 7 (b), the projector 10 projects an 8 light source groups forming pattern 60 ₂ points (b) in the lens array 30. As a result, the visual range V ₂ is formed above the optical axis of the element lens 31. At this time, the spatial light modulation element 40 displays the _{element image group E 2} composed of the element images _{e 2} corresponding to the visual _{range V 2.}

<Control device>
Hereinafter, the control device 50B will be described in detail.
Controller 50B sets the viewing area _V 1, _{V 2} unmasked region ₆₃ for each, 63 ₂ point light source forming pattern ₆₁ 1, 61 _2, include non-masked regions ₆₃ 1, 63 ₂ which is set it is intended to switch the point source forming pattern ₆₁ 1, 61 ₂ at time-division.

Specifically, the control device 50B sets the non-masked region 63 _{1 corresponding to the viewing area V 1} in FIG. 7 (a) so that the size a of the non-masked region 63 ₁ is D · f / L. set above the point light source forming pattern 61 _1. The light source unit forming pattern 60 ₁ point in FIG. 8 (a), and a point light source forming pattern 61 _1.

The control device 50B has a non-mask region 63 ₂ corresponding to the viewing area _{V 2} of FIG. 7 (b), in the unmasked region 63 ₁ and the same size is set to the lower side of the point light source forming pattern 61 ₂ .. That is, the light source group forming pattern 60 ₂ points in FIG. 8 (b), is composed of a point source forming pattern 61 _2.

Then, the controller 50B in accordance with the switching timing previously set, to command the point light source group forming pattern ₆₀ 1, 60 ₂ of the projection in the projector 10. Further, the control unit 50B, in synchronization with the switching of the point light source groups forming pattern ₆₀ 1, 60 _2, instructs the display of the element image group _E 1, _{E 2} to the spatial light modulator 40.

Here, the control device 50B can arbitrarily set the switching timing. In the present embodiment, the control device 50B sets the switching timing to the reciprocal (1/120 sec) of the value obtained by multiplying the frame rate of the stereoscopic image (for example, 60 fps) and the number of time divisions (for example, '2').

The number of times divided into time is the number of times that the visual range is divided into time and displayed. In the present embodiment, the number of time divisions is _{'2' because the two viewing areas V 1} and V ₂ are displayed in time division.
The number of time divisions is not limited to '2' and can be set to any number. For example, the visual field may be divided into three, and the number of time divisions may be set to '3'.

[Action / Effect]
As described above, the stereoscopic image display apparatus 1B, by switching the two viewing zones V _1, V ₂ in a short time, to form a single viewing zone consecutive. As a result, the stereoscopic image display device 1B can expand the viewing range angle of the stereoscopic image while maintaining display characteristics such as resolution and depth reproducibility of the stereoscopic image.

(Third Embodiment)
[Stereoscopic image display device]
With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the stereoscopic image display device 1C according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described as different from the second embodiment. The stereoscopic image display device 1C is different from the second embodiment in that the point light source forming pattern 61 is projected onto the element lenses 31 at one interval.

In the present embodiment, the stereoscopic image display device 1B switches the states of FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b) in a short time (number of time divisions = 2). As shown in FIG. 9, the stereoscopic image display device 1C includes a projector 10, a collimator lens 20, a lens array 30, a spatial light modulation element 40, and a control device 50C.

In the state of FIG. 9 (a), the projector 10 projects the 10 light source groups forming pattern 60 ₁ point (a) in the lens array 30. _{Here, the projector 10 projects the point light source forming pattern 61 W,} which will be described later, onto the even-numbered element lens 31 counting from the top. At this time, the spatial light modulation element 40 displays the element image group E composed of the element image e at the position corresponding to the even-numbered element lens 31.

In the state in FIG. 9 (b), the projector 10 projects the FIG 10 (b) light source group forming pattern 60 ₂ points in the lens array 30. Here, the projector 10 projects the _{point light source forming pattern 61 W} onto the odd-numbered element lens 31 counting from the top. At this time, the spatial light modulation element 40 displays the element image group E composed of the element image e at the position corresponding to the odd-numbered element lens 31.

<Control device>
Hereinafter, the control device 50C will be described in detail.
The control device 50C sets the projection interval to an arbitrary length, and sets the time for the point light source forming pattern 61 _W including the non-masked region 63 and the point light source forming pattern 61 _{B not including the non-masked region 63.} It is switched by division.

In the present embodiment, the control device 50C sets the projection interval = the number of time divisions = '2'. Then, as shown in FIG. 10A, the control device 50C has a non-masked region 63 in the center of the point light source forming pattern 61 _{W so that the size a of the non-masked region 63 is D · f / L.} To set.

Further, the control device 50C sets a point light source forming pattern 61 _{W including the non-masked region 63 and a point light source forming pattern 61 B} having the entire surface covered with the masked region 65 according to the projection interval. Here, as shown in FIG. 10A, the control device 50C sets the point light source forming pattern 61 _W to an even number and sets the point light source forming pattern 61 _B to an odd number. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the control device 50C sets the point light source forming pattern 61 _W to an odd number and the point light source forming pattern 61 _B to an even number. That is, if attention is paid to the element lens 31 at the same position, the presence / absence of the non-masked region 63 is switched.

The control device 50C according to a predetermined switching timing commands the projection of the point light source groups forming pattern ₆₀ 1, 60 ₂ in the projector 10. Furthermore, the control device 50C, in synchronization with the switching of the point light source groups forming pattern 60 _1, 60 _2, instructs the display of the element image group E in the spatial light modulator 40.

In this embodiment, since the description is made in the vertical uniaxial direction, the number of time divisions = projection interval = '2', but when the element lenses 31 are arranged in the horizontal and vertical biaxial directions, the time The number of divisions = the square of the projection interval = '4'.

[Action / Effect]
As described above, the stereoscopic image display device 1C improves the resolution of the stereoscopic image while maintaining the viewing range angle of the stereoscopic image by projecting the _{point light source forming pattern 61 W onto the element lenses 31 at intervals of one.} Can be made to.

(Fourth Embodiment)
[Stereoscopic image display device]
With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the stereoscopic image display device 1D according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described as different from the first embodiment. Stereoscopic image display device 1D are that by two projectors 10 was continuously viewing area V _1, V ₂ is different from the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the stereoscopic image display device 1D is without time division, two projectors 10 _1, 10 ₂ performs simultaneously projected. As shown in FIG. 11, the stereoscopic image display apparatus 1D includes a projector ₁₀ 1, 10 _2, a collimator lens 20, a lens array 30, the spatial light modulator 40, and a control unit 50D.

The projectors 10 ₁ and 10 ₂ are arranged at different positions (for example, up and down). The projector ₁₀ 1, 10 _2, under the control of the control unit 50D, changes the projection direction of the point light source groups forming pattern ₆₀ 1, 60 _2. For example, the projector ₁₀ 1, 10 _2, by a general lens shift function, to change the point light source groups forming pattern ₆₀ 1, 60 ₂ in the projection direction.

In Figure 11, the projector 10 _1, projects a 12 light source groups forming pattern 60 ₁ point (a) in the lens array 30. Here, the projector 10 _1, to the odd-numbered element lenses 31 counted from the top, projects a point light source forming pattern 61 _1W obliquely. As a result, the viewing area V ₁ is formed from the optical axis to the lower end in the odd-numbered element lens 31.

The projector 10 ₂ projects Figure 12 (b) light source group forming pattern 60 ₂ points in the lens array 30. Here, the projector 10 _2, with respect to even element lens 31, projects a point light source forming pattern _{61 2W} obliquely. As a result, the viewing range V ₂ is formed from the optical axis to the upper end in the even-numbered element lens 31.

In the present embodiment, the point light source p is formed at the same position by the point light source forming patterns 61 _1W and _{612W projected by the projectors 10 1} and 10 _{2 , and the two viewing areas V 1} and V ₂ are continuous. Become. Therefore, the spatial light modulation element 40 displays the element image group E composed of the element images e at the positions corresponding to the _{continuous viewing areas V 1} and V _2.

<Control device>
Hereinafter, the control device 50D will be described in detail.
Controller 50D includes a projector ₁₀ 1, 10 ₂ light source group forming pattern ₆₀ 1 point of projection, 60 _2, forms a point light source p at the same position, and stereoscopic image projector ₁₀ 1, 10 ₂ is displayed The positions and projection directions of the non-masked areas 63 ₁ and 63 ₂ are set so that the viewing _{areas V 1} and V _{2 of the above are continuous.}

In the present embodiment, the control device 50D is set to the projection interval = '2'. Then, as shown in FIG. 12A, the control device 50D extends from the center to the lower side of the point light source forming pattern 61 _{1W so that the size a of the non-masked region 63 1 becomes D · f / L.} The non-masked area 63 ₁ is set.

Further, the control unit 50D, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), according to the projection distance, and the light source forming pattern _{61 1W} that include non-masked regions 63 _1, the light source forming pattern 61 points entire mask area 65 Set with _B. Here, the control device 50D sets the point light source forming pattern 61 _1W to an even number and the point light source forming pattern 61 _B to an odd number.

The control device 50D is set as shown in FIG. 12 (b), from the upper side shown in FIG. 12 (a) and the non-masked region 63 ₂ for a point source forming pattern _{61 2W} of the same size to the center. Here, for example, the control device 50D sets the point light source forming pattern 61 _2W to an odd number and the point light source forming pattern 61 _B to an even number.

Then, the control device 50D has the following equation (6) from diagonally above with respect to the optical axis of each element lens 31 so that the point light source p is formed at the position of D / 2 from the optical axis of each element lens 31. in represented by an angle sigma, it instructs projecting a point light source groups forming patterns 60 ₁ to the projector 10 _1.

Further, the control unit 50D at an angle σ of the formula (6) from diagonally below with respect to the optical axis of each element lens 31, directs projecting a point light source groups forming pattern 60 ₂ to the projector 10 _2. After that, the control device 50D commands the spatial light modulation element 40 to display the element image group E.

[Action / Effect]
As described above, the stereoscopic image display device 1D exceeds the limitation of the lens array 30 by continuously connecting the _{viewing areas V 1} and V ₂ by the _{two projectors 10 1} and 102, and can view the stereoscopic image. The area angle can be expanded.

(Fifth Embodiment)
[Stereoscopic image display device]
With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the stereoscopic image display device 1E according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described as different from the fourth embodiment. The stereoscopic image display device 1E differs from the fourth embodiment in that two point light sources p are formed by one element lens 31.

In the present embodiment, the stereoscopic image display device 1E are without time division, two projectors 10 _1, 10 ₂ performs simultaneously projected. As shown in FIG. 13, the stereoscopic image display apparatus 1E includes a projector ₁₀ 1, 10 _2, a collimator lens 20, a lens array 30, the spatial light modulator 40, and a controller 50E.

In Figure 13, the projector 10 _1, projecting the light source group forming pattern 60 ₁ point shown in FIG. 14 (a) from obliquely below each element lens 31. As a result, the visual range V ₁ is formed on the lower side of each element lens 31.
The projector 10 ₂ projects the 14 light source groups forming pattern 60 ₂ points (b) obliquely from below on the upper side of the element lenses 31. As a result, the viewing area V ₂ is formed on the upper side of each element lens 31.
In this way, the stereoscopic image display device 1E forms two point light sources p with one element lens 31.

<Control device>
Hereinafter, the control device 50E will be described in detail.
Controller 50E has a projector ₁₀ 1, 10 ₂ light source group forming pattern ₆₀ 1 point of projection, 60 _2, so as to form a point light source p to the position of the projector ₁₀ 1, 10 every _two, unmasked region 63 It sets the position and projection direction of.

Specifically, the control unit 50E, as shown in FIG. 14 (a), so that the size a of the non-masked region 63 ₁ is D · f / (2 · L ), the point light sources forming pattern 61 _A non-masked area 63 ₁ is set below 1. Here, the control device 50E sets the non-masked region 63 ₁ in _{all the point light source forming patterns 61 1.}

Further, the control unit 50E, as shown in FIG. 14 (b), sets the unmasked region 63 ₂ of the same size as the FIG. 14 (a) above the point light source forming pattern 61 _2. Here, the controller 50E sets the unmasked area 63 ₂ to the light source forming pattern 61 ₂ all respects.

Then, the control device 50E is represented by the following equation (7) from diagonally above on the lower side of each element lens 31 so that the point light source p is formed at the position of D / 4 from the optical axis of each element lens 31. is the an angle sigma, instructs projecting a point light source groups forming patterns 60 ₁ to the projector 10 _1.

Furthermore, the control apparatus 50E is at an angle σ of the formula (7) obliquely from below on the upper side of the element lenses 31, instructs projecting a point light source groups forming pattern 60 ₂ to the projector 10 _2. After that, the control device 50D commands the spatial light modulation element 40 to display the element image group E.

[Action / Effect]
As described above, the stereoscopic image display device 1E increases the number of point light sources p by forming one element lens 31 in the light source p ₁ 2 two _points, p _2, beyond the limits of the lens array 30 The resolution of the stereoscopic image can be improved.

(Sixth Embodiment)
[Stereoscopic image display device]
With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the stereoscopic image display device 1F according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described as different from the fifth embodiment. The stereoscopic image display device 1F is different from the fifth embodiment in that the stereoscopic image is displayed in time division by _{two projectors 10 1 and 102.}

In the present embodiment, the stereoscopic image display device 1F switches the states of FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b) in a short time (number of time divisions = 2). As shown in FIG. 15, the stereoscopic image display apparatus 1F includes a projector ₁₀ 1, 10 _2, a collimator lens 20, a lens array 30, the spatial light modulator 40, and a control unit 50F.

Figure in the state of 15 (a), the projector 10 _1, projecting the light source group forming pattern 60 ₁ point shown in FIG. 16 (a) obliquely from above to the lens array 30. As a result, the point light source p ₁ and the viewing area V ₁ are formed on the lower side of the element lens 31. Therefore, the spatial light modulation element 40 displays the _{element image group E 1} composed of the element images _{e 1} corresponding to the visual _{range V 1.}

In the state of FIG. 15 (b), the projector 10 ₂ projects Figure 16 (b) light source group forming pattern 60 ₂ points from obliquely downward to the lens array 30. As a result, the point light source p ₂ and the viewing area V ₂ are formed on the upper side of the element lens 31. Therefore, the spatial light modulation element 40 displays the _{element image group E 2} composed of the element images _{e 2} corresponding to the visual _{range V 2.}

That is, in the state shown in FIG. 15 (a) and FIG. 15 (b), the projector ₁₀ 1, 10 ₂ light source group forming pattern ₆₀ 1 point was projected by 60 _2, a point light source p to different positions depending on the projection angle ₁ , p ₂ will be formed. Thus, the stereoscopic image display device 1F is one element lens 31 to form a source _p 1, _{p 2} 2 amino points.

<Control device>
Hereinafter, the control device 50F will be described in detail.
Controller 50F is a projector ₁₀ 1, 10 ₂ light source group forming pattern ₆₀ 1 point of projection, 60 _2, so as to form a point light source _p 1, _{p 2} to the position of the projector ₁₀ 1, 10 every _two, The projection direction is switched by time division.

Specifically, the controller 50F, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), such that the magnitude a of the unmasked area 63 is D · f / L, non-in the center of the point light source forming pattern 61 ₁ The mask area 63 is set. Here, the control unit 50F sets the unmasked area 63 in the light source forming pattern 61 ₁ all points.

The controller 50F, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), sets the FIG 16 (a) the same point light source forming pattern 61 _2. In other words, the point light source groups forming pattern ₆₀ 1, 60 ₂ are identical.

Figure 15 (a), the control unit 50F has, from diagonally to each element lens 31, directs projecting a point light source groups forming patterns 60 ₁ to the projector 10 _1. Furthermore, the control device 50F, in synchronization with the projection of the point light source groups forming pattern 60 _1, commands the display element image group E ₁ to the spatial light modulator 40.

Figure 15 (b), the control unit 50F has, obliquely from below to each element lens 31, directs projecting a point light source groups forming pattern 60 ₂ to the projector 10 _2. Furthermore, the control device 50F, in synchronization with the projection of the point light source groups forming pattern 60 _2, instructs the display element image group E ₂ to the spatial light modulator 40.

<Light intensity distribution of point light source formation pattern>
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, _{the stereoscopic image of the region where the visual regions V 1} and V ₂ overlap (shown by hatching) becomes brighter than the stereoscopic image of the region where the visual regions _{V 1} and V _{2 do not overlap.} It ends up. Therefore, to set the light intensity distribution to a point light source forming pattern 61, it is preferable to make uniform the brightness of the viewing area V _1, V _2.

That is, the control apparatus 50F, as area viewing area _V 1, _{V 2} are overlapped becomes dark, set the light intensity distribution 67 to a point light source forming pattern ₆₁ 1, 61 _2. Specifically, the controller 50F, as shown in FIG. 18 (a), sets the light intensity distribution 67 such as the lower of the point light source forming pattern 61 ₁ of the unmasked area 63 is dark. Furthermore, the control apparatus 50F, as shown in FIG. 18 (b), sets the light intensity distribution 67 such as the upper darkening of the point light source forming pattern 61 ₂ of the non-masked region 63.

[Action / Effect]
As described above, since the stereoscopic image display device 1B switches between the states of FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b) in a short time, the number of point light sources p can be increased to improve the resolution of the stereoscopic image, or to view the stereoscopic image. The quality of the stereoscopic image can be improved by enlarging the area angle.
Further, the stereoscopic image display apparatus 1B, it is possible to two viewing zones brightness of V _1, V ₂ uniformly, can be maintained in a state with an improved quality of the stereoscopic images.

(7th Embodiment)
[Stereoscopic image display device]
With reference to FIG. 19, the stereoscopic image display device 1G according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described as different from the first embodiment. The stereoscopic image display device 1G is different from the first embodiment in that it displays a stereoscopic image having different display characteristics.

As shown in FIG. 19A, the stereoscopic image display device 1G displays a stereoscopic image having a wide viewing angle on the upper side and a stereoscopic image having a high resolution on the lower side. The stereoscopic image display device 1G includes a projector 10, a collimator lens 20, a lens array 30, a spatial light modulation element 40, and a control device 50G.

The control device 50G controls the projector 10 so that the viewing angle of the stereoscopic image is wide on the upper side and the resolution of the stereoscopic image is high on the lower side. For example, as shown in FIG. 19B, the control device 50G increases the non-masked region 63 on the upper side of the stereoscopic image display device 1G, and sets the projection interval of the point light source forming pattern 61 to '2'. (See FIG. 6). Below the stereoscopic image display device 1G, the control device 50G reduces the non-masked region 63 and sets the projection interval of the point light source forming pattern 61 to '1' (see FIG. 5).

[Action / Effect]
As described above, the stereoscopic image display device 1G displays a stereoscopic image by combining different display characteristics in consideration of various factors such as the content of the stereoscopic image content, the viewing position of the observer of the stereoscopic image, and the display environment. can do.

The stereoscopic image display device 1G can also combine the time division display and the display of a plurality of projectors 10 described in the second and subsequent embodiments. In this case, the stereoscopic image display device 1G can increase the number of point light sources p to further improve the resolution of the stereoscopic image and further expand the viewing range angle of the stereoscopic image.

(8th Embodiment)
[Stereoscopic image display device]
The configuration of the stereoscopic image display device 1H according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22.

As shown in FIG. 20, the stereoscopic image display device 1H is miniaturized, and includes a projector 10H, a collimator lens 20H and a mirror 21 as parallel light emitting means, a lens array 30, and a spatial light modulation element. 40 and a control device 50 are provided.

The projector 10H is located outside the optical axis direction of the lens array 30. In the present embodiment, the projector 10H is arranged on the lower pedestal portion of the stereoscopic image display device 1H. Then, the projector 10H projects the point light source group forming pattern 60 on the mirror 21 located behind the stereoscopic image display device 1H.

The mirror 21 reflects the point light source group forming pattern 60 projected by the projector 10H toward the collimator lens 20H and the lens array 30 located in front of the stereoscopic image display device 1H. For example, the mirror 21 is a general optical reflector.

The collimator lens 20H emits the point light source group forming pattern 60 reflected by the mirror 21 to the lens array 30 as parallel light. In other respects, the collimator lens 20H is the same as the collimator lens 20 of FIG.

Here, as shown in FIG. 21, the stereoscopic image display device 1H can substitute the collimator lens 20H and the mirror 21 with a concave mirror (parallel light emitting means) 25.
The concave mirror 25 reflects the point light source group forming pattern 60 projected by the projector 10H toward the lens array 30 as parallel light.

Further, the stereoscopic image display device 1H, as shown in FIG. 22, a small projector _{10 1,} 10 2, ..., and 10 _n, a collimator lens ₂₀ 1 corresponding to the projectors _10, 20 2, ..., and 20 _n May be placed in close proximity (where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2).

[Action / Effect]
As described above, by using the mirror 21 or the concave mirror 25 in the stereoscopic image display device 1H, the projector 10H can be arranged on the lower pedestal portion of the stereoscopic image display device 1H, and the stereoscopic image display device 1H is thinned. It is possible to reduce the size.
Further, the stereoscopic image display device 1H can be made thinner and smaller by arranging the small projector 10 and the collimator lens 20 in close proximity to each other.

Although each embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes design changes and the like within a range not deviating from the gist of the present invention.
In each of the above-described embodiments, the non-masked region is square, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, in the present invention, the non-masked region may have a rectangular shape or the like depending on the shape of the element lens or the like.

Although the above-described fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments have been described as using two projectors, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, in the present invention, two or more projectors can be used.

Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24.
As shown in FIG. 23, the stereoscopic image display device 1 according to the embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 23B and FIG. 23C, a part of the stereoscopic image display device 1 is not shown.

The parameters of the stereoscopic image display device 1 are listed below.
In the stereoscopic image display device 1, the screen size is 500 mm, the maximum viewing area angle is 40 °, and the viewing distance is 1.5 m.
The projector 10 has a projection size of 500 mm.
The collimator lens 20 has a diameter of 500 mm and a focal length F of 800 mm. The projection width α of each parallel light is 0.14 mm in FIG. 23 (a), 0.28 mm in FIG. 23 (b), and 0.42 mm in FIG. 23 (c).

The lens array 30 includes 1189 element lenses 31, has a lens pitch of 0.42 mm, and has a focal length f of the element lenses 31 of 0.58 mm.
The spatial light modulation element 40 has a size of 500 mm. The distance between the spatial light modulation element 40 and the lens array 30 is 4 times the focal length f = 2.32 mm.

As shown in FIGS. 23 (a) to 23 (c), the stereoscopic image display device 1 can adjust (change) the balance between the resolution of the stereoscopic image and the viewing area angle in three stages.

In the state of FIG. 23 (a), the stereoscopic image display device 1 projects the pattern 60 for forming the point light source group of FIG. 24 (a) to maximize the resolution of the stereoscopic image while increasing the maximum viewing area angle. It is the narrowest at 14 °.
In the state of FIG. 23 (b), the stereoscopic image display device 1 projects the pattern 60 for forming the point light source group of FIG. 24 (b), so that the resolution of the stereoscopic image and the viewing area angle are in the intermediate stage, and the maximum viewing is achieved. The region angle is 27 °.
In the state of FIG. 23 (c), the stereoscopic image display device 1 projects the point light source group forming pattern 60 of FIG. 24 (c), so that the maximum viewing area angle becomes 40 ° and the viewing area angle of the stereoscopic image. Is the widest, while the resolution of the stereoscopic image is the lowest.

Here, in the stereoscopic image display device 1, in order to improve the degree of freedom of adjustment, the spatial light modulation element 40 may be separated from the lens array 30 or the focal length f of the element lens 31 may be shortened. In either case, in the stereoscopic image display device 1, the balance between the resolution of the stereoscopic image and the viewing area angle can be adjusted in N-1 steps by arranging the spatial light modulation element 40 at a position N times the focal length f. ..

The farther the spatial light modulation element 40 is from the lens array 30, the more precise the projection of the point light source group forming pattern 60 is required. Therefore, it is preferable to determine the position of the spatial light modulation element 40 in consideration of the resolution and projection accuracy of the projector 10.

1-1H stereoscopic image display device 1
10 _{, 10 1} , 10 ₂ , 10H projector (projection means)
20,20H collimator lens (parallel light emitting means)
21 Mirror (parallel light emitting means)
30 Lens array 31 Element lens 40 Spatial light modulation element 50 to 50G Control device (control means)

Claims (9)

It is an integral photography type stereoscopic image display device that displays a stereoscopic image using a point light source group as a backlight.
A projection means for projecting a light source group forming patterns that mask image image are arranged in correspondence with the element lenses representing the light distribution characteristics of the point light source,
A parallel light emitting means that emits a pattern for forming a point light source group projected by the projection means as parallel light, and a parallel light emitting means.
A lens array in which the element lenses are arranged in a two-dimensional shape and the parallel light from the parallel light emitting means is focused on the focal point of each element lens to form the point light source group.
Spatial light modulation elements that display element images and
The position and size of the non-masked regions included in the mask image, and the light intensity distribution of the non-masked region, the projection distance of the mask image including the non-masked area, or the projection direction of the mask image 1 With a control means for controlling the above ,
All or part of the mask image is a rectangular non-masked region on which the projection means projects the maximum brightness light and a rectangular shape that is located around the non-masked region and the projection means does not project light. A stereoscopic image display device characterized by having a mask area of the outer shape of the above. The control means is one.
When increasing the resolution of the stereoscopic image, the non-masked area is made small, and the projection interval of the masked image including the non-masked area is shortened.
The stereoscopic image display according to claim 1, wherein when the viewing area angle of the stereoscopic image is widened, the non-masked area is enlarged and the projection interval of the mask image including the non-masked area is lengthened. apparatus. The projection means is one.
The control means sets the non-masked area of a position and size corresponding to the visual field for each visual field of the stereoscopic image displayed by time division, and a mask image including the set non-masked area. The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional image display device is switched by time division. The projection means is one.
The control means, the projection distance of the mask image including the said unmasked region set to any length, wherein the mask image including the non-masked area, said mask image does not include the non-masked area Time The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 1, wherein the image is switched by division. There are two or more projection means,
The control means forms the point light source at the same position by the pattern for forming the point light source group projected by each projection means, and the viewing range of the stereoscopic image displayed by each projection means is continuous. The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 1, wherein the position of the non-masked region and the projection direction are set. The number of the projection means is two or more, and the control means is the non-masked region so that the point light source is formed at the position of each projection means by the pattern for forming the point light source group projected by each projection means. The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 1, wherein the position of the above and the projection direction are set. The number of the projection means is two or more, and the control means sets the projection direction so as to form the point light source at the position of each projection means by the pattern for forming the point light source group projected by each projection means. The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional image display device is switched by time division. The control means is characterized in that the light intensity distribution of the mask image is set so that the area becomes dark in the area where the viewing areas of the stereoscopic images displayed by the projection means overlap before and after the switching of the time division. The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 7. The projection means is located off the optical axis direction of the lens array.
The parallel light emitting means
It is provided with a mirror that reflects the point light source group forming pattern projected by the projection means toward the lens array, and a collimator lens that emits the point light source group forming pattern reflected by the mirror as parallel light. ,
The stereoscopic image according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a concave mirror that reflects the point light source group forming pattern projected by the projection means as parallel light toward the lens array. Display device.

Images