JPH085956A - Stereoscopic picture display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an inexpensive stereoscopic picture display device which can be used for industry, domestic use or medical application. CONSTITUTION:This device is equipped with a pair of 1st and 2nd display devices 12a and 12b for displaying stereoscopic pictures for right and left eyes being a display object; 1st and 2nd light controllers 19a, and 19b respectively arranged ahead of the 1st and the 2nd display devices and provided with a light transmissive area arranged at positions corresponding to the right eye and the left eye of an observer; a half mirror 15 arranged ahead of the 1st and the 2nd display devices in order to synthesize the pictures displayed on the 1st and the 2nd display devices to one picture; and a lens 18 arranged ahead of the half mirror 15 and having directivity to light from the respective light transmissive areas of the 1st and the 2nd light controllers. The picture for the right eye displayed on the 1st display device 12a is seen through the light transmissive area of the 1st controller 19a and the picture for the left eye displayed on the 2nd display device 12b is seen through the light transmissive area of the 2nd controller 19b.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a stereoscopic image display device used for industrial, household or medical purposes.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional stereoscopic image display device, an observer wears spectacles having a function of distributing left and right to display stereo images for the right eye and the left eye which are time-divisionally displayed on an image display surface. Those that can be observed only by the right and left eyes of the observer, respectively, or a lenticular plate is attached to the image display surface, the image distribution function of the lenticular plate, stereo images for the right eye and the left eye It is general that the observer can be observed only by the right and left eyes of the observer.

FIG. 19 shows a configuration of an example of the conventional stereoscopic image display device. Reference numeral 60 is spectacles having a left / right distribution function, 61a and 61b are liquid crystal shutters, and 62 is a liquid crystal shutter.
Is a synchronizing circuit, and 63 is a color CRT as an image display device. The operation of the stereoscopic image display device according to the first example of the related art configured as described above will be described. Color CRT 63
, The stereo images for the right eye and the left eye are alternately displayed in a time division manner. The liquid crystal shutter 61a of the spectacles 60 is opened and becomes transparent only when the right-eye stereo image is displayed, and the liquid crystal shutter 61b is opened and transmitted only when the left-eye stereo image is displayed. By controlling the open / closed state by the synchronizing circuit 62 so that the state becomes the state, the observer wearing the spectacles 60 observes only the stereo image for the right eye with the right eye and only the stereo image for the left eye with the left eye. Stereoscopic vision is performed by observing.

FIG. 20 shows a structure of a stereoscopic image display device in a second conventional example. Reference numeral 71 is a lenticular plate in which a large number of cylindrical lenses are formed in stripes, and 72 is a color CRT as an image display device. is there. The operation of the conventional second example stereoscopic image display device configured as described above will be described. On the color CRT 72, stereo images for the right eye and the left eye are simultaneously displayed alternately in a slit shape having a width that is approximately half the stripe width of the lenticular plate 71. The right eye of the observer is the lenticular plate 7.
Only the stereo image for the right eye displayed in the slit shape is observed through each of the cylindrical lenses of 1, and similarly, the left eye observes only the stereo image for the left eye displayed in the slit shape. This allows stereoscopic viewing.

[0005]

However, according to the study by the present inventors, in the stereoscopic image display device in the first conventional example as described above, the stereo image is independent of the right and left eyes of the observer. Since eyeglasses having a left / right distribution function are indispensable for observing images, the observer feels annoyance, and the stereo image to be displayed needs to be switched between the right eye image and the left eye image in time division. Therefore, there is a problem that flicker occurs in an image, which becomes an obstacle in observing a stereoscopic image.

Further, in the stereoscopic image display device of the second conventional example, since the stereoscopic image is observed through the stripe-shaped lens, the spatial tolerance of the stereoscopically visible observer is narrow and the observer moves. In this case, the image is deteriorated, and it is difficult for a large number of people to observe the image at the same time. Further, the image processing is required to display the image in a stripe shape, which makes the apparatus expensive. Had a problem.

Further, in the medical field, when an endoscopic operation is performed, the operation is usually performed by an operator observing a plane image of the patient's abdominal cavity projected by the endoscope on a monitor. However, the monitor image in the abdominal cavity has few features because the entire abdominal cavity has a single color, and it becomes difficult to confirm the perspective of the affected area, which tends to lengthen the operation time and burden the patient and the operator. Was also great. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned conventional first and second stereoscopic image display devices are used, left and right spectacles, flickering of images, annoyance due to the limitation of movement of the observer, and the like hinder practical application. Is the current situation.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present applicant does not need eyeglasses having a function of distributing left and right, and a large number of people can stereoscopically view at the same time without depending on the position of the observer, and a screen without flicker can be displayed. A stereoscopic image display device having the above has been proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 5-290950. The stereoscopic image display device in this prior application has a flicker-free screen,
The purpose of the present invention is to enable a large number of people to stereoscopically view at the same time without needing eyeglasses having a function of sorting left and right.

For this reason, the stereoscopic image display device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 5-290950 has a pair of light transmitting spatial modulators for displaying a stereo image, and the spatial modulators from the back side. A pair of observer image display devices for illuminating, a pair of directivity lenses positioned between the spatial modulation element and the observer image display device, and a photographing device for photographing the observer , Each of the pair of spatial modulation elements simultaneously displays a stereo image for the right eye and a left eye, and each of the pair of observer image display devices corresponds to the right face of the observer photographed by the photographing device. And a figure for illuminating the spatial modulation element is displayed at a position corresponding to the left face and a position corresponding to the left face.

However, although the display device proposed in this application has an advantage that stereoscopic vision is guaranteed at that position even if the observer moves, it requires a photographing device, a lighting device, etc., and is expensive. There was a drawback. Therefore, the present invention proposes an inexpensive stereoscopic image display device.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a stereoscopic image display device according to the present invention has a structure in which a light emitting region arranged at a position corresponding to the right eye of an observer and a position corresponding to the left eye of an observer. A first light emitting device provided with a non-light emitting region, and a second light emitting device provided with a non-light emitting region arranged at a position corresponding to the right eye of the observer and a light emitting region arranged at a position corresponding to the left eye of the observer. A device and a light transmissive first device for displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image for stereoscopic viewing
And a second spatial modulation element, and first optical provided between the first light emitting device and the first spatial modulation element and having directivity for enlarging a light emitting region of the first light emitting device. An element, a second optical element provided between the second light emitting device and the second spatial modulation element and having directivity for enlarging a light emitting region of the second light emitting device, and the first optical element. And one half mirror arranged in front of the first and second spatial modulation elements in order to combine the images displayed on the second spatial modulation element into one, and the first half mirror is provided. The image displayed on the spatial light modulator is backlit by the light from the light emitting region of the first light emitting device, and the image displayed on the second spatial light modulator is emitted from the light emitting region of the second light emitting device. It is characterized by being backlit by light.

Another structure of the present invention for achieving the above object is a first light emitting region arranged at a position corresponding to a right eye of a viewer and a second light emitting region arranged at a position corresponding to a left eye of an observer. A light emitting device having, a transmission type spatial modulation element for time-divisionally displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image for stereoscopic viewing, and provided between the light-emitting device and the spatial modulation element, An optical element having directivity for enlarging an image of a light emitting device, and energizing the first light emitting area and deactivating the second light emitting area when displaying a right-eye image on the spatial modulation element. And a control means for energizing the second light emitting area and deactivating the first light emitting area when displaying the image for the left eye on the spatial light modulating element. The image for the right eye and the image for the left eye displayed by Selectively, characterized in that the backlight by the first light emitting region and the second light-emitting region which is s time division control.

Preferably, the light emitting device has a light emitting surface on its front surface, and the non-light emitting region is shielded from light by a mask provided on a part of the light emitting surface.
Preferably, the mask is made of a shield that does not always allow light to pass through. Preferably, the mask is a liquid crystal that does not transmit light when a voltage is applied. Preferably, the light emitting area and the non-light emitting area have a left-right symmetrical rectangular shape with a part of the light emitting surface of the light emitting device placed on the optical path.

Preferably, the light emitting region and the non-light emitting region have a left-right symmetrical semicircular shape with a part of the light emitting surface of the light emitting device placed on the optical path. Preferably, it is provided with a means for detecting whether or not the boundary between the light emitting area and the non-light emitting area coincides with the center of both eyes of the observer. A stereoscopic image display device having another configuration of the present invention includes first and second display devices for displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image for stereoscopic viewing, and a front part of the first display device. And a second light control device, the first light control device having a light-transmitting region arranged in a position corresponding to the right eye of the observer and a light-shielding region arranged in a position corresponding to the left eye of the observer. A second light control device that is disposed in front of the second light control device and that includes a light-transmitting region that is arranged at a position corresponding to the left eye of the observer and a light-shielding region that is arranged at a position corresponding to the right eye of the observer; In order to combine the images displayed on the second display device into one, one half mirror arranged in front of the first and second display devices and one half mirror arranged in front of the half mirror, Having directivity with respect to light from the respective light-transmitting regions of the first and second light control devices A right eye image displayed on the first display device through a light transmitting region of the first light control device, and a left eye image displayed on the second display device. The image is seen through the light-transmitting region of the second light control device.

A stereoscopic image display device having still another configuration of the present invention is a display device for displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image for stereoscopic viewing in a time-division manner, and is arranged in front of the display device. A light control device for transmitting or blocking light, the light control device having a first region arranged at a position corresponding to a right eye and a second region arranged at a position corresponding to a left eye of an observer. A device, an optical element having directivity with respect to light passing through the light control device, and making the first region light-transmitting when displaying a right-eye image on the display device and the second region. The display device includes: a region having a light-shielding property, and the first device having a light-shielding property and a second region having a light-transmitting property when a left-eye image is displayed on the display device. The image for the right eye and the image for the left eye that are time-divided into Wherein the selectively permeable by the first and second light emitting regions that are respectively time division control.

Preferably, the light-shielding region of the light control device is shielded by a mask. Preferably, the light-transmitting region and the light-shielding region are placed on the optical path and have a bilaterally symmetrical rectangular shape. Preferably, the light-transmitting region and the light-shielding region are placed on the optical path and have a left-right symmetrical semicircular shape.

Preferably, it is provided with means for detecting whether or not the boundary between the light-transmitting region and the light-shielding region coincides with the center of both eyes of the observer. A stereoscopic image display device having still another configuration of the present invention includes first and second display devices for displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image for stereoscopic viewing, and the first display device. A first polarizing device which is provided in front of the display surface and linearly polarizes the display image in a first direction; and a first polarizing device which is provided in front of the display surface of the second display device and displays the display image in a second direction. A second polarizing device that linearly polarizes the image, and the images displayed on the first and second display devices respectively and polarized by the first and second polarizing devices, respectively. A light control device having one half mirror arranged in front of the first and second polarizing devices, and a first light transmitting region and a second light transmitting region arranged in front of the half mirror. And the first light-transmitting region moves in the first direction at a position corresponding to the right eye of the observer. Through the light light,
The second light-transmitting region is provided at a position corresponding to the left eye of an observer so as to allow light polarized in the second direction to pass therethrough, and is provided in front of the light control device. An optical element having directivity with respect to light from a light-transmitting region of the control device, and allowing the right-eye image displayed on the first display device to be seen through the first light-transmitting region. The left-eye image displayed on the second display device is seen through the second light-transmitting region.

According to a further configuration of the present invention, a display device for time-divisionally displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image for stereoscopic viewing, and a display device provided in front of the display surface of the display device are provided. Light control having a polarizing device that linearly polarizes an image in a first direction and a second direction in a time-division manner, and a first transparent region and a second transparent region that are arranged in front of the polarizing device. A device, wherein the first light-transmissive region passes the image polarized by the polarizing device at a position corresponding to the observer's right eye, and the second light-transmissive region is at a position corresponding to the observer's left eye. A light control device provided so as to pass light polarized in the second direction, and an optical device provided in front of the light control device and having directivity with respect to light from a light-transmitting region of the light control device. An element for the right eye displayed on the first display device. Was seen through the first light transmitting region, characterized thereby seen through the second transmitting region left eye image displayed on the second display device.

Preferably, the light control device is the first light control device.
And a polarization filter plate for covering the second light transmitting region, and the liquid crystal plate is driven in the first and second directions in two symmetrical regions placed on the optical path. There is. Preferably, it is provided with means for detecting whether or not the boundary between the light-transmitting region and the light-shielding region coincides with the center of both eyes of the observer.

According to still another configuration of the present invention, one display surface for superimposing and displaying the right-eye image polarized in the first direction and the left-eye image polarized in the second direction, and the display surface. A light control device disposed in front of the first light-transmitting region and a second light-transmitting region, wherein the first light-transmitting region is located at a position corresponding to a right eye of an observer. A light control device provided so that light polarized in the second direction is transmitted, and the second light-transmitting region transmits light polarized in the second direction at a position corresponding to the left eye of an observer; And an optical element having directivity with respect to light from the light-transmitting region of the light control device, the right-eye image displayed on the display surface is provided only in the first light-transmitting region. The image for the left eye displayed on the display surface is transmitted through only the second light-transmitting region. Characterized in that to.

Preferably, the optical element is a lens. Preferably, it is provided with a means for detecting whether or not the boundary between the first and second translucent regions coincides with the center of both eyes of the observer. Preferably, the display surface is a semitransparent display surface that transmits an image irradiated from the rear to the front, and a first projector that irradiates the image for the right eye toward the display surface, and the first projector. The light from the first
A first polarizing filter that polarizes the image for the left eye toward the display surface, and a second polarizer that polarizes light from the second projector in the second direction. Polarizing filter.

[0022]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the first embodiment, a liquid crystal display element is used as a means for displaying a stereoscopic image to be displayed, and a fluorescent display plate having a mask portion is used as a backlight light source of the liquid crystal display element.

In the second to fourth embodiments, a CRT or a projector is used as a means for displaying a stereoscopic image to be displayed, and the image is observed through a mask and a lens that blocks the line of sight of the observer. . <First Embodiment> In FIG. 1, 10a and 10b are transmissive liquid crystal displays as spatial modulators. 11
Reference numerals a and 11b are Fresnel lenses having a focal length of 150 mm as optical elements located on the back surfaces of the spatial modulation elements 10a and 10b, respectively. Numerals 40a and 40b denote fluorescent plates as light emitting devices, which are located on the opposite sides of the spatial modulation elements 10a and 10b with the lenses 11a and 11b sandwiched therebetween.
Lenses 11a, 11 farther than the focal lengths of a, 11b
It is installed at a position 160 mm away from b. Reference numeral 15 is a half mirror for combining the images displayed on the spatial modulation elements 10a and 10b into one, and 16 is an observer who observes a stereoscopic image. On the front surface of the fluorescent plate 40a (40b),
A mask plate 19a (1b) as a light control device is provided.

Reference numeral 18 is a lens for enlarging or reducing the image displayed on the liquid crystal 10a (10b). The image for the right eye is displayed on the liquid crystal plate 10a. The image for the left eye is displayed on the liquid crystal plate 10b. As is well known, the liquid crystal element is not a light emitting element, but the applied voltage changes the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules and only changes the light passing state within the liquid crystal molecules. That is, the liquid crystal plate only functions as a display device when it is backlit. The fluorescent plates 40a and 40b as the backlight means are provided for this purpose, and the light from the fluorescent plate 40a for the right eye (fluorescent plate 40b for the left eye) is supplied by the mask plate 40a for the right eye (the mask plate 40 for the left eye) as the light control device.
Pass b).

As will be described later, a part of the mask plate transmits light and the other part does not transmit light. In FIG. 1, the shaded portion does not transmit light. The light that has passed through the portion of the mask plate that does not block light reaches the liquid crystal plate 10a for the right eye (the liquid crystal plate 10b for the left eye). The image for the right eye on the liquid crystal plate 10a and the image for the left eye on the liquid crystal plate 10b are the half mirror 1.
5 is synthesized and reaches the observer 16.

In FIG. 1, the light emitting device 40a (40b)
Is designed to emit light from the entire surface. Mask 19
1a masks (shields) the light emitting region on the right side when viewed from the X direction in FIG. The mask 19b masks (shields) the light emitting region on the right side when viewed from the Y direction in FIG. 1 in consideration of reflection by the half mirror 15. FIG. 2 illustrates that the left side of the light emitting surface 40a serves as a light source for the right eye. That is, since the mask 19a does not shield the left side of the light emitting surface 40a, the light emitted from the left side of the light emitting surface 40a is transmitted through the lens 11a, the mirror 15 and the lens group 18 and the directivity of the lens 11a causes the right eye of the observer to see. Enter only. That is, 40a
The area on the left side of serves as the backlight for the right eye. Here, the lens 80a is a virtual lens that represents a combined lens including the lens 11a and the lens group 18.

FIG. 2 also shows the configuration of the mask 19a and the positional relationship between both eyes, and the mask division point 50a coincides with the approximate center of the right eye and the left eye. In other words, if the observer puts his face on such a position, the two images on the liquid crystal display 10a will be observed as stereoscopic images. When the left side of the light emitting surface 40b is about to become a light source for the right eye, the mask 19b does not block the left side of the light emitting surface 40b, so that the light emitted from the left side of the light emitting surface 40b is reflected by the mirror 15 and the observer observes it. Enters the right eye of. That is, the area on the left side of 40b functions as a backlight for the right eye.

The mask plate 19a (19b) used in the system of the first embodiment is made of glass, for example. The glass plate is coated with an opaque paint so that the shaded portion in the figure has a light blocking effect. Lens 18
Is at a position where the image displayed on the liquid crystal 10a (10b) by the observer 16 is displayed as an inverted real image, that is, the liquid crystal 10
It is placed so that a (10b) is located within the focal length of the lens 18.

Next, the operation of the Fresnel lenses 11a and 11b will be described. Fresnel lens 11a
As described above, the virtual group lens 80a together with the lens group 18
(See FIG. 3). In this combined lens 80a, by installing the Fresnel lens 11a so that the fluorescent plate 40a is located outside the focal length of the combined lens 80a, only a part of the left side of the mask plate 19a with respect to the right eye of the observer 16 is in the visual field. Acts like. Similarly, the Fresnel lens 11b constitutes a virtual combined lens 80b (not shown) together with the lens group 18, and the mask plate 1 is provided to the left eye of the observer 16.
Only a part of the left side of 9b acts so as to enter the visual field.
At this time, the fluorescent plate 40a (40b) is attached to the Fresnel lens 11
a lens group 80a formed by a (11b) and the lens group 18
Since it is set outside the focal length of (80b), the right eye (left eye) of the observer does not see the image of the right light-shielded portion of the mask plate 19a (right light-shielded portion of the mask plate 19b). Fluorescent plate 40a (4
0b) acts as a backlight light source having selectivity to the right eye (left eye) having a size corresponding to the effective diameter of the Fresnel lens 11a (11b).

By the operation of the apparatus of the first embodiment described above, the stereo image for the right eye displayed on the liquid crystal display 10a in FIG. 1 can be observed by being illuminated from the back surface only for the right eye of the observer 16. The stereo image for the left eye displayed on the liquid crystal display 10b is
Since only the left eye of 6 is illuminated from the back side for observation, the observer 16 can observe a pair of stereo images and can perform stereoscopic vision.

The positional relationship among the Fresnel lens 11a (11b), the fluorescent plate 40a (4b) and the lens group 18 is such that the liquid crystal display 10a (10b) is out of focus of the lens 11a (11b) as shown in FIG. If something
The fluorescent plate 40a (40b) acts as a backlight. On the other hand, the lens 18 is positioned so that the liquid crystal display 10a (10b) comes to the focal position. Actually, in order to change the magnification, the lens group 18 is a zoom lens, and its focal length can be changed from the outside. Use a Fresnel lens to reduce the thickness,
The entire device can be made compact.

<Second Embodiment> The first embodiment is a stereoscopic image display device in which an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 10a (10b) and the display is backlit by irradiating light from the rear. It was to make the spot and the light source compact as follows. That is, the liquid crystal display was used as an image display means. On the other hand, this second
In the embodiment, two C images are stereo images for stereoscopic viewing.
The image is displayed on the RT and the displayed image is viewed through a mask plate of the same type as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a stereoscopic image display system according to the second embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 12a (12b) is a CRT device for displaying a right-eye image (left-eye image). A right-eye mask plate 19a (left-eye mask plate 19b) is provided in front of each CRT device 12a (12b). The mask plate 19a (19b) of the second embodiment may have substantially the same structure as that of the first embodiment. That is, for example, a glass plate coated with an opaque paint may be used.

In FIG. 4, 15 is a CRT 12a (1
2b) is a half mirror for synthesizing the displayed images, and 18 is a lens group for enlarging the synthesized images. FIG. 5 shows a process in which an image displayed on the CRT device 12a (12b) reaches both eyes via the mask plate 19a (19b). Here, regarding the positional relationship between the lens 18 and the mask plate 19a (19b), the virtual combination lens 80a (80b) and the mask plate 19a in FIG.
The relationship with (19b) is substantially the same. For this reason, the right eye (left eye) of the observer 16 has a mask plate 19a (19).
CRT device 12 through the unshielded part of b)
The image for the right eye (image for the left eye) displayed in a (12b) can be seen as an inverted image. Further, the mask plate 19a
Since (19b) has the same simple structure as that of the first embodiment, the observer's photographing device and the light source for illumination as in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application No. 5-290950 are unnecessary.

<Third Embodiment> The first embodiment is a fluorescent plate or CR.
Whereas T is used as a backlight,
The above-described second and third embodiments use the CRT as a display means for an image, not as a backlight. The second embodiment requires two mask plates, while the third embodiment has the feature that only one mask plate is required. In order to have one mask plate as a light control device, the light rays of the image are polarized, as will be described later.

FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the third embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 12a (12b) is a CRT device for displaying a right-eye image (left-eye image). Each CRT device 1
A polarizing plate 17a (17b) that linearly polarizes the light from the CRT screen in the X direction (in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction) is provided on the front surface of the 2a (12b). The image lights from the CRTs 12a (12b), which are linearly polarized, are masked by the mask plate 20 as an image combined by the half mirror 15.
Pass through. The mask plate 20 is divided into two regions (20a, 20b) as shown in FIG. Area 20
a (20b) has a polarized light transmission characteristic in the X direction (Y direction). The area 20b on the right side functions as a mask (light blocking) for the image for the right eye, and the area 20a on the left side functions as a mask for the image for the left eye.

FIG. 8 illustrates the principle of the third embodiment. That is, FIG. 8 illustrates the principle that only the right-eye image reaches the right eye. The image light from the right CRT 12a is linearly polarized in the X direction by the polarizing plate 17a. The image polarized in the X direction passes through the region 20a having the polarization transmission characteristics in the same direction on the mask plate 20, and is reflected by the observer's right eye as an inverted image through the lens 18. At this time, the observer's left eye sees the region 20b in the mask plate 20 due to the directivity of the lens 18, but since the region 20b has the polarization transmission characteristics in the Y direction, the above-mentioned X direction is used. The image light displayed on the CRT 12a, which is linearly polarized at 1, cannot pass through and cannot be seen. Also for the left eye, CRT 12b, polarizing plate 17b, half mirror 1
5. In the optical system including the mask 20 and the lens 18, the same function is obtained. Therefore, if the right eye is placed at the position corresponding to the area 20a and the left eye is placed at the position corresponding to the area 20b, the right eye is displayed on the CRT 12a. Only the right-eye image is viewed, and the left eye is viewed only the left-eye image displayed on the CRT 12b.

<Fourth Embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, an image projected on one projection screen is viewed by the same mask plate as that of the third embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the half mirror is unnecessary. Figure 9 is the fourth
1 shows a system configuration of an embodiment. In the figure, 60a is a projector for irradiating the screen 65 with the image for the right eye. Reference numeral 60b is a projector for illuminating the screen 65 with the image for the left eye. Projector 60a
A polarizing filter 61a for polarizing in the X direction is provided on the front surface of the projector, and a polarizing filter 61b for polarizing in the Y direction (direction orthogonal to the X direction) is provided on the front surface of the projector 60b. Then, the right-eye image polarized in the X direction and the left-eye image polarized in the Y direction are combined and irradiated on the screen 65. Since the screen 65 is a transmissive type, the observer 16 views the X-polarized image and the Y-polarized image projected on the screen 65 through the mask plate 20 and the lens 18. Like the mask plate 20 of the third embodiment, the mask plate 20 is divided into a region 20a through which only light polarized in the X direction passes and a region 20b through which only light polarized in the Y direction passes. Therefore, the observer's right eye sees only the right-eye image polarized in the X direction, and the observer's left eye sees only the right-eye image polarized in the Y direction. A stereoscopic effect can be obtained.

<Applications> In all of the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the device for photographing the face of the observer, which is required in the prior application by the present applicant, is unnecessary, but the stereoscopic vision is achieved. The disadvantage is that the range obtained is narrow. This is because the mask plate (19 or 20) as the light control device has a fixed area for separating the right-eye image and the left-eye image. Therefore, it is necessary to devise which position the observer can view stereoscopically. 10 and 11
Indicates such a device.

In FIG. 10, a housing 100 includes all the components of the system of the first to fourth embodiments. 1
Reference numeral 01 is an observation window from which an observer can view the display 10a (10b) or C through the lens group 18.
The image of the RT 12a (12b) will be observed. 1
Reference numeral 02 denotes a sighting device, so that if the observer puts his / her face at the position where the center of the circle 103 coincides with the center 104 of the intersecting line, the center separating line of the mask plate substantially coincides with the centers of the left and right eyes. Therefore, stereoscopic vision can be obtained.

FIG. 10 is a simplified version of FIG. In the figure, 105 is a viewing window and 106 is a lamp.
The positional relationship between the viewing window 105 and the lamp 106 is determined in advance so that if the lamp 106 can be seen through the viewing window 105, the center separation line of the mask plate substantially coincides with the centers of the left and right eyes. <Modification> First Modification In the first embodiment, the transmissive liquid crystal display is used as the spatial modulation element. However, the spatial modulation element is light transmissive and can display a stereo image. For example, a film on which an image is recorded may be used.

Second Modified Example In the first to third examples, the lens is used as the optical element. However, when the display image is observed through the lens, external light may be reflected on the lens. In this case, FIG.
As described above, by using the concave mirror 46 instead of the lens, this reflection can be eliminated. FIG. 13 shows a modification of the second embodiment. In this modification, the concave mirror 47 functions as a half mirror, but the distance to the observer color CRT 12a is the same as the distance to the CRT 12b. For the CRT 12b and the mask plate 1
It is necessary to install 9b at a position away from the concave mirror 47. In this case, since the distance from the concave mirror to each CRT changes, it is necessary to adjust the curvatures of the concave mirrors 46 and 47 so that the focal length of the concave mirror 47 is behind the concave mirror 46. In the apparatus shown in FIG. 13, the half mirror is not required by using two concave mirrors.

FIG. 14 shows an application of changing the optical path in the fourth embodiment. Third Modification Example Although all the mask plates in the first to fourth embodiments have a rectangular shape, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in FIG. 15, has a circular shape. The same effect can be obtained by using a mask plate.

Fourth Modification The mask plate 20 of the above-mentioned third and fourth embodiments is a combination of two different polarizing filters. Fourth
In the modification, liquid crystal is used for the mask plate. FIG.
Shows a configuration of a mask plate 20 according to a fourth modification. 10
0 is a glass substrate, 101 is a transparent electrode, 102 is a liquid crystal, 1
Reference numeral 03 indicates a polarizing plate. By controlling the applied voltage, the transparent electrode 101 can control the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules so that the polarized light transmission characteristics corresponding to the regions 20a and 20b can be obtained. The direction of the polarizing plate 103 is constant over the entire surface of the mask plate 20.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the operation of the liquid crystal molecules corresponding to the area 20a, and FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the operation of the liquid crystal molecules corresponding to the area 20b. 17 and 18, 1
Reference numerals 10 and 111 denote lights polarized in the X direction and the Y direction, respectively. In FIG. 17, a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal in the region 20a so that the molecules are aligned. In FIG. 18, area 2
A voltage is applied to the 0b liquid crystal so that the molecules remain twisted. Therefore, the liquid crystal in the region 20a transmits only light polarized in the X direction, and the liquid crystal in the region 20b transmits only light polarized in the Y direction.

<Application to Time Division> In all of the above-described first to fourth embodiments, one set is required for each of left and right like two means for displaying left and right images respectively. It was For this reason, the first to fourth embodiments may be expensive in cost. Therefore, below, respective application examples will be proposed in which time-division control is applied to the devices of the first to third embodiments to simplify the system.

Application to First Embodiment FIG. 21 shows an application to the first embodiment. In the figure, the liquid crystal display device 10 displaying a stereo image alternately displays a right-eye image and a left-eye image at predetermined time intervals by time division control. On the other hand, the fluorescent plate 40 is a backlight light source. A liquid crystal shutter 19 is provided on the front surface of the fluorescent screen 40.
a and 19b are provided. This liquid crystal shutter 19
The a and 19b are controlled by the controller 90 in synchronization with the screen switching timing in the liquid crystal display device 10. That is, when the image for the right eye is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 10, the shutter 19a on the left side has a light-transmitting property and the shutter 19b has a light-shielding property. Therefore, at this time,
The observer observes the right-eye image (displayed on the liquid crystal display 10) backlit by the light passing through the shutter 19a with the right eye. Conversely,
When the image for the left eye is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 10,
The shutter 19b on the right side has a light-transmitting property, and on the contrary, the shutter 1
9a shows a light shielding property. Therefore, at this time, the observer observes the left-eye image (displayed on the liquid crystal display 10) backlit by the light passing through the shutter 19b with the left eye.

Application to Second Embodiment FIG. 22 shows an application example of the time division control to the second embodiment. In the figure, the CRT 12 displaying a stereo image alternately displays a right-eye image and a left-eye image at predetermined time intervals by time-division control. Liquid crystal shutters 60a and 60b are provided on the front surface of the CRT 12. The liquid crystal shutters 60a and 60b are controlled by the controller 91.
The CRT 12 is controlled in synchronization with the screen switching timing. That is, when the image for the right eye is displayed on the CRT 12, the shutter 60a on the left side has a light-transmitting property and the shutter 60b has a light-shielding property. Therefore, at this time,
The observer observes the image for the right eye displayed on the CRT 12 with the right eye through the shutter 60a. On the contrary, when the image for the left eye is displayed on the CRT 12,
The left shutter 60b has a light-transmitting property, and on the contrary, the shutter 6b
0a indicates a light shielding property. Therefore, at this time, the observer is
The image for the left eye displayed on the RT 12 is observed by the left eye through the shutter 60b.

Application to Third Embodiment FIG. 23 shows an application example of time division control to the third embodiment. In the figure, the CRT 12 displaying a stereo image alternately displays a right-eye image and a left-eye image at predetermined time intervals by time-division control. A polarizing plate 60 is provided on the front surface of the CRT 12. This polarizing plate alternately polarizes the image light from the CRT 12 in, for example, the X direction by stacking two layers of liquid crystal plates, and then polarizes the image light in the Y direction (90 degrees with respect to the X direction further). Is polarized). The time-division control of the polarization angle with respect to the polarizing plate 60 is performed at the same timing as the time-division control of the left and right eye images with respect to the CRT 12.

The mask plate 20 is also the mask plate 2 of the third embodiment.
It is split left and right like 0, and the region 20a is preset to pass only light polarized in the X direction and the region 20b passes only light polarized in the Y direction. The controller 93 performs the following control. When the image for the right eye is displayed on the CRT 12, the polarizing plate 6 is controlled to control the CRT.
The image light from 12 is controlled so as to be polarized in the X direction.
As a result, the image light polarized in the X direction passes through only the region 20a of the mask plate 20 and reaches the right eye of the observer via the lens 18. When the image for the left eye is displayed on the CRT 12, the polarizing plate 6 is controlled so that the image light from the CRT 12 is polarized in the Y direction. As a result, the image light polarized in the Y direction passes through only the area 20b of the mask plate 20 and reaches the left eye of the observer via the lens 18.

As described above, stereoscopic viewing by time division control becomes possible.

[0052]

As described above, according to the stereoscopic image display device of the present invention, a bright stereoscopic image can be obtained with a simple structure.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a stereoscopic image display apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a lens, a CRT, and a liquid crystal display in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a stereoscopic image display device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation principle of the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mask plate used in a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a device for showing a visual field region, which is common to the first to fourth embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining another example of the device for indicating the visual field region, which is common to the first to fourth embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a modified example for changing the optical path.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another modified example for changing the optical path.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating still another modified example for changing the optical path.

FIG. 15 is a view showing another shape of the mask plate.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another configuration of the mask plate.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of the mask plate of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of the mask plate of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a conventional technique.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a conventional technique.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the configuration of a device when time division control is applied to the device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the configuration of a device when time division control is applied to the device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the configuration of a device when time division control is applied to the device of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 16 Observers 10a, 10b Transmissive liquid crystal displays 11a, 11b Lenses 12a, 12b Monochrome CRT 15 Half mirrors 19a, 19b, 20 Mask plates 20a, 20b Mask regions 60a, 60b Mask plates (liquid crystal shutters) 60 Polarizing plates 90, 91, 93 time division controller

Front page continuation (72) Inventor Jun Suzuki 1500 Inoguchi, Nakai-cho, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture Terumo Corporation

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A first light emitting device provided with a light emitting region arranged at a position corresponding to the right eye of the observer and a non-light emitting region arranged at a position corresponding to the left eye, and corresponding to the right eye of the observer. A second light emitting device provided with a non-light emitting area arranged at a position and a light emitting area arranged at a position corresponding to the left eye; and light for displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image for stereoscopic viewing Transmissive first and second spatial modulation elements, and directivity provided between the first light emitting device and the first spatial modulation element for expanding a light emitting region of the first light emitting device. And a second optical element provided between the second light emitting device and the second spatial modulation element and having directivity for enlarging a light emitting region of the second light emitting device. Element and the images displayed on the first and second spatial modulation elements are combined into one. And a half mirror arranged in front of the first and second spatial light modulators to form an image displayed on the first spatial light modulator of the first light emitting device. A stereoscopic image display device, characterized in that it is backlit by light from a light emitting region and the image displayed on the second spatial light modulator is backlit by light from a light emitting region of the second light emitting device. 2. A light emitting device having a first light emitting region arranged at a position corresponding to a right eye of an observer and a second light emitting region arranged at a position corresponding to a left eye, and a right eye for stereoscopic viewing. Type spatial modulation element for displaying the image for left eye and the image for the left eye in a time division manner, and having directivity provided between the light emitting device and the spatial modulation element for enlarging the image of the light emitting device. An optical element, and when the right eye image is displayed on the spatial modulation element, the first light emitting area is energized and the second light emitting area is deactivated, and the left eye image is displayed on the spatial modulation element. A control means for energizing the second light emitting area and deactivating the first light emitting area, and a right eye image and a left eye image which are time-divisionally displayed by the spatial modulator. Of the first light-emitting region and the second light-emitting region, which are time-division controlled, respectively. Stereoscopic image display apparatus characterized by selectively backlight the light emitting region. 3. A first display device and a second display device for displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image for stereoscopic viewing, and a front eye of the first display device, which is arranged in front of the first display device. A first light control device provided with a light-transmitting region arranged in a corresponding position and a light-shielding region arranged in a position corresponding to the left eye, and arranged in front of the second display device, and A second light control device provided with a light-transmitting region arranged at a position corresponding to the left eye and a light-shielding region arranged at a position corresponding to the right eye, and displayed on the first and second display devices. One half mirror arranged in front of the first and second display devices to combine images into one, and the first and second light control devices provided in front of the half mirror. And an optical element having directivity with respect to light from each of the light-transmitting regions, The right-eye image displayed on the display device of FIG. 2 is seen through the light-transmitting region of the first light control device, and the left-eye image displayed on the second display device of the second light control device. A stereoscopic image display device, which is seen through a transparent region. 4. A display device for time-divisionally displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image for stereoscopic viewing, and a light control device arranged in front of the display device for transmitting or blocking light. A light control device having a first region arranged at a position corresponding to the right eye of the observer and a second region arranged at a position corresponding to the left eye, and for light passing through the light control device. And an optical element having directivity, and when the right eye image is displayed on the display device, the first region has a light-transmitting property and the second region has a light-shielding property, and the display device has a left-eye image. And a control unit that makes the first region a light-shielding property and the second region a light-transmitting property when displaying an image for a right eye and a left eye that are time-divided and displayed on the display device. Image and the first and second light emitting regions that are time-division controlled, respectively. Stereoscopic image display apparatus, characterized in that to more selectively permeable. 5. A first display device and a second display device for displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image for stereoscopic viewing, and a display provided in front of a display surface of the first display device. A first polarizing device that linearly polarizes an image in a first direction; and a second polarizing device that is provided in front of the display surface of the second display device and linearly polarizes the displayed image in a second direction. , In front of the first and second polarizing devices for combining the images displayed on the first and second display devices respectively and polarized by the first and second polarizing devices into one One half mirror arranged in front of the half mirror, and a first light-transmitting region and a second half mirror arranged in front of the half mirror.
And a second light-transmitting region, wherein the first light-transmitting region allows light polarized in the first direction to pass through at a position corresponding to a right eye of an observer, and the second light-transmitting region. The region is a light control device provided so as to pass light polarized in the second direction at a position corresponding to the left eye of an observer, and a light-transmitting region of the light control device provided in front of the light control device. An optical element having directivity for light from the second display device, wherein the right-eye image displayed on the first display device is seen through the first light-transmitting region. A stereoscopic image display device, wherein the left-eye image displayed on the screen is viewed through the second light-transmitting region. 6. A display device for time-divisionally displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image for stereoscopic viewing, and a display image provided in front of a display surface of the display device, A light control device having a first light-transmissive region and a second light-transmissive region disposed in front of the light-polarizing device, the light-polarizing device being linearly polarized in a time direction and a second direction in a time division manner, The first light-transmissive region passes the image polarized by the polarizing device at a position corresponding to the right eye of the observer, and the second light-transmissive region is at the position corresponding to the left eye of the observer in the second direction. A light control device provided so as to allow polarized light to pass therethrough, and an optical element provided in front of the light control device and having directivity with respect to light from a light-transmitting region of the light control device. , The right-eye image displayed on the first display device is displayed on the first transmissive region. It is seen through the stereoscopic image display device comprising the left-eye image displayed on the second display device to be seen through the second transmitting region. 7. An image for displaying a right-eye image polarized in a first direction and a left-eye image polarized in a second direction in an overlapping manner 1
A light control device having two display surfaces and a first light-transmitting area and a second light-transmitting area arranged in front of the display surface, wherein the first light-transmitting area is the right eye of an observer. Light provided so as to pass light polarized in the first direction at a corresponding position, and the second light-transmitting region passes light polarized in the second direction at a position corresponding to the left eye of an observer. A control device and an optical element that is provided in front of the light control device and has directivity with respect to light from a light-transmitting region of the light control device, and displays a right-eye image displayed on the display surface. A stereoscopic image display device, wherein a stereoscopic image is viewed through only the first light-transmitting region, and a left-eye image displayed on the display surface is viewed through only the second light-transmitting region.