JPH10108219A - Stereoscopic vision type simulation method and its device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stereoscopic vision type simulation with high mobility and a simple configuration. SOLUTION: Two electronic cameras 2r, 2l are used to pick up an image of an object stereoscopic model 1 and output image signals from both the cameras 2r, 2l are fed respectively to two display devices 5r, 5l opposed to both eyes 4 of a viewer 3. A distance between the model 1 and the cameras 2r, 2l, a distance between both the cameras 2r, 2l, and an angle (parallax) between optical axes 12r, 12l are regulated to provide a stereoscopic vision simulation of the model 1, that is, the object to the viewer 3 with images on both of the display devices 5r, 5l. Or output image signals from both of the cameras 2r, 2l may be applied to a conventional stereoscopic means consisting of a stereo projector and a polarization eyeglass.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a stereoscopic simulation method and apparatus, and more particularly, to a method in which a model to be simulated is photographed with two left and right electronic cameras, and the output images are viewed with the left and right eyes. The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for providing a stereoscopic simulation of the object by performing the simulation. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is suitable for environmental assessment of various facilities / development plans and explanations of use of visual simulations in various plans and the like. It can be effectively used for presentation of a three-dimensional visual simulation for promotion and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Virtual reality (VR) technology has been widely used in the description using visual simulation. With the advance of information technology, high-quality images are also required in VR technology, and computer graphics (C
G) Three-dimensional images using images and actual photographs of precise models are provided.

[0003]

However, in a three-dimensional visual simulation using CG or real photography, computer images and precision models must be manufactured in advance, and image information can be viewed in real time simultaneously with planning. And lacked mobility. In addition, in order to obtain a three-dimensional image, it is necessary to project images from different viewpoints on the screen and view them using glasses with polarizing plates and special goggles, which requires a fairly large scale facility There is also a disadvantage of lack of simplicity.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simple stereoscopic simulation method and apparatus having high mobility.

[0005]

In order to achieve this object, the inventor of the present invention adds the output images of a subject by two electronic cameras to two display devices disposed opposite to both eyes of an observer as they are. An experiment was conducted, focusing on the fact that the observer can view the subject in a stereoscopic manner. The display is, for example, a liquid crystal display. Referring to FIG. 4, a subject, that is, a model 1 is photographed by two electronic cameras 2r and 2l, and the output image is
The distance between the model 1 and the cameras 2r and 2l and the distance between the cameras 1r and 5l
By adjusting the distance between the 2r and 2l and the angle (parallax) between the optical axes 12r and 12l (see FIG. 3), it is possible that the observer 3 can stereoscopically view the model 1 with the images on both the display devices 5r and 5l. Confirmed experimentally.

The output images of the two electronic cameras 2r and 2l are directly applied to the displays 5r and 5l, respectively, which are arranged opposite to both eyes, and the distance between the model and the camera, the distance between the two cameras and the parallax are adjusted. The stereoscopic view of the model becomes possible
By adjusting the various amounts of the distance and parallax, at a certain value of the various amounts according to the scale of the model, an appropriate correspondence with the various amounts when observing the real object with the naked eye is brought about, Is presumed to show a stereoscopic simulation. The present invention has been completed based on the findings from the above experiments.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stereoscopic simulation method of the present invention simulates an object (not shown) as a model 1, and photographs the model 1 with two electronic cameras 2r and 2l. Two indicators 5r and 5l facing both eyes 4 of observer 3
, The output image signals of both cameras 2r and 2l are added, respectively, and the distance between the model 1 and the cameras 2r and 2l, the distance between the cameras 2r and 2l, and the angle between the optical axes 12r and 12l are adjusted, and both displays 5r and This is obtained by causing the observer 3 to stereoscopically view the model 1 in the image on 5l.

[0008] The stereoscopic simulation apparatus of the present invention is worn by the observer 3 while wearing it facing both eyes 4 of the observer 3.
Displays 5r, 5l, two electronic cameras 2r, 2l whose outputs are connected to both displays 5r, 5l, the distance between the subject and the cameras 2r, 2l, the distance between the two cameras 2r, 2l, and the optical axis An adjusting means for adjusting the angle between 12r and 12l is provided, and the observer 3 stereoscopically views the subject with images on both displays 5r and 5l. If the subject is a three-dimensional model 1 of an object (not shown), the stereoscopic simulation apparatus of the present invention provides a stereoscopic simulation of the object.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the embodiment of the stereoscopic simulation apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, two electronic cameras are used.
2r and 2l are placed on the abutment 8. A preferred example of the electronic cameras 2r and 2l is an NTSC television camera (television camera) using a CCD element. In this case, the output image signals of both cameras 2r and 2l are connected to a conventional television image signal cable 6. It can be added to the display 5r, 5l. The distance between the model 1 and the electronic cameras 2r, 2l is adjusted by means of moving the support 8 (not shown). The distance between the two cameras 2r and 2l is adjusted by moving means (not shown) provided on the support 8, and the angle (parallax) between the optical axes 12r and 12l of the cameras 2r and 2l is adjusted on the support 8. It is adjusted by the horizontal direction adjustment motors 10r and 10l. The model 1 is a three-dimensional model of an object (not shown) to be simulated, for example, a regional plan, and the distance between the model 1 and the cameras 2r and 2l, the distance between the cameras 2r and 2l, and the distance between the optical axes 12r and 12l. Is adjusted, the observer 3 can stereoscopically view the subject with the images on both the display devices 5r and 5l.

The apparatus of the present invention and the method of the present invention used in the apparatus provide the output images of the cameras 2r and 2l to the observer 3 in real time, and therefore have high mobility. Further, since the output image signals of the cameras 2r and 2l are directly applied to the two displays 5r and 5l, no special projector, screen and polarizing plate are required, and the configuration is simple. Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a “simple stereoscopic simulation method and apparatus with high mobility”.

[0011]

FIG. 1 shows a stereo liquid crystal projector 15 which projects output image signals of both cameras 2r and 2l onto a screen 20, and polarizers 16r and 1 associated with the projector 15.
The polarized glasses 17 with 6 l are worn on each of the plurality of observers 3, and a stereoscopic simulation image is displayed on the plurality of observers 3.
Are also provided. The relationship between the projector 15 and the polarizers 16r and 16l is, for example, the coincidence between the direction of polarization given to the output image signals of the cameras 2r and 2l in the projector 15 and the direction of polarization of the polarizers 16r and 16l. When the screen 20 has a curved surface, it is expected that the observer 3 will be given a stereoscopic vision by projecting only one of the output images of the cameras 2r and 2l.

A distance meter 11 for measuring the distance from the camera 2 to the model 1 is mounted on the abutment 8 shown in FIG. 3, and an automatic moving device for adjusting the horizontal position of the abutment 8 according to the output of the distance meter 11 ( (Not shown) and an automatic spacing / angle adjusting device (not shown) for adjusting the distance between the cameras 2r and 2l on the support 8 and the optical axis angle.
Is provided, the camera 2 can be automatically moved to a desired horizontal position, and a stereoscopic simulation at that position can be obtained. Further, if the lifting means and the rotation means for the support 8 are provided, a stereoscopic simulation from a desired three-dimensional position can be realized. Further, if the support 8 is provided with elevation angle adjusting means for the cameras 2r and 2l, a bird's-eye view stereoscopic simulation from a desired three-dimensional position to a desired positive or negative elevation angle can be performed. If the abutment 8 is small and has high operability like holding means for a medical gastroscope, the abutment 8 is moved like a kind of snorkel in the large and precise model 1 and an arbitrary three-dimensional position. It is possible to perform a stereoscopic simulation at an arbitrary three-dimensional angle. In addition, it can be expected that such a stereoscopic simulation when the snorkel is moved will also simulate a change in the scenery during walking, running a car, or flying.

When advanced functions are added to the abutment 8,
A gyro mechanism (not shown) for detecting the direction of the head of the observer 3 and an eye mark sensor (not shown) for detecting the direction of the line of sight of the observer 3 are attached to the head mount member 7. If you respond to the output of the mechanism or sensor,
The cameras 2r and 2l can be directed to the face and the line of sight of the observer 3. In this case, a simulated experience of stereoscopically viewing an object represented by the model while turning a face or a line of sight in an arbitrary direction when moving through a complicated and sophisticated model at eye level can be expected.

Further, if a public or dedicated image transmission circuit (wired or wireless) is used for a part of the cable 6 in FIG. 1, a stereoscopic image is given to the head mount member 7 at a point remote from the model 1. obtain.

[0015]

As described above, according to the stereoscopic simulation method and apparatus of the present invention, the output image signals of the two electronic cameras are respectively applied to the two displays arranged opposite to the eyes 4 of the observer. Since the stereoscopic vision is performed, the following remarkable effects are obtained.

(A) A stereoscopic simulation of an object can be obtained in real time. (B) A stereoscopic simulation of an object can be obtained with a simple device without using a special projector or screen. (C) If a precise model of the object is created, a stereoscopic simulation of the object with a high sense of reality can be obtained. (D) By providing a distance meter that measures the distance between the model and the camera and camera driving means linked to the output of the distance meter,
It can be expected to simulate a three-dimensional landscape change when the observer moves through the object. (E) A stereoscopic simulation image can be expected even at a remote location from the model. (F) It can be easily adapted to the conventional screen projection type stereoscopic simulation. (G) Can be used for a wide range of applications where model production is possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a stereoscopic view using a head mount member.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of an abutment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of stereoscopic viewing in a method in which images from two cameras are directly viewed on two displays.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Model 2 Electronic Camera 3 Observer 4 Eye 5 Display 6 Cable 7 Head Mount Member 8 Abutment 9 Focus Adjustment Motor 10 Horizontal Orientation Adjustment Motor 11 Distance Meter 12 Optical Axis 15 Stereo LCD Projector 16 Polarizing Plate 17 Polarizing Glasses 20 Screen.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Tomomi Hirata 1-2-7 Moto-Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Inside Kashima Construction Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takuya Misugi 1-2-2 Moto-Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo No. 7 Inside Kashima Construction Co., Ltd. (72) Rika Sato, Inventor Rika Sakamoto 1-2-7 Moto-Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo (72) Inventor Sachiyo Tanaka 1-2-1, Moto-Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo No. 7 Kashima Construction Co., Ltd.

Claims (15)

[Claims] An object is simulated as a three-dimensional model, the model is photographed with two electronic cameras, and output image signals of the two cameras are respectively applied to two display units facing both eyes of an observer. A stereoscopic simulation method in which a distance between cameras, an interval between the cameras, and an optical axis angle are adjusted, and an observer stereoscopically views the model with images on both displays. 2. The simulation method according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional model is used as a full scale model of the object or the object itself. 3. A stereoscopic simulation method according to claim 1, wherein said display is attached to a binocularly opposed portion of a head mount member worn by an observer. 4. An object is simulated as a three-dimensional model, the model is photographed by two electronic cameras, and output image signals of the two cameras are projected on a single screen by a stereo liquid crystal projector to be associated with the projector. The pair of polarizing plates is opposed to both eyes of the observer, the distance between the model and the camera, the distance between the two cameras and the optical axis angle are adjusted, and the image on the screen via the pair of polarizing plates is adjusted. A stereoscopic simulation method in which an observer causes the observer to stereoscopically view the model. 5. A stereoscopic simulation method according to claim 4, wherein said pair of polarizing plates is attached to a pair of binocular-facing portions of spectacles worn by an observer. 6. A simulation method according to claim 1, wherein said electronic camera is a CCD television camera. 7. The simulation method according to claim 1, wherein the two electronic cameras are mounted on a support, a distance meter for measuring a distance between the electronic camera and the model, and a direction control means for each electronic camera. And a focal length adjusting means provided on the abutment, and adjusting the direction and the focal length of each electronic camera by the output of the distance meter. 8. Two display units worn opposite to both eyes of an observer, two electronic cameras whose outputs are connected to both display units, a distance between a subject and a camera, and a distance between the two cameras. A stereoscopic simulation apparatus comprising an adjusting means for adjusting an interval and an optical axis angle, wherein an observer stereoscopically views the subject with images on the two displays. 9. A stereoscopic simulation device according to claim 8, wherein said display device is a liquid crystal display attached to a portion of the head mount member worn by an observer, which is opposed to both eyes. 10. An electronic camera for photographing a model, a stereo liquid crystal projector for projecting output image signals of both cameras on a single screen, a pair of polarizing plates associated with the projector, and the polarizing plate. Means for respectively opposing the pair of eyes to the observer's eyes, adjusting the distance between the model and the camera, the distance between the two cameras and the optical axis angle, and the image on the screen via the pair of polarizing plates. A stereoscopic simulation apparatus in which the observer makes the observer stereoscopically view the model in the inspection. 11. A simulation apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a support for holding said two electronic cameras, a distance meter for measuring a distance between said electronic camera and a model, and a direction of each electronic camera. A stereoscopic simulation apparatus comprising a control unit and a focal length adjusting unit attached to the abutment, and adjusting a distance between the electronic camera and the model and an orientation and a focal length of each electronic camera by an output of the rangefinder. 12. A stereoscopic simulation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said electronic camera is a CCD television camera. 13. A stereoscopic simulation apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising means for raising and lowering said support and rotating means. 14. A stereoscopic simulation apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising an elevation control means for an electronic camera on said abutment. 15. A simulation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said electronic camera and a display or a stereo liquid crystal projector are connected by an image transmission circuit.