JPH1188800A - Digital image reproduction system and head mounted image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain efficient data transfer, to improve the operability, and to ensure excellent image quality and sound quality with a small sized and light weight device by reproducing digital image data compressed and recorded on an information recording medium without expanding processing and sending the reproduced data to a head mount image display device via a transmission line. SOLUTION: A DVD player 1 (digital image reproducing device) applies serial conversion to digital information such as image information reproduced from a DVD (information recording medium) 4 without expansion processing and sends the information to a connection cable 5 being a prescribed transmission line. An HMD(head mount image reproducing device) 2 applies decoding expansion processing to the digital information from the DVD player 1 to form a visual image and displays the image at a position suitable for a wearing person for its observation. Thus, data transfer with surety and high efficiency is realized without the need for a large diameter of the connection cable 5 and image quality deterioration or the like resulting from noise or the like is prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital image reproducing system and a head-mounted image display device, and more particularly to a digital image reproducing device for reproducing digital image data recorded on an information recording medium. Digital image reproducing system for displaying a visible image formed based on image data on a head-mounted image display device, and a head comprising image presenting means for presenting the visible image so that the wearer can observe it The present invention relates to a wearable image display device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a DVD (Digital Video Dis
Various digital image reproducing apparatuses such as a so-called DVD player for reproducing digital information such as image information and audio information recorded on an information recording medium such as k) have been proposed and put into practical use.

[0003] Such digital image reproducing apparatuses include various types of apparatuses suitable for use, such as a stationary type used at a predetermined place and a portable type which can be carried and used freely by a user. Forms are considered.

On the other hand, as an image display device for observing a visible image formed based on image information reproduced by an image reproducing device such as a VTR or a DVD player, which has been widely used in the past, for example, Generally, a general TV monitor or the like is used.

However, if a conventional TV monitor or the like is used as an image display device in the case of a portable image reproduction device, the portability and portability of the entire image reproduction system including the image reproduction device and the image display device are reduced. It will be spoiled.

Therefore, in recent years, a small and lightweight head-mounted image display device (Head Mounted Dispaly; comprising a small liquid crystal display or other image presenting means, etc., and most suitable for use in a portable image reproducing device). Various types of portable image display devices such as an HMD have been proposed and put into practical use.

On the other hand, digital information recorded on an information recording medium such as the DVD is compressed in order to record more (long time) digital information such as image information in a limited prescribed recording capacity. It is usually processed.

Therefore, when digital information recorded on an information recording medium is reproduced by using the above-described digital image reproducing apparatus or the like, the compressed information is decoded and decompressed. The expanded signal is converted into an analog signal, and the signal is converted into an analog signal.
Generally, the image is output to an image display device such as D so that the viewer can view the image.

Here, the internal configuration of a DVD player as a conventional general image reproducing apparatus will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG.
The conventional DVD player 101 described above uses an information recording medium (D
An optical pickup 120 for reading image information and the like recorded on the VD) 4, a front section for demodulating an RF (Radio Frequency) signal read by the optical pickup 120 and generating digital data suitable for reproduction, And a data output terminal 129a, 129b for outputting an output signal (analog signal) from the latter stage to an external device such as a TV monitor. It is configured.

The first stage comprises an amplifier 121, an RF signal processing circuit 122, a demodulation / error correction circuit 123 and the like, and the second stage comprises a data stream separation circuit 124, an image signal decoding circuit 125, an NTSC / PA
It comprises an L encoder 126, an audio signal decoding circuit 127, and D / A conversion circuits (converters) 128a and 128b as digital / analog conversion means.

In the DVD player 101 configured as described above, first, the image information and the like recorded on the DVD 4 are read by the optical pickup 120, and the read RF signal is amplified by the amplifier 121. The RF signal processing circuit 122 performs binarization by performing processing such as waveform equalization. Thereafter, the signal is demodulated into a form suitable for reproduction by the demodulation / error correction circuit 123, and error correction is performed.

The output signal from the preceding stage is in a data stream state in which images, sounds, sub-images and the like are multiplexed. The digital information recorded on the DVD 4 has been subjected to the compression processing as described above. Therefore, in the latter stage, decoding, decompression processing and analog conversion processing are performed so that the digital information which has been subjected to the compression processing can be reproduced by a conventional image reproducing apparatus such as a TV monitor which handles analog signals. Etc. are performed.

First, an output signal from the preceding stage is input to the data stream separation circuit 124. Here, after the output signal from the preceding stage is separated into independent data streams such as images and sounds, the image signals are output to the image signal decoding circuit 125 and the audio signals are output to the audio signal decoding circuit 127. Is done. Then, after the image signal is subjected to decoding processing and decompression processing in the image signal decoding circuit 125, the NTSC / PAL encoder 126 applies a signal method (NTSC or PSC) suitable for the image display device.
AL system) and a D / A converter 12 for image information
8a converts the digital signal into an analog signal. Then, the image information converted into the analog signal is output to the TV monitor, the HMD via the image data output terminal 129a.
Is output to an image display device (external device) and displayed.

The audio signal decoded by the audio signal decoding circuit 124 is converted from a digital signal to an analog signal by a D / A converter 128b. Then, the audio signal converted into the analog signal is output to an external speaker or the like via the audio data output terminal 129b and is emitted.

In recent years, digital information equipment such as a personal computer that handles digital information such as digitalized image information and audio information, and digital image recording / reproducing apparatuses such as a camera-integrated digital VTR have been widely used. It is becoming popular.

Therefore, there are various digital information input / output communication interfaces for connecting these digital information devices and digital image recording / reproducing devices, etc., and for directly transferring digital information data between these devices at high speed. It has been proposed, for example, "IEEE (Institute of El
(Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 High Performance Serial
Standards such as “bus” (hereinafter simply referred to as IEEE 1394 standard) are defined.

The interface defined by the IEEE 1394 standard is an interface for performing bidirectional high-speed serial communication of digital information, and has a transfer rate of 100 Mbps (Mega bit).
high speed data transfer at 200 Mbps / 400 Mbps, real-time transfer in an isochronous transfer mode (described later), etc.
It is a highly versatile interface standard that contributes to high reliability, durability, and miniaturization of network operation, and also reduces manufacturing costs by using low-cost connection cables and connectors.

Here, the connection cable specified by the IEEE 1394 standard will be briefly described. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a connection cable defined by the above-mentioned IEEE 1394 standard. As shown in FIG. 11, the connection cable 5 is a non-conductive shield member 1.
The cable has a six-core structure including two pairs of twisted pair signal lines (twisted pairs) 110 serving as data transmission paths covered by a cable 12 and a pair of power supply lines 111 serving as power supply paths. One connection cable 5 is formed by being covered with the shield member 113.

The connection cable 5 formed by such a simple structure assures flexibility and a small diameter, and can reduce the size of a connector applied to the connection cable 5 and further reduces the cost. Has been realized. In the connection cable 5, the signal line 110 and the power supply line 111 are provided in parallel, so that the connection cable 5
In addition, power can be supplied at the same time as data is transmitted between connected devices.

In recent years, the IE has a four-core structure in which only the signal line 110 serving as a data transmission path is omitted by omitting the power supply line 111 serving as a power supply path in the connection cable 5.
Connection cable conforming to EE1394 standard, so-called DV
What is called a cable has also been put into practical use,
DV which is a connector for using this DV cable
2. Description of the Related Art Digital image recording / reproducing apparatuses such as a camera-integrated digital VTR having terminals have been put to practical use.

[0021]

However, as in the above-described conventional DVD player (see FIG. 10), the digital image reproducing apparatus performs decoding and decompression processing of compressed digital information. In such a case, the number of image signals (analog signals) to be output to the image display device becomes enormous. Then, a large load is applied to the connection cable for connecting the image reproducing device and the image display device and performing the data transfer. Therefore, it is necessary to secure a sufficient transfer speed and reliably perform the data transfer. In such a case, it is necessary to increase the diameter of the connection cable. But,
Increasing the diameter of the connection cable causes a problem that the connection cable itself loses flexibility and becomes difficult to handle in wiring and wiring.

In the case where the digital image reproducing apparatus converts the digital image information to be reproduced into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal image data to the image display apparatus via the connection cable, the data is transferred during the data transfer. There is a concern that noise or the like may be mixed in the image, and this noise or the like may cause deterioration in image quality, sound quality, or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to reproduce digital image data without expanding digital image data which has been compressed and recorded on an information recording medium. By reproducing the digital image data that has not been decompressed by the device and transmitting it to the head-mounted image display device via a transmission path, more efficient data transfer can be performed and operability is improved. An object of the present invention is to provide a digital image reproducing system which is small and lightweight, and which can secure data quality such as good image quality and sound quality, and a head mounted image display device used in this system.

[0024]

To achieve the above object, a digital image reproducing system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a digital image reproducing system capable of reproducing digital image data recorded on an information recording medium to which the present invention is applied. Apparatus, transmitting means for transmitting digital image data reproduced by the digital image reproducing apparatus to a predetermined transmission path, receiving means for receiving digital image data supplied through the transmission path, And a head-mounted image display device that presents a visible image formed based on the digital image data at a position suitable for observation by a wearer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the digital image reproducing system according to the first aspect, the digital image reproducing apparatus decompresses digital image data compressed and recorded on an applied information recording medium. The receiving means performs expansion processing on the unexpanded digital image data supplied via the transmission means and the transmission path, thereby displaying the head mounted image display. It is characterized by being supplied to the device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the digital image reproducing system according to the first aspect, the transmission path is adapted for bidirectional high-speed serial communication.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the digital image reproducing system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the head-mounted image display device further includes operating means for operating the digital image reproducing device. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the digital image reproduction system according to the third aspect of the present invention, the transmission failure detecting means for detecting a failure in data transmission occurring on the transmission path, and The apparatus further comprises means for stopping or temporarily stopping the digital image data reproducing operation of the digital image reproducing apparatus when detecting a failure related to the transmission.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the digital image reproducing system according to the third aspect, the head-mounted image display device is provided on each of right and left sides as viewed from a wearer of the head-mounted image display device. A connector in which a transmission path suitable for the bidirectional high-speed serial communication is connected to each of predetermined portions is further provided.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the digital image reproducing system according to the third aspect of the present invention, a power supply form recognizing means for recognizing a power supply form to the digital image reproducing apparatus, and a method for recognizing the power supply form recognizing means. Data transmission rate selecting means for selecting a data transmission rate for transmitting digital image data from the digital image reproducing apparatus to the transmission path according to the above.

According to an eighth invention, in the digital image reproduction system according to the first invention, the transmission path includes a data transmission path capable of transmitting data to be transmitted in the form of bidirectional high-speed serial communication. A power supply path is provided in parallel with the transmission path, and a power supply form recognition means for recognizing a power supply form to the digital image reproducing apparatus; and When the playback apparatus recognizes that it is in a power receiving state from a relatively small-capacity power supply, the power supply mode is set so as to supply power to the digital image playback apparatus through a power supply path parallel to the data transmission path. And a power supply mode switching means for switching.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is the digital image reproducing system according to the eighth aspect, further comprising a power supply mode display unit for displaying the power supply mode recognized by the power supply mode recognition unit. It is characterized by.

According to a tenth aspect, in the digital image reproducing system according to the fourth aspect, a plurality of the head mounted image display devices are provided, and each of the head mounted image display devices is identified by an identification mark. The operation means is characterized in that the operation function of the digital image reproducing device is limited in accordance with the identification mark of the head mounted image display device to which the operation means corresponds.

The head-mounted image display device according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention includes a digital image signal input means for receiving an externally supplied digital image signal and a digital image signal input means for receiving an externally supplied analog image signal. Analog image signal input means, digital / analog conversion means for converting a digital image signal input from the digital image signal input means to an analog image signal, and an analog image signal input from the analog image signal input means or the digital signal Signal selection means for selectively extracting an analog image signal output from the analog conversion means, analog signal processing means for performing analog signal processing on the analog image signal selectively extracted by the signal selection means, The wearer can view the visible image formed based on the output of the analog signal processing means. Characterized by comprising an image presentation means for presenting to a position adapted Presumably.

The head mounted image display device according to the twelfth aspect is a digital image signal input means for receiving an externally supplied digital image signal, and a digital image signal input means for receiving an externally supplied analog image signal. Analog image signal input means, analog / digital conversion means for converting an analog image signal input from the analog image signal input means into a digital image signal, and a digital image signal input from the digital image signal input means or the analog signal Signal selecting means for selectively extracting digital image signals output from the digital / digital converting means, digital signal processing means for performing digital signal processing on the digital image signals selectively extracted by the signal selecting means, The visible image formed based on the output of the digital signal processing means By comprising an image presentation means for presenting to comply with the observed position, characterized.

According to a thirteenth aspect, in the head-mounted image display device according to the twelfth aspect, the signal selecting means inputs signals to both the digital image signal input means and the analog image signal input means. When a signal is supplied, the digital image signal received by the digital image signal input means is preferentially selected and taken out.

[0036]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the entire digital image reproducing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The digital image reproducing system according to the present embodiment includes a portable DVD player 1 as a digital image reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing digital image data recorded on a DVD 4 as an applied information recording medium, and the DVD player 1.
Head-mounted image display device (H) as a portable image display device that presents a visible image formed based on digital image data supplied from
MD) 2 or the like.

A DVD 4 as an information recording medium is detachably mounted on the DVD player 1, and digital information such as image information recorded on the DVD 4 is read out by the DVD player 1. Is played back. The HMD 2 includes a remote control unit 3 as an operation means.

Then, the DVD player 1 and the HM
The remote control unit 3 of D2 is provided with a connector for connecting to an external device, that is, an external interface including connection terminals 1b and 2b, and both are electrically connected by a connection cable 5 serving as a transmission path of digital information. It is connected to the.

That is, at both ends of the connection cable 5, the connection terminal 1b of the DVD player 1 and the HM
Connection terminal 2 of remote control unit 3 forming a part of D2
b, each of which is provided with a connection plug 5b which is detachably attached to the connection terminal 1b.
b, 2b, the DVD
The player 1 and the remote control unit 3 of the HMD 2 are directly connected.

Further, a dedicated plug 3c is provided at the end of the dedicated cable 3b extending from the remote control unit 3, and the plug 3c is detachably attached to the connector of the HMD 2 on the main body side. Thereby, the remote control unit 3 and the main body of the HMD 2 are electrically connected. Thus, the DVD player 1 and the HMD 2 are electrically connected by the connection cable 5.

On the operation surface of the remote control unit 3,
An operation panel 21 (FIG. 3) on which various operation members for remotely controlling the DVD player 1 and the HMD 2 are arranged.
The user operates the operation panel 2
By operating various operation members (control switches) on the HMD 1, various adjustments such as image quality and volume adjustment of the HMD 2 are performed, and operation control of the DVD player 1 such as activation, reproduction, and pause is performed. Is available.

As the connection cable 5, the connection cable 5 of the above-mentioned IEEE 1394 standard (see FIG. 11), that is, a cable compatible with bidirectional high-speed serial communication is employed. Thus, the DVD player 1 and the H
By connecting MD2 via connection cable 5, D2
It is configured so that digital information such as an image signal detected from the DVD 4 by the VD player 1 can be supplied to the HMD 2.

In the above-mentioned IEEE 1394 standard, digital information such as image information and audio information is transmitted by real-time data transfer (isochronous transfer). In this isochronous transfer mode, control is performed such that predetermined data is always transferred to an output destination within a fixed time. In addition, this mode has a priority over another data transfer mode (asynchronous transfer mode). , Real-time property is secured,
For example, the interruption of image information during data transfer due to an interrupt signal or the like does not occur. As described above, the standard value of the data transfer rate in the IEEE 1394 standard specifies a transfer rate of about 100 Mbps even at the lowest speed as described above.

On the other hand, the data transmission rate of image information, audio information, and the like performed by the DVD player 1 is generally about 4.69 Mbps on average, and about 10.08 at maximum.
Mbps. Therefore, IEEE 1394
If the standard connection cable 5 is used for data transfer, there is ample room for the transfer time. Thereby, in the present embodiment, separately from the data transmission of the image information and the like using the connection cable 5, the control signal other than the image information, that is, the command data generated from the remote control unit 3 (play, start, pause, etc.) And asynchronous data transfer of various status data and the like.

Further, a battery power supply 1a is detachably provided in the DVD player 1, so that the DVD player 1 can be operated.
Although not shown in FIG. 1, the DVD player 1 can also be supplied with power from an AC power supply.

A battery power supply 3a is detachably provided in the remote control unit 3, thereby supplying power to the HMD 2 via a dedicated connection cable 3b. Although not shown in FIG. 1, power from an AC power supply can also be supplied to the HMD 2 (see FIG. 3 described later).

The HMD 2 is connected via the connection cable 5 from the battery power supply 1a of the DVD player 1 or the AC power supply supplied to the DVD player 1 as necessary.
To the DVD player 1 from the battery power supply 2a of the HMD 2 (in the remote control unit 3) or from the AC power supplied to the HMD 2 through the connection cable 5. Also, power can be supplied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the DVD player 1. As shown in FIG. The DVD player 1 of the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the conventional DVD player 101 described with reference to FIG. 10, but differs in the following points.

That is, the conventional DVD player 101 decodes and decodes digital information such as image information recorded on the information recording medium (DVD4) as described above.
After performing expansion processing and analog conversion processing,
The data is transmitted to an image display device such as a V monitor and an HMD.

However, the DVD player 1 used in the digital image reproducing system of the present embodiment reproduces digital information recorded in a compressed state on the information recording medium (DVD 4), and performs digital reproduction without decompression processing. Data is supplied to the image display device (HMD2) as a signal.

Therefore, in the DVD player 1,
In addition to the configuration of the former stage and the latter stage in the conventional DVD player 101 (see FIG. 10), that is, a circuit for decoding, decompressing and converting digital information recorded on the DVD 4 into an analog signal, A circuit for directly taking out the output (digital signal) from the unit is added. Therefore, the same components as those of the above-described conventional DVD player 101 are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and only different portions will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 2, an output signal from the preceding stage, that is, digital information such as image information reproduced by the DVD player 1 is serial-converted to the DVD player 1 and converted into a predetermined transmission path. There are provided a serial link circuit 7a which is a transmitting means for sending out to the cable 5, and a connector for outputting a signal of digital information serial-converted by the serial link circuit 7a to the connection cable 5, that is, a connection terminal 1b. A DVD control circuit 6 for controlling the entire DVD player 1 is provided.
The serial link circuit 7a may be provided in the DVD player 1 or may be formed as a separate body and may be in the form of an adapter which is removably provided in the DVD player 1.

The connection terminal 1b is connected to the IEEE 13
This is a 94-standard connector, which includes two sets of digital signal terminals for transmitting image information, audio information, and the like, and one set of power supply terminals (see FIG. 11). A connection plug 5b provided at one end of the connection cable 5 is attached to the connection terminal 1b (see FIG. 1). In FIG. 2, the configuration of the power supply system in the DVD player 1 is omitted for the sake of simplicity of the drawing, but the form of the power supply supplied to the DVD player 1, that is, the DVD player 1 is Whether the battery is driven by the battery power supply 1a or the AC power supply can be recognized by the DVD control circuit 6, which is also a power supply form recognition unit.

The DVD control circuit 6 controls the DVD
When the player 1 recognizes that it is in a power receiving state from a relatively small-capacity power supply among the two power supplies of the battery power supply 1a and the AC power supply, the power supply line 111 of the connection cable 5 (see FIG. 11) is connected. The power supply form is switched so that power is supplied from the HMD 2 via the power supply.
Thus, the DVD control circuit 6 also functions as a power supply mode switching unit.

In a normal case, the power consumption tends to increase as the data transmission rate when transmitting digital information from the digital image reproducing apparatus (DVD player 1) to the connection cable 5 increases. It is in.

Therefore, the DV used in this embodiment is
In the D player 1, the data transmission rate when digital information is transmitted from the DVD player 1 to the HMD 2 via the connection cable 5 is selectively controlled according to the power supply mode recognized by the DVD control circuit 6. Has become. That is, when the power supply mode recognized by the DVD control circuit 6 is low power, the DVD control circuit 6 which is also a data transmission rate selecting means selects a lower data transmission rate. As a result, power consumption can be reduced, so that efficient data transfer can be performed even in a low-power power supply mode.

The power supply mode recognized by the DVD control circuit 6 is provided with a power supply mode display means so that the user can recognize the power supply mode. As this power supply mode display means, for example, H
A liquid crystal display (LC) which is an image presentation means of MD2
D) It may be displayed at a predetermined position on 15 (see FIG. 3 described later), or at a predetermined position on the exterior of the DVD player 1 or a predetermined position on the remote control unit 3.
For example, an information display member such as a light emitting diode (LED) or a small liquid crystal display (LCD) may be provided so that the power supply mode is displayed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the HMD 2. As shown in FIG. As described above, the digital image reproducing system of the present embodiment is configured so that digital information is directly supplied from the DVD player 1 to the HMD 2 via the connection cable 5.
The HMD 2 performs decoding and decompression processing on the digital information that has not been decompressed and supplied from the DVD player 1, and is suitable for a wearer to observe a visible image formed based on this signal. It is constituted so that it may be presented at the designated position.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the entire HMD 2 is controlled by an HMD control circuit 16, and the digital information supplied to the HMD 2 including the remote control unit 3 via the connection cable 5 is And a serial link circuit 7b.
A digital image signal input means for receiving a digital image signal supplied from the outside is input to an image / audio decompression circuit 8, and the image / audio decompression circuit 8 performs decoding and decompression processing. After the application, the audio signal is converted into an analog signal by a D / A converter 9a as a digital / analog converter, and the image signal is converted into an analog signal by a D / A converter 9b as a digital / analog converter. It has become so.

The serial link circuit 7b is provided in the HMD 2 and, similarly to the serial link circuit 7a, may be formed as a separate body and provided in the HMD 2 as an adapter. good.

The audio signal converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 9a is subjected to audio processing suitable for reproduction in an audio signal processing circuit 10 as analog signal processing means. The sound is generated by a speaker 12 which is a sound generating means through the speaker.

The image signal converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 9b is subjected to image processing suitable for reproduction in an image signal processing circuit 13 as analog signal processing means. , The image is displayed as a visible image on a liquid crystal display (hereinafter, referred to as an LCD) 15 which is an image presenting means.

On the other hand, the HMD 2 is provided with an analog image signal for receiving an analog signal of an externally supplied image signal and audio signal so that a device such as a conventional analog image reproducing apparatus can be used. Connection terminals 2d and 2e as input means are provided. When a signal of analog information such as image information and audio information is input from the connection terminals 2d and 2e, an analog signal detection circuit 17 for detecting the input analog signal is provided. The analog signal detection circuit 17 is electrically connected to the audio signal processing circuit 10 and the image signal processing circuit 13, and receives analog information signals of image information and audio information from the connection terminals 2d and 2e. These analog signals are input to the audio signal processing circuit 10 and the image signal processing circuit 13 via the analog signal detection circuit 17, respectively.

The analog signals input to the audio signal processing circuit 10 and the image signal processing circuit 13 are input from the connection terminal 2b by the signal processing circuits 10 and 13, and the D / A converter 9a , 9b, after being subjected to predetermined signal processing and the like suitable for reproduction in the same manner as the analog-converted image and audio information, are output to the speaker 12 and the LCD 15 for sound generation and display. ing.

That is, the analog (image and audio) signals input from the connection terminals 2d and 2e or the analog (image and audio) signals converted and output by the D / A converters 9a and 9b are: The HMD control circuit 16, which is also a signal selecting means, selectively extracts the analog signal, and the image signal processing circuit 13 and the audio signal processing circuit 10, which are analog signal processing means, Performs analog signal processing.

In this case, the digital (image and audio) signal input means (connection terminal 2b and serial link circuit 7b) and the analog (image and audio) signal input means (connection terminals 2d and 2e and the analog signal detection circuit) 1
7), the HMD control circuit 16 preferentially selects and extracts the digital signal received from the digital image signal input means.

On the other hand, the HMD 2 is provided with the battery power supply 2a detachably as described above.
An AC power supply connection terminal 2c is provided so that power can be supplied from two power sources. And
The battery power supply 2a and the AC power supply connection terminal 2c are both connected to the serial link circuit 7b via a power supply circuit 18 and a power supply line control circuit 19.

A power supply capacity detecting circuit 20 is connected to the power supply circuit 18 so that the power supply capacity of the battery power supply 2a is detected by the detecting circuit 20. Thereby, for example, the battery power 2
When the power capacity detection circuit 20 detects that the power capacity of the connection cable a is insufficient, the HMD control circuit 16 controls the power line control circuit 19 and the serial link circuit 7b to connect the connection cable. 5 via the power supply line 111 (see FIG. 11).
Power can be received from the battery power supply 3a of the DVD player 1, the battery power supply 1a of the DVD player 1, or the AC power supply supplied to the DVD player 1.

When the HMD 2 is driven by AC power, the power supply line 1 in the connection cable 5
Power can also be supplied to the DVD player 1 and the like via the power supply 11 (see FIG. 11).

Operation panel 21 of remote control unit 3
Is connected to the HMD control circuit 16 via the dedicated cable 3b.
In the same manner as when the operation of the DVD player 1 is controlled, the display mode of a visible image to be displayed on the LCD 15 of the HMD 2 is switched, for example, a 2D display mode for displaying a normal image. 3D for displaying stereoscopic images
The user can select a display mode and the like.

According to the first embodiment configured as described above, a DVD which is a portable digital image reproducing apparatus
Since the image display system is constituted by the player 1 and the HMD 2 having the image presenting means for presenting a visible image based on the digital image data reproduced by the DVD player 1, a powerful image with a large screen can be displayed. ,
It can be easily viewed without worrying about the place, time, and the like.

A connection cable 5 for connecting the DVD player 1 and the HMD 2 and performing data transfer.
IEEE139 compatible with bidirectional high-speed serial communication
In addition to using a connection cable of 4 standards, the digital information reproduced by the DVD player 1 is directly output to the HMD 2 via the connection cable 5 as a digital signal, so that the amount of signals for data transfer is reduced. Can be. Therefore, the load on the signal transmission line can be reduced, and reliable and efficient data transfer can be realized without increasing the diameter of the connection cable 5.

Further, since digital information is directly transmitted, it is possible to prevent noise and the like from being mixed during data transfer, so that it is possible to prevent image quality deterioration and the like due to noise and the like.

In the first embodiment, a part of the HMD 2 is formed, and the remote controller unit 3 provided separately from the HMD 2 is directly connected to the DVD player 1 by the connection cable 5. And remote control unit 3
And the main body of the HMD 2 are connected by a dedicated cable 3b. In such a configuration, in order to more efficiently transmit signals from the DVD player 1 to the HMD 2, the configuration of the remote control unit may be configured as shown in FIG.

That is, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a modification of the remote control unit in the digital image reproducing system of the first embodiment, and showing the internal structure of the remote control unit (see also FIG. 3). ).

The remote control unit 3B of this modified example is
A connection terminal 2b to which a connection plug 5b (see FIG. 1) of the connection cable 5 is connected, a connection terminal 3d to which a dedicated cable 3b is connected, and a connection cable 5 and a dedicated cable 3b serving as a signal transmission path. It comprises a bridge circuit 3e for bi-directional buffering of digital image information signals to be transferred and the like, an operation panel 21 composed of various operation members for operating the DVD player 1 and the HMD 2, a battery power supply 2a and the like. .

In the dedicated cable 3b, in addition to a power supply line and a pair of digital signal lines similar to the connection cable 5, an operation switch for operating the HMD 2, an L switch
Control signals from the operation panel 21 such as an ED
A signal line 21a for transmitting the power of the battery power supply 2a, which is a DC power supply, to the main body of the HMD 2 is formed in parallel with a signal line 21a for transmitting the power of the battery power supply 2a to the main body of the HMD 2. The line and the power line are combined into one connection plug.

On the remote control unit 3B side, a connection connector 3d having a shape corresponding to the connection plug is provided.
Is provided, and by connecting both by this,
The remote control unit 3B and the main body of the HMD 2 are electrically connected via the dedicated cable 3b.

The bridge circuit 3e provided in the remote control unit 3B includes serial link circuits 7a and 7b.
b (see FIGS. 2 and 3), bidirectional buffering is performed, and H
The serial link circuit 7b on the main body side of the MD 2 receives a signal from the DVD player 1. With this configuration, more efficient signal transmission can be performed.

In this modification, connection terminals 2b and 3d are provided on remote control unit 3B, and connection cable 5 and dedicated cable 3b are attached to and detached from remote control unit 3B provided separately from HMD 2. The connection between the one end of the connection cable 5 and the remote control unit 3B, and the connection between the one end of the dedicated cable 3b and the remote control unit 3B may be made directly without using a connector. .

Further, the remote control unit 3B may be configured as a remote control device independent of each device by further adding an IEEE 1394 control function. As a control function of the IEEE 1394 in this case, for example, there is a function of detecting a signal from the operation panel 21, the battery power supply 2a or the like, and transmitting a command signal corresponding to the detection result to the DVD player 1 or the HMD 2. In such a configuration, the DVD player 1, the HMD 2, and the remote control device are each connected to the IE.
It is configured to be connected by an EE1394 standard connection cable. Even in the case of such a configuration, it is easy to obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment.

Next, FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the whole image display system of another modification of the first embodiment described above, which is an example in which the forms of the remote control unit and the connection cable are different. .

That is, in the first embodiment described above,
As shown in FIG. 1, the remote control unit 3 and the connection cable 5
Are connected directly to each other, but in the present modification, as shown in FIG.
A and the connection cable 5A of the IEEE 1394 standard
The remote controller unit 3A, which is an operation means provided separately and independently, is connected to a predetermined portion on one side of the HMD 2A via a dedicated cable. In addition, DVD player 1 and H
The internal configuration of the MD 2A is the same as in FIGS. Thus, the connection cable 5A and the remote control unit 3
By configuring A independently of each other, simplification of each member constituting the system can be realized.

The first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 3)
HMD in the modified example (see FIG. 5) and its modification (see FIG. 5).
2, 2A, two connection terminals 2b are provided, respectively. In the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), an example in which only one connection terminal 2b is used is shown. The other connection terminal (not shown in FIG. 1) is not particularly mentioned.

Thus, in another modification of the above operation, an example is shown in which both of the two connection terminals 2b are used. That is, the HMD 2A is provided with connection terminals 2b to which the connection cables 5A are respectively connected at predetermined portions on the left and right sides as viewed from the wearer of the HMD 2A, and one of the connection terminals 2b is connected to the connection terminals 2b. Is the connection cable 5
The DVD player 1 is connected via A, and another external device 22, for example, a TV monitor, an HMD, or the like, is connected to the other connection terminal 2b by a similar connection cable 5A.

With such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and
In the present modified example, the connection cables 5A are configured to extend from the left and right sides of the HMD 2A in a well-balanced manner, so that the weights of the two connection cables 5A are equally applied to the left and right sides of the HMD 2A. Therefore, the wearing feeling of the wearer is not deteriorated.

In the first embodiment and its modifications (see FIGS. 1, 4 and 5), the remote control units 3, 3B and 3A are connected to the HMD in a wired manner.
2, 2A, but not limited to this,
For example, HMD2 without separate remote control unit
It may be formed integrally with 2A. In addition, as a connecting means between the remote control unit and the HMDs 2 and 2A, IrDA (Infrared Data Association), which has been widely used in recent years, is used.
n) A wireless type (wireless) using an infrared interface or the like according to a standard or the like may be used. In this case, the DVD player 1 and the HMD 2 (2A)
It is necessary to provide data receiving means of the above-mentioned IrDA standard in both or one of them.

In the HMD 2 used in the digital image reproducing system according to the first embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, two systems of image signal input means for digital image and audio information and analog signal image and audio information are provided.
Internally, the D / A converters 9a and 9b convert the signals into analog signals so that the analog signal processing circuit is commonly used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When two systems of image signal input means of image signal input means are provided, HM
All of the internal processing of D2 may be configured by a digital signal processing circuit.

In this case, by providing analog / digital conversion means for converting an analog signal input from the analog image signal input means into a digital signal, a digital signal processing circuit is commonly used. Good. With this configuration, the HMD2
The internal signal processing circuit can be constituted by a digital system.

In the above-mentioned IEEE 1394 standard, a so-called daisy chain connection in which devices having compatible connection terminals are connected one after another in a daisy chain, and a node branching method in which the devices are branched and connected in a tree shape. It is defined so that the connection can be performed by using the following method.

As described above, the connection cable 5 of the IEEE 1394 standard (see FIG. 11) is configured such that digital signals can be input and output with only one cable. Therefore, one connection cable 5A is connected between a plurality of devices having connection terminals to which the connection cable 5 fits, that is, in the example shown in FIG. 5 described above, between the DVD player 1, the HMD 2A, and the external device 22. Daisy-chain connection, bidirectional high-speed data transmission between devices can be reliably performed. In addition, by performing node branch connection using a distributor or the like, a plurality of devices can be freely connected to each other to form a network.

In this case, each connected device is
It is managed by an ID number which is an identification sign. Whenever an interrupt signal is generated, such as when connecting or disconnecting devices or when power is turned on / off, the ID number is automatically reconfigured and the ID numbers are reallocated. It has become. The reconfiguration of the network is performed by the serial link circuit 7
a, 7b.

FIG. 6 shows a digital image reproducing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates a case where a plurality of devices are connected to form a network. That is, a DVD player 24 which is a digital image information supply device and a digital image reproduction device that is a main component in a network (a portable type, a stationary type, or any other type).
The digital information reproduced by the DVD player 24 can be decompressed and displayed, and a main remote control unit or the like as a control means for controlling the DVD player 24 (not shown. The main image display device 25 such as a TV monitor and an HMD is connected by a connection cable 5A.

Further, in the main image display device 25, a plurality of distributors 23 (only two are shown in FIG. 6) are connected in a daisy chain system by connection cables 5A. Further, a plurality of HMDs 2A are similarly connected to the plurality of distributors 23 in a daisy chain system via a connection cable 5A.

In this case, when the entire network is first constructed (for example, when the power is turned on)
In addition, the above DV which is a main device and an information supply device
The serial link circuit 7a of the D player 24 automatically assigns an ID number as an identification mark to each of the plurality of connected HMDs 2A,
Each HMD 2A is identified by the assigned ID number.

In the network thus constructed, the output signal (digital signal) supplied from the DVD player 24 is transmitted to the main display device 25 and the main display device 25 via the connection cables 5A for connecting the devices. All HMD
2A.

The main display device 25 and each HMD 2A are:
The received digital signal is decompressed, a visible image is formed based on the received digital signal, and the HMD 2A is presented so that each observer or wearer of each HMD 2A can observe the digital image.

At this time, the wearer of each HMD 2A operates the remote control unit 3A, which is an operating means provided on his own HMD 2A, so that his or her own HMD 2A is operated.
Adjustments such as image quality and volume for the MD 2A can be made.

On the other hand, the DVD player 24 is activated,
Operation control such as stop can be performed only by a specific device given a predetermined ID number, that is, by a main remote control unit of the main image display device 25, and by each remote control unit 3A of the HMD 2A. , The DVD player 24 cannot be operated. That is, according to the assigned ID number, DV
The configuration is such that the operation functions for the D player 24 are limited.

This is a DVD player 2 in which an unspecified observer is the only digital information reproducing device in the network and is a digital information output device (information output source).
This is because, if the operation function of No. 4 can be performed, it is considered that it will have a great influence on other observers.

Therefore, according to such a configuration, the DVD player 24 can be operated by the main image display device 25 and the main remote control unit attached thereto.
Since only a specific user (for example, a network administrator) can operate the DVD player 24 by other users of the HMD 2A and can only operate the own HMD 2A, a more efficient network can be provided. It can be operated.

By the way, according to the above-mentioned IEEE 1394 standard, it is possible to insert and remove a connection cable for connecting each device constituting a network in a hot state, that is, in a state where the power is on and the device is operating. It is stipulated as follows. When a device is added or deleted due to connection / disconnection of a connection cable, the network is automatically reconfigured, and the added device is automatically recognized. This eliminates the need for a system administrator or the like to manually change each set value every time a device is added or deleted.

When any one of the devices in the constructed network is turned off, the head remote from the main information supply device (the DVD player 24 in FIG. 6) is turned off. Head mounted image display device (HMD
For 2A), no image signal or the like is transmitted.

Therefore, in such a case, power is supplied to the serial link circuit from the adjacent device by using the power supply line 111 in the connection cable 5, thereby transmitting image signals and the like. Is secured.

The DV without the power supply line 111
When a cable is used, in each device constituting the network, a function generally found in a portable device, that is, a standby mode is automatically set when no operation is performed for a predetermined time, and when a predetermined operation is performed. By providing a function of returning the power or a function of turning on / off the power by software, the serial link circuit in each device can be kept at least in a hot state, so that the signal transmission path in the network is always maintained. Can be secured.

In the above-mentioned IEEE 1394 standard device, the connection / disconnection state of the connection cable connecting each device is determined by the serial link circuits 7a and 7b (FIGS. 2 and 3).
See).

That is, in the digital image reproduction system (see FIGS. 1 to 6) shown in the first embodiment, the modified examples, and the second embodiment, the connection cable 5 on the DVD player 1 was disconnected. In the case, the DVD control circuit 6
The disconnection of the cable 5 is detected by (see FIG. 2). Then, in response to the detection signal, when the DVD player 1 is reproducing, the control circuit 6 performs control for stopping or temporarily stopping the reproducing operation. Similarly, HMD2
On the side, the HMD control circuit 16 (see FIG. 3) detects disconnection of the cable and notifies the operator of the disconnection. As means for this notification, for example, means for displaying that the cable has been disconnected on the LCD 15 of the HMD 2 or means for turning on or flashing light using a speaker or sound using an LED or some kind of warning can be considered.

When the user receiving these notification means takes a return action such as mounting the disconnected connection cable at a predetermined position, the HMD control circuit 16 returns to the HMD control circuit 16 state by the serial link circuit. That is, it is detected that the camera is mounted. In response to this, a display to that effect, a display indicating that the reproduction operation is possible, and the like are performed on the LCD 15. Therefore, when the user disconnects the cable,
When the D player 1 is controlled to be in a paused state, by canceling the state, the observation of the interrupted image can be continued.

By the way, the digital information input / output communication interface (hereinafter, simply referred to as a digital interface) capable of handling digital signals includes the above-described IEEE.
Apart from the 1394 standard interface, for example, LV
DS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) or P
There is a method such as anelLink. These LVDS, P
In the anelLink method or the like, the above-described IEEE1
Detects the insertion / removal state of the connection cable in the 394 standard,
It does not have a function of controlling the device based on the detection result.

Therefore, in a third embodiment of the present invention described below, when a digital interface such as an LVDS or PanelLink system is employed, a separate or mechanically or electrically detecting connection / removal state of a connection cable is employed. An example in which a mechanism is provided will be described.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing the basic structure of a digital image reproducing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention (see also FIGS. 1, 2 and 3). Note that, in order to avoid complication of the drawings, only main constituent members are illustrated here, and detailed constituent members are omitted.

A DVD player 1A, which is a digital image reproducing apparatus, includes a DVD for reproducing digital information recorded on an information recording medium, a reproducing circuit, and a DVD player 1A.
A DVD control circuit 6 for controlling the whole;
A and a power supply unit for supplying power to the entire system.

The HMD 2A, which is an image display device,
It is composed of an HMD section comprising display means and the like and a remote control unit section as operation means. The HMD unit is
An LCD 15 serving as an image presenting means, an LCD drive circuit 14 (corresponding to the image drive circuit in FIG. 3) for driving the LCD 15, and illumination light is irradiated from behind the LCD 15 to observe an image presented on the LCD 15. A backlight and a backlight driving circuit for driving the backlight,
A projection optical system for presenting an image presented on the LCD 15 illuminated by the backlight at a position suitable for observation by an observer, and a speaker 12 capable of producing sound.
Etc.

The remote control unit, which is an operation means, includes a DVD operation unit for operating the DVD player 1A,
It comprises an HMD operation unit for operating the MD 2A, and has an operation function for operating both the DVD player 1A and the HMD 2A with this single remote control unit.

The HMD operation unit includes a volume operation switch (SW) for adjusting a volume, a display mode operation switch for switching a display mode, and an image operation switch for performing various processes on image signals. Consists of Meanwhile, DVD
The operation unit includes a DVD control circuit 26 and the like.
The DVD player 1A and the HMD 2A are connected to the connection cables 4 connected to the connection connectors 1Ab and 2Ab.
5 are electrically connected.

The connection cable 45 and the connection connector 1
Ab and 2Ab are compatible with the digital interface of the LVDS system, and are provided instead of the digital interface of the IEEE 1394 standard in each of the above-described embodiments.

Here, details of the connection cable 45 and the connection connectors 1Ab and 2Ab will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing in detail the interface section in the digital image reproducing system of the present embodiment employing the LVDS digital interface.

As described above, in the digital image reproducing system according to the present embodiment, the IE in each of the above embodiments is used.
Instead of the serial link circuits 7a and 7b of the EE1394 standard (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and the connection cable 5 adapted thereto, an LVDS interface as shown in FIG. 8 is used.

In the LVDS digital interface system, the DVD player 1A, which is the output side,
Digital information (parallel digital signal) such as an image signal read from an information recording medium is converted into a serial signal by a PS (parallel-serial) conversion circuit 41, which is connected as a low-voltage small-amplitude differential signal. Connector 1A
The signal is transmitted to a connection cable 45, which is a signal transmission path connected to b. Also, the receiving side H
In the MD 2A, the serial signal transmitted via the signal line (LVDS) in the connection cable 45 is connected to the connection connector 2Ab to which the other end of the connection cable 45 is connected.
Is input to an SP (serial-parallel) conversion circuit 42 via the interface, and is converted into an original parallel digital signal here. The data transfer rate at this time is 140
３５０350 Mbps is ensured, and is generally put to practical use as a digital interface for connecting a personal computer and a high-resolution monitor device, for example.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the HMD
As a transmission path of an operation signal generated from the operation panel 21 of 2A, RS-232C (Recommended Standard 2) is used.
A general-purpose serial communication interface such as 32C) is employed. That is, the DVD player 1A and the HMD 2
A is provided with communication circuits 43a and 43b for performing serial communication of the RS-232C standard, respectively, and both of them are connected to signal lines (RS-RS-C) in the connection cable 45 via the connection connectors 1Ab and 2Ab, respectively. 232C)
Connected by Note that an interface using a parallel IO line may be used instead of the RS-232C.

Further, in the digital image reproducing system of the present embodiment, a cable insertion / removal detection unit 44 for detecting the connection / removal state of the connection cable 45 is additionally provided. That is, the cable insertion / removal detection unit 44 provided in the DVD player 1A serves as a transmission failure for detecting a failure related to data transmission occurring in the connection cable 45 as a transmission path (for example, disconnection of the connection cable 45). The detection unit 44 is a detection unit, and is connected to the HMD 2A via a signal line 45a in the connection cable 45. As a result, the DVD control circuit 6 detects the detection signal by the cable insertion / removal detection unit 44, that is, the DVD player 1A and the HM
The connection state of the connection cable 45 connecting the D2A and the like is constantly monitored.

Thus, the connection cable 45 is connected to the LV
Data transmission signal line of DS digital interface, R
A serial communication line of S-232C, a signal line for transmitting a detection signal of the insertion / removal state of the connection cable 45, and the like are collectively formed. Then, the connection connector 1Ab,
2Ab is formed so as to be compatible with each signal line in the connection cable 45.

As the form of the cable insertion / removal SW in the cable insertion / removal detecting section 44, for example, the one shown in FIG. 9 can be considered. FIG. 9 shows connection plugs 45b and 45c of the connection cable 45 and the corresponding connection terminals 1A.
It is a figure showing composition of b and 2Ab simply.

The connection plugs 45b and 45c provided at both ends of the connection cable 45 are so-called D-sub terminals (D-SUB; Subminiature-D) having a D-shaped cross section, and are inserted through the connection cable 45. The same number of signal pins provided at both ends of a plurality of signal lines are arranged side by side.

Further, the DVD player 1A and the HMD
The connection terminals 1Ab, 2Ab provided on the 2A and to which the connection plugs 45b, 45c are respectively mounted are provided with the same number of holes with which a plurality of signal pins of the connection plugs 45b, 45c can be engaged. Each signal line is connected to each of these holes, and is connected to the internal circuits of the DVD player 1A and the HMD 2A.

The signal line for detecting the connection / disconnection state of the connection cable 45 includes the connection plug 45
b, 45c, two signal lines 4 connected to predetermined two pins
5a, and the corresponding signal line connected to one of the two holes on the connector 1Ab side is connected to the DVD via the cable insertion / removal detection unit 44 (see FIG. 8).
A signal line connected to the control circuit 6 and connected to the other hole is grounded to the main body (GND). The signal lines respectively connected to the two holes on the other connector 2Ab side are connected on the HMD 2A side and are grounded (GND).

When the connection plugs 45b and 45c of the connection cable 45 are inserted into and removed from the connection connectors 1Ab and 2Ab, a cable insertion / removal detection signal is generated by the cable insertion / removal detection unit 44. I have. That is, the connection plug 4 is connected to the connection terminals 1Ab and 2Ab.
When a data transmission failure occurs, such as the connection plugs 45b, 45c being detached from the mounted state of the cables 5b, 45c for some reason, and a cable insertion / removal detection signal is generated, the cable insertion / removal detection unit 44 (see FIG. 8) detects it. Then, in response to this, the DVD control circuit 6 stops or temporarily stops the data reproducing operation of the DVD player 1A. As a result, the data transmission to the HMD 2A is stopped, so that the user of the HMD 2A can recognize that a transmission failure such as the disconnection of the connection cable 45 has occurred.

When the DVD player 1A stops due to the transmission failure as described above, the information such as the reproduction position at the time of the stop is stored in a storage means or the like (not shown) in the DVD control circuit 6. ).

Therefore, when the user who has recognized the data transmission failure takes failure recovery measures such as attaching the disconnected connection cable 45, the DVD player 1A stores the data in the storage means or the like in the DVD control circuit 6. Based on the content, the data reproduction operation from the reproduction position at the time when the transmission was stopped due to the transmission failure is started.

As described above, according to the third embodiment,
Even when the digital interface of the LVDS system is adopted, the same effect as that of the digital interface of the IEEE 1394 standard can be obtained.

That is, when a failure related to data transmission occurs in the transmission path (connection cable 45), this is detected and D
When the data playback operation of the VD player 1A is stopped, and after a recovery measure is taken and the transmission failure is removed, the playback operation from the stopped position is started. In addition, when recovery from a transmission failure, there is no need to perform a search operation for a stop position or the like. In other words, it is possible to avoid duplication of data reproduction, to eliminate waste of time, and to easily observe information recorded on the information recording medium easily. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to improvement of operability of the entire system.

[0133]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, digital image data recorded on an applied information recording medium is directly transmitted from a digital image reproducing device to a head-mounted image display device. Therefore, a clearer image can be presented on the head-mounted image display device.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the digital image reproducing apparatus reproduces the digital image data compressed and recorded on the applied information recording medium without performing the expansion processing, Since the digital image data not supplied is supplied to the head-mounted image display device, the signal amount of the transmitted data can be reduced, and more efficient data transmission can be realized.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the transmission path is adapted to bidirectional high-speed serial communication,
More efficient and high-speed data transmission can be performed, and cost reduction can be realized. Further, since the diameter of the transmission path can be reduced, a configuration advantageous for routing and wiring can be obtained, and it is possible to easily cope with various devices having the same interface.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the head-mounted image display device is provided with operating means for operating the digital image reproducing apparatus, so that the constituent devices of the system can be operated with a single operating means. Can be operated centrally.
Therefore, it is possible to contribute to improvement in operability, reduce the number of constituent members, and prevent the entire system from becoming complicated.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the transmission failure detecting means for detecting the transmission failure which has occurred on the transmission path detects the transmission failure, the digital image data of the digital image reproducing apparatus is read. The playback operation is stopped or paused, and the information of the stop position is stored. When the vehicle recovers from the failure, the information is restarted from the stop position based on the information. Sensation can be obtained.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the head-mounted image display device includes the bidirectional high-speed display at predetermined portions on both the left and right sides as viewed from the wearer of the head-mounted image display device. Since the connector for connecting the transmission line compatible with the serial communication is provided, the weight of the transmission line is substantially equally applied to the left and right sides of the head mounted image display device. Therefore, a good wearing feeling can be obtained.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the data transmission rate selecting means switches the data transmission rate selecting means from the digital image reproducing apparatus according to the recognition by the power supply form recognizing means for recognizing the power supply form to the digital image reproducing apparatus. Since the data transmission rate for transmitting the digital image data to the transmission path is selected, the transmission rate can be efficiently selected and the data transmission can be performed even with a small amount of power.

According to the invention described in claim 8, when the power supply mode recognizing means recognizes that the digital image reproducing apparatus is in a power receiving state from a relatively small-capacity power supply, the digital image reproducing apparatus establishes a connection with the data transmission path. Since the power supply mode is switched by the power supply mode switching means so as to supply power to the digital image reproducing apparatus through the parallel power supply paths, stable power supply can be performed to each device.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the head-mounted image display device includes the power supply mode display means for displaying the power supply mode recognized by the power supply mode recognition means. Since the wearer can easily grasp the power supply state to each device at all times, efficient operation of the system can be performed, and the system does not stop due to insufficient power.

According to the tenth aspect, when a plurality of head mounted image display devices are connected to form a network, each of the plurality of head mounted image display devices is identified by the identification mark. The operation means is configured such that the operation function of the digital image reproducing device is limited according to the identification mark of the corresponding head mounted image display device, so that the operation of the network can be performed more efficiently. This can be performed, and it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation of the operation means by an unspecified person from greatly affecting other observers.

According to the eleventh and twelfth aspects of the present invention,
Whether the externally supplied image signal is a digital image signal or an analog image signal, the analog signal processing means for performing analog signal processing can be shared and presented on the same head-mounted image display device. Therefore, efficient circuit design can be realized, and downsizing of the device can be realized with the common use of circuits.

According to the thirteenth aspect, when an input signal is supplied to both the digital image signal input means and the analog image signal input means, the input signal is received by the digital image signal input means by the signal selection means. Since the digital image signal is preferentially selected and taken out, a clearer image can be presented by the digital image signal.

As described above, according to the present invention, more efficient data transfer can be performed, operability can be improved, and a digital image which is small and lightweight, and can secure good data quality such as good image quality and sound quality. A reproduction system and a head-mounted image display device used in the system can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a digital image reproducing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a DV in the digital image reproduction system of FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a D player.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the HM in the digital image reproduction system shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of D.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a modification of the remote control unit in the digital image reproduction system shown in FIG. 1 and showing an internal configuration thereof.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the entire image display system showing another modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a digital image reproduction system is networked.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing a basic configuration of a digital image reproduction system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing in detail an interface unit in the digital image reproduction system of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a view showing a form of a cable insertion / removal SW in the connection part of the connection cable and the cable insertion / removal detection part of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a conventional DVD player.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of a connection cable defined by the IEEE 1394 standard.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 101: DVD player (digital image reproducing apparatus) 1b, 1Ab: connection terminal (connector) 2b, 2Ab: connection terminal (connector, digital image signal input means) 2, 2A: HMD (head mounted type) Image display device) 3, 3A, 3B Remote controller unit (operating means) 3b Dedicated cable 3d Connection terminal 3e Bridge circuit 4 DVD (information recording medium) 5, 5A IEEE 1394 standard connection Cable (transmission path, data transmission path, power supply path) 5b Connection plug (connection terminal) 6 DVD control circuit (power supply mode recognition means, data transmission rate selection means, power supply mode switching means) 7a Serial link circuit (DVD player side; transmitting means) 7b ...... Serial link circuit (HMD side; receiving means, digital image signal input means) 9a, 9b, 128a, 128b D / A converter (digital / analog conversion means) 10 audio signal processing circuit (analog signal processing means) 13 image signal processing circuit (analog signal processing means) 15 LCD (liquid crystal display; image presenting means, power supply mode displaying means) 16 HMD control circuit (signal selecting means) 23 distributor 24 DVD player (digital information reproducing device, main digital information output device) 25 ... Main display device 26 ... DVD operation circuit (remote control unit) 44 ... Cable insertion / removal detection unit (transmission failure detection means) 45 ... Connection cable (LVDS serial communication cable) 110 ... Twisted pair signal line (twisted pair) , Data transmission path) 111 Power supply line (power supply path)

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A digital image reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing digital image data recorded on an applied information recording medium, and sends digital image data reproduced by the digital image reproducing apparatus to a predetermined transmission path. Transmitting means, receiving means for receiving digital image data supplied through the transmission path, and a position suitable for a wearer to observe a visible image formed based on the digital image data received by the receiving means. A digital image reproduction system, comprising: a head-mounted image display device to be presented. 2. The digital image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the digital image reproducing apparatus reproduces the digital image data compressed and recorded on the applied information recording medium without decompressing the digital image data. The digital video data which has not been subjected to decompression processing supplied via a transmission path is subjected to decompression processing and supplied to the head-mounted image display device. 2. The digital image reproduction system according to 1. 3. The digital image reproducing system according to claim 1, wherein said transmission path is adapted for bidirectional high-speed serial communication. 4. The digital image reproducing system according to claim 1, wherein operating means for operating said digital image reproducing device is further provided on said head mounted image display device. 5. A transmission failure detecting means for detecting a failure related to data transmission occurring on the transmission path, and a digital image reproducing device for detecting a failure in the transmission when the transmission failure detecting means detects the failure related to the transmission. 4. The digital image reproducing system according to claim 3, further comprising means for stopping or temporarily suspending a data reproducing operation. 6. The head-mounted image display device according to claim 1, wherein transmission paths adapted to the bidirectional high-speed serial communication are respectively provided at predetermined portions on both right and left sides as viewed from a wearer of the head-mounted image display device. 4. The digital image reproduction system according to claim 3, wherein a connector to be connected is further provided. 7. A power supply mode recognizing means for recognizing a power supply mode to the digital image reproducing apparatus, and digital image data is transmitted from the digital image reproducing apparatus to the transmission path according to recognition by the power supply mode recognizing means. 4. The digital image reproducing system according to claim 3, further comprising: a data transmission rate selecting unit for selecting a data transmission rate when transmitting the data. 8. The transmission line includes a data transmission line capable of transmitting data to be transmitted in the form of bidirectional high-speed serial communication, and a power supply line provided in parallel with the data transmission line. A power supply mode recognizing means for recognizing a power supply mode to the digital image reproducing apparatus; and the power supply mode recognizing means is in a state where the digital image reproducing apparatus is receiving power from a relatively small-capacity power source at this time. And power supply mode switching means for switching the power supply mode so as to supply power to the digital image reproducing apparatus through a power supply path parallel to the data transmission path. The digital image reproduction system according to claim 1, wherein: 9. The digital image reproducing system according to claim 8, further comprising a power supply mode display unit for displaying a power supply mode recognized by said power supply mode recognition unit. 10. A plurality of head-mounted image display devices, wherein each of the head-mounted image display devices is identified by an identification mark. 5. The digital image reproducing system according to claim 4, wherein an operation function for the digital image reproducing device is limited according to an identification mark of the image display device. 11. A digital image signal input means for receiving an externally supplied digital image signal, an analog image signal input means for receiving an externally supplied analog image signal, and Digital / analog conversion means for converting an input digital image signal into an analog image signal; and selectively selecting an analog image signal input from the analog image signal input means or an analog image signal output from the digital / analog conversion means. Signal selecting means for extracting the analog image signal, analog signal processing means for performing analog signal processing on the analog image signal selectively extracted by the signal selecting means, and a visible image formed based on the output of the analog signal processing means. Presenting means for presenting an image at a position suitable for observation by the wearer , Head-mounted image display apparatus characterized by including the. 12. A digital image signal input means for receiving an externally supplied digital image signal, an analog image signal input means for receiving an externally supplied analog image signal, and Analog / digital conversion means for converting an input analog image signal into a digital image signal; and selectively selecting a digital image signal input from the digital image signal input means or a digital image signal output from the analog / digital conversion means. Signal processing means for performing digital signal processing on digital image signals selectively taken out by the signal selection means, and a visible image formed based on the output of the digital signal processing means. Presenting means for presenting an image at a position suitable for observation by the wearer , Head-mounted image display apparatus characterized by including the. 13. When the input signal is supplied to both the digital image signal input means and the analog image signal input means, the signal selection means gives priority to the digital image signal received by the digital image signal input means. 13. The head-mounted image display device according to claim 12, wherein the head-mounted image display device is configured to be selectively selected and taken out.