JP2004247897A - Image display apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image display apparatus capable of preventing image defects due to the displacement of positional relation between a display unit and eyes. <P>SOLUTION: This image display apparatus (10) is provided with a display unit (11) consisting of a two-dimensional display element (11a) and an eyepiece optical system for forming the virtual image of the display screen (E) of the two-dimensional display element; a circuit unit (13) for displaying an image (I) on the display screen (E) of the two-dimensional display element; and a mounting means by which an observer can mount the display unit (11) on his/her head, so that the position of forming the virtual image is approximately on the front of an eye (2) of the observer. In this apparatus (10), the circuit unit (13) can change the display magnification of the image on the display screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image display device, such as a head-mounted display (HMD), which can be mounted on the observer's head and displays an image as a virtual image in front of the observer's eyes.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The HMD is provided with a display unit that displays an image as a virtual image in front of the observer's eyes, and a mounting tool for mounting the display unit on the observer's head (Patent Document 1 and the like). According to the HMD, an observer can observe an image in a hands-free state.
The optical design in the display unit of the HMD is performed on the assumption that the observer's eyes are arranged at predetermined positions (eye points). Is matched, it is possible to observe the image well.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-320453
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in actual use, the observer's eye is not always located at the eye point.
[0005]
For example, an observer using spectacles must place the spectacle lens between the eye and the display unit, so that the position of the eye is necessarily closer to the eye point.
Also, when the observer moves while wearing the HMD, the eye may be deliberately shifted from the eye point and the HMD image may be observed while looking at the outside world.
[0006]
As described above, when the user removes the eye from the eye point and uses the image, it is necessary to allow the periphery of the image to be chipped.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image display device capable of preventing an image from being chipped due to a positional difference between a display unit and an eye.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes a two-dimensional display element, an eyepiece optical system that forms a virtual image of a display screen of the two-dimensional display element, and a display part of the two-dimensional display element. A circuit unit for displaying an image, and an image display device comprising: mounting means capable of mounting the display unit on the observer's head so that the formation position of the virtual image is substantially in front of the observer's eyes. The circuit unit is capable of changing a display magnification of the image on the display screen.
[0008]
The image display device according to claim 2 is the image display device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting unit is provided with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a positional relationship between the observer's eye and the display unit. It is characterized by being able to.
The image display device according to claim 3 is the image display device according to claim 2, wherein the measurement is performed to acquire data on a positional relationship between the observer's eye and the display unit or data on a change in the positional relationship. Means for changing the display magnification according to the data acquired by the measuring means.
[0009]
The image display device according to claim 4, wherein, in the image display device according to claim 3, the circuit unit displays the image of the two-dimensional display element regardless of movement of the eye within a predetermined range. The display magnification is changed in accordance with the data so that the light emitted from each of the positions is guided to the pupil of the eye at an optimum magnification.
An image display device according to a fifth aspect is the image display device according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the measurement unit acquires the data based on a state of the adjustment mechanism.
[0010]
The image display device according to claim 6, wherein a two-dimensional display element, a display unit including an eyepiece optical system that forms a virtual image of a display screen of the two-dimensional display element, and a display unit of the two-dimensional display element. A circuit unit for displaying an image, and an image display device comprising: mounting means capable of mounting the display unit on the observer's head so that the formation position of the virtual image is substantially in front of the observer's eyes. An input unit for inputting an instruction from the observer is provided, and the circuit unit changes the display magnification in accordance with the instruction input via the input unit.
[0011]
The image display device according to claim 7, wherein in the image display device according to claim 6, an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a positional relationship between the observer's eye and the display unit is provided in the mounting unit. It is characterized by being able to.
The image display device according to claim 8, wherein in the image display device according to claim 7, a driving unit that drives the adjustment mechanism and the two-dimensional display element regardless of movement of the eye within a predetermined range. Control means for controlling the driving means in conjunction with the change of the display magnification and adjusting the positional relationship so that emission light from each position where the image is displayed is guided to the pupil of the eye. It is further characterized by being provided.
[0012]
The image display device according to claim 9, wherein in the image display device according to claim 7, measurement is performed to acquire data of a positional relationship between the observer's eye and the display unit or data of a change in the positional relationship. Further comprising means, wherein the control means determines whether or not the light emitted from each position of the image is guided to the pupil of the eye based on the data obtained by the measurement means, and determines that the light is not guided. When it is determined, a warning is displayed on the display screen.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0014]
This embodiment is an embodiment of the HMD.
FIG. 1 is an external view of the HMD 10 of the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the HMD 10.
The HMD 10 includes a display unit 11, a circuit unit 13, and a mounting tool 12. The circuit unit 13 may be fixed to the display unit 11, may be fixed to any part of the mounting tool 12, or may be provided separately from the main body of the HMD 10 (in FIG. 1, , Not shown).
[0015]
The display unit 11 includes a two-dimensional display element (hereinafter, referred to as a liquid crystal display element and abbreviated as “LCD”) 11a and an eyepiece optical system 11b.
The circuit unit 13 is a circuit for displaying the image I on the display screen E of the LCD 11a.
The circuit unit 13 includes a control circuit 13a, an analog processing circuit 13c, an A / D conversion circuit 13d, frame memories 13e and 13f, an image processing circuit 13g, and the like.
[0016]
An image signal (moving image signal or still image signal) externally input to the circuit unit 13 is input to the frame memory 13e via the analog processing circuit 13c and the A / D conversion circuit 13d.
The image signal input to the frame memory 13e is subjected to image processing by the image processing circuit 13g, and then sent to the LCD 11a of the display unit 11 via the frame memory 13f.
[0017]
These series of processes in the circuit section 13 are controlled by the control circuit 13a.
An image I based on an image signal input from the circuit unit 13 is displayed on a display screen E of the LCD 11a in the display unit 11.
The eyepiece optical system 11b in the display unit 11 forms a virtual image of the display screen E of the LCD 11a behind the LCD 11a.
[0018]
That is, the eyepiece optical system 11b guides the light beams emitted from the respective positions on the display screen E of the LCD 11a closer to the parallel light beams to a predetermined position (eye point EP).
The wearer 12 has an eye point E.E. P. Has a structure in which the display unit 11 can be mounted on the head of the observer so that the position is located.
[0019]
Eye point E. at the position of the pupil of eye 2 P. Is arranged, the viewer sees the display screen E of the LCD 11a as being farther than it actually is.
In the present embodiment, the image processing by the image processing circuit 13g in the circuit unit 13 includes, in addition to general processing such as gradation conversion processing, processing for changing the display magnification S of the image I on the display screen E of the LCD 11a. Is also included.
[0020]
The value of the display magnification S is appropriately set by the control circuit 13a instructing the image processing circuit 13g.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the HMD 10 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3A shows the eye point E.E. P. 3B shows a state in which the pupil of the eye 2 is arranged, and FIGS. P. This shows a state where the eye 2 is located farther than the eye.
[0021]
FIG. 3B shows the display unit 101 of the conventional HMD, and FIG. 3C shows the display unit 11 of the HMD 10 of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3B, in the conventional HMD, the eye point E.I. If the pupil is located farther than P, the light flux emitted from the periphery of the image I cannot enter the pupil, and the periphery of the image I is missing when viewed from the observer's eye 2.
[0022]
On the other hand, in the HMD 10 of the present embodiment, since the display magnification S of the image I is variable, the eye point E.E. P. Even if the eye 2 is located farther away, if the display magnification S is set to be small as shown in FIG. 3C, the light flux emitted from the periphery of the image I can also be made to enter the pupil. The lack of the image I can be prevented.
[0023]
That is, according to the HMD 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the image I from being lost due to a shift in the distance between the face or eyes 2 of the observer and the display unit 11.
This also increases the degree of freedom of the positional relationship of the display unit 11 with respect to the eye 2.
Therefore, in the HMD 10 of the present embodiment, the adjusting mechanism (reference numerals 16, 17, 18, and 19 in FIG. 1) includes a mounting device so that the observer can positively change the positional relationship of the display unit 11 with respect to the eye 2. 12 are provided.
[0024]
In FIG. 1, reference numerals 16 and 17 indicate hinge mechanisms, and reference numerals 18 and 19 indicate slide mechanisms.
For example, the wearing tool 12 includes earphone-type headphones 12R and 12L that are worn on the left and right ears of the observer, a rear arm 12b that connects the left and right headphones 12R and 12L, and a display arm 12c that is connected to the rear arm 12b. Consists of The display unit 11 is fixed to a distal end of the display arm 12c.
[0025]
The display arm 12c can be bent in the directions of arrows L1 and L2 by hinge mechanisms 16 and 17.
The display arm 12c is extendable in the directions of arrows L3 and L4 by slide mechanisms 18 and 19.
If the hinge mechanisms 16 and 17 and the slide mechanisms 18 and 19 are used, the observer can freely change the position and the angle of the display unit 11 with respect to the eye 2.
[0026]
In addition, if the hinge mechanisms 16 and 17 and the slide mechanisms 18 and 19 are used, it is possible to immediately remove only the display unit 11 from the front of the eye 2 with the HMD 10 mounted in an emergency or the like.
In addition, even if only one of the hinge mechanisms 16, 17 and the slide mechanisms 18, 19 is provided, the position and angle of the display unit 11 can be changed with a certain degree of freedom.
[0027]
On the other hand, if the number of hinge mechanisms and slide mechanisms is increased, the positional relationship can be changed more flexibly.
Further, a ball joint mechanism can be used instead of the hinge mechanisms 16 and 17.
Next, the relationship between the distance L from the predetermined portion of the display unit 11 to the face or eye 2 of the observer and the optimum value of the display magnification S of the image I (hereinafter, referred to as “optimum magnification”) is shown in FIG. Is obtained in advance from optical design data or the like.
[0028]
Here, the “optimum magnification” means that the observer's eye 2 can see the image I without any omission, that is, light emitted from each position of the image I can sufficiently enter the pupil of the observer's eye 2 Is the maximum display magnification.
In addition, the “optimal magnification” is the maximum display magnification at which the light emitted from each position of the image I can sufficiently enter the pupil if the movement of the eye 2 is within a predetermined range even if the eye moves. is there.
[0029]
Therefore, an automatic control function is added to the HMD 10 of the present embodiment as described below.
First, the control circuit 13a in the circuit unit 13 stores in advance the relationship between the distance L to the observer's face or eye 2 and the optimal magnification as a mathematical expression or a lookup table.
Further, a distance measuring sensor (reference numeral 15 in FIG. 1) for measuring the distance L is provided in the HMD 10.
[0030]
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the distance measurement sensor 15 is fixed to a position on the display unit 11 slightly away from a position facing the eye 2.
According to the distance measuring sensor 15, data indicating the distance L is obtained.
The acquired data is input to the circuit unit 13 as shown in FIG. 2, and the distance L is recognized by the control circuit 13a.
[0031]
Then, the control circuit 13a calculates an optimum magnification for the distance L based on the distance L and a relationship stored in advance. Then, the obtained optimum magnification is set as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g.
As described above, in the HMD 10 of the present embodiment, the image I is always displayed at the optimum magnification (here, the maximum display magnification in a range where the image I is not missing) regardless of the positional relationship between the display unit 11 and the eye 2. Is done.
[0032]
In the present embodiment, the control circuit 13a may be operated such that a value close to the optimum magnification (approximate magnification) is set as the display magnification S among the finite number of values prepared in advance.
However, since the display magnification S is desirably set to a value that allows the observer's eye 2 to see the image I without missing, it is preferable to select a lower approximate magnification.
[0033]
[Second embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
This embodiment is an embodiment of the HMD. Here, only differences from the HMD of the first embodiment will be described, and other description will be omitted.
FIG. 4 is an external view of the HMD 20 of the present embodiment.
[0034]
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the HMD 20.
The HMD 20 of the present embodiment is different from the HMD 10 of the first embodiment in that a position sensor (encoder or the like) 25 is provided instead of the distance measuring sensor 15 and a circuit unit 23 is provided instead of the circuit unit 13.
The circuit unit 23 is provided with a control circuit 23a instead of the control circuit 13a in the circuit unit 13.
[0035]
The control circuit 23a stores the relationship between the distance L and the optimum magnification in advance, similarly to the control circuit 13a.
The position sensor 25 is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the slide mechanism 18 and generates data indicating the extended / retracted position of the display arm 12c.
[0036]
Therefore, according to the position sensor 25, data indicating the distance L from the display unit 11 to the eye 2 is indirectly obtained.
According to the position sensor 25, although the accuracy is not as high as that of the distance measuring sensor 15 of the first embodiment, the distance L can be measured.
The acquired data is input to the circuit unit 23 as shown in FIG. 5, and the distance L is recognized by the control circuit 23a.
[0037]
The control circuit 23a calculates an optimum magnification for the distance L based on the recognized distance L and a relationship stored in advance. Then, the obtained optimum magnification is set as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g.
As described above, even in the HMD 20 of the present embodiment, the image I is always displayed at the optimum magnification (here, the maximum display magnification in a range where the image I is not missing) regardless of the positional relationship between the display unit 11 and the eye 2. Is done.
[0038]
In the present embodiment, the sensor (position sensor) is provided only in the vicinity of the slide mechanism 18, but the sensor (in the meantime, the rotation of the hinge mechanism is also provided in the vicinity of at least one of the hinge mechanisms 16, 17 and the slide mechanism 19). An angle sensor may be used as a sensor for detecting the moving angle.) To improve the measurement accuracy of the distance L.
[Third embodiment]
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0039]
This embodiment is an embodiment of the HMD. Here, only differences from the HMD of the first embodiment will be described, and other description will be omitted.
FIG. 6 is an external view of the HMD 30 of the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the HMD 30.
The HMD 30 according to the present embodiment is different from the HMD 10 according to the first embodiment in that a magnification setting dial 35 is provided instead of the distance measurement sensor 15 and a circuit unit 33 is provided instead of the circuit unit 13.
[0040]
The circuit section 33 includes a control circuit 33a instead of the control circuit 13a in the circuit section 13.
The magnification setting dial 35 is provided, for example, on one of the headphones (the headphones 12L in FIG. 6).
The magnification setting dial 35 is a dial-type switch, and generates a signal in accordance with a rotation operation by an observer.
[0041]
The generated signal is input to the circuit unit 33 as shown in FIG. 7, and the control circuit 33a recognizes the operation content.
The control circuit 33a sets a value corresponding to the operation content of the magnification setting dial 35 as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g.
Therefore, the observer can display the image I at a desired display magnification only by operating the magnification setting dial 35.
[0042]
Therefore, even if the positional relationship between the display unit 11 and the eye 2 is shifted, if the observer operates the magnification setting dial 35 so that the entire image I can be seen, the lack of the image I can be eliminated.
Further, in the HMD 30 of the present embodiment, as shown in the lower right of FIG. The control circuit 33a may be operated so as to be displayed as.
[0043]
Needless to say, another type of switch such as a push button type may be used for the magnification setting dial 35.
Further, in the present embodiment, the magnification setting dial 35 is used as the input means, and the description is made as if the observer can specify the display magnification. However, the information that can be input by the observer may be only the instruction to change the display magnification ( In this case, a "magnification change dial" or the like is used as the input means.)
[0044]
(Other)
In the HMD 30 of the present embodiment, the magnification setting dial 35 is used as an input means, and the information that can be specified by the observer has been described as the display magnification (“XX times”). The information that can be specified may be the distance between the face or eye 2 of the observer and the display unit 11 (“「 cm ”or the like).
[0045]
As described above, if the “distance”, which is a physical quantity used on a daily basis, can be designated, the observer can intuitively operate the input unit.
In this case, the "display distance setting dial" is used as the input means. The control circuit 33a in the circuit unit 33 determines the optimum magnification for the specified distance, and sets the calculated optimum magnification as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g.
[0046]
Further, the information that can be specified by the observer may be at least one state of the adjustment mechanism (16, 17, 18, 19) (eg, “extended / retracted position of display arm 12c +＋ cm”).
In this case, the "state setting dial" is used as the input means. The control circuit 33a in the circuit unit 33 determines the optimum magnification for the specified state, and sets the calculated optimum magnification as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g.
[0047]
Further, the information specified by the observer may be a virtual display size (such as “see XX inches ahead of XX cm”).
In this case, the "display size setting dial" is used as the input means. The control circuit 33a in the circuit section 33 may obtain the optimum magnification for the designated virtual display size, and set the obtained optimum magnification as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g.
[0048]
Note that the relationship between the virtual display size and the optimal magnification is obtained in advance from optical design data of the display unit 11 or the like.
[Fourth embodiment]
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
This embodiment is an embodiment of the HMD. Here, only differences from the HMD of the first embodiment will be described, and other description will be omitted.
[0049]
FIG. 8 is an external view of the HMD 40 of the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of the HMD 40.
The HMD 40 of the present embodiment is different from the HMD 10 of the first embodiment in that an offset button 45 and a magnification setting dial 35 are provided, and a circuit section 43 is provided instead of the circuit section 13.
[0050]
The circuit unit 43 is provided with a control circuit 43a instead of the control circuit 13a in the circuit unit 13.
The magnification setting dial 35 is provided on, for example, one headphone (the headphone 12L in FIG. 8).
The magnification setting dial 35 is a dial-type switch, and generates a signal in accordance with a rotation operation by an observer.
[0051]
The offset button 45 is provided on, for example, one headphone (the headphone 12L in FIG. 8).
The offset button 45 is a push button type switch, and generates a signal when operated by an observer.
Further, another type of switch such as a push button type may be used for the magnification setting dial 35.
[0052]
Note that a single switch (such as a jog dial) having both functions of the offset button 45 and the magnification setting dial 35 may be used.
The signals generated by the magnification setting dial 35 and the offset button 45 are input to the circuit section 43 as shown in FIG. 9, and are recognized by the control circuit 43a.
[0053]
In the HMD 40 having the above configuration, when the power supply (not shown) is turned on, the control circuit 43a sets a value according to the operation of the magnification setting dial 35 as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g. An image I is displayed on the display screen E at a display magnification S.
The observer wearing the HMD 40 operates the magnification setting dial 35 to adjust the display magnification S, or adjusts each part of the mounting tool 12 to adjust the angle and position of the display unit 11. The observer operates the offset button 45 when the image I can be visually recognized comfortably (when the entire image I is recognized and the image I is recognized as being displayed sufficiently large).
[0054]
The control circuit 43a regards the display magnification S at the time when the offset button 45 is operated as the reference magnification S0.
Further, the control circuit 43a recognizes the distance L from the display unit 11 to the eye 2 at the time when the offset button 45 is operated from the output of the distance measurement sensor 15, and regards the recognized distance L as the reference distance L0.
[0055]
Thereafter, the control circuit 43a sets the display magnification S to be smaller than the reference magnification S0 when the distance L is longer than the reference distance L0, and sets the display magnification S to the reference magnification S0 when the distance L becomes smaller than the reference distance L0. Set larger than
According to such an HMD 40, I is displayed at a display magnification that allows an observer to view comfortably regardless of the positional relationship between the display unit 11 and the eye 2.
[0056]
The HMD 40 according to the present embodiment uses the same distance measuring sensor 15 as the HMD 10 according to the first embodiment. However, instead of the distance measuring sensor 15, a position sensor 25 similar to the HMD 20 according to the second embodiment is used. You may.
Further, in the HMD 40 of the present embodiment, the control circuit 43a is configured to display the character information (for example, “× 0.6” or the like) indicating the display magnification S being set on the display screen E of the LCD 11a together with the image I. It may be operated.
[0057]
The above operation of the HMD 40 of the present embodiment can be realized as long as the data of the change in the distance L from the time when the offset button 45 is operated can be obtained without obtaining the data of the distance L. Therefore, in the HMD 40 of the present embodiment, the position sensor or the distance measurement sensor can be simplified.
Further, in the present embodiment, the magnification setting dial 35 is used as the input means, and the description is made as if the observer can specify the display magnification. However, the information that can be input by the observer may be only the instruction to change the display magnification ( In this case, a "magnification change dial" or the like is used as the input means.)
[0058]
(Other)
In the HMD 40 of the present embodiment, the magnification setting dial 35 is used as an input means, and the information that can be specified by the observer has been described as the display magnification (“XX”). The information that can be specified may be the distance between the face or eye 2 of the observer and the display unit 11 (“「 cm ”or the like).
[0059]
As described above, if the “distance”, which is a physical quantity used on a daily basis, can be designated, the observer can intuitively operate the input unit.
In this case, the "display distance setting dial" is used as the input means. The control circuit 43a in the circuit unit 43 may obtain the optimum magnification for the specified distance, and set the obtained optimum magnification as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g.
[0060]
Further, the information that can be specified by the observer may be at least one state of the adjustment mechanism (16, 17, 18, 19) (eg, “extended / retracted position of display arm 12c +＋ cm”).
In this case, the "state setting dial" is used as the input means. The control circuit 43a in the circuit unit 43 may obtain the optimum magnification for the specified state, and set the obtained optimum magnification as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g.
[0061]
Further, the information specified by the observer may be a virtual display size (such as “see XX inches ahead of XX cm”).
In this case, the "display size setting dial" is used as the input means. The control circuit 43a in the circuit unit 43 may obtain the optimum magnification for the specified virtual display size, and set the obtained optimum magnification as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g.
[0062]
[Fifth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
This embodiment is an embodiment of the HMD. Here, only differences from the HMD of the third embodiment will be described, and other description will be omitted.
FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of the HMD 50 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′ (drive mechanism 55) of FIG.
[0063]
FIGS. 10A and 10B are views of the HMD 50 mounted on the observer's head as viewed from above the observer.
FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of the HMD 50.
The HMD 50 of the present embodiment is provided with a drive mechanism 55 for driving the adjustment mechanisms (16, 17, 18, 19), in addition to the magnification setting dial 35.
[0064]
Hereinafter, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a case will be described in which a drive mechanism 55 is added to the slide mechanism 18 (which expands and contracts the display arm 12c) among the adjustment mechanisms.
As shown in FIG. 10C, the drive mechanism 55 includes a cam member 55b interposed between the rear arm 12b and the display arm 12c of the slide mechanism 18, a drive motor 55a, and the like.
[0065]
When the driving motor 55a rotates, the cam member 55b connected thereto is driven, and the display arm 12c is extended from the rear arm 12b in accordance with the driving of the cam member 55b, and the expansion / contraction position changes.
Therefore, the positional relationship of the display unit 11 with respect to the face or eyes 2 of the observer changes by driving the drive motor 55a.
[0066]
FIG. 10A shows the state when the extension / contraction position of the display arm 12c is the maximum, and FIG. 10B shows the state when the extension / contraction position of the display arm is the minimum.
As shown in FIG. 11, a circuit controller 53 in the HMD 50 of the present embodiment is provided with a motor controller 56 for controlling a drive motor 55a. The motor controller 56 is controlled by a control circuit 53a in the circuit unit 53.
[0067]
Here, the relationship between the display magnification S of the image I and the optimal expansion / contraction position of the display arm 12c with respect to the display magnification S (hereinafter, referred to as “optimal expansion / contraction position”) is previously obtained from design data of the HMD 50 or the like. . The “optimum expansion / contraction position” is an expansion / contraction position where the observer's eye 2 can view the image I without missing and as much as possible.
The control circuit 53a in the circuit unit 53 previously stores the relationship between the display magnification S and the optimum expansion / contraction position with respect to the display magnification S as a mathematical expression, a lookup table, or the like.
[0068]
The control circuit 53a sets a value corresponding to the operation content of the magnification setting dial 35 as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g, and obtains the optimum expansion / contraction position with respect to the display magnification S based on the above relationship.
Then, the drive mechanism 55 is driven via the motor controller 56 so that the display arm 12c is extended to the determined optimum expansion / contraction position.
[0069]
As described above, in the HMD 50 of the present embodiment, not only the observer can change the display magnification of the image I, but also the observer's face or eye 2 so that the observer can view the image I without missing. The positional relationship of the display unit 11 is automatically adjusted.
[0070]
In the present embodiment, the drive mechanism is provided only in the vicinity of the slide mechanism 18, but a drive mechanism is also provided in the vicinity of at least one of the hinge mechanism 16, the hinge mechanism 17, and the slide mechanism 19, and the position of the display unit 11 is changed. Further, the automatic adjustment may be performed flexibly.
Further, in the present embodiment, the magnification setting dial 35 is used as the input means, and the description is made as if the observer can specify the display magnification. However, the information that can be input by the observer may be only the instruction to change the display magnification ( In this case, a "magnification change dial" or the like is used as the input means.)
[0071]
(Other)
In the HMD 50 of the present embodiment, the magnification setting dial 35 is used as an input means, and the information that can be specified by the observer has been described as the display magnification (“XX”). The information that can be specified may be the distance between the face or eye 2 of the observer and the display unit 11 (“「 cm ”or the like).
[0072]
As described above, if the “distance”, which is a physical quantity used on a daily basis, can be designated, the observer can intuitively operate the input unit.
In this case, the "display distance setting dial" is used as the input means. The control circuit 53a in the circuit unit 53 obtains the optimum magnification for the specified distance, sets the obtained optimum magnification as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g, and sets the observer so that the specified distance is realized. What is necessary is just to automatically adjust the positional relationship of the display unit 11 with respect to the face or the eye 2.
[0073]
Further, the information that can be specified by the observer may be at least one state of the adjustment mechanism (16, 17, 18, 19) (eg, “extended / retracted position of display arm 12c +＋ cm”).
In this case, the "state setting dial" is used as the input means. The control circuit 53a in the circuit unit 53 calculates the optimum magnification for the specified state, sets the obtained optimum magnification as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g, and sets the observer so that the specified state is realized. What is necessary is just to automatically adjust the positional relationship of the display unit 11 with respect to the face or the eye 2.
[0074]
Further, the information specified by the observer may be a virtual display size (such as “see XX inches ahead of XX cm”).
In this case, the "display size setting dial" is used as the input means. The control circuit 53a in the circuit unit 53 obtains the optimum magnification for the specified virtual display size, sets the obtained optimum magnification as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g, and realizes the specified virtual display size. Thus, the positional relationship of the display unit 11 with respect to the observer's face or eyes 2 may be automatically adjusted.
[0075]
[Sixth embodiment]
Hereinafter, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This embodiment is an embodiment of the HMD. Here, only differences from the HMD of the third embodiment will be described, and other description will be omitted.
FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of the HMD 60 of the present embodiment.
[0076]
In addition to the magnification setting dial 35, the HMD 60 of the present embodiment is provided with a measuring unit for detecting the positional relationship between the eye 2 and the display unit 11.
As shown in FIG. 12, a position sensor 25 (see FIG. 4 of the second embodiment) that generates data indicating the extended / contracted position of the display arm 12c is added near the slide mechanism 18 as a measuring unit. The case will be described.
[0077]
The acquired data is input to the circuit unit 63, and the control circuit 63a recognizes the expansion / contraction position.
Therefore, the positional relationship of the display unit 11 with respect to the observer's face or eyes 2 is detected from the output of the position sensor 25.
The control circuit 63a stores in advance the relationship between the display magnification S and the optimum expansion / contraction position corresponding to the display magnification S as a mathematical expression, a lookup table, or the like.
[0078]
The control circuit 63a sets a value corresponding to the operation content of the magnification setting dial 35 as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g, and obtains the optimum expansion / contraction position with respect to the display magnification S based on the above relationship.
Then, the current telescopic position of the display arm 12c indicated by the position sensor 25 is compared with the obtained optimum telescopic position. (For example, display of character information such as "Please adjust the arm or magnification" as shown in the lower right of FIG. 12) is instructed to the image processing circuit 13g.
[0079]
As described above, in the HMD 60 of the present embodiment, not only can the observer change the display magnification of the image I, but at that time, when the observer is in a state in which the image I cannot be completely viewed, the automatic The warning is displayed.
In the present embodiment, the sensor is provided only in the vicinity of the slide mechanism 18, but a sensor is also provided in the vicinity of at least one of the hinge mechanism 16, the hinge mechanism 17, and the slide mechanism 19, and the sensor for the face or eye 2 of the observer The positional relationship of the display unit 11 may be detected with higher accuracy.
[0080]
Further, in the present embodiment, the magnification setting dial 35 is used as the input means, and the description is made as if the observer can specify the display magnification. However, the information that can be input by the observer may be only the instruction to change the display magnification ( In this case, a "magnification change dial" or the like is used as the input means.)
(Other)
The HMD 60 according to the present embodiment uses the magnification setting dial 35 as input means, and the information that can be specified by the observer has been described as the display magnification (“XX”). The information that can be specified may be the distance between the face or eye 2 of the observer and the display unit 11 (“「 cm ”or the like).
[0081]
As described above, if the “distance”, which is a physical quantity used on a daily basis, can be designated, the observer can intuitively operate the input unit.
In this case, the "display distance setting dial" is used as the input means. The control circuit 63a in the circuit section 63 obtains the optimum magnification for the designated distance, sets the obtained optimum magnification as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g, and sets the display arm 12c of the current display arm 12c indicated by the position sensor 25. It is determined whether or not the telescopic position has achieved the specified distance. If it is determined that the telescopic position has not been achieved, a warning may be displayed.
[0082]
Further, the information that can be specified by the observer may be at least one state of the adjustment mechanism (16, 17, 18, 19) (eg, “extended / retracted position of display arm 12c +＋ cm”).
In this case, the "state setting dial" is used as the input means. The control circuit 63a in the circuit section 63 obtains the optimum magnification for the designated state, sets the obtained optimum magnification as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g, and sets the current display arm 12c indicated by the position sensor 25. It is determined whether or not the telescopic position has realized the designated state. If it is determined that the telescopic position has not been realized, a warning may be displayed.
[0083]
Further, the information specified by the observer may be a virtual display size (such as “see XX inches ahead of XX cm”).
In this case, the "display size setting dial" is used as the input means. The control circuit 63a in the circuit unit 63 obtains the optimum magnification for the designated virtual display size, sets the obtained optimum magnification as the display magnification S in the image processing circuit 13g, and sets the current display arm indicated by the position sensor 25. It is determined whether or not the expansion / contraction position of 12c realizes the designated virtual display size. If it is determined that the virtual display size has not been realized, a warning may be displayed.
[0084]
[Others]
In any of the HMDs of the above embodiments, if a non-volatile memory is used for the circuit unit, the setting (display magnification S) immediately before the power is turned off is stored, and the setting is set immediately after the power is turned on. It is also possible to operate the control circuit so as to reproduce.
In the HMD 50 according to the fifth embodiment, since the adjustment mechanism (slide mechanism 18) is motorized by the drive mechanism 55 or the like, not only the display magnification S but also the setting of the position of the display unit 11 is stored. It is possible to operate the control circuit 53a so as to reproduce it.
[0085]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, an image display device that can prevent an image from being lost due to a shift in the positional relationship between the display unit and the eyes is realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of an HMD 10 according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the HMD 10.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the HMD 10 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an external view of an HMD 20 according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the HMD 20.
FIG. 6 is an external view of an HMD 30 according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the HMD 30.
FIG. 8 is an external view of an HMD 40 according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of the HMD 40.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram and a partial cross-sectional view of an HMD 50 according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an HMD 50.
FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of an HMD 60 according to a sixth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 eyes
10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 HMD (corresponding to image display device)
13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63 Circuit section (corresponding to the circuit section)
13a, 23a, 33a, 43a, 53a, 63a Control circuit
13c Analog processing circuit
13d A / D conversion circuit
13e, 13f Frame memory
13g image processing circuit
11, 101 display unit (corresponding to the display unit)
11a, 101a LCD (corresponding to a two-dimensional display element)
11b, 101b Eyepiece optical system
12 Wearing equipment (corresponding to mounting means)
12L, 12R headphones
12b rear arm
12c display arm
15 Distance measuring sensor (corresponding to measuring means)
16, 17 Hinge mechanism (corresponds to adjustment mechanism)
18 Slide mechanism (corresponding to the adjustment mechanism)
25 Position sensor (corresponding to measuring means)
35 Magnification setting dial (corresponds to input means)
45 Offset button
55 Drive mechanism (corresponding to drive means)
55a drive motor
55b cam member
56 Motor controller

Claims (9)

Two-dimensional display element, a display unit comprising an eyepiece optical system that forms a virtual image of the display screen of the two-dimensional display element,
A circuit unit for displaying an image on a display screen of the two-dimensional display element,
An image display device comprising: mounting means capable of mounting the display unit on the observer's head such that the formation position of the virtual image is substantially in front of the observer's eyes.
The circuit unit includes:
An image display device, wherein a display magnification of the image on the display screen can be changed. The image display device according to claim 1,
In the mounting means,
An image display device comprising: an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a positional relationship between the observer's eye and the display unit. The image display device according to claim 2,
The data of the positional relationship between the eye of the observer and the display unit, or further includes a measurement unit that acquires data of a change in the positional relationship,
The circuit unit includes:
An image display device, wherein the display magnification is changed according to the data acquired by the measuring means. The image display device according to claim 3,
The circuit unit includes:
The data is adjusted so that the light emitted from each position where the image of the two-dimensional display element is displayed regardless of the movement of the eye within a predetermined range has an optimal magnification guided to the pupil of the eye. An image display apparatus, wherein the display magnification is changed according to the display magnification. The image display device according to claim 3 or 4,
The measuring means comprises:
An image display device for acquiring the data based on a state of the adjustment mechanism. Two-dimensional display element, a display unit comprising an eyepiece optical system that forms a virtual image of the display screen of the two-dimensional display element,
A circuit unit for displaying an image on a display screen of the two-dimensional display element,
An image display device comprising: mounting means capable of mounting the display unit on the observer's head such that the formation position of the virtual image is substantially in front of the observer's eyes.
An input means for inputting instructions of the observer,
The circuit unit includes:
An image display device, wherein the display magnification is changed in accordance with an instruction input via the input unit. The image display device according to claim 6,
In the mounting means,
An image display device comprising: an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a positional relationship between the observer's eye and the display unit. The image display device according to claim 7,
Driving means for driving the adjusting mechanism;
In conjunction with the change of the display magnification, the emitted light from each position where the image of the two-dimensional display element is displayed is guided to the pupil of the eye regardless of the movement of the eye within a predetermined range. An image display device, further comprising control means for controlling the driving means to adjust the positional relationship. The image display device according to claim 7,
The data of the positional relationship between the eye of the observer and the display unit, or further includes a measurement unit that acquires data of a change in the positional relationship,
The control means,
Whether the emitted light from each position of the image is guided to the pupil of the eye is determined based on the data acquired by the measuring unit, and when it is determined that the light is not guided, a warning is displayed on the display screen. An image display device, comprising:

Images