CN101770073B - Information displaying apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An information display device includes an optical system for displaying images, a placement device for arranging the optical system on a user so as to present an outside world and an image to both eyes of the user, and an image sensor for photographing the above-mentioned outside world. As a result, it is possible to obtain an information display device that does not interfere with human activities due to wires and does not generate a sense of annoyance.

Description

information display device

This application is a divisional application of a Chinese invention patent application with an application date of December 3, 2004, an invention title of "Information Display Device and Wireless Remote Controller" and application number 200480036083.4.

technical field

The present invention relates to a wearable information display device, such as a head-mounted display or a near-eye display that is placed on the head and used to observe video images, especially an information display device that displays images and the outside world to users, and also relates to an information display device used in such A wireless remote control in an information display unit.

Background technique

In recent years, various glasses-type video image display devices have been proposed in which a video image displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal panel (LCD) is observed as a magnified virtual image through an optical system having eyepieces, half mirrors, and the like. Such an image display device is called a head-mounted display.

In most cases, these video image display devices are formed to be placed on the head in the form of wrapping around the head; these devices include binocular devices and monocular devices, in which the video image display The system is formed at a position corresponding to two eyes, and in a monocular device, a video image display system is formed at a position corresponding to a single eye, ie, a left eye or a right eye. The binocular devices among these two types are mainly used for the purpose of enjoying video images. Monocular devices are expected to be used, for example, as display devices in wearable computers and as display devices for displaying instructions to workers. For example, systems of the types described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-305298 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-111470 are already known.

The present applicant filed an application disclosing a novel head-mount display different from these known head-mount displays as Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-207847. In this invention, the main body part of the head-mounted display placed on the user's head is placed at the back of the head, and the main body part is composed of a rear arm having elasticity so as to clamp the head, left and right earphones connected to the rear arm, And a display arm having a display part connected to the top part is constituted as a main part.

An example of such a head-mounted display is shown in Figure 1-10. Also, as mentioned above, the display shown in Figures 1-10 is a new system and was not known at the priority date of this application; The known display described above. Figure 1-10 shows a person wearing a head-mounted display on their head. The rear arm 22 of the head mounted display 21 is elastic and grips the back of the person's head so that the display itself is fixed to the person's head. A holding portion 23 is connected to the rear arm 22; the holding portion 23 holds the display arm 24 so that the display arm 24 can slide freely. The display section 25 is attached to the top end of the display arm 24 . In addition, the display arm 24 is advanced and retracted by sliding the display arm 24 over the holding portion 23, so that the display portion 25 can be located at the use position or the waiting position. 26 represents earphones; the head mounted display 21 clamps the person's head from both sides through these earphones 26 .

In such a head-mounted display 21 , it is necessary to supply power and signals to an image display device provided in the display section 25 . In addition, in some cases, the display section 25 is equipped with a microphone; in this case, it is also necessary to supply power to the microphone. In a conventionally designed power supply system, as shown in FIGS. 1-10, a method of directly routing power lines and signal lines from the control device 27 to the display section 25 via a wiring cable 28 is adopted.

However, in the case of thus wiring directly from the control device 27 to the display portion 25, this wiring cable 28 may interfere with the user's operation of the device and create a troublesome feeling. The present invention is devised in view of this situation; the object of the present invention is to provide an information display device such as a head-mounted display, wherein the display part of the information display device is wired to the display part of the information display device through the part fixed to the head, so that there is almost no Interference or nuisance in operating the device.

In addition, a user wearing a monocular near-eye display can view the outside world with one eye, and can view a display screen of the near-eye display with the other eye. For example, such a user may watch a movie by connecting the near-eye display to a device such as a DVD player. In most cases, the user's attention is more focused on the movie than on the outside world.

However, in situations where someone suddenly passes in front of the user or an object in front of the user suddenly approaches, or in the event of a change such as a sudden flicker of extinguished lighting in the area around the user or flashing of emergency lights in the area around the user etc., the object on which the user's attention is focused immediately switches from the movie to the outside world. This internal brain switch is useful for immediately sensing external danger.

However, in relatively safe use cases such as indoor use, this internal switching of the brain only disturbs the feeling of immersion in the movie, and thus feels troublesome.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information display device capable of maintaining a user's feeling of being immersed in an experienced image.

In addition, in the monocular near-eye display, since the presentation distance of an image (the distance to the apparent position of the image) is set to a sufficiently long distance, the user can view the outside world or watch an image without straining the eyes too much.

However, the object distance (distance to the object) existing in the outside world is different, and there are cases where the distance is as short as 60 cm. In this case, the eyes watching the outside world are tense, so that there must be a very difficult accommodation for relaxing the eyes watching the image, and the user's eyes are thus tired.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information display device capable of reducing eye fatigue of a user.

4-9 are perspective views of a head-mounted display device.

The head-mounted display device includes a rear arm 710 , a forearm 720 , a video display part 730 , a receiving part 740 , a controller 750 and a remote controller 760 .

The rear arm 710 is arc-shaped and placed at the back of the head.

Earphone portions 715 and 716 are provided on both ends of the rear arm 710, and are placed on the left and right ears (not shown) of the operator. Both ends of the rear arm 710 are pressed against the side of the head by earpiece portions 715 and 716 .

In addition, a receiving portion 740 that supports the bow-shaped front arm 720 so that the front arm 720 can slide freely is connected to one end of the rear arm 710 via a link 741 .

A video display portion 730 disposed in front of the operator's eyes is supported on the top end portion of the forearm 720 .

The controller 750 is connected to the accommodating portion 740 via a cable 750a, and controls the driving of a motor (not shown) etc. that causes extension and retraction of the forearm 720 housed inside the accommodating portion 740 .

The remote controller 760 is connected to the controller 750 via the cable 750b, and transmits signal data to the controller 750 via the cable 750b.

4-10 are perspective views of another head-mounted display device. Here, parts common to the head-mounted display device of FIGS. 4-9 are marked with the same symbols, and descriptions of these parts are omitted.

The difference between this head-mounted display device and the head-mounted display device shown in FIGS. 4-9 is that the controller 751 and the remote controller 761 are wireless.

The remote controller 761 has an emitting portion (not shown in the figure) that emits infrared radiation.

The controller 751 has a receiving part 752 that receives infrared radiation emitted from the remote controller 761 .

In the HMD shown in FIGS. 4-9, since the controller 750 and the remote controller 760 are connected via the cable 750b, the cable 750b must be extended so that the cable does not interfere with the operation of the remote controller 760, which is a troublesome problem.

In the head-mounted display device shown in FIGS. 4-10, since the device is wireless, there is no troublesome problem of routing a cable 750b. However, since the controller 751 is usually placed on the user's belt or the like during use, or accommodated in a pocket or a briefcase, there may be a situation where it is necessary to confirm the position of the controller 751 or the receiving portion 752 in order to transmit signal data from the remote controller 761, Therefore, there is a problem that the device is difficult to use.

The present invention was devised in view of these circumstances; an object of the present invention is to improve the operating characteristics of a remote controller of an information display device such as a head-mounted display.

Contents of the invention

The first invention for achieving this object is an information display device in which a virtual image of the display device is observed using an eyepiece optical system placed on the head, wherein the device has a rear arm placed on the head and a display arm connected to the display part, a housing part housing at least a part of the display arm is provided in the rear arm, and a wire extending to the display part passes through the housing part and the wire connection part provided in the housing part The display arm is connected to the display part.

In the present invention, the wires from the outside first reach the wire connecting portion provided in the receiving portion, which is arranged in the rear arm (the rear arm itself may constitute the receiving portion, or the receiving portion may be connected to the rear arm). The wire connection portion may be the portion through which the wires are simply threaded and secured in place, or may be a connecting device such as a connector.

Then, the wires are passed from the wire connecting portion through the receiving portion and the display arm, and are routed to the display portion. Therefore, since the wire from the outside does not have a change in the connection position due to the extension and retraction of the display arm, and because it is connected to the accommodating portion, the connection position is on the side or rear of the head, so that it is possible to construct almost no An information display device that interferes with human operations and hardly feels troublesome.

A second invention for achieving the object is based on the first invention, wherein a wire holder for holding wires extending from the rear end of the display arm is provided inside the receiving portion, positioned when the display arm is pulled out and the display portion is in use. An intermediate position between the rear end position of the display arm in the state and the rear end position of the display arm when the display arm is housed in the housing portion.

In the present invention, the wire is fixed in place by the wire holder provided at the rear end position of the display arm when the display arm is pulled out and the display portion is in use and displayed when the display arm is housed in the receiving portion. Midway between the back end positions of the arms. Thus, in both display arm positions, the wires from the wire holder to the rear end of the display arm are folded in half so that the wires from the wire connection portion to the wire holder portion can be held in place. Therefore, the degree of extension of the movable portion of the wire is reduced, so that troubles such as tangling of the wire in the receiving portion or breakage of the wire can be reduced.

A third invention for achieving the object is based on the first invention or the second invention, wherein the wire harness is formed in a flat plate-like flexible structure.

There may be cases where the display arm and the housing portion of the display arm have a long flat shape in the vertical direction when placed on the head. Therefore, by forming the lead wire bundle with a flat plate shape, it is possible to facilitate the storage of the display arm and the accommodating portion; and, since the flexible portion can be obtained by forming these portions with a flat plate shape, it is convenient to advance and retract corresponding to the display arm deformation of the action. As an example, a method can be conceived in which a wire bundle is formed in the shape of a flat cable, or a flexible board is built in the form of thin-film wires.

A fourth invention for achieving the object is based on any of the first to third inventions, wherein at least the rear end portion or the front end portion (the connection portion between the display portion and the display arm) of the display arm is in contact with a portion of the wire Chamfering with or forming structures with or without corners.

In the case where the wire is drawn out from the rear end of the display arm, there may be a case where the wire and the rear end of the display arm are in contact with each other and the wire is bent around the rear end. In such a case, if there is a corner in the portion of the display arm that contacts the wire, there is a risk that the wire may be damaged by the portion. Therefore, in the present invention, the portion is chamfered or formed into a shape without corners so as to reduce the possibility of such problems occurring.

Similarly, in the case where the relative positional relationship between the display portion and the display arm changes, there are cases where the same phenomenon may occur at the front end portion of the display arm. Therefore, in these cases, the possibility of this phenomenon can be reduced by chamfering the portion or forming the portion with a structure without corners.

A fifth invention for achieving the object is based on any of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the display portion is connected to the display arm via a spherical bearing in a pivotable manner, and the wire is connected by passing through the spherical surface of the spherical bearing. Go to the display section.

In an information display device, it is desirable to maintain the display portion on top of the display arm so that the display portion can pivot, and the system is designed so that the orientation of the display portion can be changed between the use position and the stowed position. In such a case, if the display part is connected to the display arm by a ball bearing, so that the display part can pivot, and the wire is guided to the display part through the spherical surface of the ball bearing, the wire can be routed from the display arm to the display part without requiring any special connectors.

A sixth invention for achieving the object is an information display device in which a virtual image of the display device is observed using an eyepiece optical system placed on the head, wherein the device has a rear arm placed on the head and a display arm connected to the display part, the storage part for accommodating the display arm is provided in the rear arm, and the wires of the display part are connected from the wire connection part provided in the storage part to the sliding connector provided in the storage part On the first part, wires from the display part pass through the display arm and are connected to the second part of the sliding connector provided in the display arm, and the first and second parts of the sliding connector only work when the display arm is pulled out to Electrically connected only when the display part is in use.

In the present invention, the wire connection between the display arm and the receiving part of the display arm is realized through a sliding connector. Here, the "sliding connector" means a connector having a first part and a second part in which the parts are moved relative to each other so that the first part and the second part are in a prescribed positional relationship at the parts When the parts are in some other positional relationship, the electrical connection between the first part and the second part is broken. Typically, connectors are used in which the contacts are in contact with each other in certain positions, but are separated from each other in most positions. However, connectors in which the electrical connection relies on electromagnetic induction coupling rather than mechanical contact may also be used.

In the present invention, a sliding connector is used and the system is designed such that the first and second parts of the sliding connector are electrically connected only when the display arm is pulled out to the use position of the display part. Therefore, wires between the accommodation portion and the display arm can be eliminated, so that tangling of the wires accompanying movement of the display arm and breakage of the wires due to fatigue due to long-term use can be prevented.

A seventh invention for achieving the object is based on the sixth invention, wherein a part of the wire extending from the wire connection portion to the first portion of the sliding connector is branched and connected to the first portion of another sliding connector, and the other sliding connection The first part of the connector is electrically connected to the second part of the sliding connector provided in the display arm in a state where the display arm is accommodated in the accommodating part.

In a general information display device, it is sufficient if the device operates at the use position; there is no need to supply power or signals to the display portion at the storage position. However, the information display device includes a device that accommodates a microphone and the like in a display portion. There may be examples in this situation where only the operation of this microphone etc. is desired even in a containment position. The present invention is effective in this case, and is designed so that the first part of the separated sliding connector and the second part of the sliding connector provided on the display arm are electrically connected in a state where the display arm is accommodated in the receiving part. , so that the desired function can be exhibited even when the display part is in the containment position.

The eighth invention for achieving the object is based on the sixth invention or the seventh invention, wherein the system is designed such that when the first and second parts of the sliding connector are electrically connected, the ground wire is first connected, and then the common power wire is connected, and then Connect the signal lines.

In the present invention, the system is designed so that when the first and second parts of the sliding connector are electrically connected, the signal line is connected after first connecting the ground line and the common power line. Therefore, the risk of damage due to excessive application of an abnormal load to the circuit during this connection can be prevented.

The ninth invention for achieving the object is based on any of the sixth to eighth inventions, wherein the display part is connected to the display arm through a spherical bearing so that the display part can pivot, and the wire is connected by passing through the spherical surface of the spherical bearing. Go to the display section.

The present invention exhibits the same operational effects as the fifth invention.

A tenth invention for achieving the object is an information display device including an optical system for displaying an image composed of character information or image information, and for placing the optical system on the user so that the user The user's two eyes present the placement device of the external environment and images, wherein the information display device also includes a detection device for detecting changes in external conditions.

In addition, the term "changes in external conditions" as used herein especially refers to changes that affect (within the external environment as a whole) images in areas contained in the user's field of view. For example, such "changes in external conditions" include: the movement of objects in the field of view in the up-down direction, left-right direction, and approach-backward direction; the movement of objects entering the field of view from outside the field of view; Changes in the brightness of objects; changes in the size of objects in the field of view, etc.

An eleventh invention for achieving the object is based on the tenth invention, wherein the setting means sets the optical system on the user so that only one eye of the user is presented with an image.

A twelfth invention for achieving the object is based on the ninth or tenth invention, wherein the detection means detects a change in brightness of at least a part of an area contained in the field of view of the user in the outside world as the above-mentioned situation change.

A thirteenth invention for achieving the object is based on any of the tenth to twelfth inventions, wherein the detecting means detects a change in brightness distribution of at least a part of an area contained in the field of view of the user in the outside world as the above-mentioned situation change.

A fourteenth invention for achieving the object is based on any of the tenth to thirteenth inventions, wherein a control section is provided which enables changing the relative emphasis of the image with respect to the outside world, and when the rate of change of the situation is included in Within the specified range, the control section increases the intensity of the image.

A fifteenth invention for achieving the object is based on the fourteenth invention, wherein the prescribed range is a range that can be recognized by the user's brain.

A sixteenth invention for achieving the object is based on the fourteenth or fifteenth invention, wherein the control section increases the degree of emphasis of the image by increasing the brightness of the image.

A seventeenth invention for achieving the object is based on any of the fourteenth to sixteenth inventions, wherein the control section increases the degree of emphasis of the image by emphasizing the contrast of the image.

An eighteenth invention for achieving the object is based on any of the fourteenth to seventeenth inventions, wherein the control section increases the degree of emphasis of the image by emphasizing the outline of the image.

The nineteenth invention for achieving the object is based on any of the fourteenth to eighteenth inventions, wherein the control section increases the enhancement of the image by weakening the intensity of light from the outside world incident on the eyes of the user from the outside world. Spend.

The twentieth invention for achieving the object is based on any of the fourteenth to nineteenth inventions, wherein the control section is capable of changing the reinforcement in a mode according to the rate of change of the situation and not changing the reinforcement regardless of the rate of change of the situation. to switch between modes.

A twenty-first invention for achieving the object is an information display device comprising an optical system for displaying an image composed of character information or image information, for placing the optical system on the user so that the user arranging means for presenting the outside world and images to the user's two eyes, and changing means for changing the presentation distance of the images, wherein the changing means includes presentation distance setting means for allowing the user to set Present distance.

The twenty-second invention for achieving the object is based on the twenty-first invention, wherein the setting means sets the optical system on the user so that only one eye of the user is presented with an image.

A twenty-third invention for achieving the object is an information display device comprising an optical system for displaying an image composed of character information or image information, for placing the optical system on the user so that An arrangement device for presenting the outside world and an image to the user's two eyes, and a changing device for changing the presentation distance of the image, wherein the information display device further includes a device for obtaining a visual distance from the eye viewing the outside world among the user's two eyes Sensor means for changing the relevant information, and control means for actuating the changing means based on the output of the sensor means so that the presentation distance of the image is adapted to the viewing distance.

In addition, the "visible distance" refers to the distance from the eye to the focus position. In addition, "a sensor for monitoring a viewing distance" is included in a "sensor device for acquiring information related to a change in a viewing distance".

The twenty-fourth invention for achieving the object is based on the twenty-third invention, wherein the setting means sets the optical system on the user so as to present an image to only one eye of the user.

A twenty-fifth invention for achieving the object is based on the twenty-third or twenty-fourth invention, wherein the sensor means is a sensor that detects a change in distance of an object existing in the outside world.

A twenty-sixth invention for achieving the object is based on the twenty-fifth invention, wherein the sensor means is a sensor that detects a change in the distance of an object existing near the center of the field of view of the eye viewing the outside world.

A twenty-seventh invention for achieving the object is based on any of the twenty-third to twenty-sixth inventions, wherein the control means corrects the driving amount of the changing means based on previously obtained characteristic information on the user.

A twenty-eighth invention for achieving the object is based on the twenty-seventh invention, wherein the feature information includes information on a positional relationship between eyes viewing an image and an optical system among both eyes of the user.

The twenty-ninth invention for achieving the object is based on the twenty-seventh or twenty-eighth invention, wherein the feature information includes information on the refractive power of the eye viewing the image among both eyes of the user.

The thirtieth invention for achieving the object is based on any of the twenty-seventh to twenty-ninth inventions, wherein the eyes for viewing the outside world and the eyes for viewing images are different eyes, and the characteristic information includes Information about the difference in diopters between them.

A thirty-first invention for achieving the object is based on any one of the twenty-seventh to thirtieth inventions, wherein the information display means includes acquisition means for acquiring characteristic information from a user.

The thirty-second invention for achieving the object is based on any one of the twenty-third to thirty-first inventions, wherein the information display device further includes eyes and an optical system for detecting viewing images in both eyes of the user The positional relationship between the change sensor, and the control device corrects the driving amount of the change device based on the output of the sensor.

A thirty-third invention for achieving the object is based on any one of the twenty-first to thirty-second inventions, wherein the information display means includes means for displaying information on a presentation distance of an image.

The thirty-fourth invention for achieving the object is based on the thirty-third invention, wherein the device is also used by an optical system.

A thirty-fifth invention for achieving the object is an information display device comprising a mounting device mounted on the head, a display device for displaying an image, supported by the mounting device and configured to display the The device is provided on the support device in front of the eyes, and the receiving part provided on the placement device and accommodates the support device, wherein the information display device further includes a light receiving device for receiving light incident on the display device as a control signal.

The thirty-sixth invention for achieving the object is based on the thirty-fifth invention, wherein the light receiving means is positioned on a surface of the display means opposite to the display surface.

The thirty-seventh invention for achieving the object is based on the thirty-fifth invention, wherein the information display device includes a mounting device to be mounted on the head, a support supported by the mounting device and for positioning the display device in front of the eyes A device, and a housing portion disposed on the placement device and housing the supporting device, wherein the light receiving device is positioned on the display device side of the housing portion.

The thirty-eighth invention for achieving the object is based on the thirty-sixth or thirty-seventh invention, wherein the light receiving means is inclined downward with respect to the visual axis.

The thirty-ninth invention for achieving the object is based on the thirty-eighth invention, wherein the light receiving means is located at a nose-shifted position with respect to the visual axis.

The fortieth invention for achieving the object is based on the thirty-sixth or thirty-seventh invention, wherein the light receiving means are located at symmetrical positions in the vertical direction.

The forty-first invention for achieving the object is a wireless remote controller having operation buttons provided on the remote controller case and a light emitting device provided inside the remote controller case, and the light emitting device is provided on the The light receiving device in the head mounted display device emits light as a control signal, wherein the light emitting device is arranged to face the operator when the operator manipulates the operation button.

The forty-second invention for achieving the object is based on the forty-first invention, wherein the light emitting means is provided on a side surface of the remote controller case.

The forty-third invention for achieving the object is based on the forty-first invention, wherein the light emitting means is provided on a surface of the remote controller case on which the operation buttons are provided.

The forty-fourth invention for achieving the object is based on the forty-third invention, wherein the light from the light emitting device is emitted at an acute angle with respect to the surface on which the operation button is provided.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1-1 is a schematic diagram showing the outline of a head-mounted display constituting Working Mode 1-1 of the present invention.

Fig. 1-2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the display arm is accommodated in the accommodating portion in working configuration 1-1 of the present invention.

Figure 1-3 is an enlarged view of part B in Figure 1-2.

Figure 1-4 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in Figure 1-1.

1-5 are diagrams showing outlines of head-mounted displays constituting Working Mode 1-2 of the present invention.

1-6 are diagrams showing structural examples of a slide connector.

Fig. 1-7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the display arm is housed in the housing part in the working configuration 1-2 of the present invention.

1-8 are diagrams showing outlines of head-mounted displays constituting working modes 1-3 of the present invention.

1-9 are schematic diagrams showing the state in which the display arm is accommodated in the accommodation portion in the working configuration 1-3 of the present invention.

1-10 are diagrams showing the outline of the head-mounted display.

Fig. 2-1 is a general view of a near-eye display constituting Working Solution 2-1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2-2 is a block diagram of the display section 116 and the controller 114 of the working configuration 2-1.

2-3 are diagrams showing examples of contrast enhancement.

2-4 is a block diagram of the image sensor 117 and the detection circuit 118 in the working scheme 2-1.

2-5 are diagrams illustrating the operation of a near-eye display.

2-6 are diagrams showing an example of the brightness shift method and an example of the edge enhancement method.

Fig. 2-7 is a general view of the near-eye display of working scheme 2-2.

2-8 are block diagrams of the display portion 116, the controller 114' and the ambient light adjustment mechanism 120 of the working configuration 2-2.

Fig. 3-1 is an external view of the near-eye display of working scheme 3-1.

FIG. 3-2 is a schematic diagram showing a distance measurement target area E of the distance measurement sensor 217 .

FIG. 3-3 is a block diagram of the display portion 216 and the controller 214 of the working configuration 3-1.

Fig. 3-4 is a flow chart of the operation of the near-eye display of working scheme 3-1.

Fig. 3-5 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the near-eye display, the reference object O', the object O and the virtual image I' of the working scheme 3-1.

Fig. 3-6 is a schematic diagram showing an improved example of the near-eye display of working configuration 3-1.

Fig. 3-7 is a schematic diagram showing an improved example of the near-eye display of working configuration 3-1 or working configuration 3-2.

3-8 is a block diagram of the display portion 16' and the controller 14' of the working configuration 3-2.

Fig. 3-9 is a flow chart of the operation of the near-eye display of working scheme 3-2.

Fig. 3-10 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship among the near-eye display, the object O and the virtual image I' of the working scheme 3-2.

Fig. 4-1 is a perspective view of a head-mounted display device according to working solution 4-1 of the present invention.

Fig. 4-2(a) is a plan view of the head-mounted display device of working solution 4-1 of the present invention.

Fig. 4-2(b) is a schematic diagram of the head-mounted display device.

Fig. 4-3 is a block diagram of the forearm, the video image display part and the containment part.

Fig. 4-4(a) is a plan view of the head-mounted display device of working solution 4-2 of the present invention.

FIG. 4-4(b) is a schematic diagram of the head-mounted display device.

Fig. 4-5(a) is a plan view of the head-mounted display device of working solution 4-3 of the present invention.

4-5(b) is a schematic diagram of the head-mounted display device.

Fig. 4-6(a) is a front view of the wireless remote controller of working solution 4-4 of the present invention.

Figure 4-6(b) is a side view of the wireless remote controller.

Fig. 4-7(a) is a front view of the wireless remote controller of working solution 4-5 of the present invention.

Figure 4-7(b) is a side view of the wireless remote controller.

Fig. 4-8(a) is a front view showing a state where the wireless remote controller is engaged in the controller.

Fig. 4-8(b) is a conceptual diagram showing the cross-sectional view of Fig. 4-8(a).

4-9 are perspective views of a head-mounted display device.

4-10 are perspective views of another head-mounted display device.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The working scheme of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1-1 is a schematic diagram showing the outline of a head-mounted display constituting Working Mode 1-1 of the present invention. The diagram is a sectional view showing only main components. Also, this cross-sectional view only shows the left half to which the display arm is attached.

The head-mounted display 1 includes the following components as main components: a rear arm 2; a housing portion 3 connected to the rear arm 2; a display arm 4 held such that the display arm can be accommodated in the housing portion 3; a display section 5 attached to the top end of the display arm 4 so that the display section 5 can pivot; and earphones 6 provided on both ends of the rear arm 2 . The rear arm 2 and one of the earpieces 6 are also arranged on the right side.

An image display device 7 is provided in the display section 5, and the system is designed such that an image displayed on the image display device 7 is reflected by a mirror 8, then enlarged by an eyepiece optical system (lens) 9 and projected onto the user's retina . The display section 5 is connected to the display arm 4 through a ball joint 10 and is thus held such that it can freely pivot on the top end portion of the display arm 4 . The display arm 4 is held in the housing portion 3 by four rollers 11 and is designed so that the display arm 4 can be stored inside the housing portion 3 or pulled out of the housing portion 3 . FIG. 1-1 shows a situation where the display arm 4 is pulled out of the receiving part 3 and the display part 5 is in use.

The flat cable 12 that supplies power and signals to the image display device 7 is introduced into the housing portion 3 through the wire connecting portion 13 and is fixed to the housing portion 3 through the wire connecting portion 13 . Inside the housing part 3, the middle part of the flat cable 12 is held in place by the wire holder 14. Then, the flat cable 12 enters the display arm 4 from the rear end portion of the display arm 4 , passes through the ball connector 10 , and is guided to the image display device 7 inside the display portion 5 .

1-2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the display arm 4 is accommodated inside the housing portion 3 . In the following drawings, the same constituent elements as those in the previous drawings appearing in the part showing the preferred mode of operation for making the present invention work will be marked with the same symbols, and the description of these constituent elements will be omitted. describe.

In FIGS. 1-2 , the display portion 5 is pivoted such that it faces in substantially the same direction as the extension direction of the top end portion of the display arm 4 and thus prevents the display portion 5 from contacting the user's head. In addition, since the display arm 4 is introduced toward the rear, the flat cable 12 extending from the rear end portion is arranged in a loop, wherein the flat cable 12 temporarily returns to the wire holder 14 and then is oriented toward the wire connection portion 13 . The flat cable 12 has a flat sheet shape exhibiting a length in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing; therefore, in the case where the cable is folded as shown in the drawing, the cable has flexibility and can be moved without applying excessive force. case folded.

In addition, since the flat cable 12 extending from the wire connection portion 13 to the wire holder 14 can be fixed in place, the length of movement of the flat cable 12 inside the accommodation portion 3 can be shortened so that problems such as tangling of the wires can be reduced. Trouble.

Figure 1-3 is an enlarged view of part B in Figure 1-2. As shown in this figure, the flat cable 12 is pulled out from the rear end of the display arm 4 . Here, as shown in the drawing, the rear end portion 4a that contacts the flat cable 12 when the flat cable 12 is folded in half is formed in an arc shape without a corner. Therefore, there is little possibility of damage due to local force applied to the flat cable 12 .

Figure 1-4 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in Figure 1-1. The outer part 5a of the display part 5 has a structure divided into two parts, and the spherical bearing part 5b is provided in the central part. Meanwhile, the spherical connector 10 is fixed to the outer side of the display arm 4, and is inserted into the spherical bearing portion 5b to form a spherical bearing structure. The flat cable 12 passes through the hollow portion of the display arm 4 .

In working configuration 1-1, as described above, the cable from the outside enters the accommodating portion 3 from the wire connection portion 13 on the rear of the head, passes through the accommodating portion 3 and the display arm 4, and reaches the display portion 5. Therefore, the cables from the outside do not interfere with the user's work, and do not give the user any sense of annoyance. In the working scheme shown in FIG. 1-1 , the wire connection part 13 only plays the role of fixing the flat cable 12 . However, it is also possible to use a connector as the wire connection portion 13 and enable the removal of the external cable from the housing portion 3 .

1-5 are diagrams showing outlines of head-mounted displays constituting Working Mode 1-2 of the present invention. The method shown in this figure is the same as that shown in Figure 1-1. In this working scheme 1-2, a slide connector 15 composed of a first contact portion 15a and a second contact portion 15b is provided; the first contact portion 15a is disposed inside the housing portion 3, and the second contact portion 15b is connected to the display Near the rear end of the arm 4. The flat cable 12a passing through the wire connection portion 13 and entering the accommodation portion 3 is routed up to the first contact portion 15a. And the flat cable 12b wired to the image display device 7 is connected to the second contact portion 15b.

An example of the structure of the slide connector 15 is shown in FIGS. 1-6. As shown in Fig. 1-6 (a), the plate spring-like elastic conductor 15c of the same number as the number of wires is arranged on the first contact portion 15a in the direction perpendicular to the page plane in the figure, and the number of plate springs 15c equal to the number of wires The shape conductor 15d is similarly provided on the second contact portion 15b. In addition, the respective wires from the flat cable 12a are connected to the plate spring-shaped elastic conductor 15c, and the respective wires from the flat cable 12b are connected to the plate-shaped conductor 15d.

As shown, when the first contact portion 15a and the second contact portion 15b face each other, the plate-shaped conductor 15d pushes down the plate-spring-shaped elastic conductor 15c against the elastic force of the plate-spring-shaped elastic conductor 15c, so that the plate-spring-shaped elastic conductor 15c is elastically The conductor 15c and the plate-shaped conductor 15d are in contact with each other and establish electrical continuity. This state is the state shown in Figure 1-5. When the display arm 4 moves from the state shown in FIGS. 1-5 so that the display arm 4 is accommodated inside the housing portion 3, the state shown in FIGS. 1-7 is caused, and the second contact portion 15b moves to the state shown in FIGS. 1-6 ( a) on the left side, so that the contact between the plate spring-shaped elastic conductor 15c and the plate-shaped conductor 15d is eliminated, and the electrical continuity is broken.

In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1-5 , substantially all of the display arm 4 is housed inside the housing portion 3 . However, this is not absolutely necessary; the receiving portion 3 can also have a length approximately equal to half of the head side, and can be designed so that the receiving portion 3 only accommodates a part of the display arm 4 when the display arm 4 is retracted.

Fig. 1-6(b) shows the second contact portion 15b when viewed from below in Fig. 1-6(a). This is just an example. As shown in the figure, plate-like conductors 15d for ground, common power supply, and individual signals are installed. Among these conductors, the plate-shaped conductor 15d corresponding to the ground is the longest, the plate-shaped conductor 15d corresponding to the common power supply is the second longest, and the plate-shaped conductor 15d corresponding to each signal is shorter than the upper two conductors. Therefore, when the display arm 4 is pulled out of the accommodating portion 3, the wire corresponding to the ground is first connected; then the wire corresponding to the common power supply is connected, and then the wires corresponding to the respective signals are connected. When the display arm 4 is inserted into the housing portion 3, the connection of the wires is disconnected in reverse order. Therefore, the power supply can be safely connected to or disconnected from the circuits in the display section 5 .

1-8 are diagrams showing outlines of head-mounted displays constituting working modes 1-3 of the present invention. The illustrated method is the same as in Figures 1-5. This working scheme is substantially the same as working scheme 1-2 shown in FIGS. 1-5 , but the difference is that the separate first contact portion 16a of the sliding connector is arranged on the rear portion of the receiving portion 3 . The flat cable 12a passing through the wire connecting portion 13 and entering the housing portion 3 is divided into two parts; one part is connected to the first contact part 15a, and the other part is connected to the separated first contact part 16a. When the display portion 5 is in the use position as shown in FIGS. 1-8, the first contact portion 15a and the second contact portion 15b are in contact with each other. However, in a state where the display arm 4 is housed in the housing portion 3 as shown in FIGS. 1-9 , the separated first contact portion 16 a and second contact portion 15 b contact each other.

Here, for devices that can be used even in the state shown in FIGS. Wires of devices used in the displayed state, such as signal wires for image displays, are connected only to the separated first contact portion 16a. By doing this, it is possible to put necessary devices such as a microphone in an operational state even when the system is in a standby state during non-use as shown in FIGS. 1-9.

In the working configuration 1-2 and the working configuration 1-3 described above, unlike the working configuration 1-1, the wire does not move inside the housing portion 3 . It is therefore possible to avoid troubles associated with movement of the wires, ie, troubles such as entanglement of the wires, breakage of the wires due to fatigue. Additionally, in the above examples, electrical continuity is established through mechanical contact. However, mechanical contact can be eliminated if electrical continuity is obtained by electromagnetic coupling that makes the coils face each other, with little power consumption required. Therefore, the service life can be extended.

The working scheme 2-1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-5 and 2-6. This working scheme is that of a near-eye display.

First, the general configuration of the near-eye display will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2-1 , earphones 111R and 111L, a rear arm 112 , a forearm 113 , a controller 114 , a display section (corresponding to an optical system in claims) 116 and the like are provided in the near-eye display.

The rear arm 112 and the forearm 113 are respectively arc-shaped, and these arc shapes have a curvature radius slightly larger than that of the user U's head.

Earphones 111R and 111L are attached to both ends of the rear arm 112, respectively. A mount 111R' for mounting on the right ear of the user U is connected to the earphone 111R, and a mount 111L' for mounting on the left ear of the user U is connected to the earphone 111L (these correspond to mounting means in the claims).

The display portion 116 is connected to one end of the forearm 113 . The other end of the front arm 113 is connected to one end of the rear arm 112 via a controller 114 .

The controller 114 is provided at a certain point on the entire arm composed of the forearm 113 and the rear arm 112 (in FIG. 2-1 , the controller 114 is provided at the connecting portion between the forearm 113 and the rear arm 112).

When the earphones 111R and 111L are respectively placed on the right ear and the left ear of the user U through the mounts 111R' and 111L', the display portion 116 is positioned in front of one eye EL (the left eye in FIG. 2-1 ) of the user U. .

This eye EL is an eye for viewing images, and the other eye ER is an eye for viewing the outside world. The former eye is referred to below as the "observing eye" and the latter as the "non-observing eye".

By the way, an adjustment mechanism consisting of a telescoping mechanism, a rotating mechanism, etc. (not shown in the drawings) is provided at a certain point on the entire arm composed of the rear arm 112 and the forearm 113, so that in this state the observation eye EL Only retract the display part 116 from the front, or adjust the position or angle of the display part 116. Incidentally, the connection portion between the rear arm 112 and the front arm 113 (where the controller 114 is mounted) has a telescoping mechanism so that the gap between the observation eye EL and the display portion 116 can be adjusted.

In addition, in the near-eye display of this working configuration, an image sensor (compact camera) 117 is provided in the display portion 116 (this image sensor corresponds to the detection means in the claims).

The resolution, frame rate, and the like of the image sensor 117 are equivalent to those of an observation camera for detecting moving objects, and the like.

The object detection range of the image sensor 117 is substantially the same as the external range that the user U can see in the image observation state (hereinafter simply referred to as "field of view"). Therefore, the output of the image sensor 117 represents an image of the outside world that the user U can view (hereinafter, this image is referred to as a “view field image”).

Next, the internal configurations of the display section 116 and the controller 114 of the present working configuration will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2-2, the lens 116a and the display element 116b are arranged inside the display portion 116 in this order from the viewing eye EL side. The display screen I of the display element 116b faces the viewing eye EL.

The lens 117a and the image pickup element 117b are disposed inside the image sensor 117 of the display portion 116 in this order from the outside side.

A CPU (corresponding to the control means in the claims) 114a, an image processing circuit 114c, an external interface circuit 114d and a detection circuit (corresponding to the detection means in the claims) 118 are provided inside the controller 114.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4 (described later), the differential circuit 118 a , the evaluation value extraction circuit 118 b and the threshold value circuit 118 c are arranged inside the detection circuit 118 .

In addition, the display portion 116 and the controller 114 are electrically connected through a connection line not shown in the figure.

Next, the basic operation of the near-eye display of this working scheme will be described.

Video signals from an external device such as a DVD player are sequentially input into the controller 114 . These video signals are successively input into the display element 116b inside the display section 116 via the external interface circuit 114d inside the controller 114 and the image processing circuit 114c. As a result, video images are displayed on the display screen 1 of the display element 116b (these images are hereinafter referred to as "display images").

The image processing circuit 114c performs halftone conversion processing, two-dimensional image processing, and the like on successively input video signals, and thus converts the video signals into a state suitable for the display element 116b.

The image processing circuit 114c in this working configuration is also capable of performing contrast enhancement (brightness range expansion) processing on successively input video signals.

As a result of this processing, the relative emphasis of the displayed image with respect to the outside world can be improved.

This contrast enhancement is performed in accordance with instructions from the CPU 114a.

Incidentally, contrast enhancement corresponds to a change in the halftone conversion characteristic of the image processing circuit 114c, as shown in FIGS. 2-3(a) to 2-3(b). (Also, the changes shown in Figures 2-3 only apply contrast enhancement to the middle brightness range; but the effect obtained is roughly the same as when contrast enhancement is applied to the entire brightness range).

The light beam emitted from the display screen I passes through the lens 116a, and is incident on the viewing eye EL of the user U. The lens 116a makes the beam emitted from the display screen 1 close to a beam of parallel rays. Accordingly, a virtual image I' of the display screen I appears at a position further away from the viewing eye EL than the actual position of the display screen I.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 2-4 , the light beam incident on the image sensor 117 from the outside passes through the lens 117a and is focused on the image pickup element 117b to become an image.

The image pickup element 117b performs image pickup at a prescribed frame rate, thereby repeatedly obtaining frame data representing images of the field of view and successively outputting the data.

Therefore, periodic changes in luminance distribution within the field of view that occur at a rate higher than the frame rate (eg, changes that cannot be recognized by the brain of the user U, such as flickering of fluorescent lights) are not reflected in the frame data.

The frame data is input to a differential circuit 118 a within the detection circuit 118 . The differential circuit 118a takes the difference (see FIG. 2-4(b)) of adjacent frame data (see FIG. 2-4(a)). This differential data is input to the evaluation value extraction circuit 118b.

The evaluation value extraction circuit 118b determines the integral value of the absolute value of the differential data (the area of the shaded portion in FIG. 2-4(b)), and takes the integral value as an evaluation value (see FIG. 2-4(c)).

This evaluation value corresponds to the amount of change in the luminance distribution of the field image within one frame period (ie, the rate of change of the luminance distribution based on the frame rate).

This evaluation value is input into the threshold circuit 118c. The threshold circuit compares the evaluation value with a predetermined threshold and generates a detection signal only if the evaluation value exceeds the threshold (see Figure 2-4(d)).

Therefore, such a detection signal is generated only when the change rate of the luminance distribution of the field image is equal to or greater than a given value.

In addition, the threshold value of the threshold value circuit 118c is set at an appropriate value according to the experimental results obtained in advance, so that: when the change rate of the brightness distribution of the field of view image is so gentle that the brain of the user U cannot recognize the change (for example, when the field of view image Indicates a calm sky, etc.), no detection signal is generated.

The detection signal thus generated by the detection circuit 118 is sent to the CPU 114a. The CPU 114a controls the respective sections based on the detection signal.

Next, the flow of the operation of the near-eye display of this working solution will be described. In addition, the flow of this operation is controlled by the CPU 114a.

The user U uses the near-eye display at his desired place. In this case, video images (display images) from the external device are displayed on the display screen 1 (see FIG. 2-2). The attention of the user U is focused on these displayed images.

In a near-eye display, the image sensor 117 and the detection circuit 118 operate continuously so that a detection signal is generated only when the change rate of the luminance distribution of the field of view image is equal to or greater than a given value (see FIGS. 2-4 ). When the detection signal is generated, the image processing circuit 114c immediately starts the contrast enhancement process (see FIGS. 2-3 ). This contrast enhancement process continues for a specified period of time.

A series of processing operations from the operation of the image sensor 117 and the detection circuit 118 to contrast enhancement is continuously repeated.

Next, the effect of the near-eye display of the present working scheme will be described.

In this near-eye display, when the user U's attention is focused on the displayed image, if, for example, the position or size of the object O existing in the field of view as shown in Figure 2-5(a) is within a given speed range Change, for example, as shown in Figure 2-5(b), the contrast of the displayed image is increased, so that the displayed image is strengthened. Similarly, the contrast of the displayed image is also increased so that the displayed image is emphasized even in the case where the brightness of the object O existing within the field of view varies within a given speed range.

Therefore, this near-eye display draws the user U's attention to the displayed image when the situation in the field of view starts to change, thereby preventing switching inside the user's U brain so that the user U's feeling of being immersed in the displayed image can be maintained.

In addition, high-speed periodic changes that cannot be recognized by the brain of the user U such as flickering of fluorescent lamps are not reflected in the frame data. Also, low-speed changes such as changes in a calm sky that are hardly recognized by the brain of the user U do not generate any detection signal. Therefore, the frequency of the above-mentioned contrast enhancement process can be kept to a required minimum.

other

Also, the time period of contrast enhancement is set as a "prescribed time period"; the reason for this is that once a change in external conditions occurs, there is a high possibility that the change will occur repeatedly afterwards.

Furthermore, if the degree of contrast enhancement changes suddenly, there is a possibility that the user U will experience an uncomfortable feeling. Thus, the system can be designed such that, for example, the degree of enhancement tapers off when the contrast enhancement period ends. Furthermore, the system can also be designed so that the degree of emphasis becomes progressively stronger at the beginning of the contrast enhancement period.

In addition, it is also possible to perform control exhibiting a flexible response to changes in external conditions, such as extending the time period of contrast enhancement when the frequency of occurrence of detection signals is high.

In addition, in this working configuration, the contrast enhancement of the video signal is performed to enhance the display image; however, a luminance shift (shift to the high luminance side) may be performed instead of the contrast enhancement.

Incidentally, this luminance shift corresponds to a change in the halftone conversion characteristic of the image processing circuit 114c, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2-6(a). (Additionally, the changes shown in Fig. 2-6(a) result in a brightness shift of only the relatively lower brightness range; but the effect obtained is approximately the same as that obtained when the whole brightness range is subjected to the brightness shift).

Furthermore, contour enhancement may be performed instead of contrast enhancement. This contour enhancement corresponds to, for example, a change in the brightness distribution of the displayed image as shown in Fig. 2-6(b).

In addition, in addition to the method of converting the video signal, other methods such as adjusting the intensity of the illumination light of the display element 116b may also be used as a method of changing the brightness of the displayed image.

Similarly, in addition to the method of converting the video signal, other methods such as adjusting the driving voltage of the display element 116b can also be used as a method of changing the contrast of the displayed image.

Furthermore, two or more methods of contrast enhancement, luminance shift, and outline enhancement may be used in combination as a method of emphasizing a displayed image.

The working scheme 2-2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2-7 and 2-8.

This working scheme is the working scheme of the near-eye display. Here, only the differences from Work Plan 2-1 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 2-7 , the first difference is that an external light adjustment mechanism 120 is provided. This ambient light adjustment mechanism 120 performs an operation instead of the contrast adjustment in the working configuration 2-1. (Therefore, there is no need to perform contrast adjustment on the image processing circuit 114c' of this working solution).

The external light adjusting mechanism 120 is composed of a light reducing plate 120a, a forearm 113', a rotating mechanism 120b and the like.

The light reducing plate 120a is attached to one end of the forearm 113'. A forearm 113' is connected to the rear arm 112 symmetrically to the forearm 113.

When the earphones 111R and 111L are respectively placed on the right and left ears of the user U through the mounts 111R' and 111L', the light reduction plate 120a is positioned in front of the non-observing eye ER of the user U.

The rotating mechanism 120 can move the light reducing plate 120a in the direction indicated by the arrow D in FIGS. 2-7 through the forearm 113'.

The light reducing plate 120a is disposed in front of the non-observation eye ER, or withdrawn from the front of the non-observation eye ER.

The light reduction plate 120a provided in front of the non-observing eye ER cuts off a part of the light quantity of the light beam incident on the non-observing eye ER from the outside world, and thus suppresses the brightness of the outside world viewed from the non-observing eye ER. The transmittance of the light-reducing plate 120a is equivalent to that of ordinary sunglasses and the like.

Therefore, when the rotating mechanism 120b is driven so that the light-reducing plate 120a is arranged in front of the non-observing eye ER, the relative intensity of the displayed image (image appearing on the display screen 1) relative to the outside world is improved, and, when viewed from the non-observing eye ER When the front of the light-reducing plate 120a is withdrawn, the relative intensity of the displayed image returns to the original intensity.

A motor M driving the rotating mechanism 120b is installed inside the rotating mechanism 120b, as shown in FIGS. 2-8, and the motor M operates according to instructions from the CPU 114a' inside the controller 114'.

Therefore, the degree of emphasis of the displayed image can be controlled by the CPU 114a'.

Next, the flow of the operation of the near-eye display of this working solution will be described. In addition, the flow of this operation is controlled by the CPU 114a'.

The user U uses the near-eye display at his desired place. In this case, video images (display images) from the external device are displayed on the display screen 1 (see FIGS. 2-8). The attention of the user U is focused on these displayed images. In this case, the rotation mechanism 120b causes the light reduction plate 120a to withdraw from the front of the non-observing eye ER.

In a near-eye display, the image sensor 117 and the detection circuit 118 operate continuously so that a detection signal is generated only when the change rate of the luminance distribution of the field of view image is equal to or greater than a given value (see FIGS. 2-4 ). When the detection signal is generated, the rotating mechanism 120b immediately disposes the light-reducing plate 120a in front of the non-observing eye ER. After a specified period of time has elapsed, the rotating mechanism 120b then makes the light-reducing plate 120a withdraw from the front of the non-observing eye ER.

This series of processing operations from the operations of the image sensor 117 and the detection circuit 118 to the movement of the light reduction plate 120a is continuously repeated.

In addition, the movement of the light-reducing plate 120a (positioning the light-reducing plate 120a in front of the non-observing eye ER) is performed only when the frequency of occurrence of the detection signal is equal to or greater than a given frequency.

Next, the effect of the near-eye display of the present working scheme will be described.

In this near-eye display, when the user U's attention is focused on the displayed image, if, for example, the position or size of the object O existing in the field of view as shown in Figure 2-5(a) is within a given speed range If it changes, the apparent brightness of the outside world will be reduced, so that the displayed image will be relatively enhanced. Similarly, even if the brightness of the object O existing in the field of view changes within a given speed range, the apparent brightness of the outside world is reduced so that the displayed image is relatively enhanced.

Therefore, like the near-eye display of working scheme 2-1, this near-eye display draws the user U's attention to the displayed image when the situation in the field of view starts to change, thereby preventing switching inside the user U's brain so that the user U can be kept immersed in the display. feel in the image.

In addition, high-speed periodic changes that cannot be recognized by the brain of the user U such as flickering of fluorescent lamps are not reflected in the frame data. Also, low-speed changes such as changes in a calm sky that are hardly recognized by the brain of the user U do not generate any detection signal. Therefore, the moving frequency of the light-reducing plate 120a can be kept at a required minimum.

other

In addition, in this working solution, the light-reducing plate 120a is used in order to suppress the brightness of the outside world; however, a light-shielding plate may also be used.

In addition, in this working scheme, a movable part (light reducing plate 120a), a mechanism for driving the part (rotating mechanism 120b), etc. are used in order to change the brightness of the outside world; however, a light reducing plate with variable transmittance may also be used. Optical elements (liquid crystal elements, etc.).

other

In addition, it is also possible to install a sensor (acceleration sensor, etc.) that detects the movement of the user U itself (movement when the neck moves intentionally, etc.) In the case where the change in the luminance distribution that occurs is caused only by the movement of the user U itself, enhancement of the displayed image is prohibited regardless of the presence or absence of the detection signal. If this is done, the frequency of reinforcement can be further reduced.

In addition, the position where the image sensor 117 is installed in the near-eye display of each of the above-mentioned working schemes is the display part 116; however, this position can also be some other places, such as the earphone 111R or 111L, as long as the position can cover the range as the detection target within the field of view.

In addition, in each of the above working schemes, the image sensor 117 for detecting the brightness distribution of the field of view is used so as to detect the change of the state of the field of view. However, in order to simplify the processing in the detection circuit 118, the image sensor 117 may also be replaced by a brightness sensor that only detects the average brightness of the field of view.

Alternatively, a distance measuring sensor that detects a change in the distance of an object O present in the field of view may also be used in order to detect a change in the field of view condition.

In addition, the near-eye display of each of the above-mentioned working schemes can also be constructed so that the mode of displaying images with emphasis according to the rate of change of the situation (concentration mode) and the mode of not emphasizing the display of images regardless of the rate of change of the situation (non-concentration mode) can be selected. switch between.

For example, when the user U uses the near-eye display in a safe place such as an indoor place, the display is set in a "concentrated mode", and when the user U uses the near-eye display in an unsafe place, the display is set in a "non-concentrated mode".

Thus, if the use of the display is divided between "concentration mode" and "non-concentration mode", the feeling of immersion in the displayed image can be obtained only when necessary.

The working scheme 3-1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, 3-5, 3-6 and 3-7. This working scheme is the working scheme of the near-eye display.

First, the general configuration of the near-eye display will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3-1, earphones 211R and 211L, a rear arm 212, a forearm 213, a controller 214, a display section (corresponding to an optical system in claims) 216, etc. are provided in this near-eye display.

The rear arm 212 and the front arm 213 each have a slightly rounded shape on the larger side in order to be able to rest on the user U's head.

Earphones 211R and 211L are connected to both ends of the rear arm 212, respectively. The mount 211R' for mounting on the right ear of the user U is connected to the earphone 211R, and the mount 211L' for mounting on the left ear of the user U is connected to the earphone 211L (these parts correspond to the mounting means in the claims) .

The display portion 216 is connected to one end of the forearm 213 . The other end of the front arm 213 is connected to one end of the rear arm 212 .

The controller 214 is provided at a certain position on the entire arm composed of the forearm 213 and the rear arm 212 (in FIG. 3-1 , the controller 214 is provided at the connecting portion of the forearm 213 and the rear arm 212).

When the earphones 211R and 211L are respectively placed on the right ear and the left ear of the user U through the mounts 211R' and 211L', the display portion 216 is placed in front of one eye EL (the left eye in FIG. 3-1 ) of the user U. .

This eye EL is an eye for viewing a virtual image I' (described later), and the other eye ER is an eye for viewing the outside world. The former eye will be referred to below as the "observing eye", while the latter eye will be referred to as the "non-observing eye".

By the way, an adjustment mechanism consisting of a telescoping mechanism, a rotating mechanism, etc. (not shown in the drawings) is provided at a certain point on the entire arm composed of the rear arm 212 and the forearm 213, so that in this state the observation eye EL Only retract the display part 216 at the front of the display part 216, or adjust the position or angle of the display part 216. Incidentally, the connection portion between the rear arm 212 and the front arm 213 (where the controller 214 is mounted) has a telescoping mechanism so that the gap between the observation eye EL and the display portion 216 can be adjusted.

In addition, in the near-eye display of the present working configuration, a distance measuring sensor 217 such as an infrared sensor is provided in the display portion 216 (the distance measuring sensor corresponds to the sensor device in the claims).

The measurement accuracy, measurement resolution, measurement distance, and the like of the ranging sensor 217 can be comparable to those of ranging sensors used in general cameras or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3-2, the distance measuring object area E of the distance measuring sensor 217 is set to be near the center of the user U's field of view (here, the field of view of the non-observing eye ER (hereinafter referred to as "field of view")). A relatively narrow area (equivalent to the focus area of a camera). In addition, for simplicity, the field of view is represented as a rectangle in Figure 3-2.

Therefore, the output of the ranging sensor 217 represents the distance of any object O (the tree in FIG. 3-2 ) existing near the center of the field of view (ie, the distance of the object O with respect to the display portion 216 ).

In addition, on the outer wall of the controller 214 of this working scheme, in addition to setting the setting button 214s, operation buttons 214f and 214n are also set as shown in Figure 3-1 (these buttons correspond to the acquisition means in the claims; later will be detailed).

Next, the internal configurations of the display section 216 and the controller 214 of this working scheme will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 3-3, the lens 216a and the display element 216b are arranged inside the display portion 216 in this order from the viewing eye EL side. The display screen I of the display element 216b faces the viewing eye EL. Furthermore, a display element driving section 216b' is provided in the display section 216 (this display element driving section corresponds to changing means in the claims).

Inside the controller 214 are provided a CPU (corresponding to the control means in the claims) 214a, a RAM 214b, an image processing circuit 214c, and an external interface circuit 214d.

In addition, the display portion 216 and the controller 214 are electrically connected via a connection line not shown in the figure.

Next, the basic operation of the near-eye display of this working scheme will be described.

A video signal from an external device such as a DVD player is input into the controller 214 . These video signals are input into the display element 216b inside the display section 216 via the external interface section 214d inside the controller 214 and the image processing circuit 214c.

In addition, as shown in Figure 3-3, in addition to the image display area Ia for displaying video images, the display screen I in this working scheme also has a character display area Ib for displaying character images (character information). The display of the character information is realized by sending an instruction to the image processing circuit 214c by the CPU 214a.

The light beam emitted from the display screen I passes through the lens 216a, and is incident on the viewing eye EL of the user U. The lens 216a makes the beam emitted from the display screen 1 close to a beam of parallel rays. Therefore, the virtual image I' of the display screen I appears in a position moved more from the viewing eye EL than the actual position of the display screen I.

The display element 216b is movable in the visual axis direction of the observation eye EL by the display element drive section 216b'. When the display element 216b moves in the visual axis direction, the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I' (ie, the distance of the virtual image I' relative to the display portion 216) changes accordingly.

The driving amount of the display element driving section 216b' in this case is controlled by the CPU 214a. Thus, the CPU 214a controls the amount of movement of the display element 216b (and thus controls the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I').

The CPU 214a controls various parts based on signals from the setting button 214s, the operation buttons 214f and 214n, and the distance measuring sensor 217.

The operation button 214f is a button used by the user U to move the presentation position of the virtual image I' further away from the user himself, and the operation button 214n is a button used by the user U to move the presentation position of the virtual image I' closer to the user himself (described later in operation of near-eye displays in these cases).

Next, the characteristic parts (initialization, eyestrain reduction operation) of the operation flow of the near-eye display of the present working configuration will be described. In addition, the flow of this operation is controlled by the CPU 214a.

As shown in Fig. 3-4, the operation for initialization (step S2 in Fig. 3-4) and the eyestrain reducing operation (step S3 in Fig. 3-4) are successively performed.

At the point of time when there is an instruction for initialization from the user U via the set button 214s (YES in step S1 in FIG. 3-4), the operation for initialization is started (step S2 in FIG. 3-4).

As shown in Figure 3-5(a) and 3-5(b), the user U places the reference object O' (background, column, wall hanging, etc.) used for initialization at a position in front of the user where he can view the object.

In this case, in the near-eye display, the distance measurement sensor 217 performs distance measurement, and recognizes the distance s of the reference object O' from the output of the distance measurement sensor 217, and displays in the character display area Ib of the display screen 1 in real time representing the distance s Character information ("1m" etc.) of the distance s (measured distance) (step S21 in Fig. 3-4).

This processing from distance measurement to display is continuously repeated. Thus, the precisely displayed measured distance indicates the distance s of the reference object O' at that point in time.

Also, in this case, a video image input from an external device or a prescribed reference image is displayed in the image display area Ia of the display screen 1.

Then, while viewing the reference object O' with the non-observing eye ER, the user U gradually increases the gap between himself and the reference object O' as shown in Figure 3-5(a), and when the reference object O' begins to blur The point in time stops the increase.

Character information ("2m", etc.) representing the measured distance s in this state is displayed on the display screen I. Incidentally, the measured distance s in this state (ie, the distance of the reference object O') corresponds to the far point of the non-observing eye ER.

In addition, the user U views the reference object O' in this state with the non-observing eye ER, and views the virtual image I' of the display screen I with the observing eye EL.

Moreover, by manipulating the operation buttons 214f and 214n, the user U adjusts the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I' so that the reference object O' and the virtual image I' can be viewed as comfortably as possible respectively. In other words, the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I' is adjusted so that the tension of the observing eye EL is equivalent to that of the non-observing eye ER.

Then, at the point in time when viewing can be realized most comfortably, a confirmation signal is transmitted to the near-eye display by manipulating the setting button 214s.

In addition, when the operation button 214f is manipulated, the near-eye display increases the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I' by a distance corresponding to the amount of operation of the button. Likewise, when the operation button 214n is manipulated, the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I' is shortened by a distance corresponding to the operation amount of the button (see step S22 in FIGS. 3-4).

Moreover _, in the near-eye display, when a confirmation signal is given (Yes in step _S23 of FIG. (See Figure 3-5(b)).

Here, as shown in Figure 3-5(b), the distance s ₀ of the reference object O' and the presentation distance s ₀ ′ of the virtual image I' are inconsistent, so that a deviation Δ ₀ (s ₀ ′ representing the characteristics of the user U occurs =s ₀ -Δ ₀ ).

For this, the reason is as follows: that is, the visual acuity of the non-observing eye ER and the visual acuity of the observing eye EL are generally inconsistent; in addition, the positional relationship between the non-observing eye ER and the observing eye EL and the display portion 216 varies depending on the user U , even in the case of the same user U, the positional relationship varies depending on the placement situation of the near-eye display.

Therefore, the deviation _Δ0 can be regarded as information on the difference in visual acuity between the observing eye EL and the non-observing eye ER, and information on the placement state of the near-eye display (characteristic information).

In the near-eye display, the difference (s ₀ -s ₀ ′) between the distance s ₀ of the reference object O′ and the presentation distance s ₀ ′ of the virtual image I′ is determined as the deviation Δ ₀ , and the value related to this deviation Δ ₀ The information is stored in RAM 214b (step S24 in Figs. 3-4).

Here, when determining the deviation _Δ0 , the unit of refractive power (diopter "Dp") is used as the unit of the distance _s0 of the reference object O' and the presentation distance _s0 ' of the virtual image I'. For example, s ₀ and s ₀ ′ are respectively represented by required refractive powers (values) in order to focus on the reference object O′ and the virtual image I′ by the eye at a predetermined position relative to the display portion 216 .

Then, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3-5(c) and 3-5(d), the user U uses the near-eye display at his desired place. In addition, Figs. 3-5(c) and 3-5(d) show various situations when the user U directly faces any object O, and approaches or leaves the object O.

In this case, a video image input from an external device (an image desired by the user U) is displayed in the image display area Ia of the display screen I.

In the near-eye display, the ranging sensor 217 measures the distance, the distance s of the object O is recognized from the output of the ranging sensor ₂₁₇ , and the virtual image I The presentation distance s' of ' is set near the distance s of the object O.

This process from ranging to setting is continuously repeated. Therefore, the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I' is adapted to the distance s of the object O (step S3 in Fig. 3-4; Figs. 3-5(c) and 3-5(d)).

Here, the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I' is the distance obtained by correcting the distance s of the object O with the deviation Δ ₀ (s'=s-Δ ₀ ).

In this correction, the same units as those used for the distance s ₀ of the reference object O' and the presentation distance s ₀ ' of the virtual image I' in the determination of the deviation Δ ₀ are used as the distance s of the object O and the virtual image I', respectively ' is presented in units of distance s'.

By the way, in this correction, as shown in Figure 3-5(c) and Figure 3-5(d), the actual distance difference between the distance s of the object O and the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I' varies with The distance s of the object O decreases as the distance s decreases.

Next, the effect of the near-eye display of the present working scheme will be described.

As mentioned above, in the near-eye display, the distance s of the object O is detected by the ranging sensor 217, and the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I' is set according to the distance s of the object O. Therefore, the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I' adapts to the distance s of the object O (see Figures 3-5(c) and 3-5(d)).

Here, the distance s of the object O corresponds to the approximate visual distance of the non-observing eye ER (approximate distance from the non-observing eye ER to the focus position).

Therefore, the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I' adapts to the visual distance of the non-observing eye ER.

If the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I' adapts to the visual distance of the non-observing eye ER in this way, then the change direction of the visual distance of the observing eye EL observing the virtual image I' is the same as the change of the visual distance of the non-observing eye ER observing the outside world same direction. In other words, when the observing eye EL is tensed, the non-observing eye ER is also tensed, and when the observing eye EL is relaxed, the non-observing eye ER is also relaxed.

If the eyes are thus aligned in the direction of the change in tension, the fatigue of the eyes is reduced.

In addition, since the distance measuring sensor 217 is a compact high-performance sensor and is inexpensive, it is possible to easily and reliably detect changes in the visual distance of the non-observing eye ER.

Also, in this near-eye display, since the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I' is corrected according to the deviation _Δ0 specific to the user U (actually correcting the driving amount of the display element driving section 216b'), it is possible to cope with various users. U.

Furthermore, since the deviation _Δ0 represents the installation situation in which the user U places the near-eye display, the near-eye display can cope with various installation situations according to the user U.

In addition, since this deviation _Δ0 represents the difference in visual acuity between the observing eye EL and the non-observing eye ER, the near-eye display can cope with various differences in visual acuity of each user U.

Furthermore, since the near-eye display directly acquires feature information (ie, deviation Δ ₀ ) from the user U, separate measurements of visual acuity differences and placement conditions, and user U's storage of these information can be omitted.

In addition, since this near-eye display is capable of displaying information about the distance s of the object O, the display can also be used as a distance measuring device.

Furthermore, since the display element 216b of the display portion 216 can also be used as means for displaying such information, the display is efficient.

other

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3-2 , the installation angle of the distance measurement sensor 217 and the divergence angle of the measurement beam are set so that the distance measurement object area E is narrow. However, as shown in Figs. 3-6, these values may also be set so that the object area E is wide. In this case, the average distances of objects present in the field of view are measured, and the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I' is adapted to these average distances.

Furthermore, the size of the distance measurement target area E can also be changed (or switched) by the user U. Such a near-eye display makes it possible to cope with various situations of the outside world (distribution of objects O, etc.).

In addition, the information related to the deviation _Δ0 stored in the RAM 214b need not be the value of the deviation _Δ0 itself, but may be other information indicating the deviation _Δ0 , such as information related to the output signal of the distance measuring sensor 217, and Information related to the position coordinates of the component 216b and the like are displayed.

In addition, in the determination of the deviation Δ ₀ , the distance s of the reference object O' is set at the distance s ₀ corresponding to the far point of each user U; but the distance s of the reference object O' can also be set at a prescribed distance . However, the deviation Δ ₀ can be determined with higher accuracy by setting the distance s at the distance s ₀ corresponding to the far point.

In addition, the adjustment of the presentation distance of the virtual image I' is realized by electric driving during initialization; however, the near-eye display can also be configured to perform the adjustment manually.

Furthermore, the display of information on the distance s of the object O can also be omitted.

In addition, the near-eye display of this work program can be improved as follows:

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3-7, a sensor 221 for detecting a change in the positional relationship between the display portion 216 and the viewing eye EL is provided. For example, this sensor 221 is installed in the mechanism part of the front arm 213, the rear arm 212, etc., and is composed of an encoder or the like that detects the state of the mechanism part. If the correction amount performed varies in real time according to the output change of the sensor 221 (in the above description, the correction amount is made to coincide with the deviation _Δ0 ), it is also possible to cope with a change in the placement condition of the near-eye display during use.

The working scheme 3-2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3-8, 3-9 and 3-10.

This working scheme is the working scheme of the near-eye display. Only the points of difference from Working Configuration 3-1 will be described here.

First, these different points will be roughly described.

One difference from working solution 3-1 is that the display part 216' is configured as a transmissive display part.

Therefore, the observation eye EL simultaneously watches the external world and the virtual image I'. The near-eye display reduces such fatigue of the viewing eye EL.

Another difference of working scheme 3-2 is that a refractive power sensor 239 is provided instead of the distance measuring sensor 217 .

The third difference is that the operation buttons 214f and 214n are omitted.

Next, the internal configurations of the display portion 216' and the refractive power sensor 239 of this working configuration will be described.

Since the display portion 216' is a transmissive display portion, only the half mirror HM is provided in front of the viewing eye EL.

Light beams from the outside and light beams from the display element 216b are superimposed on this half mirror HM, and are incident on the observation eye EL.

In addition, in FIGS. 3-8, symbol I denotes a display screen, symbol 216a denotes a lens, symbol 216b' denotes a display element driving part, symbol B denotes a light-transmitting substrate, and symbol M denotes a mirror. The lens 216a, the display element 216b, and the display element driving section 216b' have functions similar to those of the corresponding sections in Operation Configuration 3-1.

The refractive power sensor 239 is connected to the display portion 216', and the measurement beam from the refractive power sensor 239 is projected onto the observation eye EL via the display portion 216'. Also, the measurement beam reflected by the fundus of the observation eye EL returns to the refractive power sensor 239 via the display portion 216'.

The measuring light beam of the refractive power sensor 239 does not interfere with the observation eye EL viewing the outside world or the virtual image I', and is composed of light (infrared light) having a safe wavelength.

In addition, FIGS. 3-8 show that the measuring beam from the refractive power sensor 239 is incident on the back side of the display element 216b (that is, on the side opposite to the display screen 1), and then passes through the display element 216b, the lens 216a, the reflection Instances of mirror M and half mirror HM incident on the viewing eye EL in this order.

Incidentally, a light projection portion 239 a and a detection portion 239 b are provided inside the refractive power sensor 239 .

The light projecting portion 239a generates a measuring beam to be projected onto the observing eye EL, and the detecting portion 239b detects the measuring beam returning from the fundus of the observing eye EL.

Also, inside the refractive power sensor 239 of FIGS. 3-8 , symbol HM denotes a half mirror.

The output of the refractive power sensor 239 (the output of the detection section 239b) is sent to the controller 214'. Inside the controller 214', the CPU 214a' recognizes the refractive power of the viewing eye EL from the output. This refractive power represents the visible distance t of the viewing eye EL (ie, the distance from the viewing eye EL to the focus position).

Next, the characteristic part (initialization, eyestrain reduction operation) of the operation flow of the near-eye display of the present working configuration will be described. In addition, the flow of this operation is controlled by the CPU 214a'.

As shown in Figure 3-9, the operation for initialization (step S2' in Figure 3-9) and the operation for reducing eye fatigue (step S3' in Figure 3-9, Figure 3-10 ( b) and Figure 3-10(c)).

At the point of time when there is an initialization command issued by the user U through the setting button 214s (Yes in step S1 in FIG. 3-9), the operation for initialization is started (step S2' in FIG. 3-9).

In this operation for initialization, the presentation distance t' of the virtual image I' of the display screen I is set at a prescribed value t ₀ ' (step S21' in Fig. 3-9; see Fig. 3-10(a)).

The specified value t ₀ ′ is set at a distance allowing most users U to watch, such as approximately 1 m.

Also, in this case, a video image input from an external device or a prescribed reference image is displayed in the image display area Ia of the display screen 1.

The user U in this case views the virtual image I' with the observation eye EL.

At the point in time when the virtual image I' can be viewed, the user U manipulates the setting button 214s and sends a confirmation signal to the near-eye display.

In the near-eye display, when a confirmation signal is sent (YES at step S23 in FIGS. The viewing distance t ₀ of the EL.

Here, as shown in Figure 3-10(a), the visible distance t ₀ of the observing eye EL is inconsistent with the presentation distance t ₀ ′ of the virtual image I′, so that a deviation Δ ₀ (t ₀ ′ =t ₀ -Δ ₀ ).

For this, the reason is as follows: that is, the positional relationship between the observation eye EL and the display portion 216' (that is, the gap between the observation eye EL and the virtual image I') varies depending on the user U, even in the case of the same user U. Next, this positional relationship also changes according to the placement situation of the near-eye display.

Therefore, the deviation _Δ0 can be regarded as information (characteristic information) related to the installation condition of the near-eye display.

In the near-eye display, the difference (t ₀ -t ₀ ′) between the visual distance t ₀ of the observing eye EL and the presentation distance t ₀ ′ of the virtual image I′ is determined as the deviation Δ ₀ , and the deviation Δ ₀ The relevant information is stored in RAM 214b (step S24' in Figs. 3-9).

Here, when determining the deviation _Δ0 , the unit of refractive power (diopter "Dp") is used as the unit of the visible distance _t0 of the observing eye EL and the presentation distance _t0 ' of the virtual image I'. For example, the visual distance t ₀ of the observing eye EL is expressed by the refractive power of the observing eye EL, and the presentation distance t ₀ ′ of the virtual image I' is expressed by the required refractive power (value), so as to be located relative to The eye at the prescribed position of the display portion 216' focuses on the virtual image I'.

Then, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3-10(b) and 3-10(c), the user U uses the near-eye display at his desired place. In addition, Figs. 3-10(b) and 3-10(c) show various situations when the user U directly faces any object O, and approaches or leaves the object O.

In this case, a video image input from an external device (an image desired by the user U) is displayed in the image display area Ia of the display screen I.

In the near-eye display, the refractive power sensor 239 performs measurement, the visual distance t of the observation eye EL is recognized from the output of the refractive power sensor 239, and is stored in the RAM 214b according to the visual distance t of the observation eye EL and The information related to the deviation Δ ₀ , the presentation distance t' of the virtual image I' relative to the observation eye EL is set near the visual distance t of the observation eye EL. The presentation distance t' of the virtual image I' is obtained by correcting the visual distance t of the observing eye EL by an amount equal to the deviation Δ ₀ (t'=t-Δ ₀ ).

In this correction, the same units as those used for the visual distance t ₀ of the observing eye EL and the presentation distance t ₀ ' of the virtual image I' in the determination of the deviation Δ ₀ are used as the visual distance of the observing eye EL, respectively The unit of t and the presentation distance t' of the virtual image I'.

This process from these measurements to the setting is continuously repeated. Therefore, the presentation distance t' of the virtual image I' adapts to the viewing distance t of the observing eye EL (step S3' in Figs. 3-9).

Next, the effect of the near-eye display of the present working scheme will be described.

As mentioned above, in the near-eye display, the refractive power sensor 239 detects the visible distance t of the observing eye EL, and sets the presentation distance t' of the virtual image I' according to the visible distance t. Therefore, the presentation distance t' of the virtual image I' adapts to the viewing distance t of the observing eye EL (see Figures 3-10(b) and 3-10(c)).

If the presentation distance t' of the virtual image I' is adapted to the viewing distance t of the viewing eye EL in this way, the amount of adjustment required when the virtual image I' is viewed by the viewing eye EL already viewing the outside world can be reduced.

If the amount of adjustment is reduced in this way, the fatigue of the observation eye EL can be reduced.

In addition, in this near-eye display, since the presentation distance t' of the virtual image I' is corrected according to the deviation _Δ0 characteristic of the user U (the driving amount of the display element driving section 216b' is actually corrected), it is possible to cope with various users. U.

Also, since this deviation _Δ0 represents the positional relationship between the viewing eye EL and the display portion 216', it is possible to cope with various placement conditions of the near-eye display.

Furthermore, since this near-eye display acquires characteristic information (deviation Δ ₀ ) directly from the user U, separate measurement of placement conditions and storage of these placement conditions by the user U can be omitted.

other

In addition, the information related to the deviation _Δ0 stored in the RAM 214b need not be the value of the deviation _Δ0 itself; other information indicating the deviation _Δ0 , such as information related to the refractive power of the observation eye EL, etc. may also be used.

And the near-eye display of this working scheme can also be improved as shown in Figure 3-7, and can according to sensor 221 (arranged in the mechanism part of forearm 213 and rear arm 212, and by the encoder of the state of detecting this mechanism part equal composition) to change the correction amount in real time (in the above description, the correction amount is made consistent with the deviation _Δ0 ). In this case, it is also possible to cope with changes in the placement situation of the near-eye display during use.

other

In addition, a monocular type near-eye display utilizing the present invention is described in Working Configuration 3-1 and Working Configuration 3-2. However, the present invention can also be applied to a transmissive two-eye near-eye display.

Also, the above-mentioned initialization operation can be omitted if a change in the fatigue-reducing effect depending on the user U and a change in the placement situation of the near-eye display are allowed.

In addition, in order to eliminate this change, it is also possible to make the user U input the measured feature information separately, and make the near-eye display determine the correction amount according to the input feature information (in the above description, make the correction amount consistent with the deviation _Δ0 ).

In addition, in Work Plan 3-1 and Work Plan 3-2, the unit of refractive power (diopter "Dp") is used as the distance unit in determining the deviation _Δ0 and in correction; but the ordinary The distance unit (meter "m", etc.). However, as mentioned above, the units of refractive power are more desirable because these units simplify the calculations for determining the deviation _Δ0 and the calculations for the correction (specifically, the addition and subtraction calculations to be performed).

In addition, it is not absolutely necessary to install the ranging sensor 217 (sensor means); the user can also adjust the presentation distance s' of the virtual image I' by manually driving the display element driving part 216b' (changing means) or by electrically driving the part.

FIG. 4-1 is a perspective view of a head-mounted display device constituting Working Solution 4-1 of the present invention. FIG. 4-2(a) is a plan view of the head-mounted display device, and FIG. 4-2(b) is a schematic view of the head-mounted display device. Also, in FIGS. 4-2(a) and 4-2(b), the controller and the remote controller are omitted from the drawings.

The head-mounted display device includes a rear arm (positioning device) 410 , a forearm (supporting device) 420 , an image display part (display device) 430 , a housing part 440 , a controller 450 and a wireless remote controller 460 .

The rear arm 410 is arc-shaped and is placed on the back of the head.

Earphone portions 415 and 416 are provided on both ends of the rear arm 410, and are placed on the operator's left and right ears (not shown). Both ends of the rear arm 410 are pressed against the side of the head via the earpiece portions 415 and 416 .

In addition, a receiving portion 440 that supports the arched front arm 420 so that the arm can slide freely is connected to one end portion of the rear arm 410 via a link 441 . A display processing system, a support portion drive system, and the like (described later) are housed in the housing portion 440 .

An image display portion 430 disposed in front of the operator's eyes is mounted on the top end portion of the forearm 420 . In the case of FIG. 4-1, the image display section 430 is provided in front of the left eye.

An infrared radiation receiving portion (light receiving means) 431 is provided on a surface of the image display portion 430 opposite to the display surface. This section receives signal data output from the wireless remote controller 460 .

The infrared radiation receiving portion 431 is inclined downward with respect to the viewing axis. In addition, the infrared radiation receiving portion 431 is located at a position offset from the nose with respect to the viewing axis.

The controller 450 is connected to the housing part 440 via a cable 450a, and outputs control signals for playing, stopping, enlarging, etc. of an image. Control signals can also be output from the wireless remote controller 460 .

The wireless remote controller 460 has an emitting part (light emitting device, not shown in the figure), and the emitting part includes, for example, an infrared light emitting diode. When the keys (operation buttons) 461˜465 (see FIGS. 4-6˜4-10) are pressed, the controller 460 outputs control signals corresponding to the keys 461˜465.

4-3 are block diagrams of the forearm 420 , the image display part 430 and the receiving part 440 .

An eyepiece optical system 435 composed of a focusing lens, mirror, eyepiece, etc. required for projecting a video image onto the operator's eyes E, a display device 436 such as a liquid crystal panel or a fluorescent tube, and an infrared radiation receiving portion 431 are housed in the image. Display part 430.

Since the eyepiece optical system 435 is provided between the eye E and the display device 436, the operator can be made to experience the feeling of displaying a 14-inch screen, for example, at a position 60 cm in front of the eyes.

Although not shown in the figure, the infrared radiation receiving part 431 includes a PIN photodiode and a receiving IC. The receive IC performs amplification, wavelength detection, waveform shaping, and error correction.

The infrared radiation receiving section 431 amplifies the remote control signal received by the PIN photodiode, then performs wavelength detection, waveform shaping, and data error correction, and outputs the resulting data as signal data.

The display processing system 442 , the infrared radiation processing system 443 , the supporting part driving system 444 , the supporting part position sensor 445 and the control system 446 are housed in the housing part 440 . In addition, a connector 447 is provided in the housing portion 440 , and a signal from the controller 450 is input into the display processing system 442 and the control system 446 of the housing portion 440 via the connector 447 .

The display processing system 442 drives the display device 436 according to signals from the controller 450 . Also, the display processing system 442 changes screen brightness, corrects image distortion, and the like.

The infrared radiation processing system 443 includes a decoder composed of a microcomputer. The signal data input into the infrared radiation processing system 443 is decoded into control signals.

Although not shown in the drawings, the support portion driving system 444 includes a motor that extends and retracts the forearm 420 and a motor driving circuit that controls the driving of this motor.

The support portion position sensor 445 detects the position of the forearm 420 .

The control system 446 controls the operation (movement/stop) of the support portion drive system 444 based on the output of the support portion position sensor 445 .

Additionally, the control system 446 controls the controller 450 based on the output of the infrared radiation processing system 443 .

An operator wearing this head-mounted display device manipulates, for example, a portable VTR (Video Tape Recorder) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) player (not shown in the figure) using the controller 450 or the wireless remote controller 460, and can watch the image display portion 430 The video image displayed on the .

In addition, when the video image is not being watched, the support part driving system 444 can be driven by the wireless remote controller 460 so that the forearm 420 is accommodated in the receiving part 440 .

In this working configuration 4-1, since the infrared radiation receiving part 431 is provided on the surface opposite to the display surface of the image display part 430, the operator wearing the head-mounted display device does not need to use the wireless remote controller 460. The position of the infrared radiation receiving portion 431 is confirmed; therefore, the handling characteristics are improved.

FIG. 4-4(a) is a plan view of a head-mounted display device constituting Working Configuration 4-2 of the present invention, and FIG. 4-4(b) is a schematic view of the head-mounted display device. Parts that are the same as those in Work Plan 4-1 are assigned the same symbols, and descriptions of these parts are omitted.

The difference between this working scheme and working scheme 4-1 is that the infrared radiation receiving portion 531 is provided on the end portion 540a of the housing portion 540 (the end portion of the display device).

The receiving portion 540 supporting the forearm 420 so that the forearm 420 can slide is connected to one end of the rear arm 410 via a link 441 .

An image display portion 530 disposed in front of the operator's eyes E is mounted on the top end portion of the forearm 420 .

This working plan can obtain the same effect as working plan 4-1.

In addition, it is not absolutely necessary to provide the infrared radiation receiving portion 531 on the end portion 540a. For example, it is also possible to form a protruding portion on the upper surface of the receiving portion 540 and mount the infrared radiation receiving portion 531 on this protruding portion so that the light receiving surface of the infrared receiving portion 531 faces forward.

FIG. 4-5(a) is a plan view of a head-mounted display device constituting Working Configuration 4-3 of the present invention, and FIG. 4-5(b) is a schematic view of the head-mounted display device. Parts that are the same as those in Work Plan 4-1 are assigned the same symbols, and descriptions of these parts are omitted.

This working scheme is different from working scheme 4-1 in that a pair of infrared radiation receiving portions 631a and 631b are provided at vertically symmetrical positions on the surface of the image display portion 630 opposite to the display surface.

This working plan can obtain the same effect as working plan 4-1. In addition, even if the head-mounted display is placed upside down, this head-mounted display can be used with the image display portion 630 disposed in front of either eye because one of the infrared radiation receiving portions 631a or 631b will always face downward. In this case, it is also effective to selectively use only the signal received on the side facing downwards in order to achieve even a slight reduction in the influence of unwanted light.

The wireless remote controller 460 will be described below.

Fig. 4-6(a) is a front view of a wireless remote controller constituting Working Configuration 4-4 of the present invention, and Fig. 4-6(b) is a side view of the wireless remote controller.

Numeral input keys 461a to 461f, a stop key 462, a playback key 463, a pause key 464, and a mode selection key 465 constituting operation buttons are provided on the upper surface of the housing (remote control case) Ce1 of the wireless remote controller 460.

Arabic numerals 1 to 6 are printed on the surfaces of these numeral input keys respectively.

Characters "stop", "playback" and "pause" are printed near the stop key 462, the playback key 463 and the pause key 464, respectively.

The characters "MODE SELECT" are printed on the upper surface of the mode selection key.

A transmitting portion 466 that outputs signal data corresponding to the keys 461 to 465 is provided on the side surface of the rear end portion of the case Ce1. The emitting section 466 has an infrared light emitting diode, and intermittently outputs, as digital data, amplified and modulated infrared light approximately parallel to the upper surface of the case Ce1 as indicated by an arrow at a frequency of, for example, about 38 kHz.

This wireless remote control 460 is held horizontally eg in the palm of the right hand. If the remote controller is kept in the right palm, it is easy to make the transmitting part 466 face the infrared radiation receiving part 431 only by slightly lowering the upper part of the wireless remote controller 460 .

This working solution can improve the operating characteristics of the remote control.

Fig. 4-7(a) is a front view of a wireless remote controller constituting Working Configuration 4-5 of the present invention, and Fig. 4-7(b) is a side view of the wireless remote controller. Parts common to work programs 4-4 are marked with the same symbols, and descriptions of these parts are omitted.

This wireless remote controller 560 differs from working configuration 4-4 in that the transmitting portion 566 is provided on the upper surface (the surface where the number input keys 461a-461f are provided) of the wireless remote controller 560 case (remote controller case) Ce2.

The emitting portion 566 has an infrared light emitting diode, and intermittently outputs infrared light as digital data at an acute angle with respect to the upper surface of the case Ce2, as indicated by an arrow.

This working configuration can obtain the same effect as working configuration 4-4; in addition, since the wireless remote controller 560 does not need to be tilted, the operational characteristics are further improved.

Next, a modified example of the controller will be described.

Fig. 4-8(a) is a front view showing a state where the wireless remote controller is fitted into the controller, and Fig. 4-8(b) is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional view of Fig. 4-8(a).

A recessed portion 651 allowing insertion of the wireless remote controller 460 is formed in the controller 650 .

The receiving portion 655 is formed in a side surface of the concave portion 651 at a position facing the emitting portion 466 when the emitting portion 466 is engaged with the controller 650 .

As shown in Figures 4-8, when the wireless remote controller 460 is engaged with the concave portion 651 of the controller 650, the signal data from the wireless remote controller 460 is sent from the transmitting part 466 to the receiving part 655; therefore, it can be controlled by the controller 650 Operation of the head-mounted display unit.

In this controller 650, a wireless remote control 460 can be engaged with the controller 650 when not in use. Therefore, the trouble of finding the wireless remote controller 460 at the time of use can be eliminated.

In addition, in the above description, it is assumed that the present invention adopts a wireless remote controller as a remote controller. But a wired remote can also be used as a remote. For example, there is a remote controller in which a wired remote controller cable connected to a head-mounted display device is drawn out from a rear arm located on the side opposite to the display portion.

Claims (10)

1. An information display device comprising: an optical system for displaying an image composed of character information or image information; an image placement device; an image sensor for detecting a change in condition of the outside world; and a control section, wherein the control section performs processing of increasing the intensity of the image when the rate of change of the condition is contained within a prescribed range, and wherein the increase of the image The processing of the emphasis continues for a prescribed time period, and when the prescribed time period ends, the emphasis of the image becomes weaker. 2. The information display device according to claim 1, wherein the positioning means positions the optical system on the user so that only one eye of the user is presented with the image. 3. The information display device according to claim 1, wherein said image sensor detects a change in brightness of at least a part of an area included in the field of view of the user in the outside world as said change in situation. 4. The information display device according to claim 1, wherein said image sensor detects a change in brightness distribution of at least a part of an area included in a field of view of a user in the outside world as said change in situation. 5. The information display device according to claim 1, wherein the prescribed range is a range recognizable by a user's brain. 6. The information display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control section increases the intensity of the image by increasing the brightness of the image. 7. The information display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control section performs the process of increasing the degree of emphasis of the image by enhancing the contrast of the image. 8. The information display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control section performs processing of increasing the degree of emphasis of the image by emphasizing an outline of the image. 9. The information display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control section performs the process of increasing the intensity of the image by weakening the intensity of light from the outside that is incident on the user's eyes from the outside. 10. The information display device according to claim 1, wherein the control section is switchable between a mode in which the emphasis is changed according to a rate of change of the situation and a mode in which the intensity of the emphasis is not changed regardless of the rate of change of the situation.

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