U.S. patent application number 12/801707 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-14 for display system and camera system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hitachi, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Youichi Horii, Takeshi Hoshino, Rieko Otsuka.
Application Number | 20100259599 12/801707 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36036152 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100259599 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Otsuka; Rieko ; et
al. |
October 14, 2010 |
Display system and camera system
Abstract
A display apparatus and an imaging apparatus constructed such
that a high-resolution clear three-dimensional video image can be
viewed from any direction. The display apparatus projects frame
images, projected from a projector such as an electronic projector,
to a video image projection surface of a three-dimensional screen
through a polygonal mirror provided around the three-dimensional
screen, thereby providing a polyhedral video image such as a
three-dimensional image to a person viewing from around the video
image projection surface. The three-dimensional screen has a view
field angle limiting filter and a directional reflection screen.
The view field angle filter limits the angle of a view field in the
left/right direction, the angle being the angle of the projection
on the video image projection surface (50) of the screen. The
directional reflection screen has two sheets in horizontal and
vertical directions. Furthermore, a projection light path between
the electronic projector and the polygonal mirror is formed by
refracting light through an auxiliary mirror.
Inventors: |
Otsuka; Rieko; (Fuchu,
JP) ; Hoshino; Takeshi; (Kodaira, JP) ; Horii;
Youichi; (Mitaka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Juan Carlos A. Marquez;c/o Stites & Harbison PLLC
1199 North Fairfax Street, Suite 900
Alexandria
VA
22314-1437
US
|
Assignee: |
Hitachi, Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
36036152 |
Appl. No.: |
12/801707 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11630152 |
Dec 20, 2006 |
7771054 |
|
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PCT/JP04/13582 |
Sep 10, 2004 |
|
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12801707 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/46 ;
348/E13.001 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 30/50 20200101;
H04N 13/286 20180501; G09F 19/14 20130101; G03B 37/00 20130101;
H04N 13/351 20180501; H04N 13/366 20180501; H04N 13/388 20180501;
H04N 13/243 20180501; G09F 19/18 20130101; H04N 13/363 20180501;
G09F 19/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/46 ;
348/E13.001 |
International
Class: |
H04N 13/02 20060101
H04N013/02 |
Claims
1. A camera system for picturizing an image for a display device
comprising a stereoscopic screen and a projection mirror group
including mirrors arranged along a conical face to reflect the
image emitted from at-least one projector to be projected onto the
stereoscopic screen so that the image emitted from the at least one
projector is projected onto the stereoscopic screen to form a
stereoscopic image, comprising: a camera mirror group including
mirrors arranged along a conical surface similar to that of the
projection mirror group for the projection mirror group to surround
an object to be picturized with a total number of the mirrors equal
to that of the projection mirror group, and a camera part for
picturizing the object to form an image group of images of the
object reflected from the camera mirror group to be contained on at
least one image page to form the image for the display device.
2. The camera system according to claim 1, further comprising a
communication unit to provide communication with the display device
so that the formed image for the display system is transmitted to
the display device from the communication unit.
3. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the image pages
containing the image group are formed by a plurality of camera
devices, and in a case where each of the camera devices is arranged
to picturize a side surface of the object viewable from respective
set of predetermined ones of the mirrors of the mirror group,
inclinations and positions of the minors of the respective set are
set individually.
4. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the image pages
containing the image group are formed by a plurality of camera
devices, and the system further comprises means for forming, from
the images formed by the camera devices, the image segments of the
side surfaces of the object viewable from the mirrors to be
projected.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/630,152 filed Dec. 20, 2006, which is a National Stage
application of PCT/JP2004/013582 filed Sep. 10, 2004. Priority is
claimed based on U.S. application Ser. No. 11/630,152 filed Dec.
20, 2006, which claims the priority date PCT/JP2004/013582 filed
Sep. 10, 2004, the content of which is hereby incorporated by
reference into this application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a display system, in which
an image conformed to a direction seen from around a stereoscopic
screen is displayed, and a camera system.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Conventionally, a display system has been proposed, in which
a rotating screen is used to display a stereoscopic image. As an
example thereof, two-dimensional image data of a body when the body
is seen in respective surrounding directions are created from
three-dimensional image data representative of a three-dimensional
body (In addition, when two-dimensional image data are created from
such three-dimensional image data, a hidden surface removal
processing for removal of data of an unseen part is performed) and
projected successively onto a rotating screen, and as the screen is
varied in orientation upon rotation, two-dimensional images
projected thereonto are changed successively. According to this, in
the case where the screen is seen from a certain point, an image
displayed thereon is gradually varied by increasing rotation of the
screen. Image displaying is performed in this manner whereby the
visual after-image causes a projected image on the screen to look
to be a three-dimensional image (see, for example,
JP-A-2001-103515).
[0004] Also, there is proposed a technology, in which in the case
where a screen is rotated to project a two-dimensional image to
obtain a three-dimensional image as in the technology described in
the Patent Document 1, an image projected onto the screen is
decreased in illumination with a distance from an axis of rotation
of the screen as compared with a region close to the axis of
rotation to become non-uniform in distribution of illumination when
a two-dimensional image being projected is uniform in distribution
of illumination, and in order to prevent such matter, a
two-dimensional image being projected is made non-uniform in
distribution of illumination so that an image projected onto the
screen is made uniform in distribution of illumination (see, for
example, JP-A-2002-27504).
[0005] Further, there is also proposed a technology providing a
construction, in which an object of display is photographed from
different view points to create slide images, respectively, and
slide images obtained by photographing from the different view
points are projected each time a rotating screen faces the view
points successively, and in which technology a rotating speed of
the screen is increased to around 300 to 600 rpm to induce a visual
after-image to form a quasi-three-dimensional image on the screen,
or an object of display is photographed continuously by a camera,
which moves one revolution therearound, whereby a cylindrical film
of camera images is created, images of the cylindrical film are
successively read, the images are formed in a spatial position
through a mirror, which rotates in synchronism with reading of the
cylindrical film, the mirror is adequately increased in rotating
speed whereby a visual after-image generates a three-dimensional
spatial floating image (see, for example, JP-A-2002-271820).
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0006] By the way, since technologies described in JP-A-2001-103515
and JP-A-2002-27504 enable making use of an after-image to provide
for stereophonic vision, it is required that slightly different
images be displayed substantially at the same time. Therefore,
fairly many two-dimensional images are needed to take considerable
labor and time, and a high volume memory is needed to hold data of
such two-dimensional images. Also, since it is necessary to rotate
a screen at high speed, it is required that two-dimensional images
corresponding to an orientation of the screen be projected onto the
screen with high accuracy and that rotation of the screen and
timing of projection of two-dimensional images onto the screen be
highly accurately maintained in synchronism with each other.
[0007] Also, in the technology described in the JP-A-2002-271820,
two-dimensional slide images are projected onto a screen rotating
at high speed, or a mirror rotating at high speed forms
two-dimensional images, which are read from the cylindrical film,
in a surrounding spatial position, whereby a visual after-image is
caused to act, thus making the images look to be a
three-dimensional image. In the case where the slide images are to
be projected onto the screen, it is required like the technologies
described in the Patent Documents 1, 2 (JP-A-2001-103515,
JP-A-2002-27504) that when the screen is directed toward the view
point, a corresponding slide image be projected onto the screen,
but a very high accuracy is demanded of timing of projection of a
slide image onto the screen since the screen rotates at high
speed.
[0008] In the technology described in the JP-A-2002-271820, in the
case where two-dimensional images read from the cylindrical film
are used to display a three-dimensional image, there is a need for
complex means that reads images from the cylindrical film
successively, and since images read from the cylindrical film are
to be formed in a space, a clear three-dimensional image can be
seen only in such imaging position, so that a viewing position is
very limitative.
[0009] Further, since a screen is rotated in the many conventional
examples described above, there is caused a problem that an image
is low in visibility and becomes dark. Besides, the conventional
examples involve a problem that a screen is rotated to meet with
air resistance, thus making large-sizing hard.
[0010] Here, It is an object of the invention to provide a display
system, which enable a clear stereoscopic image of high resolution
to be seen in any direction, and a camera system.
[0011] An outline and an effect of a typical one of inventions
disclosed in the present application are as follows.
[0012] According to the invention, image segments projected from a
projector such as an electronic projector, etc. is projected onto a
projected image surface of a stereoscopic screen through a
polygonal mirror arranged around the stereoscopic screen whereby a
multi-plane image such as a stereoscopic image, etc. is presented
to a viewer around the projected image surface. Here, the
stereoscopic screen comprises a visible field angle limiting filter
that limits a visible field angle projected onto the projected
image surface 50 in a left-right direction, and a directional
reflection screen. Here, the directional reflection screen
comprises two sheets in a horizontal direction and in a vertical
direction. Further, a projection optical path between the
electronic projector and the polygonal mirror is refracted and
formed through an auxiliary mirror.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outward appearance
of a display system according to a first embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing projected images
projected by an electronic projector of the display system
according to the first embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross sectional view showing a whole
outline construction of the display system according to the first
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the display system according
to the first embodiment and viewing angle directions of users in
the display system.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a view showing displays in the viewing angle
directions shown in FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a partial, cross sectional view showing a
projected image surface of a stereoscopic screen in the display
system according to the first embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a view showing details of a visible field angle
limiting filter in the display system according to the first
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a partial, perspective view showing, in enlarged
scale, a directional reflection screen in the display system
according to the first embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a range, in which a user
can see a displayed image, in the display system according to the
first embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing outward appearances of
applications of a shape of a stereoscopic screen in the display
system according to the first embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a view showing an outline construction of an
application of the display system according to the first
embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a principle of a camera
system that forms projected images in the display system according
to the first embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a view showing a construction of a camera system
in the display system according to the first embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a view showing a construction of a display system
according to a second embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a view showing a construction of a display system
according to a third embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a view showing a construction of a display system
according to a fourth embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing projected images
projected by an electronic projector of the display system
according to the fourth embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a vertical, cross sectional view showing the
display system according to the fourth embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a view showing a construction of an essential
part of a display system according to a fifth embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a plan view showing projection regions of
electronic projectors in the display system according to the fifth
embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing projected images of the
electronic projectors in the display system according to the fifth
embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 22 is a configuration illustrating an arrangement of
respective mirrors of polygonal mirrors in the display system
according to the fifth embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an outward appearance
of the display system according to the fifth embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 24 is a configuration illustrating a further embodiment
of a camera system in the display system according to the fifth
embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 25 is a conceptual view showing an image in the camera
system in the display system according to the fifth embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 26 is a view showing projected images photographed by
the camera system in the display system according to the fifth
embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 27 is a block diagram for creation of projected images
of a displaying system according to the fifth embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 28 is a block diagram for displaying in the displaying
system according to the fifth embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 29 is a view showing the relationship between camera
regions of camera devices and projection regions of electronic
projectors in the displaying system according to the fifth
embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 30 is a block diagram of the displaying system in FIG.
29.
[0043] FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a further specific
example of the displaying system according to the fifth
embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 32 is a view showing a projection region, in the case
where electronic projectors as used are different in number, in the
displaying system according to the fifth embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 33 is a view showing a process of creating projected
images in a display system according to a sixth embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 34 is a view showing a process of creating projected
images in the display system according to the sixth embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 35 is a view illustrating a concept of a method of
creating projected image in the display system according to the
sixth embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating processes of creating
projected images according to a resource of projected images in the
display system according to a further embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing an outline
construction of a display system according to an eighth
embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 38 is a view showing a system configuration of the
display system according to the eighth embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 39 is a schematic, cross sectional view showing a
state, in which the display system according to the eighth
embodiment is used.
[0052] FIG. 40 is a schematic view showing projected images
projected by an electronic projector in the display system
according to the eighth embodiment.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0053] Embodiments of the invention will be described below in
detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 40. In addition, the same or
similar parts, or arrows are denoted by the same reference numerals
and a duplicated explanation therefor is omitted. Also, embodiments
described later are typical and not limitative.
[0054] First Embodiment
[0055] FIGS. 1 to 13 show a first embodiment. First, an outline
construction of a display system according to the first embodiment
will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIGS. 1 to 11 are views
illustrating the display system and FIGS. 12 and 13 are views
illustrating a camera system.
[0056] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outward appearance
of the display system according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1,
the display system according to the embodiment comprises an
electronic projector 1 that projects various images, a stereoscopic
screen 3 that finally receives an image from the electronic
projector 1 to display the image, a plurality of polygonal mirrors
(mirror groups) 5 arranged around the stereoscopic screen 3, an
auxiliary mirror 4 that guides a projected light from the
electronic projector 1 to the polygonal mirrors, and a control unit
6 that generally controls the display system.
[0057] The stereoscopic screen 3 comprises, on an outer peripheral
surface thereof, a projected image surface 50 to display an image,
and receives a projected light from the polygonal mirrors (mirror
groups) 5 arranged around the projected image surface 50 to enable
an image on the projected image surface 50. Accordingly, a user can
see an image displayed on the stereoscopic screen 3 from
therearound. The embodiment adopts the stereoscopic screen 3, which
is columnar (cylindrical)-shaped with a central axis P vertical,
but is not limited thereto. It is possible to adopt a stereoscopic
screen 3 having a shape of a solid (similarity of rotation), such
as cone, sphere, etc., which a plane figure rotates on a single
straight line disposed on the same plane, as an axis (central axis
P) to generate. Thereby, users around the stereoscopic screen 3 can
see images on the same condition. In addition, while images cannot
be seen on the same condition, a stereoscopic screen 3 not having
the shape of similarity of rotation will do.
[0058] Further, the stereoscopic screen 3 comprises, on the
projected image surface 50, a visible field angle limiting filter
12 that limits a visible field angle projected onto the
stereoscopic screen 3 in a left-right direction, and a directional
reflection screen 11 for an improvement in visibility. The
directional reflection screen 11 comprises a corner mirror sheet
11a for an improvement in visibility in a horizontal direction, and
an anisotropic diffusion sheet 11b for an improvement in visibility
in a vertical direction.
[0059] The polygonal mirrors 5 comprises mirror groups composed of
a plurality of mirrors arranged on concentric circles centering on
the stereoscopic screen 3. In order to ensure the visibility of the
stereoscopic screen 3, the polygonal mirrors 5 are arranged to be
eccentric upward or downward. That is, users who see the
stereoscopic screen 3 are positioned such that positions Q1
directly opposed to the stereoscopic screen 3 are favorable in
visibility. Accordingly, with the polygonal mirrors 5, a plurality
of mirror groups are arranged on a concentric circle of positions
Q2 displaced a length L1 upwardly or downwardly of the positions Q1
directly opposed to the stereoscopic screen 3 (see FIG. 3).
[0060] Further, since the polygonal mirrors 5 are mounted in
positions made eccentric relative to the stereoscopic screen 3, the
respective mirrors are arranged at an inclination directed toward
the stereoscopic screen 3 relative to a direction, in which they
are eccentric. Since according to the embodiment the stereoscopic
screen 3 adopts a shape of similarity of rotation, the stereoscopic
screen 3 comprises a plurality of mirrors arranged on a ring-shaped
conical surface formed on a circular track centered on the central
axis P and having the same radius.
[0061] The electronic projector 1 uses a liquid crystal and
projects image segments of a body corresponding to respective
mirrors of the polygonal mirrors 5 (see FIG. 2). The electronic
projector 1 is arranged on one side of the central axis P. Since a
single electronic projector 1 is adopted in the embodiment, it is
arranged on the central axis P. Therefore, projection on the
polygonal mirrors 5 on the same condition (optical path length) can
be made.
[0062] Here, the electronic projector 1 is not limited to one in
number. It is possible to adopt, for example, a plurality of the
electronic projectors 1, in which case projection on the same
condition as that in case of one in number can be made by arranging
the electronic projectors on a concentric circle around the central
axis P.
[0063] The auxiliary mirror 4 is arranged on a projection optical
path X of the electronic projector 1 and the polygonal mirrors 5 to
cooperate with the electronic projector 1 and the polygonal mirrors
5 constitute a projection optical system. According to the
embodiment, the electronic projector 1 and the polygonal mirrors 5
are arranged in a lower region on one side of the central axis P
and the auxiliary mirror 4 is arranged in an upper region on the
other side thereof The auxiliary mirror 4 is stuck to a back
surface (lower surface) of a roof plate of the display system.
[0064] With the display system, a image segment projected from the
electronic projector 1 is reflected by the auxiliary mirror 4 to be
presented to respective mirrors of the polygonal mirrors 5 arranged
around the stereoscopic screen 3. Since the respective mirrors of
the polygonal mirrors 5 are mounted to face the stereoscopic screen
3, they reflect the presented image segments toward the projected
image surface 50 of the stereoscopic screen 3. Thereby, the image
segments can be displayed on the projected image surface 50 of the
stereoscopic screen 3. Here, a plurality of image segments
displayed on the projected image surface 50 are set so as to
display the projected image surface 50 leaving no space between
them. Further, the image segments are ones when the same body is
seen from different positions therearound. Accordingly, seeing an
image displayed on the projected image surface 50 of the
stereoscopic screen 3 while going thereround, it is possible to see
different sides of a displayed object.
[0065] One of important features of the embodiment resides in that
since image segments projected from a projector such as the
electronic projector 1 are projected onto the projected image
surface 50 of the stereoscopic screen 3 through the polygonal
mirrors 5 arranged around the stereoscopic screen 3, it is possible
to present general purpose images such a stereoscopic image, etc.
to users who see from around the projected image surface 50.
Thereby, as compared with a conventional arrangement, in which a
screen is rotated, miniaturization and large-sizing are made
possible since there is no need of rotating a screen.
[0066] Also, one of other important features of the embodiment
resides in that an improvement in visibility is achieved by
applying various contrivances on the projected image surface 50 of
the stereoscopic screen 3.
[0067] One of the contrivances is provided by the visible field
angle limiting filter 12 that limits a visible field angle
projected onto the stereoscopic screen 3 in the left-right
direction. According to the embodiment, a user will see a image
segment, which correspond to a specified direction around the
stereoscopic screen 3, from the direction. Here, when an adjacent
image segment is seen at the same time, it is not possible to
clearly and visually confirm a preceding image segment. Here,
according to the embodiment, there is provided the visible field
angle limiting filter 12 having limitations so as to have an
adjacent image segment unseen. In addition, it is not especially
necessary to provide an abstract image segment.
[0068] Also, one of other important features resides in the
provision of the directional reflection screen 11 for an
improvement of a display screen of the stereoscopic screen in
visibility. The directional reflection screen 11 comprises two
sheets in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction, the
corner mirror sheet 11a, and the anisotropic diffusion sheet
11b.
[0069] Since the stereoscopic screen 3 having a shape of similarity
of rotation is adopted in the embodiment, the projected image
surface 50 defines an arcuate surface, of which a central portion
is easy to see and both sides are hard to see. Here, according to
the embodiment, the corner mirror sheet 11a that retroreflectes a
horizontal, incident light is stuck to the projected image surface
50. Thereby, visibility can be heightened by making images
displayed on the projected image surface 50 uniform. Further, since
it is possible to increase a reflected light presented to users,
the whole screen can be made bright.
[0070] Also, according to the embodiment, the anisotropic diffusion
sheet 11b is stuck to the projected image surface in order to
restrict condensing in a vertical direction to have an image seen
in a further wide range. Thereby, the whole surface of the
stereoscopic screen 3 is seen in uniform brightness in the vertical
direction, so that it can be made easy to see.
[0071] While the directional reflection screen 11 comprising two
sheets in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction is
adopted in the embodiment, at least the corner mirror sheet 11a in
the horizontal direction is adopted.
[0072] Also, one of other important features of the embodiment
resides in that miniaturization is realized by adopting the
auxiliary mirror 4. According to the embodiment, the polygonal
mirrors 5 arranged around the stereoscopic screen 3 are arranged in
positions Q2 displaced toward the central axis P relative to the
directly opposed positions Q1, so that it is necessary to increase
a distances (radius L2) to the polygonal mirrors 5 from the central
axis P. That is, it is necessary to increase a radius L2 to a
track, on which the polygonal mirrors 5 are arranged.
[0073] In trying to project a projected light of the electronic
projector 1 directly onto the polygonal mirrors 5, it is necessary
to increase a projection range (projection angle .THETA.1) of the
electronic projector 1, or a distance to the polygonal mirrors 5
from the electronic projector 1. When the projection angle .THETA.1
is made large, there is caused a problem of distortion in image
segments, and when a distance to the polygonal mirrors 5 from the
electronic projector 1 is increased, there is caused a problem that
the whole system becomes lengthy along the central axis P.
[0074] Here, the embodiment adopts the auxiliary mirror 4 to
thereby solve the problems. That is, the problems are solved by
arranging the electronic projector 1 and the polygonal mirrors 5 on
one side of the central axis P and adopting the auxiliary mirror 4,
by which a projected light of the electronic projector 1 is
refracted to the polygonal mirrors 5, on the other side
thereof.
[0075] In addition, while the embodiment adopts a single auxiliary
mirror 4, a plurality of auxiliary mirrors may be arranged.
Exemplarily, by arranging the electronic projector 1 and a second
auxiliary mirror on one side of the central axis P and arranging a
first auxiliary mirror and the polygonal mirrors 5 on the other
side thereof, a projected light of the electronic projector 1 may
be refracted successively to the first auxiliary mirror and the
second auxiliary mirror to be presented to the polygonal mirrors
5.
[0076] The display system according to the embodiment will be
described below in further detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to
11.
[0077] First, the image segments will be described specifically.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing projected images projected by
the electronic projector. According to the embodiment, a single
electronic projector 1 is arranged on the central axis P, so that
images projected by the electronic projector 1 comprise a plurality
of image segments Ga to Gp arranged in a ring-shaped manner so as
to get clear of the stereoscopic screen 3. These image segments Ga
to Gp, respectively, are images when the same body is seen from
different surrounding positions. Exemplarily, assuming that a image
segment Ga is one seen from a front face of the body, a image
segment Gi is one when the body is seen from just behind thereof,
and positions of the image segments Ga to Gp on the projected image
surface correspond to positions, in which the body is seen. These
image segments Ga to Gp, respectively, are reflected by separate
mirrors of the polygonal mirrors 5 to be projected onto the screen
3 with a visible field angle limiting filter.
[0078] Subsequently, an outline construction of the display system
and images provided by the display system will be described
specifically. FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross sectional view showing a
whole outline construction of the display system shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the display system and viewing angle
directions of users. FIG. 5 is a view showing displays in the
viewing angle directions.
[0079] In FIG. 3, according to the embodiment, various image data
representative of image segments Ga to Gp shown in FIG. 2 are
stored in a storage unit 8 and projected by the electronic
projector 1 under control of a control unit 6. The control unit 6
generally controls the display system and reads image data from the
storage unit 8 to supply the same to the electronic projector 1,
thus projecting images shown in FIG. 2. Projected image composed of
such image segments Ga to Gp may be optionally created by means of
computer graphics, etc. or may be photographed by a CCD camera to
be created as described later. Also, in case of being photographed
by a CCD camera to be created, such creation may be made in a
remote location and created image data may be received and stored
in the storage unit 8.
[0080] In FIGS. 4 and 5, with the display system according to the
embodiment, the control unit 6 reads image data from the storage
unit 8 to supply the same to the electronic projector 1 as
described above. The electronic projector 1 uses the received image
data to cause images shown in FIG. 2 to outgo. The outgoing images
are reflected by the mirror 4, and then reflected every image
segments Ga to Gp by different mirrors of the polygonal minors 5 to
be projected onto the stereoscopic screen 3.
[0081] Thereby, assuming that directions, in which the stereoscopic
screen 3 is seen from around the stereoscopic screen 3, are denoted
by a to p as shown in FIG. 4, image segments Ga to Gp,
respectively, are projected onto the stereoscopic screen 3 in the a
to p directions. Consequently, different image segments Ga to Gp
are displayed on the stereoscopic screen 3 according to those
directions, in which the stereoscopic screen 3 is seen from
therearound as shown in FIG. 5.
[0082] Exemplarily, when the stereoscopic screen 3 is seen in the a
direction, a image segment Ga is displayed, and when the
stereoscopic screen 3 is seen in the k direction, a image segment
Gk is displayed. Accordingly, a stereoscopic image can be seen when
seen from around the stereoscopic screen 3.
[0083] Subsequently, a visible field angle limiting filter and a
directional reflection screen will be described specifically with
reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a partial, cross sectional view
showing a projected image surface of a stereoscopic screen. FIG. 7
is a view showing details of the visible field angle limiting
filter, FIG. 7(a) being a cross sectional view, and FIG. 7(b) being
a perspective view. FIG. 8 is a partial, perspective view showing,
in enlarged scale, the directional reflection screen. FIG. 9 is a
plan view illustrating a range, in which a user can see a displayed
image.
[0084] In FIG. 6, according to the embodiment, the directional
reflection screen 11 is stuck to the projected image surface 50 of
the stereoscopic screen 3 and has the visible field angle limiting
filter 2 stuck to a surface thereof Also, the directional
reflection screen 11 is structured such, that the anisotropic
diffusion sheet 11b overlaps a surface of the corner mirror sheet
11a. According to the embodiment, by arranging the visible field
angle limiting filter 2 on the surface, an adjacent image segment
does not obstruct a final image reflected toward a user from the
directional reflection screen 11.
[0085] In FIG. 7, the stereoscopic screen 3 comprises a screen
sheet-shaped member 9, which makes a base of the visible field
angle limiting filter 2, and a plurality of shielding fins 10
arranged at equal intervals on both surfaces of the screen
sheet-shaped member 9. The fins 10 have a thickness of, for
example, around 100 to 200 .mu.m and are provided at a pitch in the
order of a dimension of pixels on the stereoscopic screen 3, for
example, 0.5 to 2 mm, whereby when images shown in FIG. 2 are
projected, image segments (adjacent image segments) projected by
adjacent mirrors of the polygonal mirrors 5 are shielded and only a
image segment projected by a corresponding mirror can be seen every
direction even when the stereoscopic screen 3 is seen from any
direction.
[0086] The visible field angle limiting filter 2 has the fins 10
restricting a visible field angle so as to make adjacent image
segments invisible, and the fins 10 are set in height according to
a visible field angle limiting angle (visible range). Here, the
visible field angle limiting angle in the order of
.+-.360.degree./(number of image segments in one
circumference.times.4) is given. In the case where the number of
image segments of a projected image is, for example, 16 as shown in
FIG. 2, a visible field angle limiting angle (visible range) is in
the order of .+-.5.6.degree. (=.+-.360.degree./(16.times.4)) and
the fins 10 therefor have a height in the order of 5 to 20 mm.
Also, in case of 10 image segments, a visible field angle limiting
angle is around .+-.9.0.degree. (=.+-.360.degree./(10.times.4)) and
the fins 10 therefor have a height in the order of 3.2 to 13
mm.
[0087] Alternatively, a construction can do, in which shielding
partitions (not shown) acting in the same manner as the fins 10 and
having a thickness in the order of 50 to 200 .mu.m are inserted at
a pitch of around 0.3 to 2 mm into a transparent film or a
transparent substrate (not shown) having a thickness of around 3 to
20 mm in the case where a visible field angle limiting angle is
around .+-.5.6.degree. (in case of 16 image segments), and having a
thickness of around 1.9 to 13 mm in the case where a visible field
angle limiting angle is around .+-.9.0.degree. (in case of 16 image
segments). Also, except the construction, a construction may do, in
which a cylindrical lens for condensing in a visible field angle
limiting direction is arranged.
[0088] A directional reflection screen material as described in
JP-A-11-258697 may be used as a further specific example of the
stereoscopic screen 3 provided with the visible field angle
limiting filter 2 in FIG. 1.
[0089] In FIG. 8, according to the embodiment, the directional
reflection screen 11 comprises the corner mirror sheet 11a and the
anisotropic diffusion sheet 11b. In addition, the embodiment adopts
a lenticular sheet as the anisotropic diffusion sheet 11b. The
directional reflection screen 11 possesses a property of
retroreflection of an incident light in a horizontal direction and
diffuse reflection in a vertical direction, and reflects a light,
which is incident at an incident angle within .+-.45.degree., in a
direction of incidence. That is, a user opposed directly to the
projected image surface 50 can see an image in the left and right
range of .+-.45.degree.. Accordingly, since the stereoscopic screen
3 using such directional reflection screen 11 is wide in the range
of an input angle, which enables reflection in a predetermined
direction, as compared with the stereoscopic screen 3 not using the
directional reflection screen 11, the quantity of reflected light
is much with the result that a bright image is obtained.
[0090] In the case where only the directional reflection screen 11
is used, however, a light is in some cases reflected in a different
direction from a direction of incidence depending upon an angle, at
which the light is incident, with the result that image segments
from a plurality of directions are seen overlapping one another
depending upon a direction, in which the image segments are seen.
Here, the visible field angle limiting filter 12 shown in FIG. 7 is
also provided in order to prevent such reflected light from other
directions to enable a viewer to see only a image segment
corresponding to a direction.
[0091] In FIG. 9, the visible field angle limiting filter 12 is
structured such that the fins are arranged at a small pitch as
shown in FIG. 7. The visible field angle limiting filter (visible
field angle limiting optical system) 12 having a visible field
angle limit (visible range) of, for example, about .+-.24 degrees
to a normal line to a surface of the directional reflection screen
11 is stuck to the surface whereby a reflected light of
neighbouring image segments is shielded and only a image segment
from a correct direction is displayed as shown in FIG. 9 and can be
seen in the a to p directions (FIG. 4). Consequently, when a
direction seen when going around the stereoscopic screen 3 is
changed to a, b, c, . . . , p, only a image segment Ga to Gp (see
FIG. 5) of the body corresponding to a viewing direction can be
seen every viewing direction, thus producing an effect that a
plurality of people can enjoy images at the same time in optional
directions.
[0092] Subsequently, an explanation will be given to applications
of an external shape of the stereoscopic screen 3. FIG. 10 are
perspective views showing outward appearances of applications of a
shape of the stereoscopic screen 3, FIG. 10(a) being a perspective
view showing a columnar shape shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 10(b) being a
perspective view showing a stereoscopic screen, in which a
circumferential surface of a columnar shape is defined by a concave
arc, and FIG. 10(c) being a perspective view showing a stereoscopic
screen in the form of a vertically long sphere.
[0093] As described above, the stereoscopic screen 3 according to
the embodiment produces the same function and effect as those
illustrated in FIG. 1 when it assumes a shape of similarity of
rotation. Accordingly, the columnar shape is not limited to the
columnar shape as shown in FIG. 10(a).
[0094] Exemplarily, FIG. 10(b) shows a stereoscopic screen 3, of
which a circumferential surface is defined by a concave arc so that
the circumferential surface of a columnar shape is thin at a center
thereof and becomes gradually thick as it goes in a vertical
direction. Since the stereoscopic screen 3 is curved toward a
center thereof in the vertical direction, the same function and
effect as those in case of adopting the anisotropic diffusion sheet
11b can be obtained even when the anisotropic diffusion sheet 11b
is not adopted.
[0095] On the other hand, it is preferable to adopt the corner
mirror sheet 11a also in the vertical direction in a shape defined
by a convex arc, which gradually retreats toward the rear in a
horizontal direction and in a vertical direction.
[0096] Also, as described above, according to the embodiment, the
stereoscopic screen 3 is not necessarily limited to a shape of
similarity of rotation. For example, respective image segments may
be changed conformed to an external shape of the stereoscopic
screen 3. Alternatively, a decorative effect is produced in case of
displaying an abstract pattern, etc.
[0097] A modification of the first embodiment will be described
with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a view showing an outline
construction of an application of the first embodiment shown in
FIG. 1. In FIG. 11, the embodiment comprises a display system not
adopting the auxiliary mirror 4. That is, with the modification, an
electronic projector 1 is fixed to a ceiling, a stereoscopic screen
3 is mounted downwardly vertically of the electronic projector, and
image segments outgoing from the electronic projector 1 are
reflected by polygonal mirrors 5 in the form of a conical surface
to be projected onto the stereoscopic screen 3 in the a to p
directions shown in FIG. 4. Thereby, image segments Ga to Gp as
shown in FIG. 5 are displayed on the stereoscopic screen 3
according to directions (that is, viewing directions).
[0098] With the display system, according to the first embodiment,
illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11, a plurality of people can enjoy a
stereoscopic image at the same time in optional directions, it is
not necessary to regulate respective mirrors of the polygonal
mirrors 5, and it is possible to lessen an error in positions and
orientations of such mirrors due to fine deviation. Besides, since
the polygonal mirrors 5 can be arranged close to the stereoscopic
screen 3 provided with the visible field angle limiting filter 2,
it is possible to make the whole system small in size and to see a
stereoscopic image in a position near to the stereoscopic screen
3.
[0099] Also, since projected images including all image segments as
shown in FIG. 2 can outgo from the electronic projector 1 at all
times, it is not necessary to take account of an outgoing timing
every image segment, and since image segments outgoing from the
electronic projector 1 are projected onto the stereoscopic screen 3
and people see the projected image segments, a sharp stereoscopic
image can be seen in any direction and in any position.
[0100] In addition, while it has been described that projection is
performed upward by mounting the electronic projector 1 downward
along the central axis P of the stereoscopic screen 3 provided with
the visible field angle limiting filter 2, such definition of upper
and lower positions is used in relation to positions, in which the
central axis P and images are formed, for the purpose of easy
understanding and is not limited to, for example, the positional
relationship of a floor and a ceiling, on which the display system
is mounted, and upside down positions will do.
[0101] Subsequently, a camera system for formation of the image
segments will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG.
12 is a view illustrating a principle of a camera system that
creates projected images shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 13 is a view showing
a construction of the first embodiment of a camera system using the
principle illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0102] In FIG. 12, the embodiment adopts the same construction as
that of the display system, that is, a camera system provided with
a CCD camera 13 in place of the electronic projector 1. According
to the first embodiment of the camera system, the polygonal mirrors
14 comprise a plurality of mirrors arranged on a conical surface in
the same manner as the polygonal mirrors 5 shown in FIG. 1. Also,
the downwardly directed CCD camera 13 is provided upward along a
central axis P of the conical surface. The whole of the polygonal
mirrors 14 is included in a visible field of imaging of the CCD
camera 13. Respective mirrors of the polygonal mirrors 14
correspond to the a to p directions in FIG. 4.
[0103] In photographing, a body 15 being an object of photographing
is arranged on the central axis P of the conical surface. An image
of the body 15 is reflected by the respective mirrors of the
polygonal mirrors 14 and photographed as image segments by the CCD
camera 13. Thereby, for example, images shown in FIG. 2 are
obtained. In addition, images photographed by the CCD camera 13 may
be still pictures or dynamic pictures.
[0104] While the embodiment of FIG. 12 assumes that construction,
in which the polygonal mirrors 14 are photographed, this is not
limitative. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the same auxiliary
mirror 16 as that in the display system of FIG. 1 may be provided
between the CCD camera 13 and the polygonal mirrors 14. This will
be further described with reference to 13.
[0105] In FIG. 13, according to the embodiment, the object 15 of
photographing is a person and a full-length image of the person 15
is obtained. The auxiliary mirror 16 is mounted to a back surface
of a ceiling disposed above the CCD camera 13 and the CCD camera 13
is directed toward the auxiliary mirror 16. Respective auxiliary
mirrors of the polygonal mirrors 14 are arranged on a conical
surface in the same manner as the respective auxiliary mirrors of
the polygonal mirrors 5 shown in FIG. 12.
[0106] Images of the person 15 seen in the a to p directions (FIG.
4), respectively, are reflected by mirrors, which correspond to the
polygonal mirrors 14, and further reflected by the auxiliary mirror
16 on the ceiling to be photographed by the CCD camera 13. Thereby,
images as shown in FIG. 2 are obtained. In this case, provided that
the polygonal mirrors 14 reflect a light toward the auxiliary
mirror 16, there is no limitation on an object of photographing and
a plurality of objects of photographing may be included.
[0107] According to the embodiment, the whole of the camera system
can be restricted to be small in height owing to the same function
and effect as those of the auxiliary mirror 4.
Second Embodiment
[0108] FIG. 14 is a view showing a construction of a display system
according to a second embodiment. In FIG. 14, according to the
second embodiment, the display system is connected to a camera
system 17 through a communication path 18. With the camera system
17, when a projected image is obtained by a CCD camera 13 in the
way illustrated in FIG. 12, the projected image is processed to
create an image signal such as NTSC/PAL to transmit the same to the
display system via the communication path 18. In the display
system, when the image signal is received, it is converted into an
original projected image and fed to an electronic projector 1.
Thereby, image segments of the body 15 obtained in the camera
system are displayed on a stereoscopic screen 3 in the same manner
as in the preceding first embodiment and besides, a stereoscopic
image can be displayed in real time together with creation of the
projected image.
[0109] Here, the communication path 18 may be a wire path or
wireless. Also, the camera system 17 may transmit a projected image
as obtained to a display system in a remote location via a network,
in which case the projected image may be transmitted as data of
digital image format such as MPEG, etc. Thereby, the display system
enables seeing a stereoscopic image of the body 15 in a remote
location.
[0110] Further, by making use of the principle of the camera system
shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to form a camera system sized
corresponding to an object of photographing. That is, a camera
system conformed to an object of photographing can be formed by
setting dimensions of respective mirrors of polygonal mirrors,
which are arranged on a conical surface, and a magnitude of a
circle, on which the mirrors are arranged, in conformity to a size
of a subject (object of photographing). Also, a position, in which
a CCD camera is mounted, is also regulated in level so that a whole
of polygonal mirrors having an inner surface in the form of a
conical surface is included in a visible field of photographing and
image segments from all mirrors of the polygonal mirrors can be
photographed.
Third Embodiment
[0111] FIG. 15 is a view showing a construction of a display system
according to a third embodiment. In FIG. 15, according to the third
embodiment, the display system is mounted in the street and detects
people who approach from four quarters to visually inform the
approaching people of various guides.
[0112] According to the embodiment, approach of a person can be
detected by using a method, in which sensors 19 are provided in a
plurality of locations around the display system as shown in FIG.
15, or a mat switch is laid on a floor surface while not shown.
Also, as measures of detecting directions a to p (FIG. 4) related
to viewers, it suffices to use infrared rays, proximity switches,
and microphones, of which number (for example, 16 in the a to p
directions) corresponds to that of directions being desired to
detect. At this time, it is possible to detect general movements of
viewers on the basis of changes in signals, which are obtained from
adjacent sensors.
[0113] Presently, assuming that the sensors 19 are provided in the
manner as shown, signals obtained in the sensors 19 are processed
in a control unit 6. The control unit 6 transmits images, which are
conformed to movements of viewers, to an electronic projector 1. A
direction, in which a person approaches, is detected on the basis
of changes in signals of the sensors 19, and a character projected
onto the stereoscopic screen 3 is displayed on the stereoscopic
screen 3 in a predetermined direction so that the character is
opposed directly to the person who is approaching. At this time, a
method of creating images so that the character is rotated
comprises storing the image segments Ga to Gp as shown in FIG. 5 in
the control unit 6 and projecting images, in which the image
segments Ga to Gp are displaced one coma or several comas
circumferentially, when, for example, the images as shown in FIG. 2
are projected by the electronic projector 1 whereby it is possible
to make movements, in which the character looks to rotate. Control
may be exercised so that information of directions, which indicates
whether any one of the image segments is present at the front, is
beforehand stored and a front image is formed in a direction, in
which presence of a person is detected.
[0114] Also, changes in signals of adjacent sensors 19 enable an
interaction, in which a direction of the character is changed in
conformity to, for example, an orientation, in which a human hand
moves, and movements of a human hand. Further, a plurality of
sensors 19 are mounted whereby approach and motions of a plurality
of persons are detected and images can be formed corresponding
thereto.
Fourth Embodiment
[0115] Subsequently, a display system according to a fourth
embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18. FIG.
16 is a view showing a construction of the display system according
to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing
projected images projected by an electronic projector 1. FIG. 18 is
a vertical, cross sectional view showing the fourth embodiment
shown in FIG. 15.
[0116] In FIG. 16, the fourth embodiment has a semi-cylindrical
shape and polygonal mirrors 5 comprise a plurality of mirrors
arranged on a semi-conical surface as shown in FIG. 16. An
auxiliary mirror 4 is stuck to a back surface of a ceiling. The
polygonal mirrors 5 and the auxiliary mirror 4 form a projection
optical system. The electronic projector 1 causes projected images,
in which image segments Ga to Gi are arranged on a semi-circle, to
outgo as shown in, for example, FIG. 17. A control unit 6 stores
such projected images to supply the, same to the electronic
projector 1.
[0117] In FIG. 18, projected images supplied from the control unit
6 and shown in FIG. 17 are caused by the electronic projector 1 to
outgo. The images are reflected by the mirror 4 disposed at the
back of the ceiling and respective image segments Ga to Gi of the
images are further reflected by respective mirrors of the polygonal
mirrors 5 to be projected onto a stereoscopic screen 3a.
[0118] The projected images outgoing from the electronic projector
1 comprise images, in which divided image segments Ga to Gi (the
same as those in FIG. 5) when a body is seen from around in a ring
region are aligned on a semi-circle in a circumferential direction
as shown in FIG. 17. Such images may be created optionally by means
of computer graphics, or may be created by photographing of a CCD
camera with the use of the method illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0119] With the display system, according to the fourth embodiment,
the control unit 6 in the construction reads image data shown in
FIG. 16 to supply the same to the electronic projector 1. Projected
images of the image data as supplied are caused by the electronic
projector 1 to outgo. Light of those respective image segments Ga
to Gi of the outgoing projected images, which are divided in the
ring region, are reflected by the mirror 4 disposed at the back of
the ceiling and then further reflected by respective mirrors of the
polygonal mirrors 5 arranged on a semi-conical surface, so that the
image segments Ga to Gi are projected onto the stereoscopic screen
3a in, for example, b to i directions shown in FIG. 4.
[0120] The stereoscopic screen 3a is one possessing a property that
an image projected from a back side transmits therethrough. A
screen is desired, which limits a visible field angle in a
horizontal direction so as to permit different images to be seen
according to a direction of viewing and has a wide range of visible
field angle in a vertical direction. Here, a semitransparent
diffusion film or the like used for back projection type displays
is made use of.
[0121] A method of using a Fresnel lens is conceivable as one of
methods, which realize the screen described above. A Fresnel lens
is one, in which a lens curved surface is made not continuous but
stepwise, and has a feature in that light is refracted on stepwise
portions and transmitted light is condensed in the same direction
as a direction, in which light is incident. Also, a Fresnel lens is
different in visible field angle depending on existing products
such that there are lenses having a wide visible field angle of
about .+-.60 degrees. When such Fresnel lens is used, light
transmits therethrough in the same direction as a direction, in
which the light is incident, and is condensed in a certain
position, so that a viewer can see an image reflected just on a
mirror from a position on a straight line, which connects between
each mirror of the polygonal mirrors arranged on the semi-conical
surface and a Fresnel lens screen. That is, the use of a Fresnel
lens can realize an effect that it is possible to see an image
corresponding to a direction of viewing in the same manner as in
retroreflection. Also, as far as an angle of a Fresnel lens is
present in a predetermined range (in a range of visible field
angle) from an angle opposed directly to a viewer, an image
projected to a screen can be seen. Also, when a Fresnel lens having
stepwise cuts only in a horizontal direction is used, light is
condensed only in the horizontal direction, so that the Fresnel
lens is thought to be appropriate as a material of the screen.
[0122] Also, in order to inhibit light from being condensed in a
vertical direction and to have an image seen in a further wide
range, it suffices that working be made to provide for diffused
reflection in the vertical direction. In order to have a Fresnel
lens making diffused reflection in the vertical direction, it
suffices to stick a lenticular sheet to a surface of the Fresnel
lens. Thereby, a whole screen surface is seen in a further
brightness in the vertical direction and made easy to see.
[0123] In the method, according to the fourth embodiment, described
above, it is not possible to go round a whole circumference but
viewing is instead possible approaching from a side, on which
inner-surface polygonal mirrors are not mounted. Therefore, viewing
while approaching a screen is possible as compared with a
whole-circumference type system. Further, while a
cylindrical-shaped display system of whole-circumference type is
required to be made large in size in order to enlarge a screen and
an image reflected on the screen, there is involved a problem that
a distance between a viewer and the screen is also increased. With
the method according to the fourth embodiment, however, a distance
between a screen and a viewer is not affected even when the system
itself is enlarged.
[0124] Also, according to the first embodiment of the display
system, projected images, in which image segments Ga to Gp (in case
of 16 comas) are arranged in a ring-shaped manner as shown in FIG.
2, are projected from the electronic projector 1. According to the
fourth embodiment, however, projected images, in which image
segments Ga to Gi (in case of 8 comas) are arranged on a
semi-circle as shown in FIG. 16, are projected from the electronic
projector 1. In the case where projected images projected from the
electronic projector 1 are the same in resolution, necessary image
segments in the fourth embodiment of the display system become half
those in the first embodiment. Therefore, respective image segments
projected from the electronic projector 1 of the fourth embodiment
become four times in resolution image segments projected from the
electronic projector 1 of the first embodiment, so that projected
image segments are improved in expressive power.
[0125] In addition, while polygonal mirrors are semi-circular in
the fourth embodiment of the display system, a cylinder, on which
the mirrors are arranged, can be made a half or more, or a half or
less, in which case an angular direction, in which an image can be
enjoyed, is determined by a range of an angular direction, in which
the mirrors are arranged on a conical surface.
Fifth Embodiment
[0126] Subsequently, a display system and a camera system,
according to a fifth embodiment, and a displaying system using the
same will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 32. FIGS. 19
to 32 show the display system according to the embodiment, FIGS. 24
to 25 show the camera system, and FIGS. 27 to 32 show the
displaying system, in which a plurality of the display systems
(including the camera system) are controlled by a network.
[0127] First, the display system will be described with reference
to FIGS. 19 to 26. FIG. 19 is a view showing a construction of an
essential part of the display system according to the fifth
embodiment. FIG. 20 is a plan view showing projection regions of
respective electronic projectors. FIG. 21 is a schematic view
showing projected images of the electronic projectors. FIG. 22 is a
configuration illustrating an arrangement of respective mirrors of
polygonal mirrors. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an outward
appearance of the display system according to the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a configuration illustrating a further embodiment of the
camera system, which creates projected images. FIG. 25 is a
conceptual view showing an image on the camera system. FIG. 26 is a
view showing projected images photographed by the camera
system.
[0128] In FIG. 19, the fifth embodiment uses a plurality of
electronic projectors and here it is assumed that four electronic
projectors 1a to 1d are used. The electronic projectors 1a to 1d
are arranged above polygonal mirrors (mirror groups) 5, and
furthermore, the electronic projectors 1a to 1d are arranged so
that centers of projection optical systems 25a to 25d of the
electronic projectors 1a to 1d are disposed on a circumference
having the same radius, which centers on an extension of a central
axis P of a stereoscopic screen 3, and space at equal intervals
(intervals of 90 degrees as viewed from the central axis P).
[0129] The electronic projectors 1a to 1d, respectively, arranged
in this manner make projection on the polygonal mirrors 5 part by
part. A projection region 26a is one, onto which images outgoing
from the electronic projector 1a are projected, and at least
mirrors (the number of mirrors, which constitute the polygonal
mirrors 5)/(the number of electronic projectors) out of the
polygonal mirrors 5 are completely and fully included in the
projection region 26a. Here, assuming that the number of mirrors,
which constitute the polygonal mirrors 5, is 24, the number of
mirrors completely included in the projection region 26a is at
least 6 since the number of electronic projectors is 4.
[0130] A projection region 26b is one, onto which images outgoing
from the electronic projector 1b are projected, and 6 mirrors
continuing to 6 mirrors completely included in the projection
region 26a are completely and fully included in the projection
region 26b. Likewise, a projection region 26c is one, onto which
images outgoing from the electronic projector 1c are projected, and
6 mirrors continuing to 6 mirrors completely included in the
projection region 26b are completely and fully included in the
projection region 26c. A projection region 26d is one, onto which
images outgoing from the electronic projector 1d are projected, and
6 mirrors between 6 mirrors and 6 mirrors, which are completely
included in the projection regions 26c, 26a, respectively, are
completely and fully included in the projection region 26d. In
addition, this is also the same as in specific examples described
later.
[0131] This will be described with reference to FIG. 20. Now,
assuming that the polygonal minors 5 comprise 24 mirrors composed
of a mirror 5(1) to a mirror 5(24), the mirror 5(1) to the mirror
5(6) are completely included in the projection region 26a, the
minor 5(7) to the mirror 5(12) are completely included in the
projection region 26b, the mirror 5(13) to the mirror 5(18) are
completely included in the projection region 26c, and the minor
5(19) to the mirror 5(24) are completely included in the projection
region 26d.
[0132] According to the fifth embodiment of the display system,
since the polygonal minors 5 comprise the mirror 5(1) to the mirror
5(24), which are 24 in number, projected images including 24 image
segments arranged in a ring-shaped manner as shown in FIG. 2 are
used and the respective electronic projectors 1a to 1d share image
segments six by six to project the same onto.those mirrors, which
are completely included in corresponding projection regions. FIG.
21 show projected images, which outgo from, for example, the
electronic projector 1d, and the projected images include 6 image
segments in an arrangement corresponding to an arrangement of the
mirror 5(19) to the mirror 5(24) in the projection region 26d. Such
6 image segments are projected onto the mirror 5(19) to the mirror
5(24) and an opening 25d (FIG. 19) of the electronic projector 1d
is set in position and orientation so that projection is made with
centers of the image segments in agreement with centers of
corresponding mirrors. This is the same as for the remaining
electronic projectors 1a to 1c.
[0133] Image segments for those projected images, which outgo from
the respective electronic projectors 1a to 1d, respectively, are
reflected by corresponding mirrors of the polygonal mirrors 5 to be
projected onto the stereoscopic screen 3. Here, in the case where a
projection port of an electronic projector 1 is disposed on an
extension of a central axis P of a stereoscopic screen 3 as in the
preceding first to fourth embodiments of the display system, image
segments are favorably projected onto the stereoscopic screen 3 by
arranging surfaces of respective mirrors of polygonal mirrors 5 on
the same conical surface, but in the case where projection ports
25a to 25d of the electronic projectors 1a to 1d are offset from an
extension of a central axis P as in the fifth embodiment, image
segments reflected by the respective mirrors of the polygonal
mirrors 5 are projected onto offset positions on the stereoscopic
screen 3 provided that surfaces of the respective mirrors of the
polygonal mirrors 5 are arranged on the same conical surface. In
the case where offset is generated in projected positions,
projected images are positionally varied according to a position of
viewing to lead to an unnatural display when a viewer sees
projected images on the stereoscopic screen 3 while moving around
the stereoscopic screen 3. For example, assuming that projected
images as displayed are ones of a stationary body, the projected
images look to move up and down and left and right in case of
seeing the projected images while moving around the stereoscopic
screen 3.
[0134] In order to eliminate such unnatural motions of projected
images displayed on the stereoscopic screen 3, respective sets of 6
mirrors of the polygonal mirrors 5, onto which the electronic
projectors 1a to 1d project image segments, are regulated in mirror
orientation every set in the fifth embodiment.
[0135] That is, the respective mirrors are regulated so as to be
put in appropriate positionsangles on optical paths of optical
systems, which are formed among an electronic projector 1, an
auxiliary mirror 4, and the stereoscopic screen 3, when image
segments projected from corresponding electronic projectors are
reflected by mirror surfaces to be projected onto the stereoscopic
screen 3.
[0136] That is, stated with respect to the electronic projector 1a
with reference to FIG. 22, polygonal mirrors 5(1), 5(2), 5(3),
5(4), 5(5), 5(6) are set in inclination so that central light rays
of respective image segments for projected images outgoing from the
electronic projector 1a are reflected at centers of respective
corresponding polygonal mirrors 5(1), 5(2), 5(3), 5(4), 5(5), 5(6)
among the polygonal mirrors 5 and then condensed at the central
axis P of the stereoscopic screen 3 and more specifically,
condensed in a central position of the stereoscopic screen 3.
[0137] Here, when central positions of the polygonal mirrors 5(1)
to 5(6), that is, a conical surface having an inclination of a
boundary between the polygonal mirror 5(3) and the polygonal mirror
5(4) is assumed and a mirror is arranged in a position of the
boundary of the conical surface, the conical surface is assumed to
be inclined so that a central one of light outgoing from the
electronic projector 1a is reflected at a center of the mirror to
be irradiated on a center of the stereoscopic screen 3, so the
polygonal mirrors 5(1) to 5(6) are inclined to the assumed conical
surface. While specific numerical values are omitted since they can
be found by means of calculation, the polygonal mirror 5(3) and the
polygonal mirror 5(4) are inclined at equal angles relative to the
assumed conical surface in mutually opposite directions with the
boundary of the polygonal mirror 5(3) and the polygonal mirror 5(4)
as a center, the polygonal mirror 5(2) and the polygonal mirror
5(5) are inclined at equal angles relative to the assumed conical
surface in mutually opposite directions, and the polygonal mirror
5(1) and the polygonal mirror 5(6) are inclined at equal angles
relative to the assumed conical surface in mutually opposite
directions. In this case, inclinations of the polygonal mirrors
5(2), 5(5) are made larger than those of the polygonal mirrors
5(3), 5(4) and further inclinations of the polygonal mirrors 5(1),
5(6) are made larger than those of the polygonal mirrors 5(2),
5(5).
[0138] In this manner, by setting the polygonal mirrors 5(1) to
5(6) in an inclined state to the assumed conical surface, central
light rays of respective image segments outgoing from the
electronic projector 1a, respectively, are reflected at the central
positions of the polygonal mirrors 5(1) to 5(6), and then condensed
in the central position of the stereoscopic screen 3. Consequently,
image segments reflected and projected by the respective mirrors of
the mirrors 5 are displayed in correct positions on the
stereoscopic screen 3, so that when seeing a stereoscopic image
displayed on the stereoscopic screen 3 while going round the system
as shown in FIG. 23, unnatural motions and fluctuation of the
stereoscopic image do not appear and a favorable stereoscopic image
can be seen.
[0139] According to the fifth embodiment of the display system,
since the plurality (4 in this case) of electronic projectors 1a to
1d share a plurality of image segments representative of a
stereoscopic image to display the same, the number of displayed
image segments for the respective electronic projectors 1a to 1d is
small as compared with the preceding first to fourth embodiments
and respective image segments when outgoing from the electronic
projectors 1a to 1d can be correspondingly enlarged, so that it is
possible to project respective image segments as images of high
resolution. Consequently, a stereoscopic image projected onto the
stereoscopic screen 3 makes a highly fine picture image, which is
high in resolution.
[0140] Subsequently, a photographing system, which creates
projected images displayed by the display system according to the
fifth embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to
26.
[0141] In FIG. 24, in creating projected images for the electronic
projectors 1a to 1d illustrated in FIG. 19, the stereoscopic screen
3 is removed from a position of the central axis P (FIG. 22) in the
display system shown in FIGS. 19 and 23 and a camera object 30
making an object of an projected image is mounted. That is, a
position, in which the stereoscopic screen 3 has been mounted in
FIGS. 19 and 23, makes a region, in which a camera object is
mounted.
[0142] Also, together with this, the electronic projectors 1a to 1d
(FIG. 19) are removed and camera devices 27a to 27d are mounted
instead. The electronic projectors 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d,
respectively, photograph camera regions 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d for the
polygonal mirrors 5, a position of the camera device 27a and an
inclination of an optical axis (accordingly, an orientation of the
camera device 27a) of an optical system 28a are set so that the
camera region 29a agrees with the projection region 26a of the
electronic projector 1a in FIGS. 19 and 20 (in this case, while
complete agreement is not necessary, a plurality of mirrors for
photographing as image segments in the camera region 29a are fully
disposed in the camera region 29a in terms of resolution described
later. This is the same as for the remaining camera regions 29b to
29d and for a sixth embodiment of the display system described
later), a position of the camera device 27b and an inclination of
an optical axis (accordingly, an orientation of the camera device
27b) of an optical system 28b are likewise set so that the camera
region 29b agrees with the projection region 26b of the electronic
projector 1b in FIGS. 19 and 20, a position of the camera device
27c and an inclination of an optical axis (accordingly, an
orientation of the camera device 27c) of an optical system 28c are
likewise set so that the camera region 29c agrees with the
projection region 26c of the electronic projector 1c in FIGS. 19
and 20, and a position of the camera device 27d and an inclination
of an optical axis (accordingly, an orientation of the camera
device 27d) of an optical system 28d are likewise set so that the
camera region 29d agrees with the projection region 26d of the
electronic projector 1d in FIGS. 19 and 20.
[0143] According to this, as shown in FIG. 26, for example, the
camera device 27a photographs a virtual camera object 30', which is
disposed in a position symmetric with respect to a camera object 30
about one mirror 5(i) of the polygonal mirrors 5 in the camera
region 29a, for the mirror 5(i). A system of three-dimensional
coordinates of u(length), v(breadth), w(height) for the virtual
camera object 30' is turned relative to a system of
three-dimensional coordinates of x(length), y(breadth), z(height)
for the camera object 30 according to an inclination of a surface
of the mirror 5(i) in the x, y, z coordinates. Thereby, the camera
device 27a can see the same side of the virtual camera object 30'
as that side of the camera object 30, which is seen through the
mirror 5(i), in the same size, so that it is possible to photograph
the side of the camera object 30, which can be seen through the
mirror 5(i).
[0144] This is the same with remaining mirrors of the polygonal
mirrors 5 in the camera region 29a, and the camera device 27a
photographs sides of the camera object 30 seen from respective
mirrors included in the camera region 29a at the same time. This is
the same with the remaining camera devices 27b to 27d.
[0145] In this manner, the respective camera devices 27a to 27d
photograph the camera object 30 (In this case, the camera devices
27a to 27d may make photographing at the same time, or may make
photographing in separate timings), whereby images shown in FIG.
26(a) are obtained. That is, for the camera device 27a, there are
obtained photographed images including side images of the camera
object 30 reflected by all the mirrors of the polygonal mirrors 5,
which are included in the camera region 29a (FIG. 24) of the camera
device 27a.
[0146] Such photographed images are processed, and projected
images, in which only necessary side images are extracted as image
segments, are created as shown in FIG. 26(b). In this case, as
shown in FIG. 20, projected images are created, in which side
images from the mirrors 5(1) to 5(6) in the projection region 26a
(equal to the camera region 29a) are extracted and made image
segments. This is the same with camera images obtained from the
remaining camera devices 27b to 27d, and projected images being
projected from the respective electronic projectors 1a to 1d in
FIG. 19 are created.
[0147] In addition, a method of removing images reflected by
unnecessary mirrors from camera images of the camera devices 27a to
27d may comprise providing masks, which shield image light from
such unnecessary mirrors, on the optical systems 28a to 28d of the
camera devices 27a to 27d, or removing signal components caused by
images from such unnecessary mirrors as by gating output image
signals of the camera devices 27a to 27d, or the like.
[0148] Subsequently, a displaying system, in which a plurality of
the display systems (including the camera systems) according to the
fifth embodiment are controlled by a network, will be described
with reference to FIGS. 27 to 32.
[0149] FIG. 27 is a block diagram, in which the displaying system
according to the fifth embodiment create projected images. FIG. 28
is a block diagram, in which the displaying system according to the
fifth embodiment displays. FIG. 29 is a view showing the
relationship between camera regions of camera devices and
projection regions of electronic projectors in the displaying
system according to the fifth embodiment, which comprises camera
devices and electronic projectors together. FIG. 30 is a block
diagram of FIG. 29. FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a further
specific example of the displaying system according to the fifth
embodiment. FIG. 32 is a view showing a projection region, in the
case where electronic projectors as used are different in number,
in the displaying system according to the fifth embodiment.
[0150] First, in FIG. 27, the displaying system is one, in which a
plurality of display systems serving also as photographing devices
are controlled through a network by a server. Respective clients
31a to 31d are connected via a communication path 38 to a
communication unit 37 of a server 35 by communication units 34a to
34d thereof. Also, the respective clients 31a to 31d are provided
with control processing units 32a to 32d and storage units 33a to
33d. Also, the server 35 is provided with a control unit 36, which
generates various command signals according to an operation of an
operation unit (not shown). Here, since projected images of the
respective electronic projectors 1a to 1d (FIG. 19) are to be
created, the camera devices 27a to 27d, respectively, are connected
to the control processing units 32a to 32d of the clients 31a to
31d. The camera devices 27a to 27d, respectively, are arranged in a
manner illustrated in FIG. 24.
[0151] Now, when a user of the display system uses operation means
(not shown) to perform a command operation for creation of
projected images in the server 35, the control unit 36 generates a
command signal to transmit the same to the communication path 38
from the communication unit 37. The command signal is transmitted
by the communication path 38 and received by the communication
units 34a of the clients 31a to 31d. In the client 31a, the command
signal received by the communication unit 34a causes the control
processing unit 32a to have the camera device 27a beginning
photographing. An image signal output from the camera device 27a by
such photographing is processed in the control processing unit 32a
and then stored in the storage unit 33a as an image signal of
projected images, which are used in the electronic projector 1a
(FIG. 19). In this case, the control processing unit 32a may
perform a processing, of removing signal components caused by
reflected images from unnecessary mirrors of the polygonal mirrors
5 (FIG. 24). Thereby, projected images, which are used in the
electronic projector 1a (FIG. 19), are stored in the storage unit
33a.
[0152] In the clients 31b to 31d, projected images, which are used
in the electronic projectors 1b to 1d (FIG. 19), are stored in the
storage units 33b, 33c, 33d in the same manner as described
above.
[0153] In addition, in displaying a stereoscopic image of a still
picture, image data of 1 field or 1 frame period are sufficient as
data of projected images stored in the storage units 33a to 33d,
and in displaying a stereoscopic image of a camera object 30, which
moves (FIG. 24), projected images in a predetermined necessary
period of time are stored in the storage units 33a to 33d at need.
From the above, a starting command from the server 35 by an
operation of a user of the display system may cause the camera
devices 27a to 27d to start photographing, when the user performs a
command operation of photographing a still picture, output image
signals of the camera devices 27a to 27d may be extracted 1 field
or 1 frame period to be stored as data of projected images of the
electronic projectors 1a to 1d in the storage units 33a to 33d, and
when a command operation of photographing a dynamic picture is
performed (issuance of a recording starting command and a recording
termination command via the storage units 33a to 33d), camera image
signals in a period of time conformed to the command may be stored
as data of projected images in the storage units 33a to 33d.
[0154] Referring to FIG. 28, an explanation will be given to the
case where after data of projected images are recorded in the
storage units 33a to 33d of the respective clients 31a to 31d in
this manner, such projected images are used to display a
stereoscopic image.
[0155] In FIG. 28, the camera device 27a is removed and the
electronic projector 1a is mounted in the client 31a, and likewise
the camera devices 27b to 27d are removed and the electronic
projectors 1b to 1d are mounted in the clients 31b to 31d. At this
time, the electronic projectors 1a to 1d are arranged as
illustrated in FIG. 19.
[0156] After being constructed in this manner, a user of the
display system uses operation means (not shown) of the server 35 to
perform a display command operation, the control unit 36 generates
a display command signal to transmit the same to the communication
path 38 from the communication unit 37. The display command signal
is received by the communication units 34a to 34d in the respective
clients 31a to 31d and supplied to the control processing units 32a
to 32d. Receiving the display command signal, the control
processing units 32a to 32d start the electronic projectors 1a to
1d and take in data of projected images from the storage unit 33a
to supply the same to the electronic projectors 1a to 1d. Thereby,
the electronic projectors 1a to 1d project respective projected
images with the result that a stereoscopic image is displayed by
the stereoscopic screen 3 (FIG. 19).
[0157] Subsequently, an embodiment, in which a work of exchanging
the camera devices 27a to 27d and the electronic projectors 1a to
1d is omitted, will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 and
30.
[0158] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, the camera
devices 27a to 27d and the electronic projectors 1a to 1d are
exchanged in the same clients 31a to 31d to create projected images
and project the projected images. However, as shown in FIG. 24, the
camera devices 27a to 27d may be arranged in the relationship of
arrangement obtained by turning that relationship of arrangement,
in which the electronic projectors 1a to 1d shown in FIG. 19 are
arranged, a predetermined angle about the central axis P.
[0159] More specifically, in FIG. 19, the work of exchanging the
camera devices 27a to 27d and the electronic projectors 1a to 1d
can be omitted by arranging the camera device 27a between the
electronic projectors 1a, 1b, arranging the camera device 27b
between the electronic projectors 1b, 1c, arranging the camera
device 27c between the electronic projectors 1c, 1d, and arranging
the camera device 27d between the electronic projectors 1d, 1a.
[0160] In this case, as shown in FIG. 29, the projection regions
26a to 26d (indicated by solid lines) of the electronic projectors
1a to 1d shown in FIG. 19 are turned an amount corresponding to an
integral number of mirrors of the polygonal mirrors 5 about the
central axis P to provide for positions (indicated by broken lines)
of the camera regions 29a to 29d of the camera devices 27a to 27d
shown in FIG. 24.
[0161] FIG. 30 shows a configuration of a displaying system free of
the exchanging work shown in FIG. 29. In FIG. 30, the embodiment
comprises camera devices and electronic projectors in the clients
according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 28. In this case, a
camera device 27a and an electronic projector 1a, which projects
projected images created by the camera device, can be connected to
the same client 31a, likewise, a camera device 27b and an
electronic projector 1b, which projects projected images created by
the camera device, can be connected to a client 31b, a camera
device 27c and an electronic projector 1c, which projects projected
images created by the camera device, can be connected to a client
31c, and a camera device 27d and an electronic projector 1d, which
projects projected images created by the camera device, can be
connected to a client 31d.
[0162] In the clients 31a to 31d, respectively, data of projected
images obtained by photographing of the camera devices 27a to 27d
and stored in the storage units 33a to 33d are read under the
control of display control units 39a to 39d to be supplied to the
electronic projectors 1a to 1d, so that respective projected images
are projected.
[0163] In this case, while a stereoscopic image displayed by the
stereoscopic screen 3 is one turned the predetermined angle about
the central axis P relative to an original camera object
photographed by the camera devices 27a to 27d, this does not
concern a viewer. In addition, it goes without saying that the
server 35 issues a command to have the camera devices 27a to 27d
photographing a camera object and a command to have the electronic
projectors 1a to 1d projecting projected images.
[0164] Also, FIG. 31 shows an embodiment, in which a storage unit
40 of a server 35 control data of projected images collectively.
While the storage units 33a to 33d are provided every the clients
31a to 31d in the systems shown in FIGS. 27, 28, and 30, the common
storage unit 40 may be provided in the server 35 as shown in FIG.
31 to store data of projected images created by the clients 31a to
31d together.
[0165] In displaying a stereoscopic image, it suffices that
corresponding data of projected images read from the storage unit
40 be supplied to respective electronic projectors (not shown). In
addition, while camera devices 27a to 27d and the electronic
projectors are exchanged in the respective clients 31a to 31d in
FIG. 31, camera devices and electronic projectors may be connected
together as shown in FIG. 30.
[0166] Also, FIG. 32 shows an embodiment, in which electronic
projectors are small in number. In the preceding descriptions, the
electronic projectors as used are four in number, this is not
limitative such that the number of electronic projectors as used is
not limited to four provided that respective electronic projectors
project equal, integral numbers of image segments and the
electronic projectors project image segments onto those mirrors,
which constitute polygonal mirrors, without overage and shortage
(that is, the number m of electronic projectors, in which m/n is an
integral number, where m indicates the number of those mirrors,
which constitute polygonal mirrors, and n indicates the number of
electronic projectors as used).
[0167] FIG. 32(a) shows the case where two electronic projectors
are used, in which case projection regions 26a, 26b are set for the
respective electronic projectors and the respective electronic
projectors share projection of image segments half by half (here,
it is assumed that the polygonal mirrors 5 comprise 24 mirrors, and
so 12 by 12) of mirrors forming the polygonal mirrors 5. Also, FIG.
32(b) shows the case where six electronic projectors are used, in
which case projection regions 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, 26f are set
for the respective electronic projectors and the respective
electronic projectors share projection of image segments 1/6 by 1/6
(here, it is assumed that the polygonal mirrors 5 comprise 24
mirrors, and so 4 by 4) of the number of mirrors forming the
polygonal mirrors 5.
[0168] In addition, while the display system according to the fifth
embodiment uses the polygonal mirrors 5 for creation of projected
images by the camera devices 27a to 27d and for projection of
projected images by the electronic projectors 1a to 1d, camera
devices for creation of projected images used for the respective
electronic projectors may be provided separately and the created
projected images may be transmitted to the respective electronic
projectors.
Sixth Embodiment
[0169] Subsequently, a display system according to a sixth
embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 35. FIG.
33 is a view showing a process of creating projected images in the
display system according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 34 is a view
showing a process of creating projected images in the display
system according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 35 is a view
illustrating a concept of a method of creating projected image in
the display system according to the sixth embodiment.
[0170] While according to the fifth embodiment of the display
system described above the camera devices, as used, for creation of
projected images and the electronic projectors as used are made the
same in number, the both as used are made different in number from
each other in the display system according to the sixth embodiment.
That is, a configuration, in which the electronic projectors in the
sixth embodiment of the display system are used to display a
stereoscopic image, is fundamentally the same as that shown in FIG.
19, and the camera devices for creation of projected images used
for the electronic projectors are fundamentally the same in
configuration as that shown in FIG. 24 but the camera devices and
the electronic projectors, respectively as used are made different
from each other as described above.
[0171] In FIG. 33, the embodiment uses six camera devices as the
camera devices and four electronic projectors as the display
systems. FIG. 33(a) show camera regions of the respective camera
devices for polygonal mirrors 5 in case of being constructed as
camera devices, and here the number of mirrors, which constitute
the polygonal mirrors 5, is 24. Here, the polygonal mirrors may be
the polygonal mirrors 5 used for displaying of a stereoscopic image
as shown in FIG. 19. In this case, the camera devices and the
electronic projectors are exchanged and used. Alternatively, they
may be provided on camera devices exclusively used for creation of
projected images.
[0172] In addition, camera regions by the camera devices are
assumed to be camera regions 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d, 29e, 29f in this
order. Camera devices for the camera regions 29a, 29b, 29f are
assumed to be camera devices 27a, 27b, 29f. Also, four electronic
projectors used when being constructed as the display systems are
assumed to be electronic projectors 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d.
[0173] As shown in FIG. 33(a), a camera region 29a of a camera
device 27a is set in a region completely including four mirrors of
the polygonal mirrors 5 in the same manner as in the fifth
embodiment, and a camera region 29b of a succeeding camera device
27b is set in a region completely including four succeeding
mirrors. Likewise, camera regions 29c, 29d, 29e, 29f, respectively,
are set in sequential regions completely including four mirrors by
four mirrors. In this case, four mirrors are preferably included in
the respective camera regions 29a to 29f as fully as possible.
[0174] Thereby, as shown in FIG. 33(b), a camera image 41a
including four complete image segments is obtained from the camera
device 27a, and a camera image 41b including succeeding four
complete image segments is obtained from the camera device 27b.
Likewise, camera images including four by four complete image
segments are obtained from the camera devices 27c, 27d, 27e, 27f
while not shown. Of course, these image segments are images when a
camera object (not shown) is seen from separate directions.
[0175] As shown in FIG. 33(c), image segments are extracted from
the camera images 41a, 41b obtained in this manner. Six image
segments 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, 42f in this order are selected out of
such image segments 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, 42f, 43g, 42h, 42i and
images, in which the selected image segments are arranged in an
arcuate manner as shown in FIG. 33(d), are created. These make
projected images used for one of the electronic projectors, that
is, the electronic projector 1a.
[0176] Also, four image segments are extracted from those camera
images, which the camera device 27c photographs the camera region
29c to provide, and images, in which the four image segments are
arranged in an arcuate manner together with the remaining image
segments 42g, 42h (FIG. 33(c)) of those image segments, which are
extracted from the projected image 41b by the camera device 27b,
are created. These make projected images used for the electronic
projector 1b. In this manner, projected images used for the two
electronic projectors 1a, 1b are obtained from those camera images,
which are obtained from the three camera devices 27a to 27c.
Likewise, projected images used for the electronic projector 1c are
created from four image segments obtained by photographing of the
camera region 29d and two image segments obtained by photographing
of the camera region 29e, and projected images used for the
electronic projector 1d are created from the remaining two of image
segments obtained by photographing of the camera region 29e and
four image segments obtained by photographing of the camera region
29f.
[0177] In this manner, six camera devices are used to create
projected images used for four electronic projectors, so that image
segments for camera images by the respective camera devices can be
photographed large as compared with the case where camera devices,
the number of which is equal to that of electronic projectors, are
used, with the result that image segments are heightened in
resolution. Accordingly, in the case where six camera devices are
used, highly fine stereoscopic image, which is high in resolution,
is obtained as compared with the case where camera devices, the
number of which is equal to that of electronic projectors, are
used, and also, assuming that a stereoscopic image being the same
in resolution as that in the case where camera devices, the number
of which is equal to that of electronic projectors, are used, is to
be obtained, the resolution of respective camera devices can be
made lower than that in the case where camera devices, the number
of which is equal to that of electronic projectors, are used, and
so it is possible to use camera devices, which are low in
resolution and inexpensive. This is not limited to the case where
the number of camera devices as used and the number of electronic
projectors as used are as the above example but applies to the case
where the number of camera devices as used is larger than the
number of electronic projectors as used.
[0178] Subsequently, FIG. 34 shows an embodiment, in which one
camera device is used in case of being constituted as a camera
system and four electronic projectors are used in case of being
constituted as a display system.
[0179] FIG. 34(a) shows a camera region of a camera device for
polygonal mirrors 5 and the number of mirrors, which constitute the
polygonal mirrors 5, is 24. Also, in this case, the polygonal
mirrors 5 may comprise polygonal mirrors 5 used when a stereoscopic
image is displayed as shown in FIG. 19. In this case, camera
devices and electronic projectors may be exchanged and used.
Alternatively, an arrangement at a center of four electronic
projectors as arranged will do (on the central axis P in FIG. 19).
Also, provision on camera devices exclusively used for creation of
projected images will do. In addition, it is assumed that a camera
region of the camera device is a camera region 29. It is assumed
that a camera device for the camera region 29 is a camera device 27
and four electronic projectors as used are electronic projectors
1a, 1b, 1c, 1d.
[0180] As shown in FIG. 34(a), the camera region 29 of the camera
device 27 includes a whole of the polygonal mirrors 5 completely.
In this case, the whole is preferably included in the camera region
29 fully. Accordingly, camera images obtained by the camera device
27 make those, in which all image segments are arranged in a
ring-shaped manner.
[0181] Respective image segments are extracted from camera images
obtained in this manner (FIG. 34(b)), and sorted in order of this
arrangement corresponding to the number of electronic projectors as
used (that is, sorted by 24/4=6 image segments), and projected
images, in which 6 image segments are arranged in an arcuate
manner, are created every section according to an arrangement of
mirrors in the polygonal mirrors 5 as shown in FIG. 34(c). In this
manner, projected images used for the respective electronic
projectors 1a to 1d are created.
[0182] In this manner, in the case where one camera device 29 is
used, image segments in projected images become small, so that
image segments are lowered in resolution as compared with the case
where a plurality of camera devices are used as in a specific
example shown in FIG. 33, but image segments being fair in
resolution are obtained in the case where the camera device 29 is
high in resolution, so that a highly fine stereoscopic image is
obtained. This can be also said in the case where two or more
camera devices are used, and the number of camera devices as used
can be made less than the number of electronic projectors as used
in the case where camera devices being high in resolution are
used.
[0183] FIG. 35 is a conceptual view showing a further embodiment
for creation of projected images. In this specific example, as
shown in FIG. 35(a), a plurality of camera devices 27 are arranged
around a camera object 30 and respectively photograph sides of the
camera object 30 in mutually different directions. Here, the number
of camera devices 27 as used is equal to the number of image
segments when a stereoscopic image is displayed by electronic
projectors, that is, the number of mirrors, which constitute the
polygonal mirrors 5.
[0184] Accordingly, assuming that the number of mirrors, which
constitute the polygonal mirrors, is, for example, 24, camera
devices 27 being 24 in number are used and arranged at equal
intervals around the camera object 30 so that respective camera
directions are directed toward the same point on the camera object
30. The camera devices 27, respectively, correspond to each one of
mirrors, which constitute the polygonal mirrors, and directly and
simultaneously photograph the same side of the camera object 30 in
mutually different directions. In this manner, a camera image
making a image segment irradiated on the corresponding mirror of
the polygonal mirrors is obtained from each of the camera devices
27.
[0185] Image segments used in stereoscopic display are extracted
from camera images from the respective camera devices 27 as shown
in FIG. 25(b), an arrangement of image segments as shown in FIG.
34(a) is assumed corresponding to an order, in which the camera
devices 27 are arranged when the camera object 30 is photographed,
and image segments are distributed every electronic projector,
which is used in stereoscopic display, in this order of
arrangement. For example, assuming that the polygonal mirrors
comprise 24 mirrors, the camera devices 27 are 24 in number
(Accordingly, 24 image segments are obtained), and the number of
electronic projectors as used is four, 24 image segments as
obtained are sorted six by six and the sorted groups of six image
segments, respectively, are in turn allotted to the electronic
projectors.
[0186] Six image segments allotted in this manner are arranged in
an arcuate manner as shown in FIG. 35(c) to correspond an
arrangement of mirrors in the polygonal mirrors, and projected
images of the electronic projectors, which comprise such
arrangement of image segments, are created.
[0187] In this manner, in this specific example, the camera devices
27 directly photograph the camera object 30 without the use of
polygonal mirrors, so that it is possible to meet a large camera
object 30, which is high in freedom, and to obtain image segments
being high in resolution to obtain a stereoscopic image being high
in resolution.
[0188] In this manner, the display system according to the sixth
embodiment enables obtaining a stereoscopic image being further
high in resolution as compared with the display system according to
the fifth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19 to 32, and reducing
the number of camera devices as used.
Seventh Embodiment
[0189] By the way, while projected images outgoing from electronic
projectors can be created from camera images obtained from camera
devices of a camera system according to the fifth and sixth
embodiments, they can be created by means of computer graphics,
etc. FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating processes of creating
projected images according to a resource (supply source) of
projected images.
[0190] In FIG. 36, when a request for outputting an image is
received from a user of a display device (STEP 100), it is
determined whether a resource of the image is a camera (camera
device) (STEP 101). Now, assuming that a camera image of a camera
is used, the camera is connected (started) (STEP 102) and a camera
image is acquired from the camera (STEP 103). The number of
mirrors, which are in charge (that is, photographing for image
segments), in polygonal mirrors is found every camera (STEP 104)
and image segments from such number of mirrors are gotten out (STEP
105). Also, the number of mirrors, which are in charge, in
polygonal mirrors is found every electronic projector (STEP) and
projected images, in which corresponding image segments are
arranged, are created every mirror in charge taking into
consideration a position and an arrangement of the mirror (STEP
109). The created projected images, respectively, are supplied to
the corresponding electronic projectors to outgo therefrom (STEP
110). Thereby, a stereoscopic image is formed and displayed on the
stereoscopic screen.
[0191] Also, in the case where a resource is computer graphics,
etc. other than a camera (STEP 101), a resource of an image is
selectedset (STEP 106) and images, that is, image segments are
taken from the resource (STEP 107). By performing the processings
of STEP 108 and STEP 109 on the image segments as taken, projected
images are created every electronic projector and projected,
thereby displaying a stereoscopic image, for example, animation, or
the like (STEP 110).
Eighth Embodiment
[0192] Subsequently, an eighth embodiment will be described with
reference to FIGS. 37 to 40. FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing
an outline construction of the embodiment. FIG. 38 is a view
showing a system configuration. FIG. 39 is a schematic, cross
sectional view showing a state of use. FIG. 40 is a schematic view
showing projected images projected by an electronic projector
adopted in the embodiment. The embodiment adopts a sphere or a
vertically long ellipsoid for a stereoscopic screen 3 and adopts a
half mirror for polygonal mirrors 5a.
[0193] In FIG. 37, according to the embodiment, an electronic
projector 1 is arranged on a central axis P below the stereoscopic
screen 3, which is in the form of a sphere or a vertically long
ellipsoid, and the polygonal mirrors 5a constructed in two upper
and lower stages are arranged above the stereoscopic screen 3. The
polygonal mirrors 5a are formed by half mirrors so that projected
images projected by the electronic projector 1 are reflected to the
stereoscopic screen by an inner surface thereof and images
projected onto the stereoscopic screen 3 can be seen over the half
mirrors from around the polygonal mirrors 5a.
[0194] In FIG. 38, the polygonal mirrors 5a are formed in a manner
to cover an upper portion of the stereoscopic screen 3 by an
umbrella. The polygonal mirrors 5a comprise a plurality of mirrors
arranged on concentric circles centering on the central axis P in
the same manner as in FIG. 1, but are different from those in FIG.
1 in being composed of mirror groups in two upper and lower stages,
which are different from each other in angle. That is, the
polygonal mirrors 5a comprise two mirror groups, that is, a first
polygonal mirror group 5b formed inside and a second polygonal
mirror group 5c formed outside thereof to be contiguous
thereto.
[0195] The first polygonal mirror group 5b is arranged at an angle
close to the horizontal and the second polygonal mirror group 5c is
arranged at an angle close to the vertical. Such two angles are
appropriately set according to a shape of the stereoscopic screen
3. According to the embodiment, since the stereoscopic screen 3
adopts a sphere, respective angles of mirrors of the polygonal
mirrors 5a are set so as to make reflection toward a center of the
central axis P. Consequently, images reflected by the first
polygonal mirror group 5b are projected on an upper portion of a
projected image surface 50 of the stereoscopic screen 3 and images
reflected by the second polygonal mirror group 5c are projected on
a central portion of the stereoscopic screen.
[0196] In FIG. 39, according to the embodiment, since half mirrors
are adopted for the polygonal mirrors 5a, images displayed on the
stereoscopic screen 3 can be seen on an extension of a projected
light refracted to the stereoscopic screen 3. That is, the
stereoscopic screen 3 is seen over the half mirrors (the polygonal
mirrors 5a) whereby a projected light directed toward the
stereoscopic screen 3 and a viewer's eyes can be made in accord
with each other.
[0197] A directional reflection screen 11 and a visible field angle
limiting filter 2, which are the same as those in the first
embodiment, are stuck to the projected image surface 50 of the
stereoscopic screen 3. However, what is different from the first
embodiment is the directional reflection screen 11. Since the
projected image surface 50 of the embodiment is defined by a curved
surface, which has a center thereof projecting not only left and
right but also vertically, a retroreflecting mirror sheet is
adopted for both lengthwise and crosswise.
[0198] FIG. 40 shows projected images projected from the electronic
projector 1. Corresponding to the polygonal mirrors 5a in two upper
and lower stages, the projected images comprise first projected
images 41c composed of a plurality of image segments arranged
inside in a ring shape corresponding to the first polygonal mirror
group 5b, and second projected images 41d composed of a plurality
of image segments arranged outside in a ring shape corresponding to
the second polygonal mirror group 5c.
[0199] In this manner, according to the embodiment, viewing is made
possible with eyes, which are the same as a projected light
directed toward the stereoscopic screen 3, by providing half
mirrors on the polygonal mirrors 5. Also, the embodiment adopts the
stereoscopic screen 3 also vertically defined by an arcuate surface
and adopts a mirror sheet, which is retroreflective both up and
down and left and right, for the projected image surface 50 instead
of a simple corner mirror sheet. Thereby, by projecting images
reflected by mirrors, which are arranged not only in a horizontal
direction but also in a vertical direction, an image seen over an
upper half mirror and an image seen over a lower half mirror can be
projected so as to be mutually different. Accordingly, not only
images, which are different 360 degrees in a horizontal direction
can be seen but also images from above can be seen when seen from
above.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0200] The invention is applicable to various information display
systems.
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