U.S. patent application number 16/415725 was filed with the patent office on 2019-09-05 for information processing apparatus, stereoscopic display method, and program.
This patent application is currently assigned to SONY CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is SONY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Tomoya NARITA.
Application Number | 20190272073 16/415725 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44653177 |
Filed Date | 2019-09-05 |
![](/patent/app/20190272073/US20190272073A1-20190905-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190272073/US20190272073A1-20190905-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190272073/US20190272073A1-20190905-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190272073/US20190272073A1-20190905-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20190272073/US20190272073A1-20190905-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20190272073/US20190272073A1-20190905-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20190272073/US20190272073A1-20190905-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20190272073/US20190272073A1-20190905-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20190272073/US20190272073A1-20190905-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20190272073/US20190272073A1-20190905-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20190272073/US20190272073A1-20190905-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190272073 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NARITA; Tomoya |
September 5, 2019 |
INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, STEREOSCOPIC DISPLAY METHOD, AND
PROGRAM
Abstract
A method is provided for displaying content to a user. The
method comprises displaying content in a first position. The method
further comprises detecting an operating member, and determining a
distance between the member and a device. The method still further
comprises displaying if the distance between the member and the
device is less than a predefined distance, the content in a second
position appearing to be behind the first position, with respect to
the user.
Inventors: |
NARITA; Tomoya; (Kanagawa,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SONY CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
SONY CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
44653177 |
Appl. No.: |
16/415725 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15604936 |
May 25, 2017 |
10338805 |
|
|
16415725 |
|
|
|
|
13197481 |
Aug 3, 2011 |
9678655 |
|
|
15604936 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0488 20130101;
G06F 3/011 20130101; H04N 13/361 20180501; H04N 13/398 20180501;
G06F 2203/04101 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/0488 20060101
G06F003/0488; G06F 3/01 20060101 G06F003/01 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 30, 2010 |
JP |
2010-192248 |
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. An information processing apparatus, comprising: circuitry
configured to control: displaying a first content object at a first
outward 3D position at a first distance from a device; detecting a
second outward 3D position of an operating member; and altering
display of the first content object based on an object type of the
first content object and a relation of the first content object to
the operation member.
20. The information processing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the
circuitry is further configured to control displaying a second
content object at a third outward 3D position at a second distance
from the device, the second content object having a different
object type than the first content object.
21. The information processing apparatus of claim 20, wherein the
object type of the first content object comprises a graphical user
interface (GUI) which is operated by the operating member.
22. The information processing apparatus of claim 21, wherein the
GUI comprises at least one button object, and wherein the first
content object is operated by the operating member based on the
relation to the operation member.
23. The information processing apparatus of claim 21, wherein the
altering display of the first content object comprises displaying
the first content object at a third distance from the device.
24. The information processing apparatus of claim 23, wherein the
displaying the first content object at the third distance comprises
displaying the first content object in an inward 3D position at the
third distance.
25. The information processing apparatus of claim 23, wherein the
third distance is smaller than the first distance.
26. The information processing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the
third distance is substantially zero, and wherein the displaying
the first content object at the third distance comprises displaying
the first content object at a 2D position on a face of the
device.
27. The information processing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the
object type of the second content object comprises at least one of
video data, image data, or an object for status information.
28. The information processing apparatus of claim 27, wherein the
circuitry is further configured to control altering display of the
second content object based on the object type of the second
content object and a relation of the second content object to the
operation member.
29. The information processing apparatus of claim 28, wherein the
second outward 3D position of the operating member is located at a
fourth distance from the device, and wherein the displaying the
first content object at the third distance is executed when the
fourth distance is less than or substantially equal to the first
distance.
30. The information processing apparatus of claim 29, wherein the
altering display of the first content object comprises displaying
the first content object at a fifth distance from the device after
the first display content object is displayed at the third
distance, and wherein the fifth distance is larger than the third
distance.
31. The information processing apparatus of claim 30, wherein the
fifth distance is substantially equal to the first distance, and
wherein the displaying the first content object at the fifth
distance comprises displaying the first content object at the first
outward 3D position at the first distance.
32. The information processing apparatus of claim 28, wherein the
altering display of the second content object comprises displaying
the second content object at relatively low image quality, wherein
the second outward 3D position of the operating member is located
at a fourth distance from the device, and wherein the displaying
the second content object at the relatively low image quality is
executed when the fourth distance is less than or substantially
equal to the second distance.
33. The information processing apparatus of claim 32, wherein the
relatively low image quality is a blurry image quality.
34. The information processing apparatus of claim 32, wherein the
object type of the second content object comprises the object for
status information.
35. The information processing apparatus of claim 32, wherein the
object type of the first content object is the GUI, and wherein the
object type of the second content object is the object for status
information.
36. The information processing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the
device comprises a display screen.
37. An information processing method, implemented via at least one
processor, the method comprising: displaying a first content object
at a first outward 3D position at a first distance from a device;
detecting a second outward 3D position of an operating member; and
altering display of the first content object based on an object
type of the first content object and a relation of the first
content object to the operation member.
38. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having embodied
thereon a program, which when executed by a computer causes the
computer to execute a method, the method comprising: displaying a
first content object at a first outward 3D position at a first
distance from a device; detecting a second outward 3D position of
an operating member; and altering display of the first content
object based on an object type of the first content object and a
relation of the first content object to the operation member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/604,936 (filed on May 25, 2017), which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/197,481 (filed
on Aug. 3, 2011 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,678,655 on Jun. 13,
2017), which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No.
2010-192248 (filed on Aug. 30, 2010), all of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an information processing
apparatus, a stereoscopic display method, and a program.
[0003] In recent years, stereoscopic display apparatuses capable of
stereoscopically displaying a display object such as video content,
an operation object or the like are put to practical use, and are
becoming widespread. For example, there are several display
apparatuses for televisions, portable game machines and personal
computers (hereinafter, PCs) capable of stereoscopic display that
are already in the market. It is expected that non-stereoscopic
display apparatuses currently widely used will be gradually
replaced by the stereoscopic display apparatuses in the future. In
relation to such stereoscopic display apparatuses, JP 2010-045584A
discloses a method of correcting a stereoscopic image that enables
to accurately express the pop-out amount, pull-in amount or the
like intended by the creator of a display object.
SUMMARY
[0004] As described, a stereoscopic display technology itself is
widely known, but there exist various issues caused due to
stereoscopic display. For example, when an object in the real world
overlaps with a display object which is stereoscopically displayed,
there arises an issue that a mismatch, regarding the sense of
distance, occurs between the object actually having a
three-dimensional shape and the display object which is
stereoscopically shown by virtually realizing a parallax, thereby
giving a viewing user an odd feeling. In light of the foregoing, it
is desirable to provide an information processing apparatus, a
stereoscopic display method, and a program which are novel and
improved, and which are capable of reducing an odd feeling
experienced by a user when an object in the real world nears a
display screen on which a display object is stereoscopically
displayed.
[0005] Accordingly, there is provided a method for displaying
content to a user. The method comprises displaying content in a
first position. The method further comprises detecting an operating
member; and determining a distance between the member and a device.
The method still further comprises displaying, if the distance
between the member and the device is less than a predefined
distance, the content in a second position appearing to be behind
the first position, with respect to the user.
[0006] In a second aspect, there is provided a non-transitory
computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed
by a processor, perform a method of displaying content to a user.
The method comprises displaying content in a first position. The
method further comprises detecting an operating member, and
determining a distance between the member and a device. The method
still further comprises displaying, if the distance between the
member and the device is less than a predefined distance, the
content in a second position appearing to be behind the first
position, with respect to the user.
[0007] In a third aspect, there is provided an apparatus for
displaying content to a user, comprising a memory and a processor
executing instructions stored in the memory. The processor executes
instructions stored in the memory to display content in a first
position. The processor further executes instructions stored in the
memory to detect an operating member; and determine a distance
between the member and a device. The processor still further
executes instructions stored in the memory to display, if the
distance between the member and the device is less than a
predefined distance, the content in a second position appearing to
be behind the first position, with respect to the user.
[0008] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure
described above, it is possible to reduce an odd feeling
experienced by a user when an object in the real world nears a
display screen on which a display object is stereoscopically
displayed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for describing a functional
configuration of a stereoscopic display apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for describing a principle
of stereoscopic display;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for describing a display
control method (#1) according to the embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing an operation
(#1) of the stereoscopic display apparatus according to the
embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for describing a display
control method (#1 (modified example)) according to the
embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for describing an operation
(#1 (modified example)) of the stereoscopic display apparatus
according to the embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for describing a display
control method (#2) according to the embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for describing an operation
(#2) of the stereoscopic display apparatus according to the
embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for describing a display
control method (#2 (modified example)) according to the
embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for describing an
operation (#2 (modified example)) of the stereoscopic display
apparatus according to the embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for describing a display
control method (#3) according to the embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for describing an
operation (#3) of the stereoscopic display apparatus according to
the embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for describing a display
control method (#3 (modified example)) according to the
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for describing an
operation (#3 (modified example)) of the stereoscopic display
apparatus according to the embodiment; and
[0023] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example
hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus
capable of realizing a function of the stereoscopic display
apparatus according to the embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)
[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note
that, in this specification and the appended drawings, structural
elements that have substantially the same function and structure
are denoted with the same reference numerals, and repeated
explanation of these structural elements is omitted.
[0025] [Flow of Explanation]
[0026] The flow of explanation on an embodiment of the present
disclosure which will be described below will be briefly stated
here. First, a functional configuration of a stereoscopic display
apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described with
reference to FIG. 1. At the same time, a principle of stereoscopic
display will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 2. Then, a
display control method according to the embodiment and an operation
of the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 for realizing the display
control method will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 14.
Then, an example hardware configuration of an information
processing apparatus capable of realizing a function of the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 will be described with reference
to FIG. 15. Lastly, technical ideas of the embodiment will be
summarized and effects obtained by the technical ideas will be
briefly described.
[0027] (Description Items)
1: Embodiment
[0028] 1-1: Functional Configuration of Stereoscopic Display
Apparatus 100
[0029] 1-2: Display Control Method and Operation of Stereoscopic
Display Apparatus 100 [0030] 1-2-1: (#1) Non-Stereoscopic Display
of Display Object [0031] 1-2-2: (#2) Inward Pushing of Display
Object [0032] 1-2-3: (#3) Blurry Display of Display Object
[0033] 1-3: Hardware Configuration
2: Summary
1: EMBODIMENT
[0034] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
The present embodiment proposes a display control method capable of
reducing an odd feeling experienced by a user when an object in the
real world nears a display object, that is, content, which is
stereoscopically displayed.
[0035] [1-1: Functional Configuration of Stereoscopic Display
Apparatus 100]
[0036] First, a functional configuration of a stereoscopic display
apparatus 100 capable of realizing the display control method
according to the present embodiment will be described with
reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for
describing a functional configuration of the stereoscopic display
apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100
is mainly configured from a touch panel 101, a display control unit
102, a storage unit 103, and a stereoscopic display unit 104.
[0038] Additionally, the touch panel 101 corresponds to an input
unit 916 in the hardware configuration described later. Also, the
function of the display control unit 102 is realized by using a CPU
902 or the like in the hardware configuration described later.
Furthermore, the function of the storage unit 103 is realized by a
ROM 904, a RAM 906, a storage unit 920 or a removable recording
medium 928 in the hardware configuration described later.
Furthermore, the function of the stereoscopic display unit 104 is
realized by an output unit 918 in the hardware configuration
described later.
[0039] The touch panel 101 is means for detecting nearing of an
operating tool, i.e., an operating member. The touch panel 101 is
provided on a display screen, that is, a device, of the
stereoscopic display unit 104. The touch panel 101 detects the
position of an operating tool which has neared the display screen
of the stereoscopic display unit 104. The touch panel 101 may also
have a function of detecting a distance between the operating tool
which has neared the display screen of the stereoscopic display
unit 104 and the display screen. Furthermore, the touch panel 101
may also have a function of detecting the pressure of the operating
tool pressing the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit
104. The functions of the touch panel 101 are realized by a
capacitive touch panel or an optical touch panel, for example.
[0040] The capacitive touch panel is for detecting a capacitance
occurring between the touch panel and the operating tool and
detecting, from the change in the capacitance, the nearing or
contacting of the operating tool. When the distance between the
touch panel and the operating tool changes, the capacitance
occurring between them also changes. It is also known that when the
touch panel is pressed by the operating tool, the capacitance
occurring between them changes according to the pressing.
Accordingly, when using the capacitive touch panel, not only is the
nearing of the operating tool to the touch panel detected, but also
the distance between the operating tool and the touch panel and the
pressure of the operating tool pressing the touch panel can be
detected.
[0041] On the other hand, the optical touch panel is for detecting,
by an optical sensor, an operating tool which has neared or
contacted the touch panel. Various types of optical touch panels
are known, and recently, an optical touch panel called "in-cell
type" was developed. The in-cell optical touch panel emits light on
the operating tool from the inside of a display panel and detects
the position of the operating tool by detecting the light reflected
by the operating tool. When the operating tool is present near the
display panel, light is strongly reflected by the operating tool.
Accordingly, the distance between the display panel and the
operating tool can be detected based on the intensity of the light
reflected by the operating tool.
[0042] When the nearing or contacting of the operating tool is
detected by the touch panel 101, information indicating the nearing
or contacting of the operating tool (hereinafter, proximity
information) is input from the touch panel 101 to the display
control unit 102. Position information indicating the position of
the operating tool or the like is also input to the display control
unit 102 from the touch panel 101.
[0043] When the proximity information, the position information or
the like is input, the display control unit 102 controls display of
an display object by the stereoscopic display unit 104 according to
the proximity information, the position information or the like
which has been input. The display control unit 102 is means for
causing the stereoscopic display unit 104 to display the display
object.
[0044] For example, the display control unit 102 reads image data
stored in the storage unit 103 and causes the stereoscopic display
unit 104 to display the image data that has been read. Also, the
display control unit 102 causes the stereoscopic display unit 104
to display video content, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the
like. At this time, the display control unit 102 performs operation
for stereoscopically displaying a display object such as the image
data, the video content, the GUI or the like. For example, the
display control unit 102 performs operation for causing the display
object to pop out of the display screen of the stereoscopic display
unit 104 or to be pushed inward into the display screen.
[0045] A principle of the stereoscopic display will be briefly
described here with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is an explanatory
diagram for describing a principle of the stereoscopic display.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, to stereoscopically show a display
object, a display object for a right eye and a display object for a
left eye are displayed separately from each other on the display
screen, and the display object for a right eye is made to be seen
only by the right eye and the display object for a left eye is made
to be seen only by the left eye. In many cases, polarized light is
used to cause the display object for a right eye to be seen only by
the right eye and the display object for a left eye to be seen only
by the left eye. For example, the display object for a right eye is
displayed with light linearly polarized in a first direction, and
the display object for a left eye is displayed with light linearly
polarized in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
Furthermore, by having a lens that lets the light that is linearly
polarized in the first direction pass through worn on the right eye
and a lens that lets the light that is linearly polarized in the
second direction pass through worn on the left eye, a situation can
be created where the display object for a right eye is seen only by
the right eye and the display object for a left eye is seen only by
the left eye.
[0047] When such a situation is created, a display object will be
seen displayed at a position where a line of sight connecting the
right eye and the display object for a right eye and a line of
sight connecting the left eye and the display object for a left eye
intersect. Furthermore, an angle of convergence can be adjusted by
controlling the distance between the display object for a right eye
and the display object for a left eye. The degree of pop-out of the
display object that is stereoscopically displayed will change when
the angle of convergence changes.
[0048] That is, by controlling the display positions of the display
objects for right and left eyes on the display screen, the degree
of pop-out or the degree of inward-push of the display object that
is stereoscopically displayed can be controlled. Additionally, a
method of realizing stereoscopic display by using polarized light
is described here, but the present embodiment is not limited to
such, and any display control method capable of stereoscopically
displaying a display object can be applied.
[0049] FIG. 1 will be again referred to. As described above, the
display control unit 102 stereoscopically displays a display object
by controlling display of the display objects for right and left
eyes. Information on the degree of pop-out or the degree of
inward-push of the display object determined by the display control
unit 102 (hereinafter, control information) is input to the
stereoscopic display unit 104. Data on the display object read by
the display control unit 102 from the storage unit 103 is also
input to the stereoscopic display unit 104. When the control
information is input, the stereoscopic display unit 104 displays
the display object based on the control information that is
input.
[0050] In the foregoing, the functional configuration of the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 has been described.
[0051] [1-2: Display Control Method and Operation of Stereoscopic
Display Apparatus 100]
[0052] Next, a display control method according to the present
embodiment and an operation of the stereoscopic display apparatus
100 for realizing the display control method will be described with
reference to FIGS. 3 to 14. The display control method described
below is for reducing an odd feeling experienced by a user when an
object in the real world nears a display object that is
stereoscopically displayed.
[0053] (1-2-1: (#1) Non-Stereoscopic Display of Display Object)
[0054] First, FIG. 3 will be referred to. The display control
method described here is for switching, when an operating tool F
nears the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, a
display mode of a display object that is stereascopically
displayed, i.e., a three-dimensional image, to non-stereoscopic
display. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for describing this
display control method. Additionally, a stereoscopic display object
that is viewed by a user is schematically shown in FIG. 3.
[0055] It is assumed as shown in FIG. 3 that a display object is
stereoscopically displayed by the stereoscopic display unit 104
(Step. 1). When an operating tool F nears the display screen of
this stereoscopic display unit 104 (Step. 2), the display control
unit 102 switches the display mode of the display object that is
stercoscopically displayed to non-stereoscopic display (Step. 3).
When the display mode is switched to non-stereoscopic display in
Step. 3, no mismatch will occur between the sense of distance to
the display object and the sense of distance to the operating tool
F. As a result, a user will not experience an odd feeling when the
operating tool F nears the display object that is stereoscopically
displayed.
[0056] In the foregoing, the display control method according to
the present embodiment has been described.
[0057] Next, FIG. 4 will be referred to. FIG. 4 is an explanatory
diagram showing an operation of the stereoscopic display apparatus
100 for realizing the display control method which has been
described with reference to FIG. 3.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 4, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100
stereoscopically displays a display object on the stereoscopic
display unit 104 by using a function of the display control unit
102 (S101). Next, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 detects
whether or not an operating tool F has neared the display screen of
the stereoscopic display unit 104, by using a function of the touch
panel 101 (S102). In the case an operating tool F has neared the
display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 proceeds with the process to
step S103. On the other hand, in the case an operating tool F has
not neared the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104,
the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 returns the process to step
S102.
[0059] When the process proceeds to step S103, the stereoscopic
display apparatus 100 switches the display mode of the display
object that is stereoscopically displayed to non-stereoscopic
display, by using a function of the display control unit 102
(S103). Next, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 detects
whether or not the operating tool F has been removed from the
display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, by using a
function of the touch panel 101 (S104).
[0060] In the case the operating tool F has been removed from the
display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 proceeds with the process to
step S105. On the other hand, in the case the operating tool F has
not been removed from the display screen of the stereoscopic
display unit 104, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 returns
the process to step S104. In the case the process proceeds to step
S105, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 switches the display
mode of the display object that is non-stereoscopically displayed,
i.e., a two-dimensional image, to stereoscopic display, by using a
function of the display control unit 102 (S105).
[0061] In the foregoing, an operation of the stereoscopic display
apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has been
described.
Modified Example
[0062] Next, FIG. 5 will be referred to. FIG. 5 is a modified
example of the display control method shown in FIG. 3. The display
control method which will be described here is for switching the
display mode of a display object to non-stereoscopic display when
an operating tool F nears the display screen, and pushing the
display object inward into the display screen when the operating
tool F contacts the display screen. FIG. 5 is an explanatory
diagram for describing this display control method. Incidentally,
only the operations following Step. 1 and Step. 2 shown in FIG. 3
are shown in FIG. 5. Thus, FIG. 3 will be referred to in relation
to the operations of Step. 1 and Step. 2.
[0063] It is assumed as shown in FIG. 3 that a display object is
stereoscopically displayed by the stereoscopic display unit 104
(Step. 1). When an operating tool F nears the display screen of
this stereoscopic display unit 104 (Step. 2), the display control
unit 102 switches the display mode of the display object that is
stereoscopically displayed to non-stereoscopic display (Step. 3).
Then, as shown in FIG. 5, when the operating tool F contacts the
display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, the display
control unit 102 switches the display mode of the display object
that is non-stereoscopically displayed to stereoscopic display
(Step. 4). However, the display control unit 102 causes the display
object to be displayed in such a way that the display object is
pushed inward into the display screen of the stereoscopic display
unit 104.
[0064] In a case the display object is small, the display object
may be hidden by the operating tool F when the operating tool F
contacts the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104.
However, as shown in FIG. 5, with the display object being pushed
inward into the display screen following contact of the operating
tool F, the display object is prevented from being hidden by the
operating tool F. In FIG. 5, the display object is schematically
displayed so as to be visible to a user, but in reality, the
display object for a right eye and the display object for a left
eye are displayed projecting on the left and right of the operating
tool F. Accordingly, even if the display object is small, the
display object will not be completely hidden by the operating tool
F.
[0065] Such a display control method functions effectively in a
situation where a display object, such as a button object, a menu
object or the like, is to be operated by the operating tool F. This
display control method functions effectively also in a situation
where operation is performed over a certain period of time with the
display object being contacted. For example, in a case of dragging
the display object, the operating tool F has to be moved while
being in contact with the display object. In such a case, if the
display object is hidden by the operating tool F, it becomes
difficult to see whether or not the display object is in contact
with the operating tool F. However, when the display control method
described above is applied, the movement of the display object
moving following the operating tool F can be seen, and a user can
confidently perform a drag operation.
[0066] In the foregoing, a modified example of the display control
method according to the present embodiment has been described.
[0067] Next, FIG. 6 will be referred to. FIG. 6 is an explanatory
diagram showing an operation of the stereoscopic display apparatus
100 for realizing the display control method which has been
described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 6, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100
stereoscopically displays a display object on the stereoscopic
display unit 104 by using a function of the display control unit
102 (S111). Then, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 detects
whether or not an operating tool F has neared the display screen of
the stereoscopic display unit 104, by using a function of the touch
panel 101 (SI 12). In the case an operating tool F has neared the
display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 proceeds with the process to
step S113. On the other hand, in the case an operating tool F has
not neared the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104,
the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 returns the process to step
S112.
[0069] When the process proceeds to step S113, the stereoscopic
display apparatus 100 switches the display mode of the display
object that is stereoscopically displayed to non-stereoscopic
display, by using a function of the display control unit 102
(S113). Then, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 detects
whether or not the operating tool F has contacted the display
screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, by using a function of
the touch panel 101 (S114). In the case the operating tool F has
contacted the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104,
the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 proceeds with the process to
step S115. On the other hand, in the case the operating tool F has
not contacted the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit
104, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 returns the process to
step S114.
[0070] When the process proceeds to step S115, the stereoscopic
display apparatus 100 switches the display mode of the display
object that is non-stereoscopically displayed to stereoscopic
display, by using a function of the display control unit 102
(S115). At this time, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100
stereoscopically displays the display object in such a way that the
display object is pushed inward into the display screen of the
stereoscopic display unit 104. Then, the stereoscopic display
apparatus 100 detects whether or not the operating tool F has been
removed from the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit
104, by using a function of the touch panel 101 (S116). In the case
the operating tool F has been removed from the display screen of
the stereoscopic display unit 104, the stereoscopic display
apparatus 100 proceeds with the process to step S117. On the other
hand, in the case the operating tool F has not been removed from
the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 returns the process to step
S116.
[0071] When the process proceeds to step S117, the stereoscopic
display apparatus 100 switches the display mode of the display
object that is non-stereoscopically displayed to stereoscopic
display (S117). Additionally, an explanation is given here assuming
that the operating tool F contacts the display screen of the
stereoscopic display unit 104, but in the case the operating tool F
is removed from the display screen after the display mode of the
display object is made non-stereoscopic display in step S113, the
process of step S117 is performed.
[0072] In the foregoing, an operation of the stereoscopic display
apparatus 100 according to a modified example of the present
embodiment has been described.
[0073] (1-2-2: (#2) Inward Pushing of Display Object)
[0074] Next, FIG. 7 will be referred to. The display control method
which will be described here is for pushing a display object that
is stereoscopically displayed inward into the display screen when
an operating tool F nears the display screen of the stereoscopic
display unit 104. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for describing
this display control method. Additionally, in FIG. 7, a
stereoscopic display object that is seen by a user is schematically
shown.
[0075] It is assumed as shown in FIG. 7 that a display object is
stereoscopically displayed outward from the display screen by the
stereoscopic display unit 104 (Step. 1). When an operating tool F
nears the display screen of this stereoscopic display unit 104
(Step. 2), the display control unit 102 displays the display object
in such a way that the display object that is stereoscopically
displayed is pushed inward into the display screen (Step. 3). If
the display object is pushed inward into the display screen in
Step. 3, the display object will not pop outward from the display
screen, and thus the operating tool F will not be displayed buried
in the display object and no mismatch will occur between the sense
of distance to the display object and the sense of distance to the
operating tool F. As a result, an odd feeling experienced by a user
when the operating tool F nears the display object that is
stereoscopically displayed can be reduced.
[0076] In the foregoing, the display control method according to
the present embodiment has been described.
[0077] Next, FIG. 8 will be referred to. FIG. 8 is an explanatory
diagram showing an operation of the stereoscopic display apparatus
100 for realizing the display control method which has been
described with reference to FIG. 7.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 8, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100
stereoscopically displays a display object on the stereoscopic
display unit 104 by using a function of the display control unit
102 (S201). Next, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 detects
whether or not an operating tool F has neared the display screen of
the stereoscopic display unit 104, by using a function of the touch
panel 101 (S202). In the case an operating tool F has neared the
display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 proceeds with the process to
step S203. On the other hand, in the case an operating tool F has
not neared the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104,
the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 returns the process to step
S202.
[0079] When the process proceeds to step S203, the stereoscopic
display apparatus 100 stereoscopically displays, inward into the
display screen, the display object that is stereoscopically
displayed outward from the display screen, by using a function of
the display control unit 102 (S203). That is, the stereoscopic
display apparatus 100 pushes, inward into the display screen, the
display object that is stereoscopically displayed outward from the
display screen. Then, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100
detects whether or not the operating tool F has been removed from
the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, by using a
function of the touch panel 101 (S204).
[0080] In the case the operating tool F has been removed from the
display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 proceeds with the process to
step S205. On the other hand, in the case the operating tool F has
not been removed from the display screen of the stereoscopic
display unit 104, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 returns
the process to step S204. When the 16 process proceeds to step
S205, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 stereoscopically
displays, outward from the display screen, the display object which
has been pushed inward into the display screen, by using a function
of the display control unit 102 (S205).
[0081] In the foregoing, an operation of the stereoscopic display
apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has been
described.
Modified Example
[0082] Next, FIG. 9 will be referred to. FIG. 9 is a modified
example of the display control method shown in FIG. 7. The display
control method which will be described here is for pushing a
display object inward into the display screen when an operating
tool F nears the display screen, and pushing the display object
further inward when the operating tool F contacts the display
screen. That is, this display control method is for pushing the
display object inward into the display screen discretely according
to the distance between the display screen and the operating tool
F. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for describing this display
control method. Incidentally, only the operations following Step. 1
and Step. 2 shown in FIG. 7 are shown in FIG. 9. Thus. FIG. 7 will
be referred to in relation to the operations of Step. 1 and Step.
2.
[0083] It is assumed as shown in FIG. 7 that a display object is
stereoscopically displayed outward from the display screen by the
stereoscopic display unit 104 (Step. 1). When an operating tool F
nears the display screen of this stereoscopic display unit 104
(Step. 2), the display control unit 102 displays the display
object, that is stereoscopically displayed, in such a way that the
display object is pushed inward into the display screen (Step. 3).
Then, as shown in FIG. 9, when the operating tool F contacts the
display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, the display
control unit 102 pushes, further inward, the display object that is
displayed inward into the display screen (Step. 4). For example,
the depth of a display object in the foremost layer is made zero
relative to the display screen in Step. 3, and the display object
in the foremost layer is displayed inward into the display screen
in Step. 4.
[0084] In a case the display object is small, the display object
may be hidden by the operating tool F when the operating tool F
contacts the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104.
However, as shown in FIG. 9, with a display object in the foremost
layer being pushed inward into the display screen following contact
of the operating tool F, all the display objects are prevented from
being hidden by the operating tool F. In FIG. 9, the display object
is schematically displayed so as to be visible to a user, but in
reality, the display object for a right eye and the display object
for a left eye are displayed projecting on the left and right of
the operating tool F. Accordingly, even if the display object is
small, the display object will not be completely hidden by the
operating tool F.
[0085] Such a display control method functions effectively in a
situation where a display object, such as a button object, a menu
object or the like, is to be operated by the operating tool F. This
display control method functions effectively also in a situation
where operation is performed over a certain period of time with the
display object being contacted. For example, in a case of dragging
the display object, the operating tool F has to be moved while
being in contact with the display object. In such a case, if the
display object is hidden by the operating tool F, it becomes
difficult to see whether or not the display object is in contact
with the operating tool F. However, when the display control method
described above is applied, the movement of the display object
moving following the operating tool F can be seen, and a user can
confidently perform a drag operation.
[0086] In the foregoing, a modified example of the display control
method according to the present embodiment has been described.
[0087] Next, FIG. 10 will be referred to. FIG. 10 is an explanatory
diagram showing an operation of the stereoscopic display apparatus
100 for realizing the display control method which has been
described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 10, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100
stereoscopically displays a display object on the stereoscopic
display unit 104 by using a function of the display control unit
102 (S211). Then, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 detects
whether or not an operating tool F has neared the display screen of
the stereoscopic display unit 104, by using a function of the touch
panel 101 (S212). In the case an operating tool F has neared the
display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 proceeds with the process to
step S213. On the other hand, in the case an operating tool F has
not neared the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104,
the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 returns the process to step
S212.
[0089] When the process proceeds to S213, the stereoscopic display
apparatus 100 pushes, inward into the display screen, the display
object that is displayed outward from the display screen, by using
a function of the display control unit 102 (S213). Then, the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 detects whether or not the
operating tool F has contacted the display screen of the
stereoscopic display unit 104, by using a function of the touch
panel 101 (S214). In the case the operating tool F has contacted
the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 proceeds with the process to
step S215. On the other hand, in the case the operating tool F has
not contacted the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit
104, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 returns the process to
step S214.
[0090] When the process proceeds to step S215, the stereoscopic
display apparatus 100 pushes, further inward, the display object
that is displayed inward into the display screen, by using a
function of the display control unit 102 (S215). For example, the
depth of a display object in the foremost layer is made zero
relative to the display screen in step 213, and the display object
in the foremost layer is displayed inward into the display screen
in step S215.
[0091] Then, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 detects whether
or not the operating tool F has been removed from the display
screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, by using a function of
the touch panel 101 (S216). In the case the operating tool F has
been removed from the display screen of the stereoscopic display
unit 104, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 proceeds with the
process to step S217. On the other hand, in the case the operating
tool F has not been removed from the display screen of the
stereoscopic display unit 104, the stereoscopic display apparatus
100 returns the process to step S216.
[0092] When the process proceeds to step S217, the stereoscopic
display apparatus 100 stereoscopically displays, outward from the
display screen, the display object that is displayed inward into
the display screen (S217). Additionally, an explanation is given
here assuming that the operating tool F contacts the display screen
of the stereoscopic display unit 104, but in the case the operating
tool F is removed from the display screen after the display object
is displayed inward into the display screen in step S213, the
process of step S217 is performed.
[0093] In the foregoing, an operation of the stereoscopic display
apparatus 100 according to a modified example of the present
embodiment has been described.
[0094] (1-2-3: (#3) Blurry Display of Display Object)
[0095] Next, FIG. 11 will be referred to. The display control
method which will be described here is for blurrily displaying when
an operating tool F nears the display screen of the stereoscopic
display unit 104, a display object which is stereoscopically
displayed. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for describing this
display control method. Additionally, a stereoscopic display object
that is seen by a user is schematically shown in FIG. 11.
[0096] It is assumed as shown in FIG. 11 that a display object is
stereoscopically displayed outward from the display screen by the
stereoscopic display unit 104 (Step. 1). When an operating tool F
nears the display screen of this stereoscopic display unit 104
(Step. 2), the display control unit 102 blurrily displays the
display object that is stereoscopically displayed (Step. 3). For
example, the outline of the display object is blurrily
displayed.
[0097] When the outline of the display object is blurred, the
degree of pop-out of the display object becomes hard to perceive.
Thus, when the display object is blurrily displayed in Step. 3, the
sense of distance between the display screen and the display object
becomes unclear, and the mismatch between the sense of distance to
the display object and the sense of distance to the operating tool
F is less apt to be felt. As a result, an odd feeling experienced
by a user when the operating tool F nears the display object that
is stereoscopically displayed can be reduced.
[0098] In the foregoing, the display control method according to
the present embodiment has been described.
[0099] Next, FIG. 12 will be referred to. FIG. 12 is an explanatory
diagram showing an operation of the stereoscopic display apparatus
100 for realizing the display control method which has been
described with reference to FIG. 11.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 12, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100
stereoscopically displays a display object on the stereoscopic
display unit 104 by using a function of the display control unit
102 (S301). Next, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 detects
whether or not an operating tool F has neared the display screen of
the stereoscopic display unit 104, by using a function of the touch
panel 101 (S302). In the case an operating tool F has neared the
display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 proceeds with the process to
step S303. On the other hand, in the case an operating tool F has
not neared the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104,
the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 returns the process to step
S302.
[0101] When the process proceeds to step S303, the stereoscopic
display apparatus 100 blurrily displays the display object that is
stereoscopically displayed, by using a function of the display
control unit 102 (S303). For example, the stereoscopic display
apparatus 100 blurrily displays the outline of the display object.
Then, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 detects whether or not
the operating tool F has been removed from the display screen of
the stereoscopic display unit 104, by using a function of the touch
panel 101 (S304).
[0102] In the case the operating tool F has been removed from the
display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 proceeds with the process to
step S305. On the other hand, in the case the operating tool F 256
has not been removed from the display screen of the stereoscopic
display unit 104, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 returns
the process to step S304. In the case the process proceeds to step
S305, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 clearly displays the
display object that is blurrily displayed, by using a function of
the display control unit 102 (S305).
[0103] In the foregoing, an operation of the stereoscopic display
apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has been
described.
Modified Example
[0104] Next, FIG. 13 will be referred to. FIG. 13 is a modified
example of the display control method shown in FIG. 11. The display
control method which will be described here is for switching the
display mode of a display object positioned near an operating tool
F to non-stereoscopic display and blurrily displaying a display
object, that is, content, positioned away from the operating tool F
when the operating tool F nears the display screen of the
stereoscopic display unit 104. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram
for describing this display control method.
[0105] It is assumed as shown in FIG. 13 that a display object is
stereoscopically displayed by the stereoscopic display unit 104
(Step. 1). When an operating tool F nears the display screen of
this stereoscopic display unit 104 (Step. 2), the display 16
control unit 102 switches the display mode of a display object that
is positioned near the operating tool F to non-stereoscopic display
and blurrily displays a display object that is positioned away from
the operating tool F (Step. 3).
[0106] By switching stereoscopic display to non-stereoscopic
display in this manner, the operating tool F will not be buried in
the display object and no mismatch will occur between the sense of
distance to the operating tool F and the sense of distance to the
display object. Also, with the display object being blurrily
displayed, the sense of distance to the display object becomes
unclear, and thus an odd feeling experienced by a user due to the
mismatch occurring between the sense of distance to the operating
tool F and the sense of distance to the display object can be
reduced.
[0107] In the foregoing, a modified example of the display control
method according to the present embodiment has been described.
[0108] Next, FIG. 14 will be referred to. FIG. 14 is an explanatory
diagram showing an operation of the stereoscopic display apparatus
100 for realizing the display control method which has been
described with reference to FIG. 13.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 14, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100
stereoscopically displays a display object on the stereoscopic
display unit 104 by using a function of the display control unit
102 (S311). Then, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 detects
whether or not an operating tool F has neared the display screen of
the stereoscopic display unit 104, by using a function of the touch
panel 101 (S312). In the case an operating tool F has neared the
display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 proceeds with the process to
step S313. On the other hand, in the case an operating tool F has
not neared the display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104,
the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 returns the process to step
S312.
[0110] When the process proceeds to step S313, the stereoscopic
display apparatus 100 non-stereoscopically displays a display
object positioned near the operating tool F and blurrily displays a
display object positioned away from the operating tool F, by using
a function of the display control unit 102 (S313). Then, the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 detects whether or not the
operating tool F has been removed from the display screen of the
stereoscopic display unit 104, by using a function of the touch
panel 101 (S314).
[0111] In the case the operating tool F has been removed from the
display screen of the stereoscopic display unit 104, the
stereoscopic display apparatus 100 proceeds with the process to
step S315. On the other hand, in the case the operating tool F has
not been removed from the display screen of the stereoscopic
display unit 104, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 returns
the process to step S314. In the case the process proceeds to step
S315, the stereoscopic display apparatus 100 stereoscopically
displays the display object that is non-stereoscopically displayed
and clearly displays the display object that is blurrily displayed,
by using a function of the display control unit 102 (S31).
[0112] In the foregoing, an operation of the stereoscopic display
apparatus 100 according to a modified example of the present
embodiment has been described.
[0113] In the foregoing, an embodiment of the present disclosure
has been described. As described above, by appropriately
controlling the display mode of a display object according to
nearing or contacting of an operating tool F, an odd feeling
experienced by a user because of a mismatch occurring between the
sense of distance to the display object that is stereoscopically
displayed and the sense of distance to the operating tool F can be
reduced.
[0114] Additionally, the display control methods described above
can be applied in appropriate combination. Also, the display
control methods may be separately used according to the type of the
display object; for example, the display control method of blurrily
displaying a display object according to nearing of an operating
tool F is applied to a display object displayed in a status display
area such as a remaining battery display or a time display, and a
display control method of pushing a display object inward into the
display screen according to nearing of the operating tool F is
applied to a display object such as a GUI.
[0115] Furthermore, in the explanation above, a method of detecting
three states, non-proximity, proximity and contact, by the touch
panel 101 and controlling the display mode of a display object
according to the detection result has been described.
[0116] However, the display control method according to the present
embodiment is not limited to such a method. For example, in the
case the distance between the display screen and the display object
can be discretely or successively detected by the touch panel 101,
it is possible to discretely or successively push the display
object deeper in the depth direction or to discretely or
successively increase the degree of blurring, according to the
distance. Such modifications are also included in the technical
scope of the present embodiment.
[0117] [1-3: Hardware Configuration]
[0118] The function of each structural element of the stereoscopic
display apparatus 100 described above can be installed, for
example, in an information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 15.
Furthermore, the function of each structural element is realized by
controlling the hardware shown in FIG. 15 using a computer program.
Additionally, the mode of this hardware is arbitrary, and it may be
a personal computer, a mobile information terminal such as a mobile
phone, a PHS or a PDA, a game machine, or various types of
information appliances. Moreover, the PHS is an abbreviation for
Personal Handy-phone System. Also, the PDA is an abbreviation for
Personal Digital Assistant.
[0119] As shown in FIG. 15, this hardware mainly includes a CPU
902, a ROM 904, a RAM 906, a host bus 908, and a bridge 910.
Furthermore, this hardware includes an external bus 912, an
interface 914, an input unit 916, an output unit 918, a storage
unit 920, a drive 922, a connection port 924, and a communication
unit 926. Moreover, the CPU is an abbreviation for Central
Processing Unit. Also, the ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only
Memory. Furthermore, the RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access
Memory.
[0120] The CPU 902 functions as an arithmetic processing unit or a
control unit, for example, and controls entire operation or a part
of the operation of each structural element based on various
programs recorded on the ROM 904, the RAM 906, the storage unit
920, or a removal recording medium 928. The ROM 904 is means for
storing, for example, a program to be loaded on the CPU 902 or data
or the like used in an arithmetic operation. The RAM 906
temporarily or perpetually stores, for example, a program to be
loaded on the CPU 902 or various parameters or the like arbitrarily
changed in execution of the program.
[0121] These structural elements are connected to each other by,
for example, the host bus 908 capable of performing high-speed data
transmission. For its part, the host bus 908 is connected through
the bridge 910 to the external bus 912 whose data transmission
speed is relatively low, for example. Furthermore, the input unit
916 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button,
a switch, or a lever. Also, the input unit 916 may be a remote
control that can transmit a control signal by using an infrared ray
or other radio waves.
[0122] The output unit 918 is, for example, a display device such
as a CRT, an LCD, a PDP or an ELD, an audio output device such as a
speaker or headphones, a printer, a mobile phone, or a facsimile,
that can visually or auditorily notify a user of acquired
information. Moreover, the CRT is an abbreviation for Cathode Ray
Tube. The LCD is an abbreviation for Liquid Crystal Display. The
PDP is an abbreviation for Plasma Display Panel. Also, the ELD is
an abbreviation for Electro-Luminescence Display.
[0123] The storage unit 920 is a device for storing various data.
The storage unit 920 is, for example, a magnetic storage device
such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device, an
optical storage device, or a magneto-optical storage device. The
HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive.
[0124] The drive 922 is a device that reads information recorded on
the removal recording medium 928 such as a magnetic disk, an
optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or
writes information in the removal recording medium 928. The removal
recording medium 928 is, for example, a DVD medium, a Blu-ray
medium, an HD-DVD medium, various types of semiconductor storage
media, or the like. Of course, the removal recording medium 928 may
be, for example, an electronic device or an IC card on which a
non-contact IC chip is mounted. The IC is an abbreviation for
Integrated Circuit.
[0125] The connection port 924 is a port such as an USB port, an
IEEE1394 port, a SCSI, an RS-232C port, or a port for connecting an
externally connected device 930 such as an optical audio terminal.
The externally connected device 930 is, for example, a printer, a
mobile music player, a digital camera, a digital video camera, or
an IC recorder. Moreover, the USB is an abbreviation for Universal
Serial Bus. Also, the SCSI is an abbreviation for Small Computer
System Interface.
[0126] The communication unit 926 is a communication device to be
connected to a network 932, and is, for example, a communication
card for a wired or wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark),
or WUSB, an optical communication router, an ADSL router, or
various communication modems. The network 932 connected to the
communication unit 926 is configured from a wire-connected or
wirelessly connected network, and is the Internmet, a home-use LAN,
infrared communication, visible light communication, broadcasting,
or satellite communication, for example. Moreover, the LAN is an
abbreviation for Local Area Network. Also, the WUSB is an
abbreviation for Wireless USB. Furthermore, the ADSL is an
abbreviation for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line.
2: SUMMARY
[0127] Lastly, the technical contents according to the embodiment
of the present disclosure will be briefly described. The technical
contents stated here can be applied to various information
processing apparatuses, such as a personal computer, a mobile
phone, a portable game machine, a portable information terminal, an
information appliance, a car navigation system, and the like.
[0128] The functional configuration of the information processing
apparatus described above can be expressed as below. The
information processing apparatus includes a stereoscopic display
unit, a proximity detection unit, and a display control unit as
below. The stereoscopic display unit is means for stereoscopically
displaying a display object. Furthermore, the proximity detection
unit is means for detecting nearing of an operating tool to the
stereoscopic display unit. For example, the stereoscopic display
unit can display objects used for operation, such as a button
object and a menu object. Also, when a user nears an operating tool
to an object used for operation, the proximity detection unit can
detect the nearing of the operating tool to the object used for
operation. That is, by using the stereoscopic display unit and the
proximity detection unit in combination, a touch operation using an
operating tool becomes possible.
[0129] However, when a display object that is stereoscopically
displayed and the operating tool in the real world overlap each
other at the time of the touch operation, a mismatch occurs between
the senses of distance perceived by a user. For example, with
regard to a display object displayed popping outward from a display
screen, the operating tool will be displayed buried in the display
object, and the hiding-and-being-hidden relationship between the
operating tool and the display object will be lost. On the other
hand, with regard to a display object that is displayed inward into
the display screen, the relationship between the focal point of
crystalline lenses for the operating tool and the focal point for
the display object is lost. For these reasons, a user will
experience an odd feeling with regard to the relationship between
the operating tool and the display object.
[0130] To alleviate such an odd feeling, the display control unit
described above causes, when nearing of the operating tool is
detected by the proximity detection unit, the display object
displayed on the stereoscopic display unit to be displayed inward
into a display screen of the stereoscopic display unit, for
example. That is, a display object that is displayed and that is
most popped out will be displayed inward into the display screen,
and other display objects will be displayed further inward.
Therefore, no display object will be displayed before the operating
tool. As a result, a mismatch, regarding the sense of distance,
occurring between a display object that is stereoscopically
displayed and an operating tool in the real world will be
unnoticeable, and an odd feeling experience by a user can be
alleviated.
[0131] Furthermore, as another configuration for alleviating an odd
feeling as described above, the display control unit described
above may be configured to cause, when nearing of the operating
tool is detected by the proximity detection unit, the display
object displayed on the stereoscopic display unit to be displayed
non-stereoscopically, for example. If the display object is
non-stereoscopically displayed, no mismatch will occur between the
display object and the operating tool that has neared regarding the
sense of distance, and there will be no odd feeling which is
experienced by a user in a state where the display object is
stereoscopically displayed. That is, by applying the configuration
of the display control unit as described above, it becomes possible
to avoid the mismatch, regarding the sense of distance, between a
display object and an operating tool in the real world occurring at
the time the operating tool is brought near the display screen by a
user.
[0132] Furthermore, as another configuration for alleviating an odd
feeling as described above, the display control unit described
above may be configured to cause, when nearing of the operating
tool is detected by the proximity detection unit, the display
object displayed on the stereoscopic display unit to be blurrily
displayed, for example. When a display object is blurrily
displayed, it becomes difficult for a user to accurately perceive
the sense of distance between the display object and the display
screen. When making use of this effect, it becomes possible to
reduce the mismatch, regarding the sense of direction, between a
display object and the operating tool in the real world. That is,
by applying the configuration of the display control unit as
described above, the mismatch, regarding the sense of distance,
between a display object that is stereoscopically displayed and the
operating tool in the real world will be unnoticeable, and an odd
feeling experience by a user can be alleviated.
NOTES
[0133] The touch panel 101 described above is an example of a
proximity detection unit. The stereoscopic display apparatus 100
described above is an example of an information processing
apparatus.
[0134] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that
various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and
alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other
factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims
or the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *