Image display device, program, and image display method

Abstract

SOLUTION: An image display device comprises a flexible display, a deformation unit which deforms the shape of the flexible display, and a control unit which causes the deformation unit to deform the shape of the flexible display according to at least one of the surrounding conditions of the flexible display and the display content on the flexible display. A control method executed by the image display device including the flexible display and the deformation unit which deforms the shape of the flexible display comprises a control step of causing the deformation unit to deform the shape of the flexible display according to at least one of the surrounding conditions of the flexible display and the display content of the flexible display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a video display device, a program, and a video display method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a flexible display device that provides a GUI guide indicating a deformation gesture related to a function to be executed when a deformation gesture is performed. Patent Document 2 describes a display device that can finely respond to a bending position, a bending method, etc., and can perform various control instructions. Patent Document 3 describes a video display device including a bendable video display panel, a bending degree sensor that detects a local bending degree of each part of the video display panel, and a video display control unit that controls to change a video display range in the video display panel according to a result obtained by the bending degree sensor. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-218695 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-196623 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-075688

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a video display device is provided. The video display device may include a flexible display. The video display device may include a deforming unit that deforms the shape of the flexible display. The video display device may include a control unit that deforms the shape of the flexible display in the deforming unit according to at least one of the situation around the flexible display and the display content of the flexible display.

[0004] The image display device may include a recognition unit that recognizes the situation around the flexible display, and the control unit may change the shape of the flexible display in the shape changing unit according to the situation around the flexible display recognized by the recognition unit. The recognition unit may recognize a person viewing the flexible display, and the control unit may change the shape of the flexible display in the shape changing unit according to the recognition result of the person viewing the flexible display by the recognition unit. When the number of people viewing the flexible display recognized by the recognition unit is less than a predetermined first number, the control unit may change the shape of the flexible display in the shape changing unit so that the shape of the flexible display is a horizontally convex shape in which the cross section of the flexible display protrudes toward the display surface side. When the number of people viewing the flexible display recognized by the recognition unit is more than a predetermined second number, the control unit may change the shape of the flexible display in the deformation unit so that the shape of the flexible display is a horizontally concave shape in which the cross section of the flexible display retracts toward the display surface side.

[0005] In any of the above display devices, the control unit may deform the shape of the flexible display in the deformation unit according to the display content displayed on the flexible display and the attributes of the person viewing the flexible display recognized by the recognition unit. The control unit may deform the shape of the flexible display in the deformation unit so that a position corresponding to a person whose attribute corresponds to the display content among the people viewing the flexible display of the flexible display protrudes in a horizontally convex shape.

[0006] In any of the above display devices, when the control unit recognizes, by the recognition unit, a person whose eye height is higher than the height of the flexible display and a person whose eye height is lower than the height of the flexible display, the control unit may deform the shape of the flexible display in the deformation unit so that the shape of the flexible display is a vertical convex shape in which the vertical cross section of the flexible display protrudes toward the display surface side, or a vertical concave shape in which the vertical cross section of the flexible display is recessed toward the display surface side.

[0007] In any of the above display devices, the recognition unit may recognize the wind around the flexible display, and the control unit may deform the shape of the flexible display in the deformation unit according to the recognition result of the wind around the flexible display by the recognition unit. The control unit may dynamically deform the shape of the flexible display in the deformation unit so that the flexible display flutters according to the strength of the wind around the flexible display.

[0008] In any of the above display devices, the recognition unit may recognize the light incident on the flexible display, and the control unit may deform the shape of the flexible display in the deformation unit according to the recognition result of the light incident on the flexible display by the recognition unit.

[0009] In any of the above display devices, the control unit may deform the shape of the flexible display in the deformation unit according to the display content of the flexible display. When the display content of the flexible display is a 3D video, the control unit may deform the shape of the flexible display in the deformation unit so that the cross section of the flexible display is in an L shape.

[0010] In any of the above display devices, when the control unit displays content that flutters in the wind on the flexible display, the control unit may dynamically deform the shape of the flexible display at the deformation part so that the flexible display flutters.

[0011] In any of the above display devices, the flexible display may be a touch-sensitive display. When the control unit displays touch-operation content that accepts a touch operation by a user on the flexible display, the control unit may deform the shape of the flexible display at the deformation part so that the display position of the touch-operation content on the flexible display protrudes toward the display surface side.

[0012] Any of the above display devices may include a plurality of directional speakers that output sound in different directions with reference to the position of the flexible display. The control unit may control the sound output by the plurality of directional speakers according to the shape of the flexible display.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a video display device including a flexible display and a deformation part that changes the shape of the flexible display to execute a control step of deforming the shape of the flexible display at the deformation part according to at least one of the situation around the flexible display and the display content of the flexible display.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a video display method executed by a video display device including a flexible display and a deformation part that changes the shape of the flexible display. The video display method includes a control step of deforming the shape of the flexible display at the deformation part according to at least one of the situation around the flexible display and the display content of the flexible display.

[0015] Note that the above summary of the invention does not list all the necessary features of the present invention. Also, sub - combinations of these feature groups can also be inventions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Also, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of the video display device 100. The video display device 100 includes a flexible display 110, a deformation part 120, and a control unit 200. The video display device 100 may include a recognition unit 130. The video display device 100 may include a directional speaker 140. The video display device 100 may include a plurality of directional speakers 140. The video display device 100 may include a communication unit 150.

[0019] The flexible display 110 may be a display having toughness. The flexible display 110 may be a display having flexibility. The flexible display 110 may be a so-called flexible organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The flexible display 110 may be a so-called flexible liquid crystal display. The flexible display 110 may be a so-called electronic paper display.

[0020] The flexible display 110 may have any size. The flexible display 110 may have a size that can be placed on, for example, a desk. The flexible display 110 may have a size that is used as signage, for example, in stations, stores, facilities, offices, etc. The video display device 100 may include a plurality of flexible displays 110. The video display device 100 may divide and display video on the plurality of flexible displays 110. Thereby, the overall display size can be increased.

[0021] The deformation unit 120 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110. The deformation unit 120 is constituted by, for example, a deformable housing in which the flexible display 110 is installed and a servo motor that deforms the housing. The deformation unit 120 may have any structure as long as it can deform the flexible display 110 into a shape that protrudes with respect to the display surface side or a shape that retracts with respect to the display surface side. Examples of the shape of the flexible display 110 include the shape of the flexible display 110 viewed from above, that is, the cross-sectional shape of the flexible display 110 is V-shaped, Λ-shaped, S-shaped, L-shaped, and waveform-shaped, etc., and the shape of the flexible display 110 viewed from the side, that is, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the flexible display 110 is V-shaped, Λ-shaped, S-shaped, L-shaped, and waveform-shaped, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0022] The recognition unit 130 recognizes the situation around the flexible display 110. The recognition unit 130 recognizes, for example, the situation of people around the flexible display 110. The recognition unit 130 may recognize the number of people viewing the flexible display 110, their standing positions, relationships (parent - child, lovers, etc.), genders, ages, physiques (height, weight), expressions, head directions, line - of - sight directions, and emotions, etc. The recognition unit 130 recognizes, for example, the situation of objects around the flexible display 110. The recognition unit 130 recognizes, for example, the wind around the flexible display 110. The recognition unit 130 recognizes, for example, the light incident on the flexible display 110.

[0023] The recognition unit 130 may include an imaging unit. The recognition unit 130 may include an imaging unit capable of imaging the range where the display surface of the flexible display 110 can be viewed. For example, the recognition unit 130 includes an omnidirectional camera. The omnidirectional camera may also be called a 360 - degree camera, a full - sphere camera, etc. The recognition unit 130 may also include a sensor that recognizes the surroundings by means of a laser. For example, the recognition unit 130 includes LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging).

[0024] The recognition unit 130 may include a wind speed sensor. The recognition unit 130 may recognize the wind speed and wind direction around the flexible display 110 by means of the wind speed sensor.

[0025] The recognition unit 130 may include a light sensor. The recognition unit 130 may recognize the light incident on the flexible display 110 by means of the light sensor.

[0026] The directional speaker 140 delivers sound limited to a specific direction or a specific area. The video display device 100 may include a plurality of directional speakers 140 that output sound in different directions with reference to the position of the video display device 100. For example, the video display device 100 includes a plurality of directional speakers 140 arranged at positions corresponding to each position on the display surface of the flexible display 110. As a specific example, the video display device 100 includes a directional speaker 140 arranged at a position corresponding to the center of the display surface of the flexible display 110 and outputting sound in a direction facing the display surface of the flexible display 110, a directional speaker 140 arranged on the right side facing the display surface of the flexible display 110 and outputting sound in a direction facing the display surface of the flexible display 110 and having directivity in the right side direction, and a directional speaker 140 arranged on the left side facing the display surface of the flexible display 110 and outputting sound in a direction facing the display surface of the flexible display 110 and having directivity in the left side direction. Thereby, different sounds can be transmitted to a person located directly in front of the flexible display 110, a person located on the right side of the flexible display 110, and a person located on the left side of the flexible display 110.

[0027] The communication unit 150 performs communication with other devices. For example, the communication unit 150 performs communication with other video display devices 100. The communication unit 150 may communicate with other devices via a network. The network may include a mobile communication network such as an LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication system, a 4G (4th Generation) communication system, a 5G (5th Generation) communication system, a 3G (3rd Generation) communication system, and a communication system after the 6G (6th Generation) communication system. The network may include a LAN (Local Area Network). The network may include the Internet. The network may include a so-called cloud network. The communication unit 150 may be wirelessly connected to the network via a radio base station, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) access point, a wireless LAN router, etc., or may be wired-connected.

[0028] The control unit 200 performs various controls. For example, the control unit 200 controls the display of the flexible display 110. For example, the control unit 200 causes the flexible display 110 to display a video.

[0029] The control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 according to at least one of the situation around the flexible display 110 and the display content of the flexible display 110.

[0030] For example, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 according to the situation around the flexible display 110 recognized by the recognition unit 130. For example, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 according to the recognition result of the person viewing the flexible display 110 by the recognition unit 130. For example, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 according to the recognition result of the objects around the flexible display 110 by the recognition unit 130. For example, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 according to the recognition result of the wind around the flexible display 110 by the recognition unit 130. For example, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 according to the recognition result of the light incident on the flexible display 110 by the recognition unit 130.

[0031] For example, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 according to the display content of the flexible display 110. For example, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 according to the movement of the content displayed on the flexible display 110. For example, when the control unit 200 displays content on the flexible display 110, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 according to the shape specification data that specifies the shape of the flexible display 110 registered as metadata in the content.

[0032] For example, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 according to the instruction received from the operator via the communication unit 150. For example, when a user using the video display device 100 is making a video call with another user using another video display device 100 via the communication unit 150, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 according to the instruction received from the other video display device 100.

[0033] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the deformation of the shape of the flexible display 110. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the flexible display 110 is installed in a housing 122 that can be deformed by a plurality of servo motors 124. The control unit 200 can deform the shape of the flexible display 110 by controlling the rotation and speed of the plurality of servo motors 124.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which the cross section of the flexible display 110 protrudes toward the display surface side (which may be described as a horizontally convex shape) and a state in which the cross section of the flexible display 110 is recessed toward the display surface side (which may be described as a horizontally concave shape) with respect to the normal state in which the flexible display 110 is not curved and is in a flat state.

[0035] FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically show usage examples of the video display device 100. The control unit 200 may deform the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 according to the number of people viewing the flexible display 110 recognized by the recognition unit 130.

[0036] As a specific example, when the number of people viewing the flexible display 110 recognized by the recognition unit 130 is less than a predetermined number, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 so that the shape of the flexible display 110 becomes a horizontally convex shape, and when it is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 so that the shape of the flexible display 110 becomes a horizontally convex shape.

[0037] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the case where the predetermined number is 2. As shown in Figure 3, when the number of people viewing the flexible display 110 is one, by making the flexible display 110 in a horizontally convex shape, the sense of immersion and presence of the display content of the flexible display 110 for one person can be enhanced. As shown in Figure 4, when the number of people viewing the flexible display 110 is two, by making the flexible display 110 in a horizontally concave shape, the display content can be made easier to view for each of the two people viewing the flexible display 110 from different positions.

[0038] When the number of people viewing the flexible display 110 recognized by the recognition unit 130 is equal to or more than a predetermined number, and the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 to the deformation unit 120 so that the shape of the flexible display 110 becomes a horizontally convex shape, the curvature of the flexible display 110 may be increased as the number of people is smaller, that is, the curvature of the flexible display 110 may be decreased as the number of people is larger. Thereby, in a situation where the flexible display 110 is viewed from more positions, the flexible display 110 can be made easier to view.

[0039] When the number of people viewing the flexible display 110 recognized by the recognition unit 130 is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the control unit 200 may set the shape of the flexible display 110 to the normal state, and when the number is less than the predetermined number, the control unit 200 may deform the shape of the flexible display 110 to the deformation unit 120 so that the shape of the flexible display 110 becomes a horizontally convex shape.

[0040] When the number of people viewing the flexible display 110 recognized by the recognition unit 130 is less than a predetermined number, the control unit 200 sets the shape of the flexible display 110 to the normal state. When the number is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the control unit 200 may cause the deformation unit 120 to deform the shape of the flexible display 110 so that the shape of the flexible display 110 becomes a horizontally concave shape.

[0041] When the number of people viewing the flexible display 110 recognized by the recognition unit 130 is two or more, the control unit 200 may cause the deformation unit 120 to deform the shape of the flexible display 110 so that the cross-section of the flexible display 110 becomes an S shape. As a specific example, when the number of people viewing the flexible display 110 recognized by the recognition unit 130 is three, and two of the three people are located on the right side when viewed from the flexible display 110 side and one of the three people is located on the left side when viewed from the flexible display 110 side, the control unit 200 may cause the deformation unit 120 to deform the flexible display 110 so that the right side of the flexible display 110, when viewed from the flexible display 110 side, is retracted and the left side, when viewed from the flexible display 110 side, protrudes, resulting in an S shape.

[0042] When there are multiple people viewing the flexible display 110 recognized by the recognition unit 130, the control unit 200 may deform the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 according to the display content displayed on the flexible display 110. For example, when the display content is for multiple people, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 so that the shape of the flexible display 110 becomes a horizontally concave shape. When the display content is for a specific person among multiple people, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 so that the shape of the flexible display 110 becomes a horizontally convex shape that protrudes toward the specific person. Thereby, when the display content is for multiple people, it can be set as a display form that is easy for all multiple people to see. When the display content is for a specific person among multiple people, it can be set as a display form that increases the attention of the specific person.

[0043] The control unit 200 may deform the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 according to the attributes of the people viewing the flexible display 110 recognized by the recognition unit 130 and the display content displayed on the flexible display 110. Examples of the attributes of people include gender, age, physique (height, weight), etc. For example, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 so that the flexible display 110 has a horizontally convex shape in which the position corresponding to the person among the people viewing the flexible display 110 whose attribute corresponds to the display content protrudes. For example, when the attribute of the target person in the display content is registered as metadata, the control unit 200 identifies the position of the person among the people viewing the flexible display 110 who has an attribute that matches the attribute registered in the display content, and deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 so that the position of the flexible display 110 opposite to the identified position protrudes in a horizontally convex shape.

[0044] As a specific example, when metadata indicating that the target is a woman is registered in the display content, the control unit 200 identifies the positions of women among the people viewing the flexible display 110, and deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 at the deformation unit 120 so that the position of the flexible display 110 facing the identified position protrudes in a lateral convex shape. Thereby, for example, in a situation where a male-female couple is viewing the flexible display 110 and displaying content for women, the flexible display 110 can be shaped to protrude toward the woman in the couple, increasing the woman's degree of attention and enabling her to feel a sense of presence.

[0045] The control unit 200 may deform the shape of the flexible display 110 at the deformation unit 120 according to the emotion of the person viewing the flexible display 110 recognized by the recognition unit 130. For example, when the emotion of the person viewing the flexible display 110 is a positive emotion when the shape of the flexible display 110 is deformed into a lateral convex shape, the control unit 200 keeps the shape of the flexible display 110 in the lateral convex shape, and when the emotion of the person viewing the flexible display 110 is a negative emotion, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 at the deformation unit 120 so as to return the shape of the flexible display 110 to the normal state. For example, when the emotion of the person viewing the flexible display 110 is a positive emotion when the shape of the flexible display 110 is deformed into a lateral concave shape, the control unit 200 keeps the shape of the flexible display 110 in the lateral concave shape, and when the emotion of the person viewing the flexible display 110 is a negative emotion, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 at the deformation unit 120 so as to return the shape of the flexible display 110 to the normal state. Thereby, by making the shape of the flexible display 110 into a lateral convex shape or a lateral concave shape, it is possible to prevent the shape from deforming into a lateral convex shape or a lateral concave shape for a person with negative emotions.

[0046] When the display content of the flexible display 110 is a so-called 2D video, the control unit 200 sets the flexible display 110 to the normal state. When the display content of the flexible display 110 is a so-called 3D video, the control unit 200 may deform the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 so as to realize stereoscopic vision. As a specific example, when the display content of the flexible display 110 is a so-called 3D video, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 so that the cross-section of the flexible display 110 becomes an L shape. By making the cross-section of the flexible display 110 an L shape, stereoscopic vision due to an optical illusion can be realized. The control unit 200 identifies the position of a person viewing the flexible display 110, and determines the position that protrudes toward the display surface side of the flexible display 110 so that the display content looks three-dimensional when viewed from the identified position. Thereby, it is possible to make the display content look more appropriately three-dimensional from the position of a person actually viewing the flexible display 110.

[0047] When the control unit 200 displays content that flutters in the wind on the flexible display 110, the control unit 200 may dynamically deform the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 so that the flexible display 110 flutters. Examples of content that flutters in the wind include flags and carp streamers. When the control unit 200 displays a flag on the flexible display 110, the control unit 200 may dynamically change the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 so that the flexible display 110 flutters. Thereby, it is possible to give the viewer a feeling that the flag displayed on the flexible display 110 is actually fluttering.

[0048] When the control unit 200 displays content that flutters in the wind on the flexible display 110, according to the recognition result of the wind around the flexible display 110 by the recognition unit 130, the control unit 200 may dynamically change the shape of the flexible display 110 at the deformation unit 120 so that the flexible display 110 flutters. For example, when the control unit 200 causes the flexible display 110 to display content that flutters in the wind, if the wind strength around the flexible display 110 is weaker than a predetermined threshold value, the flexible display 110 is set to the normal state, and if it is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 200 dynamically deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 at the deformation unit 120 so that the flexible display 110 flutters. Further, the control unit 200 may dynamically deform the shape of the flexible display 110 at the deformation unit 120 so that the flexible display 110 flutters according to the wind strength around the flexible display 110. That is, the control unit 200 may dynamically deform the shape of the flexible display 110 at the deformation unit 120 so that the stronger the wind strength around the flexible display 110, the more violently the flexible display 110 flutters.

[0049] Even when the control unit 200 does not display the content fluttering in the wind on the flexible display 110, the control unit 200 may cause the deformation unit 120 to deform the shape of the flexible display 110 according to the recognition result of the wind around the flexible display 110 by the recognition unit 130. For example, when the strength of the wind around the flexible display 110 is weaker than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 200 sets the flexible display 110 to the normal state, and when it is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the control unit 200 dynamically deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 by the deformation unit 120 so that the flexible display 110 flutters. Further, the control unit 200 may dynamically deform the shape of the flexible display 110 by the deformation unit 120 so that the flexible display 110 flutters according to the strength of the wind around the flexible display 110. That is, the control unit 200 may dynamically deform the shape of the flexible display 110 by the deformation unit 120 so that the stronger the strength of the wind around the flexible display 110, the more violently the flexible display 110 flutters.

[0050] The flexible display 110 may be a touch-sensitive display. When the flexible display 110 is a touch-sensitive display, when touch operation content for receiving a touch operation by the user is displayed on the flexible display 110, the control unit 200 may cause the deformation unit 120 to deform the shape of the flexible display 110 so that the display position of the touch operation content on the flexible display 110 protrudes toward the display surface side. Thereby, the user can easily recognize the content to be touched, and the content can be easily touched.

[0051] When the recognition unit 130 recognizes that a plurality of people are viewing the flexible display 110, the control unit 200 may deform the flexible display 110 into a horizontally convex shape, and display different display contents on the left display surface and the right display surface of the flexible display 110, which are divided by the most protruding part of the flexible display 110. Thereby, it is possible to display the display content directed to each of the person located on the right side facing the flexible display 110 and the person located on the left side facing the flexible display 110. In this case, the control unit 200 may control the audio output by the plurality of directional speakers 140 according to the shape of the flexible display 110. For example, the control unit 200 outputs the audio directed to the person located on the right side from the directional speaker 140 at the position corresponding to the person located on the right side facing the flexible display 110, and outputs the audio directed to the person located on the left side from the directional speaker 140 at the position corresponding to the person located on the left side facing the flexible display 110. Thereby, it is possible to provide the display and audio directed to each of the plurality of people.

[0052] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the deformation of the shape of the flexible display 110. Here, the points different from FIG. 2 will be mainly described.

[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates a state in which the longitudinal section of the flexible display 110 protrudes toward the display surface side (which may be described as a longitudinal convex shape) and a state in which the longitudinal section of the flexible display 110 retracts toward the display surface side (which may be described as a longitudinal concave shape) with respect to the normal state in which the flexible display 110 is not curved.

[0054] When the recognition unit 130 recognizes a person whose eye height is higher than the height of the flexible display 110 and a person whose eye height is lower than the height of the flexible display 110, the control unit 200 may deform the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 so that the shape of the flexible display 110 becomes a vertically convex shape or a vertically concave shape.

[0055] As a specific example, when the people viewing the flexible display 110 are a parent and a child, and the parent's eye height is located higher than the height of the flexible display 110 and the child's eye height is located lower than the height of the flexible display 110, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 so that the shape of the flexible display 110 becomes a vertically convex shape. Then, the control unit 200 may display content for the parent on the upper side of the flexible display 110 and display content for the child on the lower side. Thereby, the content can be displayed clearly for each of the parent and the child.

[0056] As a specific example, when the people viewing the flexible display 110 are a parent and a child, and the parent's eye height is located higher than the height of the flexible display 110 and the child's eye height is located lower than the height of the flexible display 110, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 so that the shape of the flexible display 110 becomes a vertically concave shape. Then, the control unit 200 may display content for the parent on the lower side of the flexible display 110 and display content for the child on the upper side. Thereby, the content can be displayed clearly for each of the parent and the child.

[0057] The video display device 100 may have both the structure shown in FIG. 2 and the structure shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the deformation unit 120 may be capable of deforming the flexible display 110 into each of a horizontally convex shape, a horizontally concave shape, a vertically convex shape, and a vertically concave shape.

[0058] The deformable portion 120 may deform the flexible display 110 into a shape that protrudes obliquely toward the display surface side or into a shape that retracts obliquely with respect to the display surface side.

[0059] FIG. 6 schematically shows an example of the flow of processing by the video display device 100. Here, while the control unit 200 is mainly displaying arbitrary display content on the flexible display 110, the flow of processing for deforming the shape of the flexible display 110 according to the situation will be described.

[0060] In step (steps may be abbreviated as S), in step 102, the control unit 200 causes the flexible display 110 to start displaying arbitrary display content. In S104, the recognition unit 130 starts recognizing the situation around the flexible display 110.

[0061] In S106, the control unit 200 determines whether to deform the shape of the flexible display 110. The control unit 200 may determine to deform the shape of the flexible display 110 when either the display content displayed on the flexible display 110 or the situation around the flexible display 110 satisfies the condition for deforming the shape of the flexible display 110. If it is determined to deform, the process proceeds to S108.

[0062] In S108, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformable portion 120. The control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformable portion 120 according to the condition satisfied in S106.

[0063] In S110, if it is determined that the display by the flexible display 110 is not terminated, the process returns to S106, and if it is determined to terminate, the process ends.

[0064] The video display device 100 is used, for example, in remote meetings. When one participant participates in a remote meeting using one video display device 100, the control unit 200 may make the flexible display 110 in a horizontally convex shape or keep it in a normal state. When a plurality of participants participate in a remote meeting using one video display device 100 and the display content is for all participants, the control unit 200 makes the flexible display 110 in a horizontally concave shape. When the display content is for a specific participant, the control unit 200 may make the flexible display 110 in a horizontally convex shape so that the position corresponding to the specific participant on the flexible display 110 protrudes toward the display surface side.

[0065] The video display device 100 is used, for example, in digital advertisements. The video display device 100 may be arranged inside a taxi or in a toilet, or may be arranged at a station, a store, a facility, an office, etc. For example, the video display device 100 displays the advertisement content on the flexible display 110 while deforming the shape of the flexible display 110 to the deformation unit 120 according to the shape designation data registered as metadata in the advertisement content by an advertiser. Also, for example, by curving the flexible display 110 into an L shape, it can be utilized for displaying three-dimensional (3D) advertisement content using an optical illusion, and an optimal shape can be adopted according to each content of 2D advertisement and 3D advertisement. By these, it is possible to contribute to improving the persuasiveness and appeal of the advertisement content.

[0066] The image display device 100 is used, for example, for online customer service. The image display device 100 may serve customers, for example, by means of an avatar displayed on the flexible display 110. The image display device 100 may be used for customer service such as in izakayas, department stores, convenience stores, restaurants, etc. The image display device 100 may be used for viewing services such as in museums, art galleries, aquariums, etc. The image display device 100 may be used for concierge services such as in department stores, city halls, hospitals, etc. For example, while executing customer service by means of the avatar displayed on the flexible display 110, the control unit 200 deforms the shape of the flexible display 110 in the deformation unit 120 according to changes in the surrounding situation, changes in the emotions of the person being served, etc.

[0067] FIG. 7 schematically shows an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 1200 that functions as the image display device 100 or the control unit 200. Programs installed in the computer 1200 cause the computer 1200 to function as one or more "parts" of the device according to this embodiment, or cause the computer 1200 to execute operations or the one or more "parts" associated with the device according to this embodiment, and / or cause the computer 1200 to execute the process or stages of the process according to this embodiment. Such programs may be executed by the CPU 1212 to cause the computer 1200 to execute specific operations associated with some or all of the blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

[0068] The computer 1200 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 1212, a RAM 1214, and a graphic controller 1216, which are mutually connected by a host controller 1210. The computer 1200 also includes input / output units such as a communication interface 1222, a storage device 1224, a DVD drive, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 1210 via an input / output controller 1220. The DVD drive may be a DVD-ROM drive, a DVD-RAM drive, or the like. The storage device 1224 may be a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or the like. The computer 1200 also includes legacy input / output units such as a ROM 1230 and a keyboard, which are connected to the input / output controller 1220 via an input / output chip 1240.

[0069] The CPU 1212 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 1230 and the RAM 1214, thereby controlling each unit. The graphic controller 1216 acquires image data generated by the CPU 1212 in a frame buffer provided in the RAM 1214 or the like, or in itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on the flexible display 110.

[0070] The communication interface 1222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The storage device 1224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 1212 in the computer 1200. The DVD drive reads a program or data from a DVD-ROM or the like and provides it to the storage device 1224. The IC card drive reads programs and data from an IC card and / or writes programs and data to an IC card.

[0071] ROM 1230 stores therein a boot program or the like executed by computer 1200 at activation, and / or a program that depends on the hardware of computer 1200. Input / output chip 1240 may also be connected to input / output controller 1220 via various input / output units through a USB port, a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, etc.

[0072] The program is provided by a computer-readable storage medium such as a DVD-ROM or an IC card. The program is read from the computer-readable storage medium, installed in storage device 1224, RAM 1214, or ROM 1230, which is also an example of a computer-readable storage medium, and executed by CPU 1212. The information processing described in these programs is read by computer 1200, resulting in cooperation between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. The apparatus or method may be configured by realizing the operation or processing of information according to the use of computer 1200.

[0073] For example, when communication is executed between computer 1200 and an external device, CPU 1212 may execute a communication program loaded in RAM 1214 and instruct communication interface 1222 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Communication interface 1222 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer area provided in a recording medium such as RAM 1214, storage device 1224, DVD-ROM, or IC card under the control of CPU 1212, transmits the read transmission data to the network, or writes the received data received from the network to a reception buffer area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0074] Further, the CPU 1212 may cause all or necessary parts of files or databases stored in an external recording medium such as the storage device 1224, a DVD drive (DVD-ROM), an IC card, etc. to be read into the RAM 1214, and execute various types of processing on the data on the RAM 1214. Next, the CPU 1212 may write back the processed data to the external recording medium.

[0075] Various types of information such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases may be stored in the recording medium and may undergo information processing. The CPU 1212 may perform various types of processing on the data read from the RAM 1214, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branch, unconditional branch, information search / replacement, etc. described throughout this disclosure and specified by the instruction sequence of the program, and write back the result to the RAM 1214. Also, the CPU 1212 may search for information in files, databases, etc. within the recording medium. For example, when a plurality of entries each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored in the recording medium, the CPU 1212 searches for an entry that matches the condition where the attribute value of the first attribute is specified among the plurality of entries, reads the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby may obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0076] The programs or software modules described above may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium on or near the computer 1200. Also, a recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided within a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as a computer-readable storage medium, thereby providing the program to the computer 1200 via the network.

[0077] In the flowchart and block diagram in this embodiment, the blocks may represent stages of a process in which an operation is performed or "parts" of a device having a role of performing an operation. A specific stage and "part" may be implemented by a dedicated circuit, a programmable circuit supplied with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium, and / or a processor supplied with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The dedicated circuit may include digital and / or analog hardware circuits, and may include an integrated circuit (IC) and / or discrete circuits. The programmable circuit may include, for example, a reconfigurable hardware circuit including logical products, logical sums, exclusive logical sums, negative logical products, negative logical sums, and other logical operations, flip-flops, registers, and memory elements, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and a programmable logic array (PLA).

[0078] The computer-readable storage medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions executable by an appropriate device. As a result, the computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein will comprise a product including instructions that can be executed to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowchart or block diagram. Examples of the computer-readable storage medium may include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, and the like. More specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium may include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk, a memory stick, an integrated circuit card, and the like.

[0079] Computer-readable instructions may include any combination of one or more programming languages, including assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or object-oriented programming languages such as Smalltalk (registered trademark), JAVA (registered trademark), C++, and conventional procedural programming languages such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages, either source code or object code written in any such combination.

[0080] The computer-readable instructions may be provided locally or via a wide area network (WAN) such as a local area network (LAN), the Internet, etc., to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, or a programmable circuit, for the processor of the general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, or the programmable circuit to execute the operations specified in the flowchart or block diagram by generating means for executing the computer-readable instructions. Examples of processors include computer processors, processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, microcontrollers, etc.

[0081] As described above, the present invention has been described using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the description of the claims that forms with such changes or improvements can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0082] In the claims, the specification, and the drawings, the execution order of each process such as the operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the apparatus, system, program, and method shown is not explicitly indicated as "earlier" or "preceding" etc. in particular, and it should be noted that it can be realized in any order unless the output of the previous process is used in the subsequent process. Regarding the operation flows in the claims, the specification, and the drawings, even if explanations are given using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, it does not mean that it is essential to implement in this order.

Explanation of Signs

[0083] 100 Video display device, 110 Flexible display, 120 Deformation part, 122 Housing, 124 Servo motor, 130 Recognition part, 140 Directional speaker, 150 Communication part, 200 Control part, 1200 Computer, 1210 Host controller, 1212 CPU, 1214 RAM, 1216 Graphics controller, 1220 Input / output controller, 1222 Communication interface, 1224 Storage device, 1230 ROM, 1240 Input / output chip

Claims

1. A flexible display, a deformation part for deforming the shape of the flexible display, a recognition part for recognizing the situation around the flexible display, and a control part for deforming the shape of the flexible display in the deformation part according to the situation around the flexible display, wherein: the recognition part recognizes a person viewing the flexible display, and when the number of people viewing the flexible display is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the control part sets the shape of the flexible display to a normal state which is a flat state, and when the number is less than the predetermined number, the control part deforms the shape of the flexible display in the deformation part such that the shape of the flexible display becomes a laterally convex shape in which the cross section of the flexible display protrudes toward the display surface side. A video display device.

2. A flexible display, a deformation part for deforming the shape of the flexible display, a recognition part for recognizing the situation around the flexible display, and a control part for deforming the shape of the flexible display in the deformation part according to the situation around the flexible display, wherein: the recognition part recognizes a person viewing the flexible display, and when the number of people viewing the flexible display is less than a predetermined number, the control part sets the shape of the flexible display to a normal state which is a flat state, and when the number is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the control part deforms the shape of the flexible display in the deformation part such that the shape of the flexible display becomes a laterally concave shape in which the cross section of the flexible display retracts toward the display surface side. A video display device.

3. A flexible display, a deformation part for deforming the shape of the flexible display, a recognition part for recognizing the situation around the flexible display, and a control part for deforming the shape of the flexible display in the deformation part according to the situation around the flexible display, wherein: the recognition part recognizes a person viewing the flexible display, When the number of people viewing the flexible display is less than a predetermined number, the control unit deforms the deformable portion so that the shape of the flexible display becomes a horizontally convex shape in which the cross section of the flexible display protrudes toward the display surface side. When the number is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the control unit deforms the deformable portion so that the shape of the flexible display becomes a horizontally concave shape in which the cross section of the flexible display retracts toward the display surface side. A video display device.

4. A flexible display, a deformable portion that deforms the shape of the flexible display, a recognition unit that recognizes the situation around the flexible display, a control unit that deforms the shape of the flexible display in the deformable portion according to the situation around the flexible display, comprising: the recognition unit recognizes a person viewing the flexible display, when the number of people viewing the flexible display is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the control unit deforms the shape of the flexible display in the deformable portion so that the cross section of the flexible display protrudes toward the display surface side and has a horizontally convex shape with a greater curvature as the number of people is smaller. A video display device.

5. A flexible display, a deformable portion that deforms the shape of the flexible display, a recognition unit that recognizes the situation around the flexible display, a control unit that deforms the shape of the flexible display in the deformable portion according to the situation around the flexible display, comprising: the recognition unit recognizes a person viewing the flexible display, when the number of people viewing the flexible display is two or more, the control unit deforms the shape of the flexible display in the deformable portion so that the cross section of the flexible display becomes an S shape. A video display device.

6. A flexible display, a deformable portion that deforms the shape of the flexible display, a recognition unit that recognizes the situation around the flexible display, a control unit that deforms the shape of the flexible display in the deformable portion according to the situation around the flexible display, comprising: the recognition unit recognizes the emotion of a person viewing the flexible display, The control unit is a video display device that deforms the shape of the flexible display in the deformation unit according to the emotion of a person viewing the flexible display.

7. When the control unit deforms the shape of the flexible display from the normal state, which is a flat state, to a horizontally convex shape in which the cross-section of the flexible display protrudes toward the display surface side, if the emotion of the person viewing the flexible display is a positive emotion, the control unit keeps the shape of the flexible display in the horizontally convex shape, and if the emotion is a negative emotion, the control unit deforms the flexible display in the deformation unit so as to return the shape of the flexible display to the normal state. The video display device according to claim 6.

8. When the control unit deforms the shape of the flexible display from the normal state, which is a flat state, to a horizontally concave shape in which the cross-section of the flexible display retracts toward the display surface side, if the emotion of the person viewing the flexible display is a positive emotion, the control unit keeps the shape of the flexible display in the horizontally concave shape, and if the emotion is a negative emotion, the control unit deforms the flexible display in the deformation unit so as to return the shape of the flexible display to the normal state. The video display device according to claim 6.

9. A video display method executed by a video display device including a flexible display, a deformation unit that deforms the shape of the flexible display, and a recognition unit that recognizes the situation around the flexible display, a recognition step of recognizing a person viewing the flexible display, a control step of deforming the shape of the flexible display in the deformation unit according to the situation around the flexible display, wherein when the number of people viewing the flexible display is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the shape of the flexible display is set to the normal state, which is a flat state, and when the number is less than the predetermined number, the control step of deforming the shape of the flexible display in the deformation unit so that the shape of the flexible display becomes a horizontally convex shape in which the cross-section of the flexible display protrudes toward the display surface side A video display method comprising.

10. A video display method executed by a video display device including a flexible display, a deformation unit that deforms the shape of the flexible display, and a recognition unit that recognizes the situation around the flexible display, comprising: a recognition step of recognizing a person viewing the flexible display; a control step of deforming the shape of the flexible display by the deformation unit according to the situation around the flexible display, wherein when the number of people viewing the flexible display is less than a predetermined number, the shape of the flexible display is set to a normal state which is a flat state, and when the number is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the deformation unit deforms the shape of the flexible display so that the cross section of the flexible display is recessed laterally with respect to the display surface side; A video display method comprising the above steps.

11. A video display method executed by a video display device including a flexible display, a deformation unit that deforms the shape of the flexible display, and a recognition unit that recognizes the situation around the flexible display, comprising: a recognition step of recognizing a person viewing the flexible display; a control step of deforming the shape of the flexible display by the deformation unit according to the situation around the flexible display, wherein when the number of people viewing the flexible display is less than a predetermined number, the deformation unit deforms the shape of the flexible display so that the cross section of the flexible display protrudes laterally with respect to the display surface side, and when the number is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the deformation unit deforms the shape of the flexible display so that the cross section of the flexible display is recessed laterally with respect to the display surface side; A video display method comprising the above steps.

12. A video display method executed by a video display device including a flexible display, a deformation unit that deforms the shape of the flexible display, and a recognition unit that recognizes the situation around the flexible display, comprising: a recognition step of recognizing a person viewing the flexible display; A control step of deforming the shape of the flexible display in the deformation part according to the situation around the flexible display, wherein when the number of people viewing the flexible display is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the deformation part deforms the shape of the flexible display into a horizontal convex shape in which the cross section of the flexible display protrudes toward the display surface side with a larger curvature as the number of people is smaller. A video display method comprising the above.

13. A video display method executed by a video display device including a flexible display, a deformation part for deforming the shape of the flexible display, and a recognition part for recognizing the situation around the flexible display, A recognition step of recognizing a person viewing the flexible display, A control step of deforming the shape of the flexible display in the deformation part according to the situation around the flexible display, wherein when the number of people viewing the flexible display is two or more, the deformation part deforms the shape of the flexible display so that the cross section of the flexible display becomes an S shape. A video display method comprising the above.

14. A video display method executed by a video display device including a flexible display, a deformation part for deforming the shape of the flexible display, and a recognition part for recognizing the situation around the flexible display, A recognition step of recognizing the emotion of a person viewing the flexible display, A control step of deforming the shape of the flexible display in the deformation part according to the situation around the flexible display, wherein the shape of the flexible display is deformed in the deformation part according to the emotion of the person viewing the flexible display. A video display method comprising the above.

15. A program for causing a video display device including a flexible display, a deformation part for deforming the shape of the flexible display, and a recognition part for recognizing the situation around the flexible display to execute the video display method according to any one of Claims 9 to 14.

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