Image display apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image display apparatus that enables a user to easily adjust display means to a desired position with a relatively simple configuration, thereby allowing image observation without discomfort.SOLUTION: An HMD apparatus 100 includes a display main body 101 serving as image display means, and a head-mounted unit 200 serving as support means that is connected to the display main body 101 and supports the display main body 101 in a rotatable manner. A head-mounted-unit-side connection portion 202 of the head-mounted unit 200 is configured to be fixable at a plurality of discrete connection locations, for example, two connection locations that are a front-side connection portion 102F and a rear-side connection portion 102R.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a video display device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, head-mounted displays (HMDs), which are devices worn on the user's head and display images in front of the user's eyes, have come into use as video display devices. HMDs are used as devices that enable users to experience virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) because they allow users to easily view images on a large screen and provide stereoscopic vision.

[0003] Some HMD devices are equipped with a flip mechanism that provides a rotation axis between the display main body and the head mounted device and rotates the display main body to move upward and left and right in the field of view. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses an HMD device that is equipped with a ball joint mechanism to avoid the effects of the rotation of the flip mechanism on the user, such as discomfort, and that allows the relative positions of the display main body, head mounted device, and display main body to be changed with a high degree of freedom. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-69736 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows for too much freedom of movement in relative position, which may make it difficult for the user to appropriately adjust the position of the display body, which is the display means. A ball joint part is required to stop the display body at the desired position. To move the display body smoothly, the ball joint needs to be machined with high precision, which raises concerns about increased costs.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides an image display device with a relatively simple configuration that allows a user to easily adjust the display means to a desired position and observe images without feeling uncomfortable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image display device of the present disclosure comprises a display means for displaying an image, and a support means connected to the display means and rotatably supporting the display means, and the display means and the support means can be fixed at multiple locations. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, an image display device is realized that has a relatively simple configuration and allows a user to easily adjust the display means to a desired position, thereby enabling comfortable image observation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an HMD device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a display main body of an HMD device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing various functional configurations of the video display device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a head-mounted device of an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a display-side connection portion provided on a display main body. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a head-mounted device is fixed to a display main body. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the effect of providing the front connection portion and the rear connection portion at different positions in the up-down direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an HMD device of a comparative example. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the effects achieved by the HMD device of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a recommended fixing position by displaying a face shape. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a function that displays a recommended fixing position of the display body using a detection switch. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a case where a handheld support means is connected to a display main body 101. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a display-side connection portion provided on a display main body in a modified example of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] -This embodiment- Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the direction perpendicular to the frontal plane of the user is defined as the front-rear direction, the direction perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the user is defined as the left-right direction, the normal direction to the horizontal plane is defined as the up-down direction, and the direction of the optical axis of the eyepiece 103 of the display main body 101 is defined as the optical axis direction.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an HMD device 100 according to this embodiment. The image display device of this embodiment is a so-called HMD type device. This HMD device 100 includes a display body 101 which is an image display means, and a head mounted device 200 which is a support means connected to the display body 101 and rotatably supports the display body 101.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the display body 101 of the HMD device 100 according to this embodiment. The display main body 101 has an imaging camera 110, a display-side connection unit 102 which is a first connection unit, and an eyepiece unit 103. The imaging camera 110 has a right imaging camera 110R and a left imaging camera 110L which are adapted to the left and right eyes of the user. The display-side connection unit 102 is a connection unit (first connection unit) with the head-mounted device 200 to which a head-mounted device-side connection unit 202 (described later) can be fixed, and is provided in an approximately central portion on the top of the imaging camera 110. The eyepiece unit 103 has a left eyepiece unit 103L and a right eyepiece unit 103R. The eyepiece unit 103 has a display lens 104 which can form an image at a predetermined position from a screen displayed on a display panel (not shown) provided inside the left eyepiece unit 103L and the right eyepiece unit 103R. The display lens 104 has a left display lens 104L and a right display lens 104R.

[0013] 3 is a block diagram showing various functional configurations of the video display device according to this embodiment, including a display panel 106, a control device 109, an imaging camera 110, an external line LED 112, an infrared camera 113, an eyepiece drive motor 114, and a wireless communication device 105.

[0014] 2 has a control device 109. The control device 109 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), and controls the overall operation of the display body 101. In this embodiment, the control device 109 is built into the display body 101, but it may be an external computer, or may be configured so that the external computer and the display body 101 function in cooperation with each other.

[0015] The display main body 101 further includes a wireless communication device 105 for communicating with a predetermined external device and transmitting and receiving data.

[0016] 2 has an interpupillary distance adjustment function that moves the display lens 104 left and right to match the distance between the optical axes of the display lens 104 to the interpupillary distance, which is the distance between the left and right eyeballs of the user. The interpupillary distance adjustment function may be realized by a configuration that operates manually using a slide rail or the like, or may be adjusted electrically using the eyepiece drive motor 114. The eyepiece drive motor 114 is a drive motor that realizes the interpupillary distance adjustment function of the eyepiece 103.

[0017] The eyepieces 103 further have an eyeball position measurement function, which measures the vertical and horizontal distances of the eyeballs relative to the display lenses 104 by illuminating the eyeballs with infrared LEDs 112 and capturing an image with an infrared camera 113. The control device 109 calculates the amount of movement of the left and right eyepieces 103 based on the measurement results of the eyeball position measurement function, and controls the interpupillary distance adjustment function to adjust the interpupillary distance of the eyepieces 103.

[0018] The control device 109 controls the operation of the infrared LED 112 and the infrared camera 113 to obtain an image of the eyeball. It is also possible to obtain an image of the front view from the imaging camera 110 and display it on the display panel 106. The control device 109 controls the eyepiece drive motor 114 to automatically adjust the pupil distance. In addition, a wireless communication device 105 is used to communicate with an external computer and perform data processing.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the head mounting device 200 of the image display device according to this embodiment, where (a) mainly shows the front side of the head mounting device 200, (b) mainly shows the back side of the head mounting device 200, and (c) shows an enlarged view of the structure of the detachable hook 206. The head mounting device 200 has a mounting ring 201, a head mounting device side connection part 202 which is the second connection part, a vertical position adjustment mechanism 203, a display rotation axis 204, a head pad 205, and a detachable hook 206 which is the fixed part to the display side connection part 102.

[0020] The attachment ring 201 has the function of supporting the display main body 101 on the user's head so that it does not move. The attachment ring 201 has an extension mechanism (not shown), and can be fixed to the user's head by passing the head through it in an extended state and then retracting it. The extension and contraction may be electrically operated by a predetermined drive motor, or may be manually operated by the user using a dial. A pair of speakers (not shown) are provided on the attachment ring 201 at predetermined left and right positions. Providing speakers on the left and right allows the user to listen to audio in stereo. Depending on the performance of the speakers, it may also be possible to make it function as spatial audio.

[0021] The vertical position adjustment mechanism 203 of the display main body 101 is used to move the optical axis of the display main body 101 in a substantially vertical direction relative to the eyeballs when the user has the HMD device 100 fixed to their head. In this embodiment, the vertical position adjustment mechanism 203 is worn along the user's forehead, so that when it is adjusted upward, the display main body 101 also moves backward, and when it is adjusted downward, the display main body 101 also moves forward. The vertical position adjustment mechanism 203 may be configured to be electrically operated using a predetermined drive motor, or may be configured to be manually operated by the user using a dial.

[0022] The display rotation shaft 204 is made up of a hinge mechanism that requires a predetermined torque for rotation. Because a predetermined torque is required for rotation, the user can manually adjust the position of the display main body 101, and the position of the display main body 101 can be maintained after adjustment. A hinge mechanism with a click may be used as the hinge mechanism. Also, a separate locking mechanism may be used to maintain the position of the display main body 101.

[0023] The head pad 205 is used as a pad that comes into contact with the user's forehead when the attachment ring 201 is fixed to the head.

[0024] The detachable hook 206 can be operated by the user to fix and release the display main body 101 and the head mounted device 200. As shown in Fig. 4(c) , the detachable hook 206 has an operation section 206a, a hook section 206b, a detachable hook shaft 206c, a biasing spring 207, and a hook rotation shaft 208. In the detachable hook 206, the operation section 206a rotates about the hook rotation shaft 208. The operation section 206a is biased by the biasing spring 207 so as to be fixed, and the user can release the fixation by operating the operation section 206a.

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the display-side connection part 102 provided on the display main body 101, where (a) is a top view of the display main body 101 and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the display-side connection part 102 along the dotted line II in (a). The display-side connection unit 102 can be fixed to the head-mounted device 200 at a plurality of discrete connection points. Specifically, the display-side connection unit 102 has two connection points, a front-side connection unit 102F and a rear-side connection unit 102R, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5(a). As seen from the user, the front-side connection unit 102F is arranged in front of the head-mounted device 200 and the rear-side connection unit 102R is arranged in parallel to the rear of the head-mounted device 200. The display-side connection unit 102 can be fixed to either the front-side connection unit 102F or the rear-side connection unit 102R selectively.

[0026] A method for fixing the head-mounted device connection section 202 to the display connection section 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 5(b). The display-side connection unit 102 is provided with a fixing unit 107. Specifically, a front-side fixing unit 107F is disposed on the front-side connection unit 102F, and a rear-side fixing unit 107R is disposed on the rear-side connection unit 102R. The distance between the front-side fixing unit 107F and the rear-side fixing unit 107R in the front-to-rear direction is defined as L, and the distance between them in the up-down direction is defined as H. The detachable hook 206 of the head-mounted device 200 engages with the front-side fixing unit 107F or the rear-side fixing unit 107R, thereby connecting and fixing the display main body 101 and the head-mounted device 200.

[0027] The detection switch 108 has a front detection switch 108F and a rear detection switch 108R. The front detection switch 108F is supported by the front connection portion 102F, and the rear detection switch 108R is supported by the rear connection portion 102R, each supported by a component (not shown). The front connection portion 102F and the rear connection portion 102R are provided at different positions in the vertical direction, with the front connection portion 102F being provided higher than the rear connection portion 102R. In this case, the front fixing portion 107F is provided higher than the rear fixing portion 107R.

[0028] When the head-mounted unit side connection part 202 is connected to the display-side connection part 102 (for example, the front-side connection part 102F), for example, the detachable hook comes into contact with the detection switch 108 (for example, the front-side detection switch 108F) and conducts electricity. The control device 109 can detect the current fixed point of the display-side connection part 102 with the head-mounted unit side connection part 202 by detecting the conduction of the detection switch 108 using the function of the connection detection means.

[0029] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the head mounted device 200 is fixed to the display main body 101. In Fig. 6, (a) is a top view of the HMD device 100, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed dotted line II-II in (a) showing a state in which the head mounted device side connection part 202 is fixed to the display side connection part 102 (here, the front fixed part 107F).

[0030] 7(b) by a biasing spring 207, the detachable hook 206 engages with the fixing portion 107 (here, the front fixing portion 107F), releasably fixing the display main body 101 and the head-mounted device 200. At this time, the hook portion 206b of the detachable hook 206 engages with the front fixing portion 107F. When the user wishes to release the fixation, the user can release the engagement by operating the operating portion 206a around the hook rotation shaft 208.

[0031] In this embodiment, the head-mounted device connection unit 202 is fixed to the display-mounted connection unit 102 using a detachable hook 206, but other configurations are also possible. It is also conceivable to fix the front-side connection unit 102F or the rear-side connection unit 102R to which the head-mounted device connection unit 202 is not connected by fitting a separate lid-like component into the front-side connection unit 102F or the rear-side connection unit 102R. Using a separate lid also has the effect of covering the positioning and fixing components on the unconnected side, which can also lead to improved design. However, there is a risk that the lid may be lost, and it may be relatively difficult to ensure sufficient fixing strength, so it is preferable to select an appropriate component depending on the desired specifications.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the effect of providing the front connection portion 102F and the rear connection portion 102R at different positions in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, for example, when the head-mounted device connection unit 202 is connected and fixed to the front connection unit 102F, the vertical positions of the user's eyeball E and the eyepiece unit 103 are designed to coincide. This state is shown in FIG. 8(a). As shown in FIG. 8(b), when the head-mounted device connection unit 202 is fixed to the rear connection unit 102R, the display main body 101 is positioned further forward in the front-to-back direction by a distance L and upward in the vertical direction by a distance H from the eyeball E than the position in FIG. 8(a). At this time, since the display main body 101 is shifted upward from the eyeball E, the user uses the vertical position adjustment mechanism 203 to adjust the vertical position downward as appropriate. At this time, if the drive direction of the display vertical position adjustment mechanism 203 is tilted by θ, the display main body 101 will be further separated from the eyeball E by a distance α, as shown in FIG. 8(c). α is given by α=H tanθ It is expressed as:

[0033] By adopting the above configuration, it is possible to ensure a difference in distance in the front-to-back direction during use that is equal to or greater than the pitch of the display-side connection parts 102 (equal to or greater than the distance L between the front-to-back front connection parts 102F and the rear-to-rear connection parts 102R). This may lead to a thinner display body 101. This configuration employs a configuration in which the rear-to-rear connection parts 102R extend into the body in the vertical direction, which requires more internal space in some areas. Therefore, it is necessary to design the device taking into account the internal mechanical structure.

[0034] Here, the effects achieved by the HMD device 100 of this embodiment will be described based on a comparison with a comparative example. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the HMD device 500 of the comparative example, and Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the effects achieved by the HMD device 100 of this embodiment.

[0035] Similar to the HMD device 100 of this embodiment, the HMD device 500 of the comparative example has a display main body 501 and a head mounted device 502 configured to expand and contract a ring-shaped band, and is configured to rotate the display main body 501 using a flip mechanism. On the other hand, unlike the HMD device 100 of this embodiment, the HMD device 500 of the comparative example has only one connection point on the top of the display main body 501 where the head mounted device side connection part of the head mounted device 502 is connected and fixed.

[0036] 8, (a) shows a case where a user with a face shape with deep features and a high nose, such as a Caucasian face (hereinafter referred to as a Type 1 face shape), wears the HMD device 500. (b) shows a case where a user with a face shape with shallow features and a low nose, such as a Mongoloid face (hereinafter referred to as a Type 2 face shape), wears the HMD device 500.

[0037] For a type 1 face shape, the head mounted device 502 is worn in a forward direction relative to the eyeball, so it is necessary to rotate the display main body 501 counterclockwise (CCW) as shown in Figure 8(a) to bring the eyepiece 503 closer to the eyeball E. For a type 2 face shape, the head mounted device 502 is worn in a facial direction relative to the eyeball E, so it is necessary to rotate the display main body 501 clockwise (CW) as shown in Figure 8(b) to move the eyepiece 503 away from the eyeball. Depending on the position of the display rotation axis, the angle difference between Figure 8(a) and Figure 8(b) may become large, which may cause discomfort to the user.

[0038] 9, (a) shows a case where a user with a type 1 face shape is wearing the HMD device 100 with the head-mounted device connector 202 connected and fixed to the front connector 102F. (b) shows a case where a user with a type 2 face shape is wearing the HMD device 100 with the head-mounted device connector 202 fixed to the back connector 102R.

[0039] In the HMD device 100 according to this embodiment, either the front connection part 102F or the rear connection part 102R is selected as the display connection part 102 to which the head-mounted device connection part 202 is connected depending on the face shape. In this way, by shifting the connection part with the head-mounted device connection part 202 in the front-rear direction, it is possible to reduce the difference in tilt of the display main body 101 due to differences in face shape.

[0040] The distance (pitch) between adjacent front and rear connection portions 102F and 102R is preferably set according to the difference in the distance between the forehead and the eyes in the anterior-posterior direction between Type 1 and Type 2 face shapes. For example, the difference in the distance between the forehead and the eyes is said to be approximately 10 mm on average between Mongoloid and Caucasian. If the anterior-posterior pitch is set to more than 10 mm, the display rotation axis 204 will have to adjust a distance of more than 5 mm for a face shape with a forehead-to-eye distance between Type 1 and Type 2. This may result in a large tilt of the display main body 101. On the other hand, if the pitch is set to less than 5 mm, the tilt of the display main body 101 may be large depending on individual differences, such as when the distance between the forehead and the eyes is farther or closer, even between Type 1 and Type 2. Therefore, to ensure a comfortable fit for as many users as possible, it is preferable to set the pitch between the connection points between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[0041] By adopting the above configuration, even when the display rotation shaft 204 also serves as the front-rear adjustment of the display, the front-rear adjustment of the display main body 101 can be performed while suppressing tilt of the display main body 101. Furthermore, since each fixing portion 107 is configured without using special parts, it is possible to configure a small and lightweight device with a small number of parts. As described above, the HMD device 100 of this embodiment has a relatively simple configuration, allowing the user to easily adjust the distance between the display main body 101 and the optical axis direction of the eyeball and suppress tilt of the display main body 101. This allows the display main body 101 to be adjusted to a desired position and images to be viewed without discomfort.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a recommended fixing position by displaying a face shape, where (a) shows a case suitable for a type 1 face shape, and (b) shows a case suitable for a type 2 face shape. When the display main body 101 and the head-mounted device 200 are fixed by the front-side connecting portion 102F, it is suitable for a type 1 face shape, such as a Caucasian, in which the distance between the forehead and the eyeballs in the front-to-back direction is long. When the display main body 101 and the head-mounted device 200 are fixed by the rear-side connecting portion 102R, it is suitable for a type 2 face shape, such as a Mongoloid, in which the distance between the forehead and the eyeballs in the front-to-back direction is short.

[0043] The control device 109 can determine an appropriate fixation position suited to the face shape using the function of the determination means based on the detection result of the current fixation position of the display-side connector 102 and the head-mounted device connector 202 by the above-mentioned connection detection means. If the notification means of the control device 109 detects that the device is fixed at the front-side fixing part 107F, the control device 109 notifies the user that the device is fixed at a position suited to a Type 1 face shape in terms of the distance between the forehead and the eyes in the anterior-posterior direction. At this time, a display such as that shown in FIG. 10( a) is displayed on the eyepiece unit 106 of the eyepiece unit 103. Furthermore, if the control device 109 detects that the device is fixed at the rear-side fixing part 107R, the control device 109 notifies the user that the device is fixed at a position suited to a Type 2 face shape in terms of the distance between the forehead and the eyes in the anterior-posterior direction. At this time, the eyepiece unit 106 of the eyepiece unit 103 displays a display such as that shown in FIG. 10( b). With the above configuration, the control device 109 notifies the user of which face shape the current fixation position of the fixing part 107 is suited to, thereby preventing the user from using the device at an unfavorable fixation position that makes the user feel uncomfortable.

[0044] Furthermore, the initial position of the pupil distance in the pupil distance adjustment function may be changed based on the detection result of the detection switch 108 of the current fixed position of the display-side connector 102 and the head-mounted device connector 202. For example, face shapes closer to Type 2 tend to have wider pupil distances than face shapes closer to Type 1. Therefore, when the head-mounted device 200 is fixed to the back-side connector 102R, it is preferable to set the operation start position of the pupil distance adjustment function wider in the left-right direction. By adopting the above configuration, it is expected that the adjustment time using the pupil distance adjustment function will be shortened on average.

[0045] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a function for displaying a recommended fixing position of the display main body 101 using the detection switch 108. In Fig. 11, (a) shows a case suitable for a face shape of type 1, (b) shows a case suitable for a face shape of type 2, and (c) shows a flow diagram illustrating the function.

[0046] 1, the display main body 101 has an imaging camera 110. The control device 109 functions as a face shape measuring means, and when the face shape is captured by each imaging camera 110, the control device 109 performs image analysis and can acquire a three-dimensional face shape. The method of acquiring a three-dimensional face shape using two cameras is a well-known technique, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0047] The control device 109 uses the distance measurement means to measure a predetermined distance in the front-to-back direction between the eyeballs and the forehead in the acquired 3D face shape. If the distance in the front-to-back direction between the eyeballs and the forehead is greater than a predetermined threshold, the control device 109 uses the fixation position recommendation means to display on the display panel 106 of the eyepiece unit 103 a message recommending that the user fix the device using the front fixation part 107F, as shown in FIG. 11(a). On the other hand, if the distance in the front-to-back direction between the eyeballs and the forehead is less than the threshold, the control device 109 displays on the display panel 106 of the eyepiece unit 103 a message recommending that the user fix the device using the rear fixation part 107R, as shown in FIG. 11(b). The fixation position recommendation means function, in which the display main body 101 recommends a fixation position to the user, may be started automatically after power is turned on, or may be started by the user selecting it from a predetermined menu screen.

[0048] The functional flow of the fixing position recommendation means will be described below. As shown in FIG. 11(c), the flow starts in S001 and proceeds to S002. In S002, a three-dimensional facial shape image of the user is acquired. The three-dimensional facial shape image may be acquired using the imaging camera 110 of the display main body 101 described above, or may be acquired using another electronic device such as a mobile terminal.

[0049] Once a three-dimensional facial shape image is acquired in S002, the process proceeds to S003. In S003, the control device 109 acquires a predetermined distance in the front-to-back direction between the user's eyeballs and forehead, and the control device 109 determines whether the distance is greater than a threshold value. If the distance is less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to S004, and if the distance is greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to S005.

[0050] In S004, the control device 109 displays on the display panel 106 of the eyepiece 103 a message recommending that the head mounted device 200 be fixed to the rear connector 102R, and then proceeds to S006. In S006, the control device 109 determines whether the head mounted device 200 is fixed to the front connector 102F or the rear connector 102R, based on the detection status of the detection switch 108. If it is determined that the head mounted device 200 is fixed to the rear connector 102R, the process proceeds to S008, where the flow ends. If it is determined that the head mounted device 200 is fixed to the front connector 102F, the process proceeds to S004.

[0051] In S005, the control device 109 displays on the display panel 106 of the eyepiece 103 a message recommending that the head mounted device 200 be fixed to the front connection portion 102F, and then proceeds to S007. In S007, the control device 109 determines whether the head mounted device 200 is fixed to the front connection portion 102F or the rear connection portion 102R, based on the detection status of the detection switch 108. If it is determined that the head mounted device 200 is fixed to the front connection portion 102F, the process proceeds to S008, where the flow ends. If it is determined that the head mounted device 200 is fixed to the rear connection portion 102R, the process proceeds to S005.

[0052] When proceeding from S007 to S005, and when proceeding from S006 to S004, the recommended fixation position may be displayed on the display panel 106 of the eyepiece 103, as shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b). By adopting the above configuration, the fixation position recommended based on the user's face shape is notified, and it is possible to prevent the user from using the camera in an unfavorable fixation position that may cause discomfort.

[0053] In the HMD device 100, the position of the speaker in the head mounted device 200 can be adjusted using the detection switch . Depending on the face shape of the user, the relative position between the speaker 209 and the user's ears may vary. Generally, a type 1 face shape is narrower in the left-right direction than a type 2 face shape. Therefore, when a user with a type 1 face shape wears an HMD device, the distance between the speaker and the ears in the head-mounted device tends to be greater in the left-right direction than when a user with a type 2 face shape wears the device.

[0054] When using multiple speakers to enhance the sound effect, the position of the ears relative to the speakers is an important parameter. In the display main body 101 of this embodiment, the control device 109 can use the detection switch 108 to determine whether the user's face shape is Type 1 or Type 2. When the front detection switch 108F is opened or closed, it is determined that the user has a face shape closer to Type 1, and it is desirable to change the speaker positions closer to the center of the head. On the other hand, when the rear detection switch 108R is opened or closed, it is determined that the user has a face shape closer to Type 2, and it is desirable to change the speaker positions farther from the center of the head. By adopting the above configuration, it is possible to enhance the sound effect in the HMD device 100.

[0055] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a case where a handheld support means is connected to the display main body 101, where (a) is a perspective view of the entire device and (b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the connection portion. In this embodiment, a handheld device 300 can be fixed to the display main body 101 instead of the head-mounted device 200. When the handheld device 300 is used, if the interpupillary distance adjustment function of this embodiment is executed, hand movement is detected, making it difficult to adjust the interpupillary distance to the correct position. Therefore, it is desirable not to execute the interpupillary distance adjustment function when the handheld device 300 is fixed.

[0056] The handheld device 300 has two connection parts, one of which can be connected to the front connection part 102F and the other of which can be connected to the rear connection part 102R. This causes both the front detection switch 108F and the rear detection switch 108R to be opened and closed simultaneously. By adopting this configuration, the control device 109 can simultaneously detect the opening and closing of both the front detection switch 108F and the rear detection switch 108R, and can detect that the handheld device 300 is fixed.

[0057] The handheld device 300 is provided with a detachable hook 206 and a biasing spring 207. The hook portion 206b is provided on the rear connection portion 102R side. This is because it is easier for the user to operate the operation portion 206a when it is provided on the rear side. By adopting the above configuration, it is possible to change the operation and user interface depending on the type of attached device fixed to the display main body 101, improving convenience for the user.

[0058] -Variations- A modified example of this embodiment will be described below. This modified example discloses an HMD device similar to this embodiment, but differs from this embodiment in that the structure of the connection portion of the display main body is different. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the display-side connection part 102 provided on the display main body 101 in this modified example, where (a) is a top view of the display main body 101 and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the display-side connection part 102 along the dotted line II in (a).

[0059] The display-side connection unit 102 can be fixed to the head-mounted device 200 at a plurality of discrete connection points. Specifically, the display-side connection unit 102 has three connection points: a front connection unit 102F, a central connection unit 102M, and a rear connection unit 102R, as shown by the two-dot chain lines in FIG. 13( a). As seen from the user, the front connection unit 102F is located in front of the head-mounted device 200, the central connection unit 102M is located in the central portion, and the rear connection unit 102R is located in rear of the head-mounted device 200. The display-side connection unit 102 can be fixed to one of the front connection unit 102F, the central connection unit 102M, and the rear connection unit 102R selectively.

[0060] A method for fixing the head-mounted unit connection section 202 to the display connection section 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 13(b). The display-side connection unit 102 is provided with a fixing portion 107. Specifically, a front fixing portion 107F is disposed on the front side, a central fixing portion 107M is disposed in the center, and a rear fixing portion 107R is disposed on the rear side. In the front-to-rear direction, the distance between the front fixing portion 107F and the central fixing portion 107M and the distance between the central fixing portion 107M and the rear fixing portion 107R are both designated L, and the respective distances in the up-down direction are both designated H. The display main body 101 and the head-mounted device 200 are connected and fixed by engaging the detachable hooks 206 of the head-mounted device 200 with the front fixing portion 107F, the central fixing portion 107M, or the rear fixing portion 107R.

[0061] The detection switch 108 includes a front detection switch 108F, a center detection switch 108M, and a rear detection switch 108R. The front detection switch 108F is supported by the front connection portion 102F, the center detection switch 108M is supported by the center connection portion 102M, and the rear detection switch 108R is supported by the rear connection portion 102R, all of which are supported by components not shown. The front connection portion 102F, the center connection portion 102M, and the rear connection portion 102R are provided at different positions in the vertical direction, with the front connection portion 102F being located higher than the center connection portion 102M, and the center connection portion 102M being located higher than the rear connection portion 102R. In this case, the front fixing portion 107F is located higher than the center fixing portion 107M, and the center fixing portion 107M is located higher than the rear fixing portion 107R.

[0062] Some users may have a face shape that is intermediate between a Type 1 face shape, typically Caucasian, and a Type 2 face shape, typically Mongoloid. In this modification, not only are there provided a front connection part 102F that is compatible with Type 1 and a back connection part 102R that is compatible with Type 2, but there is also provided a central connection part 102M that is compatible with a face shape that is intermediate between Type 1 and Type 2. By adopting this configuration, an easy-to-use HMD device 100 that precisely accommodates the user's face shape is realized.

[0063] According to the HMD device 100 of this modified example, the relatively simple configuration allows the user to easily adjust the display main body 101 to a desired position and observe images without feeling uncomfortable.

[0064] In the present embodiment and the modified example, the head-mounted unit connection unit 202 is provided with discrete fixing points in the display-side connection unit 102 (two in the present embodiment and three in the modified example). However, this is not limited thereto. For example, four or more discrete fixing points may be provided, or the fixing position may be continuously variable. A possible configuration for continuously variable fixing positions is, for example, a combination of a rail and a locking mechanism, which allows the head-mounted unit connection unit to be continuously moved relative to the display-side connection unit and fixed at a desired position. In this case, to achieve the effect described with reference to FIG. 11, it is preferable that the rail be inclined with respect to the optical axis direction. In the case of continuously variable fixing positions, it is preferable to replace the detection switch 108 with an encoder capable of linear position detection. However, this increases space and component costs, so it is preferable to select an encoder based on the required performance.

[0065] Although the preferred embodiments and modifications have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and modifications, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0066] The disclosure of the embodiments and modifications includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) a display means for displaying an image; a support means connected to the display means and rotatably supporting the display means; It is equipped with The display means and the support means can be fixed at a plurality of points. Video display device. (Configuration 2) the display means has a first connection portion, and the support means has a second connection portion; The display means and the support means can be fixed by connecting the first connection portion and the second connection portion at a plurality of discrete locations. 2. The image display device according to claim 1. (Configuration 3) the first connection portion has a plurality of connection points with the second connection portion that are arranged in parallel in the front-rear direction with respect to the user, The second connection portion is selectively fixable to each of the connection locations. 3. The image display device according to configuration 2. (Configuration 4) The distance in the front-rear direction between the adjacent connection points in the first connection portion is a value within a range of 5 mm to 10 mm. 4. The image display device according to configuration 3. (Configuration 5) The second connection portion has a fixing portion that releasably fixes the connected first connection portion. 4. The image display device according to configuration 3. (Configuration 6) the connection point has a detection switch that comes into contact when the second connection part is connected, Further provided is a connection detection means for detecting the connection of the second connection portion by the detection switch. 6. The image display device according to any one of configurations 3 to 5. (Configuration 7) a determination means for determining a current fixed position of the display means and the support means; a notification means for notifying the current fixed location; Further comprising: 7. The image display device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. (Configuration 8) a face shape measuring means for measuring the face shape of a user; a fixing position recommendation means for recommending a predetermined fixing position between the display means and the support means based on the measurement result by the face shape measurement means; Further comprising: The image display device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7. (Configuration 9) a speaker is provided on the support means; The speaker is adjustable in its position on the support means. 9. The image display device according to any one of the first to eighth configurations. (Configuration 10) The support means is secured to the user's head. 10. The image display device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9. (Configuration 11) the display means is connectable to a handheld device held by a user in place of the support means, and is capable of detecting the connection of the handheld device; The image display device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 100 HMD device 101 Display unit 102 Display side connection part 102F Front connection part 102R rear side connection part 103 Eyepiece 108 Detector switch 108F Front detection switch 108R Rear detection switch 109 Control device 200 Head Mounted Device 202 Head-mounted device connection part

Claims

1. a display means for displaying an image; a support means connected to the display means and rotatably supporting the display means; It is equipped with The display means and the support means can be fixed at a plurality of points. Video display device.

2. the display means has a first connection portion, and the support means has a second connection portion; The display means and the support means can be fixed by connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion at a plurality of discrete locations.

2. The image display device according to claim 1.

3. the first connection portion has a plurality of connection points with the second connection portion that are arranged in parallel in a front-to-rear direction with respect to a user, The second connection portion is selectively fixable to each of the connection locations.

3. The image display device according to claim 2.

4. The distance in the front-rear direction between adjacent connection points in the first connection portion is a value in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm.

4. The image display device according to claim 3.

5. The second connection portion has a fixing portion that releasably fixes the connected first connection portion.

4. The image display device according to claim 3.

6. the connection point has a detection switch that comes into contact when the second connection part is connected, further comprising a connection detection means for detecting the connection of the second connection portion by the detection switch; 4. The image display device according to claim 3.

7. a determination means for determining a current fixed position of the display means and the support means; a notification means for notifying the current fixed location; Further comprising:

2. The image display device according to claim 1.

8. a face shape measuring means for measuring the face shape of a user; a fixing position recommendation means for recommending a predetermined fixing position between the display means and the support means based on the measurement result by the face shape measurement means; Further comprising:

2. The image display device according to claim 1.

9. a speaker is provided on the support means; The speaker is adjustable in its position on the support means.

2. The image display device according to claim 1.

10. The support means is secured to the user's head.

2. The image display device according to claim 1.

11. the display means is connectable to a handheld device held by a user in place of the support means, and is capable of detecting the connection of the handheld device; 2. The image display device according to claim 1.

Images