Stereoscopic image processing system, stereoscopic image control device, and lighting device

Abstract

This system provides an image processing system that can easily display stereoscopic images over a wide area. [Solution] The present invention relates to a stereoscopic image processing system. The stereoscopic image processing system of the present invention comprises an illumination device having two light sources for projecting an image based on light irradiated onto a real object onto a projection surface, shutter glasses worn by a viewer and equipped with shutters on each of the left and right lenses, and a stereoscopic image control device. The illumination device has an illumination control unit for controlling the illumination state of each light source, and the shutter glasses have an opening / closing control unit for controlling the opening and closing state of each shutter. The stereoscopic image control device generates a switching control signal indicating the timing for switching the opening and closing state of the shutter glasses and the illumination state of the illumination device, and has a switching control means for supplying the generated switching control signal to the illumination device and the shutter glasses.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a stereoscopic video processing system, a stereoscopic video control device, and a lighting device, and can be applied to, for example, a system for allowing a user to recognize a stereoscopic video.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a system for showing a stereoscopic video to a viewer, there is a system described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the system described in Patent Document 1, for a viewer wearing liquid crystal shutter glasses that rapidly switch the light transmission state of the left and right lenses, a stereoscopic video display device is provided that displays a left-eye image (an image displayed in synchronization with the shutter of the left lens) and a right-eye image (an image displayed in synchronization with the shutter of the right lens). Further, the stereoscopic video display device described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a display unit that switches and displays the left-eye image and the right-eye image in synchronization with the shutter of the liquid crystal shutter glasses.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, the image is only displayed within the range of the display unit of the stereoscopic image display device. Therefore, when attempting to display stereoscopic images over a wide area, a huge display or a high-brightness, high-resolution projector is required, resulting in various limitations in terms of cost and other factors. Furthermore, in the system described in Patent Document 1, image processing is performed on a computer, so it is not possible to display stereoscopic images in real time without delay. Moreover, even if a delay in displaying stereoscopic images is tolerated, the system described in Patent Document 1 has limitations in resolution.

[0006] In light of the above problems, there is a need for a stereoscopic image processing system that can easily display stereoscopic images over a wide area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first aspect of the present invention is a stereoscopic image processing system comprising: an illumination device having two light sources for projecting an image based on light irradiated onto a real object onto a projection surface; shutter glasses worn by a viewer, each of which has a shutter on the left and right lenses; and a stereoscopic image control device, wherein the illumination device has an illumination control unit for controlling the illumination state of each of the light sources; the shutter glasses have an opening / closing control unit for controlling the opening / closing state of each of the shutters; and the stereoscopic image control device has a switching control means for generating a switching control signal indicating the timing for switching the opening / closing state of the shutter glasses and the illumination state of the illumination device, and supplying the generated switching control signal to the illumination device and the shutter glasses.

[0008] The second aspect of the present invention relates to a lighting device comprising two light sources for projecting an image based on light irradiated onto a real object onto a projection surface, shutter glasses worn by a viewer and having shutters on each of the left and right lenses, and a stereoscopic image control device for controlling the lighting device and the shutter glasses, wherein the lighting device comprises a lighting control unit for controlling the lighting state of each of the light sources, and the lighting control unit controls the lighting state of each of the light sources based on a switching control signal supplied from the stereoscopic image control device.

[0009] The third aspect of the present invention relates to a stereoscopic image processing system comprising: an illumination device having two light sources for projecting an image based on light irradiated onto a real object onto a projection surface; shutter glasses worn by a viewer, each of which has a shutter; and a stereoscopic image control device for controlling the illumination device and the shutter glasses, wherein the stereoscopic image control device comprises a switching control means for generating a switching control signal indicating the timing for switching the open / closed state of the shutter glasses and the lighting state of the illumination device, and for supplying the generated switching control signal to the illumination device and the shutter glasses. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing system that can easily display stereoscopic images over a wide area. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows the overall configuration of the stereoscopic image processing system according to the first embodiment (including a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the stereoscopic image control device according to the first embodiment). [Figure 2] This figure shows the configuration of the shutter glass according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows the configuration of a lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]This is a perspective view (image diagram) showing the arrangement of each element of the stereoscopic image processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows the positional relationship between the lighting device, the real object, and the screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram (image) illustrating an example of a stereoscopic image perceived by the viewer in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows the overall configuration of the stereoscopic image processing system according to the second embodiment (including a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the stereoscopic image control device according to the first embodiment). [Figure 8] This figure shows the stereoscopic image perceived by the viewer in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows a modified example of the lighting device in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows a modified example of a real object in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a diagram (part 1) showing a modified example of the stereoscopic image processing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a diagram (part 2) showing a modified example of the stereoscopic image processing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a figure (part 3) relating to a modified example of the stereoscopic image processing system of the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] (A) First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the stereoscopic image processing system, stereoscopic image control device, and lighting device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (A-1) Configuration and operation of the first embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the stereoscopic video processing system 1 of this embodiment. Also, in FIG. 1, a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the stereoscopic video control device 10 that constitutes the stereoscopic video processing system 1 is also shown.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the stereoscopic video processing system 1 includes a stereoscopic video control device 10, a lighting device 20, and shutter glasses 30. Also, in the stereoscopic video processing system 1, a real object 40 and a screen 50 as a projection target are used.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the shutter glasses 30.

[0016] FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the shutter glasses 30, and FIG. 2(b) is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the shutter glasses 30.

[0017] The shutter glasses 30 are a glasses-type device for being worn by the viewer U1.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the shutter glasses 30 have a right-eye lens 31R and a left-eye lens 31L fitted into a glasses-type frame 32.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2(b), the frame 32 of the shutter glass 30 houses a control unit 33 that controls the overall operation, a right shutter 34R attached to the right eye lens 31R, a left shutter 34L attached to the left eye lens 31L, and a wireless communication unit 35 capable of wirelessly communicating with external devices. The right shutter 34R and the left shutter 34L are shutters that transition (switch) to either a state that transmits light (hereinafter referred to as the "open state") or a state that blocks light (hereinafter referred to as the "closed state"), respectively, according to the control unit 33. The opening and closing means for each shutter (right shutter 34R, left shutter 34L) are not limited, but for example, the opening and closing means may be made of liquid crystal. The control unit 33 communicates with the stereoscopic image control device 10 via the wireless communication unit 35 to receive a control signal (hereinafter referred to as the "switching control signal") supplied from the stereoscopic image control device 10, and switches the opening and closing state of each shutter (right shutter 34R, left shutter 34L), etc., according to the switching control signal.

[0020] For example, existing active shutter type shutter glasses (3D glasses) may be used as the shutter glasses 30.

[0021] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the lighting device 20.

[0022] Figure 3(a) is a view of the lighting device 20 from above (plan view), and Figure 3(b) is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the lighting device 20.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3(a), the lighting device 20 has a right light source 21R and a left light source 21L mounted in the housing 22. Also, as shown in Figure 3(b), the housing 22 of the lighting device 20 houses a control unit 24 that controls the overall operation and a wireless communication unit 25 that can communicate wirelessly with external devices.

[0024] Each light source (right light source 21R, left light source 21L) is turned on or off according to the control of the control unit 24. The housing 22 is also provided with a handle 23 for the user to grip. The control unit 24 communicates with the stereoscopic image control device 10 via the wireless communication unit 25 to receive a switching control signal from the stereoscopic image control device 10, and controls the lighting of each light source (right light source 21R, left light source 21L) according to that switching control signal.

[0025] Here, as shown in Figure 3(a), the optical axis of the right light source 21R is defined as CR, and the optical axis of the left light source 21L is defined as CL, with the optical axes CR and CL being parallel. Also, as shown in Figure 3(a), the starting points (center positions of each light source) of the optical axes CR and CL are defined as P21R and P21L, respectively. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(a), the distance between the optical axes CR and CL (shortest distance) is defined as D1. Each light source (right light source 21R, left light source 21L) is configured to emit light with a predetermined directivity in the direction of the optical axes CR and CL, respectively. The specific elements of each light source (right light source 21R, left light source 21L) are not limited, and various light sources such as LEDs can be applied.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the stereoscopic image control device 10 will be explained using Figure 1.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the stereoscopic image control device 10 has a control unit 110 for controlling the entire system and a wireless communication unit 120 for communicating wirelessly with external devices.

[0028] The control unit 110 transmits a switching control signal to the lighting device 20 and the shutter glass 30 via the wireless communication unit 120.

[0029] Next, we will explain the switching control signals generated and transmitted by the stereoscopic image control device 10 (control unit 110).

[0030] The switching control signal controls the timing of the lighting control of the light sources (right light source 21R, left light source 21L) by the lighting device 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "lighting timing") and the timing of the opening and closing control of each shutter (right shutter 34R, left shutter 34L) (hereinafter referred to as the "opening and closing timing"). The switching control signal also includes a signal to switch (instruct) the lighting device 20 and the shutter glass 30 between a first state and a second state. The stereoscopic image control device 10 may transmit separate switching control signals to each lighting device 20 and each shutter glass 30 individually via wireless communication, or it may transmit a single switching control signal via broadcast communication.

[0031] In the lighting device 20 (control unit 24) of this embodiment, the first state is defined as the state in which the right light source 21R is turned on and the left light source 21L is turned off, and the second state is defined as the state in which the right light source 21R is turned off and the left light source 21L is turned on. In addition, in the shutter glass 30 of this embodiment, the first state is defined as the state in which the right shutter 34R is open and the left shutter 34L is closed, and the second state is defined as the state in which the right shutter 34R is closed and the left shutter 34L is open.

[0032] In other words, in the stereoscopic image processing system 1, when the switching signal is in the first state, the viewer U1 wearing the shutter glasses 30 can be shown the light from the right light source 21R and the image projected by that light (an image including shadows from the real object 40, reflected light reflected from the real object 40, and transmitted light that has passed through the real object 40; hereinafter also simply referred to as the "projected image"). When the switching signal is in the second state, the viewer U1 wearing the shutter glasses 30 can be shown the image projected by the light from the left light source 21L.

[0033] Next, examples of usage states of the stereoscopic image control device 10 will be explained using Figures 1, 4 to 6.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a view from above of the lighting device 20, the viewer U1 wearing the shutter glasses 30, the lighting device 20, and the real object 40.

[0035] For the sake of simplicity, in this specification, the lighting device 20, the viewer U1 wearing the shutter glasses 30, the lighting device 20, and the real object 40 are described as being located in a 3D space represented by a 3-axis (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis) coordinate system as shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0036] Figure 4 is a perspective view (oblique view) of the lighting device 20, the viewer U1 wearing the shutter glass 30, the lighting device 20, and the real object 40, as seen from an oblique upward direction, in the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 5 shows the positional relationship between the lighting device 20, the real object 40, and the screen 50.

[0038] In each of the drawings, including Figures 1, 4, and 5, the area where light emitted from the right light source 21R diffuses is shown as KR (the area enclosed by the dashed line), and the area where light emitted from the left light source 21L diffuses is shown as KL (the area enclosed by the dashed line).

[0039] As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, in this embodiment, the optical axes of each light source (right light source 21R, left light source 21L) of the lighting device 20 are directed toward the screen 50, and the real object 40 is positioned between the lighting device 20 and the screen 50. Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the real object 40 is positioned within the overlapping range KD (the area hatched in Figure 5) where the range KR of light from the right light source 21R and the range KL of light from the left light source 21L overlap. In other words, the position of the real object 40 can be any position within the overlapping range KD of ranges KR and KL. By arranging the lighting device 20, the real object 40, and the screen 50 in the above positional relationship, the screen 50 can display a projected image SGR projected onto the screen 50 by light from the right light source 21R (range KR) and a projected image SGL projected onto the screen 50 by light from the left light source 21L (range KL).

[0040] In Figure 4 and other figures, the shape of the projected image SGR is represented by a dashed line, and the shape of the projected image SGL is represented by a dotted line. In Figure 1, the left edge of the projected image SGR is P51, the left edge of the projected image SGL is P52, the right edge of the projected image SGR is P53, and the right edge of the projected image SGL is P54, all relative to the screen 50.

[0041] In practice, each light source of the lighting device 20 (right light source 21R, left light source 21L) is switched on alternately according to the switching control signal, so the projected images SGR and SGL appear alternately on the screen 50.

[0042] Consequently, from the perspective of viewer U1 wearing the shutter glasses 30, only the projected image SGR is visible to the right eye, and only the projected image SGL is visible to the left eye, resulting in parallax. Therefore, from the viewer U1's perspective, a 3DSG image including a three-dimensional portion (a three-dimensional image based on the parallax of projected images SGR and SGL; hereinafter simply referred to as "stereoscopic image") is formed near the intersection of the direction towards projected image SGR (right eye's line of sight) and the direction towards projected image SGL (left eye's line of sight) (position CP in Figure 1).

[0043] Figure 6 is a diagram (conceptual diagram) showing an example of a stereoscopic image 3DSG perceived by viewer U1 in the first embodiment.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, for viewer U1 wearing the shutter glasses 30, the stereoscopic image 3DSG will appear to be formed near position CP.

[0045] At this time, the portion composed of the 3D image 3DSG perceived by the viewer U1 will depend on the size of the projected images SGR and SGL. The size (area) of the projected images SGR and SGL will change according to the positional relationship between the lighting device 20, the real object 40, and the screen 50.

[0046] For example, the shorter the distance between the lighting device 20 (right light source 21R, left light source 21L) and the real object 40, the larger the projected image SGR and SGL will be. Also, the longer the distance between the real object 40 and the screen 50, the larger the projected image SGR and SGL will be. Furthermore, naturally, the larger the real object 40 itself is, the larger the projected image SGR and SGL will be.

[0047] As described above, the stereoscopic image processing system 1 can enable the viewer U1 to recognize (image) a stereoscopic image (3DSG) of a desired size by designing the positional relationship between the lighting device 20, the real object 40, and the screen 50, as well as the size of the real object 40.

[0048] Furthermore, in the stereoscopic image processing system 1, if the projected images SGR and SGL are not clear, the stereoscopic image 3DSG will not be clear either, so it is desirable for the surroundings to be dark. However, by using the stereoscopic image processing system 1 outdoors at night, it is possible to make a large and clear stereoscopic image 3DSG perceived by the viewer U1 with only a simple configuration.

[0049] Furthermore, the screen 50, as the projection object, is not limited in terms of its specific shape or material, as long as it can project the projection images SGR and SGL. In addition, while it is desirable for the screen 50 to be a color that allows the projection images SGR and SGL to be projected clearly (for example, white), the specific color is not limited.

[0050] Next, we will describe the preferred design considerations for each element in the stereoscopic image processing system 1.

[0051] The distance D1 between the optical axes CR and CL that constitute the lighting device 20 is not limited, but it is desirable that it be close to the distance between the eyes of a human (i.e., viewer U1). Specifically, it is desirable to set the distance D1 between 6 cm and 8 cm. By setting the distance D1 in this way, the amount of parallax of viewer U1 and the amount of shift of the projected images SGR and SGL can be matched, allowing viewer U1 to perceive a clearer stereoscopic image (3DSG) (a stereoscopic image that gives a greater sense of depth).

[0052] It is desirable that each optical axis (optical axes CR, CL) of the lighting device 20 be parallel to the line of sight of the viewer U1. This allows the viewer U1 to perceive (image) a clearer (three-dimensional) stereoscopic image (3DSG).

[0053] The method of installing the lighting device 20 is not limited. For example, the lighting device 20 may be held in the hand of the viewer U1, or the lighting device 20 may be fixed (placed) on a stand or the like (not shown). For example, the lighting device 20 may be held on a stand (a so-called gimbal) that holds it in a position such that the optical axes CR and CL of each light source (right light source 21R, left light source 21L) are horizontal (in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction).

[0054] Regarding the size of each light source (right light source 21R, left light source 21L) of the lighting device 20, a smaller size is preferable because it allows for a clearer projection of the outlines of the projected images SGR and SGL.

[0055] (A-2) Effects of the first embodiment According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0056] As described above, the stereoscopic image processing system 1 can easily make a stereoscopic image (3DSG) of the desired size recognizable to the viewer U1 simply by adjusting the positional relationship between the lighting device 20, the real object 40, and the screen 50, as well as the size of the real object 40 (in other words, the size and position of the image can be easily adjusted on-site).

[0057] Furthermore, the stereoscopic image processing system 1 generates stereoscopic 3DSG images based on the projected image (an undigitized analog image) of a real object 40, rather than using pixels (dots) to form an image like a conventional projector. This makes it possible for the stereoscopic image processing system 1 to obtain clear stereoscopic 3DSG images even at enormous sizes. In particular, because the resolution of the stereoscopic 3DSG image is not digitized (it is an analog image), regardless of its size, it becomes an extremely high-definition image.

[0058] Furthermore, since the stereoscopic image processing system 1 does not require processing digital image data, it can obtain stereoscopic images (3DSG) of any size without consuming computing resources.

[0059] Furthermore, the stereoscopic image processing system 1 can process stereoscopic images of any size without delay using only small and lightweight equipment compared to large projectors such as lighting devices 20 and shutter glasses 30.

[0060] Furthermore, the stereoscopic image processing system 1 does not use devices that narrow the viewer U1's field of view, such as VR goggles (generally, glasses provide a wider field of view than VR goggles), thus providing viewer U1 with a more immersive visual experience (stereoscopic 3DSG).

[0061] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the distance D1 between the optical axes CR and CL was set to a dimension close to the distance between the eyes of a human (i.e., viewer U1) (specifically, between 6 cm and 8 cm). By setting the distance D1 in this way, the amount of discrepancy between the viewer U1's parallax and the projected images SGR and SGL is made to match the amount of discrepancy that viewer U1 is accustomed to seeing, allowing viewer U1 to perceive a clearer stereoscopic image (3DSG) (a stereoscopic image that gives a greater sense of depth).

[0062] For example, conventional systems exist that display parallax images of different colors, such as red and blue, and separate the parallax images using the color filters of stereoscopic glasses. However, this has the problem that the lighting and screen colors are limited to the filter colors. Also, for example, conventional systems exist that display parallax images with different polarization states and separate the parallax images using the polarizing filters of stereoscopic glasses. However, this has the problem that the projection surface material is limited to special materials (such as silver screens) that reflect without disturbing the polarization components. However, in the stereoscopic image processing system 1 of this embodiment, since an active shutter type shutter glass 30 (a method that displays parallax images in time division and synchronizes with image switching) is used, the above problems do not occur.

[0063] (B) Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the stereoscopic image processing system, stereoscopic image control device, and lighting device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0064] (B-1) Configuration and operation of the second embodiment Figure 7 shows the overall configuration of the stereoscopic image processing system 1 of this embodiment. Figure 1 also shows a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the stereoscopic image control device 10 that constitutes the stereoscopic image processing system 1.

[0065] In Figure 7, the same or corresponding parts as those in Figure 1 are denoted by the same or corresponding reference numerals.

[0066] The following describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0067] As shown in Figure 7, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the observer U1 itself is the real object 40.

[0068] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the observer U1 is positioned within the overlapping area KD (the area hatched in Figure 5) where the light range KR from the right light source 21R and the light KL from the left light source 21L overlap, thereby making the observer U1 itself a real object 40.

[0069] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, by facing the screen 50 with the lighting device 20 behind him, the viewer U1 can recognize (image) the stereoscopic image 3DSG based on the projected images SGR and SGL of himself.

[0070] Figure 8 shows the image of the stereoscopic 3DSG perceived by viewer U1 in the second embodiment.

[0071] As shown in Figure 8, in the second embodiment, the viewer U1 can perceive (image) a stereoscopic image 3DSG based on their own projected images SGR and SGL. Naturally, the stereoscopic image 3DSG will change in accordance with the movement of the viewer U1. Thus, in the second embodiment, a new experience can be provided to the viewer U1, in which they can perceive (image) a stereoscopic image 3DSG that changes without delay in accordance with their own movement.

[0072] In the second embodiment, there may be other observers besides observer U1 (observers located outside the overlapping range KD). Figure 7 shows an example where a second observer U2 is located in addition to observer U1.

[0073] (C) Other embodiments The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modified embodiments such as those exemplified below can also be cited.

[0074] (C-1) In the above embodiment, a screen 50 was used as the projection object, but any object that can project an image of a real object can be used. The projection object is preferably as flat as possible, but it may have some irregularities or curved surfaces. For example, the projection object may be the wall of a building, the slope of a mountain, etc.

[0075] (C-2) In the above embodiment, the configuration is such that the light from the lighting device 20 is emitted in a generally horizontal direction to project an image of a real object onto a generally vertical surface (screen 50). However, the light from the lighting device 20 may be shone from above (high place) toward the ground so that the horizontal ground itself becomes the object to be projected.

[0076] (C-3) The material, shape, and size of the real object 40 are not limited. For example, the real object 40 may be a transparent or translucent object (for example, a molded object made of transparent acrylic or colored acrylic), or an object containing fluid (for example, a transparent acrylic tank filled with water). The real object 40 may also be a reflector (for example, a mirror ball). For example, if a mirror ball is used as the real object 40, the projected image from the reflected light of the mirror ball will only be visible to one eye (not formed into an image), but when these reflected lights are distributed on the screen 50 as a projected image, it can be perceived by the viewer U1 as an image in which the sense of distance cannot be grasped (a new visual experience).

[0077] (C-4) In the illumination device 20 of the above embodiment, a structure may be provided that allows adjustment of the distance D1 between the optical axes CR and CL. For example, the housing 22 of the illumination device 20 may be provided with a structure (hereinafter referred to as the "light source movement mechanism") that allows the position of each light source (right light source 21R, left light source 21L) to be moved.

[0078] Figure 9 shows an example of a light source movement mechanism that constitutes the lighting device 20.

[0079] For example, as shown in Figure 9, a light source movement mechanism may be realized by attaching a rail 26 to the housing 22 of the lighting device 20 and mounting each light source (right light source 21R, left light source 21L) along this rail 26 so that it can move (slid) freely. It is desirable that the rail 26 be arranged in a direction perpendicular to each optical axis. This makes it possible to adjust the distance D1 between optical axes CR and CL to any distance by providing a light source movement mechanism in the lighting device 20. For example, the viewer U1 may move the optical axes CR and CL using the above light source movement mechanism to adjust the distance D1 so that the stereoscopic image 3DSG appears clearest (three-dimensional). The light source movement mechanism is not limited to the above example, and various movable (sliding) structures such as grooves other than rails can be applied.

[0080] (C-5) In each of the above embodiments, the colors of the optical axis CR and CL are not limited, but they may be the same color or different colors.

[0081] (C-6) In the above embodiment, it has been explained that various objects can be applied to the real object 40, but a transparent display device may also be applied.

[0082] Figure 10 shows an example in which a transparent display A is applied as a real object in the stereoscopic image processing system 1.

[0083] A transparent display panel 41 is attached to the transparent display 40A shown in Figure 10. The screen of this transparent display panel 41 can display various images (for example, images based on video signals supplied from an external device such as a stereoscopic image control device 10). The transparent display panel 41A shown in Figure 10 displays an image of the string "ABCD". For example, in the stereoscopic image processing system 1, by positioning the screen of this transparent display 40A (transparent display panel 41A) perpendicular to the optical axes CR and CL of each light source (right light source 21R, left light source 21L), the screen 50 will display projected images SGR and SGL, which are enlarged versions of the image on the transparent display panel 41A. In other words, in this case, the stereoscopic image 3DSG projected onto the viewer U1 is a three-dimensional representation of the display image shown on the screen of the transparent display 40A. For example, as shown in Figure 10, if the string "ABCD" is displayed on the screen of the transparent display 40A, a three-dimensional image of the letters "ABCD" can be projected onto the viewer U1 as a stereoscopic image (3DSG).

[0084] (C-7) In the above embodiment, the stereoscopic image control device 10 controls the lighting device 20 and the viewer U1 with a switching signal so that the viewer U1 shows the projected image SGR to the right eye and the projected image SGL to the left eye. However, it is also possible to control it so that the viewer U1 shows the projected image SGR to the left eye and the projected image SGL to the right eye (swapping the projected images shown to the left and right eyes).

[0085] Figure 11 is a diagram (shown in the same format as Figure 1) illustrating the stereoscopic image 3DSG formed when the projected image shown to the viewer U1 is reversed left to right in the stereoscopic image processing system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0086] In the state shown in Figure 11, from the perspective of viewer U1, only the projected image SGR is visible to the left eye, and only the projected image SGL is visible to the right eye. Therefore, the stereoscopic image 3DSG is formed near the intersection of the direction towards the projected image SGR (left eye's line of sight) and the direction towards the projected image SGL (right eye's line of sight) (position CP' in Figure 11). In this case, as shown in Figure 11, the position CP' where the stereoscopic image 3DSG is formed is further back from the screen 50. Hereafter, controlling the viewer U1 wearing the shutter glasses 30 to show the projected image SGR to the right eye and the projected image SGL to the left eye will be called "forward control," and controlling the viewer U1 to show the projected images in the reverse order of forward control will be called "reverse control."

[0087] For example, the stereoscopic image control device 10 may be configured to switch between forward control and reverse control switching signals during operation, such as by transmitting a forward control switching signal to the shutter glass 30. For example, the stereoscopic image control device 10 may alternately change the switching signal transmitted to the shutter glass 30 between forward control and reverse control at predetermined intervals (for example, every 10 seconds). By switching the control signal in this way (switching to forward control or reverse control), the viewer U1 can be made to see the position where the stereoscopic image 3DSG is formed changing.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, if there are multiple viewers (multiple shutter glasses 30) in the stereoscopic image processing system 1, the stereoscopic image control device 10 may transmit a different control signal (either a forward control or reverse control signal) to each viewer (shutter glasses 30). This allows the stereoscopic image processing system 1 to project a stereoscopic image 3DSG at a different position for each viewer (shutter glasses 30).

[0089] Furthermore, as described above, in the stereoscopic image processing system 1, if there are multiple viewers (multiple shutter glasses 30), the stereoscopic image control device 10 may show different projection images to each viewer (shutter glasses 30). In other words, the stereoscopic image control device 10 may be controlled to show different projection images to "different eyes" or "different viewers". For example, consider a case where there are multiple viewers (multiple shutter glasses 30) and they are divided into a first group and a second group. In this case, by opening both eyes (both left and right shutters) of the viewers in the first group (the shutter glasses 30 of the first group) and closing both eyes (both left and right shutters) of the viewers in the second group (the shutter glasses 30 of the second group), only the viewers in the first group can be shown the image intended for the first group of viewers.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the number of lighting devices 20 arranged in the stereoscopic image processing system 1 is set to one, but by arranging multiple lighting devices, it is possible to control them so that different projection images are shown to "different eyes" or "different viewers". For example, as shown in Figure 12, two lighting devices 20 may be arranged to irradiate light onto the real object 40 (screen 50).

[0091] In Figure 12, the first lighting device 20-1 and the second lighting device 20-2 are arranged. Also in Figure 12, there is a first observer U1 belonging to the first group and a second observer U2 belonging to the second group, with the first observer U1 wearing the first shutter glass 30-1 and the second observer U2 wearing the second shutter glass 30-2.

[0092] In this case, as shown in Figure 12, the projected image SGR-1 is projected onto the screen 50 by the light from the right light source 21R of the first lighting device 20-1, the projected image SGL-1 is projected onto the screen 50 by the light from the left light source 21L of the first lighting device 20-1, the projected image SGR-2 is projected onto the screen 50 by the light from the right light source 21R of the second lighting device 20-2, and the projected image SGL-2 is projected onto the screen 50 by the light from the left light source 21L of the second lighting device 20-2.

[0093] Here, the stereoscopic image control device 10 controls each device (lighting devices 20-1, 20-2, shutter glasses 30-1, 30-2) to continuously switch (cycle through) between the following states: showing projected image SGL-1 to the left eye of viewer U1 (hereinafter referred to as the "first mode"), showing projected image SGL-2 to the left eye of viewer U2 of the second group (hereinafter referred to as the "second mode"), showing projected image SGR-1 to the right eye of viewer U1 of the first group (hereinafter referred to as the "third mode"), and showing projected image SGR-2 to the right eye of viewer U1 of the second group (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth mode"), thereby showing different projected images to the eyes of the first viewer U1 and the second viewer U2 who are present in the same space.

[0094] The control status of each device (lighting devices 20-1, 20-2, shutter glasses 30-1, 30-2) by the stereoscopic image control device 10 at that time can be represented, for example, by a table like the one in Figure 13.

[0095] Figure 13 shows the open / closed state of each shutter (right shutter 34R, left shutter 34L) of the first shutter glass 30-1, the open / closed state of each shutter (right shutter 34R, left shutter 34L) of the second shutter glass 30-2, the lit state (ON / OFF state) of each light source (right light source 21R, left light source 21L) of the first lighting device 20-1, and the lit state (ON / OFF state) of each light source (right light source 21R, left light source 21L) of the second lighting device 20-2, for each of the first to fourth modes.

[0096] For example, in the first mode (where the projected image SGL-1 is shown to the left eye of the viewer U1), only the right shutter 34R of the first shutter glass 30-1 is open and the other shutters are closed, and only the left light source 21L of the first lighting device 20-1 is ON and the other light sources are OFF. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 1…Stereoscopic image processing system, 10…Stereoscopic image control device, 20…Lighting device, 20, 20-1, 20-2…Lighting device, 21L…Left light source, 21R…Right light source, 22…Housing, 23…Handle, 24…Control unit, 25…Wireless communication unit, 26…Rail, 30, 30-1, 30-2…Shutter glasses, 31L…Left eye lens, 31R…Right eye lens, 32…Frame, 33…Control unit, 34L…Left shutter, 34R…Right shutter, 35…Wireless communication unit, 40…Real object, 40A…Transmissive display, 41…Display panel, 41A…Transmissive display panel, 50…Screen, 110…Control unit, 120…Wireless communication unit

Claims

1. A stereoscopic image processing system comprising: an illumination device having two light sources for projecting an image based on light irradiated onto a real object onto a projection surface; shutter glasses worn by the viewer, each with shutters on the left and right lenses; and a stereoscopic image control device, The lighting device has a lighting control unit that controls the lighting state of each of the light sources, The shutter glass has an opening / closing control unit that controls the opening and closing state of each of the shutters, The stereoscopic image control device has a switching control means that generates a switching control signal indicating the timing for switching the open / closed state of the shutter glass and the illuminated state of the lighting device, and supplies the generated switching control signal to the lighting device and the shutter glass. A stereoscopic image processing system characterized by the following features.

2. The stereoscopic image processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned real object is the viewer himself.

3. A stereoscopic image processing system comprising: an illumination device having two light sources for projecting an image based on light irradiated onto a real object onto a projection object; shutter glasses worn by a viewer, each lens having a shutter; and a stereoscopic image control device for controlling the illumination device and the shutter glasses, the illumination device comprises: It has a lighting control unit that controls the lighting state of each of the aforementioned light sources, The lighting control unit controls the lighting state of each of the light sources based on the switching control signal supplied from the stereoscopic image control device. A lighting device characterized by the following features.

4. A stereoscopic image processing system comprising: an illumination device having two light sources for projecting an image based on light irradiated onto a real object onto a projection surface; shutter glasses worn by a viewer, each lens having a shutter; and a stereoscopic image control device for controlling the illumination device and the shutter glasses, wherein the stereoscopic image control device constitutes a stereoscopic image processing system, The system includes a switching control means that generates a switching control signal indicating the timing for switching between the open / closed state of the shutter glass and the illuminated state of the lighting device, and supplies the generated switching control signal to the lighting device and the shutter glass. A stereoscopic image control device characterized by the following features.

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