Display device and display method

Abstract

To reduce unnecessary matters visible when an image is displayed.SOLUTION: A display device for displaying a three-dimensional image by an afterimage includes: an irradiated member for displaying an image by reflecting irradiated image light in a reflective region; a support member for supporting the irradiated member; a rotation mechanism for rotating the support member about a predetermined axis; a drive unit for driving the rotation mechanism; and an irradiation unit for irradiating the irradiated member with the image light from a virtual rotation axis direction of the support member. The rotation mechanism of the support member does not hinder irradiation of the image light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates to a display device and a display method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a configuration has been disclosed that includes a screen that periodically scans a specified three-dimensional space, an image data acquisition means that acquires a two-dimensional image data group that collectively represents an object to be displayed by a plurality of cross-sectional images, a dimension acquisition means that acquires dimensional data associated with the two-dimensional image data group and that represents the actual size of the object to be displayed, a cross-sectional image generation means that sequentially generates a plurality of cross-sectional images based on the two-dimensional image data group, a projection means that projects the cross-sectional images generated by the cross-sectional image generation means onto the screen, an optical magnification change means that optically changes the magnification of the cross-sectional images between the display means and the projection means, and a magnification change control means that controls the magnification by the optical magnification change means based on the dimensional data so that the three-dimensional image displayed on the screen is approximately the actual size of the object to be displayed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, with the configuration of Patent Document 1, there are directions in which the image cannot be seen, such as a direction directly above the image.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to reduce the number of directions in which an image cannot be seen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A display device according to one aspect of the present invention is a display device that displays a three-dimensional image by an afterimage, and includes an irradiated member that displays an image by reflecting irradiated image light in a reflection area, a support member that supports the irradiated member, a rotation mechanism that rotates the support member around a predetermined axis, a drive unit that drives the rotation mechanism, and an irradiation unit that irradiates the irradiated member with the image light from a virtual rotation axis direction of the support member, and the rotation mechanism does not interfere with the irradiation of the image light. First, the support member includes a cylindrical member made of a transparent material, and supports the irradiated member by bringing the inside of the cylindrical member into contact with an area other than the reflective area.. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of directions in which an image cannot be seen. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a display device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of an example of the overall configuration of a display device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 3] 3 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by an information processing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a spiral screen according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of the overall configuration of a display device according to a first modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example of the overall configuration of a display device according to a second modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example of the overall configuration of a display device according to a third modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example of the overall configuration of a display device according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example of the overall configuration of a display device according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 12] 12A to 12C are diagrams showing a configuration for converting three-dimensional model data input to a display device according to a sixth modified example, where FIG. 12A is a diagram of a first example, FIG. 12B is a diagram of a second example, and FIG. 12C is a diagram of a third example. [Figure 13] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between a reference angle and an image data group. FIG. [Figure 14]14A and 14B are diagrams showing the configuration of a display device according to a second embodiment, where FIG. 14A is a diagram of a first example and FIG. 14B is a diagram of a second example. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of the overall configuration of a display device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted.

[0009] The following embodiments are illustrative of a display device for embodying the technical concept of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described below are intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the present invention, unless otherwise specified. In addition, the sizes and positional relationships of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated to clarify the explanation.

[0010] The display device of the embodiment is a display device that displays a three-dimensional image by using an afterimage, and includes an irradiated member that displays an image by reflecting irradiated image light in a reflective area, a support member that supports the irradiated member, a rotation mechanism that rotates the support member around a predetermined axis, a drive unit that drives the rotation mechanism, and an irradiation unit that irradiates the image light onto the irradiated member from the direction of a virtual rotation axis of the support member.

[0011] A three-dimensional image is a stereoscopic image that is displayed in a three-dimensional space and has a volume that is visible to humans. A reflective area is an area included in an irradiated member that reflects image light. A display device according to an embodiment displays a three-dimensional image using light from the image light that is reflected by the reflective area.

[0012] For example, when a display device has a rotating shaft member, the rotating shaft member may be included in an image displayed by the display device. The rotating shaft member is a rod-shaped member to which an irradiated member is attached and which supports the irradiated member. The rotating shaft member is connected to the shaft center of a drive unit such as a motor and the rod-shaped member, and rotates around the axis of the rod by the driving force transmitted from the drive unit. The irradiated member rotates as the rotating shaft member rotates.

[0013] The rotation axis of the irradiated member and the axis of the rod in the rotating shaft member are approximately the same. Since the rotating shaft member contacts the reflective area of ​​the irradiated member to support the irradiated member, the rotating shaft member blocks the image displayed by the display device, and the rotating shaft member is visible to the user of the display device when the image is displayed. The rotating shaft member that is visible when the image is displayed is an unintended unnecessary object.

[0014] In addition, when displaying an image, the axis of the irradiated member makes it impossible to display points in the area where the axis is located, resulting in an area where 3D display is not possible. Even if the rotating shaft member is inside the irradiated member and is covered by the irradiated member, the 3D display is affected for the above reasons.

[0015] In the embodiment, the rotation mechanism does not interfere with the irradiation of the image light. For example, the rotation mechanism is configured to include a transparent material. This prevents the rotation mechanism from blocking the image displayed by the display device, thereby reducing the number of directions in which the image cannot be seen.

[0016] A display device according to an embodiment will be described below.

[0017] In the drawings below, directions may be indicated by X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, where the X-direction along the X-axis indicates a predetermined direction in a plane substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the spiral screen included in the display device according to the embodiment, the Y-direction along the Y-axis indicates a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction in the plane, and the Z-direction along the Z-axis indicates a direction along the rotation axis of the spiral screen.

[0018] Additionally, the direction in which the arrow points in the X direction is denoted as the +X direction, and the opposite direction of the +X direction is denoted as the -X direction, the direction in which the arrow points in the Y direction is denoted as the +Y direction, and the opposite direction of the +Y direction is denoted as the -Y direction, and the direction in which the arrow points in the Z direction is denoted as the +Z direction, and the opposite direction of the +Z direction is denoted as the -Z direction. The display device is assumed to irradiate image light in the +Z direction. However, these do not limit the orientation of the display device, and the display device can be placed in any orientation.

[0019] [First embodiment] <Overall configuration example of display device 1> First, the overall configuration of a display device 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the display device 1.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 1 includes an information processing unit 10, a projector 20, a spiral screen 30, a motor 40, and a motor control unit 41.

[0021] The display device 1 receives the three-dimensional model data 901 and allows a user of the display device 1 to visually recognize a three-dimensional image. The three-dimensional model data 901 is data indicating a three-dimensional model for allowing a user to visually recognize a three-dimensional image, and is, for example, data indicating a pixel value for each three-dimensional voxel. Specifically, the three-dimensional model data 901 is input to the information processing unit 10.

[0022] The information processing unit 10 generates image information 903 based on the input three-dimensional model data 901. Specifically, the information processing unit 10 transmits a rotation instruction signal 201 to the motor control unit 41 to instruct the motor control unit 41 to start rotation. Upon receiving the instruction, the motor control unit 41 transmits a rotation control signal 202 to drive the motor 40 so as to rotate the spiral screen 30 at a specified substantially constant speed, for example.

[0023] The spiral screen 30 is an example of an irradiated member that displays an image by reflecting irradiated image light at a reflective area. The spiral screen 30 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

[0024] The motor 40 is an example of a drive unit that rotates the support member around a predetermined axis to rotate the spiral screen 30. The motor 40 may be a stepping motor, a DC (Direct Current) motor, an AC (Alternating Current) motor, or the like.

[0025] A rotary encoder is attached to the motor 40. The rotary encoder transmits an encoder signal 203 indicating the rotation angle of the shaft center of the motor 40 to the motor control unit 41. The motor control unit 41 generates rotation angle information 904 indicating the rotation angle of the spiral screen 30 based on the received encoder signal 203, and transmits it to the information processing unit 10.

[0026] The information processing unit 10 generates image information 903 according to the rotation angle of the spiral screen 30 based on the received rotation angle information 904, and transmits the image information 903 to the projector 20. The image information 903 is information representing a two-dimensional image.

[0027] The projector 20 is an example of an irradiation unit that irradiates the spiral screen 30 with image light L. The projector 20 can irradiate the spiral screen 30 with image light L based on the image information 903 output from the information processing unit 10. In other words, the projector 20 can irradiate the spiral screen 30 with image light L generated based on the position of the driven spiral screen 30.

[0028] The display device 1 allows a user to visually recognize a color three-dimensional image by utilizing the afterimage effect of the light reflected by the spiral screen 30 and the light reflected by the spiral screen 30 after passing through the spiral screen 30, out of the image light L irradiated onto the spiral screen 30 which is rotating at high speed.

[0029] Next, Fig. 2 is a perspective view for explaining an example of the overall configuration of the display device 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the display device 1 has an information processing unit 10, a projector 20, a motor 40, a motor control unit 41, and a rotating table 70 provided inside a housing 50. The display device 1 also has a spiral screen 30 and a screen case 60 provided on the +Z direction side of the housing 50.

[0030] The housing 50 is a box-shaped member formed by combining panel plates including metal sheets, etc. The housing 50 has a top panel 51 provided with a through hole 52 that communicates with the inside of the housing 50.

[0031] The screen case 60 is a cylindrical member, and is an example of a support member that supports the spiral screen 30. The screen case 60 supports the spiral screen 30 by bringing the inside of the cylinder into contact with an area of ​​the spiral screen 30 other than the reflective area and fixing the contacting portion with an adhesive or the like. The screen case 60 is made of a material including a transparent resin or glass. The spiral screen 30 supported inside the screen case 60 is visible from the outside of the screen case 60.

[0032] The screen case 60 is not limited to a cylindrical member, and may be a tubular member having an elliptical or polygonal cross section. The end opposite to the side where the image light L enters in the direction along the central axis of the cylinder may be open or may be closed by a flat plate, a hollow hemispherical member, or the like.

[0033] A portion of the screen case 60 is inserted into the housing 50 through the through hole 52 in the housing 50, and the end of the screen case 60 on the -Z direction side contacts the +Z direction side surface of the rotating table 70 housed inside the housing 50 and is fixed thereto by adhesive or the like.

[0034] The screen case 60 defines a cylindrical space extending along the Z axis with the rotary table 70 at its bottom. The spiral screen 30 is disposed within this cylindrical space.

[0035] The rotating table 70 is an example of a rotating mechanism that rotates the screen case 60 around the rotation axis A. The rotating table 70 is formed in an annular shape having a central axis aligned with the rotation axis A of the spiral screen 30. The rotation axis A is an example of a predetermined axis.

[0036] The turntable 70 is housed inside the housing 50 and is rotatably fixed via supports to the bottom panel of the housing 50. There are no particular limitations on the material of the turntable 70, and for example, a resin material, a metal material, or the like can be used.

[0037] The rotating table 70 has teeth G2 formed or attached on its outer periphery, and the teeth G2 mesh with a gear G1 attached to the shaft center 40a of the motor 40. The gear G1 is a transmission member that transmits the driving force of the motor 40 to the rotating table 70. The teeth G2 is an example of a transmitted part to which the driving force of the motor 40 is transmitted.

[0038] The rotating table 70 rotates around a rotation axis A by transmitting a driving force via a gear G1 and a tooth profile G2. The rotation of the rotating table 70 rotates the screen case 60, and the spiral screen 30 can rotate together with the screen case 60 around the rotation axis A. The rotation axis A of the spiral screen 30 is configured to be aligned with the central axis of the image light L irradiated by the projector 20.

[0039] The projector 20 is provided on the opposite side of the turntable 70 from the spiral screen 30, and irradiates image light L in a direction along the rotation axis A so as to pass through an annular area 71 formed on the turntable 70. The annular area 71 refers to an inner hollow portion of the turntable 70 formed in an annular shape. The annular area 71 is an example of an opening.

[0040] The image light L emitted by the projector 20 passes through the annular area 71 from the −Z direction side of the turntable 70, and is irradiated onto the spiral screen 30 provided on the +Z direction side of the turntable 70.

[0041] The information processing unit 10 specifies the position of the spiral screen 30 by three-dimensional coordinates including the Z axis along the irradiation direction of the image light L. Specifically, the information processing unit 10 calculates the height z(x, y) of the spiral screen 30 in the +Z direction at each xy coordinate (x, y).

[0042] The calculated height z(x, y) is a height along the rotation axis A of the spiral screen 30, and corresponds to a position where the image light L is irradiated on the surface of the spiral screen 30. The information processing unit 10 calculates the height z(x, y) that changes according to the rotation of the spiral screen 30 in real time, and generates image information 903 according to the height z(x, y).

[0043] In this embodiment, a configuration is illustrated in which the information processing unit 10, projector 20, motor 40, motor control unit 41 and rotating table 70 are provided inside the housing 50, but this is not limited to this, and some or all of these may be provided outside the housing 50.

[0044] <Example of Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Unit 10> Next, a hardware configuration of the information processing unit 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing unit 10.

[0045] The information processing unit 10 is constructed by a computer and has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 105, and a network I / F 106.

[0046] The CPU 101 executes control processing including various types of arithmetic processing. The ROM 102 stores programs used to drive the CPU 101, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 103 is used as a work area for the CPU 101. The HDD 104 stores various types of data such as programs.

[0047] The external device connection I / F 105 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the external devices are, for example, the projector 20, the motor control unit 41, etc.

[0048] The network I / F 106 is an interface for performing data communication with other devices via a communication network, etc. For example, the information processing unit 10 receives the three-dimensional model data 901 via the network I / F 106.

[0049] <Example of functional configuration of information processing unit 10> Next, the functional configuration of the information processing unit 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing unit 10.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing unit 10 includes a storage unit 11, a rotation angle acquisition unit 12, a calculation unit 13, an image generation unit 14, and an output unit 15.

[0051] The storage unit 11 stores various types of information. Specifically, the storage unit 11 stores three-dimensional model data 901, three-dimensional voxel data 902, and image information 903. Of these, the three-dimensional model data 901 is point cloud data input from the outside. The three-dimensional voxel data 902 is image data obtained by converting the three-dimensional model data 901 into brightness for each voxel. The image information 903 is information generated by the image generation unit 14.

[0052] The storage unit 11 is realized by the CPU 101 executing processes defined in a program stored in the ROM 102 or the like and controlling the RAM 103 or the HDD 104 or the like.

[0053] The rotation angle acquisition unit 12 acquires information indicating the rotation angle of the spiral screen 30. Specifically, the rotation angle acquisition unit 12 receives the rotation angle information 904 from the motor control unit 41 periodically, for example, every second. Furthermore, the rotation angle acquisition unit 12 may acquire information indicating the rotation angle of the spiral screen 30 by calculating the rotation angle based on the time elapsed since the spiral screen 30 started to rotate, utilizing the fact that the rotation speed of the spiral screen 30 is approximately constant.

[0054] The rotation angle acquisition unit 12 may acquire information indicating the rotation angle of the spiral screen 30 by combining the rotation angle information 904 received from the motor control unit 41 with the calculation of the rotation angle based on the elapsed time. For example, the rotation angle acquisition unit 12 corrects the result of the calculation of the rotation angle based on the time elapsed since the start of rotation of the spiral screen 30 based on the rotation angle information 904 received periodically. In this way, even if an error occurs between the actual rotation speed of the motor 40 and the specified speed, the rotation angle acquisition unit 12 can correct it to the actual rotation angle based on the rotation angle information 904 received periodically.

[0055] The rotation angle information 904 is information that indicates the rotation angle of the spiral screen 30 .

[0056] The rotation angle acquisition unit 12 is realized by the CPU 101 executing processes defined in a program stored in the ROM 102 or the like and controlling the external device connection IF 105 and the like.

[0057] The calculation unit 13 calculates the height in the Z-axis direction at each xy coordinate for each rotation angle of the spiral screen 30 based on the rotation angle of the spiral screen 30 .

[0058] The image generating unit 14 converts the three-dimensional model data 901 into three-dimensional voxel data 902. Specifically, for example, the calculation unit 13 copies the luminance value of each coordinate for each point of the point cloud to the voxel of the corresponding coordinate. In addition, the image generating unit 14 reduces the color of the three-dimensional voxel data 902 by dithering processing.

[0059] Furthermore, the image generating unit 14 generates image information 903 having a luminance according to the height calculated by the calculating unit 13. Specifically, the image generating unit 14 determines a luminance according to each xy coordinate and generates the image information 903 in two dimensions so that a person can visually recognize the three-dimensional image shown in the three-dimensional model data 901.

[0060] The calculation unit 13 and the image generation unit 14 are realized by the CPU 101 executing processes defined in a program stored in the ROM 102 or the like.

[0061] The output unit 15 outputs the image information 903 generated by the image generation unit 14. Specifically, the output unit 15 transmits the image information 903 to the projector 20.

[0062] The output unit 15 is realized by the CPU 101 executing processes defined in a program stored in the ROM 102 or the like and controlling the external device connection IF 105 and the like.

[0063] <Operation example of display device 1> Next, the operation of the display device 1 will be described.

[0064] The information processing unit 10 receives the three-dimensional model data 901, and starts control processing in response to an operation by a user or the like.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing unit 10.

[0066] First, in step S11, the image generating unit 14 voxels the three-dimensional model data 901. The three-dimensional model data 901 includes, for example, point cloud information and mesh information. The point cloud information is a collection of point data of xyz coordinates and RGB brightness. The mesh information is information indicating the xyz coordinates of the vertices of triangles or quadrangles constituting a solid body, and the color or texture of the faces of the triangles or quadrangles.

[0067] The image generating unit 14 generates three-dimensional voxel data 902 by copying the brightness value of each coordinate for each point of the point cloud to the voxel at the corresponding coordinate.

[0068] Next, in step S12, the image generating unit 14 dithers the three-dimensional voxel data 902. Specifically, the image generating unit 14 converts voxels having a color depth of 8 bits for each of RGB into voxels having 1 bit for RGB. For example, the image generating unit 14 performs dithering by error diffusion for each RGB channel. At this time, it is preferable that the image generating unit 14 performs high-precision three-dimensional error diffusion, rather than general two-dimensional error diffusion.

[0069] Error diffusion is a dithering technique that expresses pseudo intermediate colors when reducing the number of colors or gradations in an image, and is a method in which, when reducing the color of a certain point, the error from the original color is added to the color information of a neighboring point. In a two-dimensional image, the image generation unit 14 adds the error to pixels in the two-dimensional direction of the xy coordinates near the plane, but in a three-dimensional image, the error is added to voxels in the three-dimensional direction of the xyz coordinates near the plane. However, if the calculation load is a problem, the image generation unit 14 may perform two-dimensional error diffusion in the Z-axis direction independently for each XY plane, rather than three-dimensional error diffusion.

[0070] Next, in step S13, the information processing unit 10 instructs the motor control unit 41 to start rotating the motor 40. The motor control unit 41 controls the motor 40 so as to rotate the spiral screen 30 at a substantially constant speed that is specified in advance.

[0071] Thereafter, the information processing unit 10 repeatedly executes the processes from step S14 to step S19 until the display is completed. When displaying a moving image, the generated image information changes its displayed content at each time, so in each process, image information to be displayed at time t is generated and transmitted. Time t is the time when the projector 20 irradiates image light based on the generated image information.

[0072] Next, in step S14, the rotation angle acquisition unit 12 acquires the rotation angle information 904 at time t. Specifically, the rotation angle acquisition unit 12 acquires information indicating the rotation angle of the spiral screen 30 from the motor control unit 41. The rotation angle acquisition unit 12 may calculate the rotation angle based on a predefined speed, and may thereby acquire the information indicating the rotation angle. Furthermore, if there is a difference between the measurement time and time t, the rotation angle acquisition unit 12 predicts and calculates the rotation angle of the spiral screen 30 at time t based on the difference between the measurement time and time t.

[0073] Next, in step S15, the calculation unit 13 calculates the height z(x, y) at each x and y coordinate. Specifically, the calculation unit 13 calculates the height z(x, y) by a calculation based on the rotation angle of the spiral screen 30.

[0074] Next, in step S16, the image generating unit 14 generates image information 903. Specifically, the image generating unit 14 generates image information 903 having luminance according to the calculated height z(x, y, t) as image information 903 to be displayed at time t.

[0075] For example, when the three-dimensional voxel data 902 is a still image, the image generating unit 14 converts Voxel(x,y,z) into Pixel(x,y,t). Voxel(x,y,z) is a value indicating the luminance, color, transmittance, or the like of each voxel. Also, Pixel(x,y,t) is a pixel value included in the image information 903 that is the basis of the image light irradiated at time t.

[0076] On the other hand, when the three-dimensional voxel data 902 is a moving image, Voxel(x,y,z,t), which is a value indicating the brightness, color, transmittance, etc. of each voxel including time t, is converted to Pixel(x,y,t).

[0077] Regardless of whether the three-dimensional voxel data 902 is a still image or a moving image, the image generation unit 14 calculates a pixel value Pixel(x,y,t) at time t based on the height z(x,y,t) and color Color(x,y,t) of the spiral screen 30 at each x and y coordinate at time t. The image generation unit 14 stores the generated image information 903 in the storage unit 11.

[0078] Subsequently, in step S17, the output unit 15 transmits the image information 903 generated by the image generating unit 14 to the projector 20.

[0079] Next, in step S18, the information processing unit 10 determines whether or not to end the display. When a user operation indicating the end of the display is received, or when the three-dimensional model data 901 is a moving image and transmission of image information 903 based on all the moving images is completed, the information processing unit 10 determines to end the display.

[0080] If it is determined in step S18 that the display should not be ended (step S18, No), the information processing unit 10 returns the process to step S14 and executes a process related to the image information 903 to be displayed at the next time t, for example, at time t one second later.

[0081] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18 that the display is to be ended (Yes in step S18), the information processing section 10 ends the process.

[0082] Such processing by the information processing unit 10 enables the display device 1 to display a three-dimensional image.

[0083] <Example of the configuration of the spiral screen 30> Next, the configuration of the spiral screen 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the spiral screen 30.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 6, the spiral screen 30 has a spiral shape that is a clockwise spiral when viewed from the +Z direction side. However, the spiral screen 30 may have a spiral shape that is a counterclockwise spiral when viewed from the +Z direction side. Here, a spiral refers to a type of three-dimensional curve that moves in a direction perpendicular to the plane of rotation while rotating. A spiral shape refers to a shape whose outer shape is formed to draw a spiral and includes a spiral surface.

[0085] The spiral screen 30 is rotatable around a rotation axis A that intersects with the twisting direction 35 of the spiral shape. The spiral screen 30 forms a spiral shape by twisting one plate-like member. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the irradiated member can also be configured by combining multiple blade members formed into a spiral shape.

[0086] The twist direction 35 refers to the direction in which the spiral winds. Clockwise is right-handed, and the twist direction 35 shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to the direction toward the right (+X direction) in the figure. Counterclockwise is left-handed, and corresponds to the direction toward the left (-X direction) in the figure.

[0087] The display device 1 drives the motor 40 to rotate the screen case 60 so that the spiral screen 30 rotates around a rotation axis A. The rotation axis A is substantially perpendicular to the torsion direction .

[0088] Image light L is irradiated along the rotation axis A, and the helical surface 31 included in the spiral screen 30 reflects the image light L. The helical surface 31 is an example of a reflective area that reflects the irradiated image light L. Both the front and back surfaces of the plate-like member that constitutes the spiral screen 30 each constitute a helical surface 31 and correspond to the reflective area.

[0089] Further, the helical surface 31 includes a left region 30L and a right region 30R. The left region 30L is the region to the left of the rotation axis A of the helical surface 31, and the right region 30R is the region to the right of the rotation axis A of the helical surface 31. In Fig. 6, the -X direction side corresponds to the left side, and the +X direction side corresponds to the right side.

[0090] Image light LL indicates the light of the image light L that is irradiated onto the left region 30L, and image light LR indicates the light of the image light L that is irradiated onto the right region 30R.

[0091] When the projector 20 irradiates the spiral screen 30 with image light L from the -Z direction side in a direction along the rotation axis A, the spiral surface 31 functions as a screen that reflects the image light L irradiated by the projector 20 and also transmits the image light L.

[0092] The image light LL is reflected by the left region 30L and passes through the left region 30L. The image light LR is reflected by the right region 30R and passes through the right region 30R. Note that reflection includes both specular reflection and diffuse reflection, and transmission includes both transmission without diffusion and diffuse transmission. The light that passes through the right region 30R is reflected by the back surface of the helical surface 31. The light reflected by the helical surface 31 includes light reflected by both surfaces of the helical surface 31.

[0093] Of the image light L irradiated to the spiral screen 30, the light reflected by the spiral surface 31 contributes to the three-dimensional image displayed by the display device 1, while the light reflected by the end surface regions of the plate-like members constituting the spiral screen 30 hardly contributes to the three-dimensional image displayed by the display device 1. Such end surface regions correspond to the regions of the irradiated member other than the reflective region.

[0094] 6 is an end surface region on the +X direction side of the spiral screen 30. Moreover, an end surface region 62 is an end surface region on the -X direction side of the spiral screen 30. The screen case 60 supports the spiral screen 30 by bringing the inside of the tubular member into contact with regions of the spiral screen 30 other than the spiral surface 31, such as the end surface regions 61 and 62.

[0095] <Effects of Display Device 1> Next, the effects of the display device 1 will be described.

[0096] The display device 1 includes a spiral screen 30 (irradiated member) that displays an image by reflecting irradiated image light L on a spiral surface 31 (reflective area), a screen case 60 (support member) that supports the spiral screen 30, a rotating table 70 (rotation mechanism) that rotates the screen case 60 around a rotation axis A (a specified axis), a motor 40 (drive unit) that drives the rotating table 70, and a projector 20 (irradiation unit) that irradiates the image light L onto the spiral screen 30.

[0097] In the embodiment, the rotating table 70 (rotating mechanism) does not interfere with the irradiation of the image light. For example, the rotating table 70 is configured to include a material that is transparent to the image light L. This prevents the rotating mechanism from blocking the image displayed by the display device, and reduces the directions from which the image cannot be seen. For example, a three-dimensional image that can be seen from directly above can be displayed. If it is desired to view from directly below, it is advisable to attach the rotating table 70 or the projector 20 on top.

[0098] The screen case 60 includes a cylindrical member made of a transparent material, and the inside of the cylindrical member is in contact with the end surface areas 61 and 62 (areas other than the reflection area) of the spiral screen 30 to support the spiral screen 30. This makes it possible to support the irradiated member without using a rotating shaft member, and to prevent the screen case 60 from blocking the image displayed by the display device 1, thereby reducing unnecessary objects that are visible when the image is displayed.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotating table 70 includes a tooth profile G2 on its side to which the driving force of the motor 40 is transmitted. With this configuration, the motor 40 and the gear G1 can be installed without blocking the image light L, and the spiral screen 30 can be rotated via the screen case 60. Although the gear G1 has been exemplified as a transmission member, other transmission members such as a belt, a chain, a pulley, a friction drive roller, or a combination of these may also be applied.

[0100] In this embodiment, the motor 40 is provided on the opposite side of the spiral screen 30 across the turntable 70. The projector 20 is provided on the opposite side of the turntable 70 from the spiral screen 30, and irradiates image light L in a direction along the rotation axis A so that the image light L passes through an annular area 71 (opening) formed in the turntable 70.

[0101] This allows the image light L to be irradiated onto the spiral screen 30 from the opposite side of the rotating table 70, and the image light L can be irradiated onto the spiral screen 30 with a simple configuration without using a complex configuration such as a reflection optical system.

[0102] In this embodiment, the screen case 60 defines a cylindrical space extending along the Z axis with the rotary table 70 at the bottom. The spiral screen 30 is disposed in this cylindrical space. This allows the spiral screen 30 supported by the screen case 60 to be rotated by the rotary table 70. Note that the cylindrical space is not limited to this, and may be a columnar space.

[0103] <Various Modifications of the Display Device 1> Here, the configuration of the display device 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Various modifications are described below. Note that the same components as those described in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same part numbers, and duplicated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. This point is also true for the modifications and embodiments described below.

[0104] (First Modification) Fig. 7 is a perspective view for explaining an example of the overall configuration of a display device 1a according to a first modified example. As shown in Fig. 7, the display device 1a has a housing 50a. The housing 50a has a middle panel 53 therein, and the projector 20 and the rotating table 70 are placed on the middle panel 53.

[0105] The information processing unit 10 and the motor control unit 41 are installed on the -Z direction side of the middle plate panel 53, and the mechanical units such as the motor 40 and the rotating table 70 are separated from the electrical units such as the information processing unit 10 and the motor control unit 41 via the middle plate panel 53.

[0106] This configuration allows the projector 20 to be disposed closer to the spiral screen 30, while allowing the mechanical section and the electrical section to be disposed apart.

[0107] (Second Modification) Next, Fig. 8 is a perspective view for explaining an example of the overall configuration of a display device 1b according to a second modified example. As shown in Fig. 8, the display device 1b has a screen case 60b and a housing 50b. The housing 50b has a support 54 therein. The support 54 is fixed to a bottom panel of the housing 50b, and rotatably supports a turntable 70.

[0108] The screen case 60b is a transparent hollow hemispherical member with a closed end on the +Z direction side. This configuration can prevent dirt, dust, etc. from entering the inside of the screen case 60b and adhering to the spiral screen 30.

[0109] (Third Modification) Next, Fig. 9 is a perspective view for explaining an example of the overall configuration of a display device 1c according to a third modified example. As shown in Fig. 9, the display device 1c has a friction drive roller R1.

[0110] The friction drive roller R1 is a transmission member that transmits the driving force of the motor 40 to the turntable 70. The friction drive roller R1 is attached to the shaft center 40a of the motor 40, and is in contact with a tooth profile G2 provided on the outer periphery of the turntable 70. The driving force due to the rotation of the motor 40 is transmitted via the friction drive roller R1 and the tooth profile G2, thereby rotating the turntable 70. By transmitting the driving force using the friction drive roller R1, it is possible to eliminate error factors such as backlash that occur when gears are used as transmission members, and to perform precise rotational drive.

[0111] (Fourth Modification) Next, Fig. 10 is a perspective view for explaining an example of the overall configuration of a display device 1d according to a fourth modified example. As shown in Fig. 10, the display device 1d has a rotary table 70a and friction drive rollers R2 and R3.

[0112] The screen case 60 is fixed onto the table surface of a rotary table 70a provided inside the housing 50. Note that only the table surface of the rotary table 70a is shown in Fig. 10.

[0113] Friction drive rollers R1, R2, and R3 are provided inside housing 50 and are in contact with the outer periphery of screen case 60 so as to surround screen case 60 from three directions inside housing 50. Friction drive roller R1 is attached to axis R1a, friction drive roller R2 to axis R2a, and friction drive roller R3 to axis R3a, and each is rotated by the driving force of motor 40.

[0114] The driving force of the motor 40 is transmitted to the screen case 60 via friction drive rollers R1, R2, and R3, thereby enabling the screen case 60 and the spiral screen 30 supported inside the screen case 60 to rotate.

[0115] The use of three friction drive rollers R1, R2 and R3 allows the spiral screen 30 to rotate more stably.

[0116] (Fifth Modification) Next, Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a display device 1e according to a fifth modified example. As shown in Fig. 11, the display device 1e has a friction drive roller R4. The friction drive roller R4 is attached to an axis R4a and rotates by the driving force of a motor 40.

[0117] Friction drive rollers R2, R3, and R4 are provided inside the housing 50 and are in contact with the outer periphery of the screen case 60 so as to surround the screen case 60 from three directions inside the housing 50. Friction drive roller R1 is also provided inside the housing 50 and is in contact with the rotary table 70a.

[0118] The driving force from the motor 40 is transmitted to the screen case 60 via friction drive rollers R2, R3 and R4, and also to the rotating table 70a via friction drive roller R1, thereby enabling the screen case 60 and the spiral screen 30 supported inside the screen case 60 to rotate.

[0119] The use of four friction drive rollers R1, R2, R3 and R4 allows the spiral screen 30 to rotate more stably.

[0120] (Sixth Modification) Next, Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration for converting three-dimensional model data input to a display device. Fig. 12(a) shows a first example, Fig. 12(b) shows a second example, and Fig. 12(c) shows a third example.

[0121] The information processing unit 10 converts the input three-dimensional model data into converted data that has been converted into a data format suitable for the display device 1. The three-dimensional model data is an example of stereoscopic image data. The data format of the three-dimensional model data is, for example, 3D-CAD data, and includes data in which color information is added to pixels whose positions are represented by coordinates in a three-dimensional space, or data to which texture information or motion information is further added. The format of the converted data includes ply format, obj format, fbx format, etc.

[0122] The display device 1 sets the number of rotations of the spiral screen 30 to a value set by the user or a value based on the format data received from the information processing unit 10. The format data is information such as the number of rotations for rotating the spiral screen 30 or the refresh rate of the projector 20.

[0123] 12(a) and 12(b) show a configuration in which the information processing unit 10 is provided outside the display device 1, and Fig. 12(c) shows a configuration in which the information processing unit 10 is provided inside the display device 1. In the configurations of Fig. 12(a) and 12(b), the information processing unit 10 is provided in an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone.

[0124] In the configuration of FIG. 12(a), the information processing unit 10 cooperates with the server 300 to execute the conversion process. The server 300 is a cloud server or the like that can communicate via a network. After receiving the three-dimensional model data from the information processing unit 10, the server 300 transmits the converted data after performing part or all of the conversion process to the information processing unit 10. The information processing unit 10 transmits the converted data to the display device 1 after appropriately performing necessary processes. By sharing the processing with the server 300, the processing time can be shortened even for processes with a high load. By shortening the processing time, it becomes easier to realize real-time display of a three-dimensional image.

[0125] The display device 1 can obtain rotation angle information 904 indicating the rotation angle of the spiral screen 30 based on the encoder signal 203 output by the rotary encoder attached to the motor 40. The display device 1 detects a reference angle for displaying an image based on the rotation angle information 904, and irradiates image light L including an image data group to be displayed by the projector 20 according to the reference angle.

[0126] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the reference angle and the image data group. The reference angle 131 is a predetermined rotation angle, and one reference angle 131 may be set per rotation, or multiple reference angles 131 may be set.

[0127] When the projector 20 receives the signal of the reference angle 131, the projector 20 starts from the reference angle 131 and sequentially irradiates image light L including each image data included in the image data groups DatA, DatB, and DatC according to the rotation angle.

[0128] [Second embodiment] Next, a display device 1f according to a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the display device 1f, Fig. 14(a) is a diagram showing a first example, and Fig. 14(b) is a diagram showing a second example.

[0129] 14, the display device 1f has a collimating lens 21. The collimating lens 21 is an example of a collimating optical system that converts the image light L irradiated by the projector 20 into a parallel light beam. The collimating lens 21 converts the image light L into a parallel light beam by refracting the image light L. Note that a parallel light beam refers to a light beam in which the entire light beam of the image light L propagates in a direction along the central axis of the image light L.

[0130] The material of the collimating lens 21 can be appropriately selected from glass materials, resin materials, etc. The collimating lens 21 may be composed of one lens, or may be composed of a combination of multiple lenses. In addition, the collimating lens 21 may include other optical elements such as a prism or a mirror to realize the function of a collimating optical system.

[0131] In a first example in Fig. 14(a), the collimating lens 21 is provided between the projector 20 and an annular area 71 formed on the rotating table 70. On the other hand, in a second example in Fig. 14(b), the collimating lens 21 is provided between the annular area 71 formed on the rotating table 70 and the spiral screen 30.

[0132] Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of a display device 1f. In the display device 1f shown in Fig. 15, a collimator lens 21 is provided between a projector 20 and an annular area 71 formed on a rotating table 70. The display device 1f displays a three-dimensional image 90 by light reflected by a spiral screen 30 out of image light L.

[0133] The projector 20 can irradiate the image light L, which has been converted into a parallel light beam by the collimator lens 21, onto the spiral screen 30. This can suppress the spread of the image light L and improve the light utilization efficiency of the image light L.

[0134] Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0135] The embodiment also includes a display method. For example, the display method is a display method by a display device that displays a three-dimensional image by an afterimage, and includes a step of rotating a support member that supports an irradiated member by a rotation mechanism around a predetermined axis, a step of irradiating the irradiated member with image light from a virtual rotation axis direction of the support member, and a step of displaying an image by the irradiated member reflecting the image light in a reflection area, and the rotation mechanism does not interfere with the irradiation of the image light. Such a display method can obtain the same effect as the above-mentioned display device.

[0136] The ordinal numbers, quantities, and other numbers used in the description of the embodiments are all provided as examples to specifically explain the technology of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the exemplified numbers. Furthermore, the connection relationships between the components are provided as examples to specifically explain the technology of the present invention, and do not limit the connection relationships that realize the functions of the present invention.

[0137] In addition, the division of blocks in the functional block diagram is an example, and multiple blocks may be realized as one block, one block may be divided into multiple blocks, and / or some functions may be transferred to another block. Furthermore, the functions of multiple blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in a time-division manner by a single piece of hardware or software. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1 Display device 10. Information Processing Section 20 Projector (an example of an irradiation unit) 21 Collimating lens (an example of a parallelizing optical system) 30 Spiral screen (an example of an irradiated material) 30L left area 30R right area 31 Spiral surface (an example of a reflective area) 35 Twisting direction 40 Motor (an example of a drive unit) 41 Motor control unit 40a axis center 50 Case 51 Top Panel 52 Through hole 53 Middle Panel 54 Post 60 Screen case (an example of a support member) 61, 62 End surface area (an example of an area other than the reflective area) 70 Rotating table (an example of a rotating mechanism) 71 Annular area (example of an opening) 90 3D image (example of an image) A Rotation Axis L, LL, LR Image Light G1 Gear G2 Tooth profile (example of the transmitted part) R1, R2, R3, R4 Friction drive rollers [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0139] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-346227 A

Claims

1. A display device that displays a three-dimensional image by means of an afterimage, an irradiated member that displays an image by reflecting the irradiated image light at a reflective area; A support member for supporting the irradiated member; a rotation mechanism that rotates the support member around a predetermined axis; A drive unit that drives the rotation mechanism; an irradiation unit that irradiates the irradiated member with the image light from a virtual rotation axis direction of the support member, the rotation mechanism does not interfere with the irradiation of the image light, The support member includes a cylindrical member made of a transparent material, and supports the irradiated member by contacting the inside of the cylindrical member with an area other than the reflective area.

2. A display device that displays a three-dimensional image by an afterimage, an irradiated member that displays an image by reflecting the irradiated image light at a reflective area; A support member for supporting the irradiated member; a rotation mechanism that rotates the support member around a predetermined axis; A drive unit that drives the rotation mechanism; an irradiation unit that irradiates the irradiated member with the image light from a virtual rotation axis direction of the support member, the rotation mechanism does not interfere with the irradiation of the image light, The illumination unit is provided on the opposite side of the rotation mechanism from the illuminated member, and illuminates the image light along a virtual rotation axis of the support member so as to pass through or transmit the rotation mechanism.

3. A display device that displays a three-dimensional image by an afterimage, an irradiated member that displays an image by reflecting the irradiated image light at a reflective area; A support member for supporting the irradiated member; a rotation mechanism that rotates the support member around a predetermined axis; A drive unit that drives the rotation mechanism; an irradiation unit that irradiates the irradiated member with the image light from a virtual rotation axis direction of the support member, the rotation mechanism does not interfere with the irradiation of the image light, The display device includes a transmission receiving portion on a side surface of the rotation mechanism to which the driving force from the driving portion is transmitted.

4. A display device that displays a three-dimensional image by an afterimage, an irradiated member that displays an image by reflecting the irradiated image light at a reflective area; A support member for supporting the irradiated member; a rotation mechanism that rotates the support member around a predetermined axis; A drive unit that drives the rotation mechanism; an irradiation unit that irradiates the irradiated member with the image light from a virtual rotation axis direction of the support member, the rotation mechanism does not interfere with the irradiation of the image light, The irradiated member is a display device that is disposed in a columnar space having the rotation mechanism as a bottom portion.

5. The imaging device further includes a collimating optical system that converts the image light into parallel light, The display device according to claim 2 , wherein the parallel light is irradiated so as to pass through or be transmitted by the rotation mechanism.

6. the rotation mechanism includes an opening; The display device according to claim 2 , wherein the irradiating section irradiates the image light so as to pass through the opening.

7. The rotation mechanism is configured to include a transparent material, The display device according to claim 2 , wherein the irradiating section irradiates the image light so as to be transmitted through the rotation mechanism.

8. The display device according to claim 3 , wherein the driving section is provided on an opposite side of the rotation mechanism from the irradiated member.

9. A control unit that converts stereoscopic image data, The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the irradiating section irradiates the image light based on the stereoscopic image data.

10. A display method for displaying a three-dimensional image by an afterimage using a display device, the display device comprising: a step of rotating a support member supporting the irradiated member by a rotation mechanism around a predetermined axis; irradiating the irradiated member with image light from a virtual rotation axis direction of the support member; a step of displaying an image by causing the irradiated member to reflect the image light at a reflection area; the rotation mechanism does not interfere with the irradiation of the image light, The support member includes a cylindrical member made of a transparent material, and the inside of the cylindrical member is brought into contact with an area other than the reflective area to support the irradiated member.

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