Stereoscopic image display device and stereoscopic image display method

Abstract

This stereoscopic image display device comprises a display unit, a camera, an image analysis unit, a first calculation unit, a second calculation unit, and an image generation unit. The image analysis unit analyzes an image of an observer that has been generated by the camera and calculates a first distance between the observer and a screen of the display unit, the height of a line of sight of the observer, a line-of-sight direction of the observer, and a distance between both eyes of the observer. On the basis of the first distance, the height of the line of sight, and the line-of-sight direction, the first calculation unit calculates a region for displaying a stereoscopic image. The second calculation unit calculates an adjustment amount, which is a second distance between the position of the stereoscopic image and the screen, on the basis of the first distance, the line-of-sight direction, and the spacing. The image generation unit generates the stereoscopic image to which the adjustment amount has been applied. The display unit displays the stereoscopic image in the region.

Description

3D image display device and 3D image display method

[0001] The present invention relates to a stereoscopic image display device and a stereoscopic image display method.

[0002] A stereoscopic image display device projects different images to the left and right eyes of an observer, allowing the observer to perceive a stereoscopic image. The stereoscopic image display device sets a three-dimensional (3D) display viewing area (stereoscopic viewing area). An observer within the 3D display viewing area views a stereoscopic image. On the other hand, an observer outside the 3D display viewing area views a two-dimensional (2D) image, not a stereoscopic image.

[0003] For example, a viewer approaching a stereoscopic image display device from a distant location views a 2D image. When the viewer enters a 3D display viewing area, the viewer views a stereoscopic image. A stereoscopic image display device can attract the attention of a viewer within the 3D display viewing area by displaying a stereoscopic image of content such as an advertisement. For this reason, it is expected that stereoscopic image display devices will be applied to signage displays in public facilities and the like.

[0004] A typical stereoscopic image display device includes a separation means for separating an image for the left eye from an image for the right eye, such as a lenticular lens, which creates horizontal parallax between the image for the left eye and the image for the right eye.

[0005] The 3D image display device disclosed in Patent Document 1 adjusts the amount of parallax of a 3D image in the horizontal direction according to the screen size, thereby providing the 3D image with a degree of three-dimensionality (amount of depth) appropriate for the screen size.

[0006] The stereoscopic image display device disclosed in Patent Document 2 generates multi-viewpoint images according to the line of sight of the viewer in the vertical direction, thereby providing parallax in the vertical direction to the multi-viewpoint images.

[0007] International Publication No. 2004 / 082297 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-19666

[0008] Display devices such as LFDs (Large Format Displays) for signage have the characteristic that the vertical width of the screen is greater than the horizontal width. Conventional stereoscopic image display devices impart horizontal parallax to stereoscopic images, but do not impart vertical parallax to stereoscopic images. As a result, the stereoscopic effect may be weakened depending on the viewer's eye height and the tilt of their line of sight in the vertical direction.

[0009] The amount of parallax given to a stereoscopic image is set according to the horizontal distance between the viewer and the display screen. If the vertical width of the display screen is the same as or greater than the viewer's height, the distance between the viewer's eyes and the stereoscopic image above or below will be greater than the horizontal distance between the viewer and the display screen. This causes a sense of discomfort when the viewer views the stereoscopic image above or below.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a stereoscopic image display device and a stereoscopic image display method that can suppress the sense of discomfort that occurs when a viewer views a stereoscopic image directed upward or downward.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a stereoscopic image display device includes a display unit, a camera, an image analysis unit, a first calculation unit, a second calculation unit, and an image generation unit. The display unit has a screen for displaying a stereoscopic image. The camera captures an image of an observer and generates an image of the observer. The image analysis unit analyzes the image of the observer and calculates a first distance between the observer and the screen, the height of the observer's line of sight, the line of sight direction of the observer, and the distance between the observer's eyes. The first calculation unit calculates an area on the screen in which the stereoscopic image is to be displayed based on the first distance, the height, and the line of sight direction. The second calculation unit calculates an adjustment amount, which is a second distance between the position of the stereoscopic image viewed by the observer and the screen displaying the stereoscopic image, based on the first distance, the line of sight direction, and the distance. The image generation unit generates the stereoscopic image to which the adjustment amount has been applied. The display unit displays the stereoscopic image generated by the image generation unit in the area.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, when two or more observers are detected from the image in the first aspect, the image analysis unit may calculate the first distance, the line-of-sight height, the line-of-sight direction, and the interval for each of the two or more observers. The first calculation unit may calculate the area for each of the two or more observers. The second calculation unit may calculate the adjustment amount for each of the two or more observers. The image generation unit may generate the stereoscopic image to which the adjustment amount for each of the two or more observers has been applied.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the stereoscopic image display device may further include a determination unit that determines whether or not at least a portion of the two or more regions calculated for the two or more observers overlap, and if the two or more regions do not overlap, the image generation unit may generate the stereoscopic image to which the adjustment amount for each of the two or more observers has been applied.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect, when at least a portion of the two or more regions overlap, the image generation unit may generate the stereoscopic image by applying a value that is equal to or less than the minimum value of two or more adjustment amounts calculated for the two or more observers.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the first calculation unit may calculate a stereoscopic viewing area in which the viewer views the stereoscopic image. The second calculation unit may calculate a third distance between the viewer and the stereoscopic image on the screen based on the first distance and the line of sight. When a position that is the third distance away from the screen in a direction perpendicular to the screen is included in the range of the stereoscopic viewing area in the direction perpendicular to the screen, the image generation unit may generate the stereoscopic image to which the adjustment amount has been applied.

[0016] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, if a position that is the third distance away from the screen in a direction perpendicular to the screen is not included in the range, the image generation unit may generate a two-dimensional image to be displayed in the area.

[0017] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the screen may be rectangular. The width of the rectangle in the vertical direction may be greater than the width of the rectangle in the horizontal direction. The distance between the center of the stereoscopic viewing area and the screen may be greater than the width of the rectangle in the horizontal direction and less than the width of the rectangle in the vertical direction.

[0018] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the screen may be rectangular. The width of the rectangle in the vertical direction may be greater than the width of the rectangle in the horizontal direction. The distance between the center of the stereoscopic viewing area and the screen may be smaller than the length of a diagonal of the rectangle.

[0019] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a stereoscopic image display method includes: capturing an image of an observer using a camera, and generating an image of the observer; analyzing the image of the observer, and calculating a first distance between the observer and a screen of a display unit, the height of the observer's line of sight, the direction of the observer's line of sight, and the distance between the observer's eyes; calculating an area on the screen where the stereoscopic image is to be displayed based on the first distance, the height of the line of sight, and the direction of the line of sight; calculating an adjustment amount, which is a second distance between a position of the stereoscopic image viewed by the observer and the screen where the stereoscopic image is displayed, based on the first distance, the direction of the line of sight, and the distance; generating the stereoscopic image to which the adjustment amount has been applied; and displaying the generated stereoscopic image in the area.

[0020] According to the above aspects, the stereoscopic image display device and the stereoscopic image display method can suppress the sense of discomfort that occurs when a viewer views a stereoscopic image directed upward or downward.

[0021] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a stereoscopic image display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the stereoscopic image display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a lenticular lens included in the stereoscopic image display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a pixel arrangement of a liquid crystal panel included in the stereoscopic image display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit included in the stereoscopic image display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a 3D display viewing area in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the stereoscopic image display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a 3D display application area in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a 3D display application area in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a 3D display application area in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a condition satisfied by the vertical width of a display unit included in the stereoscopic image display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a condition satisfied by the vertical width of a display unit included in the stereoscopic image display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a 3D adjustment amount in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the distance between the viewer's eyes and an image on the screen of the display unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a 3D adjustment amount in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the state of an image according to the 3D adjustment amount in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image state depending on a 3D adjustment amount in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image state depending on a 3D adjustment amount in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a 3D adjustment amount in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a 3D adjustment amount in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between the position of the 3D display viewing area and various distances in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit included in a stereoscopic image display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the stereoscopic image display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image state depending on a 3D adjustment amount in the second embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a stereoscopic image display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] 1 shows a schematic configuration of a stereoscopic image display device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The stereoscopic image display device 1 has a display unit 10 and a camera 11.

[0024] The display unit 10 displays a stereoscopic image IM. The camera 11 is disposed so as to capture the entire body of an observer OB positioned in front of the display unit 10 in the field of view. For example, the camera 11 is disposed above the display unit 10. The position of the camera 11 is not limited to this. The camera 11 photographs the observer OB and generates an image of the observer OB.

[0025] The stereoscopic image display device 1 analyzes an image of the observer OB and extracts feature amounts. The stereoscopic image display device 1 calculates a 3D adjustment amount Lt based on the feature amounts. The 3D adjustment amount Lt indicates the distance between the position where the stereoscopic image IM appears and the screen of the display unit 10. The 3D adjustment amount Lt corresponds to the amount of parallax given to the stereoscopic image IM. The stereoscopic image display device 1 also calculates a 3D display applicable area AR in which the stereoscopic image IM is displayed based on the feature amounts. The 3D display applicable area AR is an area on the screen of the display unit 10. The stereoscopic image display device 1 displays the stereoscopic image IM to which the 3D adjustment amount Lt has been applied in the 3D display applicable area AR. An image for the left eye and an image for the right eye that constitute the stereoscopic image IM are displayed in the 3D display applicable area AR.

[0026] The stereoscopic image display device 1 displays a stereoscopic image IM in a 3D display applicable area AR on the screen of the display unit 10, and the stereoscopic image IM appears to the observer OB to protrude in front of the screen. The larger the 3D adjustment amount Lt, the larger the stereoscopic image IM appears to the observer OB to protrude. The observer OB may see the stereoscopic image IM behind the screen.

[0027] A three-dimensional coordinate system having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis is set. The X-axis extends in the horizontal direction of the screen of the display unit 10. The Y-axis extends in the depth direction of the screen of the display unit 10. The Z-axis extends in the vertical direction (upward).

[0028] The display unit 10 is disposed at a position vertically spaced a distance C from the ground surface GS. That is, the display unit 10 is disposed at a height C. For example, the height C is 50 cm. The screen of the display unit 10 is rectangular. The width (vertical length) of the screen of the display unit 10 in the vertical direction parallel to the direction of gravity is Wz. The vertical length Wz of the screen of the display unit 10 is greater than the height of the observer OB. The width (horizontal length) of the screen of the display unit 10 in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity is Wx. The vertical length Wz of the screen may be greater than the horizontal length Wx of the screen. For example, if the display unit 10 has a 98-inch screen, the vertical length Wz of the screen is 2158.848 mm and the horizontal length Wx of the screen is 1214.352 mm. The diagonal length of the screen of the display unit 10 is Wxz.

[0029] The observer OB is positioned a distance Ls away from the screen of the display unit 10 in the horizontal direction. The distance Ls is the distance between the eyes of the observer OB and the screen of the display unit 10. The distance between the ground surface GS and the top of the head of the observer OB, i.e., the height of the observer OB, is J. The distance between the ground surface GS and the eyes of the observer OB, i.e., the eye height of the observer OB, is H. Note that the stereoscopic image display device 1 may be installed on top of a wall or pillar, and therefore the combined value of its height C and the vertical width Wz of the screen may be greater than the eye height H of the observer OB.

[0030] The point where the line of sight VL of the observer OB intersects with the screen of the display unit 10 is the center of the 3D display applicable area AR. The observer OB views objects within an effective field of view centered on the line of sight VL. The range of the effective field of view in the vertical direction includes a range of an angle θv above the line of sight VL and a range of an angle θv below the line of sight VL. The 3D display applicable area AR is set according to the direction of the line of sight VL (line of sight direction) and the effective field of view.

[0031] 1, the direction of the line of sight VL is parallel to the horizontal direction. For example, when the distance Ls is 200 cm and the angle θv is 20 degrees, the width of the 3D display applicable area AR in the vertical direction is 145 cm.

[0032] When the viewer OB directs the line of sight VL above the horizontal, the 3D display applicable area AR is set to a position above the position shown in Fig. 1. When the viewer OB directs the line of sight VL below the horizontal, the 3D display applicable area AR is set to a position below the position shown in Fig. 1.

[0033] When the observer OB views the stereoscopic image IM, the distance between the observer OB and the image on the screen of the display unit 10 is M. The distance M is the distance between the eyes of the observer OB and the image on the screen of the display unit 10. When the line of sight of the observer OB is parallel to the horizontal direction, the distance M is the same as the distance Ls.

[0034] The stereoscopic image display device 1 sets a 3D display viewing area VS (stereoscopic viewing area) where stereoscopic viewing is possible. When the observer OB is within the 3D display viewing area VS, the observer OB views a stereoscopic image IM. When the observer OB is outside the 3D display viewing area VS, the observer OB views a 2D image.

[0035] 2 shows a detailed configuration of the stereoscopic image display device 1. The stereoscopic image display device 1 has a display unit 10, a camera 11, and a control unit 12. The display unit 10 has a lenticular lens 100 and a liquid crystal panel 101.

[0036] The lenticular lens 100 is disposed on the surface of the liquid crystal panel 101. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the lenticular lens 100. A plurality of cylindrical lenses are arranged in the X direction. The convex portions of the lenticular lens 100 are provided in the X direction, and the convex portions are arranged across two or more pixels. The lenticular lens 100 provides horizontal parallax between the image for the left eye and the image for the right eye, and separates these images in the horizontal direction.

[0037] FIG. 4 shows the pixel arrangement of the liquid crystal panel 101. The liquid crystal panel 101 has a plurality of pixels PX. Four pixels PX are shown in FIG. 4. Each pixel PX has an R pixel PXR, a G pixel PXG, and a B pixel PXB. The R pixel PXR, the G pixel PXG, and the B pixel PXB are long in the X direction. For example, in a 98-inch liquid crystal panel 101, the size of each pixel PX is 0.5622 mm. In a typical liquid crystal panel, these pixels are arranged in the X direction, but in the liquid crystal panel 101, these pixels are arranged in the Z direction. This allows high 3D resolution to be maintained in the horizontal direction.

[0038] 5 shows the configuration of the control unit 12. The control unit 12 has an image analysis unit 120, a region calculation unit 121 (first calculation unit), an adjustment amount calculation unit 122 (second calculation unit), and an image generation unit 123.

[0039] The image analysis unit 120 analyzes the image generated by the camera 11 and calculates various feature amounts. The feature amounts include the distance Ls (first distance) between the observer OB and the screen of the display unit 10, the height H of the observer OB's line of sight, the line of sight direction of the observer OB, and the distance between the observer OB's eyes. The area calculation unit 121 calculates a 3D display applicable area AR based on the distance Ls, the height H, and the line of sight direction. The adjustment amount calculation unit 122 calculates a 3D adjustment amount (second distance) based on the distance Ls, the line of sight direction, and the distance between the observer OB's eyes. The image generation unit 123 generates a stereoscopic image IM to which the 3D adjustment amount has been applied, and displays the stereoscopic image IM in the 3D display applicable area AR.

[0040] The control unit 12 is configured with one or more processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a graphics-processing unit (GPU). The control unit 12 may also be configured with one or more dedicated circuits such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0041] The computer of the stereoscopic image display device 1 may load a program stored in a memory such as a read-only memory (ROM) and execute the loaded program. The program includes instructions that define the operation of the control unit 12. In other words, the functions of the control unit 12 may be realized by software.

[0042] 6 is a schematic diagram of a 3D display viewing area VS in the XY plane. When an observer OB is within the 3D display viewing area VS, the observer OB views a stereoscopic image.

[0043] The surface of the liquid crystal panel 101 forms the screen 102 of the display unit 10. The pixels PX of the liquid crystal panel 101 are divided into pixels PXL for the left eye and pixels PXR for the right eye. Light emitted from the pixels PXL and light emitted from the pixels PXR are separated in the horizontal direction (X direction) by the lenticular lens 100. Multiple beams of light emitted from multiple pixels PXL overlap in a region VSL. Furthermore, multiple beams of light emitted from multiple pixels PXR overlap in a region VSR.

[0044] The 3D display viewing area VS includes an area VSL and an area VSR. When the left eye LE of the viewer OB is located within the area VSL and the right eye RE of the viewer OB is located within the area VSR, the viewer OB views a stereoscopic image. The width of the 3D display viewing area VS in the X direction is VSx, and the width of the 3D display viewing area VS in the Y direction is VSy. The distance between the center VSc of the 3D display viewing area VS and the screen 102 is Lv. The center of the 3D display viewing area VS may be the center of gravity of the areas VSL and VSR.

[0045] The stereoscopic image display device 1 sets the 3D display viewing area VS according to the optical characteristics of the lenticular lens 100. The optical characteristics include the refractive index, the lens curvature, the lens-to-pixel distance, and the lens pitch. The 3D display viewing area VS also changes according to the distance between the eyes of the observer OB.

[0046] The operation of the stereoscopic image display device 1 will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0047] The camera 11 captures an image of the observer OB and generates an image of the observer OB. The image may be a still image or a video image. The camera 11 outputs the generated image to the control unit 12 (step S100).

[0048] After step S100, the image analysis unit 120 analyzes the image input from the camera 11 and extracts various feature amounts (step S101).

[0049] Step S101 will now be described in detail. The image analysis unit 120 processes the image and calculates the distance Ls and the gaze direction. The image analysis unit 120 performs face recognition on the image and extracts the distance between the eyes of the observer OB. The image analysis unit 120 performs human form recognition on the image and extracts the height J of the observer OB. The image analysis unit 120 calculates the eye height H of the observer OB by subtracting a predetermined amount (e.g., 10 cm) from the height J of the observer OB.

[0050] To calculate the distance Ls and the gaze direction, the image analysis unit 120 may intentionally include an object serving as a position or length reference in the camera image, and geometrically estimate and calculate the observer's position and height from the reference object. The image analysis unit 120 may detect the observer's face, physique, and posture from a person image in the camera image. The image analysis unit 120 may pre-store a floor map containing position information in a lookup table and calculate the observer's position by comparing person information obtained from the camera image with the floor map information. The image analysis unit 120 may estimate the gaze direction from the person's posture and facial orientation. The image analysis unit 120 may estimate the distance between the eyes from the person's physique.

[0051] Since the feature amount can be obtained without identifying the person, the feature amount can be utilized while ensuring the confidentiality of the observer. In addition, the image analysis unit 120 may detect the position of the observer using a known distance sensor, and may also estimate the distance between the eyes and the gaze direction using known face detection technology.

[0052] After step S101, the area calculation unit 121 calculates the 3D display applicable area AR based on the distance Ls, the height H, and the line of sight direction (step S102).

[0053] Step S102 will now be described in detail. Figures 8 and 9 show the 3D display applicable area AR when the line of sight is parallel to the horizontal direction. Figures 10 and 11 show the 3D display applicable area AR when the line of sight is not parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0054] The line of sight VL of the observer OB passes through point Pr. Point Pr is horizontally separated by a distance Ls from the screen 102 of the display unit 10 and vertically separated by a height H from the ground surface GS. The line of sight VL intersects with the screen 102 at point ARc. Point ARc is the center of the 3D display applicable area AR. The line of sight VL passes through the centers of both eyes of the observer OB and extends in the line of sight direction.

[0055] The angle θI indicates the angle between the line of sight VL and the horizontal plane. When the line of sight VL is directed toward the +Z side of the XY plane, the angle θI is positive. When the line of sight VL is directed toward the -Z side of the XY plane, the angle θI is negative. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the angle θI is 0 degrees. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the angle θI is greater than 0 degrees.

[0056] The effective field of view of the observer OB in the horizontal direction is determined by lines L1 and L2 that form an angle θh with the line of sight VL. For example, the angle θh is 30 degrees. The line L1 intersects with the screen 102 at point P1. The line L2 intersects with the screen 102 at point P2. The image analysis unit 120 calculates the positions of points P1 and P2.

[0057] The effective field of view of the observer OB in the vertical direction is determined by lines L3 and L4, which form an angle θv with the line of sight VL. The angle θv is larger than the angle θh, for example, 20 degrees. The line L3 intersects with the screen 102 at point P3. The line L4 intersects with the screen 102 at point P4. The image analysis unit 120 calculates the positions of points P3 and P4.

[0058] The area calculation unit 121 calculates a curve that passes through points P1, P2, P3, and P4. For example, the curve is an ellipse. The 3D display applicable area AR includes positions on the curve and positions within the curve. The area calculation unit 121 calculates the position of the 3D display applicable area AR within the screen 102, taking into account that the display unit 10 is placed at a height C.

[0059] The horizontal width Wx of the screen 102 satisfies the following formula (1): Furthermore, the vertical width Wz of the screen 102 satisfies the following formula (2): Wx>2·Ls·tan θh (1) Wz>2·Ls·tan θv (2)

[0060] The vertical width Wz of the screen 102 may satisfy a condition determined based on the effective field of view when the line of sight is parallel to the horizontal direction and the effective field of view when the line of sight is not parallel to the horizontal direction. Figures 12 and 13 show this condition.

[0061] The range VF1 shown in Fig. 12 indicates the effective field of view when the line of sight is parallel to the horizontal. The range VF2 shown in Fig. 12 indicates the effective field of view when the line of sight forms an angle θI with the horizontal. The vertical width Wz is preferably smaller than the distance Lm between the lowest point in the range VF1 and the highest point in the range VF2 (Fig. 13). In other words, the vertical width Wz preferably satisfies the following formula (3): Wz ≦ Ls tan(θI + θv) + Ls tan(θv) (3)

[0062] When the vertical width Wz of the screen 102 is 2158.848 mm and the horizontal width Wx of the screen 102 is 1214.352 mm, the angle θI is, for example, 30 degrees or more.

[0063] After step S102, the adjustment amount calculation unit 122 calculates the 3D adjustment amount Lt based on the distance Ls, the line of sight direction, and the distance between the eyes of the observer OB (step S103).

[0064] Details of step S103 will be described. Fig. 14 schematically shows the 3D adjustment amount Lt in the XY plane when the observer OB visually recognizes the stereoscopic image IM on the far side of the screen 102. An image IL for the left eye and an image IR for the right eye are projected onto the screen 102 of the display unit 10. The distance between the left eye LE and the right eye RE of the observer OB is D. The distance between the observer OB and the screen 102 is Ls. The distance between the position Ps where the stereoscopic image appears and the observer OB is Ld. In this case, the following equation (4) holds true: Ld = Ls + Lt (4)

[0065] Furthermore, when the amount of parallax between the image for the left eye IL and the image for the right eye IR is Xv0, the following equation (5) holds. The amount of parallax Xv0 is set in advance according to the width Wx of the screen 102 and is known. Ld:Lt=D / 2:Xv0 (5)

[0066] When the line of sight of the observer OB is parallel to the horizontal direction, equation (5) holds. When the line of sight of the observer OB is not parallel to the horizontal direction, distance M is used instead of distance Ls in equation (4). As shown in FIG. 15, distance M is the distance between the eyes of the observer OB and the image on the screen 102 in the line of sight. The line of sight forms an angle θI with the horizontal direction. In this case, the following equation (6) holds. M=Ls / cos θI (6)

[0067] Equation (4) is replaced by the following equation (7): In this case, the distance Ld is the distance between the position Ps where the stereoscopic image appears and the viewer OB when the line of sight forms an angle θI with the horizontal direction. Ld=M+Lt (7)

[0068] Using equations (5), (6), and (7), the 3D adjustment amount Lt is expressed as a function of the distance M, the interval D, and the parallax amount Xv0. The adjustment amount calculation unit 122 calculates the distance M (third distance) based on the distance Ls and the line of sight. The adjustment amount calculation unit 122 also calculates the 3D adjustment amount Lt based on the distance M, the interval D, and the parallax amount Xv0.

[0069] 16 schematically shows the 3D adjustment amount Lt when the observer OB visually recognizes the stereoscopic image IM in front of the screen 102. The position Ps at which the stereoscopic image appears is located between the observer OB and the screen 102. In this case, equation (4) is changed to the following equation (8), and equation (7) is changed to the following equation (9): Ld=Ls-Lt (8) Ld=M-Lt (9)

[0070] The order in which steps S102 and S103 are executed is not limited to the above order. Step S103 may be executed after step S101 is executed, and then step S102 may be executed.

[0071] After step S103, the image generation unit 123 generates a stereoscopic image to which the 3D adjustment amount Lt has been applied (step S104). The image generation unit 123 outputs the generated stereoscopic image to the display unit 10 and displays it in the 3D display applicable area AR (step S105).

[0072] The area calculation unit 121 calculates the range of the 3D display viewing area based on the optical characteristics of the lenticular lens 100 and the distance D. The area calculation unit 121 also calculates a position (determination position) that is a distance M away from the screen 102 of the display unit 10 in a direction perpendicular to the screen 102. If the determination position is included in the range of the 3D display viewing area in the direction perpendicular to the screen 102, the image generation unit 123 applies the above-mentioned 3D adjustment amount Lt to the stereoscopic image. If the determination position is not included in the range of the 3D display viewing area in the direction perpendicular to the screen 102, the image generation unit 123 applies a 3D adjustment amount smaller than the 3D adjustment amount Lt to the stereoscopic image. For example, the image generation unit 123 generates a 2D image to which a 3D adjustment amount of 0 is applied.

[0073] 17, 18, and 19 show the state of the image according to the amount of 3D adjustment. In Fig. 17, the angle θI between the line of sight VL and the horizontal plane is 0 degrees. At this time, the distance Ls between the eyes of the observer OB and the screen of the display unit 10 is the same as the distance M between the eyes of the observer OB and the image on the screen 102 of the display unit 10. A position Pm that is the distance M away from the screen 102 in the direction perpendicular to the screen 102 (-Y direction) is included in the range of the 3D display viewing area VS in the -Y direction.

[0074] In this case, a large 3D adjustment amount Lt is applied to the stereoscopic image IM within the 3D display applicable area AR. As long as position Pm is included within the 3D display visible area VS, the farther position Pm is from the center VSc of the 3D display visible area VS, the smaller the 3D adjustment amount Lt may be. The image generation unit 123 applies a 3D adjustment amount of 0 to images displayed in areas of the screen 102 other than the 3D display applicable area AR. As a result, the images in those areas are displayed as 2D images.

[0075] 18, the angle θI between the line of sight VL and the horizontal plane is greater than 0 degrees. At this time, the distance M is greater than the distance Ls. A position Pm that is the distance M away from the screen 102 in the −Y direction is included in the range of the 3D display visible region VS in the −Y direction.

[0076] In this case, a 3D adjustment amount Lt smaller than the 3D adjustment amount Lt shown in Figure 17 is applied to the stereoscopic image IM within the 3D display applicable area AR. As long as position Pm is included within the 3D display visible area VS, the farther position Pm is from the center VSc of the 3D display visible area VS, the smaller the 3D adjustment amount Lt may be. The image generation unit 123 applies a 3D adjustment amount of 0 to images displayed in areas of the screen 102 other than the 3D display applicable area AR.

[0077] As described above, when the position Pm is included in the range of the 3D display visual recognition region VS in the direction perpendicular to the screen 102, the image generating unit 123 generates a stereoscopic image to which the 3D adjustment amount Lt has been applied.

[0078] In Figure 19, the angle θI between the line of sight VL and the horizontal plane is greater than 0 degrees. The angle θI shown in Figure 19 is also greater than the angle θI shown in Figure 18. In this case, the distance M is greater than the distance Ls. A position Pm that is the distance M away from the screen 102 in the -Y direction is not included in the range of the 3D display visible region VS in the -Y direction. In this case, the image generation unit 123 applies a 3D adjustment amount of 0 to the image displayed on the screen 102.

[0079] As described above, when the position Pm is not included in the range of the 3D display visible region VS in the direction perpendicular to the screen 102, the image generator 123 generates a 2D image.

[0080] The adjustment amount calculation unit 122 may adjust the parallax amount Xv0 as follows: Fig. 20 schematically shows the 3D adjustment amount Lt when the distance M between the observer OB and the image on the screen 102 is the same as the distance Ls between the observer OB and the screen 102. The observer OB visually recognizes the stereoscopic image IM in front of the screen 102. The angle between the observer's line of sight and the center line of the screen 102 is θ1. The 3D adjustment amount Lt is Lt1.

[0081] Fig. 21 schematically shows the 3D adjustment amount Lt when the distance M between the observer OB and the image on the screen 102 is greater than the distance Ls between the observer OB and the screen 102. The parallax amount Xv0 shown in Fig. 21 is the same as the parallax amount Xv0 shown in Fig. 20. The angle between the line of sight of the observer and the center line of the screen 102 is θ2. The 3D adjustment amount Lt is Lt2, which is greater than Lt1 shown in Fig. 20. The amount by which the stereoscopic image IM pops out increases, creating an unnatural feeling in the stereoscopic image.

[0082] Fig. 22 schematically shows the 3D adjustment amount Lt when the distance M between the observer OB and the image on the screen 102 is greater than the distance Ls between the observer OB and the screen 102. The adjustment amount calculation unit 122 changes the parallax amount Xv0 from Lt2 shown in Fig. 21 to Lt3 shown in Fig. 22. The 3D adjustment amount Lt3 is smaller than the 3D adjustment amount Lt2. The angle between the viewer's line of sight and the center line of the screen 102 is θ3. Because the 3D adjustment amount is smaller, the sense of discomfort felt by the stereoscopic image IM is reduced.

[0083] In the first embodiment, the display unit 10 has a screen 102 that displays a stereoscopic image. The camera 11 captures an image of the observer OB and generates an image of the observer OB. The image analysis unit 120 analyzes the image of the observer OB and calculates the distance Ls (first distance) between the observer OB and the screen 102, the height H of the observer OB's line of sight, the line of sight direction of the observer OB, and the distance D between the observer OB's eyes. The area calculation unit 121 calculates a 3D display applicable area AR for displaying the stereoscopic image IM on the screen 102 based on the distance Ls, the height H, and the line of sight direction. The adjustment amount calculation unit 122 calculates a 3D adjustment amount Lt, which is the distance (second distance) between the position Ps of the stereoscopic image IM viewed by the observer OB and the screen 102 displaying the stereoscopic image IM, based on the distance Ls, the line of sight direction, and the distance D. The image generation unit 123 generates the stereoscopic image IM to which the 3D adjustment amount Lt has been applied. The display unit 10 displays the stereoscopic image IM generated by the image generation unit 123 in the 3D display applicable area AR.

[0084] The 3D display applicable area AR and the 3D adjustment amount Lt change in response to changes in the line of sight of the viewer OB in the vertical direction. Therefore, the stereoscopic image display device 1 can suppress the sense of discomfort that occurs when the viewer OB views a stereoscopic image directed upward or downward.

[0085] The stereoscopic image display device 1 can simultaneously provide high-quality 3D and 2D displays that match the physical characteristics of the observer OB. For example, when a 3D display is provided, the stereoscopic image display device 1 can present advertising information that an advertiser wants to emphasize to a specific observer.

[0086] An impressive advertising effect can be achieved for observers OB near the stereoscopic image display device 1. The range in which observers OB near the stereoscopic image display device 1 can view a stereoscopic image is narrower than the range in which other observers can view a 2D image. The entire display unit 10 can transmit advertising information to a large number of unrelated observers passing by in a location close to the display unit 10. The stereoscopic image display device 1 can provide advertisements that an advertiser wants to highlight to specific observers in the form of stereoscopic images, and at the same time, can achieve an efficient advertising effect for a large number of people.

[0087] A standard liquid crystal display is installed so that the screen is long in the horizontal direction, and each of the R, G, and B pixels is long in the vertical direction. When the liquid crystal display is installed so that the screen is long in the vertical direction, each of the R, G, and B pixels is long in the horizontal direction. In this case, the arrangement direction of the R, G, and B pixels is approximately perpendicular to the direction separating the image for the left eye and the image for the right eye. Therefore, moire and color breakup caused by the R, G, and B colors are less likely to occur, and the stereoscopic image display device 1 can provide high-quality stereoscopic images.

[0088] Furthermore, the lenticular lens 100 separates the image for the left eye and the image for the right eye in the longitudinal direction of each R, G, and B pixel, providing a high design likelihood for the 3D display viewing area. This allows the use of a general-purpose lenticular lens, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the stereoscopic image display device 1.

[0089] In Figure 6, when an observer other than observer OB passes through the area between the 3D display viewing area (VSR and area VSL) and the screen 102 in the X direction or the -X direction, the direction of light rays incident on the observer's eyes changes as the observer moves. The observer is likely to sense the screen 102 shaking and experience discomfort. Therefore, the distance Lv between the center Vsc of the 3D display viewing area and the screen 102 may be greater than the width Wx of the screen 102 in the horizontal direction and less than the height Wz of the screen 102 in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the distance Lv may be less than the length Wxz of the diagonal of the screen 102.

[0090] FIG. 23 shows the relationship between the position of the 3D display viewing area and various distances. The distance Lv between the center VSc of the 3D display viewing area and the screen 102 is greater than the width Wx of the screen 102 but less than the height Wz of the screen 102. Furthermore, the distance Lv is less than the diagonal length Wxz. Under these conditions, the 3D display viewing area is closer to the screen 102, so it is expected that the number of observers passing through the area between the observer OB and the screen 102 will be reduced. Therefore, the stereoscopic image display device 1 can efficiently provide a stereoscopic image to the observer OB. Furthermore, the stereoscopic image display device 1 can prevent observers other than the observer OB from feeling discomfort due to the shaking of the screen 102.

[0091] It is generally said that the optimal viewing distance for a large TV display is approximately three times the height (vertical width) of the screen. When a large display is used for advertising purposes rather than for TV, it is possible to set a 3D display viewing area at a position where the advertiser's target viewers can easily view the stereoscopic image. The size of the screen 102 and the 3D display viewing area are set based on the conditions under which the viewer OB will view the stereoscopic image.

[0092] In order to avoid interfering with the passage of an unspecified number of pedestrians and to prevent passersby from experiencing unintended discomfort due to the influence of the lenticular lens, it is conceivable that advertisers may limit the 3D display viewing area. The stereoscopic image display device 1 provides stereoscopic images to observers OB who are close to the screen 102, instead of providing stereoscopic images to observers who are far from the screen 102. In this way, the stereoscopic image display device 1 can effectively provide advertisements to observers OB while maintaining the safety of passersby.

[0093] The lens surface of the lenticular lens 100 is disposed on a surface facing the -Y direction toward the viewer OB. This is not a limitation, and the lens surface may be disposed on a surface facing the +Y direction. In this case, the distance between the lens and the pixel can be reduced, which is advantageous in terms of responding to higher definition. Furthermore, because the viewer OB does not directly look at the lens surface, it is possible to reduce the sense of discomfort felt by the viewer OB that the display screen is located deep inside.

[0094] The separating means for separating the image for the left eye and the image for the right eye may be disposed in the backlight of the liquid crystal panel 101. An optical means capable of controlling the direction of light rays by switching a light source provided in the backlight may be applied to the separating means. By using an optical means that changes the direction of light rays over time, crosstalk between the left and right images can be reduced.

[0095] A parallax barrier in which transparent and opaque regions are alternately arranged may be used as the separating means. An electro-optical element capable of switching between transparent and opaque regions using liquid crystal molecules or a MEMS shutter may be used as the parallax barrier. A GRIN (Gradient Index) lens may be used as the electro-optical element using liquid crystal. By using a separating means capable of switching the 3D effect, the 3D display viewing area can be made variable, thereby widening the effective 3D display viewing area.

[0096] The direction in which the separating means separates the image for the left eye and the image for the right eye only needs to be a direction that includes a horizontal component. The lenticular lens 100 used as the separating means may be disposed in an oblique direction. By disposing the lenticular lens 100 obliquely, moire caused by the light-shielding portion of the liquid crystal panel 101 can be reduced.

[0097] Second Embodiment A stereoscopic image display device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention has a control unit 12A shown in Fig. 24 instead of the control unit 12. Fig. 24 shows the configuration of the control unit 12A. The control unit 12A has an image analysis unit 120, a region calculation unit 121 (first calculation unit), an adjustment amount calculation unit 122 (second calculation unit), an image generation unit 123, and a determination unit 124.

[0098] The image analysis unit 120 analyzes the image generated by the camera 11 and detects observers. When two or more observers are detected from the image, the image analysis unit 120 calculates feature amounts for each of the two or more observers. The area calculation unit 121 calculates a 3D display applicable area AR for each of the two or more observers. The adjustment amount calculation unit 122 calculates a 3D adjustment amount Lt for each of the two or more observers. The image generation unit 123 generates a stereoscopic image to which the 3D adjustment amount Lt for each of the two or more observers has been applied.

[0099] The determination unit 124 determines whether two or more 3D display applicable areas AR calculated for two or more observers at least partially overlap. If the two or more 3D display applicable areas AR do not overlap, the image generation unit 123 generates a stereoscopic image to which a 3D adjustment amount Lt for each of the two or more observers has been applied. If the two or more 3D display applicable areas AR at least partially overlap, the image generation unit 123 generates a stereoscopic image to which a value equal to or less than the minimum value of the two or more 3D adjustment amounts Lt calculated for the two or more observers has been applied. The 3D adjustment amount applied to the stereoscopic image is greater than 0 and less than or equal to the minimum value of the 3D adjustment amount Lt. In the following example, the image generation unit 123 generates a stereoscopic image to which the minimum value of the 3D adjustment amount Lt has been applied.

[0100] The area calculation unit 121 calculates a 3D display viewing area VS in which each of two or more observers views a stereoscopic image. The adjustment amount calculation unit 122 calculates a distance M between each observer and the image on the screen 102 based on a distance Ls between each observer and the screen 102 of the display unit 10 and each observer's line of sight. If a position that is the distance M from the screen 102 in a direction perpendicular to the screen 102 is included in the range of the 3D display viewing area VS in the direction perpendicular to the screen 102, the image generation unit 123 generates a stereoscopic image to which the 3D adjustment amount has been applied. If a position that is the distance M from the screen 102 in a direction perpendicular to the screen 102 is not included in the range of the 3D display viewing area VS in the direction perpendicular to the screen 102, the image generation unit 123 generates a 2D image to be displayed in the 3D display applicable area AR.

[0101] The operation of the stereoscopic image display device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below. Fig. 25 shows the operation of the stereoscopic image display device 1. The description of the same processes as those shown in Fig. 7 will be omitted.

[0102] After step S100, the image analysis unit 120 detects viewers by performing face recognition on the image input from the camera 11. The image analysis unit 120 determines the number of viewers detected (step S110).

[0103] If only one observer is detected, steps S101 to S105 are executed as in the first embodiment. If two or more observers are detected, the image analysis unit 120 analyzes the image and extracts various feature amounts for each observer. That is, the image analysis unit 120 calculates the distance Ls, the line of sight, the distance between the eyes, and the eye height H for each observer (step S111).

[0104] After step S111, the region calculation unit 121 calculates a 3D display applicable region AR for each observer based on the distance Ls, height H, and line of sight direction of each observer. Since two or more observers have been detected, the region calculation unit 121 calculates two or more 3D display applicable regions AR (step S112).

[0105] After step S112, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not at least a portion of two or more 3D display applicable areas AR overlap (step S113).

[0106] If two or more 3D display applicable areas AR at least partially overlap, the adjustment amount calculation unit 122 calculates a 3D adjustment amount Lt for each of the two or more viewers. Because two or more viewers have been detected, the adjustment amount calculation unit 122 calculates two or more 3D adjustment amounts Lt. The adjustment amount calculation unit 122 outputs the minimum value of the two or more 3D adjustment amounts Lt to the image generation unit 123 (step S114).

[0107] After step S114, in step S104, the image generating unit 123 generates two or more stereoscopic images to which the minimum value of the 3D adjustment amount Lt has been applied.

[0108] If the two or more 3D display applicable areas AR do not overlap, the adjustment amount calculation unit 122 calculates two or more 3D adjustment amounts Lt for each of the two or more viewers, and outputs the two or more 3D adjustment amounts Lt to the image generation unit 123 (step S115).

[0109] After step S115, in step S104, the image generating unit 123 generates a stereoscopic image to which the 3D adjustment amount Lt has been applied for each 3D display applicable area AR.

[0110] 26 and 27 show the state of the image according to the amount of 3D adjustment. Two observers OB1 and OB2 are standing in front of the display unit 10. The height J1 of observer OB1 is greater than the height J2 of observer OB2. The distance between the eyes of observer OB1 is different from the distance between the eyes of observer OB2. Therefore, the 3D display viewing area VS1 of observer OB1 is different from the 3D display viewing area VS2 of observer OB2. The 3D display viewing area VS1 is wider than the 3D display viewing area VS2. The 3D display viewing area VS1 and the 3D display viewing area VS2 overlap.

[0111] The angle between the line of sight VL1 of observer OB1 and the horizontal plane is 0 degrees. The angle between the line of sight VL2 of observer OB2 and the horizontal plane is also 0 degrees. The distance Ls1 between observer OB1 and the screen 102 of the display unit 10 is greater than the distance Ls2 between observer OB2 and the screen 102 of the display unit 10.

[0112] The area calculation unit 121 calculates the 3D display applicable area AR1 for observer OB1 and the 3D display applicable area AR2 for observer OB2. Because heights J1 and J2 are different, the position of the 3D display applicable area AR1 is different from the position of the 3D display applicable area AR2. Because distances Ls1 and Ls2 are different, the size of the 3D display applicable area AR1 is different from the size of the 3D display applicable area AR2.

[0113] In the state shown in FIG. 26 , the 3D display applicable area AR1 and the 3D display applicable area AR2 do not overlap. The adjustment amount calculation unit 122 calculates a 3D adjustment amount Lt1 for observer OB1 and a 3D adjustment amount Lt2 for observer OB2. Because the distances Ls1 and Ls2 are different, the 3D adjustment amount Lt1 and the 3D adjustment amount Lt2 are different. The 3D adjustment amount Lt1 is greater than the 3D adjustment amount Lt2. The image generation unit 123 generates a stereoscopic image IM1 to which the 3D adjustment amount Lt1 has been applied, and a stereoscopic image IM2 to which the 3D adjustment amount Lt2 has been applied. The stereoscopic image IM1 is displayed in the 3D display applicable area AR1, and the stereoscopic image IM2 is displayed in the 3D display applicable area AR2.

[0114] In the state shown in Fig. 27, the 3D display applicable area AR1 and the 3D display applicable area AR2 overlap. The adjustment amount calculation unit 122 calculates the 3D adjustment amount Lt1 and the 3D adjustment amount Lt2 for the observer OB2 shown in Fig. 26. Because the 3D adjustment amount Lt1 is greater than the 3D adjustment amount Lt2, the image generation unit 123 generates stereoscopic images IM1 and IM2 to which the 3D adjustment amount Lt2 has been applied. This reduces the eye strain on the observer OB2, who is shorter than the observer OB1. The stereoscopic image IM1 is displayed in the 3D display applicable area AR1, and the stereoscopic image IM2 is displayed in the 3D display applicable area AR2.

[0115] 26 or 27, the image generation unit 123 applies a 3D adjustment amount of 0 to the image displayed in the area of ​​the screen 102 excluding the 3D display applicable area AR1 and the 3D display applicable area AR2. As a result, the image in that area is displayed as a 2D image.

[0116] In the state shown in FIG. 26 or 27 , the line of sight of observer OB1 and the line of sight of observer OB2 are horizontal. Therefore, the distance between observer OB1 and the image on screen 102 is Ls1, and the distance between observer OB2 and the image on screen 102 is Ls2. A position that is distance Ls1 from screen 102 in a direction perpendicular to screen 102 (-Y direction) is included in the range of 3D display viewing region VS1 in the -Y direction. Furthermore, a position that is distance Ls2 from screen 102 in the -Y direction is included in the range of 3D display viewing region VS2 in the -Y direction. Therefore, the image generation unit 123 generates a stereoscopic image to which the above-described 3D adjustment amount has been applied.

[0117] In the second embodiment, when two or more 3D display applicable areas AR at least partially overlap, the image generation unit 123 generates a stereoscopic image to which a value equal to or less than the minimum value of two or more 3D adjustment amounts Lt is applied. When an unspecified number of viewers view a signage display installed in a specific location, the stereoscopic image display device 1 automatically adjusts the 3D display applicable area AR and the 3D adjustment amount Lt according to the characteristics of each viewer, thereby providing an optimal stereoscopic image.

[0118] Third Embodiment FIG. 28 shows a detailed configuration of a stereoscopic image display device 1A according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The stereoscopic image display device 1A includes a display unit 10A, a camera 11A, an image analysis unit 13, a first calculation unit 14, a second calculation unit 15, and an image generation unit 16. The display unit 10A includes a screen 102A that displays a stereoscopic image. The camera 11A generates an image of the observer. The image analysis unit 13 analyzes the image of the observer and calculates a first distance between the observer and the screen 102A, the observer's eye height, the observer's line of sight, and the distance between the observer's eyes. The first calculation unit 14 calculates an area on the screen 102A where the stereoscopic image is to be displayed based on the first distance, the observer's eye height, and the line of sight. The second calculation unit 15 calculates an adjustment amount, which is a second distance between the position where the stereoscopic image appears and the screen 102A, based on the first distance, the line of sight, and the distance between the observer's eyes. The image generating unit 16 generates a three-dimensional image to which the adjustment amount has been applied, and displays the three-dimensional image in the above-mentioned area.

[0119] In the third embodiment, the stereoscopic image display device 1A can suppress the sense of discomfort that occurs when the viewer views a stereoscopic image above or below.

[0120] The above has described in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to the above embodiment, and design changes and the like are also included within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0121] According to each embodiment of the present invention, the stereoscopic image display device and the stereoscopic image display method can suppress the sense of discomfort that occurs when a viewer views a stereoscopic image directed upward or downward.

[0122] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A 3D image display device 10, 10A Display unit 11, 11A Camera 12, 12A Control unit 13, 120 Image analysis unit 14 First calculation unit 15 Second calculation unit 16, 123 Image generation unit 100 Lenticular lens 101 Liquid crystal panel 102, 102A Screen 121 Area calculation unit 122 Adjustment amount calculation unit 124 Determination unit

Claims

1. A stereoscopic image display device comprising: a display unit having a screen for displaying a stereoscopic image; a camera for capturing an image of an observer and generating an image of the observer; an image analysis unit for analyzing the image of the observer and calculating a first distance between the observer and the screen, the height of the observer's line of sight, the direction of the observer's line of sight, and the distance between the observer's eyes; a first calculation unit for calculating an area on the screen in which the stereoscopic image is to be displayed based on the first distance, the height of the line of sight, and the direction of the line of sight; a second calculation unit for calculating an adjustment amount which is a second distance between the position of the stereoscopic image viewed by the observer and the screen displaying the stereoscopic image based on the first distance, the direction of the line of sight, and the distance; and an image generation unit for generating the stereoscopic image to which the adjustment amount has been applied, wherein the display unit displays the stereoscopic image generated by the image generation unit in the area.

2. The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 1, wherein, when two or more observers are detected from the image, the image analysis unit calculates the first distance, the height of the line of sight, the line of sight direction, and the interval for each of the two or more observers; the first calculation unit calculates the area for each of the two or more observers; the second calculation unit calculates the amount of adjustment for each of the two or more observers; and the image generation unit generates the stereoscopic image to which the amount of adjustment for each of the two or more observers has been applied.

3. A stereoscopic image display device according to claim 2, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether or not at least a portion of the two or more regions calculated for the two or more observers overlap, and if the two or more regions do not overlap, the image generation unit generates the stereoscopic image to which the adjustment amount for each of the two or more observers has been applied.

4. A stereoscopic image display device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, when at least a portion of the two or more regions overlap, the image generation unit generates the stereoscopic image by applying a value equal to or less than the minimum value of two or more of the adjustment amounts calculated for the two or more observers.

5. A stereoscopic image display device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first calculation unit calculates a stereoscopic viewing area in which the observer views the stereoscopic image; the second calculation unit calculates a third distance between the observer and the stereoscopic image on the screen based on the first distance and the line of sight; and when a position that is the third distance away from the screen in a direction perpendicular to the screen is included in the range of the stereoscopic viewing area in the direction perpendicular to the screen, the image generation unit generates the stereoscopic image to which the adjustment amount has been applied.

6. The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 5, wherein, when a position that is the third distance away from the screen in a direction perpendicular to the screen is not included in the range, the image generation unit generates a two-dimensional image to be displayed in the area.

7. The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 5, wherein the screen is rectangular, the width of the rectangle in the vertical direction is greater than the width of the rectangle in the horizontal direction, and the distance between the center of the stereoscopic viewing area and the screen is greater than the width of the rectangle in the horizontal direction and less than the width of the rectangle in the vertical direction.

8. The stereoscopic image display device according to claim 5, wherein the screen is rectangular, the width of the rectangle in the vertical direction is greater than the width of the rectangle in the horizontal direction, and the distance between the center of the stereoscopic viewing area and the screen is smaller than the length of the diagonal of the rectangle.

9. A stereoscopic image display method comprising the steps of: capturing an image of an observer using a camera and generating an image of the observer; analyzing the image of the observer and calculating a first distance between the observer and a screen of a display unit, the height of the observer's line of sight, the direction of the observer's line of sight, and the distance between the observer's eyes; calculating an area on the screen in which a stereoscopic image is to be displayed based on the first distance, the height of the line of sight, and the direction of the line of sight; calculating an adjustment amount which is a second distance between the position of the stereoscopic image viewed by the observer and the screen displaying the stereoscopic image based on the first distance, the direction of the line of sight, and the distance; generating the stereoscopic image to which the adjustment amount has been applied; and displaying the generated stereoscopic image in the area.

Images