JPH07109538B2 - Video simulation equipment - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an inside of a casing by projecting an image which can be seen from a certain point of view in all directions on an image display device installed so as to surround an observer. Relates to a video simulation device that enables a viewer to experience a high sense of realism that creates the illusion that he or she is actually in the place.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a highly realistic image simulation apparatus, there is one that projects an image in a total of six directions on the ceiling, floor and wall of a room, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-204842. is there. In this simulation device, an arbitrary direction can be viewed, but the range in which the user can freely walk around is limited to the inside of the room.

As an image simulation apparatus capable of continuous walking over a wide range, for example, the actual open sho 62-6838.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 30, there is one that projects a video image in front of an indoor walker. This makes it impossible to look over an arbitrary direction, which makes the user feel uncomfortable when walking.

As a highly realistic image simulation apparatus capable of continuously walking in a wide range, for example, "198
6 years, Proceedings of 1986 Workshop on Interactive 3D Graphics Walkthrough-A Dynamic Graphics System for Simulating Virtual Building (Frederic P. Broo.
ks. : Walkthrough-A Dynamic
Graphics System for Simul
ating Virtual Building: Pr
oc. of 1986 Workshop on Int
eractive 3D Graphics 198
6) ”, there is a device that combines a head mounted display and an indoor walker with hand rub. With this device, you can look over any direction, but there is a considerable time delay in the display of images, which makes you feel uncomfortable when walking.

[0005]

In the above-mentioned conventional video simulation apparatus, the viewer can look over all directions, but cannot walk freely or can walk to some extent. However, there is a problem that it is impossible to look over all directions or there is a time delay that cannot be ignored in the display of images, and improvement of the sense of presence is an issue.

An object of the present invention is to allow an observer to look around in any direction without noticeable delay in display or freely walk around, and feel less discomfort than before, and walk around according to the image. It is to provide a video simulation device that enables the above.

[0007]

The device of the present invention is provided with the inside of the casing including the entire body of the observer inside or around the casing having a size and shape that allows the observer to walk inside. A plurality of video display devices are installed so as to surround the space, and the video generated by the video generation device according to the given video information is projected on the video display device through the video display control device. The enclosure corresponding to the image to be projected by using a control signal generated according to an image display timing signal sent from the image display control device or a control signal generated in synchronization with the generation of the image. It is characterized in that it is configured so that the movement control of is performed by an enclosure control device.

[0008]

Next, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 1, in this embodiment, a rotatable case 1 and a column 4 for supporting the case 1 and rotating bearings 2 and 5 are provided on an installation table 3, and a rear part is provided inside the case 1. Projection type projection screen 6,
7, 8 and a projector 9 for projecting an image on it
16 and 16 are provided.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an enclosure 1 rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation has a three-dimensional shape in which conical bottom surfaces are attached to both bottom surfaces of a cylinder, respectively, and a side surface portion of the cylinder is attached. It is composed of an enclosure body and an enclosure support arm on the side of the cone. The rotary bearing 2 for supporting the rotation of the casing 1 is composed of a bearing 22, a projector holding space, and a column connecting portion, and the rotary bearing 5 includes the power generator 109 and the power transmission device shown in FIG. An enclosure driving device 108 including a device 110 is attached. The housing body, that is, the side surface of the cylinder,
A screen support frame 1 which is composed of one or more transparent glass plates or acrylic plates in a cylindrical surface shape, and has four support arm attachment portions 19 for supporting the transparent plates.
7 are fitted one on each of the left and right sides of the housing body. The enclosure support arm is composed of a bearing mounting frame 20 attached to the tip portion of the column, and a straight or curved support member 18 having sufficient strength. The bearing attached to the tip portion of the column. By connecting 22 and the support arm attachment portion 19 of the case body, the case 1 is supported so that the case 1 rotates smoothly. In this embodiment, the supporting member 18 is composed of four straight rigid members on one side,
In order to allow the viewer 1 to come in and out of the enclosure 1, it can be removed appropriately.

Inside the housing 1, rear projection type screens 6, 7 and 8 are arranged on all surfaces surrounding a cylindrical space inside the housing. Specifically, inside the enclosure 1, the foldable disc-shaped side screens 7 and 8 are surrounded by a foldable circular folding frame, and a screen support frame 17 of the enclosure body is provided.
The screen support frame 17 and one or a plurality of transparent glass plates or acrylic plates having a cylindrical surface and the folding frame of the screen are installed on the inner side of the screen support frame 17. Furthermore, in order to allow the viewer 1 to move in and out of the enclosure 1, the hinge portion of the folding frame and a part of the folding frame are fixed to the screen support frame 17, and the remaining unfixed portion of the screen is fixed to the enclosure body. It is designed to open toward the inside or outside. In this embodiment, the disk-shaped side screens 7 and 8 are each surrounded by a circular folding frame that can be folded in two to form a semicircular shape, and the two hinge portions of the folding frame and the folding frame are surrounded. The semi-circular portion and the semi-circular portion are fixed to the screen support frame 17, and the remaining semi-circular portion of the screen which is not fixed can be opened toward the outside of the enclosure body. Further, a screen 6 used for a 360-degree panorama is divided into one or a plurality of pieces to form a cylindrical surface, and is attached to the surface of a transparent glass plate or an acrylic plate outside the housing body.

On the outer periphery of the casing 1, screens 6, 7,
A plurality of liquid crystal projectors or projection tube type projectors 9 to 16 are installed so as to surround 8. Specifically, with respect to the two disk-shaped side screens 7 and 8, one side projector 9 and one side projector are respectively directed toward the screens 7 and 8 together with the enclosure 1. It is fixed so as not to rotate and installed inside the bearing 22. With respect to the panoramic screen 6, a plurality of panoramic projectors 11 to 16 are radially arranged outside the screen 6 at substantially equal intervals. In this embodiment, the number of projectors is six. At this time, the panorama projectors 11 to 16 and the screen 6 constitute the panoramic image display device 103 in FIG. 3, and the side projectors 10 and 9 and the screens 7 and 8 are the side image display devices in FIG. And 104 and 105.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the embodiment shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 3, the projectors 9 to 16 in the panoramic image display device 103 and the side image display devices 104 and 105 are controlled by the image display control device 102, generated by the image generation device 101, and transmitted. An image 114, that is, an image that can be seen when looking in all directions from a certain point of view, is provided on the screen 6, which is installed so as to surround the viewer a so as to obtain a realistic sensation in a virtual world. It is projected on 7 and 8. At that time, the image generation device 101 generates a CG image from shape data, texture data, etc., reproduces a video image from an LD, etc., and decompresses compressed image data. If necessary, the control signal 112 of the box 1 can be simultaneously generated and sent to the box controller 106. At that time, the video display control device 10
2 is for synchronizing a plurality of images 114, and for displaying images generated by one image generating device 101 to a plurality of image display devices 1.
03 to 105, or simply serve as a switcher. The enclosure 1 is controlled by the enclosure control device 106, and the control signal 113 generated by the enclosure control signal generation device 107 is sent to the enclosure drive device 108 so that power is generated in the power generation device 109 such as a motor. The generated power is transmitted to the chassis 1 supported by the bearing 22 by a power transmission device 110 such as a belt or a gear to rotate the power.

The viewer a opens the side screen 7 toward the inside or outside of the housing main body and enters the housing 1. Video display device 103 installed so as to surround the viewer a
To 105, when projecting an image that can be seen when looking in all directions from a certain viewpoint, the viewer a stands at approximately the center of the enclosure 1 and displays a screen in an appropriate direction depending on the content of the image. By looking at it, you can experience a virtual experience of virtual space. For example, consider a scene in which a car runs from the left, passes by in front of you, and runs away to the right. First, the viewer a sees the screen 8 on the left-hand side coming toward the car, and moves the line of sight to the screen 6 at the center of the front as the car moves. After that, the line of sight is shifted to the screen 7 on the right hand side. Also, when projecting an image that can be seen when looking over all directions while moving the viewpoint on the image display devices 103 to 105 installed so as to surround the observer a, the observer a rotates. By walking in the center of the cabinet 1 at the same speed as the moving speed of the viewpoint and looking into the screen in an appropriate direction depending on the content of the image, it is possible to experience a more realistic virtual space experience. For example, consider a scene in which a car runs from the left and passes by in front of you, so if you are surprised and look behind you, it happens that the car runs from the right and is about to collide. At first, the viewer a sees the screen 8 on the left side coming toward the car, and moves the line of sight to the screen 6 in the center of the front as the car moves. At that moment, the cabinet 1 started to rotate backward, so it retreated several steps. After that, he shifts his line of sight to the screen 7 on the right side and feels that he is about to collide with a car.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the casing 1 is controlled by the casing control device 106, and the control signal 113 generated by the casing control signal generation device 107 is shown in FIG.
By transmitting the power to the case drive device 108 installed on the bearing 5 and the case drive device 118 installed on the installation stand 3, power is generated in the power generation devices 109 and 119 such as motors, and the power is generated by a belt or a gear. The power transmission devices 110 and 120 are transmitted to the enclosure 1 and the installation base 3 supported by the bearings 22 and rotated.

The viewer a opens the side screen 7 toward the inside or outside of the housing main body and enters the housing 1. Video display device 103 installed so as to surround the viewer a
To 105, when projecting an image that can be seen when looking in all directions from a certain viewpoint, the viewer a stands at approximately the center of the enclosure 1 and displays a screen in an appropriate direction depending on the content of the image. By looking into it, you can experience a virtual experience of virtual space. Consider, for example, a situation in which you reverse a highway while cleverly avoiding a car coming from the front. First, when the cabinet 1 starts to rotate forward, the viewer a starts to run forward in accordance with the rotation of the cabinet 1 while watching the panoramic screen 6 in front of the automobile. When the car approaches to the last minute, the rotating enclosure 1 turns to the right or left with the installation base.
When the viewer a changes his body direction while running, the collision can be avoided successfully. At this time, the car moves to the right or left side screen 7,8,
Run backwards. If the viewer a fails to change the direction of the body in accordance with the rotation of the installation table 3, the viewer a is at risk of falling and being injured. Even after dodging one car in this way, it is necessary to skillfully avoid cars that appear one after another while continuing to drive forward in accordance with the rotation of the chassis.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the entire third embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a case 1 that can be rotated and a case support leg 2 for supporting the case 1 are provided.
3, an installation base 3 with an enclosure drive that can be rotated, an enclosure support frame 24 with bearings, an enclosure drive with the power transmission device 110, and a rear projection type inside the enclosure 1. Screens 6, 7 and 8 and projectors 9 to 16 for projecting images on the screens. As shown in FIG. 4, an enclosure drive device 118 including a power generation device 119 and a power transmission device 120 is attached to the installation table 3 with the enclosure drive device.

The casing 1, the screens 6, 7, 8 and the projectors 9 to 16 are common to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the mechanical portion of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a spherical enclosure 31 with an image display device using a liquid crystal panel capable of projecting an image in an arbitrary direction, an inner rotary shaft 41 for supporting the same, and a support frame for a support frame are provided. An inner support frame 40 that can be rotated by a bearing 39, and a bearing 39
And an outer supporting frame 38 for supporting the outer supporting frame 38, an outer rotating shaft 37 for supporting the outer supporting frame 38, a support 34 for supporting the outer supporting frame 38, an installation table 3, and an installation table for rotating the installation table 3. And a bearing 36. Inner rotation axis 4
1, the support frame bearing 39, the outer rotary shaft 37, and the installation base bearing 36 each have a housing drive device 108 including a power generation device 109 and a power transmission device 110 shown in FIG. And changes the control signal 113 to motion.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the embodiment shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 7, the spherical casing 31 is controlled by the casing control device 106, and the control signal 113 generated by the casing control signal generation device 107 is transmitted to the inner rotary shaft 41, the support frame bearing 39, Outer rotation shaft 37,
Case drive device 10 built in bearing 36 for installation base
The power is generated in the power generation device 109 such as each motor by sending the power to the motor 8, and the power is transmitted to the power transmission device 110 so that the housing is rotated.

The viewer a opens the door of the spherical casing 31 and enters the spherical casing 31. When projecting an image that can be seen when looking over all directions from a certain point of view on the image display device 100 installed so as to surround the observer a, the observer a is almost in the center of the spherical casing 31. By standing up and looking in an appropriate direction depending on the content of the video, you can experience a virtual experience of virtual space. Consider, for example, a situation in which you reverse a highway while cleverly avoiding a car coming from the front. First, the viewer a starts vertical rotation in an arbitrary direction in which the spherical casing 31 is present, and starts running in accordance with the rotation of the spherical casing 31 while watching the direction in which the automobile is heading. When the vehicle approaches immediately before, the rotating direction of the rotating spherical casing 31 smoothly turns to the right or left. When the viewer a runs and gradually changes his or her body in accordance with the running, the collision can be avoided successfully. At this time, the car moves to the right or left and runs backwards. If the viewer a fails to change the direction of the body according to the rotation of the spherical casing 31, the viewer a is at risk of falling and injuring. After evading one vehicle in this way, the vehicle will continue to run forward in accordance with the rotation of the spherical casing 31, while skillfully avoiding the vehicles that appear one after another.

In each of the embodiments of the present invention, polarized glasses are worn, and images for the right eye and the left eye are projected on the screen through orthogonal polarizing filters, and glasses with a liquid crystal shutter are worn. It is also possible to enjoy three-dimensional stereoscopic images by alternately projecting images for the right eye and images for the left eye on the screen at high speed and by installing a lenticular lens in front of the panoramic screen. In addition, by adding a sound device, installing speakers respectively near the projectors of the left and right side image display devices, and installing a small vibration device such as that used in a body sonic sheet on the panoramic screen,
It is also possible to enjoy stereophonic sounds and sensational sounds. Also,
By adding an air conditioner, providing air injecting means in the gaps such as side screens and panoramic screens, and installing a temperature sensor and humidity sensor inside the enclosure, it is possible to maintain any temperature and humidity, and even to create a scent. It is also possible to enjoy. In addition, a safety device is added, and interrupt control of the enclosure control device is performed by means of emergency communication such as voice or buttons, so that the viewer can quickly and safely escape when he / she wants to escape from the enclosure. It is possible to eliminate the anxiety by using a device that can be used.

As described above, the present embodiment provides a device that employs an image display device that surrounds an observer and that can constantly display images in all directions, and when the head mounted display is used even when quickly turning around. Since the image is not displayed with a delay like the above, it is possible to view all directions without delay in display. In addition, when the viewer enters the rotating enclosure, the viewer can continue to walk at various speeds set by the control signal according to the image, without getting caught by the hand rub. There is little discomfort.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.
Various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the image display device is a combination of a projector and a projection screen, and particularly the projection screen is a rear projection type, but a CRT, a liquid crystal panel, a plasma display or the like may be used to save space. A front projection type screen is also available depending on the usage. Also, CR
It is also possible to use a T, a liquid crystal panel, a plasma display or the like in combination with a rear projection type screen. It is also possible to replace what has been displayed on one video display device up to now with a combination of many video display devices using a multi-screen. It is advantageous in terms of cost to project only a part of the images in the front and side instead of using the image of the entire circumference as in the first and second embodiments. Looking at these various changes in the entire image display device on the outer periphery, when all are installed so as to rotate together with the housing, when installed so as not to rotate all outside the housing, and in the case of the embodiment, namely, the screen Can rotate with the housing, but basically there are three types of installation. In addition, the shape of the casing may be a shape like a tablet capsule other than the shape shown in the embodiment, and accordingly, the shape of the screen inside the casing may be various such as a shape like a tablet capsule. Deformation is possible. The method of supporting is not limited to the combination of the pillar and the bearing, and there may be a method of not using the bearing or a method of hanging from the ceiling. Further, this embodiment can be modified so that the shape of the housing, the height of the left and right supports, or the shaking of the housing can be controlled by the control signal. Furthermore, it is also possible to install the video simulation device on a shaking device as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-204584, and control the shaking device by a control signal.

[0025]

As described above, according to the present invention, an image from all directions surrounded by a viewer can be viewed without a noticeable time delay, and the viewer can actually walk around. You can experience a high sense of realism that gives the illusion that you are actually in the place. Further, when an image is generated using CG, it is possible to walk around at a place where it cannot be actually photographed or at an interval where it enters a building in the design stage, so that the building can be evaluated with higher accuracy than before before construction starts. It becomes possible. If the present invention is used for a presentation to a client, a deeper understanding than before can be obtained, and the width can be felt by walking, so that a great impact can be given to the client. In addition, when entertainment is added, there is also an effect that it is possible to create a theme park attraction that gives a higher sense of presence than before. Conventionally, an attraction called a sensation simulator is something that a viewer can enjoy sitting on a chair, but with the present invention, the action of actually walking is included, so it is possible to experience a virtual reality different from before. Become.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of second and third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the configuration of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 a spectator 1 housing 2 rotary bearing 5 rotary bearing with drive 4 pillar 3 installation stand 6-8 panoramic screen 9-16 projector 17 screen support frame 18 support material 19 support arm mounting portion 20 mounting frame 22 bearing 23 housing support Leg 24 Case support frame 31 Spherical case 33 Installation stand 34 Strut 36 Bearing for installation stand 37 Outer rotation shaft 38 Outer support frame 39 Support frame bearing 40 Inner support frame 41 Inner rotation shaft 101 Image generation device 102 Image display control device 103 panoramic image display device 104 side image display device / right side 105 side image display device / left side 106 housing control device 107 housing control signal generation device 108 housing drive device 109 power generation device 110 power transmission device 112 image display timing signal 113 Video signal 114 Control signal

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of image displays are provided inside or around an enclosure having a size and shape that allows an observer to walk inside, so as to surround a space inside the enclosure including the entire body of the observer. A device is installed, the image generated by the image generation device according to the given image information is projected on the image display device through the image display control device, and the given control information and the image display sent from the image display control device are displayed. Using the control signal generated according to the timing signal or the control signal generated in synchronization with the generation of the video, the cabinet control device controls the movement of the cabinet corresponding to the video to be projected. A video simulation device having the above-mentioned configuration. 2. The video simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the casing is formed in a cylindrical surface shape. 3. The video simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing is formed in a spherical shape. 4. The video simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the enclosure control device controls each movement of the enclosure and an installation table on which the enclosure is mounted.