JP2012212989A - Head-mounted camera and head-mounted display - Google Patents

Abstract

A head mounted camera with high energy saving effect is provided.
An imaging unit including an imaging device, an imaging direction detection unit that detects an imaging direction of the imaging unit, a power supply unit that supplies driving power to the imaging unit, A camera control unit that monitors the remaining power of the power supply unit and controls the operation of the imaging unit, and the camera control unit, when the driving power is supplied to the imaging unit, When the imaging direction detected by the imaging direction detection unit is out of a predetermined angle range, the supply of the driving power to the imaging unit is stopped.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a head mounted camera and a head mounted display equipped with the same.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a head mounted camera that is mounted on a head through a holding unit and can be imaged in a hands-free state. In addition, a head-mounted display equipped with such a head-mounted camera has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The head-mounted display is provided with a display unit on a support member that can be worn on the head like glasses, and the image is projected by projecting image light onto the eyes of an observer wearing this on the head. Can be done. And when this head mounted display is set as the structure provided with a camera, it becomes possible to visually recognize the imaged image via a display part. Of course, by providing the head mount with a communication function or by providing the camera with a communication function, it is also possible to transmit a captured image captured by the camera to a remote place.

JP 2010-226217 A

  However, many conventional head mounted cameras including the technique of Patent Document 1 are simply held on the head by a support member. Therefore, when such a head-mounted camera is activated and an attempt is made to take an image, the imaging operation can be performed even when the work is being interrupted even when the direction of the imaging target is not directed or the work situation is being imaged. It was done.

  In this case, the power and the storage capacity of the image data are often used wastefully, which is not desirable from the viewpoint of energy saving. Further, power is consumed even when the imaging timing is not actually required unless the camera is turned off. Since the camera is mounted on the head, if heat generation due to power consumption always occurs, the risk of so-called low-temperature burns must also be considered.

  In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a head-mounted camera and a head-mounted display that have a high energy-saving effect.

  The present invention according to claim 1 is a head-mounted camera, wherein an imaging unit having an imaging device, an imaging direction detection unit that detects an imaging direction of the imaging unit, and driving power is supplied to the imaging unit And a camera control unit that controls the remaining power of the power supply unit and controls the operation of the imaging unit. The camera control unit supplies the driving power to the imaging unit. When the imaging direction detected by the imaging direction detection unit is out of a predetermined angle range, the supply of the driving power to the imaging unit is stopped.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the head-mounted camera according to the first aspect, the camera control unit narrows the predetermined angle range as the remaining amount of power decreases. To do.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the head-mounted camera according to the first or second aspect, wherein the imaging direction is outside the predetermined angle range and the supply of the driving power to the imaging unit is stopped. When the imaging direction is moving toward the predetermined angle range and the imaging direction falls within a predetermined angle range outside the predetermined angle range, the imaging unit The driving power is supplied.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the head-mounted camera according to the first or second aspect, the camera control unit sets a frame rate of the imaging unit to a predetermined value, and the imaging direction detection A frame rate of the imaging unit is made lower than the predetermined value when controlling the imaging direction detected by the unit to be out of the predetermined angle range and reducing the driving power consumption. To do.

  The present invention according to claim 5 is the head-mounted camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a movement speed detection unit that detects a movement speed in the imaging direction, and the camera control unit includes: When the movement speed detected by the movement speed detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed, supply of the driving power to the imaging unit is stopped or the frame rate of the imaging unit is reduced. .

  The present invention according to claim 6 is the head-mounted camera according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the supply of the driving power to the imaging unit is stopped by the camera control unit, A storage unit is provided that stores imaging data of the imaging unit immediately before the supply of the driving power is stopped.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the head-mounted camera according to the sixth aspect, a captured image captured by the imaging unit of the head-mounted camera, and a content image corresponding to predetermined content. A display unit capable of displaying; and a display control unit that controls display of the display unit, wherein the display control unit displays a captured image based on the imaging data stored in the storage unit on the display unit. It was set as the head mounted display to display.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the head mounted display according to the seventh aspect, the display control unit performs image display indicating the predetermined angle range on the display unit.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the head mounted display according to the seventh or eighth aspect, an imaging direction range defining means for changing the predetermined angle range according to the content image displayed on the display unit. It is further provided with the feature.

  According to the present invention, when the imaging direction is out of a predetermined angle range, the supply of driving power to the imaging unit is stopped. In such a situation, power consumption can be suppressed as much as possible, and energy saving can be achieved. Although the camera is mounted on the head, the risk of low-temperature burns due to heat generated by power consumption can be reduced as much as possible.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the HMD which mounts the head mounted camera which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and this. It is explanatory drawing which shows the use condition of the same head mounted camera and the same HMD. It is a block diagram of the head mounted camera and the HMD. It is explanatory drawing which showed the range of the imaging direction which can be imaged regulated according to a battery remaining charge with an angle. It is explanatory drawing which showed the range of the imaging direction which can be imaged which changes according to the moving direction of a camera with an angle. It is explanatory drawing which shows the indicator by the display image which linked | related the battery remaining amount displayed on a display part, and the control range of an imaging direction. It is a flowchart which shows the camera drive main process of the head mounted camera which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the camera drive main process of the head mounted camera which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a head mounted camera according to the present embodiment and a head mounted display (hereinafter referred to as “HMD”) on which the head mounted camera is mounted.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the head-mounted camera is mounted on the HMD that allows a viewer to visually recognize a predetermined content image while being mounted on the head. As shown in FIG. 1, the HMD according to the present embodiment includes a camera body as a head-mounted camera having an imaging unit having an image sensor, an HMD body that displays a content image, and a controller.

  The camera body further includes an imaging direction detection unit that detects an imaging direction of the imaging unit. On the other hand, the HMD main body includes an optical unit and a display unit. In the controller, a power supply unit that supplies driving power to the imaging unit, a remaining power of the power supply unit, and an operation of the imaging unit are monitored. And a control unit for controlling.

  When the driving power is supplied to the imaging unit, the control unit detects the imaging unit when the imaging direction detected by the imaging direction detection unit is out of a predetermined angle range. The supply of the driving power to is stopped.

  By the way, the controller is provided with a storage unit that stores imaging data obtained by the imaging unit immediately before the supply of driving power is stopped when the supply of driving power to the imaging unit is stopped.

  In addition, the control unit described above functions as a camera control unit that controls the operation of the imaging unit of the camera body, and also functions as a display control unit that controls the HMD body. In particular, the display unit included in the HMD main body is controlled, and a captured image based on the imaging data stored in the storage unit is displayed on the display unit. That is, the captured image based on the imaging data obtained by the imaging unit immediately before the drive power supply is stopped is displayed. Thereby, the observer can easily confirm how far the image has been captured.

  With the above-described configuration, the head mounted camera (HMD) according to the present embodiment can save energy of the camera, suppress heat generation due to power consumption from being unnecessarily generated, and reduce the temperature due to heat generation. The risk of burns can be reduced as much as possible. Therefore, it is possible to improve not only the head mounted camera but also the commercial value of the HMD equipped with the camera.

  By the way, the control unit sets the frame rate of the imaging unit to a predetermined value, and when the imaging direction detected by the imaging direction detection unit is within a predetermined angular range, Although the frame rate is a predetermined value, when the imaging direction detected by the imaging direction detection unit is out of the predetermined angle range, the frame rate of the imaging unit is set to be lower than the predetermined value. It can also be lowered. Even in this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  Further, the control unit may have a function as an imaging direction range defining unit that changes the predetermined angle range in accordance with the content image displayed on the display unit.

  With this configuration, in the HMD equipped with the above-described camera body, an angle range in the imaging direction suitable for the content image to be displayed is set, and power consumption suitable for the application of the HMD (energy saving) ).

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the head-mounted camera and the HMD according to the embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the usage state of the HMD according to the present embodiment equipped with a head-mounted camera, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the HMD, and as shown in FIG. The observer 1 can be used while being worn on the head.

  The HMD projects various kinds of content information as content images so as to be visible to the viewer 1 by projecting image light onto the left eye of the viewer 1, and the HMD body 2 via the transmission cable 4. A controller 3 that is connected and mainly performs processing of supplying an image signal to the HMD main body 2 and a camera main body 5 are provided. The various content information includes, for example, a moving image file, a still image file, a text file, and the like, and may be stored inside the HMD or stored outside the HMD. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the HMD main body 2 is attached to the left side of the support member 2 a having a substantially glasses shape, and image light is projected to the left eye of the observer 1.

  That is, the HMD main body 2 is provided with an image display unit 21 that is a liquid crystal display device and an optical system 23 (see FIG. 3) that is the optical unit. An image signal is supplied. The light of the display image displayed on the image display unit 21 based on the image signal is observed by an observer via an optical system 23 including various lenses and the like, and a half mirror 22 provided on the front end side of the HMD main body 2. 1 is projected as image light on the left eye.

  Thus, the external light passes through the half mirror 22 and enters the eye of the observer 1, and the image light corresponding to the content information is reflected by the half mirror 22 and enters the eye of the observer 1, and the light incident on the eye Is imaged on the retina, so that the viewer 1 can visually recognize a content image corresponding to the content information (hereinafter simply referred to as “content”).

  And the camera main body 5 is attached to the approximate center position of the support member 2a as shown in the figure. Here, the camera body 5 is provided with an imaging unit for capturing a moving image constituted by the CMOS sensor 51. However, the imaging unit may be configured to continuously capture still images at regular intervals. . Further, instead of the CMOS sensor 51, for example, a CCD can be used.

  As described above, the HMD according to the present embodiment includes the camera body 5 that can be imaged in a hands-free state, and can visually recognize the content and also the captured image captured by the camera body 5. . In addition, the HMD has a see-through configuration including a half mirror 22 that projects external light while reflecting image light according to content information to the eyes of the viewer 1.

  Therefore, in the HMD according to the present embodiment, if the camera body 5 is activated, it is possible to capture a moving image within a predetermined angle of view in the imaging direction of the camera body 5. In addition, even when content is being displayed, the viewer 1 must visually recognize the outside world (background) at least in a region other than the region displaying the content in the field of view of the viewer 1. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, as a usage mode of the HMD, the content displayed by the HMD main body 2 is used as a work manual, and the observer 1 looks at the work manual, for example, an object in front of the observer 1. The assembly work is to be performed. And while performing the operation | work which assembles the front object, the mode of the operation is imaged with the camera main body 5, and the imaging data are memorize | stored in a memory | storage part.

  The controller 3 is configured to be carried by being accommodated in a pocket or the like and held in the waist or the like, and a CPU 33 capable of supporting both the HMD main body 2 in a rectangular box-shaped casing 3a, A control circuit 30 is provided as a control unit including a storage unit including memories such as ROMs 34 and 35 and a RAM 36 (see FIG. 3).

  The control circuit 30 functions as a display control unit that controls the HMD main body 2 and a camera control unit that controls the camera main body 5. The controller 3 includes a power source that supplies power to the HMD main body 2 and the camera main body 5.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the HMD is configured by the controller 3 having the control circuit 30 and the power source and the HMD main body 2, and the head 3 is composed of the controller 3 having the control circuit 30 and the power source and the camera main body 2. An on-board camera will be constructed. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a configuration in which a camera control unit independent of the display control unit of the HMD is provided in or near the camera body 2 may be employed.

  A power switch 31 and a power lamp 32 are provided on one surface of the casing 3 a of the controller 3. The controller 3 and the HMD main body 2 are connected by a transmission cable 4 composed of a plurality of signal lines. Reference numeral 4 a is a plug provided at the tip of the transmission cable 4 and can be connected to a jack provided on the upper end surface of the casing 3 a of the controller 3.

  Here, an electrical configuration of the HMD including the HMD main body 2, the camera main body 5, and the controller 3 will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated, the HMD main body 2 includes an image display unit 21 as a display unit and an optical system 23 as an optical unit.

  The camera body 5 also includes a CMOS sensor 51 as an imaging unit, an angle sensor 52 as an imaging direction detection unit, and a speed sensor 53 as a movement speed detection unit that detects movement side gain in the imaging direction. .

  The angle sensor 52 can detect the angle of the imaging direction of the camera body 5, and the viewer 1 wearing the HMD can turn the neck upward or When it is directed downward, or it is moved to the left or right, it can be detected how many angles the CMOS sensor 51 of the camera body 5 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction or the vertical direction.

  The speed sensor 53 can detect the moving speed in the imaging direction, that is, the moving speed of the camera body 5. For example, when the observer 1 wearing the HMD shakes his head to loosen the neck or shoulders or stands for a break, the camera body 5 moves at a predetermined speed or higher. It can be detected.

  The controller 3 includes a CPU 33 as an arithmetic processing unit, a control circuit 30 including a program ROM 34, a flash ROM 35, a RAM 36, an image processing unit 37, a video RAM 39, and the like connected to the CPU 33 via a bus, and a power source. A battery 6 and interfaces (I / F) 40 and 41 are provided.

  The program ROM 34 of the control circuit 30 stores various processing programs such as a camera drive processing program for controlling the camera body 5 and a program for realizing a function as an HMD.

  The CPU 33 of the control circuit 30 executes these programs to operate various circuits constituting the HMD and execute various functions provided in the HMD, thereby controlling the overall operation of the HMD. Function as. Further, it functions as a camera control unit that performs camera drive control including on / off of the camera body 5, that is, supply stop of drive power to the CMOS sensor 51. Further, the CPU 33 also functions as a power management unit that monitors the capacity of the battery 6.

  The flash ROM 35 functions as a storage unit that stores imaging data from the imaging unit. When the supply of drive power to the CMOS sensor 51 is stopped by the control circuit 30, the flash ROM 35 immediately before the supply of drive power is stopped. Image data taken by the CMOS sensor 51 is stored. In addition to the imaging data, the flash ROM 35 stores various data including image data including content information, an imaging direction defining table used for camera drive processing, and the like. The RAM 36 is used as a work area.

  The imaging direction defining table stored in the flash ROM 35, as will be described in detail later, includes a remaining power level and an angle indicating the range of the imaging direction of the camera body 5 that can be imaged regulated according to the remaining battery level. Is associated. The range of the imaging direction of the camera body 5 is synonymous with the range of the imaging direction of the CMOS sensor 51.

  The image processing unit 37 functions exclusively for image processing for displaying content in cooperation with the video RAM 39.

  As the interfaces (I / F) 40 and 41, a connection function between the HMD connection I / F 40 that performs a connection function with the HMD main body 2, the camera main body 5 and the battery 6, and the power switch 31 and the power lamp 32. And peripheral I / F 41 that fulfills The image data corresponding to the content displayed by the image processing unit 37 is stored in advance in the flash ROM 35 as described above, but may be sequentially input from the outside.

  Here, the function of the camera control unit carried by the control circuit 30 will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the range of the imaging direction that can be captured that is regulated according to the remaining battery level, and FIG. 5 shows the range of the imaging direction that can be captured that changes according to the moving direction of the camera. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing an indicator by a display image in which the remaining battery level displayed on the image display unit 21 is associated with the restriction range of the imaging direction, and FIG. 7 is a diagram of the head mounted camera according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a camera drive main process.

  In the present embodiment, the remaining amount of the battery 6 is divided into three stages from the most first remaining amount to the least remaining third amount that can be used, and as shown in FIG. The possible camera imaging range is divided into three stages of a first imaging range X, a second imaging range Y, and a third imaging range Z according to the remaining amount of the battery 6.

  In the present embodiment, the HMD is used for assembling an object in front of the observer 1 while viewing the displayed operation manual. For this reason, it is assumed that the camera body will not turn at least to the left and right during the operation. Here, the imaging range is set to a predetermined angle in the vertical direction from the reference, based on the case where the optical axis of the camera body 5 is on the horizontal line. Within the scope.

  Specifically, as shown in the drawing, a range defined by an angle that is opened by a first predetermined angle in the vertical direction from the reference is defined as a first imaging range X, and further defined by an angle narrowed by a predetermined angle inside. The range is defined as a second imaging range Y, and a range defined by an angle narrowed by a predetermined angle inside is defined as a third imaging range Z.

  If the battery capacity is greater than or equal to the first remaining amount, the first imaging range X is set. If the battery capacity is less than the second imaging range and greater than or equal to the third remaining amount, the second imaging range Y is set. If the remaining battery level is less than or equal to the third remaining level, the third imaging range Z is associated and set in the imaging direction defining table.

  Accordingly, when the observer 1 is working and the battery capacity is sufficient, the camera image pickup range is the first image pickup range X (FIG. 4). Imaging is continued as long as the optical axis of the main body 5 is within the first imaging range X.

  However, when the remaining amount of the battery is reduced, for example, when the third remaining amount is reached and the camera image pickup range becomes the third image pickup range Z (FIG. 4), the image pickup range becomes extremely narrow. The camera body 5 is turned off when the optical axis of the camera body 5 protrudes from the third imaging range Z by turning the neck up and down while working while facing substantially front.

  As described above, the imageable range is narrowed according to the battery capacity. Therefore, as the battery capacity becomes smaller, there is a tendency that wasteful imaging is not performed. It can suppress as much as possible that 6 will be in a charge required state. In addition, the limited electric power of the battery 6 can be used without waste.

  Further, the control circuit 30 functioning as a camera control unit has an imaging direction of the camera body 5 outside the predetermined angle range (an angle defined by any one of the first imaging range X to the third imaging range Z described above). The driving power supply to the CMOS sensor 51 of the camera body 5 is stopped, and the imaging direction is moving toward the predetermined angular range, When the imaging direction falls within a predetermined angle range outside the predetermined angle range, drive power is supplied to the imaging unit.

  That is, in FIG. 5, the first predetermined range corresponds to a predetermined angle range defined by any one of the first imaging range X to the third imaging range Z described above, and the second predetermined range is predetermined. This corresponds to a predetermined angle range outside the angle range.

  Therefore, the supply of driving power to the CMOS sensor 51 of the camera body 5 is stopped, and the imaging direction detected by the angle sensor 52 is the first predetermined range (the first imaging range X to the third imaging range). When the imaging range Z) deviates beyond a certain angle range, the imaging direction detected by the angle sensor 52 adds the certain angle range to the first certain range. The drive power is supplied to the CMOS sensor 51 on condition that it falls within the range.

  Thus, when the imaging direction of the camera body 5 is outside the first predetermined range and the supply of driving power to the CMOS sensor 51 is stopped, the orientation of the camera body 5, that is, imaging. When the direction is moving toward the first predetermined range, the driving power is supplied to the CMOS sensor 51 when the imaging direction falls within the second predetermined range outside the first predetermined range. For this reason, when the camera body 5 enters the predetermined angle range and faces the direction to be imaged, the driving power is already supplied and the imaging operation is started, and there is a possibility that the timing to image is missed. Absent.

  By the way, the image processing unit 37 generates an indicator image 7 indicating the relationship between the battery capacity and the imaging range so that the observer 1 can recognize the relationship between the battery capacity and the imaging range. Then, image light for displaying the indicator image 7 is projected onto the eyes of the observer 1 through the image display unit 21 and the optical system 23 and displayed as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 20 denotes an image display area, and an indicator image 7 including a scale portion 71 having a rectangular frame shape and a display portion 72 showing an imaging range in a band shape is displayed on the upper left of the image display region 20. . Here, the left end portion of the rectangular frame-shaped scale portion 71 indicates a battery capacity minimum, and the right end portion of the rectangular frame-shaped scale portion 71 indicates a battery capacity maximum. Further, the left ３ of the rectangular frame-shaped scale portion 71 corresponds to the third imaging range Z, the middle ３ corresponds to the second imaging range Y, and the right ３ corresponds to the third imaging range. It corresponds to Z.

  Therefore, in FIG. 6, since the end of the display unit 72 is displayed at a position indicating 2/3 of the scale unit 71, the battery capacity remains about 2/3, and the imageable range is the second range. It can be seen that the imaging range Y is defined.

  Thus, in this embodiment, since it is possible to perform image display indicating the first predetermined range (predetermined angle range) on the image display unit 21, the observer 1 has the battery capacity and The range that can be captured by the camera body 5 corresponding thereto can be easily recognized visually.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the angle sensor 52 serving as the imaging direction detection unit, the speed sensor 53 serving as the movement speed detection unit is provided. Alternatively, the supply of driving power to the CMOS sensor 51 is stopped even if the user stands up.

  That is, the imaging direction of the camera body 5 is within the predetermined angle range described above (the range of any one of the first imaging range X to the third imaging range Z if the range corresponds to the remaining battery level). Even if, for example, the user moves his / her head in the left-right direction or stands up, a moving speed exceeding a predetermined level is detected. In this case, the imaging direction is determined to be out of the work target, and the CMOS sensor 51 is driven. The power supply is stopped.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the power supply is turned on and off finely depending on whether or not the imaging direction of the camera body 5 is directed to the work target to be imaged. In addition, the storage capacity of the storage unit such as the flash ROM 35 is not wasted. Furthermore, there is no possibility that the head of the observer 1 is burned at a low temperature due to heat generation.

  Here, the camera drive main process of the camera body 5 will be described with reference to FIG. When the HMD is turned on and content display is started, the CPU 33 of the control circuit 30 functioning as a camera control unit reads the camera drive processing program from the program ROM 34 and starts the camera drive main process. Then, battery capacity monitoring is started (step 11).

  Next, the CPU 33 determines whether or not the remaining battery charge Q is greater than or equal to the first remaining battery charge A that is the largest in three stages (step S12).

  If the CPU 33 determines that the amount is equal to or greater than the first remaining amount A (step S12: YES), the CPU 33 moves the process to step S13 and sets the camera imaging range to X, which is the widest of the three stages (see FIG. 4). Set. On the other hand, if it is determined that the amount is less than the first remaining amount A (step S12: NO), the CPU 33 determines whether or not the remaining battery amount Q is equal to or more than the second remaining amount B in the middle in three stages. (Step S14).

  If the CPU 33 determines that the amount is equal to or greater than the second remaining amount B (step S14: YES), the process proceeds to step S15, and the camera imaging range is Y in the middle of the three stages (see FIG. 4). ). On the other hand, when it is determined that the remaining amount B is less than the second remaining amount B (step S14: NO), the CPU 33 determines whether or not the remaining battery amount Q is equal to or more than the third remaining amount C that is the smallest in three stages. (Step S16).

  And when it determines with it being more than 3rd residual amount C (step S16: YES), a process is moved to step S17 and is set to Z (refer FIG. 4) which is the narrowest range among three steps. On the other hand, when it is determined that the amount is less than the third remaining amount C (step S16: NO), the CPU 33 sends an instruction signal for causing the image display unit 21 to display “charge required” to the image processing unit 37 for observation. The user 1 is informed that the battery 6 is in a required charging state (step S26), and then the camera body 5 is turned off (step S27), and the main camera driving process is terminated.

  After setting the camera imaging range in steps S13, S15, and S17, the CPU 33 starts imaging with the camera body 5 (step S18). Then, the imaging direction is detected using the angle sensor 52 (step S19).

  Next, the CPU 33 determines whether or not the detected imaging direction is within the first predetermined range (see FIG. 5) (step S20).

  When it is determined that the detected imaging direction is within the first predetermined range (step S20: YES), the CPU moves the process to step S21 and determines whether or not the moving speed of the camera body 5 is equal to or lower than the predetermined speed. To do. When it is determined that the imaging direction is not within the first predetermined range (step S20: NO), and when it is determined that the moving speed of the camera body 5 is not equal to or lower than the predetermined speed (step S21: NO), the CPU 33 The process moves to step S22. On the other hand, when it determines with the moving speed of the camera main body 5 being below predetermined speed in step S21 (step S21: YES), CPU33 moves a process to step S12.

  In step S <b> 22, the CPU 33 stores the current imaging data in the flash ROM 35. Thereby, the imaging data immediately before the supply of driving power is stopped is stored.

  Next, an image based on the stored imaging data is displayed by the image display unit 21 (step S23). By executing such control, the observer 1 can easily confirm how far the image has been captured even when the camera body 5 is turned off.

  Thereafter, the CPU 33 stops the supply of driving power to the CMOS sensor 51. That is, the camera body 5 is turned off (step S24).

  Then, it is detected whether or not the imaging direction of the camera body 5 in a state where the supply of drive power is stopped has entered the second predetermined range (step S25), and if it is determined that it has entered (step S25: YES) Is returned to step S12.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that the imaging direction of the camera body 5 is not within the second predetermined range (step S25: NO), the camera body 5 is turned off (step S27) and the camera drive main process is performed. finish.

[Other Embodiments]
By the way, in the control described above, the supply of drive power to the CMOS sensor 51 is stopped when the imaging direction of the camera body 5 is out of a predetermined angle range. However, the control circuit 30 sets the frame rate of the CMOS sensor 51 to a predetermined value including the case where the imaging direction detected by the angle sensor 52 is within a predetermined angle range, and is detected by the angle sensor 52. When the imaging direction is out of the predetermined angle range, control for lowering the frame rate of the CMOS sensor 51 below the predetermined value may be executed.

  Also in this case, the frame rate of the CMOS sensor 51 may be lowered when the moving speed in the imaging direction detected by the speed sensor 53, that is, the moving speed of the camera body 5 is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed.

  FIG. 8 shows camera drive main processing according to another embodiment. In FIG. 8, the processing from step S31 to step S39 is exactly the same as the processing from step S11 to step S19 in FIG. Moreover, the process of step S44 of FIG. 8 is the same as the process of step S26 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S40 of FIG. 8 that the detected imaging direction is within the first predetermined range (step S40: YES), the CPU moves the process to step S41, and the moving speed of the camera body 5 is equal to or lower than the predetermined speed. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined in step S41 that the moving speed of the camera body 5 is equal to or lower than the predetermined speed (step S41: YES), the CPU 33 sets the frame rate of the CMOS sensor 51 to a predetermined value (step S42).

  If it is determined in step S40 that the imaging direction is not within the first predetermined range (step S40: NO), or if it is determined in step S41 that the moving speed of the camera body 5 is not less than the predetermined speed (step S41: NO), CPU33 moves a process to step S43. Then, the frame rate of the CMOS sensor 51 is set to a predetermined value or less, and then the camera body 5 is turned off (step S45), and this camera drive main process is terminated.

[Another embodiment]
Incidentally, in the embodiment described above, the angle range in the imaging direction of the CMOS sensor 51 is based on the horizontal direction. This is preliminarily set with reference to the horizontal direction, and the first predetermined range based on the horizontal direction is automatically set.

  However, as another embodiment, an imaging direction range defining unit that changes the first predetermined range according to the content displayed on the image display unit 21 can be provided.

  In this case, for example, an operation unit that can set and input a desired angle or the like from the outside may be provided separately, or the control circuit 30 may have a function as an imaging direction range defining unit.

  With such a configuration, for example, if the content is used when working while looking at the desktop direction, the first predetermined range is set to a predetermined angle range in front of the observer 1 and slightly below. . For example, when the display contents used in a video conference are used facing each other, the substantially front (horizontal) direction is set within a predetermined angle range.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the angle range in the imaging direction suitable for each display content is set, it is possible to suppress power consumption (energy saving) suitable for the application of the HMD.

  From the above-described embodiments, the following head mounted camera and HMD are realized.

  (1) A CMOS sensor 51 (imaging unit) having an imaging element, an angle sensor 52 (imaging direction detection unit) that detects an imaging direction of the CMOS sensor 51, and a battery 6 (power source unit) that supplies driving power to the CMOS sensor 51 ) And a control circuit 30 (camera control unit) for monitoring the remaining amount of power of the battery 6 and controlling the operation of the CMOS sensor 51. The control circuit 30 supplies the driving power to the CMOS sensor 51. When the imaging direction detected by the angle sensor 52 is out of the first predetermined range (predetermined angle range), the supply of the driving power to the CMOS sensor 51 is stopped. Head mounted camera.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress power consumption as much as possible when the CMOS sensor 51 is not directed to the imaging target or when it is not necessary to drive the CMOS sensor 51. Energy saving can be achieved. Further, as long as it is a head-mounted camera, the CMOS sensor 51 is mounted on the head. However, since heat generation due to power consumption is also reduced, the risk of low-temperature burns can be reduced as much as possible.

  (2) In the above (1), the control circuit 30 (camera control unit) narrows the first predetermined range (predetermined angle range) as the power remaining amount decreases. On-board camera.

  According to such a configuration, as the battery capacity is reduced, there is a tendency not to perform useless imaging, so it is possible to effectively use the battery 6 with a small remaining amount and to bring the battery 6 into a chargeable state as much as possible. Can be suppressed. In addition, the limited electric power of the battery 6 can be used without waste.

  (3) In the above (1) or (2), the control circuit 30 (camera control unit) stops supplying the driving power to the CMOS sensor 51 when the imaging direction is outside the predetermined angle range. The imaging direction is moving toward the predetermined angular range, and the imaging direction is within the second predetermined range (a predetermined angular range outside the predetermined angular range). In this case, the head-mounted camera is configured to supply the driving power to the CMOS sensor 51.

  According to such a configuration, when the camera body 5 enters the predetermined angle range and faces the direction to be imaged, the driving power is already supplied and the imaging operation is started, and the timing for imaging is missed. There is no fear.

  (4) In the above (1) or (2), the control circuit 30 (camera control unit) sets the frame rate of the CMOS sensor 51 (imaging unit) to a predetermined value, and the angle sensor 52 ( When the imaging direction detected by the imaging direction detection unit) is controlled to be out of the first predetermined range (predetermined angle range) and the consumption of the driving power is reduced, the frame rate of the CMOS sensor 51 is set. A head-mounted camera configured to be lower than the predetermined value.

  According to such a configuration, when the CMOS sensor 51 is not directed to the imaging target or when it is not necessary to drive the CMOS sensor 51, it is possible to suppress power consumption and save energy. Can be achieved. Further, as long as it is a head-mounted camera, the CMOS sensor 51 is mounted on the head. However, since heat generation due to power consumption is also reduced, the risk of low-temperature burns can be reduced as much as possible.

  (5) In any one of the above (1) to (4), a speed sensor 53 (moving speed detecting unit) that detects a moving speed in the imaging direction is provided, and the control circuit 30 (camera control unit) includes the speed sensor 53. If the moving speed detected by the step is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed, the head-mounted camera that stops the supply of the driving power to the CMOS sensor 51 or lowers the frame rate of the CMOS sensor 51 .

  According to this configuration, for example, in order to prevent the neck from colliding, the driving power to the CMOS sensor 51 can be reduced even if the neck is turned up and down, left and right, or left for a break. Since the supply is stopped, the energy saving effect can be further enhanced.

  (6) In any one of (1) to (5), when the supply of the drive power to the CMOS sensor 51 is stopped by the control circuit 30 (camera control unit), the supply of the drive power is stopped. A head-mounted camera provided with a flash ROM 35 (storage unit) for storing image data taken by the CMOS sensor 51 immediately before the start.

  According to such a configuration, the observer 1 can easily confirm how much the image has been captured at any time later even when the camera body 5 is turned off.

  (7) An image display unit 21 (display unit) that displays a captured image captured by the head-mounted camera of (6), the CMOS sensor 51 (imaging unit), and a content image corresponding to a predetermined content. ) And a control circuit 30 (display control unit) for controlling the display of the image display unit 21. The control circuit 30 includes a captured image based on the imaging data stored in the flash ROM 35 in the image display unit 21. HMD that displays.

  According to such a configuration, the captured image can be confirmed at any time via the image display unit 21. For example, after the camera body 5 is turned off, the camera body 5 is turned off in the image display unit 21. The immediately preceding captured image can be confirmed immediately.

  (8) In said (7), said control circuit 30 (display control part) is HMD which performs the image display which shows the said 1st predetermined range (predetermined angle range) on the said image display part 21.

  According to such a configuration, the observer 1 can easily visually recognize the battery capacity and the imageable range by the camera body 5 corresponding thereto.

  (9) The imaging direction in which the first predetermined range (predetermined angle range) is changed according to the content image displayed on the image display unit 21 (display unit) in (7) or (8) above. An HMD further comprising range defining means.

  According to such a configuration, an angle range in the imaging direction suitable for each display content is set, and it is possible to suppress power consumption (energy saving) suitable for HMD applications.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and various modifications and improvements can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the aspects described in the summary section of the invention. It is possible to implement this invention in the other form which gave.

  For example, the HMD according to the present invention is, for example, a see-through type HMD, but may not necessarily be a see-through type. In addition, a liquid crystal display device is used as a display device for displaying content. For example, by scanning and emitting light modulated according to an image signal related to an image, the retina of at least one eye of the user is emitted. It may be a retinal scanning HMD that projects an image and displays the image.

  Further, the head-mounted camera does not necessarily have to be mounted on the HMD. The camera body 5 including the CMOS sensor 51, the angle sensor 52, the speed sensor 53, and the like is simply mounted on the head via some support member. It may be possible to hold it.

1 observer 2 HMD main body 3 controller 5 camera main body 6 battery (power supply unit)
30 Control circuit (camera control unit, display control unit)
21 Image display unit 51 CMOS sensor 52 Angle sensor (imaging direction detection unit)
53 Speed sensor (movement speed detector)

Claims (9)

A head mounted camera,
An imaging unit having an imaging element;
An imaging direction detection unit for detecting an imaging direction of the imaging unit;
A power supply unit for supplying driving power to the imaging unit;
A power control unit for monitoring a remaining power level of the power source unit and a camera control unit for controlling the operation of the imaging unit;
The camera control unit
When the driving power is supplied to the imaging unit, if the imaging direction detected by the imaging direction detection unit is out of a predetermined angle range, the driving power consumption in the imaging unit is consumed. The head-mounted camera is controlled so as to decrease or to stop the supply of the driving power.   The head mounted camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera control unit narrows the predetermined angle range as the remaining amount of power decreases. The camera control unit
The imaging direction is outside the predetermined angle range, the supply of the driving power to the imaging unit is stopped, the imaging direction is moving toward the predetermined angle range, and the imaging direction 3. The head-mounted camera according to claim 1, wherein the driving power is supplied to the imaging unit when the angle falls within a predetermined angle range outside the predetermined angle range. . The camera control unit
When the frame rate of the imaging unit is set to a predetermined value, and the imaging direction detected by the imaging direction detection unit is out of the predetermined angular range, and control is performed so that consumption of the driving power is reduced. The head-mounted camera according to claim 1, wherein a frame rate of the imaging unit is lower than the predetermined value. Provided with a moving speed detector that detects the moving speed in the imaging direction,
The camera control unit
When the movement speed detected by the movement speed detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed, supply of the driving power to the imaging unit is stopped or the frame rate of the imaging unit is reduced. The head mounted camera of any one of Claims 1-4.   When the supply of the driving power to the imaging unit is stopped by the camera control unit, a storage unit is provided that stores imaging data from the imaging unit immediately before the supply of the driving power is stopped. The head-mounted camera according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A head-mounted camera according to claim 6;
A display unit capable of displaying a captured image captured by the imaging unit of the head-mounted camera and a content image corresponding to a predetermined content;
A display control unit for controlling the display of the display unit,
The display control unit
A head-mounted display that displays a captured image based on the imaging data stored in the storage unit on the display unit. The display control unit
The head mounted display according to claim 7, wherein an image showing the predetermined angle range is displayed on the display unit.   The head mounted display according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising an imaging direction range defining unit that changes the predetermined angle range according to the content image displayed on the display unit.

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