Television – Stereoscopic – Stereoscopic display device
Reexamination Certificate
1997-11-25
2001-10-16
Peng, John (Department: 2614)
Television
Stereoscopic
Stereoscopic display device
C348S053000, C348S051000, C348S739000, C348S838000, C345S007000, C345S008000, C359S630000, C359S631000, C359S632000, C359S477000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06304287
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to (i) an image viewing device constructed such that the user places it on his head and observes an image by looking inside a frame unit through viewing windows, (ii) an operation unit used with said image viewing device, (iii) accessories used with said image viewing device, and (iv) a facility in which said device and accessories are used.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventionally, image viewing devices of the type described above are equipped with a closed frame unit, an image display unit inside said frame unit, viewing windows through which the user can observe the image display unit, and a mounting member (band, etc.) by which it may be mounted onto the user's head. This type of image viewing device is mounted on the user's head so that the viewing windows are aligned with the user's eyes, such that by looking inside the frame unit through the viewing windows, a video image, television broadcast image or game image may be observed. When this image viewing device is used, the user may concentrate on the image and obtain a feeling of realism as if he himself were inside the image.
However, on the other hand, when the user uses the image viewing device, the user can look only inside the frame unit, and so, for example, it is difficult to use an operation unit, such as a remote control unit, to operate this image viewing device. It is also difficult to drink beverages or eat snacks when viewing an image using this device.
Though it is naturally possible to use a remote control unit or eat and drink if the image viewing device is removed, the image can no longer be seen for the period of time that the device is removed, and the feeling of realism is lost. While it is possible for the frame unit to be formed of a light-permeable material so that the area outside the frame unit may be seen, in such a case, because outside light enters the frame unit, the exterior background overlaps onto the image, making it difficult to see, and the feeling of realism regarding the image is destroyed.
As described above, the problem has existed that it is difficult to allow the user to see the area outside the frame unit without destroying the feeling of realism regarding the image.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to allow the user to see the surrounding area while the image viewing device remains mounted on the user's head or face without destroying the feeling of realism, and to thereby enable the user to use an external operation unit or eat and drink while still viewing the image.
An object of the present invention is to allow the user to see the surrounding area while the image viewing device remains mounted on the user's head without destroying the feeling of realism, and to thereby enable the user to use an external operation unit or eat and drink while still viewing the image.
In order to attain said object, one aspect of the present invention has the construction described below. In other words, the image viewing device is equipped with a frame unit, an image display unit located inside said frame unit, viewing members located in the frame unit to enable the viewing of the image display unit, and a mounting member by which to mount the frame unit on the user's head or face, wherein at least a part of the frame unit has the property of allowing light of a specific wavelength to pass through.
By means of said construction, because the user can see surrounding light of the specific wavelength through at least a part of the frame unit even while the user still has the image viewing device mounted to his head or face and is viewing an image, if a light source for light of the specific wavelength is incorporated in the operation unit for said image viewing device, or if a light source for light of the specific wavelength is incorporated in accessories used together with the image viewing device (such as a coffee cup), the position of the operation unit or accessories can be confirmed even while the image is being viewed. The same effect may be obtained by incorporating in accessories used with the image viewing device a reflective surface that reflects light of the specific wavelength, and by projecting light of this wavelength from an illuminating device. Therefore, because it is unnecessary to remove the image viewing device to look for these items, the user need not be bothered to remove the image viewing device from his head or face, and can operate the operation unit as well as eat and drink without losing the feeling of realism regarding the image.
In the present invention, the term ‘accessories’ includes household items such as containers for food and drink, or equipment that can be used when the user has the image viewing device mounted to his head (for example, an on/off switch for an illumination lamp or a remote control unit for other electronic equipment (such as a videotape recorder, air conditioner, etc.)).
These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention.
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Minolta Co. , Ltd.
Natnael Paulos
Peng John
Sidley Austin Brown & Wood
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