Viewpoint position detection apparatus and method, and stereoscopic image display system

Abstract

This invention has as its object to provide a viewpoint detection apparatus and method, which can assure high-speed processing, high precision, and high tracking performance with a simple arrangement while suppressing adverse influences on the human body, and a stereoscopic image display apparatus using the same. The viewpoint position detection apparatus of this invention has an image sensing unit ( ) and a viewpoint detection unit ( ). The image sensing unit has a visible image sensing section ( ) and infrared image sensing section ( ). A pupil position detection processing section ( ) detects the pupil position from an infrared image, and a template generation section ( ) generates templates for a visible image using the pupil position obtained from the infrared image. A pattern matching discrimination section ( ) executes pattern matching of a visible image. The infrared ray irradiation time upon capturing an infrared image can be minimized, and the load on processes can be reduced since pupil position information detected from the infrared image is used upon generating templates. An image display unit ( ) as a stereoscopic image display apparatus is connected to the viewpoint position detection apparatus, and viewpoint position information is supplied to the image display unit, thus constructing a stereoscopic image display system having a broad stereovision range for the observer.