Patent Publication Number: US-2023161164-A1

Title: Information processing apparatus, information processing method, head mounted display housing, and head mounted display system

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a head mounted display housing, and a head mounted display system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A technique related to a head mounted display capable of holding eyeglasses for vision correction with a simple configuration has been developed. An example of such a technique includes a technique described in Patent Literature 1 below. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     Patent Literature 1: WO 2015/079610 A 
     SUMMARY 
     Technical Problem 
     However, in the related art, a design idea such as controlling a display image according to a pupillary distance of a user or the like is not created, and a virtual reality experience suitable for each user cannot be provided. 
     The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus, a head mounted display housing, and an information processing method capable of providing a virtual reality experience suitable for each user. 
     Solution to Problem 
     To solve the above-described problem and achieve the object, in the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus that is detachably held by a housing to be usable as a head mounted display, the information processing apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays an image; a detection unit that detects an indicator provided in the housing; and a control unit that controls the image displayed on the display unit based on information indicated by the indicator detected by the detection unit is provided. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  is a diagram for explaining an example of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a diagram for explaining an example of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 C  is a diagram for explaining an example of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 D  is a diagram for explaining an example of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a diagram for explaining an example of a head mounted display housing according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a diagram for explaining an example of the head mounted display housing according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a diagram for explaining an example of a configuration of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a diagram for explaining an example of an indicator of the head mounted display housing according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a diagram for explaining an example of the indicator of the head mounted display housing according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  4 C  is a diagram for explaining an example of the indicator of the head mounted display housing according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a diagram for explaining an example of adjustment of the information processing apparatus and the head mounted display housing according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  5 B  is a diagram for explaining an example of adjustment of the information processing apparatus and the head mounted display housing according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  5 C  is a diagram for explaining an example of adjustment of the information processing apparatus and the head mounted display housing according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in the present specification and drawings, redundant description of a component having substantially the same functional configuration is omitted by providing the same reference sign. 
     Further, the present disclosure will be described in the order of the following items.
         1. An embodiment   1.1. Hardware configuration   1.1-1. Information processing apparatus   1.1-2. Head mounted display housing   1.2. Functional configuration of information processing apparatus   1.3. Summary of method of use   1.4. Description of operation (flowchart)   2. Other embodiments       

     [1. An Embodiment] 
     First, as an embodiment, an example in which an information processing apparatus and a head mounted display housing are combined and used as a head mounted display will be described. 
     [1.1. Hardware Configuration] 
     First, a configuration of hardware in the present disclosure will be described. Hereinafter, a configuration example of hardware of each of the information processing apparatus and the head mounted display housing according to the present embodiment will be described. 
     [1.1-1. Information Processing Apparatus] 
       FIGS.  1 A,  1 B,  1 C, and  1 D  are diagrams illustrating examples of an external front face, an internal view, an external back face, and a hardware configuration diagram of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, respectively. An information processing apparatus  100  in the present embodiment includes a central processing unit (CPU)  102 , a graphics processing unit (GPU)  104 , a random access memory (RAM)  106 , a video RAM (VRAM)  108 , a storage  110 , a display  112 , a visible light camera  114 , an infrared camera  116 , a microphone  118 , a touch sensor  120 , a visible light projection device  122 , an infrared light projection device  124 , and the like, and they are mainly connected via a bus  126 . 
     In the present embodiment, the CPU  102  is an arithmetic device that performs various calculations. For example, the CPU  102  copies a program  3042  stored in the storage  110  to the RAM  106  and executes the program. The CPU  102  may be part of an integrated circuit constituting a system on a chip (SoC) provided on a control board. 
     The CPU  102  also controls an image displayed on the display  112 . For example, it issues a command for displaying an image recorded in the VRAM  108  on the display  112  to the GPU  104  to display the image on the display  112 . 
     The CPU  102  also controls various devices such as the GPU  104 , the RAM  106 , the VRAM  108 , the storage  110 , the display  112 , the visible light camera  114 , the infrared camera  116 , the microphone  118 , the touch sensor  120 , the visible light projection device  122 , and the infrared light projection device  124 , and processes inputs from the various devices. 
     In the present embodiment, the GPU  104  is an arithmetic device mainly intended to execute calculation for image processing, and executes calculation in response to a command from the CPU  102  as described above. As in the CPU  102 , the GPU  104  may also be part of an integrated circuit constituting a system on a chip (SoC) provided on the control board. 
     In the present embodiment, the RAM  106  is a main storage device used as a work area when the CPU  102  executes the program  3042 . As in the CPU  102  and the GPU  104 , the RAM  106  may also be part of an integrated circuit constituting the SoC provided on the control board. 
     In the present embodiment, the VRAM  108  is a main storage device mainly used as a work area when the above-described GPU  104  executes calculation for image processing. The VRAM  108  may be a unified memory architecture (UMA) that is a configuration shared with the RAM  106  described above. 
     In the present embodiment, the storage  110  includes, for example, an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disc drive (HDD) or a flash memory. 
     The display  112  according to the present embodiment visibly presents an image generated by the GPU  104  or the like to the user, and is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display, or the like. 
     The visible light camera  114  in the present embodiment includes at least a lens  206 , an image sensor (CMOS, CCD, etc.), and a color filter. The visible light camera  114  may be disposed on either the front face or the back face of the information processing apparatus  100 , or may be disposed on both the front face and the back face. Further, the visible light cameras  114  having a plurality of focal lengths may be additionally provided. 
     The infrared camera  116  in the present embodiment includes at least a lens  206 , an image sensor (CMOS, CCD, etc.), and an infrared filter. As in the visible light camera  114 , the infrared camera  116  may be disposed on either the front face or the back face of the information processing apparatus  100 , or may be disposed on both the front face and the back face. Furthermore, the infrared camera  116  having a plurality of focal lengths may be additionally provided, or may be provided side by side with the visible light camera  114 . 
     The microphone  118  in the present embodiment is a device that converts sound into an electrical signal. For example, in a case where the information processing apparatus  100  is used as a mobile phone, in order to enable the users to have a conversation with each other, the microphone  118  converts an utterance of the user into an electrical signal, and the converted electrical signal is transmitted to a conversation counterpart. 
     The touch sensor  120  in the present embodiment has a function of detecting contact by the user. The touch sensor  120  may be, for example, a capacitive or pressure-sensitive touch sensor  120 . The touch sensor  120  can detect a contact action such as touching, stroking, hitting, or pushing by the user, and can perform an operation corresponding to the contact action. The touch sensor  120  may be provided integrally with the display  112  of the information processing apparatus  100 . 
     Examples of the visible light projection device  122  in the present embodiment include a photographic flash such as a xenon tube flash or an LED flash. When an object is imaged by the visible light camera  114 , even in a case where the amount of light is insufficient due to a dark place, the visible light projection device  122  can be caused to emit light to obtain the amount of visible light, thereby enabling imaging. 
     Examples of the infrared light projection device  124  in the present embodiment include an infrared light for capturing an image with an infrared camera, an infrared dot projector, and the like. As in the visible light projection device  122 , the infrared light projection device  124  can also cause the infrared light projection device  124  to emit light to obtain the amount of infrared light even in a case where the amount of light is insufficient due to a dark place when the infrared camera  116  images an object, thereby enabling imaging. 
     The information processing apparatus  100  exemplified in the present description is merely an example, and various information processing apparatuses including a display and a camera, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a portable game machine, can be used. 
     [1.1-2. Head Mounted Display Housing] 
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  illustrate an example of a head mounted display housing  200  according to the present embodiment, and illustrate an external view and a conceptual view of an internal view, respectively. The head mounted display housing (hereinafter, simply referred to as a housing)  200  in the present embodiment includes a holding unit  202 , an indicator  204 , a lens  206 , an adjustment mechanism  208 , an auxiliary optical system  210 , a first movement mechanism  212 , a second movement mechanism  214 , and the like. 
     In the present embodiment, the holding unit  202  holds the information processing apparatus  100  of the user. Furthermore, in order to prevent light from leaking into the housing  200  from a gap generated between the housing  200  and the information processing apparatus  100  when the holding unit  202  holds the information processing apparatus  100 , the holding unit  202  may further hold a cover (not illustrated) so as to cover the held information processing apparatus  100 . 
     In the present embodiment, the indicator  204  indicates a positional relationship between both eyes of the user. More specifically, the indicator  204  may indicate a pupillary distance of the user. The indicator  204  is adjusted by the adjustment mechanism  208  described later. The indicator  204  is provided at a position at which the indicator is detectable by various sensors (the visible light camera  114 , the infrared camera  116 , the microphone  118 , the touch sensor  120 , and the like) of the information processing apparatus  100 . 
     The positional relationship between both eyes of the user indicated by the indicator  204  changes, for example, when the user adjusts the indicator  204 . For example, the indicator  204  changes at least one of a color, a shape, a pattern, a position, a rotation angle, a length, or a size that is at least part of the appearance based on adjustment by the user. At least part of the appearance of the indicator  204  can be detected by various sensors of the information processing apparatus  100 . 
     Note that the indicator  204  is not limited to the configuration indicating the positional relationship between both eyes of the user in appearance as described above. For example, the indicator  204  may be configured to come into contact with the touch sensor  120  of the information processing apparatus  100  attached to the housing  200 . In this case, the position on the touch sensor  120  which the indicator  204  contacts may change based on the adjustment of the indicator  204  by the user. 
     Furthermore, the indicator  204  may be a member that generates a sound according to the positional relationship between both eyes of the user. In this case, the indicator  204  may change at least one of the frequency, the volume, and the type of sound to be generated based on adjustment by the user. 
     In the present embodiment, the lens  206  is a lens that enables stereoscopic viewing of an image displayed on the display  112  of the information processing apparatus  100  when the information processing apparatus  100  is held, and includes two lenses of a right-eye lens  206 R and a left-eye lens  206 L. When the user wears the housing  200  on the head, the right-eye lens  206 R and the left-eye lens  206 L are disposed in the housing  200  such that the right-eye lens  206 R is disposed in front of the user&#39;s right eye and the left-eye lens  206 L is disposed in front of the user&#39;s left eye. 
     In the present embodiment, the adjustment mechanism  208  adjusts the distance between the right-eye lens  206 R and the left-eye lens  206 L and adjusts the indicator  204 . As described above, the indicator  204  may indicate information indicating the positional relationship between both eyes of the user. Specifically, the information indicating the positional relationship between the both eyes of the user may be information indicating the distance between the optical centers of the left and right lenses  206  adjusted by the user. 
     That is, the indicator  204  may change in length to indicate the distance between the left and right lenses  206  when adjusted by the adjustment mechanism  208 . In addition, the indicator  204  may change the rotation angle so as to indicate the distance between the left and right lenses  206 . In addition, the indicator  204  may emit sound at a frequency indicating the distance between the left and right lenses  206 . In addition, the indicator  204  may change the contact position on the touch sensor  120  so as to indicate the distance between the left and right lenses  206 . 
     In the present embodiment, the auxiliary optical system  210  is an auxiliary optical system provided for the purpose of focused imaging in a case where focused imaging cannot be performed because the distance between the camera and the indicator  204  is shorter than the shortest imaging distance of the camera when the indicator  204  is imaged by the visible light camera  114  or the infrared camera  116  of the information processing apparatus  100 . Here, the auxiliary optical system  210  may be a lens, a prism, or a mirror. When the auxiliary optical system  210  is a lens, the camera and the lens of the auxiliary optical system  210  described above may be integrated, and the shortest imaging distance may be shortened to enable focused imaging. Furthermore, in a case where the auxiliary optical system  210  is a prism or a mirror, it is possible to perform focused imaging by extending the optical path length from the camera to the indicator  204 . 
     In the present embodiment, the first movement mechanism  212  moves the position of the indicator  204 . The first movement mechanism  212  may move the indicator  204  by a user&#39;s operation to a position where an image can be captured from a camera included in the information processing apparatus  100  held in the housing  200 . That is, even when different types of information processing apparatuses  100  in which the cameras are disposed at different places are each mounted on the housing  200 , the indicator  204  can be moved in accordance with the position of the camera, so that various types of information processing apparatuses  100  may be each mountable on the housing  200 . 
     In the present embodiment, the second movement mechanism  214  moves the position of the auxiliary optical system  210 . The second movement mechanism  214  may move the auxiliary optical system  210  by the user&#39;s operation such that the indicator  204  can be imaged from the camera included in the information processing apparatus  100  held in the housing  200 . That is, even when different types of information processing apparatuses  100  in which the cameras are disposed at different places are each mounted on the housing  200 , the auxiliary optical system  210  can be moved in accordance with the positions of the cameras and the indicators  204 , so that various types of information processing apparatuses  100  may be each mounted on the housing  200  and used. 
     [1.2. Functional Configuration] 
     Next, a functional configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates an example of a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus  100  according to the present embodiment. The functions of the information processing apparatus  100  in the present embodiment include a control unit  302 , a storage unit  304 , a display unit  306 , a detection unit  308 , a light emitting unit  310 , and the like. 
     In the present embodiment, the control unit  302  is realized by the CPU  102  executing the program  3042  stored in the storage unit  304 . The program  3042  stored in the storage unit  304  is copied to the main storage device such as the RAM  106  as a work area, and then executed by the CPU  102 . 
     The control unit  302  also controls an image displayed on the display unit  306 . For example, it issues a command for displaying an image recorded in the VRAM  108  on the display unit  306  to the GPU  104  to display the image on the display unit  306 . 
     The control unit  302  also commands the detection unit  308  to perform detection. For example, the control unit  302  instructs the detection unit  308  to detect the indicator  204  at given timing during the execution of the program  3042  to store the detection result in the main storage device. 
     The control unit  302  also controls the reading of the information data indicated by the indicator  204  detected by the detection unit  308  and the analysis of the reading result, and controls the image displayed on the display unit  306  based on the analysis. For example, the control unit  302  detects the indicator  204  by the detection unit  308 , analyzes the detection result to extract information indicated by the indicator  204 , and adjusts the image to be displayed on the display unit  306  based on the extracted information. 
     The control unit  302  also determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied, and in a case where the predetermined condition is satisfied, commands the detection unit  308  to perform detection while controlling light emission of the light emitting unit  310 . For example, in a case where the detection unit  308  includes an imaging unit  3080  and the imaging unit  3080  images the indicator  204 , it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, and the light emission of the light emitting unit  310  is controlled. 
     In the present embodiment, the storage unit  304  includes a storage  110  which is an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disc drive (HDD) or a flash memory. The storage unit stores the program  3042  that controls the information processing apparatus  100  and a correspondence table  3040  that associates the information indicated by the indicator  204  with the control of the image displayed on the display unit  306 . Specifically, it stores the correspondence table  3040  that associates the pupillary distance indicated by indicator  204  with the distance between the left-eye image and the right-eye image displayed on the display unit  306 . 
     When there is a program execution start instruction from the user as described above, the program  3042  stored in the storage unit is copied to a work area such as the RAM  106  and then executed by the CPU  102  or the like. The correspondence table  3040  stored in the storage unit is used to control the image to be displayed on the display unit  306  together with the state of the indicator  204  detected by the detection unit  308 . 
     The display unit  306  in the present embodiment visibly presents an image or the like generated by the control unit  302  to the user, and is realized by the display  112  of the information processing apparatus  100 . 
     The display unit  306  may display the moving image information and the like stored in the storage unit under the control of the control unit  302 . That is, the control unit  302  may read the moving image files stored in the storage unit as a file stream, sequentially transfer the files to the VRAM  108 , issue a command for displaying a moving image of part of the original moving image file in the time axis direction on the display unit  306 , where the moving image is a moving image transferred onto the VRAM  108 , and display the part of the moving image on the display unit  306 . 
     Furthermore, the display unit  306  may receive moving image information generated by an external server (not illustrated) different from any of the information terminal device and the housing  200  using a communication unit (not illustrated) provided in the information terminal device, and display the moving image information under the control of the control unit  302 . 
     The detection unit  308  according to the present embodiment detects the indicator  204  of the housing  200 . The detection unit  308  may be a perceptual sensor for such as a sound, a tactile sense, or a visual sense. An example of the sound sensor includes the microphone  118 , an example of the tactile sensor includes the touch sensor  120 , and examples of the visual sensor include the visible light camera  114  and the infrared camera  116 . 
     The imaging unit  3080  in the present embodiment is a camera such as the visible light camera  114  or the infrared camera  116  provided in the detection unit  308  described above. The imaging unit  3080  includes at least a lens, an image sensor (CMOS, CCD, etc.), and a filter (color filter, infrared filter, etc.). The imaging unit  3080  may be disposed on both the front face and the back face of the information processing apparatus  100 , or the visible light camera  114  and the infrared camera may be provided. 
     The light emitting unit  310  in the present embodiment is realized by the visible light projection device  122  and the infrared light projection device  124  of the information processing apparatus  100  as described above. When an object is imaged by the imaging unit  3080 , even in a case where the amount of light is insufficient in a dark place, imaging may be enabled by causing the light projection device, which is the light emitting unit  310 , to emit light to obtain the sufficient amount of light. 
     Furthermore, the light emitting unit  310  may be the display unit  306  instead of the flash or the like described above. That is, in a case where the display unit  306  includes the display  112  that emits light such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display, the amount of light of the display  112  can be controlled by controlling the content of the image displayed on the display unit  306 , or the like. Therefore, when an object is imaged by the imaging unit  3080 , even in a case where the amount of light is insufficient in a dark place, imaging can be performed by obtaining the amount of light from the display  112 . 
     [1.3. Overview of Usage] 
     In the present embodiment, an outline of a method for using the information processing apparatus  100  as a head mounted display in combination with the housing  200  will be described below. 
     The user first activates the program  3042  of the information processing apparatus  100  possessed by the user. The program  3042  is a program  3042  for using the information processing apparatus  100  as a head mounted display. After the program  3042  is activated, a right-eye image and a left-eye image, which are images for binocular stereoscopic vision, are displayed as illustrated in  FIG.  5   . The images are combined with the housing  200  as described later, so that the user can experience a stereoscopic video without failure. 
     Next, the user fits the information processing apparatus  100  with the program  3042  running into the housing  200  so as to be held by the holding unit  202  of the housing  200 . At this time, the display unit  306106  of the information processing apparatus  100  is fitted so as to face the inside of the housing  200 . After the information processing apparatus  100  is fitted into the housing  200 , the user wears the housing  200  in which the information processing apparatus  100  is fitted on the user&#39;s head using the head band included in the housing  200 . 
     In the housing  200 , two lenses  206  are disposed at positions facing the display unit  306  of the information processing apparatus  100  in a state where the information processing apparatus  100  is held by the holding unit  202 . The two lenses  206  each are a right-eye lens  206 R and a left-eye lens  206 L. 
     When the user wears the housing  200  on the head, the right-eye image of the display unit  306106  of the information processing apparatus  100  can be viewed by the user&#39;s right eye through the right-eye lens  206 R disposed in the housing  200 . The same applies to the left-eye image. 
     In a case where the pupillary distance of the user and the positions of the right-eye lens  206 R and the left-eye lens  206 L described above do not match, a suitable virtual reality experience cannot be obtained. In such a case, in order to obtain a suitable virtual reality experience, the user operates the adjustment mechanism partially exposed to the outside of the housing  200 , adjusts the distance between the right-eye lens  206 R and the left-eye lens  206 L of the housing  200 , and adapts the distance between the optical centers of the lenses  206  to the pupillary distance of the user. 
     The adjustment mechanism further adjusts at least one of a color, a shape, a pattern, a position, a rotation angle, a length, or a size of the indicator  204  disposed inside. 
     In the information processing apparatus  100  held in the housing  200 , the indicator  204  adjusted by the adjustment mechanism  208  is detected by the detection unit  308 . For example, this is performed by a camera provided in the imaging unit  3080  that is part of the detection unit  308  capturing an image of the indicator  204 . 
       FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  illustrate a state in which the user adjusts the adjustment mechanism to move the indicator  204  and change the detection point on the indicator  204  detected by the camera of the imaging unit  3080 . Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , when the user adjusts the adjustment mechanism and the distance between the lenses  206  decreases, the indicator  204  moves to the left.  FIG.  4 B  illustrates how the position, on the indicator  204 , detected by the imaging unit  3080  changes before and after the movement. A captured image region  30802  by the camera of the imaging unit  3080  and a detection region  30804  in the captured image region are fixed to the housing  200 . Therefore, as the indicator  204  moves to the left, the detection region  30804  detects the fourth pattern portion from the right on the indicator  204  (A) before the movement, and then detects the third pattern portion from the right on the indicator  204  (B) after the movement. As the indicator  204  moves in conjunction with the movement of the lens  206  in this manner, the detection point on the indicator  204  detected by the camera of the imaging unit  3080  changes. 
     Although the case where the region of the indicator  204  is divided by different patterns is described above, the mode of the indicator  204  is not limited thereto. For example, the region of the indicator  204  may be divided by color instead of pattern. Furthermore, the color of the indicator  204  is not divided by a finite number of colors, but may be expressed by gradation of colors. In addition, the indicator  204  may not color-divided by color, but may be changed to white, black, and stepwise changing gray between white and black, or may be represented by gradation from white to black. 
     In addition, the indicator  204  may be detected based on the change in shape instead of the change in color or the change in shade of black and white depending on the location. For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 C , one side of the indicator  204  may be a large portion and the other side may be a small portion. In this case, the indicator  204  moves in conjunction with the lens  206  due to the adjustment by the adjustment mechanism, so that the detection location of the indicator  204  captured by the camera changes. Specifically, as in the case of  FIG.  4 B , when the position of the indicator  204  changes from the state of the upper part to the state of the lower part of  FIG.  4 C , the width of the indicator  204  detected changes from a wide detection result to a narrow detection result depending on the detection location. 
     Note that the shape of the indicator  204  may not continuously change from a large width to a small width, but may discontinuously change in a stepwise manner. 
     Further, a combination of a shape and a color may be used. In this case, since the detection results can be complemented with each other, improvement in detection accuracy is expected. 
     Next, the information of the indicator  204  detected by the detection unit  308  is collated with the correspondence table  3040  stored in the storage unit, and the information of the positional relationship between both eyes of the user indicated by the detection result is acquired and stored in the storage device. Specifically, the indicator  204  is imaged by the camera included in the imaging unit  3080  that is part of the detection unit  308 , the captured image is analyzed by the processing unit, the information obtained as a result of the analysis is collated with the correspondence table  3040  described in the storage unit, the information of the pupillary distance of the user is acquired as a result of the collation, and the information of the pupillary distance of the user is stored in the storage device. 
     Note that, in a case where a sufficient amount of light cannot be obtained due to the darkness of the inside of the housing  200  at the time of the imaging described above, and it is difficult to image the indicator  204 , the information processing apparatus  100  may set the initial value of the pupillary distance assuming that the information of the pupillary distance of the user cannot be obtained, or may cause the light emitting unit  310  to emit light, illuminate the indicator  204 , perform imaging again, and detect the pupillary distance of the user indicated by the indicator  204 . 
     Here, when the imaging unit  3080  is the visible light camera  114 , the light emission of the light emitting unit  310  is preferably performed by the visible light projection device  122 . The control unit  302  controls light emission of the visible light projection device  122 , which is the light emitting unit  310 , to illuminate the indicator  204 , and performs control to image the indicator  204  illuminated with the light emission by the visible light camera  114 , which is the imaging unit  3080 . 
     Furthermore, the light emission of the light emitting unit  310  may be performed by adjusting the display of the display unit  306  in a case where the imaging unit  3080  is the visible light camera  114  and the visible light projection device  122  is not present, o there is a problem that the light emission of the visible light projection device  122  is dazzled for the user. That is, the amount of light may be adjusted by enhancing the luminance of the display  112  of the display unit  306  or controlling the display content to illuminate the indicator  204 . 
     Furthermore, in a case where the imaging unit  3080  is the infrared camera  116 , the light emission of the light emitting unit  310  may be the infrared light projection device  124  such as an infrared light or an infrared dot projector. In this case, since the user cannot see infrared rays, it is possible to secure the amount of light for illuminating the indicator  204  without causing a problem that light emission is felt dazzled by the infrared light projection device  124 . 
     As described above, the detection with the combination of the indicator  204  changing in appearance by the adjustment mechanism  208  and the camera is described, but the combination of the indicator  204  and the detection unit  308  is not limited thereto. That is, even in a case where the indicator  204  is a member that causes the touch sensor  120  to react and the detection unit  308  is the touch sensor  120 , the pupillary distance of the user adjusted by the adjustment mechanism  208  can be detected as in the case of the camera. Specifically, the pupillary distance of the user adjusted by the adjustment mechanism  208  is reflected in the indicator  204 , the touch coordinates, of the touch sensor  120 , at which the indicator  204  is touched are read by the detection unit  308 , the read coordinates are collated with the correspondence table  3040  stored in the storage unit, information about the pupillary distance of the user is acquired as a result of the collation, and the information about the pupillary distance of the user is stored in the storage device. 
     In addition, even in a case where the indicator  204  is a member that emits a predetermined sound and the detection unit  308  is the microphone  118 , the pupillary distance of the user adjusted by the adjustment mechanism  208  can be detected as in the case of the camera. Specifically, the pupillary distance of the user adjusted by the adjustment mechanism  208  is reflected in the indicator  204 , a sound emitted by the indicator  204  and reflecting the adjustment of the adjustment mechanism  208  is detected by the microphone  118  serving as the detection unit  308 , the detected sound is collated with the correspondence table  3040  stored in the storage unit, information about the pupillary distance of the user is acquired as a result of the collation, and the information about the pupillary distance of the user is stored in the storage unit. Here, the frequency of the sound emitted by the indicator  204  may be changed by the adjustment of the adjustment mechanism  208 . 
     Next, the control unit  302  uses the information about the pupillary distance of the user stored in the storage device to adjust the distance between the right-eye image and the left-eye image displayed on the display unit  306 . That is, as illustrated in  FIG.  5   , by adjusting the adjustment mechanism  208  according to pupillary distances of various user, the distance is adjusted to an inter-lens distance and a distance between the left-eye image and the right-eye image of the display unit  306  appropriate to the pupillary distance of the user. Specifically, since the user A in  FIG.  5 A  has a short pupillary distance, it is necessary to set the distance between the lenses  206  and the distance between the images of the display unit  306  to be short in order to provide a virtual reality experience suitable for the pupillary distance of the user A. The user A sets the distance between the lenses  206  and the distance between the images of the display unit  306  to a distance a 1  and a distance a 2 , respectively, using the adjustment mechanism  208  so that the head mounted display conforms to the pupillary distance of the user A. Since the pupillary distance of the user B in  FIG.  5 B  is an average of persons and is wider than that of the user A, the user B sets the distance between the lenses  206  and the distance between the images of the display unit  306  to a distance b 1  (&gt;distance a 1 ) and a distance b 2  (&gt;distance a 2 ) wider than those of the user A using the adjustment mechanism  208  in order to obtain a suitable virtual reality experience. Since the pupillary distance of the user C in  FIG.  5 C  is wider than that of the user B, the user C sets the distance between the lenses  206  and the distance between the images of the display unit  306  to a distance c 1  (&gt;distance b 1 ) and a distance c 2  (&gt;distance b 2 ) which are wider than those of the user B using the adjustment mechanism  208  in order to obtain a suitable virtual reality experience. 
     In this manner, the user can simultaneously adjust the distance between the lenses  206  and the distance between the left and right eye images displayed on the display unit  306  using one adjustment mechanism  208  while the information processing apparatus  100  is held in the housing  200  so as to be suitable for the pupillary distance of the user. Therefore, it is possible to save the trouble of once detaching the information processing apparatus  100  held in the housing  200  for adjusting the pupillary distance, setting the pupillary distance in the information processing apparatus  100 , and then attaching the information processing apparatus  100  to the housing  200  again. 
     Furthermore, the control unit  302  may display the information about the pupillary distance of the user stored in the storage device on the display unit  306 . In this way, in a case where a user knows the pupillary distance of the user, the user can adjust the distance to match the pupillary distance of the user by using the adjustment mechanism  208  while viewing the value displayed on the display unit  306  of the information processing apparatus  100 . 
     In a case where the housing  200  holds and removes the first information processing apparatus  100  and then holds the second information processing apparatus  100  different from the first information processing apparatus  100 , the positions of the cameras and the light projection devices on the information processing apparatus between the first information processing apparatus  100  and the second information processing apparatus  100  may be different from each other. 
     In this case, due to a difference in the position of the camera and the light projection device on the information processing apparatus  100  between the first information processing apparatus  100  and the second information processing apparatus  100 , the first information processing apparatus  100  can detect the indicator  204  of the housing  200 , but it may possible that the second information processing apparatus  100  cannot detect or has difficulties in detecting the indicator  204  of the housing  200 . 
     In order to absorb such a difference in the physical configuration of the information processing apparatus  100 , the housing  200  may include the first movement mechanism  212  and the second movement mechanism  214  as described above. 
     Furthermore, even in a case where the housing  200  does not include the first movement mechanism  212  and the second movement mechanism  214 , the detection region used for detection of the indicator  204  in the captured image of the information processing apparatus  100  may be changed based on the position of the camera of the information processing apparatus  100 . 
     [1.4. Description of Operation (Flowchart)] 
     Next, an example of a processing procedure of the information processing apparatus  100  according to the present embodiment will be described.  FIGS.  6  to  9    are flowcharts illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the information processing apparatus  100  according to the embodiment. Note that the processing procedures illustrated in  FIGS.  6  to  9    are implemented by the information processing apparatus  100  executing the program  3042 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the control unit  302  of the information processing apparatus  100  determines whether the indicator  204  has been detected (step S 10 ). For example, the image captured by the imaging unit  3080  included in the information processing apparatus  100  is analyzed, and in a case where the indicator  204  can be detected, the process proceeds to step S 11  as the affirmative determination (Yes in step S 10 ), and in a case where the indicator  204  cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step S 13  as the negative determination (No in step S 10 ). 
     The control unit  302  determines information indicating the pupillary distance (step S 11 ). For example, it determines the pupillary distance indicated by the indicator  204  from a color, a pattern, a shape, and the like of the indicator  204  detected in the image captured by the imaging unit  3080  of the information processing apparatus  100 . Upon completion of the process in step S 11 , the control unit  302  advances the process to step S 12 . 
     The control unit  302  changes the video display (step S 12 ). For example, the distance between the right-eye image and the left-eye image for stereoscopic vision displayed on the display unit  306306  of the information processing apparatus  100  is adjusted. At the time of adjustment, information indicating the pupillary distance determined in step S 11  is used. Upon completion of the process in step S 12 , the control unit  302  advances the process to step S 13 . 
     The control unit  302  generates and displays an image (step S 13 ). For example, it generates a right-eye image and a left-eye image for stereoscopic vision displayed on the display unit  306  of the information processing apparatus  100 , the generated right-eye image and left-eye image are disposed based on the distance between the right-eye image and the left-eye image changed in step S 12 , and the disposed video is displayed on the display unit  306 . When the indicator  204  cannot be detected in step S 10 , the distance between the right-eye image and the left-eye image based on the information indicating the pupillary distance cannot be adjusted in steps S 11  and S 12 , and thus, the left-eye image and the right-eye image adjusted to a prescribed distance are displayed on the display unit  306 . Upon completion of the process in step S 13 , the control unit  302  advances the process to step S 14 . 
     The control unit  302  determines whether the program  3042  has been terminated (step S 14 ). For example, it is determined whether the user has ended the program  3042  being executed by the information processing apparatus  100 , and in a case where the user has ended the program, the program  3042  is ended as the affirmative determination (Yes in step S 14 ). In a case where the process has not been completed, the process returns to step S 10  as the negative determination (No in step S 14 ). 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a processing procedure of a process of displaying that the indicator  204  is not detected and ending the program  3042  when the indicator  204  is not detected. Since steps S 21  to S 24  in  FIG.  7    are similar to steps S 11  to S 14  in  FIG.  6   , the description thereof will not be repeated here. 
     The control unit  302  determines whether the indicator  204  is detected (step S 20 ). For example, the image captured by the imaging unit  3080  included in the information processing apparatus  100  is analyzed, and in a case where the indicator  204  can be detected, the process proceeds to step S 21  as the affirmative determination (Yes in step S 20 ), and in a case where the indicator  204  cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step S 25  as the negative determination (No in step S 20 ). 
     The control unit  302  displays that the indicator  204  is not detected (step S 25 ). For example, it displays, on the display unit  306  of the information processing apparatus  100 , a statement that the indicator  204  has not been detected. When the process in step S 25  ends, the control unit  302  waits for the user&#39;s input and ends the program  3042 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a processing procedure for turning on the illumination and making it easy to detect the indicator  204  when the indicator  204  is not detected. Since steps S 31  to S 34  in  FIG.  8    are similar to steps S 11  to S 14  in  FIG.  6   , the description thereof will not be repeated here. 
     The control unit  302  determines whether the indicator  204  is detected (step S 30 ). For example, the image captured by the imaging unit  3080  included in the information processing apparatus  100  is analyzed, and in a case where the indicator  204  can be detected, the process proceeds to step S 31  as the affirmative determination (Yes in step S 30 ), and in a case where the indicator  204  cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step S 35  as the negative determination (No in step S 30 ). 
     The control unit  302  turns on the illumination (step S 35 ). For example, the light emitting unit  310  included in the information processing apparatus  100  is caused to emit light to illuminate the indicator  204 . Upon completion of the process in step S 35 , the control unit  302  advances the process to step S 36 . 
     The control unit  302  turns on the illumination in step S 35 , and then determines whether the indicator  204  is detected (step S 36 ). For example, the image captured by the imaging unit  3080  included in the information processing apparatus  100  is analyzed, and in a case where the indicator  204  can be detected, the process proceeds to step S 31  as the affirmative determination (Yes in step S 36 ), and in a case where the indicator  204  cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step S 33  as the negative determination (No in step S 36 ). 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a processing procedure of a process of turning on the illumination to make it easier to detect the indicator  204  when the indicator  204  is not detected, and displaying that the indicator  204  is not detected and ending the program  3042  when the indicator  204  is not detected again. Since steps S 40  to S 45  in  FIG.  9    are similar to steps S 30  to S 45  in  FIG.  8   , the description thereof will not be repeated here. 
     The control unit  302  turns on the illumination in step S 45 , and then determines whether the indicator  204  is detected (step S 46 ). For example, the image captured by the imaging unit  3080  included in the information processing apparatus  100  is analyzed, and in a case where the indicator  204  can be detected, the process proceeds to step S 41  as the affirmative determination (Yes in step S 46 ), and in a case where the indicator  204  cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step S 47  as the negative determination (No in step S 46 ). 
     The control unit  302  displays that the indicator  204  is not detected (step S 47 ). For example, it displays, on the display unit  306  of the information processing apparatus  100 , a statement that the indicator  204  has not been detected. When the process in step S 47  ends, the control unit  302  waits for the user&#39;s input and ends the program  3042 . 
     Although the information processing apparatus  100  is described above as the present embodiment, the present embodiment is not limited to such an embodiment. The present embodiment can be applied to various devices such as a tablet-type device, a game machine, and a computer such as a personal computer (PC). 
     [2. Other Embodiments] 
     Although the first embodiment is described above, the following other embodiments are also conceivable. 
     An embodiment is also conceivable in which a plurality of pieces of moving image content corresponding to various pupillary distances is stored in the storage unit of the information processing apparatus  100 , and a moving image content suitable for the information indicated by the indicator  204  detected by the detection unit  308  is displayed on the display unit  306 . 
     Furthermore, an embodiment is also conceivable in which the information processing apparatus  100  transmits information indicated by the indicator  204  detected by the detection unit  308  to a server, the server generates a moving image based on the received information indicated by the indicator  204 , the server transmits the generated moving image to the information processing apparatus  100 , and the information processing apparatus  100  displays the received moving image on the display unit  306 . 
     The information indicated by the indicator  204  may not be the pupillary distance. For example, an embodiment is also conceivable in which the information is information for adjusting the brightness of the display on the display unit  306  or information about the cursor position for selecting a menu in a case where the display unit  306  is a menu selection screen. 
     The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that those skilled in the art in the technical field of the present disclosure can find various revisions and modifications within the scope of a technical concept described in claims, and it should be understood that these revisions and modifications will also be naturally come under the technical scope of the present disclosure. 
     The above-described configuration shows an example of the present embodiment and, of course, belongs to the technical scope of the present disclosure. 
     Furthermore, the effects described in the present specification are merely illustrative or exemplified effects, and are not limitative. That is, the technique according to the present disclosure can accomplish other effects apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the present specification, in addition to or instead of the effects described above. 
     Note that the following configuration also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. 
     (1) 
     An information processing apparatus that is detachably held by a housing to be usable as a head mounted display, the information processing apparatus comprising:
         a display unit that displays an image;   a detection unit that detects an indicator provided in the housing; and   a control unit that controls the image displayed on the display unit based on information indicated by the indicator detected by the detection unit.       

     (2) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the information indicated by the indicator is information about a positional relationship between both eyes of a user. 
     (3) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the image displayed on the display unit includes a left-eye image and a right-eye image. 
     (4) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (3), wherein the control unit adjusts a distance between the left-eye image and the right-eye image based on the information indicated by the indicator. 
     (5) 
     The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the detection unit includes an imaging unit that images the indicator, and detects information indicated by the indicator based on an image acquired by the imaging unit. 
     (6) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (5), further comprising a light emitting unit that illuminates the indicator. 
     (7) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (6), wherein the light emitting unit is the display unit. 
     (8) 
     The information processing apparatus according to (6), wherein
         the imaging unit is an infrared camera, and   the light emitting unit is an infrared light source.       

     (9) 
     The information processing apparatus according to any one of (6) to (8), wherein
         the light emitting unit emits light to illuminate the indicator when information indicated by the indicator is not detected from the image acquired by the imaging unit, and   the imaging unit images the indicator again illuminated by the light emitting unit.       

     (10) 
     The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display information indicated by the indicator. 
     (11) 
     A head mounted display housing that is usable as a head mounted display by detachably holding an information processing apparatus including a detection unit and a display unit, the housing comprising:
         a holding unit that detachably holds the information processing apparatus;   an indicator disposed at a position at which the indicator is detectable by the detection unit of the information processing apparatus in a state of being held by the holding unit; and   an adjustment mechanism that causes a user to adjust the indicator.       

     (12) 
     The head mounted display housing according to (11), wherein the information indicated by the indicator is information about a positional relationship between both eyes of a user. 
     (13) 
     The head mounted display housing according to (11) or 12, wherein the adjustment mechanism is partially exposed outside the housing and is manually adjustable by a user. 
     (14) 
     The head mounted display housing according to any one of (11) to (13), further comprising:
         two lenses disposed at positions facing the display unit of the information processing apparatus in a state of being held by the holding unit, wherein   the adjustment mechanism causes a user to adjust a distance between the two lenses, and   the indicator indicates a distance between the two lenses as information indicated by the indicator.       

     (15) 
     The head mounted display housing according to any one of (11) to (14), wherein at least one of a color, a shape, a pattern, a position, a rotation angle, a length, or a size of the indicator changes according to adjustment by the adjustment mechanism. 
     (16) 
     The head mounted display housing according to any one of (11) to (15), further comprising a first movement mechanism for moving the indicator according to a position of the detection unit of the information processing apparatus in a state of being held by the holding unit. 
     (17) 
     The head mounted display housing according to any one of (11) to (16), further comprising: an auxiliary optical system disposed between the detection unit of the information processing apparatus in a state of being held by the holding unit and the indicator. 
     (18) 
     The head mounted display housing according to (17), further comprising a second movement mechanism for moving the auxiliary optical system according to a position of the detection unit of the information processing apparatus in a state of being held by the holding unit. 
     (19) 
     A head mounted display system comprising: an information processing apparatus including a detection unit and a display unit; and a housing that is usable as a head mounted display by detachably holding the information processing apparatus, wherein
         the housing includes
           a holding unit that detachably holds the information processing apparatus,   an indicator disposed at a position at which the indicator is detectable by the detection unit of the information processing apparatus in a state of being held by the holding unit, and   an adjustment mechanism that causes a user to adjust the indicator, and   
           the information processing apparatus includes
           a detection unit that detects the indicator provided in the housing, and   a control unit that controls an image displayed on the display unit based on information indicated by the indicator detected by the detection unit.   
               

     (20) 
     An information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus that includes a display unit and is detachably held by a housing to be usable as a head mounted display, the method comprising:
         detecting an indicator provided in the housing; and   controlling an image displayed on the display unit based on information indicated by the detected indicator.       

     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
         
           
               100  INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS 
               102  CPU 
               104  GPU 
               106  RAM 
               108  VRAM 
               110  STORAGE 
               112  DISPLAY 
               114  VISIBLE LIGHT CAMERA 
               116  INFRARED CAMERA 
               118  MICROPHONE 
               120  TOUCH SENSOR 
               122  VISIBLE LIGHT PROJECTION DEVICE 
               124  INFRARED LIGHT PROJECTION DEVICE 
               126  BUS 
               200  HEAD MOUNTED DISPLAY HOUSING 
               202  HOLDING UNIT 
               204  INDICATOR 
               206  LENS 
               208  ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM 
               210  AUXILIARY OPTICAL SYSTEM 
               212  FIRST MOVEMENT MECHANISM 
               214  SECOND MOVEMENT MECHANISM 
               302  CONTROL UNIT 
               304  STORAGE UNIT 
               306  DISPLAY UNIT 
               308  DETECTION UNIT 
               310  LIGHT EMITTING UNIT