Projection device for data glasses, method for displaying image information by means of a projection device and controller

Abstract

The invention relates to a projection device (2a, 2b) for data glasses (1a). The projection device (2a) comprises an image generating unit (5) for generating at least one first light beam (15) representing image information and at least one redirecting element (21) configured to redirect the first light beam (15, 16) into a second light beam (35a, 35b, 35c) representing first image information and to redirect the first light beam (15, 16) into a third light beam (40a, 40b, 40c) representing second image information into a first viewing line region (30a) and / or a second viewing line region (30b) of an eye (55), wherein the second light beam (35a, 35b, 35c) and the third light beam (40a, 40b, 40c) differ in terms of beam divergence, and wherein the second viewing line region (30b) and the first viewing line region (30a) at least overlap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This approach starts with a device or method according to the type of independent claim. The subject of the current approach is also a computer program. Background Technology

[0002] Data glasses are known for displaying information within the user's field of vision. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Against this backdrop, the present invention introduces a projection device for data glasses, a method for displaying image information by means of the projection device, a controller using the method, and finally a corresponding computer program according to the independent claim. Advantageous extensions and improvements to the apparatus given in the independent claim are possible through the measures described in the dependent claims.

[0004] The advantages of the method described are that it enables a resource-saving and simple system architecture for projection devices used in data glasses with very few components. It achieves, for example, significantly simplified holographic functionality, lower costs in image data processing, and drastically reduced tolerance requirements. Furthermore, especially for all the primary colors to be displayed, only a single wavelength of light beam is needed.

[0005] A projection device for data glasses is introduced, wherein the projection device has the following characteristics:

[0006] An image generating unit for generating at least one first beam representing image information; and

[0007] At least one steering element is configured to direct a first beam in the form of a second beam representing first image information and a first beam in the form of a third beam representing second image information into a first visual field region of the eye and additionally or alternatively into its second visual field region, wherein the second beam and the third beam differ in beam divergence, and wherein the second visual field region and the first visual field region at least overlap.

[0008] The different beam divergences of the second and third beams are advantageously achieved: the third beam illuminates the largest possible plane in the pupil plane and thus provides image information to the eye over a wide visual range. As a result, the image information produced generates different perceptible image sharpness for the eye. For example, the second beam can have a beam divergence for perceiving higher image sharpness than the third beam. Hereinafter, the image information transmitted by the second beam is referred to as the first image information, and the image information transmitted by the third beam is referred to as the second image information. The first image information and the second image information can differ from each other only in terms of perceptible image sharpness. Preferably, the steering element can be designed such that it has different steering efficiencies for the second and third beams. In this way, in addition to beam divergence, the second and third beams also differ in intensity. Therefore, for example, the steering efficiency of the third beam used to produce a blurry projection can be lower than the steering efficiency of the second beam used to produce a sharp projection.

[0009] In other words, the steering element is configured to display first image information within the first and second visual fields of the eye using a second light beam, and to display second image information within the first and second visual fields of the eye using a third light beam. The light directed into the first visual field of the eye and the light directed into the second visual field of the eye differ in their beam divergence and therefore in perceived image sharpness and intensity. Furthermore, the second and first visual fields at least overlap. Here, in particular, only light of a single wavelength is needed for all the primary colors to be displayed.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the highlight of the image generating unit may be the generation of a first light beam. Accordingly, for the proposed projection device, especially for all the primary colors to be displayed, only a single wavelength of light is required.

[0011] According to this embodiment, the projection device includes at least one steering element configured to direct a first beam in the form of a second beam and a third beam into a first field of vision and also into a second field of vision, wherein the second beam and the third beam differ in beam divergence and therefore in perceived image sharpness and in their intensity, and wherein the second field of vision and the first field of vision at least overlap.

[0012] The steering element is used to split a first beam of a single wavelength into a collimated beam and a diverging beam.

[0013] Data glasses can be understood as glasses used to display visual information within the wearer's field of vision. Visual information can be understood as, for example, pixels or image content. Depending on the implementation, the first or second image information can represent a monochrome or color image. Two pieces of image information can represent, for example, one and the same image content at different virtual image distances and thus with different perceived image sharpness. For example, the first image information can relate to an image perceived as sharp, and the second image information can relate to an image perceived as blurry. The light beam can relate to, for example, a laser beam (monochrome image display) or multiple, substantially superimposed laser beams (multicolor image display). Image sharpness should be understood not as a physical property of the light beam, but as a result of the distance between the observer's eye and the virtual image. Here, for example, the second beam means a virtual image at a large distance, while the third beam could mean an image on the plane of the eyeglass lens. Due to the short distance to the eye, this second image cannot be clearly imaged without optical aids such as contact lenses.

[0014] A steering element can be understood as an element used to redirect a first beam and, additionally or alternatively, another first beam. In particular, the steering element can involve a hologram, a holographic optical element, or a possibly partially transparent mirror. Other operating principles are also conceivable. The steering element can also be implemented, for example, as an optical phase array, an electro-optical or magnetic optical steering device, or as an array of such steering devices. The steering element can be integrated, for example, into the lens of the data glasses. Depending on the implementation, the steering element can at least perform a first function of redirecting the first beam in the form of a second beam and a second function of redirecting the first beam in the form of a third beam. The first function can be understood, for example, as the steering element dividing the first beam into a first portion of the first beam (especially the collimated portion of the first beam) as a second beam, and a second portion of the first beam (especially the diverging portion of the first beam) as a third beam. The viewing area can be understood as the area that can be perceived by one eye of the wearer when wearing the data glasses. The first and second viewing areas can be arranged at least overlapping or coincidentally. In particular, for example, the first visual field may involve the visual field of the center of the eye, and the second visual field may involve the visual field of the periphery of the eye.

[0015] Each beam can cover the entire field of vision. Here, not only the less clearly perceived image information from the third beam, but also the clearly perceived image information from the second beam can be selectively cut off or weakened according to the user's gaze direction, for example, to match the visual impression and / or to save energy. Preferably, the dimming of the second and / or third beams is based on the gaze direction of the data glasses wearer.

[0016] The first beam can involve, for example, beam focusing composed of multiple first beams. Similarly, the second beam can involve beam focusing composed of multiple second beams. Likewise, the third beam can involve beam focusing composed of multiple third beams.

[0017] The solution presented here is based on the knowledge that data glasses can project images of varying clarity onto multiple, at least overlapping or coinciding, visual areas of the observer's eye using appropriate steering elements, particularly holographic optical elements. For example, by fully utilizing the physiology of the human eye, it is possible to simultaneously, for example, display clear and unclear image content superimposed, both vertically and horizontally.

[0018] This achieves a resource-efficient system architecture with the fewest possible number of components. In the projection device described, especially for all the primary colors to be displayed, only a single wavelength of light is required. For example, the required number of light sources can be reduced to one in the case of monochrome image display and to three in the case of full-color image display (RGB). In the presence of two base colors and the resulting mixed colors, two light sources may also be sufficient. Therefore, the number of necessary reflective layers, such as holographic layers, can also be reduced accordingly. Simultaneously, the scheme described here enables the realization of data glasses with a large field of view and a large effective eye-tracking range. Thus, the functionality of the data glasses can be improved.

[0019] According to one embodiment, a steering element can be configured to generate a second beam from a first beam by steering, such that the first image information has a higher perceptible image sharpness than the second image information. The steering element can be configured to display the first image information within a visual field centered on the first visual field of the eye, and additionally or alternatively within a visual field centered on the second visual field of the eye. Additionally, the steering element can be configured to display the first image information within a visual field centered on the second visual field of the eye, and additionally or alternatively within a visual field centered on the first visual field of the eye. Here, the first image information can have an image with higher image sharpness. Different image sharpness can be achieved, in particular, by beam divergence and the associated virtual image distance, and by beam diameter and the associated effective aperture. Therefore, the second image information can also be clearly perceived by a correspondingly strong contact lens for extreme farsightedness. The central visual field can be understood as an area in which the eye perceives an image with high image sharpness (i.e., foveal). The peripheral viewing area can be understood as the region where the eye perceives reduced image sharpness (i.e., the periphery). For example, the central viewing area can be at least partially surrounded by the peripheral viewing area. This allows image information to be displayed with high image sharpness in all areas perceptible to the eye—that is, in areas where the eye can actually see clearly, and also in areas where the eye can see less clearly. Consequently, the efficiency of the projection device can be improved. Consequently, the manufacturing cost of the projection device can be reduced.

[0020] The steering element can be configured to steering or display first image information within a first viewing area and additionally or alternatively within a second viewing area, and additionally or alternatively steering or display second image information within the second viewing area and additionally or alternatively within the first viewing area, wherein the second viewing area and the first viewing area can be arranged to overlap. This enables the simultaneous display of both sharp and unclear image content within, for example, the complete field of vision of the eye. Consequently, the costly tracking of specific image content for a defined viewing area of ​​the eye can be advantageously eliminated.

[0021] The steering element can be configured to direct the first beam in the form of a second beam representing first image information and additionally or alternatively, to direct the first beam in the form of a third beam representing second image information to a point located behind the pupil of the eye. Alternatively, the steering element can also be configured to direct the first beam in the form of a third beam representing second image information to a point located in front of the pupil of the eye.

[0022] The steering element can, for example, be configured to redirect the first beam in the form of a second beam representing first image information and additionally or alternatively in the form of a third beam representing second image information to a point representing the eye's rotation point. Thus, a particularly large angular width is achieved for the eye's particularly large field of view. Consequently, advantageously, the first image content and / or the second image content remain visible even during large rotational movements of the eye, for example, within an angular region of 60°.

[0023] Preferably, the steering element includes a first holographic layer configured to direct the first beam as a second beam representing first image information and as a third beam representing second image information into the first and / or second visual field of the eye. The first holographic layer, configured as a uniquely holographic optical element (HOE), thus has at least two distinct functions. Firstly, a portion of the first beam is reflected towards the eye as a collimated second beam on the first holographic layer. For this purpose, for example in an image generation unit, particularly a laser scanning unit, the first beam is matched such that it is collimated as a second beam after reflection on the first holographic layer, for example by means of one or more focusing lenses at the input and / or output of the laser module. The diameter of the collimated second beam is significantly smaller than the diameter of the pupil, thereby producing a clear image on the retina largely independent of the current autofocus state. Secondly, to simultaneously make other portions of the image's peripheral field of view visible, the first holographic layer is designed to function such that it produces a diverging third beam at the eye's position after reflection. Preferably, for all locations of the functionalized second region, the direction of the diverging third beam is defined such that a second exit pupil is generated in the region of the eye's pupil. The diameter of the diverging beam at the location of the eye's pupil is much larger than the diameter of the collimated beam. Thus, light from all partial regions of the image reaches the retina and results in a blurred image there.

[0024] Instead, the steering element comprises second and third holographic layers, wherein the second holographic layer is arranged in a different position (Lage) than the third holographic layer. The second holographic layer is configured to redirect the first beam into the first and / or second viewing regions of the eye as a second beam representing first image information. The third holographic layer is configured to redirect the first beam into the first and / or second viewing regions of the eye as a third beam representing second image information. Here, the holographic layer can also be understood as an optical element implemented as a layer of holography. Such a holographic optical element is configured so that only light of a defined wavelength is reflected toward the eye at a defined angle of incidence. The different positions can be understood as other planes, for example, the second and third holographic layers can be arranged sequentially, for example, flush, overlapping, or staggered. In order to split the first beam into the second and third beams, the efficiency of the second holographic layer can be configured such that only a portion of the first beam is reflected toward the eye by means of the second holographic layer. In particular, this portion of the first beam is reflected into the eye as a collimated second beam by means of the second holographic layer. The remaining portion of the first beam passes through the second holographic layer and is then reflected as a third beam by the third holographic layer. In particular, this portion of the first beam is reflected as a diverging third beam by means of the third holographic layer.

[0025] Furthermore, preferably, the projection device preferably includes at least one lens configured to split a first beam into a second beam representing first image information and a third beam representing second image information. This lens is particularly suitable for performing the splitting of the first beam into a collimated portion and a diverging portion, especially into a core portion and a shell portion, before the first beam reaches the steering element. The core portion and the shell portion have different divergence angles, which are adjusted such that after reflection at the steering element, collimated and divergent portions are produced again. For this purpose, the steering element is preferably configured as a holographic layer, especially a first holographic layer, which directs the first beam into a first and / or second line of sight region of the eye as a second beam representing first image information and a third beam representing second image information. To split the first beam into a collimated portion and a diverging portion, the lens particularly has at least two distinct regions, especially functional regions, wherein the at least two distinct regions of the lens are configured to split the first beam into a second beam representing first image information and a third beam representing second image information. An example of such a lens is a focusing lens modified into a two-zone lens, in which the core and outer shell portions of the first beam pass through regions with different focal lengths, for example, due to different radii of curvature. Alternatively, however, microstructuring or roughening of one of the two lens zones can also be envisioned. Another alternative is the holographic functionalization of the lens surface or the complete implementation of the multi-zone lens function of the HOE.

[0026] Preferably, the steering element is configured such that, in a defined viewing direction, particularly a straight viewing direction, it matches, and especially enhances, the first luminous flux of the second beam representing the first image information in the central viewing area of ​​the eye as the user's first viewing area, relative to the second luminous flux of the third beam representing the second image information in the central viewing area of ​​the eye. Luminous flux is a photometric quantity that indicates how much light, perceptible to the human eye, is reflected by a light source per unit time. It is equivalent to physical (radio) radiant power, but with additional consideration for the sensitivity of the human eye. It is expressed in the unit of measurement, lumen (lm). Here, the luminous flux can be adjusted, for example, by means of the tunable efficiency of at least one holographic layer of the steering element. In summary, the first image information, perceived with higher image clarity, is projected with higher image brightness in the viewing area of ​​the eye compared to the second image information. Furthermore, at least one holographic layer of the steering element can be configured such that the third luminous flux of the third beam representing the second image information in the peripheral viewing area of ​​the eye is enhanced relative to the fourth luminous flux of the second beam representing the first image information in the peripheral viewing area of ​​the eye. For example, the previously described holographic layer in the central region, especially in the line of sight corresponding to the wearer's line of sight, can be constructed differently from the more distant, outer regions of at least one holographic layer. Thus, for a wearer looking directly ahead, a clear, high-contrast image can be seen in both the central and outer lines of sight.

[0027] Instead, the steering element is configured to increase the fifth luminous flux of the second beam representing the first image information in both the central and peripheral viewing regions relative to the sixth luminous flux of the third beam representing the second image information in both the central and peripheral viewing regions. For this purpose, the image generating unit is preferably configured to increase the seventh luminous flux of the first beam in the peripheral viewing region relative to the eighth luminous flux of the first beam in the central viewing region of the eye. To this end, the image generating unit, particularly the laser scanning unit, can, for example, use a higher laser power in the peripheral viewing region corresponding to the user than in the central viewing region. These measures compensate for the previously described reduction in image brightness of the third image information in the peripheral viewing region. Additionally, it also compensates for the effect that unclear optical imaging of a self-illuminating object results in a lower light density than clear optical imaging of the same object, because the light emitted from the object is distributed over a larger plane in the case of unclear imaging. This effect is particularly effective when the image content has a small number of bright pixels and a large number of black pixels (e.g., white text on a black background).

[0028] Preferably, the projection device additionally includes a gaze direction determination unit for determining the gaze direction of the eyes. In particular, the gaze direction determination unit is configured to determine the gaze direction using laser light. Furthermore, the gaze direction determination unit is particularly configured to determine the gaze direction using infrared light, the wavelength of which is preferably in the range of 750 nm to 1500 nm. In connection with the function of the image generation unit described in the preceding paragraphs, such a gaze direction determination unit provides the advantage of adjusting the seventh and eighth luminous fluxes according to the determined gaze direction. Therefore, the system can no longer be optimized solely based on the user's gaze direction, but can be adjusted based on the different gaze directions of the glasses wearer.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the projection device may have spectacle lenses. Here, the steering element can be implemented as part of the spectacle lens; in particular, the steering element can be injected into the spectacle lens and additionally or alternatively laminated into and applied to the spectacle lens, and additionally or alternatively embossed. Spectacle lenses can be understood as, for example, discs or lenses made of glass or plastic. Depending on the embodiment, the spectacle lens can be shaped to correct refractive errors of the eye. This embodiment achieves a particularly simple, inconspicuous, and cost-effective integration of the steering element.

[0030] Here, the steering element can extend over at least one major portion of the surface of the spectacle lens. Thus, the steering element achieves coverage of the eye's field of vision as large as possible.

[0031] Furthermore, the image generating unit can be configured to generate a first beam such that the first image information and additionally or alternatively, a second image information represent at least a two-color, especially a multi-color, image. This can improve the display quality of the projection device.

[0032] The scheme described herein further creates a method for displaying image information using a projection device according to one of the above embodiments, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0033] Generate at least the first beam; and

[0034] In the first visual field of the eye and additionally or alternatively in its second visual field, the first beam is redirected, in particular proportionally, in the form of a second beam representing first image information, and additionally, the first beam is redirected, in particular proportionally, in the form of a third beam representing second image information, wherein the first beam is redirected such that the second and third beams differ in beam divergence, and wherein the second visual field and the first visual field at least overlap.

[0035] In the turning step, the second beam can be turned so as to display the first image information within the first and second viewing areas, and additionally or alternatively, the third beam can be turned so as to display the second image information within the second and first viewing areas.

[0036] Prior to the steering step, the method may have an ablation step in which at least the first beam is deflected. Thus, before the first beam, generated by, for example, a fixedly mounted light-generating unit, is directed into the field of view by, for example, a stationary steering element, it / the beam may be deflected onto the steering element by, for example, a movable micromirror or a surface light modulator such as a DMD or LCoS, during the ablation step.

[0037] This method can be implemented, for example, in software or hardware, or in a hybrid form of software and hardware, such as in a controller.

[0038] The solution described herein further creates a controller configured to execute, manipulate, or implement variations of the method described herein within a suitable device. This controller-based implementation of the invention also allows for the rapid and efficient resolution of the task on which the invention is based.

[0039] Therefore, the controller may have at least one computing unit for processing signals or data, at least one memory unit for storing signals or data, at least one interface to a sensor or actuator (for reading sensor signals from the sensor or for outputting control signals to the actuator), and / or at least one communication interface for reading or outputting data embedded in a communication protocol. The computing unit may be, for example, a signal processor, a microcontroller, or the like, while the memory unit may be flash memory, EPROM, or magnetic memory. The communication interface may be configured for wirelessly and / or wiredly reading or outputting data, wherein a communication interface capable of reading or outputting wired data may, for example, read such data from or output it to a corresponding data transmission line electrically or optically.

[0040] Currently, a controller can be understood as an electronic instrument that processes sensor signals and outputs control signals and / or data signals accordingly. The controller may have an interface, which can be constructed in hardware and / or software. In the case of a hardware construction, the interface may be, for example, part of a so-called system ASIC, which contains as many different functions as possible for the controller. However, it is also possible that the interface is its own integrated circuit or at least partially composed of discrete structural elements. In the case of a software construction, the interface may be a software module, which exists, for example, on a microcontroller along with other software modules.

[0041] It is advantageous to have a computer program product or a computer program having program code that can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or memory medium, such as semiconductor memory, hard disk memory or optical memory, and used, in particular, when the program product or program is implemented on a computer or device, to perform, implement and / or manipulate the steps of a method according to one of the embodiments described above. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Embodiments of the methods described herein are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. The accompanying drawings show:

[0043] Figure 1a A first embodiment of a projection device for data glasses is schematically shown.

[0044] Figure 1b A first embodiment of a steering element for a projection device used in data glasses is schematically shown.

[0045] Figure 1c A second embodiment of the steering element for a projection device used in data glasses is schematically shown.

[0046] Figure 2a A second embodiment of a projection device for data glasses is schematically shown.

[0047] Figure 2b A third embodiment of a steering element for a projection device used in data glasses is schematically shown.

[0048] Figure 2c A lens is schematically shown for splitting a first beam into a second beam representing first image information and a third beam representing second image information.

[0049] Figure 3a An illustrative image is shown, which has high image sharpness in a first line of sight region.

[0050] Figure 3b This demonstrates the subjective visual impression of uniformly perceived image sharpness, when... Figure 3a When the image shown is projected onto the retina, the observer experiences the subjective visual impression.

[0051] Figure 4 A method for displaying image information by means of a projection device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of a data glasses 1a having a projection device 2a according to a first embodiment is shown. This is merely illustrative; the projection device 2a according to this embodiment is at least partially arranged in or on the data glasses 1a.

[0053] The projection device 2a has an image generating unit 5 and a steering element 21, exemplarily integrated in the spectacle lens 20 of the data glasses 1a, which is, for example, injected and / or laminated into the spectacle lens 20. According to an alternative embodiment, the steering element 21 may be arranged to be applied onto the spectacle lens 20. This is merely an example; the spectacle lens 20 according to this embodiment is part of the projection device 2a.

[0054] The image generating unit 5 is configured to generate a first beam 15 representing image information and guide it into the steering element 21. Here, the first beam 15 is exemplarily shown being guided to points 25a and 25c on the exterior of the steering element 21 and to point 25b at the center of the steering element. For this purpose, the projection device 2a may optionally have movable or immovable micromirrors 10 arranged and configured to guide the first beam 15 into the steering element 21. The steering element 21, such as a holographic layer or a composite structure composed of multiple holographic layers, is configured to direct the first beam 15 into the first viewing region 30a and / or the second viewing region 30b of the eye 55 in the form of second beams 35a, 35b, and 35c representing first image information and third beams 40a, 40b, and 40c representing second image information. The second beams 35a, 35b, and 35c and the third beams 40a, 40b, and 40c differ in beam divergence, and the second viewing region 30b and the first viewing region 30a at least overlap. According to this embodiment, the first and second image information differ in perceptible image sharpness, wherein the two image information can represent one and the same image content. According to this embodiment, the steering element 21 is configured to direct the second light beams 35a, 35b, and 35c into the first visual field 30a of the eye 55 and to direct the third light beams 40a, 40b, and 40c into both the second visual field 30b and the first visual field 30a of the eye 55. The two visual fields 30a and 30b are typically perfectly aligned, meaning they cover the entire field of view or spectacle lens 20. According to one embodiment, the steering element 21 extends over a large portion of the surface of the spectacle lens 20 to cover as large an area of ​​the eye 55's field of view as possible. For example, the first visual field 30a relates to the central visual field within which the eye 55 can perceive an image with high visual acuity, and the second visual field 30b relates to the peripheral visual field within which the eye 55 can perceive an image with only low visual acuity.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the first beam 15 is deflected by the deflecting element 2a such that the first image information represented by the second beams 35a, 35b, and 35c has a higher perceptible image clarity than the second image information represented by the third beams 40a, 40b, and 40c. This results in the image information being displayed with greater image clarity in the viewing area centered on the first viewing area 30a, where the eye 55 can actually see clearly. The second image information, with lower image clarity, is displayed in the viewing area surrounding the second viewing area 30b and in the viewing area centered on the first viewing area 30a.

[0056] According to Figure 1a In the illustrated embodiment, the data glasses 1a further include an optional controller 3 for manipulating the image generating unit 5 and the micromirrors 10 and / or the steering element 21. For this purpose, the controller 3 sends corresponding control signals (not shown) to the image generating unit 5, which is configured to generate at least a first beam 15 by using the control signals. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 3 may output control signals to the steering element 21, which is configured to generate at least a second beam 35a, 35b, and 35c and / or generate a third beam 40a, 40b, and 40c, or to steering it, by using the control signals.

[0057] According to this embodiment, the steering element 21 is configured to redirect the first beam 15, which is in the form of second beams 35a, 35b, and 35c, into collimated second beams 35a, 35b, and 35c. A collimated beam can be understood as a non-divergent or nearly non-divergent beam, such as at least one laser beam. The diameters of the collimated second beams 35a, 35b, and 35c are significantly smaller than the diameter of the pupil 45 of the eye, thereby producing a sharp image on the retina 76 largely independent of the current autofocus state. Furthermore, in this invention, the steering element 21 is configured to redirect the first beam 15, which is in the form of third beams 40a, 40b, and 40c, into divergent third beams 40a, 40b, and 40c. The diameters of the divergent beams 40a, 40b, and 40c are much larger at the pupil 45 than the diameters of the collimated beams 35a, 35b, and 35c. Thus, light from all partial areas of the image reaches the retina 76, resulting in a blurred image there.

[0058] According to the illustrated embodiment, the image generating unit 5 generates a first beam 15 in the form of a laser beam. According to this embodiment, the image generating unit 5 is further configured to generate the first beam 15 such that first image information and / or second image information represent at least a two-color, especially a multi-color, image.

[0059] As in Figure 1aAs can be seen above, in this embodiment, the steering element 21 is configured to direct the first beam 15 in the form of second beams 35a, 35b, and 35c representing first image information and third beams 40a, 40b, and 40c representing second image information to the rotation point 60 of the eye 55, which is located behind the pupil 45 of the eye 55. In this way, instead of the entire field of view (here, exemplarily, 60°) being clearly perceived, only a segment of it (here, exemplarily, 16.7°) is clearly perceived. The size of this naturally visible segment is largely independent of the eye movement of the eye 55. As a result, the eye 55 can see the entire field of view to the edge. Therefore, the data glasses 1a can also be referred to as AR data glasses with a large field of view. Within the central field of view, clear image information is provided to the eye 55 for each viewing angle. Additionally, the remaining area of ​​the field of view is covered by third beams 40a, 40b, and 40c, which have the same wavelength as the second beams 35a, 35b, and 35c. This image information, written with divergent light, is perceived as blurry by the eye 55. According to this embodiment, the fovea 70 is located at the center of the FOV (Field of View). By using collimated light, the FOV is partially visible to the eye 55 (here, 16.7°). By using divergent light, the FOV is fully visible to the eye 55 (here, 60°). This achieves a sufficiently large laser beam on the eye 55, and the pupil 45 is located within the illuminated area at each eye position.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the steering element 21b includes at least one holographic layer 75. (As shown in...) Figure 1b As can be seen above, for this purpose, the steering element 21b may include a first holographic layer 75c, which is configured to direct the first beam 15 into the first viewing region 30a and / or the second viewing region 30b of the eye 55 in the form of a second beam 35e representing first image information and a third beam 40e representing second image information. Here, the second beam 35e refers to a collimated second beam, and the third beam 40e refers to a divergent third beam. The first holographic layer 75c, configured as a unique holographic optical element (HOE), thus has two different functions. On the one hand, the collimated portion of the first beam 15 is reflected towards the eye 55 as the second beam 35e on the first holographic layer 75c. On the other hand, the first holographic layer 75c has a scattering function, so that the divergent portion of the first beam 15 is reflected towards the eye.

[0061] As an alternative to this place, such as in Figure 1cAs shown above, the steering element 21a may include a second holographic layer 75a and a third holographic layer 75b, wherein the second holographic layer 75a is arranged in a different position than the third holographic layer 75b. In this embodiment, the second holographic layer 75a and the third holographic layer 75b are arranged sequentially to each other. The second holographic layer 75a is configured to redirect the first beam 15 into the first viewing region 30a of the eye 55 in the form of a second beam 35d representing first image information. Here, the second beam 35d also refers to a collimated second beam. The efficiency of the second holographic layer 75a is thus adjusted such that a portion of the first beam 15 passes through the second holographic layer 75a and is then redirected from the third holographic layer 75b into the first viewing region 30a and / or the second viewing region 30b of the eye 55 in the form of a third beam 40d representing second image information. The third beam 40d, in turn, refers to a diverging third beam.

[0062] In the line-of-sight region centered on the first line-of-sight region 30a, the collimated second beam 35b (high-perceived image sharpness) and the divergent third beam 40b (low-perceived image sharpness) superimpose. Therefore, Figure 3a An exemplary image 83 is shown in which, in a portion 82 of image 83, in the central viewing region 30a, the superposition of a collimated beam 81 and a diverging beam 80a on the retina occurs. In this invention, the steering elements 21a and 21b... Figure 1b and 1c The embodiment shown above can be configured such that the first luminous flux of the second beam 35b, representing first image information, within the central viewing region of the eye 55, is increased relative to the second luminous flux of the third beam 40b, representing second image information, within the central viewing region of the eye 55. For this purpose, the efficiency of the holographic layers 75a-75c in the central viewing region 30a can be configured differently from the efficiency of the holographic layers 75a-75c in the outer regions of the holographic layers 75a-75c. In the central viewing region 30a, an increase occurs in the portion of the first beam 15 that is converted into the collimated second beam 35b. This results in a clear image in the central viewing region 30a that is subjectively dominant for the wearer. Figure 3aAs can be seen above, the image 83 in a portion 84 of the peripheral visual field, corresponding to the wearer of the data glasses, is also unclear to the user because only the divergent light beam 80b is projected onto the retina there. Now, also in order to display the image in the peripheral visual field 30b with a brightness perceived by the user of the data glasses 1a similar to that in the central visual field 30a, the steering elements 21a and 21b are additionally configured to increase the third luminous flux of the third light beams 40a and 40c representing the second image information in the peripheral visual field 30b of the eye 55 relative to the fourth luminous flux of the second light beams 35a and 35c representing the first image information in the peripheral visual field 30a of the eye 55. Here, in the outer peripheral visual field 30b, the higher proportion of the first light beam 15 is converted into the divergent third light beams 40a and 40c by adjusting the efficiency of the holographic layers 75a-75c in the outer region. Therefore, in the central viewing area 30a, a clear image dominates the visual impression, while in the peripheral viewing area 30b, the image is displayed with approximately the same brightness due to increased exposure. Figure 3b This demonstrates the subjective visual impression of uniformly perceived image sharpness, when... Figure 3a When the image shown is projected onto the retina, the observer experiences the subjective visual impression. This is because, at any eye position in the central field of vision, a sharp image dominates relative to a blurry image, while the blurriness of the image in the peripheral field of vision is naturally perceived. However, this implementation is limited to optimization in the direction of vision defined by the eyeglass wearer (in this case, the direction of vision 79 in a straight line).

[0063] Alternatively, in this implementation, steering elements 21a and 21b are configured to increase the fifth luminous flux of the second beam representing the first image information in the central and peripheral viewing regions relative to the sixth luminous flux of the third beam representing the second image information in the central and peripheral viewing regions. Additionally, the image generation unit 5 is configured to increase the seventh luminous flux of the first beam 15 in the peripheral viewing region 30b of the eye 55 relative to the eighth luminous flux of the first beam in the central viewing region 30a. For this purpose, the image generation unit 5 can use a higher laser power in the peripheral viewing region 30b of the user than in the viewing region corresponding to the central viewing region 30a of the user. To optimize the displayed image in more than one defined viewing direction for the wearer, the projection device 2a further includes a viewing direction determination unit 78 for determining the viewing direction of the eye 55. In this embodiment, the viewing direction determination unit 78 is configured to determine the viewing direction using a laser. The image generation unit 5 can then adjust the seventh and eighth luminous fluxes according to the determined viewing direction.

[0064] Compared to other conceivable implementation possibilities, the projection device 2a described here achieves a resource-saving and simple system structure (fewer components are necessary) by fully utilizing the physiological functions of the human eye (clear image content is displayed only where it can be perceived). Projection device 2a reduces the number of laser sources required from three to just one for monochrome image display and from nine to just three for color (RGB) image display. It also eliminates the need for separate beam-enlarging optical systems, tracking mechanisms, and contact lenses in projection device 2a. Despite its resource-saving and simple system structure, projection device 2a simultaneously achieves a larger FOV and a larger eyebox.

[0065] Therefore, the core of the scheme introduced here lies in dividing the field of view into two regions: a central viewing region with high image sharpness (ZSB) and a peripheral viewing region with low image sharpness (PSB), requiring only a single beam of light. In this way, the image display adapts to the physiological functions of the human eye.

[0066] Figure 2a An alternative embodiment of a projection device 2b for data glasses 1b is shown. Here, unlike the first embodiment 2a, the projection device 2b has at least one lens 18 configured to split the first beam 16 into... Figure 2bThe second beam 17b, representing the first image information, and the third beam 17c, representing the second image information, are shown above. Before the first beam 16 reaches the steering element 21c, the lens 18 decomposes the first beam 16 into a collimated portion 17b and a diverging portion 17c, specifically into a core portion and a shell portion (Kern-und Mantelanteil) of the first beam 16. The core and shell portions have different divergence angles, which are adjusted such that after reflection at the steering element 21c, the collimated portion 35f and the diverging portion 40f reappear. To split the first beam into the collimated portion 17b and the diverging portion 17c, as shown in... Figure 2c As shown above, lens 18 has at least two distinct regions 19a and 19b, particularly functional regions, wherein the at least two distinct regions 19a and 19b of lens 18 are configured to split the first beam 16 into a second beam 17b representing first image information and a third beam 17c representing second image information. In this embodiment, lens 18 is configured as a focusing lens modified into a two-zone lens, in which the core portion and the outer portion of the first beam 16 pass through regions with different focal lengths, for example, due to different radii of curvature of lens 18.

[0067] Figure 4 A method for displaying image information by means of a projection device is illustrated in flowchart form. Here, in a first method step 100, at least one first light beam is generated. In a subsequent method step 110, the first light beam is directed into a first and / or a second viewing region of the eye, in the form of a second light beam representing first image information and a third light beam representing second image information. Here, the first light beam is directed such that the second and third light beams differ in beam divergence. The second viewing region and the first viewing region at least overlap. The method then terminates.

Claims

1. A projection device (2a, 2b) for data glasses (1a, 1b), wherein, The projection device (2a, 2b) has the following features: - an image generation unit (5) for generating at least one first light beam (15, 16) representing image information, and - at least one turning element (21, 21a, 21b, 21c) comprising a first hologram layer (75c), wherein the first hologram layer (75c) is configured for turning the first light beam (15, 16) into a second light beam (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f) representing first image information and for turning the first light beam (15, 16) into a third light beam (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f) representing second image information into a first viewing region (30a) and / or a second viewing region (30b) of an eye (55), wherein the second light beam (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f) and the third light beam (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f) differ in terms of beam divergence, wherein the second viewing region (30b) at least overlaps the first viewing region (30a).

2. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, characterized in that The turning element (21, 21a, 21b, 21c) is configured for turning the first image information into the first viewing region (30a) and / or the second viewing region (30b) and for turning the second image information into the first viewing region (30a) and / or the second viewing region (30b), wherein the second viewing region (30b) and the first viewing region (30a) are arranged congruently.

3. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The turning element (21, 21a, 21b, 21c) is configured for turning the first light beam (15, 16) such that the first image information has a higher perceived image sharpness than the second image information, wherein the turning element (21, 21a, 21b, 21c) is configured for displaying the first image information and / or the second image information within a viewing region of the eye (55) that is central to the first viewing region (30a) and / or within a viewing region of the eye (55) that is peripheral to the second viewing region (30b).

4. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The turning element (21, 21a, 21b, 21c) is configured for turning the first light beam (15, 16) into a second light beam (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f) representing the first image information onto a point (60) arranged behind a pupil (45) of the eye (55) and / or for turning the first light beam (15, 16) into a third light beam (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f) representing the second image information onto a point (60) arranged in front of or behind the pupil (45) of the eye (55).

5. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The turning element (21, 21a, 21b, 21c) is configured to turn the first light beam (15, 16) in the form of the second light beam (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f) and / or to turn the first light beam (15, 16) in the form of the third light beam (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f) onto a point representing a turning point (60) of the eye (55).

6. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The turning element (21, 21a, 21b, 21c) comprises a second hologram layer (75a) and a third hologram layer (75b), wherein the second hologram layer (75a) is arranged in a different position than the third hologram layer (75b), wherein the second hologram layer (75a) is configured to turn the first light beam (15, 16) in the form of a second light beam (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f) representing the first image information into a first line of sight region (30a) and / or a second line of sight region (30b) of the eye (55) and the third hologram layer (75b) is configured to turn the first light beam (15, 16) in the form of a third light beam (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f) representing the second image information into the first line of sight region (30a) and / or the second line of sight region (30b) of the eye (55).

7. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The projection device (2a, 2b) additionally comprises at least one lens (18), wherein the lens (18) is configured to divide the first light beam (15, 16) into a second light beam (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f) representing the first image information and a third light beam (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f) representing the second image information.

8. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 3, characterized in that The turning element (21, 21a, 21b, 21c) is configured to match a first light flux of a second light beam (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f) representing the first image information within a line of sight region of the eye (55) as a center of a first line of sight region (30a) with respect to a second light flux of a third light beam (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f) representing the second image information within the line of sight region of the eye (55) as the center in the defined line of sight direction.

9. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 8, characterized in that The turning element (21, 21a, 21b, 21c) is configured to match a third light flux of a third light beam (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f) representing the second image information in a line of sight region of a periphery of the eye (55) with respect to a fourth light flux of a second light beam (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f) representing the first image information in the line of sight region of the periphery of the eye.

10. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The turning element (21, 21a, 21b, 21c) is configured for increasing and / or decreasing the first light flux of the second light beam (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f) representing the first image information within the line-of-sight region of the eye (55) as a center of a first line-of-sight region (30a) with respect to the second light flux of the third light beam (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f) representing the second image information within the line-of-sight region of the center.

11. The projection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The turning element (21, 21a, 21b, 21c) is configured for matching the fifth light flux of the second light beam (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f) representing the first image information within the line-of-sight region of the center and within the line-of-sight region of the periphery with respect to the sixth light flux of the third light beam (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f) representing the second image information within the line-of-sight region of the center and within the line-of-sight region of the periphery.

12. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The turning element (21, 21a, 21b, 21c) is configured for increasing and / or decreasing the fifth light flux of the second light beam (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f) representing the first image information within the line-of-sight region of the center and within the line-of-sight region of the periphery with respect to the sixth light flux of the third light beam (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f) representing the second image information within the line-of-sight region of the center and within the line-of-sight region of the periphery.

13. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The image generating unit (5) is configured for increasing the seventh light flux of the first light beam (15, 16) within the line-of-sight region of the periphery of the eye (55) with respect to the eighth light flux of the first light beam (15, 16) within the line-of-sight region of the center.

14. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The projection device (2a, 2b) additionally comprises a line-of-sight direction deriving unit (78) for deriving a line-of-sight direction of the eye (55).

15. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The projection device (2a, 2b) comprises a spectacle lens (20), wherein the turning element (21, 21a, 21b, 21c) is realized as a portion of the spectacle lens (20) and / or is applied to the spectacle lens (20).

16. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 15, characterized by The turning element (21, 21a, 21b, 21c) is injected and / or laminated as a portion of the spectacle lens (20).

17. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 15, characterized by The turning element (21, 21a, 21b, 21c) extends over at least one main portion of a surface of the spectacle lens (20).

18. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The image generating unit (5) is configured for generating the first light beam (15, 16) such that the first image information and / or the second image information represents an image of at least two colors.

19. The projection device (2a, 2b) according to claim 18, characterized by The first image information and / or the second image information represents an image of more than two colors.

20. A method for displaying image information by means of a projection device (2a, 2b) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The method comprises the following steps: generating (100) at least one first light beam (15, 16); and causing the first light beam (15, 16) to be diverted into a first line-of-sight region (30a) and / or a second line-of-sight region (30b) of the eye (55) in the form of a second light beam (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f) representing the first image information and in the form of a third light beam (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f) representing the second image information, wherein the first light beam (15, 16) is so diverted that the second light beam (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f) and the third light beam (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f) differ in terms of beam divergence, wherein the second line-of-sight region (30b) and the first line-of-sight region (30a) at least overlap.

21. A controller (3) having a unit configured to carry out and / or to control a method according to claim 20.

22. A computer program product having a program code configured to carry out and / or to control a method according to claim 20 when the program product is carried out on a computer or a controller.

23. A machine-readable memory medium on which the computer program product according to claim 22 is stored.

Images