Virtual image display device

Abstract

A virtual image display device of one embodiment includes a first light combining portion and a second light combining portion that is spaced apart from the first light combining portion and is configured to be adjacent to the first light combining portion from each other in one direction, a first display portion configured on a first slope of the first light combining portion, a second display portion configured on a second slope of the first light combining portion, a third display portion configured on a third slope of the second light combining portion, a fourth display portion configured on a fourth slope of the second light combining portion, a first light diffraction portion configured on a first light exit surface of the first light combining portion, and a second light diffraction portion configured on a second light exit surface of the second light combining portion, two display portions out of the first display portion to the fourth display portion output images of the same color light, and the remaining two display portions output images of color lights different from each other, respectively, thereby having an effect of improved resolution, light efficiency, and luminance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a virtual image display device, and more particularly, to a virtual image display device having improved reliability. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, virtual image display devices that are worn on the body of a user to provide virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) are being developed. As examples thereof, there are display devices in the form of head mounted displays or glasses that are worn on the head. A user can receive provision of a new virtual image that is completely different from the real world, or can also simultaneously recognize actual things in the real world and virtual images, through the virtual image display device.

[0003] On the other hand, there is an increasing demand for reducing the size and weight of virtual image display devices or for improving the SDE (Side Door Effect) phenomenon of display grid lines, and research for improving such problems is being conducted. SUMMARY

[0004] An object of the present application is to provide a virtual image display device having improved resolution, light efficiency, and brightness.

[0005] One embodiment provides a virtual image display device including: a first light combining portion and a second light combining portion spaced apart from the first light combining portion and configured to be adjacent to each other in a direction with the first light combining portion; a first display portion configured on a first inclined surface of the first light combining portion; a second display portion configured on a second inclined surface of the first light combining portion; a third display portion configured on a third inclined surface of the second light combining portion; a fourth display portion configured on a fourth inclined surface of the second light combining portion; a first light diffraction portion configured on a first light exit surface of the first light combining portion; and a second light diffraction portion configured on a second light exit surface of the second light combining portion, two display portions among the first display portion to the fourth display portion output an image of the same color light, and the remaining two display portions output images of different color lights from each other, respectively.

[0006] It can be that the first display portion and the second display portion output images of different color lights from each other, respectively, and the third display portion and the fourth display portion output images of different color lights from each other, respectively.

[0007] It can be that the first display portion to the fourth display portion output red light images, green light images, or blue light images, respectively.

[0008] The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface can form an acute angle with the first light exit surface, and the third inclined surface and the fourth inclined surface can form an acute angle with the second light exit surface.

[0009] The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface can form different angles with the first light exit surface.

[0010] When the wavelength of the color light image output by the first display portion is shorter than the wavelength of the color light image output by the second display portion, the first inclined surface can form a smaller angle with the first light exit surface than the second inclined surface.

[0011] At least one of the first to fourth inclined surfaces, the first light exit surface, and the second light exit surface can be a curved surface, and the curved surface can be a curved surface protruding toward the inside of the corresponding one of the first light combining portion and the second light combining portion.

[0012] The first light diffraction portion and the second light diffraction portion can each include a base portion and a plurality of protruding portions protruding from the base portion, and the protruding portions can be arranged in a periodic manner along the one direction.

[0013] The first light diffraction portion and the second light diffraction portion can each include a first sub-diffraction portion and a second sub-diffraction portion having a different refractive index from the first sub-diffraction portion, a plurality of the first sub-diffraction portions and the second sub-diffraction portions can be respectively provided, and the plurality of first sub-diffraction portions and the plurality of second sub-diffraction portions can be sequentially arranged along the one direction.

[0014] The second display portion and the third display portion can be disposed adjacent to each other, and the second display portion and the third display portion can each output the same color light image.

[0015] The second display portion and the third display portion can be formed in an integrated shape, and thus can be disposed in a spaced apart space between the first light combining portion and the second light combining portion.

[0016] The virtual image display apparatus can further include a light function layer disposed on the second display portion and the third display portion and including a plurality of protruding portions.

[0017] The light function layer can be a prism sheet.

[0018] The virtual image display apparatus can further include a first condenser lens disposed on the first light diffraction portion and a second condenser lens disposed on the second light diffraction portion.

[0019] The first display part to the fourth display part can each include a display panel, and the display panel can be an organic light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, or a micro light emitting diode display panel.

[0020] One of the first light combining part and the second light combining part can correspond to a left eye of a user, and the remaining one can correspond to a right eye of the user.

[0021] One embodiment provides a virtual image display apparatus including: a light combining part including an upper surface, a light exit surface parallel to the upper surface, a first inclined surface adjacent to the upper surface and one side of the light exit surface, and a second inclined surface adjacent to the upper surface and the other side of the light exit surface opposite to the one side; a first display part disposed on the first inclined surface; a second display part disposed on the second inclined surface; and a light diffraction part disposed on the light exit surface, an angle formed by the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface with the light exit surface being an acute angle, and the first display part and the second display part outputting images of different color lights, respectively.

[0022] The virtual image display apparatus can further include: a condenser lens disposed on the light diffraction part in parallel to the light exit surface with a gap.

[0023] The light diffraction part can be disposed in parallel to the light exit surface, and the light diffraction part can include sub-diffraction parts arranged in a period along a direction, and light incident from the first display part at a first angle is output by the light diffraction part at a light exit angle satisfying Equation 1 below,

[0024] [Equation 1]

[0025] θ' = Asin{N1·sin(θ)±m·(λ / T)}

[0026] In Equation 1, θ' is the light exit angle, N1 is a refractive index of the light combining part, θ is the first angle, m is an integer, λ is a wavelength of the incident light, and T is the period.

[0027] In a case where a wavelength of the image of the color light output by the first display part is a short wavelength compared to a wavelength of the image of the color light output by the second display part, an angle formed by the first inclined surface and the light exit surface can be smaller than an angle formed by the second inclined surface and the light exit surface.

[0028] (EFFECTS OF INVENTION)

[0029] The virtual image display apparatus according to one embodiment has an effect of improved resolution and luminance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an electronic device configuration including a virtual image display device to which an embodiment of the present disclosure relates.

[0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a model of a head-mounted device including an example of an electronic device worn by a user.

[0032] Figure 3 is a plan view of a virtual image display device to which an embodiment of the present disclosure relates.

[0033] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel to which an embodiment of the present disclosure relates.

[0034] Figure 5a is an enlarged plan view of a virtual image display device to which an embodiment of the present disclosure relates.

[0035] Figure 5b is an enlarged plan view of a virtual image display device to which an embodiment of the present disclosure relates.

[0036] Figure 5c is an enlarged plan view of a virtual image display device to which an embodiment of the present disclosure relates.

[0037] Figure 6 is a plan view of a virtual image display device to which an embodiment of the present disclosure relates.

[0038] Figure 7 is an enlarged plan view of a virtual image display device to which an embodiment of the present disclosure relates.

[0039] Figure 8a is a plan view of a virtual image display device to which an embodiment of the present disclosure relates.

[0040] Figure 8b is a plan view of a virtual image display device to which an embodiment of the present disclosure relates.

[0041] Figure 9 is a plan view of a virtual image display device to which an embodiment of the present disclosure relates.

[0042] Figure 10 is an enlarged plan view of a virtual image display device to which an embodiment of the present disclosure relates.

[0043] (Symbol Explanation)

[0044] VD: virtual image display device; DPN: display panel; CB1, CB2: light combining section; DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4: display section; DO1, DO2: light diffraction section; CON1, CON2: condenser lens; SDO-a, SDO-b, SDO-c, SDO1, SDO2: sub diffraction section; IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4: inclined surface; EL1, EL2: light exit surface; BS: base section; SF1, SF2: upper surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present application can have various modifications and various forms, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and are described in detail herein. However, this is not intended to limit the present application to specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the idea and technical scope of the present application.

[0046] In the present specification, in the case where it is mentioned that a certain constitutional element (or region, layer, portion, etc.) is located on, connected to, or combined with another constitutional element, it means that it can be directly disposed / connected / combined on the other constitutional element, or a third constitutional element can be further disposed therebetween.

[0047] The same symbols refer to the same constitutional elements. In addition, in each drawing, the thickness, ratio, and size of each constitutional element are exaggerated for effective explanation of technical content.

[0048] "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more of the related constitutional elements that can be defined.

[0049] The first, second, and the like terms can be used to describe various constitutional elements, but the constitutional elements described should not be limited to the terms described. The terms described are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constitutional element from another constitutional element. For example, a first constitutional element can be named a second constitutional element, and similarly, a second constitutional element can be named a first constitutional element, without departing from the scope of the present application. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless it is explicitly stated to the contrary in the context.

[0050] In addition, the terms "below", "lower", "above", "upper", and the like are used for the purpose of explaining the connection relationship of each constitutional element illustrated. The terms described are relative concepts, and are explained based on the direction of the illustration.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the present specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an overly literal or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0052] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "includes" and / or "containing," or "has," and / or "having," etc. are used herein and they mean that the specified features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, or a combination thereof exists or are included, but not to preclude the existence or a possibility of additional one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or a combination thereof.

[0053] Hereinafter, referring to the accompanying drawings, a virtual image display device according to an embodiment of the present application and an electronic device including the same will be described.

[0054] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an electronic device including a virtual image display device according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a model of a head-mounted device including an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, Figure 1 The electronic device 100 can include a control part CT and a virtual image display device VD. The virtual image display device VD can include a display part DP, a light combining part CB, and a light diffracting part DO.

[0056] The virtual image display device VD can be a display device implementing virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR). For example, the virtual image display device VD can provide an image of a virtual world different from a real world recognized by a user, and can also provide a virtual image or information together with an image of a real world recognized by the user. The electronic device 100 can include the virtual image display device VD, and thus can provide a model of a virtual world different from a real world in which the user US is located to the user US.

[0057] The control part CT can deliver a predetermined signal SG to the display part DP, and thus control an image output to the display part DP. The predetermined signal SG can be an electrical signal. An acceleration sensor or a proximity sensor, etc. can sense a motion or a line of sight of the user US, and the control part CT can provide a signal SG corresponding to a change recognized by the sensor, and thus output a relevant image to the display part DP. In addition, the control part CT can sense an external input, and thus output an image corresponding to the external input to the display part DP.

[0058] The display DP receiving the signal SG from the control CT can output an image, and transfer the output light LL1 to the light combining section CB. The output light LL1 received from the display DP can be combined in the light combining section CB. For example, a plurality of output lights LL1 output from a plurality of displays DP can be transferred to one light combining section CB, and the plurality of output lights LL1 can be overlapped with each other in the light combining section CB.

[0059] The light combining section CB can transfer the received output light LL1 to the light diffraction section DO through the light exit surface, and the light output from the light combining section CB can be defined as the combined light LL2. The combined light LL2 can be incident to the light diffraction section DO at various angles.

[0060] The light diffraction section DO can output the incident combined light LL2 at angles different from the incident angles. The light output from the light diffraction section DO can be defined as the diffracted light LL3. The diffracted light LL3 can be transferred to the eyes of the user US, and thus image formation can be performed in the eyes of the user US.

[0061] Therefore, the display DP receiving the signal SG through the control CT can output the output light LL1 capable of displaying an image to the light combining section CB. In the light combining section CB, the received output light LL1 can be combined, and the combined light LL2 can be transferred to the light diffraction section DO through the light exit surface of the light combining section CB. The combined light LL2 can be diffracted while passing through the light diffraction section DO, and the diffracted light LL3 obtained by the diffraction of the combined light LL2 can be transferred to the eyes of the user US.

[0062] The virtual image display device VD can be employed in the electronic device 100. The electronic device 100 including the virtual image display device VD can be provided to the user US in various forms. As an example, the electronic device 100 can constitute a wearable device to provide an image to the user US. For example, the electronic device 100 including the virtual image display device VD of the embodiment of the present application can be in the form of a head mounted display worn on the head of the user US, or a glasses-type display device that the user US can wear like glasses, etc. Figure 2 As an example, a case in which the user US wears the head mounted display HMD is illustrated.

[0063] The head mounted display HMD of one embodiment can further include the electronic device 100, the wearing section 200, and the pad section 300. The electronic device 100 can further include a frame, and the control section CT Figure 1 ) and the virtual image display device VD Figure 1 ) can be housed inside the frame. The virtual image display device VD can be covered with the frame.

[0064] The electronic device 100 can cover the eyes of the user US so as to correspond to the left and right eyes of the user US. The virtual image display device VD can include a plurality of light combining portions CB1, CB2( Figure 3 ), and each of the light combining portions CB1, CB2( Figure 3 ) can be configured to correspond to the left and right eyes of the user US.

[0065] Referring to Figure 2 , the head-mounted device HMD can provide the user US with an image through the virtual image display device VD in a state in which the peripheral vision of the user US of the actual reality is blocked. Accordingly, the user US wearing the virtual image display device VD in the form of the head-mounted device HMD can more easily immerse in the virtual reality.

[0066] The wearing part 200 can be combined with the electronic device 100, thereby making it easy for the user US to wear the virtual image display device VD. In Figure 2 , the wearing part 200 is shown to include a main band 210 to be worn around the head of the user US and an upper end band 220 to connect the electronic device 100 and the upper end of the main band 210 along the upper portion of the head.

[0067] The main band 210 can fix the electronic device 100 to be close to the head of the user US. The upper end band 220 can prevent the electronic device 100 from falling off, and can distribute the load of the electronic device 100 to further improve the wearing feeling of the user US.

[0068] Although the main band 210 and the upper end band 220 are exemplarily shown in Figure 2 to be adjustable in length, respectively, they are not limited thereto. The main band 210 and the upper end band 220 can be in the form of a rope, the portion of which is omitted to be adjustable in length and has elasticity.

[0069] As long as the virtual image display device VD can be fixed to the user US, the wearing part 200 can be deformed into various forms other than that shown in Figure 2 . For example, the upper end band 220 can also be omitted. In addition, the wearing part 200 of another embodiment of the present application can be deformed into various forms such as a helmet or a temple of glasses combined with the virtual image display device VD.

[0070] The pad 300 can be configured to be close to the face of the user US when the head-mounted device HMD is worn. The pad 300 can freely deform in shape and can absorb an impact applied to the head-mounted device HMD. For example, the pad 300 can be a high molecular resin or a foamed sponge, etc., and can include polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc. However, the material of the pad 300 is not limited to the described examples. In addition, the pad 300 can also be omitted.

[0071] Figure 3 is a plan view of a virtual image display device to which an embodiment of the present invention relates. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel to which an embodiment of the present invention relates.

[0072] Referring to Figure 3 The virtual image display device VD can include light combining portions CB1, CB2, display portions DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4, and light diffraction portions DO1, DO2.

[0073] The virtual image display device VD can include light combining portions CB1, CB2. The virtual image display device VD can include a first light combining portion CB1 and a second light combining portion CB2. The first light combining portion CB1 and the second light combining portion CB2 can be spaced apart and configured to be adjacent in a direction of a first direction axis DR1 which is a direction. The first light combining portion CB1 can correspond to the left eye US-L of the user, and the second light combining portion CB2 can correspond to the right eye US-R of the user.

[0074] The first light combining portion CB1 and the second light combining portion CB2 can each include an upper surface SF1, SF2, a light exit surface EL1, EL2, and a plurality of inclined surfaces IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4. In the present specification, the upper surfaces SF1, SF2 of the first light combining portion CB1 and the second light combining portion CB2 can each be a surface viewed as a front surface toward the user US, and can be a surface parallel to a surface defined by the direction of the first direction axis DR1 and the direction of a third direction axis DR3.

[0075] The first upper surface SF1 of the first light combining portion CB1 can be parallel to the first light exit surface EL1 in the direction of the first direction axis DR1, and can be spaced apart in the direction of a second direction axis DR2. The second upper surface SF2 of the second light combining portion CB2 can be parallel to the second light exit surface EL2 in the direction of the first direction axis DR1, and can be spaced apart in the direction of the second direction axis DR2.

[0076] The first light combining portion CB1 can include a first light exit surface EL1, a first upper surface SF1, a first inclined surface IN1, and a second inclined surface IN2. The first inclined surface IN1 can be adjacent to one side of the first light exit surface EL1 and the first upper surface SF1. The second inclined surface IN2 can be adjacent to the other side of the first light exit surface EL1 and the first upper surface SF1.

[0077] The second light combining portion CB2 can include a second light exit surface EL2, a second upper surface SF2, a third inclined surface IN3, and a fourth inclined surface IN4. The third inclined surface IN3 can be adjacent to one side of the second light exit surface EL2 and the second upper surface SF2. The fourth inclined surface IN4 can be adjacent to the other side of the second light exit surface EL2 and the second upper surface SF2.

[0078] Although the first light combining portion CB1 and the second light combining portion CB2 can be trapezoidal shapes with four straight sides on a plane defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2 intersecting each other, this is exemplarily shown, and a part of the four sides can be curved, not limited to any embodiment. The first light combining portion CB1 and the second light combining portion CB2 can form a thickness in the direction of the third direction axis DR3.

[0079] The first light exit surface EL1 and the second light exit surface EL2 can be side by side with a plane defined by the direction of the first direction axis DR1 and the third direction axis DR3, and can output light in the direction of the fourth direction axis DR4 toward the left eye US-L and the right eye US-R of the user US. For example, the first light exit surface EL1 and the second light exit surface EL2 can be parallel to the plane defined by the direction of the first direction axis DR1 and the third direction axis DR3.

[0080] In addition, in the present embodiment, the upper surface (or front surface) and the lower surface (or back surface) of each component are defined based on the direction in which light is output from the light combining portion CB1, CB2. The upper surface and the lower surface can be opposite to each other in the direction of the fourth direction axis DR4, and the normal direction of each of the upper surface and the lower surface can be parallel to the direction of the second direction axis DR2 and the fourth direction axis DR4.

[0081] In addition, the directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, the third direction axis DR3, the fourth direction axis DR4, and the fifth direction axis DR5 are relative concepts, and they can be transformed into other directions. Hereinafter, the first direction to the fifth direction are the directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, the third direction axis DR3, the fourth direction axis DR4, and the fifth direction axis DR5, respectively, with reference to the same symbols.

[0082] An angle formed by the first light extraction surface EL1 and the first inclined surface IN1 of the first light combining section CB1 can be defined as a first angle θD1, and an angle formed by the first light extraction surface EL1 and the second inclined surface IN2 can be defined as a second angle θD2. The first angle θD1 and the second angle θD2 can be acute angles of 90° or less. The same can be said of an angle formed by the second light extraction surface EL2 and the third inclined surface IN3 of the second light combining section CB2 and an angle formed by the second light extraction surface EL2 and the fourth inclined surface IN4.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 1, the inclined surfaces IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4 and the light extraction surfaces EL1, EL2 included in the light combining sections CB1, CB2 involved in an embodiment can be flat surfaces. However, this is not limiting, and at least one of the inclined surfaces IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4 and the light extraction surfaces EL1, EL2 can be curved surfaces. Figure 3

[0084] The virtual image display device VD can include a first display section DP1, a second display section DP2, a third display section DP3, and a fourth display section DP4. The first display section DP1 can be disposed on the first inclined surface IN1, and the second display section DP2 can be disposed on the second inclined surface IN2. The third display section DP3 can be disposed on the third inclined surface IN3, and the fourth display section DP4 can be disposed on the fourth inclined surface IN4. Each of the first display section DP1, the second display section DP2, the third display section DP3, and the fourth display section DP4 can be disposed apart from each of the first inclined surface IN1, the second inclined surface IN2, the third inclined surface IN3, and the fourth inclined surface IN4, or can be directly disposed on the first inclined surface IN1, the second inclined surface IN2, the third inclined surface IN3, and the fourth inclined surface IN4.

[0085] The first inclined surface IN1 can be a flat surface parallel to a direction between a direction of the first direction axis DR1 and a direction of the second direction axis DR2. While the first display section DP1 can be disposed side by side with the first inclined surface IN1, this is not limiting, and can be disposed inclined with respect to the first inclined surface IN1. The second inclined surface IN2 can be a flat surface parallel to a direction between a direction of the first direction axis DR1 and a direction of the fourth direction axis DR4. While the second display section DP2 can be disposed side by side with the second inclined surface IN2, this is not limiting, and can be disposed inclined with respect to the second inclined surface IN2.

[0086] ​The third inclined surface IN3 can be a plane parallel to a direction between a direction of the fourth direction axis DR4 and a direction of the fifth direction axis DR5. Although the third display portion DP3 can be arranged side by side with the third inclined surface IN3, it is not limited thereto and can be arranged inclined with respect to the third inclined surface IN3. The fourth inclined surface IN4 can be a plane parallel to a direction between a direction of the second direction axis DR2 and a direction of the fifth direction axis DR5. Although the fourth display portion DP4 can be arranged side by side with the fourth inclined surface IN4, it is not limited thereto and can be arranged inclined with respect to the fourth inclined surface IN4.

[0087] The first display portion DP1, the second display portion DP2, the third display portion DP3, and the fourth display portion DP4 can respectively output color light images. Two of the first display portion DP1, the second display portion DP2, the third display portion DP3, and the fourth display portion DP4 can output the same first color light image, and the remaining two display portions can respectively output a second color light image and a third color light image as color light images different from each other. For example, the first color light to the third color light can be red light, green light, or blue light, respectively, and the color light images output by the first display portion DP1, the second display portion DP2, the third display portion DP3, and the fourth display portion DP4 can be one or more red light images, green light images, or blue light images.

[0088] The first display portion DP1 and the second display portion DP2 included in the virtual image display device VD according to an embodiment can respectively output images of different color lights, and the third display portion DP3 and the fourth display portion DP4 can respectively output images of different color lights. For example, the first display portion DP1 can output a green light image, and the second display portion DP2 can output a red light image. In addition, the third display portion DP3 can output a red light image, and the fourth display portion DP4 can output a blue light image. However, the color lights of the images output from the respective display portions are not limited to the described examples.

[0089] The shapes of the light combining portions CB1, CB2 can be designed in various ways according to the wavelengths of the color light images output by the display portions DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4. For example, a first angle θD1, which is an angle between the first light exit surface EL1 and the first inclined surface IN1, and a second angle θD2, which is an angle between the first light exit surface EL1 and the second inclined surface IN2, can differ according to the wavelengths of the color light images respectively output by the first display portion DP1 and the second display portion DP2.

[0090] In a case where the first display part DP1 outputs a color light image of a shorter wavelength than the second display part DP2, the first angle θD1 can be smaller than the second angle θD2. For example, in a case where the first display part DP1 outputs a blue light image and the second display part DP2 outputs a red light image, the first inclined surface IN1 can be a shape inclined more toward the first light exit surface EL1 side than the second inclined surface IN2.

[0091] The above-described explanation can also be equally applied to the second light combining part CB2. The angle between the second light exit surface EL2 and the third inclined surface IN3 and the angle between the second light exit surface EL2 and the fourth inclined surface IN4 of the second light combining part CB2 can be different according to the wavelengths of the color light images output by the third display part DP3 and the fourth display part DP4, respectively.

[0092] The first light combining part CB1 can combine the images provided from the first display part DP1 and the second display part DP2 and output the images through the first light exit surface EL1, and the output images can be provided to the left eye US-L of the user US through the first light diffraction part DO1. The second light combining part CB2 can combine the images provided from the third display part DP3 and the fourth display part DP4 and output the images through the second light exit surface EL2, and the output images can be provided to the right eye US-R of the user US through the second light diffraction part DO2.

[0093] The output images passing through the light combining parts CB1, CB2 can be affected by the substances of the light combining parts CB1, CB2. The light combining parts CB1, CB2 can be optically transparent. For example, the light combining parts CB1, CB2 can include a high molecular substance or glass. However, the substances of the light combining parts CB1, CB2 are not limited to the above-described examples.

[0094] The output images passing through the light combining parts CB1, CB2 can be affected by the refractive indexes of the light combining parts CB1, CB2. For example, although the refractive indexes of the light combining parts CB1, CB2 can be 1.4 to 1.7, the refractive indexes of the light combining parts CB1, CB2 are not limited to the above-described numerical examples.

[0095] The light diffraction parts DO1, DO2 can be disposed on the light exit surfaces EL1, EL2. The first light diffraction part DO1 can be disposed on the first light exit surface EL1 along the normal direction of the first light exit surface EL1. The second light diffraction part DO2 can be disposed on the second light exit surface EL2 along the normal direction of the second light exit surface EL2.

[0096] As Figure 3As shown, the first light exit surface EL1 and the second light exit surface EL2 can be planes parallel to the surfaces defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the third direction axis DR3, and the first light diffraction portion DO1 and the second light diffraction portion DO2 can be disposed on the first light exit surface EL1 and the second light exit surface EL2, respectively, along the direction of the fourth direction axis DR4. However, it is not limited to Figure 3 In the example shown, the first light diffraction portion DO1 and the second light diffraction portion DO2 can be disposed on the first light exit surface EL1 and the second light exit surface EL2, respectively, as curved surfaces.

[0097] The first light diffraction portion DO1 and the second light diffraction portion DO2 can be disposed directly on the first light exit surface EL1 and the second light exit surface EL2, respectively. Therefore, according to the shape of the first light exit surface EL1 and the second light exit surface EL2, the shape of the first light diffraction portion DO1 and the second light diffraction portion DO2 can also be different. For example, the first light diffraction portion DO1 and the second light diffraction portion DO2 can be planes or curved surfaces, respectively.

[0098] The light diffraction portions DO1, DO2 can diffract the light output from the light exit surfaces EL1, EL2 by the light combining portions CB1, CB2 at various angles. The user US can recognize the light diffracted by the light diffraction portions DO1, DO2. For example, the light diffraction portions DO1, DO2 can include a surface relief grating, a blaze grating, or a Holographic Optical Element (HOE), etc., as long as the light can be diffracted, and are not limited to any embodiment. Figure 5a to Figure 5c An example of the light diffraction portions DO1, DO2 of the present application is shown, and will be described later with reference to Figure 5a to Figure 5c

[0099] The first display portion DP1, the second display portion DP2, the third display portion DP3, and the fourth display portion DP4 can each include a display panel DPN( Figure 4 ) respectively. The display panels DPN( Figure 4 ) included in the first display portion DP1, the second display portion DP2, the third display portion DP3, and the fourth display portion DP4 respectively can output images to be provided to the user US to the first light combining portion CB1 and the second light combining portion CB2.

[0100] The display panels DPN( Figure 4 ) can be rigid or flexible display panels. In the case of a flexible display panel, the shape can be changed by bending, folding, rolling, etc.

[0101] The display panels DPN( Figure 4 ​) can be an organic light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, or a micro LED display panel, and is not limited to any one of them. The organic light emitting display panel can include an organic light emitting element, the liquid crystal display panel can include a liquid crystal layer, and the micro LED display panel can include a micro light emitting diode.

[0102] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel to which an embodiment of the present application relates. Although an organic light emitting display panel is shown as an example of the present application, a display panel DPN applicable to the present application is not limited to this.

[0103] Referring to Figure 4 , the display panel DPN can include a substrate layer SUB, a circuit layer DP-CL disposed on the substrate layer SUB, a light emitting element layer DP-OLED, and a sealing layer TFE.

[0104] The substrate layer SUB can be rigid or flexible. The substrate layer SUB can be a polymer substrate, a plastic substrate, a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or a composite material substrate, etc. The substrate layer SUB can not only have a single layer structure, but also have a multi-layer structure. The substrate layer SUB can include a synthetic resin film, and the substrate layer SUB can be a multi-layer structure including a plurality of synthetic resin films. Although the synthetic resin film can include a polyimide-based, an acrylic-based, an ethylene-based, an epoxy-based, a urethane-based, a cellulose-based, a perylene-based, etc., the material of the synthetic resin film is not limited to the examples.

[0105] The circuit layer DP-CL can be disposed on the substrate layer SUB. The circuit layer DP-CL can include at least one insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, a signal line, and a pixel line, etc. The circuit layer DP-CL can include a plurality of transistors formed of a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, and a signal line, etc.

[0106] Figure 4 A cross section of a plurality of insulating layers BFL, 10, 20, 30 included in the circuit layer DP-CL and one thin film transistor TFT of a plurality of thin film transistors are shown. The thin film transistors TFT included in the circuit layer DP-CL can each include a control electrode, an input electrode, and an output electrode.

[0107] The plurality of insulating layers BFL, 10, 20, 30 can each include an organic material and / or an inorganic material, and can have a single layer or a multi-layer structure. Some of the plurality of insulating layers BFL, 10, 20, 30 can be omitted. For example, the buffer layer BFL can be omitted, and further other insulating layers can be further disposed.

[0108] The light emitting element layer DP-OLED can be disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL. The light emitting element layer DP-OLED can include a pixel definition film PDL and a light emitting element OLED.

[0109] An OLED (Optical Display Cell) may include a first electrode AE ​​and a second electrode CE facing each other, and a light-emitting functional layer disposed between the first electrode AE ​​and the second electrode CE. Figure 4 As shown, an OLED light-emitting element of one embodiment may include a hole transport region HCL, an emissive layer EML, and an electron transport region ECL sequentially stacked between a first electrode AE ​​and a second electrode CE. However, the stacked structure of the light-emitting functional layers is not limited to this; the hole transport region HCL and the electron transport region ECL may be omitted, and other functional layers may also be included.

[0110] An OLED (Optical Display Panel) generates light by recombination of holes and electrons injected from the first electrode AE ​​and the second electrode CE within the emissive layer EML. The light generated by the EML can be colored within a specific wavelength range. For example, the colored light can be red, green, or blue, but it is not limited to these. The light generated by the EML can be output towards the DP-OLED (Distributed Display Panel) layer.

[0111] On the other hand, the light-emitting element OLED in the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to organic light-emitting elements, but can be a nano-light-emitting element or a quantum dot light-emitting element. The light source included in the light-emitting layer EML can be a nanomaterial, quantum dot or quantum rod, and the light-emitting element OLED can provide light through the light source included in the light-emitting layer EML.

[0112] A pixel definition film (PDL) can be configured on the circuit layer DP-CL. An opening can be defined in the pixel definition film (PDL). The opening in the pixel definition film (PDL) can expose at least a portion of the first electrode AE.

[0113] Each pixel region of the display panel DPN can be divided on a plane into an emitting region equipped with an OLED and an adjacent non-emitting region. An opening of the pixel definition film PDL can be defined corresponding to the emitting region. The pixel definition film PDL can correspond to the non-emitting region adjacent to the emitting region.

[0114] Pixel-Defining Film (PDL) can include organic resins or inorganic materials. For example, PDL can include polyacrylate-based resins or polyimide-based resins, silicon nitride (SiN)... x ), silicon dioxide (SiO) x ) or silicon oxynitride (SiO) x N y (e.g., substances are not limited to the examples described.)

[0115] A TFE encapsulation layer can be disposed on the DP-OLED light-emitting element layer to seal the DP-OLED. The TFE encapsulation layer protects the OLED light-emitting element from moisture and / or oxygen, and from foreign matter such as dust particles.

[0116] Although Figure 4 The diagram shows that the encapsulation layer TFE is a single layer, but the encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one organic or inorganic membrane, or it may include both organic and inorganic membranes. For example, the encapsulation layer TFE may have a structure in which organic and inorganic membranes are alternately and repeatedly stacked, or it may be a structure in which inorganic, organic, and inorganic membranes are sequentially stacked.

[0117] For example, the inorganic film included in the encapsulation layer TFE may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer, etc., and is not particularly limited to the examples described. Although the organic film included in the encapsulation layer TFE may include an acrylic organic film, it is not particularly limited to the examples described.

[0118] Figure 5a to Figure 5c This is an enlarged plan view of a virtual image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5a to Figure 5c Enlarged Figure 3 The virtual image display device VD shown represents a region AA. Figure 5a to Figure 5c An enlarged plan view of the first optical diffracting section DO1, which includes sub-diffracting sections SDO-a, SDO-b, and SDO-c of different shapes, is shown. The descriptions below can also be applied to the second optical diffracting section DO2.

[0119] Light emitted from the light-converging parts CB1 and CB2 through the light-emitting surfaces EL1 and EL2 can be diffracted by the light-diffraction parts DO1 and DO2. The diffraction angle of the light can be affected by the structure of the light-diffraction parts DO1 and DO2. Multiple sub-diffraction parts can be included within the light-diffraction parts DO1 and DO2, and these sub-diffraction parts can be arranged in a certain period T. The period T of the sub-diffraction parts represents the repeated spacing of sub-diffraction parts of the same shape along one direction.

[0120] Figure 5a and Figure 5b The light diffraction sections DO1-a and DO1-b of one embodiment shown include a base section BS and sub-diffraction sections SDO-a and SDO-b in the form of protrusions extending from the base section BS. Furthermore, the sub-diffraction sections may include various forms, and the protrusions may be one form of the sub-diffraction section.

[0121] Figure 5a and Figure 5b The sub-diffraction sections SDO-a and SDO-b shown differ in their protruding shapes. For example... Figure 5aAs shown, in one embodiment, the protrusion of the sub-diffraction section SDO-a can be a square column shape. For example... Figure 5b As shown, the protrusion of the sub-diffraction section SDO-b, as an example, can be serrated. The serrated protrusion can be triangular in shape on a plane. The shape of the protrusion is not limited to this. Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, the shape of the protrusion can be varied as long as it can diffract light at various angles, and is not limited to any particular embodiment.

[0122] It can have multiple protrusions, and these protrusions can be arranged along a single direction according to a period T. (See reference...) Figure 5a and Figure 5b The sub-diffraction sections SDO-a and SDO-b, which include optical diffraction sections DO1-a and DO1-b, can be arranged along the direction of the first directional axis DR1 at a certain period T.

[0123] Reference Figure 5a One of the multiple protrusions protruding from the base portion BS can be configured to be spaced apart from adjacent protrusions by a certain distance. Protrusions having the same width in the direction of the first direction axis DR1 can be configured to be spaced apart by a certain distance in the direction of the first direction axis DR1. The period T of the sub-diffraction portion SDO-a included in the optical diffraction portion DO1-a in one embodiment can be the width and spacing of the protrusions in the direction of the first direction axis DR1.

[0124] Reference Figure 5b Protrusions having the same width in the direction of the first direction axis DR1 can be arranged along the direction of the first direction axis DR1. Depending on the shape of the protrusions, a spacer can be formed between adjacent protrusions. The period T of the sub-diffraction section SDO-b included in the optical diffraction section DO1-b in one embodiment can be the width of the protrusion in the direction of the first direction axis DR1.

[0125] Figure 5c The sub-diffraction section SDO-c shown may include a first sub-diffraction section SDO1 and a second sub-diffraction section SDO2 arranged along a direction. Multiple first sub-diffraction sections SDO1 and second sub-diffraction sections SDO2 may be provided, and these sub-diffraction sections may be arranged sequentially according to a period T while being in contact with each other along a first directional axis DR1.

[0126] The refractive index n1 of the first sub-diffraction section SDO1 may be different from the refractive index n2 of the second sub-diffraction section SDO2. Therefore, in one embodiment, the optical diffraction section DO1-c may be a configuration in which multiple sub-diffraction sections SDO1 and SDO2 with different refractive indices are arranged sequentially along a direction. This direction may be the direction from the user's left eye US-L to the right eye US-R.

[0127] Although Figure 5a to Figure 5c The direction with the period T is not limited to the direction of the first direction axis DR1, although a cross section is shown. The light diffraction portions DO1, DO2 can include a plurality of sub-diffraction portions arranged via the entire upper surface of the light diffraction portions DO1, DO2, and the sub-diffraction portions can be arranged in the directions of the first direction axis DR1 and the third direction axis DR3 in the period T.

[0128] Figure 6 is a plan view of a virtual image display device to which an embodiment of the present application relates. Although Figure 6 The virtual image display device VD of an embodiment shown in Figure 3 The virtual image display device VD of an embodiment shown in

[0129] The virtual image display device VD of an embodiment can further include condensing lenses CON1, CON2. A plurality of condensing lenses CON1, CON2 can be provided, and can be respectively arranged to correspond to the left eye US-L and the right eye US-R of the user US. The virtual image display device VD can include a first condensing lens CON1 arranged on the first light diffraction portion DO1 in the direction of the fourth direction axis DR4 and a second condensing lens CON2 arranged on the second light diffraction portion DO2.

[0130] The color light images output by the display portions DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4 can pass through the light exit surfaces EL1, EL2 of the light combining portions CB1, CB2 Figure 3 and be output through the light diffraction portions DO1, DO2. The light that has passed through the light diffraction portions DO1, DO2 can be output at various wide angles due to diffraction, and the condensing lenses CON1, CON2 can converge the output light so that the light can be imaged in the left eye US-L and the right eye US-R of the user US.

[0131] Figure 7 is an enlarged plan view of a virtual image display device to which an embodiment of the present application relates. Figure 7 Only a part of the first light combining portion CB1 of the virtual image display device VD of an embodiment shown in Figure 3 The description to be described later can also be equally applied to the second light combining portion CB2.

[0132] Referring to Figure 7 , the first display portion DP1 and the second display portion DP2 can respectively output light toward the first light combining portion CB1. Among the light output by the first display portion DP1, light incident to the first light combining portion CB1 can be defined as first light L1, and among the light output by the second display portion DP2, light incident to the first light combining portion CB1 can be defined as second light L2.

[0133] The light L1, L2 input to the first light combining part CB1 can be incident at a certain angle. The incident angle of the first light L1 can be defined as a first incident angle θ1, and the incident angle of the second light L2 can be defined as a second incident angle θ2.

[0134] The light L1, L2 incident at a certain angle can be output through the first light diffraction part DO1 disposed on the light exit surface EL1( Figure 3 ) of the first light combining part CB1. The output light can be output at an angle different from the incident angle. The light exit angle of the first light L1 can be defined as a first output angle θ1', and the light exit angle of the second light L2 can be defined as a second output angle θ2'.

[0135] The angle of the light output through the first light diffraction part DO1 can be different according to the incident angle of the light, the wavelength of the light, the refractive index N1 of the first light combining part CB1, and the repetition period T of the sub-diffraction part included in the first light diffraction part DO1. The angle of the light output through the light diffraction parts DO1, DO2 of an embodiment can be a value satisfying the following Equation 1.

[0136] [Equation 1]

[0137] θ' = Asin{N1·sin(θ)±m·(λ / T)}

[0138] In the Equation 1, θ' is the light exit angle, N1 is the refractive index of the first light combining part CB1, θ is the incident angle of the light, m is an integer of 0, ±1, ±2,..., ±n, λ is the wavelength of the incident light L1, L2, and T is the repetition period of the sub-diffraction part included in the first light diffraction part DO1.

[0139] Table 1 below shows the light exit angle according to the wavelength of the light and the period of the sub-diffraction part in the light combining part according to an example. The refractive index of the light combining part of the example is 1.5. T1, T2, T3 mean the period of the repetition of the sub-diffraction part, and the period increases from T1 toward T3.

[0140]

Table 1

[0141]

[0142]

[0143] As can be seen from Table 1, the longer the repeating period of the sub-diffraction portion included in the light-diffraction portion, the smaller the light-exit angle. Thus, as the repeating period of the sub-diffraction portion becomes shorter, the light-exit angle range of light can become wider. In addition, the longer the wavelength of light, the greater the light-exit angle can be. For example, when red light and green light are incident at the same incident angle, the light-exit angle of red light can be greater than that of green light. Thus, the light-exit distribution can differ from one color light image to another according to the wavelength of the color light.

[0144] The virtual image display apparatus of one embodiment can incline the display portion that outputs a color light image of a short wavelength more adjacent to the light-exit surface of the light-combining portion than the display portion that outputs a color light image of a long wavelength. By adjusting the inclination of the display portion, the light-exit distribution according to the wavelength of the color light and the degree of overlap of the color light can be adjusted.

[0145] Thus, the virtual image display apparatus of one embodiment can design the light-combining portion and the light-diffraction portion to adjust the light-exit distribution of the color light image. Specifically, the light-exit distribution can be adjusted by adjusting the angle of each side surface of the light-combining portion, the refractive index of the light-combining portion, the arrangement of the display portion, the period of the sub-diffraction portion included in the light-diffraction portion, and the like, so that the brightness of the image imaged in the user's eye can be improved. The respective color light images are overlapped by the light-combining portion and the light-diffraction portion, so that the resolution of the output light can be improved.

[0146] Figure 8a and Figure 8b is a plan view of a virtual image display apparatus to which one embodiment of the present application relates. The light-combining portions CB1 and CB2 of one embodiment can include at least one curved surface in one plane. For example, at least one of the first inclined surface IN1, the second inclined surface IN2, the third inclined surface IN3, and the fourth inclined surface IN4 and the first light-exit surface EL1 and the second light-exit surface EL2 can be a curved surface. Since the light-combining portions CB1 and CB2 include at least one curved surface, the light-exit distribution of light can be varied.

[0147] At least one of the first light-exit surface EL1 and the second light-exit surface EL2 can be a curved surface. Referring to Figure 8a , a virtual image display apparatus VD-a of one embodiment is illustrated in which the first light-exit surface EL1 and the second light-exit surface EL2 are curved surfaces.

[0148] At least one of the first inclined surface IN1, the second inclined surface IN2, the third inclined surface IN3, and the fourth inclined surface IN4 can be a curved surface. Referring to Figure 8b , a virtual image display apparatus VD-b of one embodiment is illustrated in which the first inclined surface IN1, the second inclined surface IN2, the third inclined surface IN3, and the fourth inclined surface IN4 are curved surfaces.

[0149] The light-exit surfaces EL1, EL2 can be curved surfaces that protrude toward the inner side of the light-combining portions CB1, CB2. Therefore, light output from the light-combining portions CB1, CB2 toward the light-exit surfaces EL1, EL2 can be condensed. Thus, even without an additional condensing lens, it is possible to easily form images in the left eye US-L and the right eye US-R of the user US, respectively, and the virtual image display device VD-b can be reduced in size.

[0150] The light-diffraction portions DO1, DO2 disposed on the light-exit surfaces EL1, EL2 can be curved surfaces that protrude toward the inner side of the light-combining portions CB1, CB2 in correspondence with the shape of the light-exit surfaces EL1, EL2. The light-diffraction portions DO1, DO2 can be in contact with the light-exit surfaces EL1, EL2, which are curved surfaces, to form a curved surface together.

[0151] The inclined surfaces IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4 can be curved surfaces that protrude toward the inner side of the light-combining portions CB1, CB2. That is, the inclined surfaces IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4 can be curved surfaces that protrude in the direction in which light is output from the display portions DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4. Since the inclined surfaces IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4 have the shape of a curved surface, it is possible to adjust the distribution of light output from the display portions DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4 and incident into the interior of the light-combining portions CB1, CB2.

[0152] The degree of protrusion (i.e., the curvature) of the first light-exit surface EL1, the second light-exit surface EL2, and the inclined surfaces IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4 can be the same as or different from each other, or only a part of them can be the same. The distribution of light output in accordance with the curvature of each surface can be different, and it is possible to improve the brightness and the resolution by adjusting the distribution of light.

[0153] The shapes of the first light-combining portion CB1 and the second light-combining portion CB2 can be different from each other. For example, the first light-combining portion CB1 can be a shape in which the first light-exit surface EL1 is a curved surface and the first inclined surface IN1 and the second inclined surface IN2 are flat surfaces. However, the second light-combining portion CB2 can be a shape in which the second light-exit surface EL2 is a flat surface and the third inclined surface IN3 and the fourth inclined surface IN4 are curved surfaces.

[0154] In the light-combining portions CB1, CB2, the light-exit surfaces EL1, EL2 and at least one of the inclined surfaces IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4 included in the light-combining portions CB1, CB2 can be curved surfaces, or the inclined surfaces IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4 and the light-exit surfaces EL1, EL2 can all be curved surfaces. Taking the first light-combining portion CB1 as an example, the first light-exit surface EL1 and the first inclined surface IN1 can be curved surfaces, the second inclined surface IN2 can be a flat surface, or the first light-exit surface EL1, the first inclined surface IN1, and the second inclined surface IN2 can all be curved surfaces.

[0155] Figure 9is a plan view of a virtual image display device to which an embodiment of the present application relates. Although Figure 9 The virtual image display device VD-c of an embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a first display portion DP1, a second display portion DP2, a third display portion DP3, and a fourth display portion DP4, which are arranged in this order from the front side of the virtual image display device VD-c. Figure 3 The virtual image display device VD shown in FIG. 2 has substantially the same configuration as the virtual image display device VD of FIG. 1, but differs in part of the configuration. The differences will be mainly described with reference to FIG. 2. Figure 9 The differences will be mainly described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 3, the first display portion DP1 and the fourth display portion DP4 can be arranged far apart with the light combining portions CB1, CB2 interposed therebetween, and the second display portion DP2 and the third display portion DP3 can be arranged apart from and adjacent to each other. The second display portion DP2 and the third display portion DP3 can respectively output light in different directions from each other. With reference to FIG. 4, the second display portion DP2 can output light in a direction between a fourth direction axis DR4 and a fifth direction axis DR5, and the third display portion DP3 can output light in a direction between a first direction axis DR1 and the fourth direction axis DR4. Figure 3 Figure 3

[0157] The second display portion DP2 and the third display portion DP3 can respectively output images of the same color light. The second display portion DP2 and the third display portion DP3 can be arranged symmetrically about an axis extending in the direction of the second direction axis DR2.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 6, the second display portion DP2 and the third display portion DP3 adjacent to each other can be formed in one body. The second display portion DP2 and the third display portion DP3 formed in one body can output images of the same color light. The second display portion DP2 and the third display portion DP3 formed in one body can be defined as a fifth display portion DP5. Figure 9

[0159] The first display portion DP1, the fourth display portion DP4, and the fifth display portion DP5 can respectively output images of different color lights from each other. For example, the first display portion DP1 can output an image of green light, the fourth display portion DP4 can output an image of red light, and the fifth display portion DP5 can output an image of blue light. However, the example of the color lights output by the display portions is not limited to the example described above.

[0160] The virtual image display device VD-c of an embodiment can improve the resolution and the luminance while reducing the number of the display portions in the stack. As the number of the display portions in the stack is reduced, the process can be simplified, and the size and the weight of the virtual image display device VD-c can be reduced.

[0161] ​​​The fifth display portion DP5 can be disposed in a space apart from the first light combining portion CB1 and the second light combining portion CB2. The fifth display portion DP5 can be disposed so as to overlap the second inclined surface IN2 of the first light combining portion CB1 and the third inclined surface IN3 of the second light combining portion CB2 in the direction of the second direction axis DR2. The normal direction of the upper surface of the fifth display portion DP5 can intersect the direction apart from the first light combining portion CB1 and the second light combining portion CB2. For example, the fifth display portion DP5 can be disposed in a direction parallel to the light exit surfaces EL1, EL2 of the light combining portions CB1, CB2.

[0162] The virtual image display device VD-c of one embodiment can further include a light functional layer OP disposed on the fifth display portion DP5. The light functional layer OP can be a layer that changes the path of light output from the fifth display portion DP5. For example, the fifth display portion DP5 can output light in the direction of the fourth direction axis DR4, and the light functional layer OP can change the path of the light so that the output light is incident on the second inclined surface IN2 and the third inclined surface IN3.

[0163] Figure 10 Amplification Figure 9 A light functional layer OP-a is illustrated in part of the fifth display portion DP5 and the light functional layer OP. As Figure 10 The light functional layer OP-a of one embodiment can be a layer in which a plurality of protrusions are repeatedly arranged, as illustrated. Although a protrusion having a triangular shape in plan view is illustrated as one example, the shape of the protrusion is not limited thereto and can be a semicircle, a quadrangle, or the like.

[0164] The path of light output from the fifth display portion DP5 can be changed by the protrusions. The light functional layer OP-a can change the path of the front light output in the direction of the fourth direction axis DR4 from the fifth display portion DP5 to side light. For example, the light functional layer OP-a can be a prism sheet or a diffractive optical element. By changing the path of light, the light output from the fifth display portion DP5 can be incident on the first light combining portion CB1 and the second light combining portion CB2.

[0165] On the other hand, the virtual image display device can stack display portions that respectively output light of three colors corresponding to the left eye and the right eye of the user, and in this case, there can be a problem in that the volume of a condensing device for condensing images of light of the three colors becomes large. However, the virtual image display device according to one embodiment of the present application can reduce the number of stacked layers of display portions that respectively output light of a specific color corresponding to the left eye and the right eye of the user, and thus can reduce the volume of the virtual image display device.

[0166] Furthermore, compared to virtual image display devices that stack display units that output three colors of light corresponding to the user's left and right eyes respectively, the virtual image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention simplifies the manufacturing process and structure of the display device. Therefore, the virtual image display device of the present invention allows the pixels of the display panel to be arranged to provide the user with a high-resolution image. Because a high-resolution image is provided to the user, the problem of the user recognizing grid patterns is improved.

[0167] On the other hand, virtual image display devices may include collimators, which may suffer from image formation problems due to manufacturing limitations. However, an embodiment of the present invention relates to a virtual image display device that can omit the collimators configured on multiple display units and can provide users with a virtual image display device with improved light efficiency and brightness.

[0168] While the above description has been made with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art or those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0169] Therefore, the technical scope of this invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed specification, but should be determined solely by the claims.

Claims

1. A virtual image display apparatus comprising: a first light combining portion and a second light combining portion spaced apart from the first light combining portion and configured to be adjacent to each other in a direction with the first light combining portion; a first display portion configured on a first slope of the first light combining portion; a second display portion configured on a second slope of the first light combining portion; a third display portion configured on a third slope of the second light combining portion; a fourth display portion configured on a fourth slope of the second light combining portion; a first light diffraction portion configured on a first light exit surface of the first light combining portion; and a second light diffraction portion configured on a second light exit surface of the second light combining portion, wherein two of the first to fourth display portions output an image of the same color light, and the remaining two display portions output images of different color lights from each other, light entering the first light combining portion from the first slope and the second slope directly travels to the first light exit surface, light entering the second light combining portion from the third slope and the fourth slope directly travels to the second light exit surface, the first slope and the second slope are configured such that a distance between the first slope and the second slope decreases as a distance from the first light diffraction portion increases, and the third slope and the fourth slope are configured such that a distance between the third slope and the fourth slope decreases as a distance from the second light diffraction portion increases. 2.The virtual image display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first display portion and the second display portion output images of different color lights from each other, and the third display portion and the fourth display portion output images of different color lights from each other. 3.The virtual image display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first to fourth display portions output red light images, green light images, or blue light images, respectively. 4.The virtual image display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first slope and the second slope each form an acute angle with the first light exit surface, and the third slope and the fourth slope each form an acute angle with the second light exit surface. 5.The virtual image display apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first slope and the second slope each form a different angle with the first light exit surface. 6.The virtual image display apparatus of claim 5, wherein in a case where a wavelength of an image of color light output by the first display portion is a short wavelength compared to a wavelength of an image of color light output by the second display portion, the first slope forms a smaller angle with the first light exit surface than the second slope. 7.The virtual image display apparatus of claim 1, wherein ​ At least one of the first to fourth inclined surfaces, the first light outgoing surface, and the second light outgoing surface is a curved surface, and the curved surface is a curved surface that protrudes toward an inner side of a corresponding one of the first and second light combining portions.

8. The virtual image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The first and second light diffraction portions each include a base portion and a plurality of protruding portions protruding from the base portion, the protruding portions being arranged in a periodic manner along the one direction.

9. The virtual image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The first and second light diffraction portions each include a first sub-diffraction portion and a second sub-diffraction portion having a different refractive index from the first sub-diffraction portion, A plurality of the first and second sub-diffraction portions are respectively provided, and the plurality of first and second sub-diffraction portions are sequentially arranged along the one direction.

10. The virtual image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The second and third display portions are disposed adjacent to each other, The second and third display portions each output an image of the same color light.

11. The virtual image display apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The second and third display portions are formed in an integrated shape, and are thereby disposed in a spaced-apart space between the first and second light combining portions.

12. The virtual image display apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: a light function layer disposed on the second and third display portions, and including a plurality of protruding portions.

13. The virtual image display apparatus according to claim 12, wherein The light function layer is a prismatic sheet.

14. The virtual image display apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first condenser lens disposed on the first light diffraction portion; and a second condenser lens disposed on the second light diffraction portion.

15. The virtual image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The first to fourth display portions each include a display panel, The display panel is an organic light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, or a micro light emitting diode display panel.

16. The virtual image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein One of the first and second light combining portions corresponds to a left eye of a user, and the remaining one corresponds to a right eye of the user.

17. A virtual image display apparatus comprising: a light combining portion including an upper surface, a light outgoing surface parallel to the upper surface, a first inclined surface adjacent to the upper surface and one side of the light outgoing surface, and a second inclined surface adjacent to the upper surface and the other side of the light outgoing surface opposite to the one side; a first display portion disposed on the first inclined surface; a second display portion disposed on the second inclined surface; and a light diffraction portion disposed on the light outgoing surface, ​ Light entering the light combining section from the first slope and the second slope directly travels to the light exit surface, each of the first slope and the second slope forms an acute angle with the light exit surface, so that the first slope and the second slope are configured such that as the distance from the light diffraction section increases, the distance between the first slope and the second slope decreases, and the first display section and the second display section output images of different color light, respectively.

18. The virtual image display device according to claim 17, further comprising: condenser lenses arranged in parallel with the light exit surface at intervals on the light diffraction section.

19. The virtual image display device according to claim 17, wherein the light diffraction section is configured in parallel with the light exit surface, the light diffraction section includes sub-diffraction sections arranged in a period along a direction, light incident at a first angle from the first display section passes through the light combining section, so that the light diffraction section outputs light at a light exit angle satisfying the following formula 1, [Formula 1] θ' = Asin{N1 · sin(θ) ± m · (λ / T)} in the formula 1, θ' is the light exit angle, N1 is the refractive index of the light combining section, θ is the first angle, m is an integer, λ is the wavelength of the incident light, and T is the period.

20. The virtual image display device according to claim 18, wherein in a case where the wavelength of the image of color light output by the first display section is a short wavelength compared to the wavelength of the image of color light output by the second display section, the angle formed by the first slope and the light exit surface is smaller than the angle formed by the second slope and the light exit surface.

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