Wearable image display device

Abstract

A wearable image display device is provided, comprising a display unit (201) for forming an image and a wearable unit (202) mounted on the display unit (201). The display unit (201) has a first positioning part (205a) and a first rotating mechanism (203a) capable of rotating relative to the wearable unit (202) in a rotational direction with a first direction as the rotation axis (RX). The wearable unit (202) has a second positioning part (206a) that contacts the first positioning part (205a) and a first fitting mechanism (204a) that engages with the first rotating mechanism (203a). The first positioning part (205a) and the second positioning part (206a) are in contact in the rotational direction at either a first position or a second position different from the first position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wearable image display device that provides a virtual image to the wearer, and particularly to a wearable image display device capable of adjusting the wearing position or the display position of the virtual image. Background Technology

[0002] As a wearable image display device, there is a known wearable image display device that has a base having a pair of temple members and a movable part having a pair of display parts. The base has a pair of hinges that support the temple members so that they can rotate, and the movable part is supported by an axis so that it can rotate relative to the base with the pair of movable parts mounted near the pair of hinges as fulcrums, and can be raised and lowered in front of the eyes (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-214910

[0004] The device in the aforementioned Patent Document 1 is constructed such that the operating part located in the center of the movable part flexes to reduce the frictional resistance of the sliding surface, thereby facilitating position adjustment in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the movable part is stable at the lower end, it is not stable at the upper end, and the display part may deviate from the position suitable for the wearer's eyes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a wearable image display device comprising: a display unit for forming an image; and a wearable unit mounted on the display unit, the display unit having a first positioning part and a first rotating mechanism, the first rotating mechanism being rotatable relative to the wearable unit in a rotational direction about a first direction as a rotation axis, the wearable unit having a second positioning part that contacts the first positioning part and a first fitting mechanism that engages with the first rotating mechanism, the first positioning part and the second positioning part contacting each other at any position in the rotational direction, either a first position or a second position different from the first position. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating the wearable image display device according to the first embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a perspective view illustrating a wearable image display device.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a side view illustrating the wearing state of the wearable image display device.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a partial sectional three-dimensional view of the first temple.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a 3D exploded view of the first temple.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a partial sectional 3D view of the second temple.

[0012] Figure 7 This is an exploded stereoscopic view of the second temple.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a top view illustrating the optical components of a wearable image display device.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a top view illustrating the optical structure of the first image forming device.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a side view illustrating the configuration and adjustment of the temples.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a side view illustrating the configuration and adjustment of the temples.

[0017] Figure 12 This is a side view illustrating the adjustment of the display orientation of the display device.

[0018] Figure 13 This includes a top view illustrating the appearance of the wearable image display device according to the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 14 This is a magnified stereoscopic view of a wearable image display device.

[0020] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a cross-section of a wearable image display device.

[0021] Figure 16 This is a partial sectional view illustrating the angle adjustment mechanism.

[0022] Figure 17 This is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the optical structure of the first image forming device.

[0023] Label Explanation

[0024] ER: Ear; EY: Eye; NZ: Nose; ML: Image beam; RX: Rotation axis; S0: Standard state; S1: Upper state; S2: Lower state; TX: Reference axis; US: Wearer; 20: Wearing part; 23h: Hinge; 31a: First extension part; 31b: Second extension part; 32a: First support part; 32b: Second support part; 34x: Axis part; 36, 37: Bearing parts; 38x: Axis hole; 41: Sliding part; 41a: Pawl; 43: Spring; 45: Racket part; 46d: Recess; 46p: Protrusion; 61: Nose pad; 71: Display element; 72: Projection lens; 81x: Axis part; 88d: Support frame; 100A: Display device; 100C: First temple; 100D: Second temple; 100S: Support device 101a: First image forming apparatus; 101b: Second image forming apparatus; 102a: First display driving unit; 102b: Second display driving unit; 102i: First combiner; 102j: Second combiner; 105a: First image forming main body; 105b: Second image forming main body; 105d: Outer housing; 172: Imaging optical system; 201: Display unit; 202: Wearable unit; 202a: First extension member; 202b: Second extension member; 203a: First rotation mechanism; 203b: Second rotation mechanism; 204a: First fitting mechanism; 204b: Second fitting mechanism; 205a: First positioning part; 205b: Third positioning part; 206a: Second positioning part; 206b: Fourth positioning part; 211a, 211b: Openings. Detailed Implementation

[0025] [First Implementation Method]

[0026] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the wearable image display device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Reference Figures 1-3 The head-mounted display (hereinafter also referred to as HMD) 100 is a wearable image display device that enables an observer or wearer US wearing the head-mounted display to recognize an image as a virtual image. Figure 1 In this system, X, Y, and Z form an orthogonal coordinate system. The +X direction corresponds to the horizontal alignment of the wearer's (US) eyes (EY alignment). The +Y direction corresponds to the upward direction orthogonal to the horizontal alignment of the wearer's (US) eyes (EY alignment). The +Z direction corresponds to the wearer's (US) frontal or forward direction. The ±Y directions are parallel to the vertical axis or the vertical direction. Figure 1 In the image, the first area AR1 is a stereoscopic view of the HMD 100 corresponding to the wearing state, and the second area AR2 is a stereoscopic view illustrating the folding action of the first temple 100C.

[0028] The HMD 100 not only enables the wearer to visually confirm the virtual image, but also allows them to see through the external image. The HMD 100 can be communicatively connected to an external device (not shown) such as a smartphone via cable 109, and can form a virtual image corresponding to the image signal input from the external device.

[0029] The HMD 100 has a display device 100A for forming a virtual image, a first temple 100C supporting the display device 100A, and a second temple 100D supporting the display device 100A as structural elements. In this case, the center of the display device 100A is supported on the nose NZ of the wearer US via a nose pad 61, and both ends of the display device 100A are supported on the ears ER of the wearer US via the first temple 100C and the second temple 100D. As a result, the HMD 100 is stably supported on the head of the wearer US.

[0030] The display device 100A includes a first image forming apparatus 101a and a second image forming apparatus 101b. The first image forming apparatus 101a and the second image forming apparatus 101b are respectively for forming virtual images for the left eye and the right eye. The first image forming apparatus 101a for the left eye includes a first virtual image forming optics 103a that covers the eyes of the wearer US in a transparent manner, and a first image forming main body 105a that forms image light. The second image forming apparatus 101b for the right eye includes a second virtual image forming optics 103b that covers the eyes of the wearer US in a transparent manner, and a second image forming main body 105b that forms image light. The virtual image forming optics 103a and 103b include a light guide made of a resin material or the like, and the image forming main bodies 105a and 105b house optical components and electronic components within an outer casing 105d made of a magnesium alloy or the like. A bearing component 21a is provided in the outer casing 105d as part of the hinge 23h described later.

[0031] The first temple 100C on the left side is supported by a pair of hinges 23h for rotation. Each of the hinges 23h has a pair of cylindrical members 22a formed at its base, two pairs of bearing members 21a fixed to the outer housing 105d, and a mandrel (not shown) passing through the cylindrical members 22a and the bearing members 21a. The pair of hinges 23h are arranged separately from each other in the Y direction, which is the vertical direction. The first temple 100C can be folded inward toward the head of the wearer US via the pair of hinges 23h, and can be stored behind the display device 100A by rotating it to a position that extends substantially parallel to the display device 100A.

[0032] The second temple 100D on the right side is supported by a pair of hinges 23h, allowing it to rotate. Each hinge 23h has a pair of cylindrical members 22b formed at its base, two pairs of bearing members 21b fixed to the outer housing 105d, and a core rod (not shown) passing through the cylindrical members 22b and the bearing members 21b. The pair of hinges 23h are arranged separately from each other in the Y direction, which is the vertical direction. The second temple 100D can be folded inward toward the head of the wearer US via the pair of hinges 23h, and can be stored behind the display device 100A by rotating it to a position that extends approximately parallel to the display device 100A.

[0033] The first temple 100C includes a rod-shaped first extension member 31a with an elongated thin plate portion and a triangular plate-shaped first support member 32a. The second temple 100D includes a rod-shaped second extension member 31b with an elongated thin plate portion and a triangular plate-shaped second support member 32b. The first support member 32a is rotatably fixed to the first image-forming main body 105a constituting the display device 100A via a pair of hinges 23h, and the second support member 32b is rotatably fixed to the second image-forming main body 105b constituting the display device 100A via a pair of hinges 23h. The structure combining the first support member 32a and the second support member 32b in the display device 100A is referred to as the display section 201. Furthermore, the first extension member 31a and the second extension member 31b mounted on the display section 201 are referred to as the wearing section 202.

[0034] In the first temple 100C, the first extension member 31a is rotatable relative to the first support member 32a or the display unit 201 in a rotational direction centered on a rotation axis RX that is parallel to the X direction aligned with the eye EY in the open wearing state and corresponds to the first direction. In the second temple 100D, the second extension member 31b is rotatable relative to the second support member 32b or the display unit 201 in a rotational direction centered on a rotation axis RX that is parallel to the X direction aligned with the eye EY in the open wearing state and corresponds to the first direction.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a partial sectional perspective view showing a section parallel to XZ of the first temple 100C. Figure 5This is an exploded perspective view of the first temple 100C. The first support member 32a is a thinly extended shell-like structure made of resin or the like, housing the front end portion 31f of the first extension member 31a. The first support member 32a includes a first member 34 disposed on the outer +X side and a second member 35 disposed on the inner -X side. The first extension member 31a is a rod-shaped member made of metal or the like. A pair of bearing members 36 and 37, a sliding member 41, and a spring 43 serving as an elastic member sandwiched between them are mounted on the front end portion 31f of the first extension member 31a. One end of the spring 43 is held in the hole 39h formed by the bearing members 36 and 37, and the other end of the spring 43 is held in the shaft 41h extending from the sliding member 41. The sliding member 41 has grooves 41g on the top and bottom, allowing it to move in the front-back ±Z directions within the elongated opening 31o formed in the front end portion 31f of the first extension member 31a. Here, the sliding member 41 is a positioning member, and the spring 43 is an elastic member. That is, in the first extension member 31a, in the opening 211a including the opening 31o, in addition to the bearing members 36 and 37, a sliding member 41 as a positioning member and a spring 43 as an elastic member are also provided. The sliding member 41 is forced towards the +Z side of its front end by the spring 43, but its movement towards the +Z side is limited by the stop member 31s of the front end 31f of the first extension member 31a by a predetermined amount. The sliding member 41 can overcome the spring force and move backward towards the -Z side. The rear part 31v of the first extension member 31a is slightly flexible and is covered by a resin soft cover 31q (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0036] The first component 34 of the first support component 32a houses the front end portion 31f of the first extension component 31a from the outside (+X side), and the second component 35 houses the front end portion 31f of the first extension component 31a from the inside (-X side). A shaft portion 34x extending along the rotation axis RX is formed in the internal space of the first component 34. An elongated opening 31o is formed in the front end portion 31f of the first extension component 31a, and a pair of bearing components 36 and 37 are mounted to clamp the widened portion 31p provided on the rear end side (-Z side) of the opening 31o. At this time, the protrusions 38a formed on the pair of bearing components 36 and 37 engage with the widened portion 31p, and the pair of bearing components 36 and 37 are fixed to each other by the claws 38d and the opening 38f formed on the bearing components 36 and 37. The bearing components 36 and 37 are integrally fixed to the widened portion 31p, i.e., the first extension component 31a. A pair of bearing components 36 and 37 have shaft holes 38x formed therein, and a shaft portion 34x of the first support component 32a is inserted into the shaft holes 38x. Here, the shaft portion 34x functions as a first rotation mechanism 203a capable of rotating the first extension component 31a relative to the display unit 201, that is, rotating the display unit 201 relative to the first extension component 31a or the wearing part 202. In addition, the bearing components 36 and 37 function as a first fitting mechanism 204a that engages with the shaft portion 34x, which serves as the first rotation mechanism 203a. That is, the first extension component 31a can rotate relative to the first support component 32a about a rotation axis RX corresponding to a first direction, via the first rotation mechanism 203a and the first fitting mechanism 204a.

[0037] On the inner surface of the front end side (+Z side) of the first component 34 of the first support component 32a, a ratchet component 45 is formed along an arc centered on the shaft portion 34x. Five recesses 46d are formed in the ratchet component 45, and the protrusion 46p of the pawl 41a formed in the sliding component 41 assembled to the first extension component 31a engages with the recesses 46d. If a predetermined or greater rotational force is applied to the first extension component 31a, causing it to rotate relative to the first support component 32a about the rotation axis RX, the protrusion 46p of the pawl 41a engages with the recesses 46d along the ratchet component 45 and moves in stages. Thus, assuming the initial standard state is 0°, the angular orientation of the first extension component 31a relative to the first support component 32a varies, for example, in units of 4°. Specifically, the angular orientation of the first extension component 31a can be set to -8°, -4°, 0°, +4°, and +8°. As described above, the pawl 41a is a component used to adjust the angle of the first extension member 31a relative to the first support member 32a, namely the first positioning part 205a, and has a protrusion 46p that contacts any one of the plurality of recesses 46d of the ratchet member 45. The ratchet member 45 is another component used to adjust the angle of the first extension member 31a relative to the first support member 32a, namely the second positioning part 206a, and the protrusion 46p of the pawl 41a contacts any one of the plurality of recesses 46d. Furthermore, the protrusion 46p of the pawl 41a is separated into two parts in the transverse X direction, and a stop member 31s of the first extension member 31a is disposed in a groove formed between them.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a partial sectional perspective view showing a section parallel to XZ of the second temple 100D. Figure 7This is an exploded perspective view of the second temple 100D. The second support member 32b is a thinly extended shell-like structure that houses the front end portion 31f of the second extension member 31b. The second support member 32b includes a first member 34 disposed on the outer -X side and a second member 35 disposed on the inner +X side. A pair of bearing members 36 and 37, a sliding member 41, and a spring 43 sandwiched between them are mounted on the front end portion 31f of the second extension member 31b. One end of the spring 43 is held in the hole 39h formed by the bearing members 36 and 37, and the other end of the spring 43 is held in the shaft 41h extending from the sliding member 41. The sliding member 41 has grooves 41g on the top and bottom, allowing it to move in the front-rear ±Z directions within the elongated opening 31o formed in the front end portion 31f of the first extension member 31a. Here, the sliding member 41 is a positioning member, and the spring 43 is an elastic member. That is, in the second extension member 31b, in the opening 211b including the opening 31o, in addition to the bearing members 36 and 37, a sliding member 41 as a positioning member and a spring 43 as an elastic member are also provided. The sliding member 41 is forced towards the +Z side of its front end by the spring 43, but its movement towards the +Z side is limited by the stop member 31s of the front end 31f of the first extension member 31a by a predetermined amount. The sliding member 41 can overcome the spring force and retract towards the -Z side.

[0039] The first component 34 of the second support component 32b houses the front end portion 31f of the second extension component 31b from the outside, i.e., the -X side, and the second component 35 houses the front end portion 31f of the second extension component 31b from the inside, i.e., the +X side. A shaft portion 34x extending along the rotation axis RX is formed in the internal space of the first component 34. An elongated opening 31o is formed in the front end portion 31f of the second extension component 31b, and a pair of bearing components 36 and 37 are mounted in such a way that they clamp the widened portion 31p provided on the rear end side, i.e., the -Z side, of the opening 31o. At this time, the protrusions 38a formed on the pair of bearing components 36 and 37 engage with the widened portion 31p, and are fixed to each other by the claws 38d formed on the pair of bearing components 36 and 37 and the opening 38f. The bearing components 36 and 37 are integrally fixed to the widened portion 31p, i.e., the second extension component 31b. A shaft hole 38x is formed in a pair of bearing members 36 and 37, and a shaft portion 34x of the second support member 32b is inserted into the shaft hole 38x. Here, the shaft portion 34x functions as a second rotation mechanism 203b capable of rotating the second extension member 31b relative to the display unit 201, that is, rotating the display unit 201 relative to the second extension member 31b or the wearing part 202. In addition, the bearing members 36 and 37 function as a second fitting mechanism 204b that engages with the shaft portion 34x, which serves as the second rotation mechanism 203b. That is, the second extension member 31b can rotate relative to the second support member 32b about a rotation axis RX corresponding to a first direction, via the second rotation mechanism 203b and the second fitting mechanism 204b.

[0040] On the inner surface of the front end side (+Z side) of the first component 34 of the second support component 32b, a ratchet component 45 is formed along an arc centered on the shaft portion 34x. Five recesses 46d are formed in the ratchet component 45, and the protrusions 46p of the pawl 41a formed on the sliding component 41 assembled to the second extension component 31b engage with the recesses 46d. If a predetermined or greater rotational force is applied to the second extension component 31b, causing it to rotate relative to the second support component 32b about the rotation axis RX, the protrusions 46p of the pawl 41a engage with the recesses 46d along the ratchet component 45 and move in stages. Thus, assuming the initial standard state is 0°, the angular orientation of the second extension component 31b relative to the second support component 32b varies, for example, in units of 4°. Specifically, the angular orientation of the second extension component 31b can be set to -8°, -4°, 0°, +4°, and +8°. As described above, the pawl 41a is a component used to adjust the angle of the second extension member 31b relative to the second support member 32b, namely the third positioning part 205b, and is provided with a protrusion 46p that contacts any one of the plurality of recesses 46d of the ratchet member 45. Furthermore, the ratchet member 45 is another component used to adjust the angle of the second extension member 31b relative to the second support member 32b, namely the fourth positioning part 206b, and the protrusion 46p of the pawl 41a contacts any one of the plurality of recesses 46d.

[0041] Reference Figure 8 The internal structures of the first image forming apparatus 101a and the second image forming apparatus 101b constituting the display device 100A will be described. The first image forming main body 105a for the left eye holds the display element 71, projection lens 72, first electronic circuit board 73, and second electronic circuit board 74 within a cover-shaped, metal outer casing 105d. The display element 71 and projection lens 72 are fixed in an aligned state within the outer casing 105d; in particular, the projection lens 72 is fixed in a state where it is also aligned with the end portion of the first virtual image forming optical unit 103a. The first electronic circuit board 73 has an interface function with an external device (not shown) and manages and controls the display operation of the second electronic circuit board 74. The second electronic circuit board 74 is a drive circuit board that drives the display element 71 in the first image forming main body 105a and operates under the control of the first electronic circuit board 73.

[0042] In the second image forming main body 105b for the right eye, a display element 71, a projection lens 72, and a second electronic circuit board 74 are held within an outer casing 105d. The display element 71 and the projection lens 72 are fixed in an aligned state within the outer casing 105d, and in particular, the projection lens 72 is fixed in an aligned state with the end portion of the second virtual image forming optical unit 103b. The second electronic circuit board 74 is a drive circuit board that drives the display element 71 in the second image forming main body 105b, and operates under the control of the first electronic circuit board 73 provided in the separate first image forming main body 105a.

[0043] The first virtual image forming optical unit 103a and the second virtual image forming optical unit 103b are not separate components, but are connected at opposite ends to form a single, integrated light guide unit 103c. The light guide unit 103c includes a pair of light guide members 10a and 10b that guide image light from the display element 71, and a central member 3 capable of superimposing external images. The pair of light guide members 10a and 10b are optical components that allow image light to propagate internally and facilitate virtual image formation. The central member 3 has a pair of light-transmitting portions 3a and 3b, one light-transmitting portion 3a being joined to one light guide member 10a, and the other light-transmitting portion 3b being joined to the other light guide member 10b. The light guide unit 103c is a composite light guide device that provides an image for both eyes to the wearer US by guiding light. The ends of the light guide members 10a and 10b are embedded in an outer housing 105d and supported by the image forming main bodies 105a and 105b.

[0044] An upper cover 4 is fixed to the upper surface of the light guide unit 103c in a manner that covers it. A gap-like space is formed between the upper cover 4 and the light guide unit 103c for the signal line 5 that electrically connects the first image forming main body 105a and the second image forming main body 105b to extend.

[0045] The display element 71 assembled on the first image forming main body 105a is a self-emissive display device capable of two-dimensional display, operating in a dot matrix manner. Each display element 71 is specifically conceived as an organic EL (Electro-luminescence) display panel, but is not limited to this; it could also be a panel used in a liquid crystal display (LCD). When using an LCD panel, a suitable illumination light source is required. The display element 71 is driven by the first electronic circuit board 73 to form a color image on a rectangular display surface, capable of displaying two-dimensional dynamic or static images.

[0046] Figure 9This diagram shows a portion of the first image forming apparatus 101a, with particular emphasis on the optical structure of the first virtual image forming optics 103a. As described above, the HMD (wearable image display device) 100 comprises the first image forming apparatus 101a and the second image forming apparatus 101b (see reference 101b). Figure 1 The first image forming apparatus 101a and the second image forming apparatus 101b are configured as follows, but they are symmetrical and have the same structure. Therefore, only the first image forming apparatus 101a will be described, and the description of the second image forming apparatus 101b will be omitted. Furthermore, in Figure 9 In the coordinate system, x, y, and z form an orthogonal coordinate system. The x and y directions are parallel to the first surface S11 and the third surface S13, respectively, and the z direction is perpendicular to the first surface S11 and the third surface S13.

[0047] The light guide member 10a in the first virtual image forming optical section 103a is bonded to the light-transmitting section 3a via an adhesive layer CC. That is, the second transmissive surface S52 of the light-transmitting section 3a and the second surface S12 of the light guide member 10a are arranged opposite each other and have the same shape. The light guide member 10a and the light-transmitting section 3a have a structure in which a thin hard coating covers the surface of a main component, which has a three-dimensional shape including the optical surface. The main components of the light guide member 10a and the light-transmitting section 3a are formed of a resin material exhibiting high light transmittance in the visible region.

[0048] The following is a brief description of the optical path of the image light ML. The light guide member 10a guides the image light ML emitted from the projection lens 72 toward the wearer's eyes via reflections from the first to fifth surfaces S11 to S15. Specifically, the image light ML from the projection lens 72 first enters the portion of the fourth surface S14 formed on the light incident portion 11a and is reflected by the inner surface of the reflective film RM, i.e., the fifth surface S15. It then enters the fourth surface S14 again from the inside and is totally reflected, enters the third surface S13 and is totally reflected, and enters the first surface S11 and is totally reflected. The image light ML totally reflected by the first surface S11 enters the second surface S12, partially passes through the semi-reflective mirror 15 provided on the second surface S12 and is partially reflected, and then enters the portion of the first surface S11 formed on the light emitting portion 11b and passes through. The image light ML passing through the first surface S11 travels along the optical axis AX, which is approximately parallel to the Z direction, as a whole, and is incident as a roughly parallel beam onto the exit pupil EP of the eye of the wearer US. That is, the wearer US observes the image through the image light as a virtual image.

[0049] The first virtual image forming optical unit 103a allows the wearer US to visually confirm the image light ML via the light guide member 10a. Furthermore, in the combined state of the light guide member 10a and the light-transmitting part 3a, the wearer US observes an external image with minimal distortion. At this time, the third surface S13 and the first surface S11 become approximately parallel planes, resulting in approximately zero diopter when viewed through this part, and almost no aberrations for external light OL. Additionally, the third transmission surface S53 and the first transmission surface S51 become approximately parallel planes. Moreover, the third transmission surface S53 and the first surface S11 become approximately parallel planes, thus almost no aberrations are produced. Through these processes, the wearer US observes an undistorted external image through the light-transmitting part 3a.

[0050] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the angle or position adjustment of the first temple 100C when wearing the HMD 100. In the first temple 100C, the angular posture of the first extension member 31a relative to the first support member 32a can be defined as follows: a standard state S0 (shown by a solid line), an upper state S1 (shown by a single-dotted line) where the rear end 31r of the first extension member 31a is shifted upwards counterclockwise, and a lower state S2 (shown by a double-dotted line) where the rear end 31r of the first extension member 31a is shifted downwards clockwise. Regarding the first extension member 31a, the standard state S0 can be considered equivalent to a first position in the rotational direction, and the upper state S1 or lower state S2 can be considered equivalent to a second position in the rotational direction. However, this is not limited to these definitions; the lower state S2 can be considered equivalent to the first position in the rotational direction, and the upper state S1 can be considered equivalent to the second position in the rotational direction, or vice versa. As described above, the angle of the first extension member 31a can change in 4° increments according to the click sensation. The reference line A1 of the upper state S1 becomes an angle θ = -8°, which is two levels higher than the reference line A0 of the standard state S0, and the reference line A2 of the lower state S2 becomes an angle θ = +8°, ​​which is two levels lower than the reference line A0 of the standard state S0. Here, the angle θ is positive in the clockwise direction when viewed from the outside (+X side). In this case, the range of the central angle (absolute value) formed by the first position corresponding to the lower state S2 and the second position such as the standard state S0 and the upper state S1 is 4° or more and 16° or less. When the angle θ is about ±4°, the rise and fall near the ear ER of the first extension member 31a is about ±5mm, and when the angle θ is about ±8°, the rise and fall near the ear ER of the first extension member 31a is about ±10mm. As described above, by changing the angle and posture of the first extension member 31a in stages, the rear end 31r of the first extension member 31a can be displaced in the vertical direction parallel to the ±Y direction, making the HMD 100 suitable for a wide variety of wearers US with different ear heights relative to eye heights.

[0051] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the angle or position adjustment of the second temple 100D. The second temple 100D can also be angled in the same way as the first temple 100C. Specifically, in the second temple 100D, the angular posture of the second extension member 31b relative to the second support member 32b can be set as follows: a standard state S0 (shown by a solid line), an upper state S1 (shown by a single-dotted line) where the rear end 31r of the second extension member 31b is shifted upwards clockwise, and a lower state S2 (shown by a double-dotted line) where the rear end 31r of the second extension member 31b is shifted downwards counterclockwise. Regarding the second extension member 31b, the standard state S0 can be considered equivalent to the third position in the rotation direction, and the upper state S1 or lower state S2 can be considered equivalent to the fourth position in the rotation direction. However, this is not limited to these considerations; the lower state S2 can also be considered equivalent to the third position in the rotation direction, and the upper state S1 can be considered equivalent to the fourth position in the rotation direction, or vice versa. As described above, the angle of the second extension member 31b can change in 4° increments according to the click sensation. The reference line A1 of the upper state S1 becomes an angle θ = +8°, ​​which is two levels higher than the reference line A0 of the standard state S0, and the reference line A2 of the lower state S2 becomes an angle θ = -8°, which is two levels lower than the reference line A0 of the standard state S0. Here, the angle θ is positive in the clockwise direction when viewed from the outside (-X side). In this case, the range of the central angle (absolute value) formed by the third position corresponding to the lower state S2 and the fourth position of the standard state S0, upper state S1, etc., is 4° or more and 16° or less. As described above, by changing the angle posture of the second extension member 31b in stages, the rear end 31r of the second extension member 31b can be displaced in the vertical direction parallel to the ±Y direction, making the HMD 100 suitable for a wide variety of wearers US with different ear ER relative to eye EY heights.

[0052] Furthermore, the angle of the second temple 100D can be made different from that of the first temple 100C. This improves the fit of the HMD 100 for wearers US with different ear heights (ER). Here, the range of the absolute value of the central angle formed between the first position (corresponding to the lower end state S2) of the first support member 32a and the standard state S0 (or third position) of the second support member 32b can be set to, for example, 0° or more and 8° or less. In this case, the range of the absolute value of the central angle formed between the first position (corresponding to the lower end state S2) of the first support member 32a and the fourth position (corresponding to the upper end state S1) of the second support member 32b, where a difference occurs, is 4° or more and 16° or less. With such a range, the angle of the second temple 100D can be made different from that of the first temple 100C, and the posture adjustment of the display device 100A relative to them can be performed. The posture adjustment of the display device 100A will be described in detail later.

[0053] As mentioned above, the nose pad 61 can be replaced or deformed, so the display device 100A can be appropriately placed in front of the eye EY without obstructing the observation of the virtual image.

[0054] The rotation axes RX of the first extension member 31a and the second extension member 31b are preferably positioned rearward (on the -Z side) from the front of the eye EY corresponding to the exit pupil EP, and more preferably positioned at the rear of the eye EY. In this way, by positioning the rotation axes RX relatively rearward, and sufficiently distancing them from the first virtual image forming optical unit 103a, the phased vertical movement of the displayed image can be smooth and moderate. By making the phased vertical movement of the displayed image smooth, the occurrence of invisible or missing displayed images can be suppressed.

[0055] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the posture adjustment of the display device 100A relative to the first temple 100C, etc. Figure 12In the diagram, the first region BR1 represents the standard posture of the display device 100A, the second region BR2 represents the maximum downward posture of the display device 100A, and the third region BR3 represents the maximum upward posture of the display device 100A. In the first region BR1, the optical axis AX0 of the display device 100A is parallel to the reference axis TX of the first extension member 31a of the first temple 100C, aligning with the wearer's standard line of sight. In the second region BR2, the optical axis AX0 of the display device 100A forms an angle θ = +8° with respect to the reference axis TX of the first extension member 31a of the first temple 100C, which is relatively downward compared to the wearer's standard line of sight. In the third region BR3, the optical axis AX0 of the display device 100A forms an angle θ = -8° with respect to the reference axis TX of the first extension member 31a of the first temple 100C, which is relatively upward compared to the wearer's standard line of sight. Furthermore, although the diagram is omitted, the angle θ can be adjusted in 4° increments within the range of -8° to +8°. As described above, the optical axis AX0 of the display device 100A can be changed in stages relative to the reference axis TX of the first extension member 31a, thus allowing the direction of the virtual image seen by the wearer US to be moved up and down in stages, enabling height adjustment such as displaying the image at the height position preferred by the wearer US. The second temple 100D has not been described above, but it is set to the same state as the first temple 100C. However, it is not limited to cases where the heights of the left and right ears ER of the wearer US are different. When the height difference between the left and right ears ER is, for example, an angle difference of 8° between the first extension member 31a and the second extension member 31b, the angle of posture adjustment of the display device 100A relative to the first temple 100C, etc., as described above, is 8°.

[0056] In the wearable image display device HMD 100 of the first embodiment described above, the first positioning part 205a and the second positioning part 206a contact each other at a first position and a second position that are different from each other in the rotation direction. Here, the first positioning part 205a and the second positioning part 206a contact at any position between the first position and the second position according to a certain timing, but in terms of construction, they contact both the first position and the second position. That is, in the HMD 100 of the embodiment, the wearing part 202 can be set relative to the display part 201 to include a first angle state corresponding to the first position (e.g., Figure 10 The standard state S0) and the second angle state corresponding to the second position (e.g.) Figure 10 and Figure 11 The upper state (S1) has multiple angle states, which can be fixed in a state in which the angle state of the display unit 201 relative to the wearing unit 20, that is, the configuration of the display unit 201 relative to the wearer's ears ER and eyes EY is stable.

[0057] [Second Implementation]

[0058] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the wearable image display device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The wearable image display device of the second embodiment is a device with some modifications to the wearable image display device of the first embodiment; descriptions of common parts are omitted.

[0059] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the HMD 100, a wearable image display device according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 In the diagram, the first area CR1 is the top view of HMD 100, the second area CR2 is the front view of HMD 100, and the third area CR3 is the side view of HMD 100.

[0060] The HMD 100 includes a display device 100A configured to cover the eyes of the wearer US and a support device 100S supporting the display device 100A. Functionally, the display device 100A includes a first image forming device 101a and a second image forming device 101b. The first image forming device 101a consists of a first display driving unit 102a disposed at the top and a first combiner 102i covering the eyes in the shape of an eyeglass lens. Similarly, the second image forming device 101b consists of a second display driving unit 102b disposed at the top and a second combiner 102j covering the eyes in the shape of an eyeglass lens. The support device 100S includes a main frame 100F, a first temple 100C, and a second temple 100D. The display device 100A is also referred to as the display unit 201, and the support device 100S is also referred to as the wearing unit 202. In the support device 100S, the first temple 100C functions as a first extension member 202a, and the second temple 100D functions as a second extension member 202b.

[0061] The first image forming apparatus 101a and the second image forming apparatus 101b constituting the display device 100A are connected and integrated, and are covered from above and below by a horizontally elongated dome-shaped upper outer casing 81 and a flat plate-shaped lower outer casing 82. The first assembler 102i and the second assembler 102j have a shape formed by cutting off the upper part of a hemisphere, and are supported by the lower outer casing 82 and configured to protrude downward from the lower outer casing 82.

[0062] Figure 14 This is a partial enlarged perspective view of HMD 100. In this view, the first area DR1 represents the connection and periphery between the display device 100A and the main frame 100F, and the second area DR2 represents the connection and periphery between the display device 100A and the main frame 100F.

[0063] The upper outer mounting component 81 of the display device 100A has a pair of supporting shafts 81x formed at both ends. These shafts 81x are rotatably supported by a support device 100S (see reference). Figure 13 The display device 100A is formed by a pair of bearings 85x in the component 85a of the main frame 100F. A pair of shaft portions 81x extend parallel to the X direction, and the display device 100A rotates about a rotation axis RX parallel to the X direction, with the shaft portion 81x or the bearing 85x as the center. Furthermore, the first temple 100C and the second temple 100D are connected to the main frame 100F in a foldable manner by means of a pair of hinges 87h formed by the component 85a fixed to the main frame 100F. Here, the shaft portion 81x on the first temple 100C side functions as a first rotation mechanism 203a capable of rotating the first extension component 202a relative to the display unit 201, that is, rotating the display unit 201 relative to the first extension component 202a or the wearing part 202. The bearing 85x on the first temple 100C side functions as a first fitting mechanism 204a that fits into the shaft portion 81x, which is the first rotation mechanism 203a. On the other hand, the shaft portion 81x on the second temple 100D side functions as a second rotation mechanism 203b capable of rotating the second extension member 202b relative to the display unit 201, that is, rotating the display unit 201 relative to the second extension member 202b or the wearing part 202. The bearing 85x on the second temple 100D side functions as a second fitting mechanism 204b that engages with the shaft portion 81x, which is the second rotation mechanism 203b.

[0064] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a cross-section of the HMD 100 that is approximately parallel to the XZ plane. In the display device 100A, a shaft portion 81x is hollow, and a wiring 6 extending from the electronic circuit board 373 housed in the display device 100A extends through the shaft portion 81x supported by the bearing 85x to the first temple 100C, and is led out to the outside as a cable 109.

[0065] Figure 16This is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the angle adjustment mechanism assembled between the display unit 201 and the wearing unit 202, with oblique shading lines applied to the cross-section. At the center of the upper outer component 81 on the left and right sides (±X directions), a Z-tooth member 45 extending substantially parallel to the XY plane is formed at the front portion 81cf on the +Z side. A support frame 88d extending in the -Z direction is formed in the recess on the -Z side (back side) of the central portion 88a of the main frame 100F. A sliding member 41 is held in this support frame 88d, and a spring 43 is sandwiched between the bottom of the support frame 88d and the sliding member 41. Three recesses 46d arranged vertically are formed in the ratchet member 45, and the protrusion 46p of the pawl 41a formed in the sliding member 41 of the main frame 100F engages with any one of the recesses 46d. When a force greater than a predetermined force is applied to the wearing part 202 about the rotation axis RX, causing it to rotate relative to the display part 201, the protrusion 46p of the pawl 41a engages with the recess 46d along the ratchet member 45 and moves in stages in either the up or down direction. As a result, the angular posture of the display part 201 relative to the first extension member 202a or the second extension member 202b, i.e., the angular posture of the display part 201 relative to the wearing part 202, changes in stages, for example, in predetermined angular units of 4°. The pawl 41a is a component used to adjust the angle of the wearing part 202 relative to the display part 201, namely the first positioning part 205a, and is provided with a protrusion 46p that contacts any one of the plurality of recesses 46d of the ratchet member 45. The ratchet member 45 is another component used to adjust the angle of the wearing part 202 relative to the display part 201, namely the second positioning part 206a, and the protrusion 46p of the pawl 41a contacts any one of the plurality of recesses 46d.

[0066] Figure 17 This is a side sectional view illustrating the optical structure of the first image forming apparatus 101a. The first image forming apparatus 101a includes a display element 71 and an imaging optical system 172. The imaging optical system 172 includes a projection lens 172a, a prism mirror 172b, a wedge-shaped optical element 172c, and a perspective mirror 172d. The perspective mirror 172d in the imaging optical system 172 corresponds to the first combiner 102i. Furthermore, the optical structure of the second image forming apparatus 101b is the same as that of the first image forming apparatus 101a, and its description is omitted.

[0067] The optical path is described as follows: Image light ML from display element 71 is incident on projection lens 172a and exits from projection lens 172a in a substantially collimated state. Image light ML passing through projection lens 172a is incident on prism reflector 172b, refracted, and passes through incident surface 2a. It is then reflected by inner reflecting surface 2b with a near 100% reflectivity and refracted again by exit surface 2c. Image light ML from prism reflector 172b is incident on lens 172d via wedge-shaped optical element 172c and reflected by inner reflecting surface 2r with a specified reflectivity. Image light ML reflected by lens 172d is incident on exit pupil EP, which is equipped with the wearer's eye EY. External light OL passing through lens 172d also enters exit pupil EP.

[0068] In the wearable image display device HMD 100 of the second embodiment described above, a single second positioning part 206a is separately configured from the first rotation mechanism 203a and the second rotation mechanism 203b, and the angle adjustment of the display part 201 relative to the wearable part 202 is a simple mechanism.

[0069] Variations and others

[0070] The present invention has been described above in conjunction with the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit, for example, the following modifications can also be made.

[0071] In the above embodiment, a pawl 41a is formed in the wearing portion 202 and a ratchet member 45 is formed in the display portion 201. However, it is also possible to form the ratchet member 45 in the wearing portion 202 and the pawl 41a in the display portion 201. That is, the convex portion 46p and the concave portion 46d can be interchanged.

[0072] In the above embodiment, a shaft portion 81x can be provided in the display portion 201, and a bearing 85x can be provided in the wearing portion 202. The bearing 85x and the like are not limited to the structure shown in the figure, and can be configured in various ways.

[0073] The scale unit of the angle θ of the first extension member 31a and the second extension member 31b is not limited to 4°, and can be set to various units according to the application. The upper limit is not limited to ±8°, and can be set to various units according to the application.

[0074] The first image forming apparatus 101a and the second image forming apparatus 101b are not limited to the optical system shown in the figure, but can be optical systems composed of various optical elements.

[0075] On the external side of the virtual image forming optics 103a, 103b and the combiners 102i, 102j, a dimming device can be installed to dim the light by limiting the incident light onto the virtual image forming optics 103a, 103b. The dimming device can adjust the transmittance, for example, electrically. Mirror liquid crystals, electronic light shields, etc., can be used as dimming devices. The dimming device can also adjust the transmittance according to the external illuminance.

[0076] Combiners 102i and 102j can also be replaced with light-shielding mirrors. In this case, it becomes a non-perspective optical system that does not rely on direct observation of external images.

[0077] In a specific embodiment, the wearable image display device includes a display unit that forms an image and a wearable unit mounted on the display unit. The display unit has a first positioning part and a first rotating mechanism that can rotate relative to the wearable unit in a rotational direction with a first direction as the rotation axis. The wearable unit has a second positioning part that contacts the first positioning part and a first fitting mechanism that engages with the first rotating mechanism. The first positioning part and the second positioning part contact each other in the rotational direction at either a first position or a second position different from the first position.

[0078] In the above-described wearable image display device, since the first positioning part and the second positioning part are in contact at the first position and the second position in the rotation direction, the wearable part can be set relative to the display part to multiple angle states including a first angle state corresponding to the first position and a second angle state corresponding to the second position, and can be fixed in a state in which the angle state of the display part relative to the wearable part, that is, the configuration of the display part relative to the ear or eye being worn, is stable.

[0079] Specifically, the first position is on the side of a first rotation direction in the rotational direction, and the second position is on the side of a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. One of the first positioning portions has a recess or a protrusion, and the other of the second positioning portions has a recess or a protrusion. When the display unit rotates towards the first rotation direction, the portion of the first positioning portion contacts the portion of the second positioning portion at the first position; when the display unit rotates towards the second rotation direction, the portion of the first positioning portion contacts the portion of the second positioning portion at the second position. In this configuration, the first and second positioning portions can be positioned simply and reliably through the engagement of the recess and the protrusion.

[0080] Specifically, the first position is a position on the first rotation direction side in the rotation direction, and the second position is a position different from the first position in the first rotation direction. The first positioning part is provided with one of a concave part or a convex part, and the second positioning part is provided with the other of a concave part or a convex part.

[0081] Specifically, the central angle formed by the rotation axis in the first direction, the first position, and the second position is between 4° and 16°. In this case, corresponding to the change from the first position to the second position, the angular posture of the display unit relative to the wearing unit can be changed within a range of 4° and 16°.

[0082] Specifically, the wearing part has a first extension member extending in a second direction different from the first direction, and the display part has a first support member for mounting the first extension member. The first support member is provided with a first rotation mechanism and a first positioning part, and the first extension member is provided with a first fitting mechanism and a second positioning part. In this case, positioning and fitting can be performed between the first extension member and the first support member, and the angle state of the display part relative to the wearing part can be adjusted.

[0083] Specifically, the first rotating mechanism is a shaft portion with a first axial direction as its axis, the first fitting mechanism is a bearing portion that fits into the shaft portion, and the first extending member is provided with an opening in a second direction. In the first extending member, a bearing member having a bearing portion, a positioning member having a second positioning portion, and an elastic member disposed between the bearing member and the second positioning member are provided in the opening. In this case, the second positioning member can be elastically displaced relative to the bearing member by the elastic member, and the second positioning member can be applied to the first positioning member with an appropriate force and fixed. With this construction, the first extending member and the first supporting member can be made thin and compact.

[0084] Specifically, the wearing part has a second extending member extending in a second direction and different from the first extending member. The display part has a third positioning part and a second support member for mounting the second extending member. The first support member is disposed on one side of the display part in a first direction, and the second support member is disposed on the other side of the display part in the first direction. The second support member has a second rotating mechanism that can rotate relative to the wearing part in a rotational direction about the first direction as the rotation axis. The second extending member has a second fitting mechanism that engages with the second rotating mechanism and a fourth positioning part that contacts the third positioning part in the rotational direction. The third positioning part and the fourth positioning part contact each other in the rotational direction at either a third position or a fourth position different from the third position. In this case, the first extending member of the wearing part is supported by the first support member of the display part, and the second extending member of the wearing part is supported by the second support member of the display part. This allows the first support member of the wearing part to be set to multiple angular states relative to the display part, and also allows the second support member of the wearing part to be set to multiple angular states relative to the display part.

[0085] Specifically, the third positioning part has one of a recess or a protrusion, and the fourth positioning part has the other of a recess or a protrusion. When the display part rotates in the first rotation direction, the part in the third positioning part contacts the part in the fourth positioning part at the third position. When the display part rotates in the second rotation direction, the part in the third positioning part contacts the part in the fourth positioning part at the fourth position. The central angle formed by the rotation axis in the first direction, the first position, and the third position is between 0° and 8°, and the central angle formed by the rotation axis in the first direction, the first position, and the fourth position is between 0° and 16°. In this case, the relative angle between the first support member and the second support member of the wearing part can be set to a minimum of 0° and 8° and a maximum of 0° and 16°.

[0086] Specifically, the display unit has a second rotating mechanism that can rotate relative to the wearing unit in a rotational direction. A first rotating mechanism is disposed on one side of the display unit in a first direction, and the second rotating mechanism is disposed on the other side of the display unit in the first direction. The wearing unit has a second fitting mechanism that engages with the second rotating mechanism, a first extension member extending in a second direction different from the first direction, and a second extension member extending in the second direction. The first fitting mechanism and the first extension member are respectively disposed on one side of the wearing unit in the first direction, and the second fitting mechanism and the second extension member are respectively disposed on the other side of the wearing unit in the first direction. A second positioning part is disposed between the first fitting mechanism and the second fitting mechanism in the wearing unit. In this case, a single second positioning part is configured separately from the first rotating mechanism and the second rotating mechanism.

Claims

1. A wearable image display device comprising: a display portion that forms an image; and a wearing portion that is attached to the display portion, the display portion having a first positioning portion and a first rotation mechanism that is rotatable relative to the wearing portion in a rotation direction with a first direction as a rotation axis, the wearing portion having a second positioning portion that contacts the first positioning portion and a first fitting mechanism that fits with the first rotation mechanism, the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion contacting each other at any position of a first position and a second position different from the first position in the rotation direction, the wearing portion having a first extension member that extends in a second direction different from the first direction, the display portion having a first support member that supports the first extension member, the first support member provided with the first rotation mechanism and the first positioning portion, the first extension member provided with the first fitting mechanism and the second positioning portion, the first rotation mechanism being a shaft portion with the first direction as an axial direction, the first fitting mechanism being a bearing portion that fits with the shaft portion, the first extension member provided with an opening portion that is open in the second direction, the first extension member having a bearing member with the bearing portion, a positioning member with the second positioning portion, and an elastic member provided between the bearing member and the positioning member, provided to the opening portion.

2. The wearable image display device according to claim 1, wherein the first position is a position on a first rotation direction side in the rotation direction, the second position is a position on a second rotation direction side in a direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the first positioning portion is provided with one of a recess and a protrusion, the second positioning portion is provided with the other of the recess and the protrusion, in a case where the display portion is rotated to the first rotation direction side, the one provided to the first positioning portion contacts the other provided to the second positioning portion at the first position, in a case where the display portion is rotated to the second rotation direction side, the one provided to the first positioning portion contacts the other provided to the second positioning portion at the second position.

3. The wearable image display device according to claim 1, wherein the first position is a position on a first rotation direction side in the rotation direction, the second position is a position different from the first position in the first rotation direction, the first positioning portion is provided with one of a recess and a protrusion, the second positioning portion is provided with the other of the recess and the protrusion.

4. The wearable image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a central angle formed by the rotation axis of the first direction, the first position, and the second position is in a range of 4° or more and 16° or less.

5. The wearable image display device according to claim 2, wherein the wearing portion has a second extension member that extends in the second direction and is different from the first extension member. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The display section has a third positioning section and a second support section that mounts the second extension section, The first support section is disposed on one side of the display section in the first direction, The second support section is disposed on the other side of the display section in the first direction, The second support section has a second rotation mechanism that is rotatable relative to the wearing section in the rotation direction about the rotation axis in the first direction, The second extension section has a second fitting mechanism that fits with the second rotation mechanism; and a fourth positioning section that contacts the third positioning section in the rotation direction, The third positioning section and the fourth positioning section contact each other at any of a third position and a fourth position different from the third position in the rotation direction.

6. The wearable image display device according to claim 5, wherein The third positioning section is provided with one of a recess and a protrusion, The fourth positioning section is provided with the other of the recess and the protrusion, In a case where the display section is rotated to the first rotation direction side, the one provided to the third positioning section contacts the other provided to the fourth positioning section at the third position, In a case where the display section is rotated to the second rotation direction side, the one provided to the third positioning section contacts the other provided to the fourth positioning section at the fourth position, A central angle formed by the rotation axis in the first direction, the first position, and the third position is in a range of 0° or more and 8° or less, A central angle formed by the rotation axis in the first direction, the first position, and the fourth position is in a range of 0° or more and 16° or less.

7. The wearable image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The display section has a second rotation mechanism that is rotatable relative to the wearing section in the rotation direction, The first rotation mechanism is disposed on one side of the display section in the first direction, The second rotation mechanism is disposed on the other side of the display section in the first direction, The wearing section has a second fitting mechanism that fits with the second rotation mechanism, a first extension section that extends in a second direction different from the first direction, and a second extension section that extends in the second direction, The first fitting mechanism and the first extension section are respectively disposed on one side of the wearing section in the first direction, The second fitting mechanism and the second extension section are respectively disposed on the other side of the wearing section in the first direction, The second positioning section is disposed between the first fitting mechanism and the second fitting mechanism in the wearing section.

Images