Compact augmented reality optical device using total internal reflection

Abstract

Provided is an optical device for augmented reality, including: an optical mechanism that transmits actual object image light toward a pupil; a first reflection portion that is disposed inside the optical mechanism and that transmits augmented reality image light emitted from an image exit portion to a second reflection portion; and a second reflection portion that is disposed inside the optical mechanism and that reflects and transmits the augmented reality image light from the first reflection portion toward the pupil, the optical mechanism having a first surface on which the actual object image light is incident and a second surface from which the augmented reality image light and the actual object image light are emitted toward the pupil, a reflection surface that reflects the augmented reality image light of the first reflection portion being disposed so as to face the first surface of the optical mechanism, the augmented reality image light emitted from the image exit portion being totally reflected at the first surface of the optical mechanism and transmitted to the first reflection portion, being reflected by the first reflection portion and emitted toward the first surface of the optical mechanism, and being totally reflected at the first surface of the optical mechanism and transmitted to the second reflection portion, the second reflection portion being disposed so as to reflect and transmit the augmented reality image light that is totally reflected at the first surface toward the pupil.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device for augmented reality, and more specifically, to a compact optical device for augmented reality that utilizes total internal reflection to transmit augmented reality image light to the reflector by placing an auxiliary reflector that performs the function of a collimator inside an optical mechanism and by utilizing total internal reflection on the inner surface of the optical mechanism to reduce the size, width, volume and weight of the device, and to minimize the occurrence of ghost images. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays virtual images or pictures provided by computers onto actual images of the real world.

[0003] To achieve such augmented reality, an optical system is needed that can overlay virtual images or pictures generated by devices such as computers onto real-world images. Techniques using optical mechanisms such as prisms that reflect or refract virtual images using HMD (Head-Mounted Display) or eyeglass-type devices are known as such optical systems.

[0004] However, the problem with these devices that utilize conventional optical systems is that they are inconvenient for users to wear due to their complex structure, considerable weight and size, and complex manufacturing processes, resulting in high manufacturing costs.

[0005] Furthermore, a limitation of previous devices is that the virtual image becomes out of focus when the user changes the focal length while viewing the real world. To address this issue, techniques have been proposed such as using structures like prisms capable of adjusting the focal length of the virtual image, or electrically controlling a zoom lens based on changes in focal length. However, these techniques also present hardware and software challenges, such as requiring separate user operation to adjust the focal length, or necessitating a separate processor for focal length control.

[0006] In order to address the problems of this prior art, as described in Patent Document 1, the applicant has developed a device that can project virtual images onto the retina through the pupil by using a reflective part smaller than the human pupil to achieve augmented reality.

[0007] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an optical device 100 for augmented reality as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0008] Figure 1 The augmented reality optical device 100 includes an optical mechanism 10, a reflector 20, an image emitter 30, and a frame 40.

[0009] The optical mechanism 10 is a mechanism that allows at least a portion of the image light of the actual object, which is image light emitted from the actual object, to pass through. For example, it can be an eyeglass lens, in which a reflector 30 is embedded. In addition, the optical mechanism 10 also performs the function of transmitting augmented reality image light reflected from the reflector 20 in a manner that is transmitted toward the pupil.

[0010] The frame part 40 is a mechanism for fixing and supporting the image emission part 30 and the optical mechanism 10, and may be, for example, an eyeglass frame.

[0011] The image emission unit 30 is a mechanism that emits augmented reality image light as image light corresponding to the augmented reality image. For example, it may include a small display device that displays the augmented reality image on the screen to emit augmented reality image light, and a collimator for collimating the image light emitted from the display device into parallel light.

[0012] The reflector 20 provides an augmented reality image by reflecting image light corresponding to the augmented reality image emitted from the image emitter 30 toward the user's pupil.

[0013] Figure 1 The reflective part 20 is formed to be smaller than the size of a human pupil, i.e. less than 8 mm. When the reflective part 30 is formed to be smaller than the size of the pupil, the depth of field of the light incident on the pupil through the reflective part 20 can be close to infinity, i.e., the depth of field is very deep.

[0014] Here, depth of field refers to the range that is perceived as being in focus. A deeper depth of field means a deeper focal length for the augmented reality image. Therefore, even if the user changes the focal length of the real world while viewing it, the augmented reality image will always be perceived as in focus, regardless of this. This can be seen as a pinhole effect. Thus, even if the user changes the focal length while viewing a real object in the real world, the user will always see a clear virtual image in the augmented reality image.

[0015] However, the limitation of this technology is that the size, thickness and volume of the device increase because additional optical mechanisms such as collimators for parallel light need to be used in the image output section 30.

[0016] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1660519 (Published on September 29, 2016) Summary of the Invention

[0017] Technical issues

[0018] The present invention aims to solve the problems described above, and its object is to provide a compact augmented reality optical device that utilizes total internal reflection by arranging an auxiliary reflector that performs the function of a collimator inside an optical mechanism and by using total internal reflection on the inner surface of the optical mechanism to transmit augmented reality image light to the reflector, thereby reducing the size, width, volume and weight of the device.

[0019] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a compact augmented reality optical device that can minimize ghosting that may occur when using total internal reflection.

[0020] Technical solution

[0021] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a compact augmented reality optical device utilizing total internal reflection, comprising: an optical mechanism that allows at least a portion of an image light of an actual object to pass through toward the pupil of a user's eye; a first reflector disposed within the optical mechanism that transmits augmented reality image light, as image light corresponding to an augmented reality image emitted from an image emitting portion, to a second reflector; and a second reflector disposed within the optical mechanism that provides an augmented reality image to the user by reflecting the augmented reality image light transmitted from the first reflector toward the pupil of the user's eye, wherein the optical mechanism has a first surface on which the image light of the actual object is incident, and a second reflector that transmits the augmented reality image light transmitted from the first reflector by reflecting it toward the pupil of the user's eye, the optical mechanism having a first surface on which the image light of the actual object is incident, and a second reflector that transmits the image light transmitted from the first reflector to the user. The augmented reality image light and the actual object image light transmitted by the second reflector are emitted toward the pupil of the user's eye. The reflective surface that reflects the augmented reality image light of the first reflector is arranged toward the first surface of the optical mechanism. The augmented reality image light emitted from the image emission part is totally reflected by the first surface of the optical mechanism and transmitted to the first reflector, and is reflected by the first reflector and emitted toward the first surface of the optical mechanism. It is then totally reflected by the first surface of the optical mechanism and transmitted to the second reflector. The second reflector is arranged on the inner surface of the optical mechanism such that it reflects the augmented reality image light transmitted by the total reflection on the first surface toward the pupil of the user's eye.

[0022] The reflective surface of the first reflective part may be formed recessed relative to the first surface of the first optical mechanism.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferable that the length of the first reflective portion in the width direction is 4 mm or less.

[0024] Furthermore, a plurality of second reflective portions may be formed, each second reflective portion being configured to have an angle of inclination relative to the second surface of the optical mechanism in a manner that allows the augmented reality image light emitted from the first reflective portion and transmitted by total internal reflection on the first surface of the optical mechanism to be reflected toward the pupil.

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferable that each of the second reflective portions is formed to have a size of 4 mm or less.

[0026] Furthermore, each of the second reflectors can be configured such that augmented reality image light emitted from the first reflector and transmitted by total internal reflection at the first surface of the optical mechanism is not blocked by other second reflectors.

[0027] Furthermore, the compact augmented reality optical device utilizing total internal reflection preferably includes a ghost image light absorbing section disposed between the image emitting section and the first reflective section to absorb the ghost image light that generates the ghost image from the augmented reality image light emitted from the image emitting section.

[0028] Furthermore, the ghost image light absorbing part is preferably disposed inside the optical mechanism between the image emitting part and the first reflective part in such a way that it absorbs at least a portion of the augmented reality image light emitted from the image emitting part and directly transmitted to the first reflective part to generate the ghost image.

[0029] Furthermore, the ghost image light absorbing part can be arranged on a virtual straight line between a point on the image emitting part that directly connects to the point on the reflective surface of the first reflector that emits the augmented reality image light that generates the ghost image.

[0030] Furthermore, the light-absorbing portion of the ghost image can be formed of a light-absorbing material that does not reflect light.

[0031] Furthermore, the surface of the ghost image light-absorbing part facing the image emission part can be formed as a coating surface made of a light-absorbing material.

[0032] The effects of the invention

[0033] According to the present invention, a compact augmented reality optical device utilizing total internal reflection can be provided by distributing an auxiliary reflector that performs the function of a collimator inside an optical mechanism and transmitting augmented reality image light to the reflector by total internal reflection on the inner surface of the optical mechanism, thereby reducing the size, width, volume and weight of the device.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention can provide a compact augmented reality optical device that can minimize ghosting that may occur when using total internal reflection. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an optical device 100 for augmented reality as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0036] Figure 2 A side view of a compact augmented reality practical optical device 200 utilizing total internal reflection, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0037] Figure 3and Figure 4 It is used for explanation Figure 2 A diagram showing the effect of the augmented reality optical device 200 in an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 5 A side view of an augmented reality optical device 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the function of the light-absorbing section 70 for ghost images.

[0040] Figures 8 to 10 Shows the normal augmented reality images and ghost images that the user actually sees. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 2 A side view of a compact augmented reality practical optical device 200 utilizing total internal reflection, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0043] Figure 2 The embodiment of the compact augmented reality optical device 200 utilizing total internal reflection (hereinafter referred to as "augmented reality optical device 200") includes an optical mechanism 10, a first reflective part 50, and a second reflective part 20.

[0044] The optical mechanism 10 is a mechanism that allows at least a portion of the image light of the actual object, which is an image light emitted from the actual object, to pass through the pupil 60 of the user's eye.

[0045] Here, allowing at least a portion of the light from the actual object image to pass through the pupil 60 means that the transmittance of the actual object image light does not necessarily have to be 100%.

[0046] The optical mechanism 10 has a first surface 11 and a second surface 12 arranged to face each other. The first surface 11 is the surface in which the actual object image light is incident, and the second surface 12 is the surface in which the augmented reality image light corresponding to the augmented reality image reflected by the second reflector 20 and the actual object image light passing through the first surface 11 are emitted toward the pupil 60 of the user's eye.

[0047] exist Figure 2 In one embodiment, the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 of the optical mechanism 10 are formed to be parallel to each other, but this is exemplary and obviously they can also be configured to be non-parallel to each other.

[0048] exist Figure 2In this embodiment, the augmented reality image light emitted from the image emission unit 30 is totally internally reflected by the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10 and transmitted to the first reflection unit 50. The augmented reality image light reflected by the first reflection unit 50 is emitted toward the first surface 11 and totally internally reflected again by the first surface 11 and transmitted to the second reflection unit 20. The second reflection unit 20 is configured to reflect the incident augmented reality image light and emit it toward the pupil 60 through the second surface 12 of the optical mechanism 10.

[0049] Here, the second reflective part 20 is composed of a plurality of second reflective parts 21, 22, and 23. In this specification, the second reflective part 20 is a collective term for the plurality of second reflective parts 21, 22, and 23. The detailed structure of the second reflective part 20 will be described later.

[0050] On the other hand, the image emission unit 30 is a mechanism that emits augmented reality image light corresponding to the image for augmented reality, and may be, for example, a display device such as a small LCD.

[0051] Since such an image emission section 30 is not the direct objective of this invention and is known in the prior art, a detailed description is omitted here. However, as described in the technical section on the background of the invention above, the image emission section 30 in this embodiment does not include structures such as collimators.

[0052] On the other hand, "augmented reality image" refers to a virtual image transmitted to the user's pupil 60 through the image output unit 30, optical mechanism 10, first reflector 50 and second reflector 20, such as a still image or video in the form of an image.

[0053] Such augmented reality images are provided to the user as virtual images by being transmitted to the user's pupil 60 via the image emission unit 30, the optical mechanism 10, the first reflector 50 and the second reflector 20. At the same time, the user can receive the image light of the real object emitted from the real object in the real world through the optical mechanism 10, thereby receiving the augmented reality service.

[0054] Next, the first reflector 50 will be described.

[0055] The first reflector 50 is embedded inside the optical mechanism 10 and is a mechanism that transmits augmented reality image light corresponding to the augmented reality image emitted from the image emission unit 30 to the second reflector 20.

[0056] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, as described above, the image emitting unit 30 emits augmented reality image light toward the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10, and the augmented reality image light that is totally internally reflected at the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10 is transmitted to the first reflecting unit 50.

[0057] Subsequently, the augmented reality image light reflected by the first reflector 50 is emitted toward the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10 and is transmitted to the second reflector 20 by total internal reflection at the first surface of the optical mechanism 10. Furthermore, the second reflector 20 reflects the incident augmented reality image light and emits it toward the pupil 60.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the first reflective part 50 is embedded inside the optical mechanism 10 in such a way that it faces the image emission part 30 through the second reflective part 20.

[0059] Furthermore, the first reflective part 50 is embedded in an appropriate position in the internal space between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 of the optical mechanism 10 in such a way that it can reflect the augmented reality image light toward the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10.

[0060] That is, taking into account the relative positions of the image emission section 30, the second reflection section 20, and the pupil 60, the first reflection section 50 is arranged in an appropriate position inside the optical mechanism 10 between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 of the optical mechanism 10, so that the augmented reality image light emitted from the image emission section 30 and incident on the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10 after total internal reflection can be reflected back toward the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10.

[0061] exist Figure 2 In one embodiment, the first reflective portion 50 is embedded inside the optical mechanism 10 such that the reflective surface 51 of the first reflective portion 50 that reflects the augmented reality image light faces the surface on which the image light of the actual object is incident, i.e., the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10.

[0062] Furthermore, the reflecting surface 51 of the first reflecting section 50 can be formed by a concave mirror that is recessed relative to the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10. As a result, the first reflecting section 50 can function as a collimator to collimate the augmented reality image light emitted from the image emitting section 30, thus eliminating the need for components such as collimators in the image emitting section 30, thereby reducing the overall size and volume of the device.

[0063] On the other hand, as described later, the size of the second reflective portion 20 is formed to be 8 mm or less, which is the size of a typical human pupil, and more preferably 4 mm or less. With this in mind, the length of the first reflective portion 50 in the width direction is formed to be 8 mm or less, and more preferably 4 mm or less, in a manner corresponding to the size of the second reflective portion 20.

[0064] Here, the width direction of the first reflective part 50 refers to... Figure 2 The direction between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 of the optical mechanism 10.

[0065] Furthermore, for the first reflective part 50, in order to make the first reflective part 50 as almost unrecognizable to the user as possible when viewed from the front through the pupil 60, it is preferable to make the thickness very thin.

[0066] Furthermore, the first reflective part 50 is configured as a half mirror, such as partially reflecting light.

[0067] In addition, the first reflective part 50 may also be formed by other refractive or diffractive elements besides the reflective mechanism.

[0068] Furthermore, the first reflective portion 50 may also be formed of an optical element such as a notch filter that selectively transmits light according to wavelength.

[0069] Furthermore, the opposite side of the reflective surface 51 of the first reflective part 50, which reflects augmented reality image light, may also be coated with a material that does not reflect light but absorbs light.

[0070] Next, the second reflector 20 will be described.

[0071] The second reflector 20 is embedded inside the optical mechanism 10. It is a mechanism that provides augmented reality images to users by reflecting the augmented reality image light transmitted through the first reflector 50 and the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10 through the pupil 60 facing the user's eyes.

[0072] It can be formed with at least one second reflective portion 20. Figure 2 In the middle, the second reflective part 20 is formed by three second reflective parts 21, 22 and 23.

[0073] Multiple second reflectors 21, 22, and 23 are embedded inside the optical mechanism 10 in such a way that the augmented reality image light emitted from the first reflector 50 and transmitted by total internal reflection on the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10 is reflected and transmitted to the user's pupil 60.

[0074] As previously described, since the augmented reality image light emitted from the image emission unit 30 is totally reflected by the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10 and transmitted to the first reflection unit 50, the augmented reality image light reflected by the first reflection unit 50 is emitted towards the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10 and then totally reflected by the first surface 11 again and transmitted to the second reflection unit 20. Taking into account the positions of the first reflection unit 50 and the pupil 60 and the position of the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10, the plurality of reflection units 21, 22, and 23 constituting the second reflection unit 20 are configured to have an appropriate tilt angle relative to the second surface 12 of the optical mechanism 10.

[0075] As described in the background art of the invention above, the plurality of reflective parts 21, 22, 23 are respectively formed in a size smaller than the size of a human pupil, i.e., less than 8 mm, preferably less than 4 mm, so as to obtain the pinhole effect by increasing the depth of field.

[0076] That is, the multiple reflective parts 21, 22, and 23 are each formed to be smaller than the size of a typical human pupil. As a result, the depth of field of light incident on the pupil 60 through each reflective part 21, 22, and 23 can be made close to infinity. That is, the depth of field is very deep. Thus, even if the user changes the focal length of the real world while looking at it, the focus of the augmented reality image can always be recognized as being in focus regardless of this.

[0077] Here, the dimensions of each of the multiple reflective parts 21, 22, and 23 are defined as the maximum length between any two points on the edge boundary of each reflective part 21, 22, and 23.

[0078] Furthermore, the size of each of the plurality of reflective parts 21, 22, and 23 can be the maximum length between any two points on the edge boundary line of the orthographic projection of each reflective part 21, 22, and 23 onto a plane perpendicular to the straight line between the pupil 60 and the reflective parts 21, 22, and 23 and including the center of the pupil 60.

[0079] Furthermore, if the dimensions of the multiple reflective elements 21, 22, and 23 are too small, the augmented reality image may become unclear due to diffraction effects. Therefore, it is necessary to form them with appropriate dimensions or larger. For example, the dimensions of the multiple reflective elements 21, 22, and 23 can be greater than approximately 50 μm to 700 μm.

[0080] On the other hand, the plurality of reflective portions 21, 22, and 23 are appropriately configured with regard to the positions of the first reflective portion 50 and the first surface 11, such that the augmented reality image light transmitted through the first reflective portion 50 and the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10 is not blocked by the other reflective portions 21, 22, and 23.

[0081] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, multiple reflective elements 21, 22, and 23 can be arranged so that they are close to the second surface 12 of the optical mechanism 10 from top to bottom when viewed from the side of the optical mechanism 10.

[0082] Through such a structure, such as Figure 2As shown, augmented reality image light emitted from a point A of the image emission unit 30 is totally internally reflected by the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10 and transmitted to the first reflection unit 50. The augmented reality image light reflected by the first reflection unit 50, which performs the function of a collimator, is emitted as parallel light toward the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10.

[0083] Furthermore, it can be seen that the augmented reality image light, which is totally internally reflected by the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10, is transmitted to the second reflective part 20, which is composed of a plurality of second reflective parts 21, 22, 23. As parallel light reflected by each of the second reflective parts 21, 22, 23, the augmented reality image light is transmitted through the pupil 60 to a point A' of the user's retina to form an image.

[0084] On the other hand, the dimensions of the multiple reflective parts 21, 22, and 23 do not all have to be the same; they can be partially different from each other.

[0085] In addition, it is preferable that the multiple reflective portions 21, 22, 23 are arranged with the same spacing, but the spacing of at least some of the reflective portions 21, 22, 23 may be arranged differently from the spacing of the other reflective portions 21, 22, 23.

[0086] Furthermore, at least a portion of the plurality of second reflective parts 21, 22, 23 may also be constituted by a mechanism such as a half mirror that partially reflects light.

[0087] Furthermore, at least a portion of the plurality of second reflective portions 21, 22, 23 may also be formed by other refractive or diffractive elements besides reflective portions.

[0088] Furthermore, at least a portion of the plurality of second reflective portions 21, 22, 23 may be composed of optical elements such as notch filters that selectively transmit light according to wavelength.

[0089] Furthermore, for at least a portion of the plurality of second reflective portions 21, 22, 23, a light-absorbing material that does not reflect light may also be coated on the opposite side of the surface that reflects the augmented reality image light.

[0090] Alternatively, at least a portion of the surface of one of the plurality of second reflective portions 21, 22, 23 may be formed as a curved surface. Here, the curved surface may be a concave surface or a convex surface.

[0091] Furthermore, at least a portion of the plurality of second reflective portions 21, 22, 23 may be tilted at an angle relative to the optical mechanism 10 that is different from the other second reflective portions 21, 22, 23.

[0092] Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is used for explanation Figure 2A diagram showing the effect of the augmented reality optical device 200 in an embodiment, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 For ease of explanation, an example is shown where only one second reflector 20 is configured.

[0093] Figure 3 and Figure 4 (a) shows the case where the augmented reality image light reflected by the first reflector 50 is directly transmitted to the second reflector 20. Figure 3 and Figure 4 (b) shows, for example Figure 2 The described structure refers to the case where the augmented reality image light reflected by the first reflector 50 is totally internally reflected by the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10 and transmitted to the second reflector 20.

[0094] First, refer to Figure 3 visible, Figure 3 The size W1 of the first reflective part 50 seen by the user in (a) is much larger than Figure 3 The size W2 of the first reflective part 50 as seen by the user in (b). Therefore, in Figure 3 In case (b), the first reflective part 50 is hardly recognized by the user, thus the see-through function is less effective compared to... Figure 3 The number of cases (a) has increased significantly.

[0095] On the other hand, refer to Figure 4 It can be seen that, due to Figure 4 In (b), the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection of the augmented reality image light relative to the first reflector 50 are smaller than Figure 4 The incident angle and reflection angle of the augmented reality image light relative to the first reflector 50 in (a) can thus improve optical performance and make Figure 4 The width h2 of the optical mechanism 10 in (b) is also smaller than Figure 4 The width h1 of the optical mechanism 10 in (a) can be reduced, thereby decreasing the thickness of the optical mechanism 10. Therefore, it can be seen that... Figure 4 Compared to case (a), case (b) can reduce the size and volume of the entire device and improve the overall optical performance.

[0096] Figure 5 A side view of an augmented reality optical device 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0097] Figure 5 The augmented reality optical device 300 of the embodiment and in Figures 2 to 4 The augmented reality optical device 200 described herein is the same, but differs in that it also includes a ghost image light absorption unit 70.

[0098] because Figure 5 Other structures in the embodiments are the same as those described above. Figures 2 to 4 The augmented reality optical device 200 described herein is the same, so a detailed description will be omitted and only the ghost image light absorption unit 70 will be described.

[0099] The ghost image light absorption unit 70 is disposed between the image emission unit 30 and the first reflection unit 50 to perform the function of absorbing the ghost image light that generates the ghost image from the augmented reality image light emitted from the image emission unit 30.

[0100] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the function of the light-absorbing section 70 for ghost images.

[0101] first, Figure 6 It shows in Figures 2 to 4 In the case of ghost images generated in the augmented reality optical device 200 of the described embodiment, only a second reflector 20 is shown here for ease of explanation.

[0102] Reference Figure 6 As mentioned above Figures 2 to 4 As described, the augmented reality image light L1 emitted from any point A of the image emission unit 30 is totally internally reflected by the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10 and enters the first reflective unit 50.

[0103] Then, the augmented reality image light L1 reflected by the first reflector 50 is emitted again towards the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10, and after total internal reflection, it is transmitted to the second reflector 20. The augmented reality image light L1 reflected by the second reflector 20 is transmitted to the retina through the pupil 60 to form a normal image A'.

[0104] On the other hand, of the augmented reality image lights L1 and L2 emitted from any point A of the image emission unit 30, the augmented reality image light L2 (indicated by the dashed line) is directly transmitted to the first reflector 50, where it is reflected and emitted toward the first surface 11 of the optical mechanism 10. After total internal reflection, it is transmitted to the second reflector 20, and then reflected again by the second reflector 20 and transmitted to the retina through the pupil 60 to form image B. This image B is formed in a position on the retina different from that of image A', which is the reason for the formation of the ghost image.

[0105] on the other hand, Figure 7 This illustrates a case where a ghost image is generated in an augmented reality optical device 200 having multiple second reflectors 21, 22, and 23. In this case, similarly, the augmented reality image light L1 emitted from any point A of the image emission section 30 passes through the augmented reality image light L1, L2, as described above. Figures 2 to 4The described light path is transmitted to a point on the retina to form image A', but the augmented reality image light L2, indicated by the dashed line, forms image B at a different location on the retina than image A, thus creating a ghost image.

[0106] That is, the ghost image is generated by the augmented reality image light emitted from any point of the image emission unit 30, which is directly transmitted to the first reflection unit 50 and forms an image on the retina through the pupil via at least one of the first reflection unit, the optical mechanism and the second reflection unit.

[0107] In other words, a ghost image refers to an image formed at a position different from the position on the retina of a normal augmented reality image formed by the light path through the optical device 200 designed for augmented reality.

[0108] The ghost image light absorption unit 70 can minimize the ghost image by absorbing the augmented reality image light that generates the ghost image without reflection, preventing it from being transmitted to the second reflection unit 20.

[0109] Based on the principle described above, by placing the ghost image light-absorbing part 70 inside the optical mechanism 10, such as Figure 5 As shown, it absorbs the augmented reality image light L2 emitted from the image emission section 30 and directly transmitted to the first reflection section 50, which may produce ghost images, so that the augmented reality image light L2 is not transmitted to the second reflection section 20 and the pupil 60.

[0110] Figures 8 to 10 It shows normal augmented reality images and ghost images that the user actually sees.

[0111] Figure 8 This displays a normal augmented reality image without any ghosting. Figure 9 The image shows the ghost image displayed at the top. Figure 10 It shows how by, Figures 5 to 7 The described ghost image light absorption unit 70 minimizes the ghost image and displays it to the user.

[0112] To perform this function, the ghost image light absorbing part 70 is preferably disposed between the image emitting part 30 and the first reflective part 50 inside the optical mechanism 10 in such a way that it absorbs at least a portion of the augmented reality image light emitted from the image emitting part 30 and directly transmitted to the first reflective part 50 to generate the ghost image.

[0113] Furthermore, the ghost image light absorbing part 70 is preferably arranged on a virtual straight line between a point on the image emitting part 30 that directly connects to the augmented reality image light that generates the ghost image and a point on the reflective surface 51 of the first reflective part 50.

[0114] Furthermore, it is preferable that the ghost image light absorption section 70 is disposed on the lower side relative to the second reflection section 20, with the image emission section 30 as a reference.

[0115] Preferably, the ghost image light-absorbing portion 70 can be formed of a light-absorbing material that does not reflect light. For example, the surface of the ghost image light-absorbing portion 70 facing the image emitting portion 30 can be formed as a coating surface made of a light-absorbing material.

[0116] Here, "light-absorbing material" refers to a material that does not reflect light, and "formed from light-absorbing material" means coating the surface of the ghost image light-absorbing section 70 with a coating or the like made of a material that absorbs light instead of reflecting it, or forming the ghost image light-absorbing section 70 itself from the light-absorbing material. Since such light-absorbing materials and coatings made from them are known in the prior art and are not the direct objective of this invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0117] Although the structure of the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is obviously not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be implemented within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A compact augmented reality practical optical device utilizing total internal reflection, characterized in that, include: An optical mechanism that directs at least a portion of the light that forms an image of a real object toward the pupil of the user's eye; The first reflector is disposed inside the optical mechanism and transmits augmented reality image light, which is image light corresponding to the augmented reality image emitted from the image emission unit, to the second reflector. as well as The second reflector, disposed inside the optical mechanism, provides the user with an augmented reality image by reflecting the augmented reality image light transmitted from the first reflector toward the user's pupil. The optical mechanism has a first surface on which the actual object image light is incident, and a second surface on which the augmented reality image light and the actual object image light transmitted through the second reflector are emitted toward the pupil of the user's eye. The first reflective element is embedded inside the optical mechanism, facing the image emission element with respect to it via the second reflective element. The reflective surface of the first reflective part is configured to face the first surface of the optical mechanism, so as to reflect the augmented reality image light. Augmented reality image light emitted from the image emitting unit is totally internally reflected at the first surface of the optical mechanism and transmitted to the first reflecting unit. It is then reflected by the first reflecting unit and emitted towards the first surface of the optical mechanism, where it is again totally internally reflected and transmitted to the second reflecting unit. The second reflector is disposed on the inner surface of the optical mechanism in such a way that it reflects the augmented reality image light transmitted by total internal reflection on the first surface in a manner that is directed toward the pupil of the user's eye.

2. The compact augmented reality practical optical device utilizing total internal reflection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective surface of the first reflective part is recessed relative to the first surface of the optical mechanism.

3. The compact augmented reality practical optical device utilizing total internal reflection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the first reflective part in the width direction is less than 4 mm.

4. The compact augmented reality practical optical device utilizing total internal reflection according to claim 1, characterized in that, A plurality of second reflective portions are formed, each second reflective portion being configured to have an angle of inclination relative to the second surface of the optical mechanism in a manner that allows the augmented reality image light emitted from the first reflective portion and transmitted by total internal reflection on the first surface of the optical mechanism to be reflected toward the pupil.

5. The compact augmented reality practical optical device utilizing total internal reflection according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the second reflective elements is formed to have a size of less than 4 mm.

6. The compact augmented reality practical optical device utilizing total internal reflection according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the second reflectors is configured such that augmented reality image light emitted from the first reflector and transmitted by total internal reflection at the first surface of the optical mechanism is not blocked by other second reflectors.

7. The compact augmented reality practical optical device utilizing total internal reflection according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A ghost image light absorption section is disposed between the image emission section and the first reflection section to absorb the ghost image light that generates the ghost image from the augmented reality image light emitted from the image emission section.

8. The compact augmented reality practical optical device utilizing total internal reflection according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ghost image light absorbing part is disposed inside the optical mechanism between the image emitting part and the first reflective part in such a way that it absorbs at least a portion of the augmented reality image light emitted from the image emitting part and directly transmitted to the first reflective part to generate the ghost image.

9. The compact augmented reality practical optical device utilizing total internal reflection according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ghost image light absorbing part is arranged on a virtual straight line between a point on the image emitting part that directly connects to the point on the reflective surface of the first reflective part and a point on the image emitting part that generates the ghost image.

10. The compact augmented reality practical optical device utilizing total internal reflection according to claim 7, characterized in that, The light-absorbing part of the ghost image is formed of a light-absorbing material that does not reflect light.

11. The compact augmented reality practical optical device utilizing total internal reflection according to claim 10, characterized in that, The surface of the ghost image light-absorbing part facing the image emission part is formed as a coating surface made of light-absorbing material.

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