light guide

Abstract

The light guide body 100 has a light inlet portion 110 having a light inlet position 111a provided so as to input light S from the Z-axis direction, a light guide portion 120 that guides light input to the light inlet portion to the Y-axis direction, a light outlet portion 130 having a light outlet position 131a provided so as to output light guided by the light guide portion to the Z-axis direction, and the light guide portion has a first light guide portion 121 and a second light guide portion 122 that are adjacent in a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction, a continuous portion 143 provided so as to be continuous with the first light guide portion and the second light guide portion at a boundary between the first light guide portion and the second light guide portion, and a discontinuous portion 144 provided so as to be separate from the first light guide portion and the second light guide portion. Thus, light input to the light inlet portion from the light inlet position can be efficiently guided to the light outlet portion via the light guide portion, and output from the light outlet position of the light outlet portion that is different from the light inlet position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to light guides. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, research and development have been underway in the fields of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, including head-mounted displays (HMDs) that are worn on a user's head and project stereoscopic images by displaying parallax images corresponding to the left and right eyes as virtual images, and head-up displays (HUDs) that project distant virtual images onto the windshield, overlapping the reality in front of the driver (see, for example, Patent Document 1). These technologies require efficient guidance of light containing image information such as parallax images and distant virtual images from a light source to a display unit such as the windshield or a light source.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-118963 Summary of the Invention

[0004] (Project 1)

[0005] A light guide that outputs light input from an incident position from an exit position different from the incident position may have an incident position that is configured to allow the light to be input from a first direction.

[0006] The light guide may have a light guiding section that guides the light input to the light input section in a second direction that intersects with the first direction.

[0007] The light guide may have a light-emitting section, which has a light-emitting position configured to output light in a third direction that intersects the light direction guided by the light guide section with the second direction.

[0008] The light guide portion may have a first light guide portion and a second light guide portion adjacent to each other in a direction intersecting the second direction, and may have a continuous portion at the boundary between the first light guide portion and the second light guide portion, which is configured to make the first light guide portion and the second light guide portion continuous, and a non-continuous portion configured to separate the first light guide portion and the second light guide portion.

[0009] (Project 2)

[0010] The light-receiving portion may have a first light-receiving portion and a second light-receiving portion adjacent to each other in a direction intersecting the second direction, and may have other continuous portions configured to make the first light-receiving portion and the second light-receiving portion continuous at the boundary between the first light-receiving portion and the second light-receiving portion, and other non-continuous portions configured to separate the first light-receiving portion and the second light-receiving portion.

[0011] (Project 3)

[0012] The light-incident portion may have a reflective surface configured to reflect light input from the first direction at the light-incident position toward the second direction.

[0013] (Project 4)

[0014] The light-emitting portion may have a first light-emitting portion and a second light-emitting portion adjacent to each other in a direction intersecting the second direction, and may have other continuous portions at the boundary between the first light-emitting portion and the second light-emitting portion, which are configured to make the first light-emitting portion and the second light-emitting portion continuous, and other non-continuous portions configured to separate the first light-emitting portion and the second light-emitting portion.

[0015] (Project 5)

[0016] The light-emitting part may have other reflective surfaces configured to reflect the light guided in the second direction by the light guide part in the third direction.

[0017] (Project 6)

[0018] The light can contain information.

[0019] (Project 7)

[0020] The information may be recorded information.

[0021] (Project 8)

[0022] The information may include at least one of images and pictures.

[0023] (Project 9)

[0024] The light can be emitted from a light source.

[0025] (Project 10)

[0026] The light source may have a storage unit for storing the information.

[0027] (Project 11)

[0028] It can be set on the wearable device worn by the user.

[0029] (Project 12)

[0030] The light-emitting part can output light toward the display part that displays information.

[0031] (Project 13)

[0032] The output direction of the light at the light-emitting position can be parallel to the input direction of the light at the light-incident position.

[0033] (Project 14)

[0034] The output direction of the light at the light-emitting position can be antiparallel to the input direction of the light at the light-incident position.

[0035] (Project 15)

[0036] The wearable device worn by the user may have any one of items 1 to 10.

[0037] The wearable device may have a light source that emits the light.

[0038] (Project 16)

[0039] The display device may include any one of items 1 to 10.

[0040] The display device may have a light source that emits the light.

[0041] The display device may include a display section for projecting light output from the light guide.

[0042] Furthermore, the above summary of the invention does not list all the features of the invention. Additionally, sub-combinations of these feature groups may also be part of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1A This shows the overall structure of the light guide in this embodiment.

[0044] Figure 1B This shows the detailed structure of the incident light section and the boundary section.

[0045] Figure 1C It represents the overall structure of the light-inlet section, light-guide section, light-outlet section, and boundary section.

[0046] Figure 2A This describes the general structure of the wearable device and the light guiding within the light guide body.

[0047] Figure 2B It indicates the wearing status of the device and the guiding of light through the light guide.

[0048] Figure 3 This describes the general structure of the display device and the light guiding mechanism within the light guide body.

[0049] Figure 4 This describes the first manufacturing process of the light guide.

[0050] Figure 5A In the front view ( Figure 5B The section related to baseline AA shows the state inside the mold after the mold and insert setting process in the first manufacturing method.

[0051] Figure 5B In the side view ( Figure 5A The section related to the baseline BB shows the state inside the mold after the mold and insert setting process in the first manufacturing method.

[0052] Figure 5C This indicates the flow of resin in the molding process of the first manufacturing method.

[0053] Figure 5D This indicates the state of the removed insert in the insert removal process of the first manufacturing method.

[0054] Figure 6 This describes the second manufacturing process of the light guide.

[0055] Figure 7A The front view shows the state of the mold interior after the first mold setting step in the second manufacturing method.

[0056] Figure 7B This indicates the structure of the first light-entry section, the first light-guiding section, and the first light-exit section formed by the light-entry section forming process using the first mold in the second manufacturing method.

[0057] Figure 7C This indicates the structure of the bottom surface and continuous portion of the first light-entry section, the first light-guiding section, and the first light-exit section.

[0058] Figure 7D The front view shows the state of the interior of the mold after the second mold and insert setting process in the second manufacturing method.

[0059] Figure 7E The perspective view shows the state of the interior of the mold after the second mold and insert setting process in the second manufacturing method.

[0060] Figure 8 This describes the third manufacturing process of the light guide.

[0061] Figure 9A This indicates the structure of the first light-entry section, the first light-guiding section, and the first light-exit section formed by the light-entry section forming process in the third manufacturing method.

[0062] Figure 9B This indicates the structure of the second light-entry section, the second light-guide section, and the second light-exit section formed by the light guide section forming process in the third manufacturing method.

[0063] Figure 9C This indicates the state in the third manufacturing method where the first light-entry section, the first light-guiding section, and the first light-exit section are fused with the second light-entry section, the second light-guiding section, and the second light-exit section through a fusion deposition process. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The present invention will now be described through embodiments thereof, but these embodiments do not limit the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are necessarily necessary for the solution of the invention.

[0065] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C The overall structure of the light guide 100 according to this embodiment, the detailed structure of the light-incident portion 110 and the boundary portion 140, and the overall structure of the light-incident portion 110, the light-guide portion 120, the light-exit portion 130, and the boundary portion 140 are shown respectively. The light guide 100 is an optical device that guides light input from the light-incident position 111a of the light-incident portion 110 to the light-exit position 131a, which is different from the light-incident position 111a, and outputs it without leakage or with minimal leakage. It includes the light-incident portion 110, the light-guide portion 120, the light-exit portion 130, and the boundary portion 140. In addition, the light guide 100 as a whole has a generally plate shape that extends in two dimensions with the X-axis as the short side and the Y-axis as the long side, and has thickness in the Z-axis direction. In addition, in Figure 1C In the other accompanying drawings, the stepped portions on the -Y and +Z sides of the light-entry portion 110 and the stepped portions on the +Y and +Z sides of the light-exit portion 130 are omitted.

[0066] The light-incident section 110 is an optical component having a light-incident position 111a arranged to receive light from the Z-axis direction, and focusing light received from the light-incident position 111a in the -Z direction. It has a first light-incident section 111 and a second light-incident section 112 adjacent in the Z-axis direction, and a continuous portion 141 and a discontinuous portion 142 disposed at the boundary between the first light-incident section 111 and the second light-incident section 112. In this embodiment, the first light-incident section 111 and the second light-incident section 112 are integrally stacked in the Z-axis direction.

[0067] The first light-incident section 111 is the upper portion of the light-incident section 110, which has a light-incident position 111a. The first light-incident section 111 has one or more (one in this embodiment) focusing elements 90. The focusing element 90 is a columnar member with an inverted approximately isosceles trapezoidal cross-section having a maximum width P in the Y-axis direction and a height d in the Z-axis direction, and extending along the X-axis direction. The +Z sides of the Y-side (i.e., the +Y side and the -Y side) are in contact with each other, and the -Z sides are separated from each other and arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the multiple focusing elements 90 are connected to each other and integrally formed (however, for the convenience of explaining the structure and function of the light-incident section 110, the first light-incident section 111 is described as including multiple focusing elements 90). Thus, the first light-incident section 111 extends along the Y-axis direction, and the +Z surfaces of the multiple focusing elements 90 are connected to each other to form a planar light-incident surface with width in the X-axis direction. A light-incident position 111a for light input in the -Z direction is provided on the light-incident surface.

[0068] In addition, two adjacent focusing elements 90 form a hollow space (referred to as space) 140s with a triangular cross section and extending in the X-axis direction between each other.

[0069] Alternatively, multiple focusing elements 90 can be separated from each other in the Y-axis direction and arranged side by side. In this case, an incident light position 111a is set on one or more of the +Z planes of the multiple focusing elements 90.

[0070] The focusing element 90 has reflective surfaces 92 and 93 located below (in the -Z direction) relative to the incident light position 111a, and a light-transmitting portion 94. Here, the focusing element 90 can be formed, for example, using a resin with a high refractive index such as acrylic resin (refractive index 1.49), polycarbonate resin (refractive index 1.58), or glass (for example, with a refractive index of 1.51 to 1.53 relative to BK7). The boundary between the focusing element 90 and the space 140s, i.e., the ±Y side surfaces of the focusing element 90, functions as reflective surfaces 92 and 93 that reflect a portion of the light input into the focusing element 90 from the Z-axis direction at the incident light position 111a in the ±Y and -Z directions.

[0071] When light enters the ±Y side from inside the focusing element 90 at an angle greater than or equal to the critical angle, it is totally internally reflected. The critical angle is approximately 42 degrees relative to acrylic resin, approximately 41 degrees relative to polycarbonate resin, and approximately 42 degrees relative to glass. Therefore, the ±Y side of the focusing element 90 is formed such that its normal is at an angle greater than or equal to the direction of light input (the Z-axis direction in this embodiment). On the other hand, the portion between the reflecting surfaces 92 and 93 in the focusing element 90 functions as a light-transmitting portion 94 through which a portion of the light input from the light-incident position 111a (the remaining portion that does not enter the reflecting surfaces 92 and 93 in this example) and the reflected light reflected by the reflecting surfaces 92 and 93 pass.

[0072] Reflective surfaces 92 and 93 are arranged opposite each other on the +Y and -Y sides of the light-transmitting portion 94, respectively, so as to reflect light input from the incident light position 111a toward the light-transmitting portion 94. Here, reflective surfaces 92 and 93 are formed in a straight line in the YZ section. In addition, to improve reflectivity, reflective surfaces 92 and 93, i.e., the ±Y sides of the light-concentrating element 90, can be mirror-finished. Alternatively, a reflective film can be provided using metal or the like.

[0073] The second light-entry section 112 is the lower section of the light-entry section 110, and is the part that guides the light reflected by the reflective surfaces 92 and 93 of the first light-entry section 112 to the light-guiding section 120. The second light-entry section 112 is made of the same material as the first light-entry section 111 and extends in the XY direction, and is formed into a plate shape with thickness in the Z-axis direction.

[0074] The continuous portion 141 is configured such that the light-transmitting portion 94 of the first light-entry portion 111 and the second light-entry portion 112 are physically continuous, guiding the light input from the light-entry position 111a, i.e., the reflected light that did not enter the reflection of the reflecting surfaces 92 and 93 (and the remaining light from the reflecting surfaces 92 and 93), to the second light-entry portion 112. The continuous portion 141 has an opening width A in the Y-axis direction and extends in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the continuous portion 141 can be formed of the same material as the light-concentrating element 90. Alternatively, the continuous portion 141 can also be integrally formed as part of the first light-entry portion 111 and / or the second light-entry portion 112.

[0075] The discontinuous portion 142 is provided such that the reflective surfaces 92 and 93 of the first light-receiving portion 111 are separated from the second light-receiving portion 112, and is arranged adjacent to the ±Y sides of the continuous portion 141. The discontinuous portion 142 separates the second light-receiving portion 112 from the first light-receiving portion 111 (the reflective surfaces 92 and 93 formed on the ±Y sides), creating a space 140s (e.g., 140s7) between them. The interface between the discontinuous portion 142 and the second light-receiving portion 112 functions as a reflective surface that guides the reflected light from the light-transmitting portion 94 of the first light-receiving portion 111, which is input to the second light-receiving portion 112 via the continuous portion 141, into the light-guiding portion 120. Furthermore, to improve reflectivity, the +Z end face of the second light-receiving portion 112 at the interface between the discontinuous portion 142 and the second light-receiving portion 112, i.e., in the space 140s, can be mirror-finished. Alternatively, a reflective film can be provided using metal or the like.

[0076] The light guide portion 120 is an optical component that guides light input to the light incident portion 110 in a direction intersecting (or orthogonal to, or approximately orthogonal to) the Z-axis direction (in this embodiment, the Y-axis direction). It has a first light guide portion 121 and a second light guide portion 122 adjacent to each other in the Z-axis direction, and a continuous portion 143 and a discontinuous portion 144 disposed at the boundary between the first light guide portion 121 and the second light guide portion 122. In this embodiment, the first light guide portion 121 and the second light guide portion 122 are integrally stacked in the Z-axis direction.

[0077] The first light guide section 121 is the upper portion of the light guide section 120, and is formed by arranging and integrally connecting multiple light-concentrating elements 90 along the Y-axis direction, similar to the first light-incident section 111. Thus, the first light guide section 121 extends in the Y-axis direction, forming a space 140s (e.g., 140s2 to 140s6) with a triangular cross-section extending along the X-axis direction between two adjacent light-concentrating elements 90. Furthermore, the structures of the light-concentrating elements 90 and the reflecting surfaces 92 and 93 are the same as those in the light-incident section 110 described above.

[0078] The second light guide section 122 is the lower section of the light guide section 120. It is the portion that receives light from the light entrance position 111a of the light entrance section 110, is reflected by the reflective surfaces 92 and 93 of the light entrance section 110, and is guided to the light exit section 130 by the light received by the second light entrance section 112. The second light guide section 122 is made of the same material as the first light guide section 121 and extends in the XY direction, and is formed into a plate shape with thickness in the Z-axis direction.

[0079] Similar to the continuous section 141, the continuous section 143 is provided in such a way that the light-transmitting section 94 of the first light guide section 121 and the second light guide section 122 are physically continuous.

[0080] Similar to the discontinuous portion 142, the discontinuous portion 144 is provided in a manner that separates the first light guide portion 121 (reflective surfaces 92, 93) from the second light guide portion 122, and is arranged adjacent to the ±Y sides of the continuous portion 143. The discontinuous portion 144 separates the second light guide portion 122 from the first light guide portion 121 (reflective surfaces 92, 93 formed on the ±Y sides), forming a space 140s (140s2 to 140s6) therebetween. This allows the interface between the discontinuous portion 144 and the second light guide portion 122 to function as a reflective surface that reflects light entering from the light entrance portion 120 (second light entrance portion 112) and guides it to the light exit portion 130. Furthermore, to improve reflectivity, the interface between the discontinuous portion 144 and the second light guide portion 122, i.e., the +Z end face of the second light guide portion 122 in the space 140s, can be mirror-finished. Alternatively, a reflective film can be provided using metal or the like.

[0081] The light-emitting section 130 is an optical component having a light-emitting position 131a at which light guided by the light guide section 120 is emitted in a direction intersecting (or orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to) the Y-axis direction (in this embodiment, the Z-axis direction), and emitting light from the light-emitting position 131a in the +Z direction. It has a first light-emitting section 131 and a second light-emitting section 132 adjacent to each other in the Z-axis direction, and a continuous portion 145 and a discontinuous portion 146 disposed on the boundary between the first light-emitting section 131 and the second light-emitting section 132. In this embodiment, the first light-emitting section 131 and the second light-emitting section 132 are integrally stacked in the Z-axis direction.

[0082] The first light-emitting section 131 is the upper part of the light-emitting section 130, and is formed by arranging one or more (one in this embodiment) light-concentrating elements 90 in the Y-axis direction, similar to the first light-incident section 111. Thus, the first light-emitting section 131 extends in the Y-axis direction, and its +Z surface expands in the XY direction to form a planar light-emitting surface. A light-emitting position 131a for light output in the +Z direction is provided on the light-emitting surface. The light-concentrating element 90 has reflective surfaces 92 and 93 located below (in the -Z direction) relative to the light-emitting position 131a, and a light-transmitting section 94. Furthermore, a space 140s with a triangular cross-section extending in the X-axis direction is formed between two adjacent light-concentrating elements 90. Moreover, the structures of the light-concentrating elements 90 and the reflective surfaces 92 and 93 are the same as those in the light-incident section 110 described above. These reflective surfaces 92 and 93 reflect light guided by the light guide section 120 in the Y-axis direction in the Z-axis direction.

[0083] The second light-emitting section 132 is the lower section of the light-emitting section 130, and it is the part that sends the light guided by the light guide section 120 (second light guide section 122) to the first light-emitting section 131. The second light-emitting section 132 is made of the same material as the first light-emitting section 131 and extends in the XY direction, and is shaped into a plate with thickness in the Z-axis direction. The light transmitted from the second light-emitting section 132 to the first light-emitting section 131 is reflected by the reflective surfaces 92 and 93 of the first light-emitting section 131 and output from the light-emitting position 131a of the light-emitting section 130 in the Z-axis direction.

[0084] Like continuous section 141, continuous section 145 is provided in such a way that the light-transmitting section 94 of the first light-emitting section 131 and the second light-emitting section 132 are physically continuous.

[0085] Like discontinuity 142, discontinuity 146 is provided in a manner that separates the first light-emitting portion 131 (reflective surfaces 92, 93) from the second light-emitting portion 132, and is arranged adjacent to the ±Y sides of continuity 145. Discontinuity 146 separates the second light-emitting portion 132 from the first light-emitting portion 131 (reflective surfaces 92, 93 formed on the ±Y sides), forming a space 140s (e.g., 140s7) between them. This allows the interface between discontinuity 146 and the second light-emitting portion 132 to function as a reflector for light emitted from the light-transmitting portion 94 of the first light-emitting portion 131 via continuity 145 and from the second light-guiding portion 122, guiding it to the reflective surface of the first light-emitting portion 131. Furthermore, to improve reflectivity, the +Z end face of the second light-emitting portion 132 at the interface between discontinuity 146 and the second light-emitting portion 132, i.e., in space 140s, can be mirror-finished. Alternatively, a reflective film can be provided using metal or the like.

[0086] The boundary portion 140 is the portion located at the boundary between the first light-entry portion 111, the first light-guide portion 121, and the first light-exit portion 131 and the second light-entry portion 112, the second light-guide portion 122, and the second light-exit portion 132, including the aforementioned continuous portions 141, 143, 145 and non-continuous portions 142, 144, 146.

[0087] Furthermore, in the light guide 100 of this embodiment, the first light-incident portion 111, the first light-guide portion 121, and the first light-emitting portion 131 are arranged along the Y-axis direction and integrally formed. These integrally formed portions are also referred to as the upper section 101. Additionally, the second light-incident portion 112, the second light-guide portion 122, and the second light-emitting portion 132 are arranged along the Y-axis direction and integrally formed. These integrally formed portions are also referred to as the lower section 102. In other words, the light-incident portion 110, the light-guide portion 120, and the light-emitting portion 130 are arranged along the Y-axis direction and integrally formed.

[0088] In this embodiment, the reflective surfaces 92 and 93 and the light-transmitting surfaces 94 of the light-incident section 110, the light-guide section 120, and the light-emitting section 130 are integrally formed by arranging light-concentrating elements 90 side by side in the Y-axis direction, and multiple such elements are arranged in the upper section 101 of the light guide 100 along the Y-axis direction. Correspondingly, continuous sections 141, 143, and 145 and discontinuous sections 142, 144, and 146 are respectively provided at the boundaries of the first light-incident section 111, the first light-guide section 121, and the first light-emitting section 131, and the second light-incident section 112, the second light-guide section 122, and the second light-emitting section 132, and multiple continuous sections 141, 143, and 145 and multiple discontinuous sections 142, 144, and 146 are alternately arranged along the Y-axis direction. Here, the continuous portions 141, 143, and 145 have a width A (equal to the width of the light-transmitting portion 94) in the Y-axis direction, and are arranged periodically at intervals P in the Y-axis direction. The discontinuous portions 142, 144, and 146 in this embodiment have a width approximately equal to that of the continuous portions 141, 143, and 145, and are disposed between the continuous portions 141, 143, and 145. Thus, the aperture ratio A / P is approximately one-half. Furthermore, since the continuous portions 141, 143, and 145 and the adjacent discontinuous portions 142, 144, and 146 have different widths in the Y-axis direction, the aperture ratio A / P can be greater than or less than approximately one-half.

[0089] like Figure 1BAs shown, the reflecting surfaces 92 and 93 of the light-receiving section 110 reflect light input from the light-receiving position 111a to the second light-receiving section 112. Specifically, the reflecting surfaces 92 and 93 reflect light input from a direction intersecting (or orthogonal to, or approximately orthogonal to) the light-receiving surface (the +Z surface of the first light-receiving section 111) to which the light-receiving position 111a belongs (the Z-axis direction in this embodiment). Here, the light reflected by the reflecting surface 93 forms parallel light and passes through the continuity section 141; that is, the light reflected on the +Z side of the reflecting surface 93 passes through the +Y side of the continuity section 141, the light reflected at the center of the reflecting surface 93 passes through the center of the continuity section 141, and the light reflected at the -Z side of the reflecting surface 93 passes through the -Y side of the continuity section 141, and then enters the second light-receiving section 112. Furthermore, the light reflected by the reflecting surface 92, except for the opposite direction, forms parallel light to the light reflected by the reflecting surface 93 and enters the second light-receiving section 112.

[0090] Furthermore, the reflective surfaces 92 and 93 of the light-emitting section 130 reflect the light transmitted through the light guide section 120 and the second light-emitting section 132, and output it from the light-emitting position 131a of the light-emitting section 130. Specifically, the reflective surfaces 92 and 93 reflect the light delivered via the light guide section 120 and the second light-emitting section 132, and output it in a direction that intersects (or is orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to) the light-emitting surface (the +Z surface of the first light-emitting section 131) to which the light-emitting position 131a belongs (the Z-axis direction in this embodiment). Here, the light delivered from the second light-emitting section 132 forms parallel light, passes through the continuous section 145, enters the reflective surface 92 for reflection, and is output from the light-emitting position 131a in the +Z direction. In addition, the light reflected by the reflective surface 93 forms parallel light in the same way as the light reflected by the reflective surface 92, except that the light entering direction is opposite, and is output from the light-emitting position 131a.

[0091] Furthermore, the discontinuity 142, disposed below the reflective surfaces 92 and 93 of the light-incident section 110, includes a discontinuity 142b separating the reflective surface 92 from the second light-incident section 112 and a discontinuity 142a separating the reflective surface 93 from the second light-incident section 112. Additionally, by arranging multiple focusing elements 90 side-by-side in the Y-axis direction within the light-incident section 110, a space 140s with a triangular cross-section in the Y-direction is formed inside adjacent focusing elements 90 by the Y-side surfaces and the discontinuity 142 (the +Z end of the second light-incident section 112). The reflective surfaces 92 and 93 of adjacent focusing elements 90 face away from each other via the space 140s, and the discontinuity 142 located below each is continuous.

[0092] Furthermore, the end of the discontinuous portion 142 on the second light-incident portion 112 side (i.e., the interface with the discontinuous portion 142 of the second light-incident portion 112) may also be inclined relative to the Y-axis direction. Here, the respective interfaces of the second light-incident portion 112 and the adjacent discontinuous portion 142 may also be inclined in different directions relative to the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the interface between the second light-incident portion 112 and the discontinuous portion 142a may be inclined clockwise relative to the Y-axis, and the interface between the second light-incident portion 112 and the discontinuous portion 142b may be inclined counterclockwise relative to the Y-axis. The discontinuous portions 142 arranged along the Y-axis direction may also include alternating discontinuous portions 142a and discontinuous portions 142b.

[0093] Furthermore, the opposing reflective surfaces 92 and 93 of a focusing element 90 have equal tilt angles in opposite directions relative to the Z-axis. Here, the tilt angles can be different in each of the adjacent focusing elements 90, or they can be alternately different. The opposing reflective surfaces 92 and 93 of two adjacent focusing elements 90 have different tilt angles through the space 140s. Alternatively, the cross-sections of the triangles of the multiple spaces 140s arranged in the Y-axis direction can be rotated alternately in different directions. Here, the rotation of the multiple spaces 140s is a rotation about a reference axis parallel to the X-axis direction passing through the center of the spaces 140s in the YZ plane. In this example, relative to the state before rotation shown by the dashed line in the figure (i.e., the state where the base of the triangle is parallel to the Y-axis direction), the left space 140sa rotates clockwise, and the right space 140sb rotates counterclockwise. Thus, the clockwise rotating spaces 140sa and the counterclockwise rotating spaces 140sb are arranged alternately in the Y-axis direction.

[0094] Furthermore, without rotating the multiple spaces 140s, the boundary portion 140 is formed as a straight line extending along the Y-axis in the YZ plane, and the continuous portion 141 and the discontinuous portion 142 are also linearly continuous in the YZ plane. When the multiple spaces 140s are rotated, the boundary portion 140 repeatedly bends in the ±Z direction in the YZ plane to form a non-linear line extending along the Y-axis, and the continuous portion 141 and the discontinuous portion 142 are also non-linearly continuous in the YZ plane.

[0095] Furthermore, the same applies to the reflective surfaces 92 and 93 of the light guide section 120 and the light emission section 130, the space 140s, the continuous portion 143 and the discontinuous portion 144 between the first light guide section 121 and the second light guide section 122, and the continuous portion 145 and the discontinuous portion 146 between the first light emission section 131 and the second light emission section 132.

[0096] Figure 2AThis diagram illustrates the schematic structure of the wearable device 200 according to this embodiment and the guiding of light S within the light guide 100. The wearable device 200 is, for example, a head-mounted display (HMD) worn on a user's head, and includes a light guide 100 and a light source 180. Furthermore, the light guide 100 is configured as described above.

[0097] The light source 180 is a device that emits light, including a light source 181, a storage unit 182, and an optical system 183. The light source 181 is a device that generates light. The light contains information from at least one aspect of an image or picture. The storage unit 182 is a storage device that stores information. The optical system 183 includes optical elements such as a lens element that directs the light generated by the light source 181 towards the incident light position 111a of the light guide 100 in the +Z direction.

[0098] Figure 2B This indicates the wearing state of the wearable device 200 and the guidance of light through the light guide 100. The user positions the light-emitting position 131a of the light guide 100 in front of their eyes by wearing the wearable device 200 on their head (not shown), and the light source 180 is positioned laterally on the head. When the wearable device 200 is activated, the light source 180 reads recorded information from the storage unit 182, activates the light source 181 based on this information, and generates light containing information from at least one of the image and picture, which is then input to the light-incident position 111a of the light guide 100 via the optical system 183 in the -Z direction.

[0099] like Figure 2A As shown, light S, emitted from light source 180 and entering the -Z direction from light incident position 111a, enters the reflecting surface 93 of light incident section 110. Light S is reflected by reflecting surface 93 towards light transmitting section 94, enters the second light incident section 112 via continuous section 141, and is guided towards the +Y direction to light guide section 120. Within light guide section 120, light S is reflected at the -Z surface of second light guide section 122 towards the +Z direction, reflected at the boundary between second light guide section 122 and the discontinuous section 144 located on the -Z side of space 140s4 towards the -Z direction, and again reflected at the -Z surface of second light guide section 122 towards the +Z direction and guided to the second light emitting section 132. Thus, light S moves towards the +Y direction within light guide section 120 (… Figure 2B (The arrow direction) guides the light. Light S is guided from the second light-emitting section 132 through the continuous section 145 to the first light-emitting section 131 within the light-emitting section 130, and is reflected by the reflecting surface 92 towards the light-emitting surface (the +Z surface of the first light-emitting section 131). It is then output from the light-emitting position 131a in the antiparallel (reverse) direction to the input direction of light S at the light-incident position 111a, i.e., in the +Z direction. The light S output from the light-emitting position 131a enters the user's eye E. Thus, the user can view images or pictures represented by light.

[0100] Furthermore, the tilt angle of the discontinuity 144 and / or the tilt angle of the reflecting surfaces 92 and 93 are determined so that the light S entering the second light guide 122 does not leak to the first light guide 121 via the continuity 143. Additionally, the light S is not limited to being input to the incident position 111a in the -Z direction; it can also be input at an angle relative to the Z-axis direction, and it is not limited to being output from the emitting position 131a in the +Z direction; it can also be output at an angle relative to the Z-axis direction. In this case, the output direction of the light S at the emitting position 131a is opposite to the input direction of the light S at the incident position 111a in the Z-axis direction.

[0101] In addition, the wearing device 200 in this embodiment is a wearing device for a single eye, but it can also be set as a wearing device for both eyes with two wearing devices 200.

[0102] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the general structure of the display device 210 and the guiding of light S within the light guide 100. The display device 210 is, for example, a head-up display (HUD) mounted in front of the driver's seat of a passenger vehicle, and includes a light guide 100, a light source 180, and a display section 190.

[0103] The light guide 100 is configured as described above. However, the space 140s4 between the first light guide 121 and the second light guide 122 is rotated slightly counterclockwise. As a result, the light reflected from the interface between the second light guide 122 and the space 140s4 is guided within the second light guide 122 at a small angle relative to the Y-axis direction. In addition, the space 140s7 between the first light emitting section 131 and the second light emitting section 132 is rotated approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise. As a result, the light emitting position 132a is provided on the -Z surface of the second light emitting section 132, and the light S entering the first light emitting section 131 from the second light emitting section 132 via the continuous section 145 is reflected by the reflecting surface 92 and directed toward the -Z direction, and is output toward the display section 190 from the light emitting position 132a via the second light emitting section 132 in the -Z direction.

[0104] The light source 180 is configured in the same manner as the wearable device 200 described above.

[0105] The display unit 190 is a display device for displaying information from at least one of images and pictures, such as those shown on a windshield of an automobile, and has a display surface 191 and an optical system 192. The display surface 191 is one side of the windshield or the like that from which light S is projected. The optical system 192 includes optical elements such as lens elements that transmit light emitted from the light guide 100 toward the display surface 191 in the -Z direction.

[0106] In the display device 210, light S, emitted from the light source 180 and entering the -Z direction from the light incident position 111a, enters the reflective surface 93 of the light incident section 110. The light S is reflected by the reflective surface 93 towards the light transmitting section 94, enters the second light incident section 112 via the continuous section 141, and is guided towards the +Y direction to the light guide section 120. Within the light guide section 120, the light S is reflected by the -Z surface of the second light guide section 122 towards the +Z direction, reflected again by the boundary between the second light guide section 122 and the discontinuous section 144 located on the -Z side of the space 140s4 towards the -Z direction, and then reflected again by the -Z surface of the second light guide section 122 towards the +Z direction, and is guided to the second light emitting section 132. Thus, the light S is guided towards the +Y direction within the light guide section 120. Light S, within the light-emitting section 130, is guided from the second light-emitting section 132 to the first light-emitting section 131 via the continuous section 145. It is reflected by the reflective surface 92 in the -Z direction, and then reflected by the reflective surface 92 towards the light-emitting surface (in this example, the -Z surface of the second light-emitting section 132). It is then output from the light-emitting position 132a via the second light-emitting section 132 in the same direction as the input direction of light S at the light-incident position 111a, i.e., in the -Z direction. The light S output from the light-emitting position 131a is projected onto the display surface 191 via the optical system 192 of the display section 190. Thus, the user can view the image or picture projected onto the display surface 191.

[0107] Furthermore, the tilt angle of the discontinuity 144 and / or the tilt angle of the reflecting surfaces 92 and 93 are determined so that the light S entering the second light guide 122 does not leak to the first light guide 121 via the continuity 143. Additionally, the light S is not limited to being input to the incident position 111a in the -Z direction; it can also be input at an angle relative to the Z-axis direction, and is not limited to being output from the emitting position 132a in the -Z direction; it can also be output at an angle relative to the Z-axis direction. In this case, the output direction of the light S at the emitting position 132a is opposite to the input direction of the light S at the incident position 111a in the Z-axis direction.

[0108] Figure 4 The first manufacturing method flow S100 of the light guide 100 is shown. In this embodiment, as an example, acrylic resin is used as the molding material of the light guide 100. That is, the light-incident portion 110, the light-guiding portion 120, and the light-emitting portion 130 are formed of the same material.

[0109] In step S101, molds 151 and 152 and multiple inserts 153 are set. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the front view (for) Figure 5B Reference line AA in the middle) and side view (for Figure 5AThe internal states of molds 151 and 152 are shown in reference line BB. Mold 151 is a metal mold for forming the first light-incident portion 111, the first light-guide portion 121, and the first light-emitting portion 131 (i.e., the upper section 101 of the light guide 100), and includes an internal space with the size and shape to accommodate the upper section 101 and a plurality of inserts 153. Mold 152 is a metal mold for forming the second light-incident portion 112, the second light-guide portion 122, and the second light-emitting portion 132 (i.e., the lower section 102 of the light guide 100), and includes an internal space with the size and shape to accommodate the lower section 102. The plurality of inserts 153 are metal molds for forming a space 140s in the upper section 101 (between the plurality of focusing elements 90), and are solid columnar bodies with a cross-sectional shape of approximately isosceles triangles.

[0110] The mold 152 is configured with its internal space facing the +Z direction, and multiple inserts 153 are arranged on the mold 152 along the Y-axis direction, spanning the internal space of the mold 152 along the X-axis direction, so that the mold 151 covers the mold 152 with its internal space facing the -Z direction. Thus, a portion is removed between the molds 151 and 152 by the multiple inserts 153, forming a vertically separated internal space 140s.

[0111] In step S102, acrylic resin is injected into molds 151 and 152 to form light guide 100. Figure 5C This indicates the flow of resin within molds 151 and 152. Resin is ejected downwards into the internal space 150s through a through-hole (not shown) in mold 152, filling upwards through the gaps between multiple inserts 153 while simultaneously filling in the direction indicated by the black arrow. After a certain period, as the resin cools, it is transferred to the next step.

[0112] In step S103, the mold 151 is pulled along the +Z direction to open the mold. Thus, as... Figure 5D As shown, with the lower section 102 embedded in the internal space of the mold 152, the upper section 101 is exposed on the mold 152.

[0113] In step S104, multiple inserts 153 are removed. Figure 5D This indicates the state in which multiple inserts 153 are removed from the light guide 100. The multiple inserts 153 are removed in the direction of the hollow arrow (+X direction). Alternatively, to facilitate removal from the light guide 100, the multiple inserts 153 may be formed as a cone shape with the +X end tapering relative to the -X end.

[0114] In step S105, the light guide 100 is pulled out from the mold 152. Thus, the light guide 100 is obtained. Figure 1A The light guide 100 shown.

[0115] In step S106, molds 151 and 152 and multiple inserts 153 are cleaned. This completes the process. Repeating steps S101 to S106 allows for the fabrication of multiple light guides 100.

[0116] Figure 6 The second manufacturing method flow S200 of the light guide 100 is shown. In this embodiment, as an example, acrylic resin is used as the molding material for the light guide 100. That is, the upper section 101 and the lower section 102 are formed of the same material.

[0117] In step S201, molds 161 and 162 are set. Figure 7A The interior of molds 161 and 162 is shown in the front view (viewed in the X-axis direction). Molds 161 and 162 are a pair of metal molds used to form the upper section 101. Mold 161 includes an internal space with a size and shape capable of accommodating the upper section 101. Mold 162 has a plurality of protruding edges 162a that project from the upper surface in the +Z direction and are arranged along the Y-axis direction. The plurality of protruding edges 162a are structures for forming a space 140s in the upper section 101 (between the plurality of focusing elements 90), and are formed with a cross-sectional shape of approximately isosceles triangles and extend along the X-axis direction.

[0118] For mold 162, multiple protruding edges 162a are arranged in the +Z direction, and mold 161 is covered on mold 162 in such a way that its internal space is oriented in the -Z direction to accommodate the protruding edges 162a. Thus, an internal space 161s is formed between molds 161 and 162.

[0119] In step S202, acrylic resin is injected into molds 161 and 162 to form the upper section 101. Figure 7B and Figure 7C The overall structure and the structure on the -Z side of the formed upper section 101 are shown respectively. As described above, the upper section 101 has multiple focusing elements 90 integrally formed in a side-by-side arrangement in the Y-axis direction, with a space 140s between adjacent focusing elements 90. Continuous portions 141, 143, and 145 are formed on the -Z surface of each focusing element 90. That is, in this example, continuous portions 141, 143, and 145 are integrally formed with the upper section 101. The detailed structure of continuous portions 141, 143, and 145 is as described above.

[0120] In step S203, mold 162 is opened from mold 161. In this state, the upper section 101 is accommodated within mold 161.

[0121] In step S204, molds 161 and 163 and multiple inserts 165 are set. Figure 7D and Figure 7EThe interior states of molds 161 and 163 are shown in the front view (viewed along the X-axis) and perspective view, respectively. Mold 163 has the same structure as mold 152 described above. Multiple inserts 165 are constructed in the same manner as insert 153 described above. Their lengths are equal to the width of the upper section 101 in the X-axis direction.

[0122] The mold 161, which houses the light-receiving part 110, is reversed vertically. Inserts 165 are inserted into the multiple spaces 140s in the upper section 101, and the mold 163 covers the mold 161 with its internal space facing the -Z direction. As a result, multiple inserts 165 are accommodated in the internal space of the mold 161 and are respectively embedded in the upper section 101 of the spaces 140s, forming an internal space 163s between the mold 161 and the mold 163.

[0123] In step S205, acrylic resin is injected into molds 161 and 163, and the light guide 100 is formed by encapsulation. The resin is injected into the internal space 163s through a through-hole (not shown) in mold 163, filling the +Z side of the upper section 101. After a certain period of time, when the resin cools, it forms the lower section 102, and passes through continuous sections 141, 143, and 145 (see reference). Figure 7C It is integrated with the upper section 101.

[0124] In step S206, the light guide 100 is pulled out from molds 161 and 163, and a plurality of inserts 165 are pulled out from the light guide 100. Alternatively, to facilitate removal from the light guide 100, the plurality of inserts 165 can be formed into a tapered shape with the +X end tapering relative to the -X end. Thus, the following is obtained: Figure 1A The light guide 100 shown.

[0125] In step S207, molds 161, 162, 163 and multiple inserts 165 are cleaned. This completes the process. Repeating steps S201 to S207 allows for the manufacture of multiple light guides 100.

[0126] Figure 8 The third manufacturing process flow S300 of the light guide 100 is shown. In this embodiment, as an example, acrylic resin is used as the molding material for the light guide 100. That is, the upper section 101 and the lower section 102 are formed of the same material.

[0127] In step S302, the upper section 101 is formed. The upper section 101 can be formed through the above steps S201 to S203. Figure 9A This shows the structure of the upper section 101 after molding. The upper section 101 is formed separately from the lower section 102.

[0128] In step S304, the lower section 102 is formed. Details of the forming process are omitted. Figure 9B This shows the structure of the lower section 102 after molding. The lower section 102 is formed separately from the upper section 101.

[0129] In step S306, the upper section 101 and the lower section 102 are fused together to form a light guide 100. For example... Figure 9C As shown, for the upper section 101, one end face with a space 140s is positioned facing the -Z side and disposed on the +Z end face of the lower section 102. Thus, the -Z face of the upper section 101 abuts against the +Z end face of the lower section 102. In this state, the upper section 101 and / or the lower section 102 are fused together by applying ultrasonic vibration. Thus, the upper section 101 and the lower section 102 are joined together by continuous portions 141, 143, and 145 to form a light guide 100.

[0130] Alternatively, before applying ultrasonic vibration to the upper section 101 and / or the lower section 102, their weld-depositing portions can be preheated, for example, by irradiating them with infrared light, so that the upper section 101 and the lower section 102 come into contact. While applying pressure in the contact direction, they are vibrated in a direction parallel to the contact surface to generate frictional heat, thereby welding the upper section 101 and the lower section 102. This allows for the suppression of weld bead deposition without air intrusion.

[0131] Alternatively, instead of fusion bonding, solvent bonding can be used to bond the upper section 101 and the lower section 102. For example, a tiny gap can be provided between the upper section 101 and the lower section 102, through which a photocurable adhesive can flow using capillary force, and then be cured by light irradiation, thereby bonding the upper section 101 and the lower section 102. Alternatively, an optical tape (such as 3M's ACO04N) can be used to bond the upper section 101 and the lower section 102. Furthermore, a 3D printer can be used to mold the light guide 100.

[0132] The light guide 100 of this embodiment includes a light-incident portion 110 having a light-incident position 111a arranged to input light S from the Z-axis direction, a light guide portion 120 guiding the light input to the light-incident portion 110 in the Y-axis direction, and a light-exiting portion 130 having a light-exiting position 131a arranged to output the light guided by the light guide portion 120 in the Z-axis direction. The light guide portion 120 has: a first light guide portion 121 and a second light guide portion 122 adjacent in a direction intersecting (or orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to) the Y-axis direction; a continuous portion 143 arranged at the boundary of the first light guide portion 121 and the second light guide portion 122 in a continuous manner, and a non-continuous portion 144 arranged in a manner separating the first light guide portion 121 and the second light guide portion 122. Therefore, the light S input from the light input position 111a to the light input section 110 can be efficiently guided to the light output section 130 via the light guide section 120, and output from the light output positions 131a and 132a of the light output section 130, which are different from the light input position 111a.

[0133] Furthermore, the wearable device 200 of this embodiment includes a light guide 100 and a light source 180 that emits light. As a result, light generated from the light source 180 can be efficiently delivered to the user's eyes via the light guide 100.

[0134] Furthermore, the display device 210 of this embodiment includes: a light guide 100; a light source 180 that emits light; and a display unit 190 that projects light emitted from the light guide 100. Thus, light generated from the light source 180 can be transmitted to the display unit 190 via the light guide 100, and information such as images or pictures can be projected through light.

[0135] Alternatively, the space 140s within the light guide section 120 can replace the hollow space with a front-view triangular cross-section, and be formed into a hollow space with a front-view rectangular cross-section that isolates the first light guide section 121 and the second light guide section 122. Thus, the +Z surface of the second light guide section 122 functions as a reflective surface.

[0136] Furthermore, the upper surface (+Z surface) and lower surface (-Z surface) of the light guide 100 in this embodiment can be smooth surfaces. As a result, when the light guide 100 is placed in the field, the accumulation of dust and the like can be prevented.

[0137] Furthermore, in the light guide 100 of this embodiment, the light guide portion 120 is formed in a plate shape extending in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the light input direction (Z-axis direction), but is not limited to this. For example, it may be formed into an arc shape or a spherical shell shape, bending in any direction intersecting the input direction. In addition, the light guide portion 120 may be formed to bend or bend in any direction from the portion connected to the light input portion 110, or it may be formed to be widened or narrowed, thickened or thinned, extending to the light output portion 130. Thus, the light focused by the light input portion 110 is guided into the light guide portion 120, reflected at its end face, and guided in any direction toward the light output portion 130.

[0138] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Such modifications or improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention, as is evident from the claims.

[0139] Regarding the execution order of actions, processes, steps, and procedures in the apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, specification, and drawings, it should be noted that unless explicitly stated as "before" or "firstly," any order is permissible as long as the output of a previous process is not used in a subsequent process. Even if terms such as "firstly" or "next" are used for convenience in describing the flow of actions in the claims, specification, and drawings, this does not imply that the actions must be performed in that specific order.

[0140] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0141] 90 Concentrating element, 92, 93 Reflective surfaces, 94 Transmitting part, 100 Light guide, 101 Upper section, 102 Lower section, 110 Light entrance section, 111 First light entrance section, 111a Light entrance position, 112 Second light entrance section, 120 Light guide section, 121 First light guide section, 122 Second light guide section, 130 Light exit section, 131 First light exit section, 131a, 132a Light exit positions, 132 Second light exit section, 140 Boundary section, 140s, 140sa, 140sb, 140s1 to 140S7 Internal space (space). 141, 143, 145 continuous parts; 142, 142a, 142b, 144, 146 discontinuous parts; 151, 152 molds; 153 inserts; 161, 162, 163 molds; 161s internal space; 162, 163 molds; 162a protruding edge; 163s internal space; 165 inserts; 180 light source; 181 light source; 182 storage unit; 183 optical system; 190 display unit; 191 display surface; 192 optical system; 200 wearable device; 210 display device; E eye; S light.

Claims

1. A light guide that outputs light input from an incident position at an exit position different from the incident position, wherein, have: The light-incident section has a light-incident position configured to allow the light to be input from a first direction; A light guide portion that guides the light input to the light input portion in a second direction that intersects the first direction; as well as The light-emitting section has a light-emitting position configured to output light in a third direction that intersects the light guided by the light guide section with the second direction. The light guide portion has a first light guide portion and a second light guide portion adjacent to each other in a direction intersecting the second direction, and has a continuous portion at the boundary between the first light guide portion and the second light guide portion, which is configured to make the first light guide portion and the second light guide portion continuous, and a non-continuous portion configured to separate the first light guide portion and the second light guide portion.

2. The light guide according to claim 1, wherein, The light-receiving portion has a first light-receiving portion and a second light-receiving portion adjacent to each other in a direction intersecting the second direction, and has other continuous portions at the boundary between the first light-receiving portion and the second light-receiving portion, configured to make the first light-receiving portion and the second light-receiving portion continuous, and other non-continuous portions configured to separate the first light-receiving portion and the second light-receiving portion.

3. The light guide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The light-incident portion has a reflective surface configured to reflect light input from the first direction at the light-incident position toward the second direction.

4. The light guide according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The light-emitting portion has a first light-emitting portion and a second light-emitting portion adjacent to each other in a direction intersecting the second direction, and has other continuous portions at the boundary between the first light-emitting portion and the second light-emitting portion, which are configured to make the first light-emitting portion and the second light-emitting portion continuous, and other non-continuous portions configured to separate the first light-emitting portion and the second light-emitting portion.

5. The light guide according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The light-emitting portion has other reflective surfaces configured to reflect the light guided in the second direction by the light guide portion toward the third direction.

6. The light guide according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The light contains information.

7. The light guide according to claim 6, wherein, The information mentioned is the recorded information.

8. The light guide according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The information includes at least one of the images and pictures.

9. The light guide according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The light is emitted from a light source.

10. The light guide according to claim 9, wherein, The light source has a storage unit for storing the information.

11. The light guide according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, A device worn by a user.

12. The light guide according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The light-emitting part outputs light toward the display part that displays information.

13. The light guide according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The output direction of the light at the light-emitting position is parallel to the input direction of the light at the light-incident position.

14. The light guide according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The output direction of the light at the light-emitting position is antiparallel to the input direction of the light at the light-incident position.

15. A wearable device, which is worn by a user, wherein, have: The light guide according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and The light source that emits the light.

16. A display device, wherein, have: The light guide according to any one of claims 1 to 10; A light source that emits the light; and A display unit that projects light output from the light guide.

Images