Virtual image display device and optical unit

Abstract

To increase the angle of view while avoiding an increase in the size of the entire optical system.SOLUTION: Virtual image display devices 100A, 100B each include: an illumination device 10a; a projection optical system 12 that forms illumination light IL emitted from the illumination device 10a into an image; a transmission type imager 22 that is arranged at an image formation position of the illumination light IL, and forms video light ML corresponding to the illumination light IL; an inclined curved surface mirror 14 that selectively reflects the illumination light IL from the projection optical system 12 toward the transmission type imager 22; and a polarizing lens 50 that is arranged on a face side of the transmission type imager 22 and the inclined curved surface mirror 14, and has a refractive power selectively acting on polarized light of the video light ML.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a virtual image display device and an optical unit that enable the observation of a virtual image, and in particular to an external image The present invention relates to a see-through type virtual image display device that enables the user to view the image. [Background technology]

[0002] A see-through type virtual image display device that allows the outside world to be seen includes an image display area and a A liquid crystal panel having a transparent display area formed so as to surround the display area, and a light source is incident on the edge of the panel. and a light guide plate for guiding the backlight incident thereon, the light guide plate being disposed in the image display area of ​​the liquid crystal panel. a light-emitting region that irradiates the backlight and a light-transmitting region that transmits ambient light; This display device is known (Patent Document 1). The transparent display area allows ambient light to reach the viewer, and the backlight reaches the image display area. During the period when the light is not irradiated, ambient light passes through the light emitting area of ​​the light guide plate and the image display area of ​​the liquid crystal panel. This configuration allows the image light and the ambient light to overlap. A combined see-through display is achieved. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 056298 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above device, processes such as forming dots and applying scattering material to the light-emitting area of ​​the light guide plate are performed. The ambient light passing through the image display area of ​​the LCD panel passes through the processed light-emitting area. Therefore, the see-through transmittance decreases near the center of the field of view, which corresponds to the image display area. To achieve a see-through display with high see-through transmittance near the center of the field of view, However, a separate optical system with high see-through transmittance is required, which leads to an increase in size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A virtual image display device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a lighting device and illumination light emitted from the lighting device. and a projection optical system that forms an image of the illumination light and is located at the imaging position of the illumination light. The illumination light from the projection optical system is directed to the transmissive imager. A selectively reflecting inclined curved mirror is placed on the face side of the transmissive imager and the inclined curved mirror. and a polarizing lens having a refractive power that selectively acts on the polarization of the image light.

[0006] An optical unit according to one aspect of the present invention includes an illumination device and illumination light emitted from the illumination device. and a projection optical system that forms an image of the illumination light and is located at the imaging position of the illumination light. The illumination light from the projection optical system is directed to the transmissive imager. A selectively reflecting inclined curved mirror is placed on the face side of the transmissive imager and the inclined curved mirror. and a polarizing lens having a refractive power that selectively acts on the polarization of the image light. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view illustrating a wearing state of the virtual image display device of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual side view illustrating the optical structure of a display optical system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a conceptual perspective view illustrating the optical structure of a display optical system. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view illustrating a display optical system. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is another partially enlarged perspective view illustrating the display optical system. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a conceptual perspective view illustrating the arrangement of an image forming optical system and a composite display member. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the transmission characteristics of a polarization separation film mirror. [Figure 7] 10 is a timing chart illustrating a display operation by the virtual image display device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a conceptual enlarged perspective view illustrating a sub-pixel of a composite display member. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a rear view illustrating the light blocking member. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a rear view illustrating the transmission type imager. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the irradiation state of sub-pixel spots in a pixel block. [Figure 11A] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the size of sub-pixel spots according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the size of a sub-pixel spot in a comparative example. [Figure 12A] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating distortion of a projected image according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12B] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating distortion of a projected image in a comparative example. [Figure 13A] 1 is a diagram showing a display surface of an image display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display surface of an image display panel of a comparative example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a virtual image display device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the irradiation state of sub-pixel spots in a pixel block. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a virtual image display device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the angular characteristics of a dielectric multilayer mirror. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a polarizing member. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a virtual image display device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] 1 is a diagram illustrating wavelength characteristics of reflection and transmission of a dielectric multilayer mirror. FIG. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the irradiation state of sub-pixel spots in a pixel block. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a virtual image display device according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, a virtual image display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. explain.

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a head-mounted display, i.e., a head-mounted display device 200, in a worn state. A head-mounted display device (hereinafter also referred to as HMD) 200 is a perspective view illustrating the above. The observer or wearer US wearing this is made to recognize the image as a virtual image. , X, Y, and Z are Cartesian coordinate systems, and the +X direction is the direction of the observer wearing the HMD200 or corresponds to the horizontal direction of the wearer US's eyes EY, and the +Y direction corresponds to the horizontal direction of the wearer US's eyes EY. The +Z direction corresponds to the upward direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction in which EY is aligned, and the +Z direction corresponds to the forward direction for the wearer US. The ±Y direction is parallel to the vertical axis or the vertical direction.

[0010] The HMD 200 includes a first virtual image display device 100A for the right eye and a second virtual image display device 100B for the left eye. 100B, a pair of temples 100C supporting the virtual image display devices 100A and 100B, and an information The first virtual image display device 100A is provided with a user terminal 90, which is a terminal. a first display driving unit 102a that covers the front of the eyes; a first display optical system 103a that covers the front of the eyes; The second virtual image is formed by a light-transmitting cover 104a that covers the second virtual image 03a on the outside or front side. The display device 100B includes a second display driver 102b arranged at the top and a second display driver 102c arranged in front of the eyes. a light-transmitting cover that covers the second display optical system 103b on the outside or front side; The first virtual image display device 100A and the second virtual image display device 100B are The HMD200, which is a combination of the two, is also a virtual image display device in the broad sense. is a mounting member or support device 106 that is mounted on the head of the wearer US. C is a pair of display optical systems via display drive units 102a and 102b which are integrated in appearance. The upper end sides of the light transmitting covers 103a and 103b and the upper end sides of the pair of light transmitting covers 104a and 104b are supported. The pair of display drivers 102a and 102b is combined into a driver 102. The pair of light-transmitting covers 104a and 104b is called a shade 104. Call.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a conceptual side view illustrating the structure of the first display optical system 103a. 4A and 4B are conceptual perspective views mainly illustrating the illumination optical system of the display optical system 103a. 4A and 4B are partially enlarged perspective views mainly explaining the projection optical system 12 of the first display optical system 103a. 4A and 4B, the polarizing element 13 is omitted. FIG. 2 is a conceptual perspective view mainly illustrating an observation optical system of an optical system 103a.

[0012] The first display optical system 103a includes an image forming optical system 10, a composite display member 20, and a switching The image forming optical system 10 includes a half-wave plate 40 and a polarizing lens 50. The illumination light IL is projected onto the transmission type imager 22 of the composite display member 20. The transmission type imager 22 is irradiated with the illumination light IL from the image forming optical system 10. The composite display element 20 and the switching half-wave plate 40 function as a screen. The composite display member 20 and the polarizing lens 50 are arranged apart in the direction of the optical axis AX. Between the switching half-wave plate 40 and the switching half-wave plate 40, , the inclined curved mirror 14 of the image forming optical system 10 is disposed. Between the polarizing lens 50 and the polarizing lens 50, a switching half-wave plate 40 is provided. In the first display optical system 103a, a polarizing lens 50 is disposed between the eye EY. The distance is, for example, about 10 mm to 20 mm. The distance between the optical fiber 10 and the transmission imager 22 is, for example, about 10 mm to 25 mm.

[0013] The image forming optical system 10 forms a two-dimensional image and emits blue illumination light IL from this image. The image forming optical system 10 includes an image display panel 11, a projection optical system 12, and an inclined curved mirror. The image forming optical system 10 includes a display control unit 88 and a display control unit 89. The blue light emitted from the display surface 11d is incident on the transmission imager 22 as illumination light IL. The image is projected onto a display area 22e that is arranged two-dimensionally and discretely on the projection surface DS. In the display area 22e of the imager 22, blue image light ML corresponding to the illumination light IL and fluorescent light The green and red image lights ML are formed, and these image lights ML are polarized by the polarizing lens 50 That is, the color to be displayed on the projection surface DS of the transmission type imager 22 is An image is formed and becomes observable from the polarized lens 50 side, i.e., the wearer US side.

[0014] The image display panel 11 is a self-luminous image light generating device that emits blue illumination light IL. The image display panel 11 functions as a lighting device 10a. Organic Electro-Luminescence (EL) display, a two-dimensional display The image display panel 11 displays a blue still image or a moving image on the display surface 11d. The display control device 88 controls the image display panel 11 and the screen 12 (described later). The switching half-wave plate 40 is operated in synchronization with the image light ML, and a virtual image is observed. The image light ML formed by the illumination light IL and the outside world are simultaneously realized. The display is switched between the field light OL by turning on and off the switching half-wave plate 40. The image display panel 11 is not limited to an organic EL display, but may be an inorganic EL, organic LED, LE Replace with display devices using D arrays, laser arrays, quantum dot light-emitting elements, etc. It is possible.

[0015] The projection optical system 12 includes a prism mirror 12b. The image on the display surface 11d of the image display panel 11 is converted into a transmission image via an inclined curved mirror 14. The image forming optical system projects the image onto the projection surface DS of the imager 22. are in a conjugate relationship.

[0016] The prism mirror 12b is an optical element that combines a mirror and a lens and has a refractive and reflective function. The prism is a material that refracts and reflects the illumination light IL from the image display panel 11. The mirror 12b has an incident surface 12p, a first reflecting surface 12r, a second reflecting surface 12s, and an exit surface 12 4A and 4B, the incident surface 12p, the first reflecting surface 12r, the second reflecting surface 12 The incident surface 12p, the first reflecting surface 12s, and the exit surface 12q are shown in black. The reflection surface 12r, the second reflection surface 12s, and the emission surface 12q are examples, and the shapes, arrangements, areas, etc. The incident surface 12p is a surface on which light is incident from the display surface 11d of the image display panel 11. The incident surface 12p and the exit surface 12q are prism mirrors. The first reflecting surface 12r is a surface adjacent to the incident surface 12p. The second reflecting surface is a reflecting surface that reflects the illumination light IL that has passed through the incident surface 12p. The surface 12s is a reflecting surface that further reflects the illumination light IL reflected by the reflecting surface 12r. The exit surface 12q is a transmissive refractive surface that is disposed opposite the second reflecting surface 12s.

[0017] The prism mirror 12b reflects the illumination light I that is incident from behind the image display panel 11. The light L is reflected twice by the reflecting surfaces 12r and 12s and returned in a downwardly inclined direction. In other words, the prism mirror 12b directs the light upward at the first reflecting surface 12r. The reflected illumination light IL is reflected downward by the second reflecting surface 12s.

[0018] The prism mirror 12b includes an incident surface 12p, a first reflecting surface 12r, and a second reflecting surface 12s. and the exit surface 12q are parallel to the YZ plane and sandwich the optical axis AX in the vertical direction intersecting the optical axis AX. and has symmetry across the optical axis AX in the horizontal or X direction. The optical axis AX is an axis that passes through the center of the first display optical system 103a. Regarding the mirror 12b, the vertical direction is the direction of each of the surfaces 12p, 12r, The tangent direction of the incident surface 12p and the first reflecting surface 12s and 12q of each prism mirror 12b corresponds to the tangent direction of the incident surface 12p and the first reflecting surface 12q of each prism mirror 12b. The incident surface 12r, the second reflecting surface 12s, and the exit surface 12q are, for example, free-form surfaces. The surface 12p, the first reflecting surface 12r, the second reflecting surface 12s, and the exit surface 12q are not limited to free-form surfaces. , and may also be aspherical.

[0019] The first reflecting surface 12r of the prism mirror 12b functions as a stop ST. Since the illumination light IL is condensed by the first reflecting surface 12r, the illumination light IL is condensed by the reflecting surfaces 12r and 12s. Regarding the actual reflecting surface, the second reflecting surface 12s is larger than the first reflecting surface 12r. The second reflecting surface 12s is located at the top end 11e of the outer shape of the image display panel 11 in the vertical direction. is placed lower than

[0020] The prism mirror 12b is made of, for example, resin, but may also be made of glass. The first reflecting surface 12r and the second reflecting surface 12s reflect the image light ML by total reflection. The reflecting surface is not limited to a metal film or a dielectric multilayer film. The first reflecting surface 12r and the second reflecting surface 12s are provided with a metal such as Al or Ag. A reflective film consisting of a single layer or multilayer film is formed by vapor deposition or the like, or a metal film is formed. A sheet-like reflective film is attached to the incident surface 12p and the exit surface 12q. It can be achieved.

[0021] The display surface 11d side, which is the exit surface of the image display panel 11, or the prism mirror 12b On the side of the exit surface 12q, a polarizing element 13 is provided to limit the illumination light IL to a predetermined polarization direction. In the example of FIG. 2, the polarizing element 13 is disposed on the side of the exit surface 12q of the prism mirror 12b. The polarizing element 13 polarizes the illumination light IL, for example, a first polarized light P1 (see FIG. 8), that is, the s-polarized light is limited to s-polarized light and made incident on the inclined curved mirror 14.

[0022] The inclined curved mirror 14 is a polarization selective mirror MR1 that reflects polarized light in a predetermined direction. The light source 11 selectively reflects illumination light IL from the display panel 11 and transmits image light ML and external light OL. The inclined curved mirror 14 has a polarization selection layer 14s on one surface 14s of a substrate 14a that is optically transparent. A polarized light separating film mirror 14d corresponding to the mirror MR1 is provided. 14d is, for example, a first polarized light P1 (see FIG. 8) is reflected, for example, in the image light ML or the external light OL, the polarization direction of which is vertical, Specifically, the first polarized light P1 is s-polarized light (water) and the second polarized light P2 (see FIG. 8) is transmitted. The first polarized light P1 is a plane polarized light (plane polarized light), and the second polarized light P2 is a p-polarized light (vertically polarized light). The polarization splitting film mirror 14d is formed of a dielectric multilayer film. Any light source may be used as long as it selectively reflects light in accordance with the polarization direction. For example, a wire grid type polarizer may be used. The polarization splitting film mirror 14d may be formed of a region that satisfies the range of incidence of the illumination light IL. The inclined curved mirror 14 has an anti-reflection film on the other surface 14t of the substrate 14a. It can be formed.

[0023] The inclined curved mirror 14 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction or Y direction, which is perpendicular to the direction in which the eyes EY are aligned. The inclined curved mirror 14 is closer to the transmission imager 22 at the bottom than at the top. The inclined curved mirror 14 extends in a vertical direction that is parallel to the YZ plane and intersects with the optical axis AX. It has asymmetry about the optical axis AX, and is symmetric about the optical axis AX in the horizontal or X direction. With respect to the inclined curved mirror 14, the vertical direction is the direction of the optical axis AX on the paper surface, as will be described later. This corresponds to the tangent direction of the curved surface 14e.

[0024] The inclined curved mirror 14 has a curved surface 14e. The curved surface 14e is, for example, a free-form surface. In a specific example, the inclined curved mirror 14 has a convex shape on the side of the transmission type imager 22 in the vertical direction. The free-form surface is concave on the transmissive imager 22 side in the horizontal direction. The curvature of the curved surface 14e in the forward direction is smaller than the curvature of the curved surface 14e in the lateral direction. The curved surface 14e in the vertical direction is a gently curved surface.

[0025] Specific examples of the free-form surface shape of the curved surface 14e of the inclined curved mirror 14 are shown below. The surface shape is expressed by the following formula using a local Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z) with the surface vertex as the origin: Thus, it is defined. [Number 1] TIFF2025127075000002.tif26167TIFF2025127075000003.tif26167Where, z: Sag amount of the surface parallel to the z axis r: Radial distance (=√(x 2 +y 2 )) c: Curvature at the surface vertex k: Conic constant Cj: monomial x m y n Coefficient of is.

[0026] Table 1 shows the free-form surface shape data of the inclined curved mirror 14. In Table 1 and the following tables: The mth order term of x and the nth order term of y, which are the free-form surface coefficients in the polynomial, are called xm*yn. For example, "X2*Y2" means the quadratic of x and the quadratic of y in a polynomial. The relationship between j and m and n in the coefficients expressed as Cj is The surface formula is shown in the next section. Also, powers of 10 (for example, 1.00 x 10 -6 ) and E The expression is as follows (for example, 1.00E-06). [Table 1] Coefficient Name Formula Coefficient Value cc 0 kk -1 c4 x2 -9.5E-03 c6 y2 2.0E-03 c10 y3 -7.6E-05 c11 x4 -5.5E-06 c13 x2*y2 2.7E-06 c15 y4 -6.7E-07

[0027] For example, the free-form surface shape shown in Table 1 has a coefficient of x3 of 0 and a coefficient of y3 of -7.6E- 05, which results in a vertically asymmetric curved surface.

[0028] The curved surface 14e is not limited to a free-form surface, but may also be an aspherical surface.

[0029] The tilted curved mirror 14 is disposed between the composite display element 20 and the polarized lens 50 . As a result, the composite display member 20 and the polarizing lens 50 are relatively large, and the angle of view of the image light ML is The distance between the composite display member 20 and the polarizing lens 50 can be narrowed while ensuring a large virtual image display device. This allows the device 100A to be made thinner and lighter.

[0030] 6 is a diagram illustrating the transmission characteristics of the polarization separation film mirror 14d. 4d is the wavelength of 460 nm, and when s-polarized light, for example, included in the blue illumination light IL, is incident, 9 It shows a reflectance of 0% or more, and for example, p-polarized light contained in blue image light ML with a wavelength of 460 nm In other words, when the s-polarized light of the illumination light IL is incident, it shows a transmittance of 90% or more. The light is reflected by the polarized light separating film mirror 14d with almost no loss, and is reflected by the composite display member 2 described later. 0 and the transmission type imager 22. On the other hand, the light is The light is scattered by the scatterers in the display area 22e of the transmission imager 22 illuminated by the Blue, red, and green image light ML that has been wavelength converted by the phosphor and passed through the quarter-wave plate 25 The p-polarized light is incident on the polarization splitting film mirror 14d and is almost entirely reflected by the polarization splitting film mirror 14d. It passes through without being reflected.

[0031] Returning to FIG. 2 etc., the composite display member 20 is a plate-shaped member extending parallel to the XY plane perpendicular to the optical axis AX. The composite display member 20 is made up of, in order from the outside, a light blocking member 21 and a transmission type image The optical element 22 and the quarter-wave plate 25 are laminated and integrated by a frame (not shown). In the illustrated example, the transmission imager 22 of the composite display member 20 receives discrete beams of illumination light IL. To form a spot, the illumination light IL coming from the image forming optical system 10 is incident on a quarter wave plate 2. 5 and enters the transmission type imager 22.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 5, the composite display member 20 is made up of a plurality of display elements arranged in a matrix along the XY plane. The repeating unit 20a is composed of the repeating unit 20a in the layer of the transmission imager 22. The pixel PE is a unit that forms an image. The pixel PE is made up of four sub-pixels PEa. Include as a set.

[0033] The switching half-wave plate 40 shown in FIG. 2 is disposed opposite the inclined curved mirror 14. The switching half-wave plate 40 is driven by a drive signal from the display control device 88 (see FIG. 2). The device performs a switching operation depending on the orientation of the liquid crystal, and the polarization direction of the incident light is controlled by the orientation of the liquid crystal. The light is passed through the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction, which are mutually intersecting. The half wave plate 40 can be switched on and off across its entire surface rather than on a pixel-by-pixel basis. When the switching half-wave plate 40 is in the off state, the switching half-wave plate 40 as a whole It functions like a transparent plate and transmits the image light ML while maintaining its polarization direction. At this time, the polarization direction of the image light ML is parallel to the second polarized light P2 (see FIG. 8). When the switching half-wave plate 40 is in the on state, the switching half-wave plate 40 It functions like a half-wave plate with its main axis midway between the X and Y directions, and The polarization direction is rotated by 90°. The polarization direction of the light P1 is parallel to the second polarized light P2. The polarization direction of the incident external light OL is the first polarized light P1 (see FIG. 8) obtained by rotating the second polarized light P2 by 90°. ) where the first polarized light P1 is, for example, s-polarized light, and the second polarized light P2 is, for example, For example, p-polarized light.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a timing chart illustrating the display operation of the first virtual image display device 100A. The horizontal axis represents time, and from the top, the driving state of the image display panel 11, the switching 1 / 1 shows the driving state of the two-wave plate 40. When the driving signal of the image display panel 11 is on, The image display panel 11 is turned on and emits light modulated according to the image. When the drive signal for the switching half-wave plate 40 is on, the drive signal for the switching half-wave plate 40 is off. The half-wave plate 40 applies a phase shift to the image light ML emitted from the transmission imager 22. As a specific example, the image light transmitted through the switching half-wave plate 40 is The ML remains as the second polarized light P2, that is, p-polarized light. When the drive signal for the image display panel 11 is OFF, the image display panel 11 is turned off. The drive signal for the switching half-wave plate 40 is turned on, and the driving signal for the switching half-wave plate 40 is turned on. 0 is the light OL transmitted through the transmission type imager 22, which is given a phase change of 1 / 2 and transmitted. As a specific example, the external light OL transmitted through the switching half-wave plate 40 is a first polarized light P1 , that is, converted into s-polarized light.

[0035] The polarizing lens 50 shown in FIG. 2 etc. selectively acts on the image light ML and functions like a lens. In other words, the polarized lens 50 is an optical element that acts as a lens for a specific polarized light component. The polarizing lens 50 is connected to the composite display member 20, the inclined curved mirror 14, and the switching It is a plate-shaped member that is placed on the face side of the half-wave plate 40 and covers the front of the eyes. The lens 50 includes the composite display member 20, the tilted curved mirror 14, and the switching half-wave plate 40. The polarizing lens 50 is disposed on the pupil position PP side, i.e., on the -Z side, and extends parallel to the XY plane. , functions as a convex lens having a positive refractive power for the image light ML. 50 is a single lens that comprehensively focuses the images of the multiple pixels PE that make up the composite display member 20. On the other hand, the polarizing lens 50 is configured to collect light corresponding to each pixel PE and form an image. It functions as a parallel plate to the OL.

[0036] The polarizing lens 50 is specifically a liquid crystal lens. The refractive power that selectively acts on the light is set for each annular portion RA (see Figure 5). The optical lens 50 is a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a pair of substrates 51 and 52 via a transparent electrode layer (not shown). 53. The group of annular portions RA is arranged symmetrically and concentrically around the optical axis AX. Among the group of ring zones RA, the peripheral ring zones RA that are far from the optical axis AX are The width in the radial direction around the optical axis AX is narrower than that of the central annular zone RA. The radial width of the annular zones RA is narrower toward the periphery. The distribution state of birefringence or retardation is adjusted for each annular zone RA. For example, the second polarization direction, i.e., the second polarization P2 of the image light ML, is the center through which the optical axis AX passes. The birefringence or retardation is reduced from the annular zone portion RA to the outer edge annular zone portion RA. The liquid crystal layer 53 gradually decreases the refractive index. The refractive index of each annular zone RA is uniform with respect to the first polarized light P1 of the liquid crystal layer 53. The liquid crystal layer 53 is formed by stabilizing the liquid crystal material. It is solidified by curing or heat hardening.

[0037] In this embodiment, the polarizing lens 50 acts on the second polarized light P2 in the vertical or perpendicular direction. It acts like a convex lens with positive refractive power for the second polarized light P2 and The polarizing lens does not affect the second polarized light P2 but transmits the first polarized light P1 almost as it is. The lens 50 has a focal point on the projection surface DS (see FIG. 2) of the composite display member 20 or a position close to it. Since the polarizing lens 50 has a refractive power equal to or close to that of the second polarized light P2, the image of the second polarized light P2 that has passed through the polarizing lens 50 The image light ML is collimated and passes through the pupil position PP (see Figure 2), and It enters the eye EY as a ray.

[0038] Returning to FIG. 1, the second display optical system 103b is optically identical to the first display optical system 103a. Alternatively, the first display optical system 103a may be reversed from left to right, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. do.

[0039] In the first virtual image display device 100A or the second virtual image display device 100B, a display control device The optical device excluding the positioning device 88 is called an optical unit 100.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged perspective view illustrating the repeating unit 20a of the composite display member 20. indicates an area corresponding to one sub-pixel PEa in the repeat unit 20a. The axis AXa is an axis parallel to the optical axis AX shown in FIG.

[0041] The light blocking member 21 prevents external light OL from entering the display area 22e of the transmissive imager 22. The light-shielding member 21 is a rectangular light-shielding member formed on one surface 21s of a light-transmitting flat plate 21a. As shown in FIG. 9A, the entire light-shielding member 21 has a number of shielding layers 21b. The optical layers 21b are arranged in a matrix along the XY plane and are arranged discretely. In other words, all the light-shielding layers 21b constituting the light-shielding member 21 are spaced apart from each other in the lateral X direction. The light-shielding layers 21b are arranged two-dimensionally periodically in the Y direction and the Y direction. The external light OL is formed in the display area 22 The light-transmitting portion of the light-shielding member 21 where the light-shielding layer 21b is not provided is suppressed from being incident on the light-transmitting portion e. The excess area A1 transmits external light OL.

[0042] The light-shielding layer 21b of the light-shielding member 21 is formed of a light-absorbing paint or other material, for example. It can be applied to the desired location using an inkjet method. Alternatively, paint of a color other than black may be used as long as it has a light-reflecting effect. The light-shielding layer 21b is formed on the flat plate 21a using a photoresist technique or the like. A metal pattern is formed in the area where the material should be absorbed, and the metal pattern is oxidized to increase the absorbency. The light-shielding layer 21b may be a mirror made of a reflective material such as a metal film. That's fine.

[0043] The transmission type imager 22 shown in FIG. 8 etc. receives light irradiated from the image forming optical system 10 shown in FIG. 2 etc. The blue illumination light IL is scattered to generate image light ML, or the wavelength of the fluorescence is converted. The transmission type imager 22 generates the image light ML by On the flat plate 22a, a display area 22e which is a blue scattering body or a display area 22f which is a scattering body of blue light to red and green light is formed. The display region 22e, which is a phosphor that generates fluorescence, is provided as a sub-pixel PEa. The region 22e or sub-pixel PEa has a polygonal or circular outline when viewed from the -Z side. The display area 22e of the imager 22 is located on the projection surface DS, and is The sub-pixel spots SP are illuminated with the illumination light IL. Among these, the light incident on the display region 22e is converted into red, green, or blue image light ML. The light that enters the light transmission area A2 other than the display area 22e is diverged to the eye EY side or the -Z side. , is transmitted or reflected and does not proceed to the eye EY.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 10, in the transmission imager 22, each repeating unit 20a, i.e., one pixel, The pixel display area 22p has three types of display areas 22e, specifically, a red fluorescent area 2 2r, a pair of green fluorescent regions 22g, and a blue scattering region 22b are provided. The red fluorescent region 22r is illuminated by the illumination light IL from the image forming optical system 10 or the sub-pixel spot S In response to P, red image light MLr is emitted by fluorescent light at the timing and brightness required for display. The pair of green fluorescent regions 22g emits the illumination light IL from the image forming optical system 10 or the sub-illumination light IL. The timing required for displaying green image light MLg by fluorescent emission is determined according to the pixel spot SP. The blue scattering region 22b emits the illumination light IL from the image forming optical system 10 with the same color and brightness. Alternatively, the timing and timing required for displaying the blue image light MLb are determined according to the sub-pixel spot SP. As shown in FIG. 9B, the entire transmission imager 22 has three fluorescent A large number of pixels PE, each of which is a set of the regions 22r, 22g and one scattering region 22b, are arranged in the XY plane. In other words, the entire image forming the transmission type imager 22 is arranged in a matrix along the The element PE or the entire set of regions 22r, 22g, and 22b has the following arrangement in the horizontal X direction and the vertical Y direction: The regions 22r, 22g, and 22f of the transmission imager 22 are periodically arranged in two dimensions. The light transmitting area A2 where no 2b is provided transmits external light OL.

[0045] The scattering region 22b has a structure such as a nanostructure that scatters light toward the eye Y. The display area 22e has a polygonal or circular outline along the XY plane. The nanostructures are formed by nanoimprint lithography, photolithography, etc. The region 22b is also formed by applying a scattering material. The red fluorescent region 22r is , formed by applying a fluorescent material, and illuminating blue light IL with a wavelength of 460 nm, for example. By irradiating the light, the image light MLr with a wavelength of 610 nm is emitted through fluorescent conversion. The fluorescent region 22g is formed by applying a fluorescent material, for example, a wavelength of 460 nm. By irradiating the image with blue illumination light IL at 510 nm wavelength, the image light with a wavelength of 510 nm is generated by fluorescent conversion. Fires MLg.

[0046] In the above, the blue scattering region 22b scatters the blue illumination light IL to generate blue image light. The first display area DR1 emits blue light. A second display region D is excited by the illumination light IL to generate green fluorescence and emit it as image light MLg. The red fluorescent region 22r is excited by the blue illumination light IL and emits red fluorescence. The third display area DR3 emits the formed image light MLr. The light emitting element 22 generates three colors of image light ML, namely blue, green, and red, by scattering and fluorescent emission. This allows for the observation of color images.

[0047] The quarter-wave plate 25 shown in FIG. 8 and other figures is a crystal having an optical axis between the X and Y directions, for example. The quarter-wave plate 25 is a film member formed of a material such as a material of a material other than the material of the mirror 14. The first polarized light P1, i.e., the s-polarized illumination light IL, is converted into circularly polarized light and incident on the transmissive imager 2. The circularly polarized image light ML reflected by the reflector 2 is converted into a second polarized light P2, that is, p-polarized light.

[0048] The optical path of the first display optical system 103a will be described. The IL is condensed through the projection optical system 12, reflected by the inclined curved mirror 14, and transmitted. On the display area 22e or the sub-pixel PEa formed on the projection surface DS of the imager 22 At this time, the light is incident on the display surface 11d of the image display panel 11 as a sub-pixel spot SP. The formed video or image is projected onto the projection surface DS of the transmission imager 22. In the example, the polarizing element 13 is provided on the exit surface 12q of the prism mirror 12b, so that the inclined The first polarized light P1 (s-polarized light) of the illumination light IL is incident on the curved mirror 14 and is reflected. The illumination light IL reflected by the plane mirror 14 and transmitted through the quarter-wave plate 25 becomes circularly polarized light and is The first display of the display area 22e illuminated by the illumination light IL is incident on the imager 22. The images projected in the −Z direction from the area DR1, the second display area DR2, and the third display area DR3 are The image light ML passes through the quarter-wave plate 25 and is converted into the second polarized light P2 (p-polarized light), and is polarized in the −Z direction. The light is transmitted through the inclined curved mirror 14 disposed in the When the switching half-wave plate 40 is in the off state, the light is incident on the inclined curved mirror 50. The second polarized light P2 (p-polarized light) of the image light ML transmitted through 14 remains as the second polarized light P2 (p-polarized light). The light is incident on the polarizing lens 50. The polarizing lens 50 has a function of focusing the second polarized light P2 (p-polarized light). Therefore, the light is collimated and reaches the eye.

[0049] On the other hand, the external light OL is incident on the transmission type imager 22 and the quarter-wave plate 2 The first polarized light P2 (p-polarized light) is transmitted through the inclined curved mirror 14. When the half-wave plate 40 is in the on state, the second polarization P2 (p-polarized light) of the external light OL is polarized by the first polarization P1 The light is converted into the first polarized light P1 (s-polarized light) and enters the polarized lens 50. Since it has no focusing effect on s-polarized light, it reaches the eye EY as is.

[0050] From the above, the wearer US wearing the first virtual image display device 100A can see an image of the outside world superimposed on the image of the outside world. , a virtual image produced by the image light ML can be observed, enabling AR display.

[0051] The image or video formed on the display surface 11d of the image display panel 11 and the transmission image The image or picture projected on the projection surface DS of the monitor 22 corresponds to the image or picture projected on the projection surface DS of the monitor 22. In this case, the image formed on the display surface 11d by image processing is inversely compensated in advance. If a positive distortion is provided, the image projected onto the projection surface DS will be distorted. This can offset the losses.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first display optical system 103a includes an inclined curved mirror 14 and two reflectors. and a prism mirror 12b including surfaces 12r and 12s, The sub-pixel spot SP illuminated on the pixel 22 becomes smaller, and distortion is reduced. This reduces the load of image processing and also reduces the image quality on the display surface 11d of the image display panel 11. The display area becomes larger, and the effective display area of ​​the display surface 11d increases.

[0053] FIG. 11A shows the configuration of the virtual image display device 100A of this embodiment, that is, the polarization selective mirror MR1 The size of the sub-pixel spot SP when the inclined curved mirror 14 has a curved surface 14e is 11B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a virtual image display device according to a comparative example, in which a polarization selective mirror MR 1 is a diagram illustrating the size of the sub-pixel spot SP when the surface of the substrate 1 has a flat surface. "FIELD POSITION" is (0.00,0.00) for the transmission imager 22. The left side shows the x-coordinate and the right side shows the y-coordinate. In "N", the coordinates in the upper row indicate the relative position of the field of view, with the maximum field of view being 1, and the coordinates in the lower row indicate the actual The "RMS" indicates the position of the field of view at the time of the sub-pixel spot SP, i.e., the absolute position of the field of view. Indicates the size of the spot diameter.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 11A, in this embodiment, for example, The spot diameter at the center (0.00, -1.00) is about 3 μm to 4 μm. In the comparative example shown in FIG. 1B, for example, the center of the lower end of the transmission imager 22 (0.00 The spot diameter at 1.00 (-1.00) is about 26 μm to 27 μm. It can be seen that the sub-pixel spot SP of the embodiment has smaller distortion than the comparative example. Since the size of Ea is 10 μm to 15 μm, the sub-pixel spot SP in this embodiment is , and is irradiated onto the adjacent sub-pixel PEa without overlapping.

[0055] FIG. 12A shows distortion of a projected image in the configuration of the virtual image display device 100A of this embodiment. FIG. 12B is a diagram showing distortion of a projected image in the configuration of a virtual image display device of a comparative example. In the figure, the dashed line indicates the ideal image JLa without distortion corresponding to the original image, and the solid line indicates a projected image JLb on the transmission imager 22.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 12A, the projection of the transmission type imager 22 shown by the solid line in this embodiment The image JLb has less distortion than the comparative example shown in FIG. 12B. The display control device 88 processes the original image into, for example, an inverse trapezoidal shape, and displays it on the image display panel 1. In this embodiment, the correction image is displayed on the display surface 11d of the image sensor 1. Therefore, the burden of image processing for distortion correction can be reduced compared to the comparative example. .

[0057] FIG. 13A shows the configuration of the image display panel 11 in the virtual image display device 100A of this embodiment. 13B is a diagram showing a display surface 11d. 1 is a diagram showing the display surface 11d of the display panel 11. In the figure, the dashed line corresponds to the original image. The light-emitting area KLa of the display surface 11d before correction is shown, and the solid line shows the light-emitting area of ​​the display surface 11d after correction. KLb is shown.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 13A, in this embodiment, distortion correction can be reduced. The surface 11d has a significantly reduced area that does not contribute to light emission compared to the comparative example shown in FIG. 13B. This can be done.

[0059] Although not shown in the drawings, the image display panel 11 can be replaced with a scanning type illumination device 10a. In this case, the illumination device 10a includes a laser light source and a micromirror. The illumination device 10a emits modulated light from a laser light source and changes the angle of a micromirror. The spot-shaped modulated light is scanned two-dimensionally as illumination light IL. 12, the illumination light IL can be projected onto the display area 22e of the transmissive imager 22. That is, the spot-shaped modulated light moves on the transmission imager 22 by scanning. The locus corresponds to the image to be displayed.

[0060] The virtual image display devices 100A and 100B and the optical unit 10 according to the first embodiment described above 0 is the illumination device 10a and the projection light IL that forms an image from the illumination light IL emitted from the illumination device 10a. The optical system 12 is arranged at the imaging position of the illumination light IL, and forms the image light ML corresponding to the illumination light IL. and a transmission type imager 22 that projects illumination light IL from the projection optical system 12 onto the transmission type imager. 22, and a transmission imager 22 and a tilted curved mirror 14 that selectively reflects light toward the The curved mirror 14 is disposed on the face side thereof and has a refractive power that selectively acts on the polarized light of the image light ML. and a polarized lens 50 having the same.

[0061] In the virtual image display devices 100A and 100B and the optical unit 100, the inclined curved mirror 1 4 selectively reflects illumination light IL from the projection optical system 12 toward the transmission imager 22. Therefore, the transmission type imager 22 forms the image light ML corresponding to the illumination light IL, and the transmission type The image light ML from the imager 22 can be observed through a polarizing lens 50. The refractive power of the polarized lens 50 is Since the light passes through the polarizing lens 50 without being affected by the action of the polarizer, the virtual image display devices 100A and 100B can be mounted The wearer US can observe a virtual image created by the image light ML superimposed on an image of the outside world.

[0062] Furthermore, the first display optical systems 103a and 103b have an inclined curved mirror 14. , while reducing the spot diameter of the sub-pixel spot SP irradiated on the transmission imager 22. As a result, distortion of the entire projected image can be reduced. Cut.

[0063] Furthermore, the projection optical system 12 of this embodiment does not require any lenses, and only uses the prism mirror 12b. This allows for a reduction in the number of parts.

[0064] Second Embodiment The virtual image display device and the like of the second embodiment will be described below. The virtual image display device is a partially modified version of the virtual image display device of the first embodiment. Explanation of parts common to the virtual image display device will be omitted.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 14, the first display optical system 103a includes an image forming optical system 10 and a composite display member. 20, a switching half-wave plate 40, and a polarizing lens 50. 0 is a lighting device 10a that emits illumination light IL in the visible range including blue, green, and red. The inclined curved mirror 14 is a polarization selective mirror MR1. The polarization splitting film mirror 14d of the inclined curved mirror 14 splits the first polarized light P1 of the illumination light IL, The polarized light is reflected by the second polarized light P2 of the image light ML or the external light OL, specifically, the p-polarized light. The polarization separation film mirror 14d transmits blue, green, and red illumination light IL and the like. The reflectance or transmission characteristics are determined by the reflectance.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 15, in the transmission imager 22, each repeating unit 20a, i.e., one pixel, The pixel display area 22p has three types of display areas 22e, specifically, a red scattering area 22c. 22r, a pair of green scattering regions 222g, and a blue scattering region 22b are provided. The red scattering region 222r scatters the illumination light IL from the image forming optical system 10 or the sub-pixel spot light. In response to the bit SP, the red image light MLr is scattered and emitted. The region 222g is illuminated in response to the illumination light IL from the image forming optical system 10 or the sub-pixel spot SP. The blue scattering region 22b scatters the image forming light MLg and emits green image light MLg. In response to the illumination light IL from the optical system 10 or the sub-pixel spot SP, a blue image is generated by scattering the illumination light IL. Image light MLb is emitted.

[0067] In the above, the blue scattering region 22b scatters the blue illumination light IL and scatters the blue image light M The first display area DR1 emits green light as Lb. The second display region DR2 scatters the color illumination light IL and emits it as green image light MLg. The red scattering region 222r scatters the red illumination light IL and emits it as red image light MLr. That is, the transmission type imager 22 scatters blue light. Three color image lights MLb, MLg, and MLr are formed, which are white, green, and red, and the image displayed in color is Allows observation.

[0068] Third Embodiment The virtual image display device and the like of the third embodiment will be described below. The virtual image display device is a partially modified version of the virtual image display device of the first embodiment. Explanation of parts common to the virtual image display device will be omitted.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 16, the first display optical system 103a includes an image forming optical system 10 and a composite display member. The composite display member 20 and the polarizing lens 50 are aligned along an optical axis AX The polarizing lens 50 is disposed between the composite display member 20 and the polarizing lens 50, and the polarizing lens 50 is disposed in a spaced apart position. The inclined curved mirror 14 of the image forming optical system 10 is disposed near the lens 50 .

[0070] The image forming optical system 10 forms a two-dimensional image and emits blue illumination light IL from this image. The image forming optical system 10 includes an image display panel 11, a projection optical system 12, and an inclined curved mirror. 14 and a display control device 88.

[0071] The projection optical system 12 includes a prism mirror 12b. The inclined curved mirror 14 has an incident angle of An angle selection mirror MR2 that reflects a predetermined amount of illumination light IL or more, and The reflector selectively reflects the illumination light IL and transmits the image light ML and the external light OL.

[0072] The inclined curved mirror 14 is an angle-selective mirror formed on one surface 14s of a light-transmitting substrate 14a. The inclined curved mirror 14 is provided with a dielectric multilayer mirror 14f corresponding to the MR2. is disposed between the composite display member 20 and the polarized lens 50.

[0073] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the angular characteristics of reflection and transmission of the dielectric multilayer film mirror 14f. The dielectric multilayer mirror 14f is designed to reflect blue illumination light IL with a wavelength of 460 nm at an incident angle of 40° or more. When the blue image light ML with a wavelength of 460 nm is incident, it shows a reflectance of 90% or more. When the incident angle is 35° or less, the transmittance is 90% or more. The blue illumination light IL incident at an angle of 40° or more is almost completely reflected by the dielectric multilayer mirror 14f. The light is reflected without any loss and enters the transmission type imager 22 of the composite display member 20. Scattered by a scatterer in the display area 22e of the transmission imager 22 illuminated by IL Most of the blue, red, and green image light ML that has been converted by the phosphor or wavelength conversion is The light is incident on the dielectric multilayer mirror 14f at an incident angle of 30° or less, and is reflected by the dielectric multilayer mirror 14f. It passes through with almost no reflection.

[0074] Returning to FIG. 16, the composite display member 20 is made up of, in order from the outside, a light blocking member 21 and a transmission type LED. The measure 22 and the polarizing member 23 are laminated and integrated by a frame (not shown). In the illustrated example, the transmission type imager 22 of the composite display member 20 receives discrete beams of illumination light IL. In order to form a uniform spot, the illumination light IL coming from the image forming optical system 10 is polarized by the polarizing element 23. The light is then incident on the transmission imager 22 via the optical fiber 21.

[0075] In the composite display member 20, the light blocking member 21 and the transmission type imager 22 are configured as follows: This is the same as the first embodiment.

[0076] The polarizing member 23 has a pattern in which two types of polarizing elements are combined, and polarizes the image light ML and the external light OL The polarizing member 23 restricts the light to the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction, respectively. Therefore, the polarization direction of the image light ML and the polarization direction of the external light OL are different. 1, a first polarizing element 60 and a second polarizing element 70 are provided on a light-transmitting flat plate 23a. As shown in FIG. 18, the entire polarizing member 23 has a large number of first polarizing regions 23b. That is, the first polarizing elements 60 are arranged in a matrix along the XY plane and are arranged discretely. That is, the first polarizing elements 60 constituting the polarizing member 23 are spaced apart from each other. are arranged two-dimensionally periodically in the horizontal X direction and vertical Y direction. In the polarizing member 23, the first polarizing element 60 is not provided in the second polarizing region 23c. The first polarizing element 60 is formed on the front surface of the transmissive imager 22. The image light ML emitted from the display area 22e is polarized as a first polarized light P1 having a first polarization direction. The second polarizing element 70 polarizes the external light OL in a second polarization direction perpendicular to the first polarization direction. The polarizing elements 60 and 70 are configured to emit light of a second polarized light P2 in the direction of polarization, specifically, p-polarized light. It is a wire grid type polarizing element, which is made of fine metallic grids made of aluminum etc. It has polarization characteristics according to the pattern direction of the rod.

[0077] The polarizing lens 50 is located on the pupil position PP side of the composite display member 20 and the inclined curved mirror 14, that is, The polarizing lens 50 is disposed on the -Z side and extends parallel to the XY plane. It acts on the first polarized light P1 in the planar direction and acts like a convex lens having a positive refractive power with respect to the first polarized light P1. It functions in this way, but does not act on the second polarized light P2 in the vertical or perpendicular direction, and transmits the second polarized light P1 almost as it is. Let it pass through.

[0078] Regarding the optical path, the illumination light IL from the image display panel 11 passes through the projection optical system 12. The light is collected through the inclined curved mirror 14 and reflected by the inclined curved mirror 14, and projected onto the transmission imager 22. The display area 22e formed on the surface DS or the sub-pixel PEa is formed as a sub-pixel spot SP. At this time, the image formed on the display surface 11d of the image display panel 11 is The image is projected onto the projection surface DS of the imager 22. The display area is illuminated by the illumination light IL. 22e in the −Z direction from the first display area DR1, the second display area DR2, and the third display area DR3. The image light ML emitted in the -Z direction passes through the polarizing member 23 and is converted into first polarized light P1. The light is transmitted through the inclined curved mirror 14 and enters the polarizing lens 50. The light passes through the polarizing member 23 of the composite display member 20 and is limited to the second polarized light P2. When the first polarized light P1 and the second polarized light P2 are incident on the lens 50, the lens 50 captures the image of the first polarized light P1. The refractive index distribution selectively acts as a lens for the image light ML, and the second polarized light P2 is It transmits light OL almost unchanged and has no effect on it.

[0079] The configuration in which the inclined curved mirror 14 described in this embodiment is used as the angle-selecting mirror MR2 is Corresponding to the illumination device 10a that emits blue, green, and red illumination light IL described in the embodiment In this case, the dielectric multilayer mirror 14f is configured to When color and red illumination light IL is incident at an angle of 40° or more, it shows a reflectance of 90% or more. However, when blue, green, and red image light ML is incident at an incident angle of 30° or less, 90% or more In other words, the transmittance of the illumination light I of each color incident at an angle of incidence of 40° or more is L is reflected by the dielectric multilayer mirror 14f with almost no loss, and On the other hand, the light beams illuminated by the illumination light IL are incident on the transmission imager 22. The blue, red, and green image light M scattered by the scatterers in the display area 22e of the image sensor 22 is Most of L is incident on the dielectric multilayer mirror 14f at an incident angle of 30° or less, and -14f transmits almost no reflection.

[0080] [Fourth embodiment] The virtual image display device and the like of the fourth embodiment will be described below. The virtual image display device is a partial modification of the virtual image display devices of the first and third embodiments. Description of parts common to the virtual image display device of the embodiment etc. will be omitted.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 19, the first display optical system 103a includes an image forming optical system 10 and a composite display member. The image forming optical system 10 includes an ultraviolet ray illuminator 20 and a polarizing lens 50. The image display panel 311 emits illumination light IL in the region. The dielectric multilayer mirror 314f is a dichroic mirror, that is, a wavelength selection mirror MR3 It reflects the ultraviolet illumination light IL and transmits the visible image light ML and external light OL. .

[0082] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the wavelength characteristics of reflection and transmission of the dielectric multilayer film mirror 314f. 3. The wavelength characteristics of the emission intensity of the illumination light IL etc. emitted from the image display panel 311 are also shown. The dielectric multilayer mirror 314f has a transmittance of 90% or more in the wavelength range of approximately 400 nm or less. and has a transmittance of 90% or more in the wavelength range of approximately 410 nm or more. In other words, the peak intensity of the illumination light I is approximately 340 nm in wavelength and 20 nm in full width at half maximum. L is reflected by the dielectric multilayer mirror 314f with almost no loss, and The light is incident on the transmission imager 22. On the other hand, the light is incident on the transmission imager 22 illuminated by the illumination light IL. The red, green, and blue images are wavelength-converted by the phosphors in the display area 22e of the glass 22. The image light ML has intensity peaks at wavelengths of 610 nm, 510 nm, and 460 nm. The light is transmitted through the multilayer mirror 314f with almost no reflection.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 21, in a transmission imager 22, each repeating unit 20a, i.e., one pixel, The pixel display area 22p has three types of display areas 22e, specifically, a red fluorescent area 2 2r, a pair of green fluorescent regions 22g, and a pair of blue fluorescent regions 322b are provided. The red fluorescent region 22r is illuminated by the illumination light IL from the image forming optical system 10 or the sub-pixel spot. In response to the SP, a pair of fluorescent regions for green light is emitted as fluorescently converted red image light MLr. 22g is a fluorescent light source that emits a fluorescent light beam in response to illumination light IL or a sub-pixel spot SP from the image forming optical system 10. The blue fluorescent region 322b emits the converted green image light MLg. 10. The fluorescent-converted blue image light is generated in response to the illumination light IL or the sub-pixel spot SP from the Ejects MLb.

[0084] In the above, the blue fluorescent region 322b is excited by the ultraviolet illumination light IL and emits blue light. The first display region DR1 generates fluorescent light and emits it as image light MLb. The light region 22g is excited by the ultraviolet illumination light IL to generate green fluorescence, which is used as the image light MLg. The red fluorescent region 22r emits ultraviolet illumination light IL and a third display region DR3 that is excited by the light emitted from the third display region DR2 to generate red fluorescence and emit the red fluorescence as image light MLr. That is, the transmission imager 22 detects three colors of blue, green, and red by fluorescent light. The image light MLb, MLg, and MLr are formed, enabling observation of a color display image.

[0085] Fifth Embodiment Hereinafter, a virtual image display device and the like according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The virtual image display device is a partially modified version of the virtual image display device of the first embodiment. Explanation of parts common to the virtual image display device will be omitted.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 22, the first display optical system 103a includes an image forming optical system 10 and a composite display member. 20, a switching half-wave plate 40, and a polarizing lens 50. The composite display member 20 and the polarizing lens 50 are arranged apart in the direction of the optical axis AX. Between the polarizing lens 50 and the inclined curved mirror of the image forming optical system 10, In the first display optical system 103a, the polarizing lens 50 and the eye EY are arranged. The distance between the polarized lens 50 and the composite display is, for example, about 10 mm to 20 mm. The distance between the member 20 and the transmission imager 22 is, for example, about 10 mm to 25 mm. In this embodiment, the polarizing lens 50 and the composite display member 20 or the transmission type imager 22 The distance between the projection optical system 12 and the prism mirror 12b is set to be as follows: By this, the projection optical system 12 shown in FIG. 2 etc. uses a two-surface prism mirror 12b. It can be shorter than if it includes

[0087] The image forming optical system 10 includes an image display panel as an illumination device 10a that emits blue illumination light IL. The tilted curved mirror 14 is a polarization selective mirror MR1, which is configured to selectively polarize the first polarization P1 The polarizer 10 reflects the illumination light IL of the first polarized light P1 and transmits the image light ML of the second polarized light P2 and the external light OL.

[0088] The projection optical system 12 includes a lens 12a and a prism mirror 12b.

[0089] In the projection optical system 12, the lens 12a reflects the illumination light I emitted from the image display panel 11. The incident surface 12i of the lens 12a is, for example, The exit surface 12j of the lens 12a is, for example, a flat surface or a free-form surface. The exit surface 12i and the exit surface 12j are not limited to flat surfaces or free-form surfaces, and may also be aspherical surfaces. The incident surface 12i and the exit surface 12j are parallel to the YZ plane and intersect with the optical axis AX in a vertical direction. It has asymmetry across the axis AX and symmetry across the optical axis AX in the horizontal or X direction. The lens 12a is made of, for example, resin, but can also be made of glass. An anti-reflection film can be formed on the optical surfaces 12i and 12j of the lens 12a.

[0090] The prism mirror 12b is an optical element that combines a mirror and a lens and has a refractive and reflective function. The prism mirror 1 is a material that refracts and reflects the illumination light IL from the lens 12a. 2b is an incident surface 12p, which is a transmissive and refractive surface arranged on the light exit side of the lens 12a, and an optical axis A The reflection surface 12r that bends X and the incident surface 12p that faces the reflection surface 12r are in a symmetrical direction. The prism mirror 12b has an exit surface 12q which is a transmissive and refractive surface disposed at the The illumination light IL incident from behind the lens 12a is directed in a direction inclined downward from the rear. The prism mirror 12b is formed by an incident surface 12p and a reflecting surface 12b. 2r and the exit surface 12q are parallel to the optical axis AX in the vertical direction that is parallel to the YZ plane and intersects with the optical axis AX. and has symmetry across the optical axis AX in the horizontal or X direction. The incident surface 12p, the reflecting surface 12r, and the exit surface 12q of the prism mirror 12b are, for example, free-form curves. The entrance surface 12p, the reflection surface 12r, and the exit surface 12q are not limited to free-form surfaces, but may be aspherical surfaces. It can also be done as follows.

[0091] The inclined curved mirror 14 is a polarization selective mirror MR1, and reflects the illumination light IL of the first polarization P1. The inclined curved mirror 14 reflects the second polarized light P2 and transmits the image light ML and the external light OL. The surface 14e is, for example, a free-form surface. The concave free-form surface is formed on the transmission imager 22 side, and the The curvature of the curved surface 14e in the vertical direction is equal to the curvature of the curved surface 14e in the horizontal direction. In other words, the curved surface 14e in the vertical direction is a gently curved surface.

[0092] Table 2 shows the free-form surface shape data of the inclined curved mirror 14. [Table 2] Coefficient Name Formula Coefficient Value cc 0 kk -1 c4 x2 5.6E-03 c6 y2 -5.8E-04 c10 y3 2.9E-06 c11 x4 -1.4E-06 c13 x2*y2 2.5E-07 c15 y4 1.7E-07

[0093] For example, the free-form surface shape shown in Table 2 has a coefficient of x3 of 0 and a coefficient of y3 of 2.9E-0. 6, which results in a vertically asymmetric curved surface.

[0094] In this embodiment, a composite display member 20, a switching half-wave plate 40, and a polarizing lens The configuration of the lens 50 and the like is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0095] The configuration of the projection optical system 12 of this embodiment is the same as that of the illumination device 10a of the second and fourth embodiments, The same can be applied to the composite display member 20 of the embodiment.

[0096] [Variations and Others] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. It is possible to implement the invention in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the following modifications are possible:

[0097] In the above embodiment, the lens 12a and the prism mirror 12b of the projection optical system 12 are simply The projection optical system 12 is an example, and is composed of a plurality of various optical elements including lenses or mirrors. It is possible.

[0098] In the above, the composite display member 20 is composed of a light blocking member 21, a transmission type imager 22, and a quarter wavelength plate. 25 or the polarizing member 23 are prepared separately and then laminated. The optical elements may be integrally incorporated into an optical member.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the projection optical system 12 is positioned on the eye Y side and the thumb side of the composite display member 20. It is preferable that the projection optical system 12 is disposed on the side of the polarizing lens 50. The polarizing lens 50 is disposed between the extension line extending from the lens 22 and the extension line extending from the polarizing lens 50. As a specific example, in the projection optical system 12, the optical component located at the position farthest from the eye EY is The prism mirror 12b is disposed on the eye EY side of the composite display member 20. This allows the virtual image display devices 100A and 100B to be easily applied to eyeglass designs.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the polarization direction acting on the polarized lens 50 can be changed as appropriate. Accordingly, the polarization limited by the polarizing element 13, the polarized light separating film mirror 14d, the polarizing member 23, etc. The light direction can be changed as appropriate.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the polarized lens 50 has a ring-shaped annular portion RA as shown in FIG. The image light ML is collimated using a polarization separation lens element having other configurations, not limited to those including the above. and causes the external light O to be incident on the pupil position PP, without causing a lens action on the external light OL. In other words, the polarized lens 50 has a lens effect on a specific polarized component. The polarized lens 50 can be made of various structures, for example, as disclosed in International Publication No. 2009 / 002344. It may also be a Fresnel type lens as disclosed in US Pat. No. 072670.

[0102] In the above, it is assumed that the HMD 200 is worn on the head. The display devices 100A and 100B are handheld devices that are not worn on the head but are viewed through like binoculars. In other words, in the present invention, the head-mounted display can be used as a Displays also include handheld displays.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the arrangement and size of the pixel PE or the sub-pixel PEa are set to be sufficient for one pixel. The image can be appropriately modified so that a see-through area is present.

[0104] In a specific embodiment, the virtual image display device includes a lighting device and a light source that emits illumination light from the lighting device. The projection optical system is placed at the imaging position of the illumination light and forms an image light corresponding to the illumination light. and directing illumination light from the projection optical system to the transmissive imager. The image sensor is a transmissive imager and a curved mirror that reflects light. and a polarizing lens having refractive power that selectively acts on the polarization of the image light.

[0105] In the virtual image display device, the inclined curved mirror reflects illumination light from the projection optical system to form a transmissive image. The light is selectively reflected toward the transmissive imager, allowing the transmissive imager to form an image light corresponding to the illumination light. The image light from the transmission type imager can be observed through a polarizing lens. The components of the surrounding light that are different from the polarization of the image light are affected by the refractive power of the polarized lens. The image passes through the polarized lens without being reflected by the polarized light. By using an inclined curved mirror, a virtual image can be observed. This reduces distortion while reducing the spot diameter of the sub-pixel spot illuminated on the target. As a result, distortion of the overall projected image can be reduced.

[0106] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the inclined curved mirror is more transparent below than above. It extends closer to the transmissive imager.

[0107] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the inclined curved mirror has a free-form surface.

[0108] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the projection optical system projects illumination light onto an inclined curved mirror. The prism has two transmissive and refractive surfaces and two reflective surfaces. In this case, the projection optical system only requires a prism and no lenses, so the number of parts is reduced. It can be reduced.

[0109] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the projection optical system projects illumination light onto an inclined curved mirror. and a lens between the lighting device and the prism. has two transmissive / refractive surfaces and one reflective surface.

[0110] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the transmission type imager is a two-dimensional a display area that forms image light and a light-transmitting area that is provided around the display area; An image corresponding to the image light is formed in the display area, and external light passes through the light-transmitting area. do.

[0111] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, a display area is provided on the face side of the transmissive imager. a first polarization region that is disposed opposite to the first polarization region and that limits the image light from the display region to a first polarization direction; It is located on the outside world side of the first polarization area and polarizes outside light in a second polarization direction different from the first polarization direction. In this case, the image light is polarized by the first polarizing region and the second polarizing region. The polarized light is limited to the first polarization direction through the polarized lens and is subjected to the refractive power of the polarized lens. The light is limited to the second polarization direction, which is not affected by the refractive power of the polarized lens, through the two polarization regions. .

[0112] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the inclined curved mirror side of the transmission type imager The illumination device emits illumination light containing polarized light in a predetermined direction, and the inclined curved mirror The mirror reflects illumination light polarized in a specific direction and transmits image light polarized in a different direction. It is a polarization selective mirror.

[0113] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the inclined curved mirror is This is an angle-selective mirror that reflects illumination light and transmits image light with an incident angle equal to or smaller than a predetermined angle.

[0114] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the lighting device emits blue illumination light and The transmission type imager has a first region as a display region that scatters blue illumination light and emits it as image light. A display area and a second display area that is excited by blue illumination light to generate fluorescence and emit it as image light. In this case, the inclined curved mirror reflects the illumination light and scatters the blue illumination light. and transmits the image light of excited fluorescent light.

[0115] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the second display area of ​​the transmissive imager is It is excited by blue illumination light to generate green fluorescence, which is emitted as image light and used in a transmission imager. The third display region is excited by blue illumination light to generate red fluorescence and emit it as image light. In this case, the transmission imager detects blue, green, and blue light by scattering and fluorescent light. It forms three-color image light, white, and red, allowing for color display image observation.

[0116] In a specific aspect of the virtual image display device, the lighting device emits illumination light in the visible range, The transmissive imager scatters visible illumination light as a display area and emits it as image light. In this case, the inclined curved mirror reflects the illumination light and scatters the light. It transmits image light in the viewing area.

[0117] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the first display area of ​​the transmissive imager is The transmissive imager scatters the blue illumination light and emits it as image light, while the transmissive imager scatters the green illumination light. The second display area scatters red illumination light and emits it as image light. In this case, the transmission imager further has three display areas. It forms three colors of image light: green, red, and green, allowing for color display image observation.

[0118] In a specific aspect of the virtual image display device, the lighting device emits illumination light in the ultraviolet range, The inclined curved mirror reflects ultraviolet light and transmits visible light, creating a transmissive image. The display area is excited by ultraviolet light, which generates fluorescence and emits it as image light. In this case, the inclined curved mirror reflects the illumination light and Allows fluorescent imaging light to pass through.

[0119] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the first display area of ​​the transmissive imager is When excited by ultraviolet light, blue fluorescence is generated and emitted as image light. The second display area is excited by ultraviolet light to generate green fluorescence, which is then emitted as image light. and a third display region that is excited by ultraviolet light to generate red fluorescence and emit it as image light. In this case, the transmission imager detects blue, green, and It forms three-color image light, red and red, allowing for color display image observation.

[0120] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the projection optical system includes a transmission type imager and a The extension line is disposed between the extension line extending from the polarized lens and the extension line extending from the polarized lens.

[0121] In a specific embodiment of the virtual image display device, the polarizing lens is sandwiched between a pair of substrates. It has a liquid crystal layer.

[0122] In a specific embodiment, the optical unit includes an illumination device and a light source. The projection optical system is placed at the imaging position of the illumination light and forms an image light corresponding to the illumination light. and directing illumination light from the projection optical system to the transmissive imager. The image sensor is a transmissive imager and a curved mirror that reflects light. and a polarizing lens having refractive power that selectively acts on the polarization of the image light.

[0123] In the optical unit, the inclined curved mirror reflects the illumination light from the projection optical system onto a transmissive image. The light is selectively reflected toward the transmissive imager, allowing the transmissive imager to form an image light corresponding to the illumination light. The image light from the transmission type imager can be observed through a polarizing lens. The components of the surrounding light that are different from the polarization of the image light are affected by the refractive power of the polarized lens. The image passes through the polarized lens without being reflected by the polarized light. By using an inclined curved mirror, a virtual image can be observed. This reduces distortion while reducing the spot diameter of the sub-pixel spot illuminated on the target. As a result, distortion of the overall projected image can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 10...image forming optical system, 10a...illumination device, 11, 211, 311...image display panel, 1 1d...display surface, 12...projection optical system, 12a...lens, 12b...prism mirror, 13...polarization Optical element, 14... inclined curved mirror, 14d... polarization separation film mirror, 14e... curved surface, 14f,3 14f...dielectric multilayer mirror, 20...composite display member, 20a...repeating unit, 21...light-shielding member , 21b...light shielding layer, 22...transmissive imager, 22b, 222g, 222r... scattering region , 22e...display area, 22g, 22r, 322b...fluorescent area, 22p...pixel display area, 2 3...Polarizing element, 40...Switching half-wave plate, 50...Polarizing lens, 60, 70...Polarization Element, 88...display control device, 90...user terminal, 100...optical unit, 100A,1 00B... virtual image display device, 102... drive device, 102a, 102b... display drive unit, 103a ,103b...display optical system, 106...support device, 200...head-mounted display device, A1,A2 ...light transmission area, AX...optical axis, DS...projection surface, EY...eye, IL...illumination light, ML,MLb,M Lg,MLr...image light, MR1...polarized light selection mirror, MR2...angle selection mirror, MR3...wave Long selection mirror, OL...external light, PE...pixel, PEa...subpixel, PP...pupil position, SP...subpixel Blu-pixel spot, US... wearer

Claims

1. A lighting device; a projection optical system that forms an image of the illumination light emitted from the illumination device; a transmission type image sensor arranged at an imaging position of the illumination light and forming image light corresponding to the illumination light; and Selectively reflecting the illumination light from the projection optical system toward the transmission imager. an inclined curved mirror; a polarizer disposed on the face side of the transmissive imager and the inclined curved mirror, a polarized lens having a refractive power that selectively acts on the A virtual image display device comprising:

2. The tilted curved mirror extends closer to the transmission imager at the bottom than at the top. Ru, The virtual image display device according to claim 1 .

3. The inclined curved mirror has a free-form surface. The virtual image display device according to claim 1 .

4. The projection optical system includes a prism that reflects the illumination light toward the inclined curved mirror. death, The prism has two transmissive / refractive surfaces and two reflective surfaces. The virtual image display device according to claim 1 .

5. The projection optical system includes a prism that reflects the illumination light toward the inclined curved mirror; a lens between the illumination device and the prism; The prism has two transmissive / refractive surfaces and one reflective surface. The virtual image display device according to claim 1 .

6. The transmissive imager includes a display area that is discretely arranged two-dimensionally and forms an image light; a light-transmitting area provided around the display area; The virtual image display device according to claim 1 .

7. A front view of the transmissive imager is provided facing the display area on the face side of the transmissive imager. a first polarization region that limits the image light to a first polarization direction; a second polarization region arranged on the first polarizing plate and configured to limit external light to a second polarization direction different from the first polarization direction; a polarizing member having The virtual image display device according to claim 1 .

8. a quarter-wave plate provided on the inclined curved mirror side of the transmission imager; the illumination device emits the illumination light including polarized light in a predetermined direction; The inclined curved mirror reflects the illumination light polarized in the predetermined direction, and a polarization selective mirror that transmits the image light of a different polarization; The virtual image display device according to claim 1 .

9. The inclined curved mirror reflects the illumination light at an angle of incidence equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, The angle-selective mirror transmits the image light as follows: The virtual image display device according to claim 1 .

10. the illumination device emits blue illumination light; The transmissive imager scatters the blue illumination light as the display area to display the image. a first display region that emits blue light and generates fluorescence when excited by the blue illumination light, and and a second display area that emits light. The virtual image display device according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The second display area of ​​the transmissive imager is excited by the blue illumination light and emits green light. generating fluorescent light and emitting it as the image light; The transmission imager is excited by the blue illumination light to generate red fluorescence, which is then projected onto the image sensor. further having a third display area from which image light is emitted; The virtual image display device according to claim 10.

12. the illumination device emits the illumination light in the visible range; The transmissive imager scatters the illumination light in the visible range as the display area and displays the image. a first display area from which image light is emitted; The virtual image display device according to claim 8 or 9.

13. The first display area of ​​the transmissive imager scatters the blue illumination light and Injected as The transmission type imager includes a second imager that scatters the green illumination light and emits it as the image light. a display area, and a third display area that scatters the red illumination light and emits it as the image light. have in The virtual image display device according to claim 12 .

14. the illumination device emits the illumination light in the ultraviolet range, The inclined curved mirror reflects the illumination light in the ultraviolet range and transmits light in the visible range. is a selective mirror, The transmission type imager has a fluorescent display excited by the illumination light in the ultraviolet range as the display region. a first display region that generates light and emits the light as the image light; The virtual image display device according to claim 1 .

15. The first display area of ​​the transmissive imager is excited by the illumination light in the ultraviolet range and emits blue light. and emitting the fluorescent light as the image light, The transmission imager is excited by the illumination light in the ultraviolet range to generate green fluorescence and project it onto the image. a second display region that emits image light and generates red fluorescence when excited by the ultraviolet illumination light; and a third display area from which the image light is emitted. The virtual image display device according to claim 14.

16. The projection optical system includes an extension line extending from the transmission imager and an extension line extending from the polarizing lens. The extension line is arranged between the The virtual image display device according to claim 1 .

17. The polarized lens has a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a pair of substrates. The virtual image display device according to claim 1 .

18. A lighting device; a projection optical system that forms an image of the illumination light emitted from the illumination device; a transmission type image sensor arranged at an imaging position of the illumination light and forming image light corresponding to the illumination light; and Selectively reflecting the illumination light from the projection optical system toward the transmission imager. an inclined curved mirror; a polarizer disposed on the face side of the transmissive imager and the inclined curved mirror, a polarized lens having a refractive power that selectively acts on the An optical unit comprising:

Images