Image display apparatus and method for displaying virtual image

Abstract

To provide an image display apparatus and a method for displaying a virtual image that are capable of correcting visual acuity and enabling downsizing and a wide viewing angle.SOLUTION: The image display apparatus includes: an image display unit; an image control unit; an image correction device for correcting image light in accordance with uncorrected visual acuity; an image correction device control unit; a projection unit; and an eyepiece unit. Image light is generated by the image display unit. The image light passes through the image correction device that corrects the image light in accordance with the visual acuity of a wearer before correction, and the corrected image light (corrected image light) passes through the projection unit and enters the eyepiece unit. The corrected image light incident on the eyepiece unit passes through and is deflected by the eyepiece unit, is superimposed with external light, projected onto the eyes of the wearer, and forms an image on the retina of the wearer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a virtual image display device and a virtual image display method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a head-mounted display (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 1") that displays a virtual image that is easy to see even for people with impaired eyesight by changing the optical path length between the image display unit and the optical system or within the optical system, and by changing the display magnification of the virtual image.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses a head-mounted display (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 2") that places liquid crystals in front of and behind a light-guiding element and adjusts the virtual image display distance and transmittance to set a virtual image display distance and external brightness that are easy to see. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-89157 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-16709 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a wearer of a virtual image display device (head mounted display (HMD)) with poor eyesight uses eyeglasses, the eyeglasses are placed between the wearer and the virtual image display device. In order to achieve a wide angle of view while keeping the virtual image display device as small as possible, the Eye Relief must be short. However, if the Eye Relief is short, there is no space to place the eyeglasses. Therefore, when eyeglasses are used in combination, it has been difficult to achieve a small, wide-angle virtual image display device.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for a virtual image display device that can correct eyesight, and that allows for miniaturization and a wide angle of view.

[0007] Prior art 1 accommodates amblyopia by changing only the image magnification by changing the optical path length of the HMD optical system, without providing a clear image to the retina. In other words, prior art 1 does not provide a clear image to the retina by outputting a vision-corrected image from the virtual image display device.

[0008] Prior art 2 changes only the virtual image display distance, and does not change the display angle resolution corresponding to visual acuity. Therefore, a wearer with so-called myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, etc. needs separate vision correction glasses, and the position of the glasses is such that the light guide element and modulation element (= ocular optical system) are on the outside of the glasses when viewed from the wearer.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. That is, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a virtual image display device and a virtual image display method that can correct eyesight, and enable miniaturization and a wide angle of view. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, the virtual image display device of the present invention comprises an image display device that displays an image, an image correction device that corrects the image to an image suitable for the wearer's uncorrected vision, and a light-guiding optical system that guides the output light of the image correction device to the wearer's eyes as a virtual image and transmits at least a portion of external light.

[0011] The virtual image display device of the present invention comprises an image display device that displays an image, an image correction device that corrects the image to suit the wearer's uncorrected vision, a light-guiding optical system that guides the output light of the image correction device to the wearer's eyes as a virtual image, and a correction amount adjustment unit that adjusts the correction amount of the image correction device.

[0012] A virtual image display method applied to a wearer of a virtual image display device comprising: an image display device that displays an image; an image correction device that corrects the image to an image suitable for the wearer's uncorrected vision; and a light guiding optical system that guides output light from the image correction device to the wearer's eyes as a virtual image and transmits external light; when the wearer is wearing eyeglasses, at least a portion of the light guiding optical system is positioned between the wearer's eyes and the lenses of the eyeglasses, the image correction device corrects the image to one suitable for the wearer's uncorrected vision, and the light guiding optical system superimposes the corrected output light from the image correction device and the external light that has passed through the lenses of the eyeglasses and been corrected to an image suitable for the vision, and projects the corrected output light and the corrected external light into the eye. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to correct eyesight, reduce size, and achieve a wide angle of view. Note that the effects described here are not necessarily limited to those described herein, and may be any of the effects described in this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the problem to be solved by the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a conventional virtual image display device. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a conventional virtual image display device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the virtual image display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an optically transmissive eyeglass-type head-mounted display, which is a first example of a specific example of a virtual image display device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a wearer uses an eyeglass-type head-mounted display by wearing eyeglasses. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an optically transmissive, eyeglass-mounted monocular head-mounted display, which is a second example of the specific example of the virtual image display device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a wearer uses an eyeglass-mounted monocular head-mounted display by wearing eyeglasses. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an optically transmissive helmet-mounted monocular head-mounted display, which is a third example of the specific example of the virtual image display device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which a wearer uses a helmet-mounted monocular head-mounted display with glasses. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a wearer uses a helmet-mounted monocular head-mounted display with glasses. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a virtual image display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a virtual image display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a virtual image display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a conventional virtual image display device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a conventional virtual image display device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a virtual image display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a virtual image display device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings of the embodiments, the same or corresponding parts may be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0016] <<Summary of the Invention>> First, to facilitate understanding of the present invention, an overview of the present invention will be described. It is difficult to achieve both short EyeRelief, which realizes a head-mounted display (HMD) that is as small as possible, has a wide field of view, and has an eyebox size that is easy to use, and EyeRelief, which is necessary when using an HMD in combination with eyeglasses. As shown in FIG. 1 , to widen the field of view from HMD configuration 1, there are two methods: Method 1, which enlarges the eyepiece 100, and Method 2, which moves the eyepiece 100 closer to the eyes. Method 1 makes the eyepiece 100 larger and heavier, making it difficult to wear. Method 2 shortens the EyeRelief, leaving no space for eyeglasses.

[0017] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a conventional virtual image display device 1 (sometimes referred to as "HMD1"). FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a conventional virtual image display device 2 (sometimes referred to as "HMD2"). The conventional virtual image display device 1 includes an image control unit 200, an image display unit 210, a projection unit 220, and an eyepiece unit 230. In the conventional virtual image display device 1, image light L1 is generated in the image display unit 210 by the image control unit 200, passes through the projection unit 220, which is generally constituted by a projection lens or the like, and is deflected by the eyepiece unit 230, which is generally constituted by a light guide plate or the like, where the light is superimposed on external light L11. The superimposed light enters the wearer Us11, and the wearer Us11 recognizes the image light L1 (virtual image) and external light L11 (external world image).

[0018] When a user Us1 of the HMD1 normally wears eyeglasses 240, the HMD1 is worn on the outside of the eyeglasses 240. As the angle of view becomes wider, a reduction in EyeRelief is generally required in terms of design, making it difficult to wear normal eyeglasses 240 between the HMD1 and the eyes 250. Therefore, as in the HMD2 in FIG. 2B, the EyeRelief is reduced by attaching only the eyeglass lenses 240a to the HMD2 using a dedicated attachment or the like.

[0019] The HMD1 requires a long eye relief for wearing glasses, and the eyepiece 100 needs to be large to achieve a wide angle of view, making it difficult to achieve both a compact size and a wide angle of view. The HMD2 requires a structure for attaching the glasses lens 240a to the HMD2 and a frame with a dedicated glasses lens 240a, which is inconvenient.

[0020] For HMDs, which require a small size and a wide field of view, it is desirable to make the EyeRelief as short as possible. However, shortening the EyeRelief can create a problem in that there is not enough space to wear glasses.

[0021] Therefore, the present invention installs an image correction device for pre-correction vision (such as a dedicated lens, or a transmissive LCD panel or liquid crystal lens that can provide various refractive indexes and phase distributions within the plane) between the image display unit 210 (image display device (OLED (organic light-emitting display), transmissive LCD panel, LCOS (Liquid crystal on silicon), micro LED, etc.)) and the projection optical system, or inside the optical system. In addition, the structure is such that glasses 240 can be worn on the outside of the HMD as seen by the wearer Us11. This allows the present invention to correct vision and enable miniaturization and a wide angle of view.

[0022] Many conventional HMDs require a dedicated eyeglass lens frame that can be fitted to the face side of the HMD, and the wearer Us11 is required to prepare eyeglass lenses 240a that are the same as those used in everyday eyeglasses 240. Alternatively, a dedicated lens frame is provided. In contrast, the present invention makes it possible to eliminate the need for an eyeglass lens frame or a lens frame.

[0023] The present invention projects image light L1, which is similar to the virtual image after passing through glasses 240, from a virtual image display device (HMD) toward the pupil (eye 250) of the wearer Us11, allowing the wearer Us11 to recognize a clear virtual image without wearing glasses 240.

[0024] On the other hand, the present invention addresses the outside world (real space) other than the virtual image by wearing eyeglasses 240 outside the virtual image display device (HMD) when viewed from the face. This allows the wearer Us11 to clearly see both the virtual image and the outside world. In this case, one advantage of the present invention in terms of designing the virtual image display device (HMD) is that it eliminates the need to ensure the distance required for wearing eyeglasses in the so-called EyeRelief setting, which is the distance from the final emission surface of the virtual image light L1 to the pupil.

[0025] <<First Embodiment>> A virtual image display device 300 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the virtual image display device 300 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3, the virtual image display device 300 includes an image display unit 310, an image control unit 320, an uncorrected vision-compatible image correction device 330, an image correction device control unit 340, a projection unit 350, and an eyepiece unit 360. The virtual image display device 300 is an optically transmissive virtual image display device, such as AR (Augmented Reality) glasses or an optically transmissive head-mounted display.

[0026] The image correction device control unit 340, the projection unit 350, and the eyepiece unit 360 constitute a projection optical system PO1 that projects the image light L1 and the external light L11 onto the eye 250 of the wearer Us11. The projection unit 350 and the eyepiece unit 360 constitute a light-guiding optical system.

[0027] In the virtual image display device 300, when the wearer Us11 uses the glasses 380, the lenses 381 of the glasses 380 are arranged in a position facing the outside of the eyepiece 360 ​​(outside the virtual image display device 300 (the side where the eyes 250 of the wearer Us11 are not present)). In other words, when the wearer Us11 wears the glasses 380, the eyepiece 360 ​​(at least a part (a part in this example) of the eyepiece 360) is arranged between the eyes 250 of the wearer Us11 and the lenses 381 of the glasses 380.

[0028] The video display unit 310 is a device for displaying video, and may be, for example, an organic EL display, a micro LED display, an LCOS display, or a liquid crystal display.

[0029] The image control unit 320 is a control device for controlling the image and brightness output from the image display unit 310 .

[0030] The uncorrected vision-compatible image correction device 330 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "image correction device 330") is an optical component (optical element) with a refractive power (refractive index) distributed continuously or discretely within its plane, and is an optical component (optical element) capable of changing the distribution of the refractive power (refractive index). The image correction device 330 is, for example, a transmissive liquid crystal panel or a liquid crystal lens that can change the refractive power (refractive index) of each of its divided regions in response to a command from the image correction device control unit 340. Since the visual acuity of the wearer Us11 varies from person to person and is not always constant within an individual, the optimal refractive power distribution may change from the perspective of reliability, such as positional accuracy and impact resistance, or due to changes in the wearer Us11's visual acuity. Therefore, a transmissive liquid crystal panel or a liquid crystal lens that can change the refractive power (refractive index) of each of its divided regions by adjusting the refractive power is desirable for the image correction device 330.

[0031] Image correction device 330 may be installed anywhere before image light L1 emitted from image display unit 310 is deflected by eyepiece unit 360. In this example, for more effective correction, it is preferable that light from all pixels of image display unit 310 that constitute the image completely overlaps the entire area of ​​image correction device 330. In this example, from the perspective of more effective correction, it is preferable that image display unit 310 and image correction device 330 are as close as possible, and they may even be in contact.

[0032] Image correction device control unit 340 is a control device for controlling the in-plane refractive power distribution of image correction device 330. Image correction device control unit 340 may also be referred to as a "correction amount adjustment unit." Image correction device control unit 340 may calculate and set a setting value for setting the refractive power distribution of image correction device 330 based on the power of eyeglasses 380 worn by wearer Us11. In this case, the power of eyeglasses 380 may be input to image correction device control unit 340 by operating an operation device (not shown) included in virtual image display device 300. Furthermore, the setting value for setting the refractive power distribution of image correction device 330 may also be input to image correction device control unit 340 by operating an operation device (not shown) included in virtual image display device 300.

[0033] The setting values ​​for setting the refractive power distribution may be stored within the virtual image display device 300, or may be used by calling up values ​​stored outside the virtual image display device 300. Only one set of setting values ​​may be stored, or multiple sets may be stored and switched as needed.

[0034] The projection unit 350 is a device that magnifies the image light L1 emitted from the image display unit 310 and makes the image light L1 incident on the eyepiece unit 360. The projection unit 350 is, for example, a projection lens. The projection unit 350 may include components such as mirrors, prisms, wave plates, and various films that are required for various reasons, such as bending light.

[0035] The eyepiece 360 ​​guides the incident image light L1 in front of the eye 250 of the wearer Us11. One example of the eyepiece 360 ​​is a device that internally reflects the incident image light L1 and emits the image light L1 from a region facing the eye 250 of the wearer Us11. The image light L1 is projected onto the eye 250 of the wearer Us11 together with external light L11 (light in the real space) that passes through the eyepiece 360, forming an image on the retina of the wearer Us11. This allows the wearer Us11 to see a scene in the real space and a virtual image that overlaps the scene in the real space. Note that the internal reflection of the eyepiece 360 ​​can utilize a hologram utilizing the diffraction phenomenon, a mirror that performs specular reflection, a half mirror that separates the incident light beam into transmitted light and reflected light, total reflection, or the like. The eyepiece 360 ​​in this example is configured to include a half mirror array 370 for deflecting the image light L1. Note that as long as the necessary image light L1 can be deflected and superimposed on the external light L11, a single half mirror may be used, or a diffraction grating such as a nanoimprint or hologram may be used instead of a half mirror, or a prism or other means may be used.

[0036] Note that the distance between eye 250 and eyeglasses 380 cannot be significantly changed depending on whether wearer Us11 is wearing virtual image display device 300 or not, and therefore it is desirable that the portion of eyepiece 360 ​​that is located between eye 250 and eyeglasses 380 is as thin as possible. Therefore, it is desirable that eyepiece 360 ​​be a thin optical system such as a light guide plate that uses a half mirror, a diffraction grating, or other methods.

[0037] Virtual image display device 300 operates as follows: Image light L1 is generated in image display unit 310. Image light L1 passes through image correction device 330, which corrects image light L1 so that it corresponds to the uncorrected visual acuity (naked eye visual acuity) of wearer Us11, and the corrected image light L1 (corrected image light L1) passes through projection unit 350 and enters eyepiece unit 360.

[0038] The eyepiece unit 360 is not limited to a light guide plate alone, but may also include components such as mirrors, prisms, wave plates, and various films that are required for various reasons, such as receiving light from the projection unit or removing stray light.

[0039] The corrected image light L1 incident on the eyepiece 360 ​​passes through the eyepiece 360, is deflected by the eyepiece 360, is superimposed on external light L11, is projected onto the eye 250 of the wearer Us11, and is formed as an image on the retina of the wearer Us11. As a result, the wearer Us11 can see a scene in real space whose vision has been corrected by the external light L11 passing through the glasses 380, and a virtual image created by the corrected image light L1 that is superimposed on the scene in real space.

[0040] The virtual image display device 300 and the glasses 380 are worn by the wearer Us11, who first wears the virtual image display device 300 and then wears the glasses 380 from the outside of the virtual image display device 300. In this case, the glasses 380 may be fixed by a structure having grooves, holes, recesses, or the like so that the frame does not interfere with the temples of the glasses 380 (for example, the first example of a specific example described later (FIGS. 4 and 5)), or by a thin, tightly-fitting band.

[0041] If the virtual image display device 300 is sufficiently lightweight, it may be attached to the frame of eyeglasses 380 (to the upper part of the lens frame, or to the side part, or to the temple at the temple tip) (for example, a second specific example described later (FIGS. 6 and 7)). The virtual image display device 300 may be attached to a helmet or a cap so as to face a wearer wearing the helmet or a cap (for example, a third specific example described later (FIGS. 8 to 10)).

[0042] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an optically transmissive eyeglass-type head-mounted display 400, which is a first example of a specific example of the virtual image display device 300. The eyeglass-type head-mounted display 400 includes an eyeglass-type frame 410, an eyepiece unit 420, and a controller 430. The eyeglass-type head-mounted display 400 corresponds to the virtual image display device 300 in FIG. 3, the eyepiece unit 420 corresponds to the eyepiece unit 360 in FIG. 3, and the controller 430 corresponds to the image control unit 320 and the image correction device control unit 340 in FIG. 3.

[0043] One or two eyepieces 420 are incorporated into the eyeglasses-type frame 410, either on the left or right side. Grooves 411 are formed in the temples of the eyeglasses-type frame 410 to secure eyeglasses 500 (see FIG. 5) worn by the wearer Us11. The grooves 411 are also referred to as "eyeglasses securing parts." When one eyepiece 420 is incorporated into either the left or right side, a dummy optical system may or may not be inserted into the side not incorporating the eyepiece 420, in order to make the way external light is perceived as uniform as possible between the left and right sides.

[0044] 5 shows a state in which a wearer Us11 uses the eyeglass-type head-mounted display 400 with eyeglasses 500. The eyeglasses 500 are fixed to the eyeglass-type head-mounted display 400 by fitting the temples of a frame 510 of the eyeglasses 500 into grooves 411.

[0045] In this fixed state, the glasses 500 have two lenses 520 disposed outside the two eyepieces 420, respectively, and facing the eyepieces 420. After passing through the lenses 520 of the glasses 500, external light L11 passes through the eyepieces 420 and is incident on the eye 250 of the wearer Us11 together with the corrected image light L1. The wearer Us11 can see a scene in real space whose vision has been corrected by the external light L11 passing through the glasses 500, and a virtual image (vision-corrected virtual image) created by the corrected image light L1 that overlaps with the scene in real space.

[0046] 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an optically transmissive, eyeglass-mounted monocular head-mounted display 600, which is a second example of the specific example of the virtual image display device 300 according to the first embodiment. The eyeglass-mounted monocular head-mounted display 600 includes a frame 610, an eyepiece 620, and a controller 630. The eyeglass-mounted monocular head-mounted display 600 corresponds to the virtual image display device 300 in FIG. 3, the eyepiece 620 corresponds to the eyepiece 360 ​​in FIG. 3, and the controller 630 corresponds to the image control unit 320 and the image correction device control unit 340 in FIG. 3.

[0047] One eyepiece 620 is incorporated into the frame 610. A groove 611 for fixing the eyeglasses 500 worn by the wearer Us11 is formed in the upper part of the frame 610. The groove 611 is also called the "glasses fixing part."

[0048] FIG. 7 shows a state in which a user uses eyeglasses 500 to use eyeglass-mounted monocular head-mounted display 600. Glasses 500 are fixed to eyeglass-mounted monocular head-mounted display 600 with upper portions of lenses 520 of frames 510 of eyeglasses 500 fitted into grooves 611. In this fixed state, lenses 520 of eyeglasses 500 are disposed outside eyepieces 620 and face eyepieces 620. External light L11 passes through lenses 520 of eyeglasses 500, then passes through eyepieces 620, and enters eye 250 of wearer Us11 together with corrected image light L1. As external light L11 passes through eyeglasses 500, wearer Us11 can see a scene in real space whose vision has been corrected, and a virtual image (vision-corrected virtual image) created by corrected image light L1 that overlaps with the scene in real space. Furthermore, two eyepieces 620 may be incorporated into the frame 610 for use with both eyes, or two head-mounted displays 600 may be attached to the glasses 500.

[0049] 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an optically transmissive helmet-mounted monocular head-mounted display 800, which is a third example of the specific example of the virtual image display device 300 according to the first embodiment. The helmet-mounted monocular head-mounted display 800 includes a frame 810, an eyepiece 820, and a controller 830. The helmet-mounted monocular head-mounted display 800 corresponds to the virtual image display device 300 in FIG. 3, the eyepiece 820 corresponds to the eyepiece 360 ​​in FIG. 3, and the controller 830 corresponds to the image control unit 320 and the image correction device control unit 340 in FIG. 3.

[0050] One eyepiece unit 820 is incorporated into the frame 810. The frame 810 includes a fitting portion 811 for fixing (positioning) a helmet 900 (see FIG. 9) worn by the wearer Us11. The fitting portion 811 may be referred to as a "fixing portion."

[0051] 9 and 10 show a state in which a wearer Us11 uses a helmet-mounted monocular head-mounted display 800 with glasses 500. As shown in FIG. 9, the helmet 900 is fixed to the helmet-mounted monocular head-mounted display 800 with the brim of the helmet 900 fitted to a fitting portion 811. As shown in FIG. 10, in this fixed state, the lenses 520 of the glasses 500 are disposed outside the eyepieces 820 and face the eyepieces 820. After passing through the lenses 520 of the glasses 500, external light L11 passes through the eyepieces 820 and enters the eyes 250 of the wearer Us11 together with corrected image light L1. The wearer Us11 can see a scene in real space whose vision has been corrected by the external light L11 passing through the glasses 500, and a virtual image (vision-corrected virtual image) produced by the corrected image light L1 that overlaps the scene in real space. Furthermore, two eyepieces 820 may be incorporated into the frame 810 for use with both eyes, or two head-mounted displays 800 may be attached to the helmet 900.

[0052] <Effects> As described above, the virtual image display device 300 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can correct eyesight, and enables miniaturization and a wide angle of view.

[0053] The virtual image display device 300 according to the first embodiment can provide the wearer Us11 with a real image in real space formed by vision-corrected external light L11 and a vision-corrected virtual image. The virtual image display device 300 according to the first embodiment projects image light L1, which is similar to the virtual image after passing through the eyeglasses 500, from the virtual image display device 300 toward the pupil of the wearer Us11, so that the wearer Us11 can recognize a clear virtual image without wearing the eyeglasses 500.

[0054] The virtual image display device 300 according to the first embodiment can accommodate external world images (scenery in real space) other than virtual images by wearing eyeglasses 380 on the outside of the virtual image display device 300 when viewed from the face. This allows both the virtual image and the external world image (scenery in real space) to be clearly viewed. At this time, a design advantage of the virtual image display device 300 is that it does not need to ensure the distance required for wearing eyeglasses in setting the distance from the final emission surface of the virtual image light L1 to the pupil, i.e., the so-called EyeRelief.

[0055] <<Second embodiment>> A virtual image display device 300 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The virtual image display device 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the virtual image display device 300 according to the first embodiment in the arrangement of a projection unit 350 and an image correction device 330.

[0056] The following description will focus on this difference.

[0057] As shown in Figure 11, in the virtual image display device 300 of the second embodiment, if the light incident side in the projection optical system PO1 is expressed as the front and the light exit side as the back, a projection unit 350 is arranged behind the image display unit 310, an image correction device 330 is arranged behind the projection unit 350, and an eyepiece unit 360 is arranged behind the image correction device 330.

[0058] Virtual image display device 300 is configured so that image light L1 generated by image display unit 310 enters projection unit 350, image light L1 emitted from projection unit 350 enters image correction device 330, and corrected image light L1 emitted from image correction device 330 enters eyepiece unit 360. Corrected image light L1 incident on eyepiece unit 360 passes through eyepiece unit 360, is deflected by eyepiece unit 360, and is superimposed with external light L11. The corrected image light L1 is projected onto eye 250 of wearer Us11, and forms an image on the retina of wearer Us11. As a result, wearer Us11 can see a scene in real space whose vision has been corrected by external light L11 passing through eyeglasses 380 (lenses 381 of eyeglasses 380), and a virtual image created by corrected image light L1 that is superimposed on the scene in real space.

[0059] In this example, it is preferable that image correction device 330 be located at the exit pupil in order to perform correction more effectively.

[0060] <Effects> As described above, the virtual image display device 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0061] <<Third Embodiment>> A virtual image display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The virtual image display device according to the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the virtual image display device 300 according to the first embodiment in the arrangement of the projection unit 350 and the image correction device 330.

[0062] As shown in Figure 12, in the virtual image display device 300 of the third embodiment, when the light incident side of the projection optical system PO1 is expressed as the front and the light exit side as the back, a first projection unit 350a is arranged behind the image display unit 310, an image correction device 330 is arranged behind the first projection unit 350a, a second projection unit 350b is arranged behind the image correction device 330, and an eyepiece unit 360 is arranged behind the second projection unit 350b.

[0063] Virtual image display device 300 is configured so that image light L1 generated by image display unit 310 enters first projection unit 350a, image light L1 emitted from first projection unit 350a enters image correction device 330, corrected image light L1 emitted from image correction device 330 enters second projection unit 350b, and corrected image light L1 emitted from second projection unit 350b enters eyepiece unit 360. Corrected image light L1 incident on eyepiece unit 360 passes through eyepiece unit 360, is deflected by eyepiece unit 360, and is superimposed with external light L11. The corrected image light L1 is projected onto eye 250 of wearer Us11 and forms an image on the retina of wearer Us11. As a result, the wearer Us11 can see a scene in real space whose vision has been corrected by passing external light L11 (through lenses 381 of glasses 380) and a virtual image created by corrected image light L1 that overlaps with the scene in real space.

[0064] <Effects> As described above, the virtual image display device 300 according to the third embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0065] <<Fourth Embodiment>> A virtual image display device 300 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in Fig. 13, the virtual image display device 300 includes an image display unit 310, an image control unit 320, an image correction device 330, and an optical system 1300. The optical system 1300 has the functions of a projection unit 350 and an eyepiece unit 360. The virtual image display device 300 is, for example, a non-transmissive head-mounted display.

[0066] Virtual image display device 300 operates as follows. Image light L1 is generated in image display unit 310. Image light L1 passes through image correction device 330, which corrects image light L1 to correspond to the uncorrected visual acuity (naked eye visual acuity) of wearer Us11, and the corrected image light L1 (corrected image light L1) passes through optical system 1300 and is projected onto eye 250 of wearer Us11, where it is formed on the retina of wearer Us11. As a result, wearer Us11 can see a virtual image generated by corrected image light L1.

[0067] <Effects> The virtual image display device 300 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can correct eyesight, enabling miniaturization and a wide angle of view. The virtual image display device 300 according to the fourth embodiment can provide a wearer Us11 with a vision-corrected virtual image. The virtual image display device 300 according to the fourth embodiment projects corrected image light L1, similar to a virtual image transmitted through eyeglasses, from the virtual image display device 300 toward the pupil of the wearer Us11, allowing the wearer Us11 to recognize a clear virtual image without wearing eyeglasses. That is, the conventional virtual image display device 11 shown in FIG. 14 requires the conventional virtual image display device 11 to be worn on the outside of eyeglasses 240. In contrast, the virtual image display device 300 according to the fourth embodiment allows a wearer Us11 with poor eyesight to view a clear virtual image without the need to wear eyeglasses 240. Furthermore, the conventional virtual image display device 12 shown in FIG. 15 requires only the eyeglass lens 240a to be attached to the conventional virtual image display device 12 using a dedicated attachment (an eyeglass lens attachment frame) or the like. In contrast, the virtual image display device 300 according to the fourth embodiment allows a wearer Us11 with poor eyesight to see a clear virtual image without the need for a frame for mounting eyeglass lenses.

[0068] <<Fifth Embodiment>> A virtual image display device 300 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The virtual image display device 300 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention differs from the virtual image display device 300 according to the fourth embodiment in the arrangement and configuration of the optical system 1300 and the image correction device 330.

[0069] The following description will focus on this difference.

[0070] As shown in Figure 16, in the virtual image display device 300 of the fifth embodiment, if the light incident side of the optical system is expressed as the front and the light exit side as the back, an optical system 1300 is arranged downstream of the image display unit 310, and an image correction device 330 is arranged downstream of the optical system 1300.

[0071] In virtual image display device 300, image light L1 generated by image display unit 310 is incident on optical system 1300, image light L1 emitted from optical system 1300 is incident on image correction device 330, and corrected image light L1 emitted from image correction device 330 is projected onto eye 250 of wearer Us11 and forms an image on the retina of wearer Us11. This allows wearer Us11 to see a virtual image created by corrected image light L1.

[0072] <Effects> As described above, the virtual image display device 300 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention has the same effects as the fourth embodiment.

[0073] <<Sixth Embodiment>> A virtual image display device 300 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The virtual image display device 300 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention differs from the virtual image display device 300 according to the fourth embodiment in that it includes an eyepiece unit 360 and in the arrangement of a projection unit 350 and an image correction device 330.

[0074] The following description will focus on this difference.

[0075] As shown in Figure 17, in the virtual image display device 300 of the sixth embodiment, if the light incident side in the optical system is expressed as the front and the light exit side as the back, a projection unit 350 is arranged after the image display unit 310, an image correction device 330 is arranged after the projection unit 350, and an eyepiece unit 360 is arranged after the image correction device 330.

[0076] In virtual image display device 300, image light L1 generated by image display unit 310 is incident on projection unit 350, image light L1 emitted from projection unit 350 is incident on image correction device 330, corrected image light L1 emitted from image correction device 330 is incident on eyepiece 360, corrected image light L1 emitted from eyepiece 360 ​​is projected onto eye 250 of wearer Us11 and forms an image on the retina of wearer Us11. This allows wearer Us11 to see a virtual image created by corrected image light L1.

[0077] <Effects> As described above, the virtual image display device 300 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention has the same effects as the fourth embodiment.

[0078] <<Modifications>> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be adopted within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the eyepiece unit 360 or a part of the eyepiece unit 360 and the projection unit 350 or a part of the projection unit 350 may be integrated.

[0080] In the second embodiment, the image display unit 310 and the projection unit 350 or a part of the projection unit 350 may be integrated.

[0081] In the third embodiment, eyepiece unit 360 or a part of eyepiece unit 360 may be integrated with second projection unit 350b or a part of second projection unit 350b. In the third embodiment, image display unit 310 may be integrated with first projection unit 350a or a part of first projection unit 350a.

[0082] In each of the above embodiments, an optical component with a variable refractive power (distribution of refractive power (refractive index)) is used as image correction device 330, but an optical component with a fixed refractive power (distribution of refractive power (refractive index)) may also be used. An example of an optical component with a fixed refractive power is a lens. In this case, because the eyesight of each wearer Us11 differs and is not always constant even within an individual, image correction device 330 is configured to allow replacement of lenses or other optical components with a fixed refractive power (distribution of refractive power (refractive index)) depending on the wearer Us11 and their visual acuity condition.

[0083] In each of the above embodiments, when the wearer Us11 is wearing glasses 380, the power of the glasses 380 worn by the wearer Us11 may be automatically detected, and the setting value of the image correction device 330 may be calculated and set based on the detected power of the glasses 380.

[0084] In each of the above embodiments, the wearer Us11 may search for settings that will produce an image that is easy for the wearer Us11 to see by switching between settings, similar to an examination to determine the power of existing eyeglasses 380, thereby determining the optimal power of eyeglasses 380 and setting values ​​for image correction device 330 without using a dedicated examination machine.

[0085] In each of the above embodiments, the eyesight of the wearer Us11 may be detected, and the setting values ​​of image correction device 330 may be automatically calculated and set based on the detection results of the eyesight. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 300... Virtual image display device, 310... Image display unit, 320... Image control unit, 330... Image correction device for uncorrected vision, 350... Projection unit, 360... Eyepiece unit, glasses... 380

Claims

1. a video display device that displays a video; an image correction device that corrects the image to an image suitable for the wearer's uncorrected vision; a light guide optical system that guides output light from the image correction device to the wearer's eyes as a virtual image and transmits at least a portion of external light; A virtual image display device comprising:

2. 2. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, When the wearer wears the eyeglasses, at least a part of the light guiding optical system is disposed between the wearer's eyes and the lenses of the eyeglasses. Virtual image display device.

3. 2. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, The image correction device is disposed between the light guiding optical system and the image display device, or within the light guiding optical system. Virtual image display device.

4. 2. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, the light-guiding optical system includes a lens and a light-guiding member that transmits the external light, The lens is disposed on the output side of the image correction device. Virtual image display device.

5. 2. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, the light-guiding optical system includes a lens and a light-guiding member that transmits the external light, The lens is disposed on the incident side of the image correction device. Virtual image display device.

6. 2. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, the light-guiding optical system includes two or more lenses and a light-guiding member that transmits the external light, The lenses are arranged on the incident side and the exit side of the image correction device. Virtual image display device.

7. 3. The virtual image display device according to claim 2, A glasses fixing part is provided, When the wearer wears the eyeglasses, the eyeglasses are fixed to the eyeglass fixing part. Virtual image display device.

8. 3. The virtual image display device according to claim 2, A fixing portion is provided, When the wearer wears the eyeglasses and the helmet or the hat, the helmet or the hat is fixed to the fixing portion. Virtual image display device.

9. 2. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, The image correction device is configured with an optical member that can change the refractive power of each of a plurality of divided regions. Virtual image display device.

10. 10. The virtual image display device according to claim 9, The optical member is composed of a region-divided transmissive liquid crystal member or a lens with a refractive index adjustable by liquid crystal. Virtual image display device.

11. 2. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, a correction amount adjustment unit that adjusts the correction amount of the image correction device; Virtual image display device.

12. The virtual image display device according to claim 11, an operation device that is operated to input information to the correction amount adjustment unit, the correction amount adjustment unit adjusts the correction amount based on information input to the operation device. Virtual image display device.

13. a video display device that displays a video; an image correction device that corrects the image to suit the wearer's uncorrected visual acuity; a light guiding optical system for guiding output light from the image correction device to the wearer's eye as a virtual image; a correction amount adjustment unit that adjusts the correction amount of the image correction device; Equipped with Virtual image display device.

14. The virtual image display device according to claim 13, an operation device that is operated to input information to the correction amount adjustment unit, the correction amount adjustment unit adjusts the correction amount based on information input to the operation device. Virtual image display device.

15. a video display device that displays a video; an image correction device that corrects the image to an image suitable for the wearer's uncorrected vision; a light guide optical system that guides output light from the image correction device to the wearer's eyes as a virtual image and transmits external light; A virtual image display method applied to a wearer of a virtual image display device comprising: When the wearer is wearing the eyeglasses, at least a part of the light guiding optical system is disposed between the wearer's eyes and the lenses of the eyeglasses, A virtual image display method in which the image correction device corrects the image to one suitable for the wearer's uncorrected vision, the light-guiding optical system superimposes the corrected output light from the image correction device on the external light that has passed through the lenses of the glasses and been corrected to an image suitable for the vision, and the corrected output light and the corrected external light are projected onto the eye.

Images