projector
The projector design addresses downsizing and power consumption issues by using a self-emissive display element with angularly compensated diffraction elements, enabling compact, high-definition image projection.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-03-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing projectors, particularly those using holograms for television displays, face challenges in downsizing while maintaining high-definition image formation and reducing power consumption.
A projector design incorporating a self-emissive display element emitting multi-colored light, a first diffraction element for diffraction, and a second diffraction element for angular compensation, allowing for miniaturization and high-brightness image projection with reduced power consumption.
The design enables a compact, high-resolution image projection system that conserves power and can be integrated into various devices, such as smartphones and head-mounted displays, while maintaining image quality.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a small projector using a hologram.
Background Art
[0002] In a rear projection display device for television as an application example of a projector, a device using a hologram is known (Patent Document 1).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, although the rear projection display device as one aspect of the projector exemplified in Patent Document 1 uses a hologram to achieve thinning, since it is for television, for example, it includes a screen for projecting an image. Therefore, even if it is a thin television by using a hologram, as a whole device, it is considered desirable to form a large screen. For example, there is no sufficient disclosure regarding downsizing the whole device to a size that can be incorporated into other devices, and further, achieving high-definition image formation while reducing power consumption.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] A projector in one aspect of the present invention comprises a self-emissive display element that emits multi-colored image light having a predetermined wavelength band for each color light, a first diffraction element that diffracts the image light from the display element, and a second diffraction element that emits the image light while performing angular compensation by diffraction for the angular separation of the image light that occurs in accordance with the wavelength band of each color light during diffraction by the first diffraction element. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0006] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the projector of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the occurrence and resolution of angular separation. [Figure 3] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the exposure point in the creation of a holographic element. [Figure 4] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of projector application. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual side cross-sectional view illustrating a projector according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the projector of the third embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the projector of the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0007] [First Embodiment] A projector according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0008] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the projector 100 of this embodiment. State AR1 shows a conceptual side cross-sectional view of the projector 100, and state AR2 shows a conceptual perspective view of how the projector 100 projects onto the screen SC. As shown in state AR1 of Figure 1, the projector 100 comprises a display element 10 and a light guide device 20. The light guide device 20 comprises a first diffraction element 21 and a second diffraction element 22.
[0009] In Figure 1, etc., X, Y, and Z are Cartesian coordinates, and the +Z direction indicates the direction of emission of image light GL from the display element 10 and represents the optical axis direction. The X direction corresponds to the horizontal direction of the display element 10, and the Y direction corresponds to the vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction.
[0010] The display element 10 is a self-emissive display device that forms a color still image or moving image on a two-dimensional display area parallel to the XY plane. The display element 10 can be composed of, for example, organic electroluminescent (OLED), inorganic EL, LED array (micro-LED array), organic LED, laser array, quantum dot light-emitting element, etc. By configuring the display element 10 to emit high-brightness light, a separate light source and a large power supply unit to supply power to the light source are not required, making the projector 100 smaller and lighter overall. As shown in the figure, the display element 10 emits multi-colored image light GL toward the light guide device 20, that is, toward the +Z direction. Here, as an example of a self-emissive display element 10, for example, an organic EL element is used. In this case, the image light GL emitted from the display element 10 has a predetermined wavelength band for each color of light. For more details regarding the wavelength band, please refer to Figure 2 for an example.
[0011] In the light guide device 20, the first diffraction element 21 and the second diffraction element 22 are reflective hologram elements, and the first diffraction element 21 and the second diffraction element 22 are arranged opposite each other as shown in the figure. Here, a volume hologram can be used as the reflective hologram element, but other hologram elements can also be used.
[0012] The first diffraction element 21 diffracts the image light GL from the display element 10. The image light GL, as diffracted light, diffracted by the first diffraction element 21, is directed toward the second diffraction element 22.
[0013] The second diffraction element 22 diffracts the image light GL that has passed through the first diffraction element 21 and emits the image light GL as diffracted light in the second diffraction element 22.
[0014] The image light GL, having passed through the second diffraction element 22, is emitted toward the screen SC, as exemplified in state AR2, to form an image. That is, the image light GL, having passed through the second diffraction element 22, is projected toward the screen SC as projection light from the projector 100.
[0015] In the above example, an air layer is formed between the display element 10, the first diffraction element 21, and the second diffraction element 22.
[0016] As described above, the projector 100 can be made very thin by arranging the plate-shaped, reflective first diffraction element 21 and the second diffraction element 22 opposite each other. In particular, in the above example, the first diffraction element 21 and the second diffraction element 22 of the light guide device 20 are reflective holograms created by simultaneous exposure of three colors of light: red light (R light), green light (G light), and blue light (B light). In other words, the first diffraction element 21 and the second diffraction element 22 each have a single-layer structure (single-piece construction). In the illustrated example, when comparing the first diffraction element 21 and the second diffraction element 22, the first diffraction element 21, located upstream of the optical path, is smaller than the second diffraction element 22, located downstream of the optical path.
[0017] Also, in the above example, when guiding the image light GL by the light guide device 20, it is possible to prevent color separation due to diffraction by the combination of the first diffraction element 21 and the second diffraction element 22. In particular, in the above example, as the display element 10, one that emits image light GL that is multicolor and has a predetermined wavelength band for each color light, such as an organic EL, is adopted. Further, as each of the diffraction elements 21, 22, a volume hologram having a refractive index distribution is adopted. In the case of such a configuration, color separation may occur even for one color light according to the width of the wavelength band. In the present embodiment, by preventing color separation in consideration of such a situation, efficient use of light is achieved.
[0018] Hereinafter, referring to the conceptual diagram shown as FIG. 2, the occurrence and elimination of angular separation in the present embodiment will be described. Here, as an example, the case of green light (G light) will be described as a representative among red light (R light), green light (G light), and blue light (B light). Since the same applies to other color lights, the description thereof will be omitted.
[0019] In FIG. 2, in state BR1, a graph showing the wavelength characteristics of the green light GG included in the image light GL from the display element 10 is shown. In state BR2, for the component of the green light GG in the image light GL, the optical path along the principal ray from the panel center of the display element 10 is shown for each wavelength. In state BR3, a spot diagram on the screen SC is shown for each angular range.
[0020] First, in the graph shown in state BR1, the horizontal axis represents the wavelength (unit: nm), the vertical axis represents the light intensity, and curve C1 represents the wavelength distribution of green light (G light). In curve C1, the peak wavelength is 520 nm, and the range from about ±10 nm with respect to the peak wavelength is the main component band (e.g., full width at half maximum) of green light (G light). Here, the component with a wavelength of 520 nm, which is the peak wavelength, is defined as the first green component GG1, the component with a wavelength of 510 nm (=520 nm - 10 nm) is defined as the second green component GG2, and the component with a wavelength of 530 nm (=520 nm + 10 nm) is defined as the third green component GG3. Regarding these, in state BR2, the optical path of the first green component GG1 is indicated by a dashed line, the optical path of the second green component GG2 is indicated by a dotted line, and the optical path of the third green component GG3 is indicated by a dashed-dotted line. As shown in state BR2, due to a wavelength difference of about ±10 nm with respect to the peak wavelength, angular separation occurs between the first green component GG1 to the third green component GG3 during diffraction by the first diffraction element 21. In contrast, in the second diffraction element 22, compensation is made to eliminate the generated angular separation. That is, after passing through the second diffraction element 22, the first green component GG1 to the third green component GG3 are emitted toward the screen SC in a parallel or almost parallel state.
[0021] Regarding the above, for example, when the positional deviation between the first green component GG1 to the third green component GG3 due to the angular separation generated by the first diffraction element 21 is small, it is also conceivable to adopt a mode of projecting toward the screen SC in a parallel state in the second diffraction element 22. However, there may also be cases where the positional deviation between the first green component GG1 to the third green component GG3 is more than a certain degree. In such cases, after passing through the second diffraction element 22, while making the green light GG in a substantially parallel state, it is conceivable to compensate so as to slightly condense the entire light beam including the first green component GG1 to the third green component GG3. That is, the compensation relationship between the first diffraction element 21 and the second diffraction element 22 can be set to a mode slightly shifted from the complete state.
[0022] Furthermore, while state BR2 shows the optical path along the principal ray from the center of the panel, components from areas other than the center of the panel can also be emitted onto the screen SC with similar compensation. As a result, as shown in state BR3, the divergent light emitted from each pixel constituting the display element 10 is also focused onto the screen SC. Specifically, the spot diagrams SD1 to SD3 shown in state BR3 show, in order, the focused state of the first green component GG1 to the third green component GG3 via the optical path at the lower end of the field of view, the focused state of the first green component GG1 to the third green component GG3 via the optical path at the upper end of the field of view, and the focused state of the first green component GG1 to the third green component GG3 via the optical path at the center of the field of view. By keeping the vertical width HW1 to HW3 and horizontal width WW1 to WW3 of each spot diagram SD1 to SD3 within the desired range, it is possible to form a sufficiently high-resolution image. In the spot diagrams SD1 to SD3 shown in the figure, some of the first green component GG1 to the third green component GG3 that overlap are not visible in the figure even though they exist. For example, the third green component GG3 is also present on the central side of spot diagram SD3. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, it is possible to adjust the angle separation compensation as needed so that the diameter of the spot diagram on screen SC falls within the desired range.
[0023] As described above, the second diffraction element 22 emits the image light GL so as to focus it at a predetermined position (a position on the screen SC).
[0024] The following explanation will describe the fabrication of the hologram elements that will become the first diffraction element 21 and the second diffraction element 22, with reference to the conceptual diagram shown in Figure 3. In particular, the exposure point in the fabrication of these hologram elements will be explained.
[0025] In Figure 3, state CR1 shows the positional relationship between the object-side exposure point OE1 and the reference-side exposure point RE1, where the origin OP1 is the position corresponding to the center of the first diffraction element 21 in the hologram material HM1 that will become the first diffraction element 21. In this case, the coordinates of the object-side exposure point OE1 are assumed to be (0,-3) when the YZ coordinates of the origin OP1 are (0,0), and the coordinates of the reference-side exposure point RE1 are assumed to be (800,-600). Note that one division of the coordinate scale corresponds to a length of 1 mm.
[0026] Similarly, state CR2 indicates the positional relationship between the object-side exposure point OE2 and the reference-side exposure point RE2, where the origin OP2 is the position corresponding to the center of the second diffraction element 22 in the hologram material HM2 that is to become the second diffraction element 22. In this case, the coordinates of the object-side exposure point OE2 are, for example, (-800,600) when the YZ coordinates of the origin OP2 are (0,0), and the coordinates of the reference-side exposure point RE2 are, for example, (0,350).
[0027] The above coordinates may take various values depending on the configuration, but in order for the light guide device 20, composed of the first diffracting element 21 and the second diffracting element 22, to function as a single optical system, each point is set such that, for example, the object-side exposure point OE1 corresponds to the center of the panel of the display element 10, and the reference-side exposure point RE2 corresponds to the center of the imaging position on the screen SC. However, with the above configuration, the relative difference between the distance from the panel position of the display element 10 to the first diffracting element 21 and the distance from the second diffracting element 22 to the projection position on the screen SC tends to be large. Therefore, it is not necessarily required that the diffraction action of the first diffracting element 21 and the second diffracting element 22 be strictly matched, and as described above, some adjustment to the degree of light collection may be made as appropriate in accordance with the positional shift due to angular separation.
[0028] With the above configuration, the projector 100 according to this embodiment can be made extremely thin and compact. For example, the distance L1 in the Z direction from the light emission surface of the display element 10 shown in Figure 1 to the light incident surface of the first diffracting element 21 can be made to about 2 to 3 mm. Therefore, as illustrated in state CR1 of Figure 4, for example, it is possible to further incorporate the projector 100 into a thin portable device MD such as a smartphone equipped with various devices such as a camera CA, and project an image from a window WN provided in the portable device MD. Also, as illustrated in state CR2 of Figure 4, it is possible to easily install the projector 100 in glasses GA worn by an observer or wearer US, and project an image into the real space in front of the observer or wearer US's line of sight. Furthermore, by adding a switching mechanism CH that can project the image projection from the projector 100 onto the glasses lens LG of the glasses GA, the glasses GA can be configured as a head-mounted display. Furthermore, as illustrated in state CR3 of Figure 4, the degree of freedom in installing the projector 100 is increased for the viewer M, making installation easier. The projector 100 can be easily installed on the viewer M's seat CM or ceiling CL, and the viewer M can view the image on the wall surface WA as a screen SC. The seat CM can also be the driver's seat of a car.
[0029] As described above, the projector 100 of this embodiment includes a self-emissive display element 10 that emits multi-colored image light GL having a predetermined wavelength band for each color light, a first diffraction element 21 that diffracts the image light GL from the display element 10, and a second diffraction element 22 that emits the image light GL while correcting the angle separation of the image light GL that occurs in the diffraction of the first diffraction element 21 according to the wavelength band of each color light by diffraction. In the above projector 100, the multi-colored image light GL emitted by the self-emissive display element 10 is guided and emitted by diffraction of the first diffraction element 21 and the second diffraction element 22, thereby enabling miniaturization of the entire device, and in particular, thinning of the device. Furthermore, in the above, the self-emissive display element 10 is one that emits components having a predetermined wavelength band for each color light as image light GL, and even if angle separation occurs in the diffraction of the first diffraction element 21 according to the wavelength band of each color light, this is corrected by diffraction of the second diffraction element 22 while the light is emitted. This enables the emission of high-brightness image light while conserving power. Furthermore, by optimizing the light concentration on the projection surface during image projection, high-resolution image formation is also possible.
[0030] [Second Embodiment] The projector according to the second embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a conceptual side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the projector 100 of this embodiment, and corresponds to the side cross-sectional view shown in state AR1 in Figure 1. As shown in the figure, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the light guide device 20 is provided with a plate-shaped transparent light-transmitting member 23 (whose thickness in the Z direction is distance L1).
[0031] In the projector 100 illustrated in the first embodiment, as shown in state AR1 in Figure 1, for example, an air layer was formed between the display element 10, the first diffraction element 21, and the second diffraction element 22. In contrast, in this embodiment, a light-transmitting member 23 is provided between these elements. That is, the display element 10, the first diffraction element 21, and the second diffraction element 22 are attached to predetermined locations on a plate-shaped light-transmitting member 23 whose thickness is determined by a distance L1 in the Z direction, and the image light GL is guided inside the light-transmitting member 23. To give a more specific example of the manufacturing process of the projector 100, first, the display element 10 is attached to one surface 23a of the transparent plate that will become the light-transmitting member 23. Next, the first diffraction element 21 is attached to the other surface 23b facing surface 23a. Furthermore, the second diffraction element 22 is attached to the upper side (+Y side) of the surface 23a to which the display element 10 is attached. As described above, the transparent plate functions as the light-transmitting member 23 described above. In this case, the light diffracted by the second diffraction element 22 is refracted and emitted from the surface 23b of the light-transmitting member 23 in the area facing the second diffraction element 22.
[0032] In the projector 100 of this embodiment, the image light GL is emitted while performing angle compensation according to the angle separation during diffraction, enabling the emission of high-brightness image light GL while saving power, and further enabling the formation of high-definition images. In addition, in this embodiment, in the light guide device 20, by attaching each part to a thin plate such as the light-transmitting member 23 and positioning it, accurate mounting is possible.
[0033] [Third Embodiment] The projector according to the third embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a conceptual side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the projector 100 of this embodiment, and corresponds to the side cross-sectional view shown in state AR1 in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the structure of the diffraction element differs from that of the first embodiment. More specifically, in this embodiment, the first diffraction element 21 and the second diffraction element 22 each have a three-layer structure (three-layer configuration). That is, the first diffraction element 21 has a blue diffraction element 21b, a red diffraction element 21r, and a green diffraction element 21g, and the second diffraction element 22 has a blue diffraction element 22b, a red diffraction element 22r, and a green diffraction element 22g. In some enlarged views, the structural details of the first diffraction element 21 are conceptually shown, but the second diffraction element 22 has a similar structure to the first diffraction element 21, and detailed illustrations and explanations are omitted.
[0034] The configuration of the first diffraction element 21 will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 6. As shown in the figure, the first diffraction element 21 has a three-layer structure (three-layer configuration) in which a blue diffraction element 21b, a red diffraction element 21r, and a green diffraction element 21g are stacked in the Z direction. That is, the blue diffraction element 21b exhibits diffraction for the blue light (B light) component of the three colors of light having a predetermined wavelength band that constitute the image light GL from the display element 10, while not affecting and transmitting the other colors of light. Similarly, the red diffraction element 21r exhibits diffraction only for the red light (R light) component, and the green diffraction element 21g exhibits diffraction only for the green light (G light) component. By adopting such a configuration, the utilization efficiency for each color of light can be further increased.
[0035] The blue diffraction element 21b, red diffraction element 21r, and green diffraction element 21g, each corresponding to a specific wavelength, have a thickness of approximately 20-40 μm and are attached to light-transmitting resin or glass substrates BSb, BSr, and BSg, respectively. The thickness of the substrates BSb, BSr, and BSg is considered to be approximately 0.3 mm, but a thinner configuration is also possible. The diffraction elements 21b, 21r, and 21g attached to these substrates BSb, BSr, and BSg are fixed with gaps DD1 and DD2 of approximately 50 μm apart. These gaps DD1 and DD2 are ensured by attaching spacers SS to the peripheral parts of each diffraction element 21b, 21r, and 21g that do not exhibit optical activity. By providing these gaps DD1 and DD2, an air layer AL is formed between the layers of the three-layer structure, preventing unintended total internal reflection in the substrate BSb, etc. Furthermore, due to the thickness described above, even if the first diffraction element 21 and the second diffraction element 22 have a three-layer structure, the entire device can maintain a certain degree of thinness in the Z direction.
[0036] In the first diffraction element 21 and the second diffraction element 22 shown in the figure, the diffraction elements for blue light, red light, and green light are arranged in that order from the light incident side, but the order of arrangement is not limited to this and can be in various configurations.
[0037] In the projector 100 of this embodiment, by emitting image light GL while performing angle compensation corresponding to the angle separation during diffraction, it is possible to emit high-brightness image light GL while saving power, and furthermore, high-definition image formation is possible. In addition, in this embodiment, the first diffraction element 21 and the second diffraction element 22 are provided with diffraction elements corresponding to each color of light, that is, they have a three-layer structure corresponding to the blue light (B light) component as the first color light wavelength band, the red light (R light) component as the second color light wavelength band, and the green light (G light) component as the third color light wavelength band of the image light GL, which further improves the efficiency of light utilization. Furthermore, by providing an air layer AL between each layer in the above three-layer structure, the occurrence of unintended total internal reflection of each color of light can be avoided, and image projection can be improved.
[0038] [Fourth Embodiment] The projector according to the fourth embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a conceptual side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the projector 100 of this embodiment, and corresponds to the side cross-sectional view shown in state AR1 in Figure 1. As shown in the figure, this embodiment differs from other embodiments in that the display element 10 projects component light EL of a transmitted wavelength that passes through the first diffraction element 21 toward the screen SC as a component other than the image light GL, and is provided with a light receiving unit RR that receives the reflected light RL from the screen SC of the component light. More specifically, in this embodiment, the first diffraction element 21 does not exhibit diffraction action for components other than the image light GL (components other than visible light in a specific wavelength band), such as ultraviolet light and infrared light, and transmits them. In this case, for example, the component light EL could be made to emit light in the infrared wavelength band from the display element 10, while a light receiving unit RR could be configured using a photodetector or the like that can detect the wavelength band components included in the component light EL, and the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit RR could be separately positioned so that it aligns with the light emission surface of the display element 10. Regarding the component light EL emitted from the display element 10, for example, an infrared light array or the like could be placed inside the panel of the display element 10.
[0039] In this case, by irradiating the component light EL (infrared light) as sensing light in front of the projector 100 (+Z direction), the position of the screen SC and the shape of the projection surface can be detected. In the illustrated example, an optical element OL is provided to focus the reflected light RL, but various types of optical elements such as lenses and diffraction elements can be used for the optical element OL.
[0040] In this embodiment as well, by emitting image light GL while performing angle compensation according to the angle separation during diffraction, it is possible to emit high-brightness image light while saving power, and furthermore, high-resolution image formation is possible. In addition, in this embodiment, the display element 10 emits component light EL of the transmitted wavelength that passes through the first diffraction element 21 in addition to the image light GL, and sensing can be performed by detecting the reflected light RL in the light receiving unit RR that receives the component light EL of the transmitted wavelength. The application of sensing technology is particularly effective in portable devices such as MDs equipped with the projector 100 of this embodiment as exemplified in state CR1 of Figure 4, and it is possible to improve the quality of projected images by portable devices such as MDs.
[0041] [Variations and other variations] Although the present invention has been described in reference to the embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit thereof, for example, the following modifications are also possible.
[0042] In the projectors 100 of each of the above embodiments, the self-emissive display element 10 includes an organic EL element or a micro-LED array, but it is also possible to apply this to a projector using a laser light source instead. For example, if the laser light source is such that errors in the generated wavelength band may occur due to temperature differences, it is conceivable to configure the projector to take this into account and perform diffraction according to the angle separation.
[0043] Furthermore, when configuring the display element 10 using organic EL elements or micro-LED arrays, the direction of the emitted image light GL may be adjusted using a microphone lens array or the like.
[0044] Furthermore, it is possible to combine the embodiments shown in each of the above embodiments as appropriate, within a range that is not contradictory. For example, the configurations exemplified as the third and fourth embodiments may also be configured to include the light-transmitting member 23 exemplified in the second embodiment.
[0045] Furthermore, the projector 100 of each of the above embodiments can also be used to constitute a head-up display.
[0046] In a specific embodiment, the projector comprises a self-emissive display element that emits multi-colored image light having a predetermined wavelength band for each color light, a first diffraction element that diffracts the image light from the display element, and a second diffraction element that emits the image light while performing angular compensation by diffraction for the angular separation of the image light that occurs in accordance with the wavelength band of each color light during diffraction by the first diffraction element.
[0047] In the above projector, the multi-color image light emitted by a self-emissive display element is guided and emitted by diffraction through a first and second diffraction element, thereby enabling miniaturization of the entire device. Furthermore, the above employs a self-emissive display element that emits components with predetermined wavelength bands for each color of light as image light. Even if angular separation occurs during diffraction in the first diffraction element according to the wavelength band of each color of light, this is compensated for by diffraction in the second diffraction element, and the light is emitted. This makes it possible to emit high-brightness image light while saving power. In addition, by optimizing the light concentration state on the projection surface during image projection, high-definition image formation is also possible.
[0048] In specific terms, the second diffraction element emits image light in a way that focuses it at a predetermined position. In this case, it becomes possible to form an image with sufficient accuracy.
[0049] In specific aspects, the display element, first diffraction element, and second diffraction element are attached to a light-transmitting member that guides image light internally. In this case, by attaching and positioning each part, such as the display element, to the light-transmitting member, accurate mounting becomes possible.
[0050] In specific aspects, an air layer is formed between the display element, the first diffraction element, and the second diffraction element. In this case, a simpler configuration can be achieved while avoiding or suppressing unintended total internal reflection during light guidance.
[0051] In specific aspects, the first and second diffraction elements have a single-layer structure. In this case, a simple configuration can be achieved, and the device can be made thinner.
[0052] In specific terms, the first and second diffraction elements have a three-layer structure corresponding to the first, second, and third wavelength bands of the image light, respectively. In this case, diffraction is performed appropriately for each color of light, enabling highly efficient use of light.
[0053] In a specific aspect, an air layer is provided between each layer in the three-layer structure. In this case, unintended total internal reflection can be avoided or suppressed within the first and second diffraction elements.
[0054] In specific aspects, the first and second diffraction elements are composed of volume holograms. In this case, the intended diffraction effect can be accurately produced.
[0055] In specific aspects, the first diffraction element is smaller than the second diffraction element. In this case, the device can be miniaturized.
[0056] In specific aspects, the display element emits light at a transmitted wavelength component that passes through the first diffracting element, in addition to image light, and includes a light-receiving unit that receives the transmitted wavelength component light. In this case, sensing is possible for detecting the position of the screen and determining the shape of the projection surface.
[0057] In specific aspects, the display element includes either an organic EL element or a micro-LED array. In this case, stable light output can be reliably ensured with a simple configuration while reducing power consumption. [Explanation of symbols]
[0058] 10…Display element, 20…Light guide device, 21…First diffraction element, 22…Second diffraction element, 21b…Blue diffraction element, 21g…Green diffraction element, 21r…Red diffraction element, 22b…Blue diffraction element, 22g…Green diffraction element, 22r…Red diffraction element, 23…Light transmitting member, 23a,23b…Surface, 100…Projector, BSb,BSr,BSg…Substrate, C1…Curve, CA…Camera, CH…Switching mechanism, CL…Ceiling, CM…Seating area, DD1,DD2…Spacing, EL…Component light, GA…Glasses, GG…Green Color light, GG1...First green component, GG2...Second green component, GG3...Third green component, GL...Image light, HM1,HM2...Holographic material, HW1-HW3...Vertical width, L1...Distance, LG...Eyeglass lens, M...Viewer, MD...Mobile device, OE1,OE2...Object-side exposure point, OL...Optical element, OP1,OP2...Origin, RE1,RE2...Reference-side exposure point, RL...Reflected light, RR...Light receiving unit, SC...Screen, SD1-SD3...Spot diagram, SS...Spacer, WA...Wall, WN...Window, WW1-WW3...Width
Claims
1. A self-emissive display element that emits image light of multiple colors, each having a predetermined wavelength band, A first diffraction element is positioned opposite the display element to diffract the image light from the display element, A second diffracting element emits the image light while performing angle compensation by diffraction, in order to eliminate the angular separation of the image light that occurs in accordance with the wavelength band of each color of light during diffraction in the first diffracting element. Equipped with, The display element emits, in addition to the image light, component light of a transmitted wavelength that passes through the first diffracting element, A light-receiving unit is positioned on the opposite side of the display element from the second diffracting element, and is arranged alongside the display element to receive component light of the transmitted wavelength, A projector further comprising: an optical element positioned opposite the first diffracting element to the second diffracting element, alongside the first diffracting element, and facing the light-receiving section, for collecting incident light.
2. The projector according to claim 1, wherein the second diffraction element emits the image light so as to focus it at a predetermined position.
3. A projector according to any one of claims 1 and 2, comprising a light-transmitting member to which the display element, the first diffracting element and the second diffracting element are attached, and which guides the image light internally.
4. The projector according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein an air layer is formed between the display element, the first diffraction element and the second diffraction element.
5. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first diffracting element and the second diffracting element have a single-layer structure.
6. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first diffracting element and the second diffracting element have a three-layer structure corresponding to a first color light wavelength band, a second color light wavelength band, and a third color light wavelength band of the image light, respectively.
7. The projector according to claim 6, wherein an air layer is provided between each of the three layers in the aforementioned three-layer structure.
8. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first diffraction element and the second diffraction element are composed of volume holograms.
9. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first diffraction element is smaller than the second diffraction element.
10. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the display element includes either an organic EL element or a micro LED array.
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