Image display device and contact lens-type device

Abstract

Provided is an image display device capable of displaying images without being affected by the presence or absence of a change in the positional relationship between a light projection device and a pupil, and by the degree of that change.　The present technology provides an image display device comprising: a light projection device that projects light toward an observer; and a contact lens-type device that is separated from the light projection device and projects the light from the light projection device onto the observer's pupil. The light projection device has an angle adjustment unit that adjusts the emission angle of light from a scanning unit according to the positional relationship between the light projection device and the contact lens-type device and / or the pupil.

Description

Image display device and contact lens type device

[0001] The technology according to the present disclosure (hereinafter also referred to as "the technology") relates to an image display device and a contact lens type device.

[0002] Conventionally, a technique has been developed in which laser light is scanned two-dimensionally to project image light directly onto the retina of the eye.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses technology relating to "a beam scanning display device that displays an image by scanning a beam onto a user's retina, the beam scanning display device comprising: a housing that houses a light source that outputs a beam that renders each pixel that constitutes an image, and a scanning unit that scans the beam from the light source in two dimensions; and a contact lens that is separate from the housing and has a deflection unit that deflects the beam scanned by the scanning unit in a direction toward the retina of the eye of the user wearing the housing."

[0004] International Publication No. 2009 / 066446

[0005] In the beam scanning display device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the housing that houses the scanning unit is fixed to the viewer's head, so there is no risk of the positional relationship between the housing and the pupil changing significantly.

[0006] On the other hand, in a configuration in which the positional relationship between the housing and the pupil changes significantly, if this positional relationship changes significantly, it may not be possible to follow this change, and the image may not be observable.

[0007] Therefore, a main object of the present technology is to provide an image display device or the like that can display an image without being affected by the presence or absence of a change in the positional relationship between the light projection device and the pupil and the degree of the change.

[0008] The present technology provides an image display device including: a light projection device that projects light toward an observer; and a contact lens-type device that is separate from the light projection device and projects the light from the light projection device onto the observer's pupil, wherein the light projection device has an angle adjustment unit that adjusts the emission angle of the light projected onto the contact lens-type device depending on a positional relationship between the light projection device and the contact lens-type device, the pupil, or both. The light projection device may be fixed to the observer's hand. The image display device may display a virtual image around the light projection device when the light projection device is held in front of the observer's eye and light from the light projection device is projected onto the observer's pupil. The image display device may further include a detection unit that detects a positional relationship between the light projection device and the contact lens-type device, the pupil, or both. The detection unit may detect the positional relationship using a triangulation method or a ToF method. The contact lens type device may include a detected portion, and the detection portion may detect the position of the detected portion. The image display device may further include a focus adjustment portion that adjusts focus based on a distance between the light projection device and the contact lens type device. The image display device may further include an image correction portion that corrects a displayed virtual image based on a positional relationship between the light projection device and the contact lens type device, the pupil, or both. The image display device may form a focal point between the center of the eyeball and the crystalline lens. The image display device may further include a scanning portion that scans light from a light source. The light projected onto the contact lens type device may be laser light. The contact lens type device may include a deflection portion that deflects light from the light projection device toward the observer's pupil. The deflection portion may be a holographic optical element. The contact lens type device may have a self-alignment function.The present technology also provides a contact lens type device that is placed on an eyeball of an observer and projects light from a light projection device onto the pupil of the observer, wherein the light projection device is separate from the contact lens type device and has an angle adjustment unit that adjusts the emission angle of light projected onto the contact lens type device depending on the positional relationship between the light projection device and the contact lens type device, the pupil, or both.

[0009] According to the present technology, an image can be displayed regardless of whether or not there is a change in the positional relationship between the light projection device and the eye, and the degree of change. Note that the effects described herein are not necessarily limited to those described herein, and may be any of the effects described in this disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an image display device 10 according to an embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image display device 10 according to an embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing how a contact lens type device 2 according to an embodiment of the present technology deflects light to a pupil. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a configuration example of a contact lens type device 2 according to an embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a light projection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a light projection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for implementing the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below shows an example of a typical embodiment of the present technology, and does not limit the scope of the present technology. In addition, the present technology can be combined with any of the following examples and their modifications.

[0012] In the following description of the embodiments, configurations may be described using terms including "approximately," such as "approximately parallel" and "approximately perpendicular." For example, "approximately parallel" does not only mean completely parallel, but also means substantially parallel, i.e., including a state where the orientation is deviated from the completely parallel state by, for example, a few percent. The same applies to other terms including "approximately." Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an accurate depiction. The scale of the drawings has been exaggerated to make the features of the technology easier to understand. Therefore, it should be noted that the scale of the drawings and the scale of the actual device are not necessarily the same.

[0013] Unless otherwise specified, in the drawings, "top" means the top or upper side in the drawing, "bottom" means the bottom or lower side in the drawing, "left" means the left or left side in the drawing, and "right" means the right or right side in the drawing. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or equivalent elements or members are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0014] The description will be given in the following order: 1. First embodiment of the present technology (example 1 of image display device) (1) Overall configuration (2) Light projection device (3) Contact lens type device 2. Second embodiment of the present technology (example 2 of image display device) 3. Third embodiment of the present technology (example 3 of image display device) 4. Fourth embodiment of the present technology (example of contact lens type device)

[0015] [1. First Embodiment of the Present Technology (Example 1 of Image Display Device)] [(1) Overall Configuration] The present technology provides an image display device including: a light projection device that projects light toward a viewer; and a contact lens type device that is separate from the light projection device and projects the light from the light projection device onto a pupil of the viewer, wherein the light projection device has an angle adjustment unit that adjusts an emission angle of the light projected onto the contact lens type device depending on a positional relationship between the light projection device and the contact lens type device, the pupil, or both.

[0016] An example of the configuration of an image display device according to an embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image display device 10 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image display device 10 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0017] 1, an image display device 10 includes an optical projection device 1 and a contact lens type device 2. The optical projection device 1 and the contact lens type device 2 are configured to be physically and electrically separated from each other.

[0018] The light projection device 1 projects light toward the observer. The contact lens type device 2 projects the light from the light projection device 1 onto the observer's pupil 52. When the light projected onto the pupil 52 is projected onto the retina 53, photoreceptor cells inside the retina 53 detect the light and convert it into neural signals. These neural signals are sent to the brain via the optic nerve, and the brain interprets the signals to recognize the scenery and objects we are seeing. In this way, the observer can observe a virtual image 3 generated by AR (Augmented Reality) technology.

[0019] The eyepiece device is a contact lens-type device rather than a glasses-type device. Glasses-type devices must be adjusted to fit the shape of each individual's face, and the position of the device will shift over time. On the other hand, contact lens-type devices do not require this, and can provide a comfortable fit and comfort to everyone. As long as the shape of the contact lens-type device conforms to the shape of the eyeball, the device will not shift over time.

[0020] Furthermore, contact lens devices are placed directly on the eyeball, allowing light to be projected more directly onto the pupil, whereas eyeglasses can have limitations on light transmission due to the thickness of the frame and lenses.

[0021] Furthermore, when the eyepiece device is, for example, a glasses-type device, the distance between the optical system of the glasses-type device and the pupil is large, making it easy to lose the image. On the other hand, with this technology, the distance between the optical system of the contact lens-type device and the pupil is extremely small, making it difficult to lose the image.

[0022] The light projection device 1 is not mounted on the viewer's head, but can be fixed to the viewer's hand 4, for example.

[0023] Head-mounted devices can obstruct the field of view, making it difficult to grasp the surroundings, while hand-mounted devices do not obstruct the field of view, allowing users to perform tasks and movements while remaining aware of their surroundings.

[0024] Many users are concerned about the weight and wearing comfort of head-worn devices, which cover the entire head. On the other hand, hand-mounted devices are lighter in weight and feel less tiring to wear for long periods of time.

[0025] Furthermore, hand-mounted devices can display images tailored to the task or activity, improving the efficiency of the task or activity. Head-mounted devices require the virtual image to be displayed at all times, making it difficult to hide the virtual image. On the other hand, hand-mounted devices allow the user to easily display or hide the virtual image by simply adjusting the position of the hand.

[0026] Furthermore, when the light projection device 1 is fixed to the hand, the observer's line of sight can be limited because the observer must look at the light projection device 1 like a wristwatch, which makes it easier to detect the positions of the contact lens type device 2 and the pupil.

[0027] The light projection device 1 fixed to the hand does not have to be in the form of a wristwatch worn on the hand, but may be in the form of a mobile terminal held in the hand, for example. Fixing includes, for example, wearing and holding.

[0028] The light projection device 1 may be in a form that is not fixed to the hand. The light projection device 1 may be installed in a specific location, such as a station, an airport, or a commercial facility, and used as digital signage. Alternatively, the light projection device 1 placed on a table in a room may display subtitles as virtual images synchronized with the television image.

[0029] The operation of the image display device 10 will now be described. The light projection device 1 fixed to the hand 4 is held up in front of the observer's eyes, and light from the light projection device 1 is projected onto the observer's pupils. The image display device 10 then displays a virtual image 3 around the light projection device 1. In this example, the virtual image 3 is displayed above the light projection device 1 as seen by the observer. Displaying the virtual image 3 at this position makes it easy to align the virtual image 3 with the real world, enabling the expansion of the functionality of the light projection device 1. For example, it becomes possible to enlarge the screen 17 mounted on the light projection device 1 and display it as the virtual image 3, or to display navigation linked to the GPS function mounted on the light projection device 1 on the virtual image 3.

[0030] The display position of the virtual image 3 is not particularly limited, and for example, the virtual image 3 may be displayed to the left or right or below the light projection device 1. Alternatively, the virtual image 3 may be displayed superimposed on the screen 17 mounted on the light projection device 1.

[0031] When the virtual image 3 is displayed above the light projection device 1, a preferred display position of the virtual image 3 will be described below. It is preferable to display the center of the virtual image 3 below the horizontal line with the ground. If the center of the virtual image 3 is displayed above the horizontal line with the ground (especially at an angle of 25 degrees or more above the horizontal line), the head will bend upward, making it difficult to align the virtual image 3 with the real world.

[0032] The light projection device 1 is disposed below the horizontal line with respect to the ground. When the virtual image 3 is displayed above the light projection device 1, it is preferable to display the center of the virtual image 3 in the range from the horizontal line with respect to the ground to a line segment connecting the center of the observer's pupil 52 and the center of the light projection device 1. Displaying the center of the virtual image 3 at this position makes it easier to align the virtual image 3 with the real world. In particular, it is preferable to display the center of the virtual image 3 in the range from a line segment tilted 15 degrees downward from the horizontal line with the ground to a line segment connecting the center of the observer's pupil 52 and the center of the light projection device 1. Displaying the center of the virtual image 3 at a position tilted 15 degrees downward from the horizontal line with the ground allows the observer to view the virtual image 3 without strain.

[0033] When the virtual image 3 is displayed below the light projection device 1, it is preferable to display the center of the virtual image 3 above a line segment tilted 30 degrees downward from the horizontal to the ground.

[0034] The light projection device 1 can display the virtual image 3 in front of the observer's line of sight. For example, when the observer looks at the light projection device 1, a detection unit (described later) included in the light projection device 1 detects the position of the contact lens type device 2, the pupil 52, or both. When the observer then moves his or her line of sight, the light projection device 1 can display the virtual image 3 in front of the observer's line of sight.

[0035] [(2) Optical Projection Device] An example of the configuration of the optical projection device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the optical projection device 1 includes at least a projection optical system 11, a light source 12, and a control unit 13.

[0036] The projection optical system 11 projects light toward the viewer and includes a scanning unit 111 and an angle adjusting unit 112.

[0037] The scanning unit 111 scans the light from the light source 12. For example, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror or a digital mirror device (DMD) can be used as the scanning unit 111. The MEMS mirror scans the light from the light source 12 by changing the angle of the mirror using an electric signal. The digital mirror device is a MEMS device in which many tiny movable mirrors are arranged on an integrated circuit substrate.

[0038] The angle adjustment unit 112 adjusts the emission angle of the light from the scanning unit 111 and emits the light toward the observer's pupil 52. As the angle adjustment unit 112, for example, a mirror, a lens, a prism, a diffraction grating, a metamaterial, or the like can be used.

[0039] The method for driving the angle adjustment unit 112 may be, for example, a gimbal method or a galvano method.

[0040] The gimbal-type angle adjustment unit 112 may be, for example, a gimbal mirror or a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) mirror. A gimbal mirror is a mirror that can rotate on two axes. A MEMS mirror is a mirror with a fine mechanical structure that can be minutely vibrated and rotated using an electrical signal. This allows the emitted light to be scanned and an image to be formed.

[0041] The galvanometer-type angle adjustment unit 112 may be, for example, a galvanometer. A galvanometer is a device that scans emitted light by minutely vibrating a mirror using an electric signal. By controlling the position of the mirror, the direction of the light can be changed, allowing the emitted light to be scanned.

[0042] In this configuration example, the light from the scanning unit 111 is projected onto the pupil via the angle adjustment unit 112, but this order is not limited to this. For example, the light from the angle adjustment unit 112 may be projected onto the pupil via the scanning unit 111.

[0043] The control unit 13 has a light source control unit 131, a scan control unit 132, and an angle control unit 133. The light source control unit 131 controls the light emission of the light source 12 based on image data. The scan control unit 132 controls the scanning direction and scanning timing of the scanning unit 111 based on the image data. The control unit 13 can be, for example, a microcontroller, a driver integrated circuit (IC), a signal generation circuit, or the like.

[0044] The angle control unit 133 controls the angle of the angle adjustment unit 112 included in the projection optical system 11. Specifically, the angle control unit 133 controls the angle of the angle adjustment unit 112 depending on the positional relationship between the light projection device 1 and the contact lens type device 2 or the pupil 52, or both. This positional relationship can be detected by the detection unit 14, which will be described later.

[0045] If the change in pupil position were tracked solely by controlling the scanning unit 111, it would be difficult to track over a wide range. To address this issue, for example, the image could be divided into multiple regions, and the displayed region could be changed depending on the pupil position. This would make it possible to change the apparent irradiation position. However, with this method, the wider the tracking range, the fewer the number of pixels that make up the image, and the lower the resolution. As a result, the tracking range would inevitably become narrower.

[0046] Alternatively, as another solution, the scanning unit 111 can be mounted on a driving unit such as a gimbal mechanism to widen the light emission range of the scanning unit 111. However, this method requires torque to drive the driving unit, which increases the size of the driving unit. Furthermore, the optical system changes in real time, which degrades the image.

[0047] Therefore, the image display device 10 according to this embodiment is provided with an angle adjustment unit 112. Therefore, even if the positional relationship between the light projection device 1 and the pupil (eyeball) changes significantly, the change can be detected and tracked. In other words, the image display device 10 can display an image without being affected by the presence or absence of a change in the positional relationship between the light projection device 1 and the pupil and the degree of the change. The image display device 10 can display high-resolution images over a wide area. This effect is similarly achieved in other embodiments described below. Therefore, repeated description may be omitted in the description of other embodiments.

[0048] The light projection device 1 further includes a detection unit 14. The detection unit 14 detects the positional relationship between the light projection device 1 and the contact lens type device 2 or the pupil 52, or both. This positional relationship includes distance and direction.

[0049] The detection unit 14 detects this positional relationship using a triangulation method or a ToF (Time of Flight) method. For example, when the detection unit 14 has a stereo camera, the detection unit 14 detects this positional relationship using a triangulation method. For example, when the detection unit 14 has a ToF sensor, the detection unit 14 detects this positional relationship using a ToF method. The ToF method is a technology for measuring distance using the time of flight of a signal. A signal such as a laser or ultrasound is irradiated onto the target, and the distance to the target is calculated by measuring the time it takes for the reflected signal to return.

[0050] Alternatively, the detector 14 may detect this positional relationship using eye tracking technology based on a video processing method or an infrared method. The video processing method calculates the position of the pupil by detecting, for example, the outline of the pupil from an image captured by a camera. The infrared method calculates the position of the pupil by detecting, for example, the pupil from an image captured by an infrared camera.

[0051] The light projected onto the contact lens type device 2 is preferably laser light. In other words, the image display device 10 is preferably a laser beam scanning (LBS) type. The laser scanning type image display device 10 displays an image by scanning laser light. Because laser light has high coherency and a narrow wavelength range, an optical system can be realized that narrows the spot on the retina even when the distance between the light projection device 1 and the observer is large. This allows high resolution to be maintained. Furthermore, because laser light is less likely to diffuse, it is possible to display clear images with less image distortion even at long distances. Furthermore, because laser light has high light brightness and consistent wavelength characteristics, it is suitable for projecting clear, bright images onto the retina. Laser light has advantages such as a high contrast ratio, a wide color gamut, and high resolution.

[0052] [(3) Contact Lens Type Device] The contact lens type device can guide only the projected light from the light projection device 1 to the retina by using wavelength-selective diffraction and focusing functions, thereby allowing the observer to observe the virtual image 3.

[0053] This will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing how the contact lens type device 2 according to an embodiment of the present technology deflects light toward the pupil.

[0054] 3, a light beam 61 from a light projection device (not shown) is diffracted and focused by the contact lens type device 2 and projected onto the pupil 52. The light beam 61 projected onto the pupil 52 forms a focused point 62 and is projected onto the retina 53.

[0055] In a typical Maxwellian direct-image-type retinal image display device, the lens of the eyeglass device forms a focal point at the position of the pupil 52. In contrast, in this embodiment, the contact lens device 2 is placed directly on the surface of the eyeball 5, making it impossible to ensure a sufficient distance between the contact lens device 2 and the crystalline lens 51. Therefore, the image display device 10 does not form a focal point on the pupil 52, but forms a focal point 62 between the center 54 of the eyeball and the crystalline lens 51. This allows the contact lens device 2 worn on the surface of the eyeball 5 to appropriately project light onto the retina 53. The image display device 10 can display an image without being affected by the presence or absence of a change in the positional relationship between the light projection device 1 and the pupil, and the degree of change. The angle of view and resolution of a virtual image (not shown) vary depending on the position of the focal point 62.

[0056] Furthermore, a typical retinal direct imaging type image display device based on Maxwellian vision forms a light condensing point 62 on the crystalline lens 51. As a result, the angle of view (the range where light is irradiated onto the retina) becomes too wide, making it difficult to observe a high-resolution virtual image.

[0057] On the other hand, according to the present technology, a focal point 62 is formed between the center 54 of the eyeball and the crystalline lens 51. Although the angle of view is narrower than that of a typical retinal direct imaging type image display device based on Maxwellian vision, it is possible to observe a high-resolution virtual image.

[0058] The configuration of the contact lens type device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the contact lens type device 2 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0059] 4, a deflection section 21 is formed in the contact lens type device 2. The deflection section 21 may be formed on the surface where light is incident, or on the surface facing the eyeball. Alternatively, the deflection section 21 may be embedded inside the contact lens type device 2.

[0060] The deflection unit 21 deflects light from the light projection device 1 toward the viewer's pupil 52 by utilizing wavelength-selective diffraction and focusing functions. The deflection unit 21 is preferably a holographic optical element. Holographic optical elements can be made compact and lightweight, and can be manufactured at low cost. Of the light of each wavelength incident on the holographic optical element, only light of a specific wavelength coming from a specific direction interferes with each other due to interference fringes formed on the holographic optical element, resulting in diffracting or focusing in a specific direction. In this exemplary configuration, the deflection unit 21 is configured by stacking a group of diffraction hologram films 211 that diffracts light and a group of focusing hologram films 212 that focus light. The elements constituting the deflection unit 21 are not limited to holographic optical elements and may be, for example, diffractive optical elements.

[0061] The contact lens type device 2 preferably has a self-alignment function. The self-alignment function is a function in which the contact lens type device 2 itself adjusts the appropriate wearing position of the contact lens type device 2. Although the position and angle of the contact lens type device 2 may shift due to blinking or eye movement, the self-alignment function allows the contact lens type device 2 to be worn at the appropriate position and angle. Wearing the contact lens type device 2 at the appropriate position and angle allows the light from the light projection device 1 to be appropriately diffracted and focused, and projected toward the observer's pupil 52.

[0062] As an example of a configuration having a self-alignment function, it is preferable that the surface of the contact lens type device 2 has a shape that conforms to the surface of the eyeball, so that the center position of the pupil coincides with the center position of the contact lens type device 2. This allows light from the light projection device 1 to be projected toward the pupil 52 of the observer.

[0063] It is also preferable that the contact lens type device 2 does not rotate in a circumferential direction around its center as an axis. Because the eyeball is constantly moving, the contact lens type device 2 may rotate slightly. If the contact lens type device 2 rotates, the image may be distorted or the diffraction angle may be shifted, making it dark, and therefore, a correct image may not be obtained.

[0064] An example of a configuration for suppressing rotation in the circumferential direction of the contact lens type device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are front views showing an example of a configuration of the contact lens type device 2 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 5, a weight portion 21 is provided at the bottom of the contact lens type device 2. This moves the center of gravity downward. When the contact lens type device 2 tries to rotate, the center of gravity generates a force acting in the opposite direction to the rotation direction. This force suppresses the rotation of the contact lens type device 2.

[0066] 6, a groove 23 extending from the upper eyelid toward the lower eyelid is formed in the contact lens type device 2. Tears secreted from the lacrimal gland located deep inside the upper eyelid pass through this groove 23 and move to the lower eyelid. The formation of this groove 23 prevents the contact lens type device 2 from rotating.

[0067] Note that the configuration having the self-alignment function is not limited to these. For example, the thickness of the contact lens type device 2 may vary depending on the position.

[0068] The contact lens type device 2 may include a detectable portion 24. The detectable portion 24 may be colored like a marker, may have light reflection characteristics different from those of other portions, or may be an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

[0069] The detection unit 14 can detect the position of this detection target portion 24. For example, if the detection target portion 24 is given a specific color, the detection unit 14 can identify this color and detect the position of the detection target portion 24.

[0070] Each contact lens type device 2 is assigned unique identification information, and this identification information may be associated with specification information of the contact lens type device. This specification information may include, for example, material, curvature, diameter, light transmittance, diffraction angle, and manufacturing date. This associated information may be stored in the light projection device 1 as, for example, a database. By referencing this associated information, the light projection device 1 can project light appropriate for each contact lens type device.

[0071] The above description of the image display device according to the first embodiment of the present technology can be applied to other embodiments of the present technology unless there is a particular technical contradiction.

[0072] [2. Second Embodiment of the Present Technology (Example 2 of Image Display Device)] When the distance between the light projection device 1 and the eyeball changes, the virtual image may become out of focus and unclear. Therefore, it is preferable that the image display device further includes a focus adjustment unit that adjusts the focus based on the distance between the light projection device 1 and the contact lens type device 2. This allows a clear virtual image to be stably observed.

[0073] This will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a light projection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0074] 7, the light projection device 1 further includes a focus adjustment unit 15. The focus adjustment unit 15 adjusts the beam diameter of each light beam and adjusts the focus by driving lenses and the like of the projection optical system 11 based on the distance between the light projection device 1 and the contact lens type device 2. The distance between the light projection device 1 and the contact lens type device 2 can be acquired by the detection unit 14.

[0075] The above description of the image display device according to the second embodiment of the present technology can be applied to other embodiments of the present technology unless there is a particular technical contradiction.

[0076] 3. Third Embodiment of the Present Technology (Example 3 of Image Display Device) If the angle of incidence of light on the contact lens type device 2 is shifted, the light will not be projected correctly onto the center of the retina, which may result in a shift in the size or position of the virtual image 3 or distortion of the virtual image 3.

[0077] Therefore, it is preferable to further include an image correction unit that corrects the virtual image to be displayed based on the positional relationship between the light projection device 1 and the contact lens type device 2 or the pupil 52 or both.

[0078] This will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a light projection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 8 , the light projection device 1 further includes an image correction unit 16. The image correction unit 16 corrects the virtual image to be displayed based on the positional relationship between the light projection device 1 and the contact lens type device 2 or the pupil 52, or both. Specifically, the image correction unit 16 calculates the angle of incidence of light onto the contact lens type device 2 in accordance with the amount of change in the pupil, the detected portion, etc., and calculates the changes in size and position, distortion, etc. that occur in the virtual image. Then, based on the calculation results, the size, position, shape, etc. of the virtual image are corrected. This suppresses the changes in size and position, and distortion, making it possible to display a clearer virtual image.

[0080] The above description of the image display device according to the third embodiment of the present technology can be applied to other embodiments of the present technology unless there is a particular technical contradiction.

[0081] [4. Fourth Embodiment of the Present Technology (Example of Contact Lens Type Device)] The present technology provides a contact lens type device that is placed on an eyeball of an observer and projects light from a light projection device onto the pupil of the observer, wherein the light projection device is separate from the contact lens type device and has an angle adjustment unit that adjusts the emission angle of light from the scanning unit depending on the positional relationship between the light projection device and the contact lens type device, the pupil, or both.

[0082] A contact lens type device 2 according to an embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 again.

[0083] 1 , the contact lens type device 2 is placed on the observer's eyeball 5 and projects light from the light projection device 1 onto the observer's pupil 52. The light projection device 1 is separate from the contact lens type device 2.

[0084] 2, the light projection device 1 has a scanning unit 111 that scans light from a light source, and an angle adjusting unit 112 that adjusts the emission angle of the light from the scanning unit 111. The angle adjusting unit 112 adjusts the emission angle of the light depending on the positional relationship between the light projection device 1 and the contact lens type device 2 or the pupil 52, or both.

[0085] The above description of the contact lens type device according to the fourth embodiment of the present technology can be applied to other embodiments of the present technology unless there is a particular technical contradiction.

[0086] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present technology. The specific numerical values, shapes, materials (including compositions), etc. described in each embodiment are merely examples, and the present technology is not limited to these.

[0087] The present technology can also be configured as follows. [1] An image display device comprising: a light projection device that projects light toward a viewer; and a contact lens-type device that is separate from the light projection device and projects the light from the light projection device onto the viewer's pupil, wherein the light projection device has an angle adjustment unit that adjusts the emission angle of the light projected onto the contact lens-type device depending on the positional relationship between the light projection device and the contact lens-type device or the pupil, or both. [2] The image display device according to [1], wherein the light projection device is fixed to the viewer's hand. [3] The image display device according to [2], wherein the light projection device is held in front of the viewer's eye and, when the light from the light projection device is projected onto the viewer's pupil, a virtual image is displayed around the light projection device. [4] The image display device according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising a detection unit that detects the positional relationship between the light projection device and the contact lens-type device or the pupil, or both. [5] The image display device according to [4], wherein the detection unit detects the positional relationship by a triangulation method or a ToF method. [6] The image display device according to [4] or [5], wherein the contact lens type device has a detected portion, and the detection unit detects the position of the detected portion. [7] The image display device according to any one of [1] to [6], further comprising a focus adjustment unit that adjusts focus based on the distance between the light projection device and the contact lens type device. [8] The image display device according to any one of [1] to [7], further comprising an image correction unit that corrects a virtual image to be displayed based on the positional relationship between the light projection device and the contact lens type device or the pupil, or both. [9] The image display device according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein a focal point is formed between the center of the eyeball and the crystalline lens.

[10] The image display device according to any one of [1] to [9], further comprising a scanning unit that scans light from a light source.

[11] The image display device according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the light projected onto the contact lens type device is laser light.

[12] The image display device according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein a deflection unit is formed in the contact lens type device, and the deflection unit deflects the light from the light projection device towards the pupil of the viewer.

[13] The image display device according to

[12] , wherein the deflection unit is a holographic optical element.

[14] The image display device according to any one of [1] to

[13] , wherein the contact lens type device has a self-alignment function.

[15] A contact lens type device that is placed on the eyeball of a viewer and projects light from a light projection device onto the pupil of the viewer, wherein the light projection device, which is separate from the contact lens type device, has an angle adjustment unit that adjusts the emission angle of the light projected onto the contact lens type device depending on the positional relationship between the light projection device and the contact lens type device, the pupil, or both.

[0088] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Image display device 1 Light projection device 11 Projection optical system 111 Scanning unit 112 Angle adjustment unit 12 Light source 13 Control unit 131 Light source control unit 132 Scanning control unit 133 Angle control unit 14 Detection unit 15 Focus adjustment unit 16 Image correction unit 2 Contact lens type device 21 Deflection unit 211 Diffraction hologram film group 212 Light-condensing hologram film group 22 Weight unit 23 Groove unit 24 Detection target unit

Claims

1. An image display device comprising: a light projection device that projects light toward an observer; and a contact lens type device that is separate from the light projection device and projects the light from the light projection device onto the observer's pupil, wherein the light projection device has an angle adjustment section that adjusts the emission angle of the light projected onto the contact lens type device depending on the positional relationship between the light projection device and either the contact lens type device or the pupil or both.

2. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the light projection device is fixed to the viewer's hand.

3. The image display device according to claim 2, wherein when the light projection device is held in front of the observer's eye and light from the light projection device is projected onto the observer's pupil, a virtual image is displayed around the light projection device.

4. The image display device according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit that detects a positional relationship between the light projection device and either the contact lens type device or the pupil, or both.

5. The image display device according to claim 4, wherein the detection unit detects the positional relationship by a triangulation method or a ToF method.

6. The image display device according to claim 4, wherein the contact lens type device has a detectable portion, and the detector detects the position of the detectable portion.

7. The image display device according to claim 1, further comprising a focus adjustment unit that adjusts the focus based on the distance between the light projection device and the contact lens type device.

8. The image display device according to claim 1, further comprising an image correction section that corrects a displayed virtual image based on a positional relationship between the light projection device and either the contact lens type device or the pupil or both.

9. The image display device according to claim 1, which forms a focal point between the center of the eyeball and the crystalline lens.

10. The image display device according to claim 1, further comprising a scanning unit that scans light from the light source.

11. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the light projected onto the contact lens type device is laser light.

12. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein a deflection section is formed in the contact lens type device, and the deflection section deflects the light from the light projection device toward the pupil of the observer.

13. The image display device according to claim 12, wherein the deflection section is a holographic optical element.

14. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the contact lens type device has a self-alignment function.

15. A contact lens type device that is placed on an observer's eyeball and projects light from a light projection device onto the observer's pupil, wherein the light projection device is separate from the contact lens type device and has an angle adjustment section that adjusts the emission angle of light projected onto the contact lens type device depending on the positional relationship between the light projection device and the contact lens type device, the pupil, or both.

Images