Peripheral image display component and wearable image display device

Abstract

The main purpose of the present technology is to provide, in a wearable image display device (HMD), a technology capable of reducing a decrease in image quality due to distortion of an image, a decrease in resolution, or the like which occurs in a region peripheral to the viewing angle of a user. As a result of assiduous research, the present inventors have found that by using an eccentric optical system optical-element in an image display component that displays an image of a peripheral region, with respect to a center region, of the viewing angle of a wearer, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of aberration and supply a large amount of image information, thereby reducing a decrease in image quality due to distortion of an image, a decrease in resolution, or the like in the peripheral region.

Description

Peripheral image display component and wearable image display device

[0001] The present technology relates to a peripheral image display component and a wearable image display device. More specifically, the present technology relates to a peripheral image display component used in a wearable image display device having a display system that displays an image in a central region of a wearer's field of view, and a wearable image display device having the peripheral image display component.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there has been known a technology relating to a head-mounted display (HMD) that combines a technology for displaying virtual images to the eyes of a user (VR: Virtual Reality) with a small display technology, and that is worn on the head to display virtual images.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a head-mounted display device in which one image display corresponds to one eye.

[0004] Special table 2019-505853 publication

[0005] The main purpose of this technology is to provide a technology that can reduce degradation of image quality due to image distortion, reduced resolution, etc. that occurs in peripheral areas of a user's field of view in a wearable image display device (HMD).

[0006] As a result of extensive research, the inventors have discovered that by using an optical element of a decentered optical system in the image display component that displays an image of the peripheral area relative to the central area of ​​the wearer's field of view, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of aberrations and supply a large amount of image information, thereby reducing degradation of image quality due to distortion of the image in the peripheral area, reduced resolution, etc.

[0007] That is, the present technology provides a peripheral image display component for use in a wearable image display device, comprising an image display element that displays an optical signal of an image of a peripheral region of the wearer's field of view, and an optical system that receives, transmits, and outputs the optical signal, the optical system being composed of at least one optical lens, and including a display system that displays an image of a central region of the wearer's field of view, in which the optical axis of a receiving surface that receives the optical signal does not coincide with the optical axis of an output surface that outputs the signal. The image of the peripheral region may have an overlapping region that overlaps with the image of the central region, and the peripheral region may be a region that is 5 to 80 degrees from the center of the pupil with respect to the optical axis of the pupil of the wearer's eye. The peripheral image display component of the present technology may further include a reflecting system having a reflecting surface, and the reflecting system may reflect the optical signal output from the optical system and transmit it to the wearer's eye. Furthermore, the reflecting system may be positioned off the optical axis of the pupil of the wearer's eye, and the reflecting surface may be a mirror, a holographic optical element, or a surface relief grating. When the peripheral image display component of the present technology includes the reflection system, the image display element may be positioned offset from the optical axis of the output surface toward the wearer, and the image display element and the optical system may be positioned so as not to interfere with the wearer. The peripheral image display component of the present technology may further include a diopter adjustment system, which may have a variable-focus lens and be positioned on the optical path of the optical signal. The variable-focus lens may also be positioned between the image display element and the optical system on the optical path. Furthermore, the diopter adjustment system may include a drive mechanism that adjusts the relative position of the variable-focus lens within the peripheral image display component, or a shape adjustment mechanism that changes the shape of the variable-focus lens. The image display element included in the peripheral image display component of the present technology may be any of an organic EL display, an inorganic EL display, a liquid crystal display, and a laser light source display.

[0008] Next, the present technology provides a wearable image display device including the peripheral image display component of the present technology.Furthermore, the present technology provides a wearable image display device including two peripheral image display components of the present technology, one of which displays a peripheral area on the left side of the wearer's field of view, and the other of which displays a peripheral area on the right side of the wearer's field of view.

[0009] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a wearable image display device including a peripheral image display component according to the present technology. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified example of the overall configuration of a wearable image display device including a peripheral image display component according to the present technology. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a peripheral image display component according to the present technology, and an image of an image output to a wearer by the peripheral image display component. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a wearable image display device including a peripheral image display component according to the present technology, and an image of an image output to a wearer by the wearable image display device. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a virtual image generated by a peripheral image display component according to the present technology in the field of view of a wearer when the eyeball is rotated from the center point of the eye with respect to the optical axis of the pupil present in the eye. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a peripheral image display component designed not to interfere with the face of a wearer. 7 is an example of an optical path diagram of an optical signal from an image display element in a peripheral image display component for which optical design has been performed.

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present technology will be described below. However, the embodiments shown below are examples of typical embodiments of the present technology, and the present technology is not limited to only the preferred embodiments below and can be freely modified within the scope of the present technology.

[0011] [Wearable image display device] The peripheral image display component of the present technology displays an image of the peripheral area of ​​the wearer's field of view by comprising an image display element that displays an optical signal of an image of the peripheral area of ​​the wearer's field of view, and an optical system that receives, transmits, and outputs the optical signal.

[0012] The peripheral image display component of this technology is a component that displays images in the peripheral region of the wearer's field of view in a wearable image display device (HMD) that has a display system that displays images in the central region of the wearer's field of view.The peripheral image display component reinforces the image information of the image displayed by the display system, improving the quality of the image perceived by the wearer and leading to a deeper sense of immersion.

[0013] In particular, this technology is characterized by the use of a decentered optical element as the optical system, and by using this optical element, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of aberrations and display an image containing a lot of image information as an image in the peripheral area of ​​the wearer's field of view. As a result, this technology reduces degradation of image quality due to image distortion and reduced resolution, which are concerns that may occur in the peripheral area of ​​the user's field of view, and can suitably improve the quality of the image viewed by the wearer, leading to a deep sense of immersion.

[0014] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a wearable image display device including a peripheral image display component according to the present technology. The peripheral image display component 100 according to the present technology is used as a component for displaying an image of a peripheral region of the wearer's field of view in a wearable image display device 200. The peripheral image display component 100 according to the present technology includes an image display element 10 and an optical system 20 having an optical lens 1.

[0015] Here, a "component" refers to a separable element that is part of a device, system, etc. A part can be distributed as a standalone product, or can be distributed as an integral part of the device, system, etc.

[0016] The wearable image display device 200 improves the quality of the image seen by the wearer by displaying, in addition to the image of the central region of the wearer's field of view displayed by the display system 102, an image of the peripheral region of the wearer's field of view by the peripheral image display component 100 of the present technology.

[0017] Here, in this specification, "field of view" refers to the angle or range through which the pupils of the wearer's eyes capture visual information. Since a wearer usually has two eyes, the term "field of view" is defined as the angle or range through which the pupils of the two eyes capture visual information. Furthermore, the term "central region" refers to the region centered on the optical axis of the pupils of the wearer's eyes, and the term "peripheral region" refers to the peripheral region of the wearer's field of view that is deviated from the optical axis of the pupil. The term "optical axis" refers to a straight line passing through the central axis of the object.

[0018] The range of the central region centered on the optical axis of the pupil of the wearer's eye is not particularly limited, but is generally set, for example, as a region included in an area extending from the center point of the pupil to 50 degrees forward and backward around the optical axis of the pupil. Note that the union of the wearer's central regions and the field of view may be set to coincide with each other, but they do not have to coincide with each other.

[0019] Here, the "center point" refers to the intersection of a line connecting the two farthest points on the outer edge of the object with a line connecting the two closest points on the same outer edge. The center point of the pupil is the intersection of a line connecting the two farthest points on the outer edge of the pupil with a line connecting the two closest points on the same outer edge.

[0020] The peripheral region may be provided to have an overlapping region that overlaps with the central region, and the range of the peripheral region is not particularly limited as long as it is a peripheral region of the field of view angle and is a region that is off the optical axis of the pupil, as described above. More specifically, by referring to the range of the wearer's field of view angle from the region that is off the optical axis of the pupil, for example, any range can be set from a value such as 5 degrees from the center point of the pupil to 80 degrees, 60 degrees, etc. with respect to the optical axis of the pupil present in the wearer's eye.

[0021] Furthermore, since a wearer typically has two eyes, the peripheral region of the pupil of one eye is typically provided in a region away from the optical axis of the pupil and on the side where the other eye is not present. Two peripheral regions may be provided in accordance with the number of the wearer's eyes, and two or more peripheral image display components 100 of the present technology may be used in accordance with the peripheral regions.

[0022] In this technology, the union of the central region and the peripheral region can be set to match the viewing angle of the wearer, but it is also possible to set them differently, for example, so that the outer edge of the peripheral region is larger than the viewing angle. Furthermore, when the union of the central region matches the viewing angle of the wearer and the union of the central region and the peripheral region matches the viewing angle of the wearer, the peripheral region overlaps with the central region in its entirety.

[0023] In particular, the optical system 20 of the peripheral image display component 100 is composed of at least one optical lens, and by using a so-called decentered optical system in which the optical axis of the receiving surface that receives the optical signal does not coincide with the optical axis of the output surface that outputs the signal, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of aberrations and display an image that contains a lot of image information in the peripheral area. This reduces the degradation of image quality due to image distortion and reduced resolution, which are concerns that may occur in the peripheral area of ​​the wearer's field of view.

[0024] In the configuration shown in Figure 1 and the configuration shown in Figure 2 described later, the solid line portion indicates the configuration of the peripheral image display component related to the present technology, and the dotted line portion, including the dotted line portion, indicates the configuration of a wearable image display device equipped with the peripheral image display component of the present technology.

[0025] Next, Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified example of the overall configuration of a wearable image display device including a peripheral image display component according to the present technology. In addition to the configuration of Fig. 1, the configuration of Fig. 2 may include a reflection system 2 having a reflective surface that can reflect an optical signal output from the optical system and transmit it to the wearer's eye, and a diopter adjustment system 30. The diopter adjustment system 30 may include a variable-focus lens 31.

[0026] Furthermore, as described above, the wearable image display device 200 may be configured to use two or more peripheral image display components 100 according to the present technology, corresponding to the left and right eyes of the wearer.

[0027] In this case, the wearable image display device can be configured, for example, to include two peripheral image display components of the present technology, one of which displays the peripheral area on the left side of the wearer's field of view, and the other of which displays the peripheral area on the right side of the wearer's field of view.

[0028] By providing peripheral image display components according to the present technology that correspond to both the left and right sides of the wearer, it is possible to reduce degradation of image quality in the peripheral areas on both sides of the wearer's field of view, thereby favorably improving the quality of the image viewed by the wearer and leading to a deeper sense of immersion.

[0029] <Display System> A wearable image display device including a peripheral image display component according to the present technology includes, in addition to the peripheral image display component according to the present technology, a display system that displays an image in the central region of the wearer's field of view.

[0030] The display system of the wearable image display device has an image display element. The image display element is not particularly limited as long as it can display image information, and any suitable means can be used, such as an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, an inorganic EL display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or a laser light source display.

[0031] The display system of the wearable image display device may further include an optical lens. When the display system includes an optical lens, the optical lens is disposed on an optical path from the image display element to the wearer's eye.

[0032] By including an optical system in the display system, the optical path from the image display element to the wearer's eyes can be shortened, allowing for a compact design of the wearable image display device. Furthermore, the viewing angle can be widened by adjusting the size of the virtual image generated. Furthermore, a system consisting of any optical lens, either alone or in combination, can be suitably employed depending on the configuration and intended use of the wearable image display device, for adjusting the focus of the optical signal from the image display element, correcting parallax, adjusting the viewing angle, or for any other purpose.

[0033] As the optical lens that can constitute the optical system, any optical lens can be used, such as a convex lens, a concave lens, a Fresnel lens, or a pancake lens with a polarization folding structure, depending on the structure of the wearable image display device, the appealing points, the required image quality, etc.

[0034] Furthermore, the optical system may be designed to include a filter that selectively transmits light, a polarizing plate, a prism (Wollaston prism), a diffraction grating, and the like, as long as the above characteristics are not impaired.

[0035] 1 and 2 , the wearable image display device may include, in addition to the peripheral image display component of the present technology and the display system described above, other configurations that can be applied to the wearable image display device depending on the intended use of the wearable image display device, etc. Examples of other configurations include the following.

[0036] [Peripheral Image Display Component] The configuration of the peripheral image display component of the present technology used in the wearable image display device will be described in more detail below. As described above, the peripheral image display component of the present technology includes an image display element that displays an optical signal of an image in a peripheral area of ​​the wearer's field of view, and an optical system that receives, transmits, and outputs the optical signal.

[0037] The optical system included in the peripheral image display component of the present technology receives, transmits, and outputs an optical signal containing image information to be displayed by the image display element. As described above, the optical system is a so-called decentered optical system, which is composed of at least one optical lens and in which the optical axis of a receiving surface that receives the optical signal does not coincide with the optical axis of an output surface that outputs the signal.

[0038] The decentered optical system can suppress the occurrence of aberrations by not matching the optical axis of the receiving surface that receives the optical signal with the optical axis of the output surface that outputs the signal. Therefore, the decentered optical system can receive and transmit optical signals containing a lot of image information from the image display elements included in the peripheral image display component of the present technology, and output an image containing a lot of image information.

[0039] In particular, image quality degradation, such as image distortion and reduced resolution, is likely to occur in the peripheral region of the wearer's visual field due to the occurrence of aberrations. In response to this, this technology displays an image from the peripheral region of the wearer's visual field, reinforcing the image information displayed by the display system of the wearable image display device (HMD). By using a decentered optical system, the technology outputs video that includes a large amount of image information from the peripheral region of the wearer's visual field, thereby suppressing degradation of image quality in the peripheral region of the wearer's visual field. This makes it possible to achieve a wide visual field and accommodate a wide range of eye rotation angles, improving the quality of the image viewed by the wearer and leading to a deeper sense of immersion.

[0040] Here, in the optical system provided in the peripheral image display component of the present technology, the "receiving surface" refers to a surface that can receive an optical signal from an image display element when the optical system is placed on the optical path of the optical signal. The surface shape of the receiving surface can be designed to any shape according to the placement of the optical system relative to the image display element and the path of the optical signal through the optical system. Note that the optical system may be designed to directly receive the optical signal from the image display element, or may be designed to indirectly receive the optical signal via a diopter adjustment system, etc., as described below.

[0041] Furthermore, the "output surface" of the optical system included in the peripheral image display component of the present technology refers to a surface that can output an optical signal received from an image display element and transmitted through the optical system. The surface shape of the output surface can be designed to any shape according to the arrangement of the optical system in the peripheral image display component of the present technology and the path of the optical signal through the optical system. The optical system may be designed to output directly to the wearer's eyes, or may be designed to output indirectly via a reflection system, etc., as described below.

[0042] The "optical lens" that constitutes the optical system of the peripheral image display component of this technology refers to an optical element that has a curved shape at least in part and refracts or reflects the received optical signal, thereby changing the direction of travel of the optical signal, enlarging or reducing image information, adjusting the focus, etc.

[0043] The optical system of the peripheral image display component of the present technology may be realized by a system consisting of a single optical lens or a system combining multiple optical lenses, as long as the optical axis of the receiving surface that receives the optical signal does not coincide with the optical axis of the output surface that outputs the signal. In the present technology, any system can be designed depending on the range of the peripheral area to be set, the characteristics of the output optical signal, etc.

[0044] In addition, from the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of aberrations by adjusting the arrangement of the optical axis of the receiving surface and the optical axis of the output surface, the optical system provided in the peripheral image display component of this technology can be suitably designed as a decentered optical system by combining multiple optical lenses and tilting or shifting each optical lens that constitutes the optical system.

[0045] The optical lenses that make up the optical system of the peripheral image display component of this technology can be any optical lens, such as a convex lens, concave lens, Fresnel lens, or pancake lens with a polarization folding structure, depending on the structure of the peripheral image display component, the appealing points, the required image quality, etc.

[0046] Furthermore, the optical system provided in the peripheral image display component of the present technology may be designed to include a filter, a polarizing plate, a prism (Wollaston prism), a diffraction grating, etc. that selectively transmits light, as long as the above-mentioned characteristics are not impaired.

[0047] The peripheral image display component of the present technology uses a decentered optical system to output an image that includes a large amount of image information from the peripheral region of the wearer's field of view. Therefore, an overlapping region can be provided in which the image from the peripheral region of the wearer's field of view displayed by the peripheral image display component of the present technology overlaps with the image from the central region displayed by the display system of the wearable image display device. Providing this overlapping region can effectively reinforce the image information displayed by the wearable image display device and can accommodate a wide field of view and a wide range of eye rotation angles. This can suppress degradation of image quality in the peripheral region of the wearer's field of view.

[0048] The image of the peripheral region of the wearer's field of view displayed by the peripheral image display component of the present technology does not need to overlap with the central region in its entirety, but can be designed to overlap with the central region in its entirety. Note that if the peripheral region overlaps with the central region in its entirety, the entire peripheral region becomes the overlapping region.

[0049] The range of the peripheral area of ​​the wearer's field of view angle displayed by the peripheral image display component of the present technology can be set, for example, as described above, to a range specified at any angle from the center point of the pupil with respect to the optical axis of the pupil in the wearer's eye.

[0050] <Image Display Element> In the peripheral image display component of the present technology, the image display element displays an optical signal of an image in a peripheral region of the wearer's field of view angle.

[0051] In the peripheral image display component of the present technology, the image displayed by the image display element is an image of the peripheral region of the wearer's field of view that is aligned with the image of the central region of the wearer's field of view that is displayed by the display system of the wearable image display device that uses the peripheral image display device of the present technology. For example, if the image of the central region is a two-dimensional image, the image displayed by the image display element will also be a two-dimensional peripheral image that is aligned with the image of the central region.

[0052] The image display element may display an image that has been subjected to correction processing according to the characteristics of the optical system used. Examples of the correction processing include correction for imparting distortion to the image in the opposite direction to a phenomenon called distortion, in which an image is distorted into a barrel or pincushion shape due to the characteristics of the optical system used.

[0053] In particular, by using two or more peripheral image display components of this technology to match the number of eyes of the wearer, this technology allows images containing a lot of image information to be displayed in the peripheral area, and by also performing correction processing that is tailored to the peripheral areas of the field of view of the left and right eyes, it is possible to more effectively reduce degradation of image quality due to image distortion, reduced resolution, etc., which are concerns that may occur in the peripheral areas of the wearer's field of view.

[0054] When the image display element displays an image that has undergone the correction process, the correction process may be realized by the peripheral image display component of the present technology having a processing unit (e.g., including one or more of a CPU, a DSP, and a memory) that performs the correction process, or may be realized by a server computer or cloud connected to the peripheral image display component of the present technology via a network.

[0055] The image display element included in the peripheral image display component of the present technology is not particularly limited as long as it is an element that can display image information, and any image display element such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, an inorganic EL display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or a laser light source display can be used.

[0056] <Reflection System> The peripheral image display component of the present technology may further include a reflection system having a reflection surface, and the reflection system may be designed to reflect the optical signal output from the optical system and transmit it to the wearer's eye. Here, the wearer's eye refers to the entire eye, including the pupil that visually recognizes the optical signal and the part other than the pupil. Furthermore, "reflection" refers to reflecting all or at least a part of the optical signal incident on the reflection surface and changing the traveling direction of the optical signal.

[0057] By arranging the above-mentioned reflection system on the optical path from the image display element to the wearer's eyes, the peripheral image display component of the present technology can be designed compactly, and the center of gravity of a wearable image display device equipped with the peripheral image display component of the present technology can be positioned close to the wearer's face.

[0058] In particular, by positioning the center of gravity of the wearable image display device close to the wearer's face, the wearer is less likely to perceive the weight of the wearable image display device. Furthermore, the frequency with which the wearer's position shifts when moving while wearing the wearable image display device can be reduced. By providing the wearable image display device with the peripheral image display component of the present technology, as described above, distortion of the visual field in the peripheral region of the wearer's visual angle can be reduced, thereby achieving a suitable wide viewing angle. In addition, by further incorporating the reflection system in the design, the above-mentioned effects can be achieved. This allows for a deep sense of immersion, for example, when using the present technology in rhythm games, exercise games, and other games that require high-quality images at a wide viewing angle.

[0059] Since the present technology displays an image of the peripheral area of ​​the wearer's visual field angle, if the peripheral image display component of the present technology includes a reflecting system, the reflecting system is preferably positioned off the optical axis of the pupil of the wearer's eye, thereby allowing the reflecting system to reflect the optical signal output from the optical system and suitably transmit image information of the peripheral area to the wearer's eye.

[0060] The reflective surface of the reflection system is not particularly limited as long as it can reflect an optical signal. For example, any reflective surface such as a mirror, a holographic optical element, or a surface relief grating can be suitably used. Examples of the holographic optical element include a photopolymer HOE (Holographic Optical Element) and a liquid crystal HOE.

[0061] When the peripheral image display component of the present technology includes a reflecting system, the image display element can be positioned offset toward the wearer from the optical axis of the output surface of the optical system, thereby positioning the center of gravity of the wearable image display device including the peripheral image display component of the present technology closer to the wearer's face. This makes it harder for the wearer to perceive the weight of the wearable image display device, and can reduce the frequency of the wearer's position shifting when the wearer moves while wearing the wearable image display device.

[0062] When the peripheral image display component of the present technology is equipped with a reflective system, the image display element and the optical system are positioned so as not to interfere with the wearer, thereby allowing the wearable image display device equipped with the peripheral image display component of the present technology to be suitably worn on the wearer's head.

[0063] <Diopter Adjustment System> The peripheral image display component of the present technology may further include a diopter adjustment system. By including a diopter adjustment system, it is possible to change the focal length, adjust the focus of the image displayed to the wearer, and zoom in and out of the displayed image. This allows the displayed image to appear farther or closer, providing a visual experience closer to reality and achieving a deeper sense of immersion.

[0064] The diopter adjustment system that can be provided in the peripheral image display component of the present technology is not particularly limited as long as it can realize the above function, and examples thereof include a variable focus lens.

[0065] A variable-focus lens is an optical lens that can change its focal length. The variable-focus lens that can be used in the present technology is not particularly limited as long as it can change the focal length, but any variable-focus lens can be used, such as an electric variable-focus lens that uses an actuator such as an electric motor or a piezoelectric element to change the lens shape or the relative position of the lens with respect to other elements that make up the peripheral image display component, a liquid lens that uses a liquid to change the lens shape or the relative position of the lens, or an Alvarez lens.

[0066] In the peripheral image display component of the present technology, when a variable-focus lens is used as the diopter adjustment system, the variable-focus lens is disposed on the optical path of the optical signal. In this case, the position of the variable-focus lens disposed on the optical path of the optical signal is not particularly limited as long as it can change the focal length, but for example, the variable-focus lens may be designed to be disposed on the optical path of the optical signal between an image display element and an optical system.

[0067] When a variable focus lens is used as a diopter adjustment system in the peripheral image display component of the present technology, the focal length of the variable focus lens can be suitably changed by having a drive mechanism that adjusts the relative position of the variable focus lens within the peripheral image display component, or a shape adjustment mechanism that changes the shape of the variable focus lens.

[0068] The driving mechanism is a mechanism that can adjust the relative position of the variable-focus lens, and the shape adjusting mechanism is a mechanism that can change the shape of the variable-focus lens. The diopter adjustment system may have either the driving mechanism or the shape adjusting mechanism, or may have both.

[0069] The drive mechanism and shape adjustment mechanism are not particularly limited as long as they can achieve these functions. For example, actuators such as electric motors and piezoelectric elements can be suitably used. These may be achieved by a single actuator or by combining multiple actuators.

[0070] <Other Configurations> The peripheral image display component according to the present technology may include other configurations in addition to the above-described configurations as needed, as long as the desired physical properties are not significantly impaired. Examples of the other configurations include a system having an eye tracking mechanism, an iris authentication mechanism, etc.

[0071] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the peripheral image display component according to the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are examples of the present technology, and the present technology should not be interpreted as being limited to the contents of these embodiments.

[0072] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a peripheral image display component according to the present technology, and an image of an image output to a wearer by the peripheral image display component. The example of the configuration of the peripheral image display component according to the present technology is shown in <3B>, and the example of the image output to a wearer by the peripheral image display component is shown in <3A>.

[0073] The peripheral image display component 101 according to the present technology is used in a wearable image display device equipped with a display system that displays an image in the central region of the wearer's field of view. However, Figure 3 shows the relationship between the wearer and the peripheral image display component in the wearable image display device, and omits the description of other components that make up the wearable image display device.

[0074] 3, the axis extending up and down relative to the wearer is represented as the X axis, the axis extending left and right relative to the wearer as viewed from the front is represented as the Y axis, and the axis extending forward and backward relative to the wearer as viewed from the front is represented as the Z axis. Unless otherwise specified, the axes in the figures shown in this specification are defined in the same manner.

[0075] 3, the peripheral image display component 101 includes an image display element 10 that displays an optical signal of an image in the peripheral region of the wearer's field of view, and an optical system 20. As shown in <3B>, the optical system 20 is a so-called decentered optical system in which the optical axis A1 of the receiving surface that receives the optical signal does not coincide with the optical axis A2 of the output surface that outputs the optical signal.

[0076] Here, the receiving surface that receives the optical signal of the optical system 20 is the surface of the optical lens 1 that first receives the optical signal from the image display element 10, among the lenses 1 that make up the optical system 20, that receives the optical signal, and the optical axis A1 of the receiving surface that receives the optical signal of the optical system 20 is a straight line passing through the central axis of the optical lens 1 that has that receiving surface.

[0077] Similarly, the output surface that outputs the optical signal of the optical system 20 is the surface of the optical lens 1, among the lenses 1 that constitute the optical system 20, that outputs the optical signal transmitted inside the optical system 20 to the outside of the optical system 20, and the optical axis A2 of the output surface that outputs the optical signal of the optical system 20 is a straight line passing through the central axis of the optical lens 1 that has the output surface.

[0078] In the peripheral image display component 101 described in <3B>, the optical system 20 is composed of multiple optical lenses 1, but may be composed of a single lens if the condition is met that the optical axis of the receiving surface that receives the optical signal does not coincide with the optical axis of the output surface that outputs the optical signal.

[0079] 3, a reflection system 2 having a reflection surface is disposed on the optical path from the image display element 10 to the wearer's eye EY. This allows the peripheral image display component 101 to be designed compactly, and the center of gravity of a wearable image display device equipped with the peripheral image display component of the present technology can be positioned close to the wearer's face.

[0080] Furthermore, by positioning the reflection system 2 at a position that is off the optical axis EX of the pupil PE when the wearer's eye EY is looking straight ahead (at a position that does not overlap with the optical axis EX), a virtual image can be generated in an area that is off the optical axis EX, which is around the wearer's field of view angle.

[0081] In the peripheral image display component 101 described in <3B>, the image display element 10 is disposed offset from the optical axis A2 of the output surface toward the wearer, thereby enabling the center of gravity of the wearable image display device including the peripheral image display component 101 to be positioned closer to the face of the wearer.

[0082] 3, an optical signal of an image of the peripheral region of the wearer's visual field angle, which is displayed by the image display element 10, is output toward the optical system 20. The optical system 20 receives the optical signal at the receiving surface, transmits the optical signal inside the optical system 20, and then outputs the optical signal at the output surface toward the reflecting surface of the reflecting system 2. The optical signal then enters the reflecting surface of the reflecting system 2, is reflected by the reflecting surface, changes its optical path to a direction different from the traveling direction at the time of incidence, and is transmitted to the wearer's eye.

[0083] By passing through the above-mentioned path, the optical signal from the image display element 10 generates a virtual image in an area AR1 (a peripheral area of ​​the wearer's field of view) that is off the optical axis EX of the wearer's pupil PE, as shown in <3A>.

[0084] In the peripheral image display component of this embodiment, the image display element can suitably be any image display element such as an organic EL display, an inorganic EL display, a liquid crystal display, or a laser light source display, as described above, depending on the configuration of the peripheral image display component or the wearable image display device or any purpose that matches the intended use.

[0085] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a wearable image display device equipped with a peripheral image display component according to the present technology, and an image of an image output to a wearer by the wearable image display device. <4B> is an example of the configuration of a wearable image display device equipped with a peripheral image display component according to the present technology, and <4A> is an image of an image output to a wearer by the wearable image display device.

[0086] The present embodiment relates to a wearable image display device including a peripheral image display component according to the present technology. The peripheral image display component according to the present technology may be incorporated into the device as an inseparable element as a component constituting a part of the wearable image display device, or may be incorporated as an independent component that can be separated.

[0087] In Figure 4, the focus is on the relationship of the wearable image display device with one eye of the wearer, and other components of the wearable image display device that are not directly related to this are omitted.

[0088] The peripheral image display component that can be used in this embodiment can preferably have the same configuration as the peripheral image display component shown in the first embodiment described above, and has the same function as the peripheral image display component shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, the configuration of the peripheral image display component that can be used in this embodiment and the path of the optical signal from the image display element provided in the peripheral image display component can be the same as in the first embodiment, so the following description will focus on the relationship with the wearable image display device.

[0089] 4 includes a peripheral image display component 101 and a display system 102 that displays an image in the central region of the wearer's field of view. The display system 102 includes an image display element 11 and may include an optical system 3 (central region) as shown in <4B>.

[0090] When the display system 102 includes an optical system 3 as shown in <4B>, the optical path from the image display element to the wearer's eyes can be shortened, allowing the wearable image display device to be designed more compactly. The size of the virtual image generated can also be adjusted to widen the viewing angle. Furthermore, a system consisting of any optical lens, either singly or in combination, can be suitably employed to adjust the focus of the optical signal from the image display element 11, correct parallax, adjust the viewing angle, or perform any other purpose suited to the configuration and intended use of the wearable image display device 200.

[0091] 4, as shown in <4A>, an optical signal output from the image display element 11 generates a virtual image in a central area AR2 centered on the optical axis EX of the pupil PE present in the wearer's eye EY via the optical system 3. Meanwhile, the peripheral image display component 101 generates a virtual image in a wide area AR1 deviated from the optical axis EX. This provides the user with a virtual image with a wide viewing angle as a whole.

[0092] In the wearable image display device 200, the peripheral image display component 101 equipped with the decentered optical system 1 displays an image containing a large amount of image information in the peripheral region of the wearer's field of view, thereby reinforcing the image in the central region of the wearer's field of view displayed by the display system 102, thereby improving the quality of the image seen by the wearer and leading to a deeper sense of immersion.

[0093] 4, the reflecting system 2 of the peripheral image display component 101 is disposed in front of the optical system 3 of the display system 102. This arrangement eliminates physical obstacles on the path of the optical signal from the image display element 10 to the wearer's eyes, making it possible to prevent the peripheral area of ​​the wearer's field of view from becoming dark.

[0094] <3 Third Embodiment> FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a virtual image generated by a peripheral image display component according to the present technology in the field of view of a wearer when the eyeball of the wearer is rotated from the center point of the eye with respect to the optical axis of the pupil of the eye.

[0095] The peripheral image display components usable in this embodiment may suitably have the same configuration as the peripheral image display components shown in the first and second embodiments, and have the same functions as the peripheral image display components shown in the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the configuration of the peripheral image display components usable in this embodiment and the path of the optical signal from the image display element included in the peripheral image display component may be the same as those in the first and second embodiments.

[0096] <5B> shows an image of the positional relationship between the peripheral image display component related to the present technology when the eyeball of the eye is rotated from the center point RP of the eye EY relative to the optical axis EX of the pupil PE present in the wearer's eye EY when viewed from the front of the wearer, and <5A> is an image of an image being output to the wearer by the wearable image display device.

[0097] In this case, the angle at which the wearer's eye EY can view the virtual image generated by the peripheral image display component 101 is smaller than when the wearer is looking straight ahead, and therefore, as shown in <5A>, the range of the field of view perceived is narrower by the amount of the field of view AR11 than the field of view AR1 provided by the peripheral image display component 101 when the wearer is looking straight ahead. In other words, when the eyeballs of the wearer's eyes are rotated, the range of the field of view that should be provided by the peripheral image display component 101 is wider.

[0098] Based on the above, the peripheral image display component 101 according to this embodiment assumes that the wearer's eyeballs will rotate, and as described above, reinforces video information including image information that compensates for the insufficient field of view AR11.

[0099] More specifically, the peripheral image display component 101 of this embodiment outputs image information relating to an area that overlaps with the image of the area (central area) centered on the optical axis EX of the pupil PE, for example, an area that is 5 to 80 degrees from the center point of the pupil PE relative to the optical axis EX, as the peripheral area.

[0100] As a result, if the angle at which the eyeball rotates from the center point RP of the eye EY relative to the optical axis EX is defined as the eyeball rotation angle θ1, an image can be provided that can ensure the range of the field of view AR1, corresponding to a rotation of the eyeball of, for example, 20° < θ1 < 60°.

[0101] As a result, even when the wearer rotates his / her eyes, a sufficiently wide field of view is provided through the peripheral image display component 101. Furthermore, gaps are unlikely to occur between the field of view provided by the image in the central region displayed by the display system of the wearable image display device equipped with the peripheral image display component and the field of view provided by the peripheral image display component 101, making it possible to provide a continuous field of view overall.

[0102] 4. Fourth Embodiment FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a peripheral image display component designed not to interfere with the face of the wearer.

[0103] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the optical system 20 is placed in a position close to the face of the wearer, but is designed so that the lenses constituting the optical system 20 do not interfere with the face of the wearer. In Fig. 6, an example will be described in which the peripheral image display component 101 is placed in the Y-axis direction, which is the left-right direction when viewed from the front of the wearer.

[0104] 6, Y1 is the distance in the Y-axis direction from the center of the pupil PE in the wearer's eye EY to the closest point of the optical system 20. θ2 is the angle formed by a line passing through the closest point and parallel to the optical axis EX, and a tangent to the optical system 20 at the closest point.

[0105] By adjusting the above Y1 and θ2, the peripheral image display component 101 of this embodiment can be designed to be positioned so that the image display element 10 and the optical system 20 do not interfere with the wearer. In particular, when the image display element 10 is positioned offset from the optical axis A2 of the output surface toward the wearer in order to position the center of gravity of the wearable image display device closer to the face of the wearer, the peripheral image display component 101 of this embodiment can be designed to be preferably positioned.

[0106] The ranges of Y1 and θ2 described above may depend on the shape of the wearer's face, but generally, for example, by designing both values ​​to satisfy the following restrictions, the peripheral image display component 101 can be designed so that the image display element 10 and the optical system 20 do not interfere with the wearer: 25 mm<Y1 30°<θ2

[0107] In this case, each lens constituting the optical system 20 may be cut in post-processing so as to satisfy the above-mentioned restrictions.

[0108] The peripheral image display components usable in this embodiment may suitably have the same configuration as the peripheral image display components shown in the first to third embodiments, and have the same functions as the peripheral image display components shown in the first to third embodiments. Therefore, the configuration of the peripheral image display components usable in this embodiment and the path of the optical signal from the image display element included in the peripheral image display component may be the same as the paths in the first to third embodiments.

[0109] 5. Fifth Embodiment FIG. 7 is an example of an optical path diagram of an optical signal from an image display element in a peripheral image display component for which optical design has been performed.

[0110] The peripheral image display component 103 according to this embodiment includes an image display element 10a, an optical system 20a, a reflecting system 2a, and a variable-focus lens 3a for a diopter adjustment system. The optical system 20a is made up of optical lenses 4a, 5a, 6a, and 7a.

[0111] The optical signal output from the image display element 10a enters the optical system 20a via the variable-focus lens 3a, and then enters the wearer's eye EY via the reflecting system 2a. Taking into account the optical path of the optical signal, the optical design of each element constituting the peripheral image display component 103 is shown in Table 1.

[0112] In addition, as shown in Figure 7, the peripheral image display component 103 of this embodiment has a variable focus lens 3a as a diopter adjustment system, and the variable focus lens 3a is arranged between the optical system 20a and the image display element 10a on the optical path of the optical signal.

[0113] The diopter adjustment system also has a drive mechanism that adjusts the relative position of the variable focus lens 3a within the peripheral image display component 103, and a shape adjustment mechanism that changes the shape of the variable focus lens 3a.

[0114] In Table 1, object surface 1 indicates the pupil PE of the wearer. Below, along the optical path of the optical signal, the aspherical surface [1] of the reflecting system 2a, the aspherical surfaces [2] and [3] of the optical lens 7a, the aspherical surfaces [4] and [5] of the optical lens 6a, the aspherical surfaces [6] and [7] of the optical lens 5a, the aspherical surfaces [8] and [9] of the optical lens 4a, and the aspherical surfaces

[10] and

[11] of the variable-focus lens 3a are shown.

[0115]

[0116] The radii of curvature and aspherical coefficients of non-surfaces [1] to

[11] in Table 1 are shown below. Note that the symbol "E" indicates that the number following it is an exponent with base 10. For example, "1.0E-003" is "1.0 x 10 －３ " means that

[0117] Aspheric surface [1] Radius of curvature -28.769 Aspheric coefficient k -5.956E-001 a 0.000E+000 b 0.000E+000 c 0.000E+000 d 0.000E+000 e 0.000E+000 f 0.000E+000 g 0.000E+000

[0118] Aspheric surface [2] Radius of curvature -31.528 Aspheric coefficient k -4.529E+000 a -3.542E-006 b -8.843E-010 c 2.812E-012 d 2.632E-015 e -1.849E-017 f 2.682E-020 g -1.149E-023

[0119] Aspheric surface [3] Radius of curvature 2781.964 Aspheric coefficients k 6.124E+003 a 7.126E-006 b -5.936E-009 c 1.351E-012 d 3.223E-016 e -1.095E-018 f 7.188E-021 g -5.296E-024

[0120] Aspheric surface [4] Radius of curvature -33.139 Aspheric coefficient k -1.580E+000 a -3.516E-006 b -1.956E-008 c -1.609E-010 d 2.326E-012 e -2.005E-014 f 6.622E-017 g -7.679E-020

[0121] Aspheric surface [5] Radius of curvature 131.327 Aspheric coefficient k 7.742E+001 a -2.843E-005 b 1.867E-008 c -1.142E-009 d -1.225E-011 e 2.234E-013 f -1.181E-015 g 1.916E-018

[0122] Aspheric surface [6] Radius of curvature -1112.542 Aspheric coefficient k -2.025E+005 a 1.665E-005 b 1.383E-007 c -5.043E-010 d 3.524E-013 e -3.172E-015 f -4.933E-018 g 3.513E-021

[0123] Aspheric surface [7] Radius of curvature 20.610 Aspheric coefficient k -1.118E-001 a 7.474E-006 b -7.821E-008 c 1.898E-010 d -3.262E-013 e 1.861E-015 f 2.908E-020 g -1.106E-020

[0124] Aspheric surface [8] Radius of curvature -20.245 Aspheric coefficient k 3.436E-001 a 7.696E-007 b 1.667E-009 c 1.907E-010 d -3.853E-012 e 1.897E-014 f -3.282E-017 g 6.696E-021

[0125] Aspheric surface [9] Radius of curvature 23.405 Aspheric coefficient k -1.475E+000 a -5.257E-005 b -6.578E-008 c 1.775E-010 d -3.600E-011 e 4.323E-013 f -2.177E-015 g 2.778E-018

[0126] Aspheric surface

[10] Radius of curvature ∞ Aspheric coefficient k 0.000E+000 a 2.798E-006 b 5.737E-008 c -6.104E-011 d -4.482E-012 e 6.579E-015 f 5.731E-017 g -1.236E-019

[0127] Aspheric surface

[11] Radius of curvature 31.597 Aspheric coefficient k -3.446E+001 a 7.996E-005 b -2.178E-007 c 2.072E-010 d -3.959E-013 e -1.633E-014 f 7.299E-017 g -7.453E-020

[0128] The relationship between the distance between the variable-focus lens 3a and the optical lens 4a and the focal position, as described in variable [1] in Table 1, is shown below. Also shown is the focal position relative to the X-axis tilt of the variable-focus lens 3a, as described in variable [2]. The diopter adjustment system provided in the peripheral image display component of this embodiment can suitably change the focal length of the peripheral image display component 103 by changing the above using a drive mechanism and a shape adjustment mechanism.

[0129] Variable [1] -6.0D -0.355 -4.0D -0.667 -2.0D -0.989 -0.4D -1.243 2.0D -1.627

[0130] Variable [2] -6.0D 30.595 -4.0D 31.971 -2.0D 33.299 -0.4D 34.248 2.0D 35.655

[0131] The peripheral image display components usable in this embodiment can preferably have the same configuration as the peripheral image display components shown in the first to fourth embodiments described above, and have the same functions as the peripheral image display components shown in the first to fourth embodiments. Therefore, the configuration of the peripheral image display components usable in this embodiment and the path of the optical signal from the image display element included in the peripheral image display component can be the same as the path in the first to fourth embodiments.

[0132] The present technology may have the following configurations. [1] A peripheral image display component for use in a wearable image display device, comprising: an image display element that displays an optical signal of an image of a peripheral region of the wearer's field of view; and an optical system that receives, transmits, and outputs the optical signal, wherein the optical system is composed of at least one optical lens, and the optical axis of a receiving surface that receives the optical signal does not coincide with the optical axis of an output surface that outputs the optical signal. [2] The peripheral image display component according to [1], wherein the image of the peripheral region has an overlapping region that overlaps with the image of the central region. [3] The peripheral image display component according to [2], wherein the peripheral region is a region that is 5 to 80 degrees from the center point of the pupil with respect to the optical axis of the pupil of the wearer's eye. [4] The peripheral image display component according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising a reflecting system having a reflecting surface that reflects the optical signal output from the optical system and transmits it to the wearer's eye. [5] The peripheral image display component according to [4], wherein the reflecting system is positioned off the optical axis of the pupil of the wearer's eye. [6] The peripheral image display component according to [4] or [5], wherein the reflective surface is a mirror, a holographic optical element, or a surface relief grating. [7] The peripheral image display component according to any of [4] to [6], wherein the image display element is positioned offset from the optical axis of the output surface toward the wearer. [8] The peripheral image display component according to [4] to [7], wherein the image display element and the optical system are positioned so as not to interfere with the wearer. [9] The peripheral image display component according to any of [1] to [8], further comprising a diopter adjustment system.

[10] The peripheral image display component according to [9], wherein the diopter adjustment system has a variable focus lens, and the variable focus lens is positioned on the optical path of the optical signal.

[11] The peripheral image display component according to

[10] , wherein the variable focus lens is positioned on the optical path between the image display element and the optical system.

[12] A peripheral image display component described in

[10] or

[11] , wherein the diopter adjustment system has a drive mechanism that adjusts the relative position of the variable focus lens within the peripheral image display component, or a shape adjustment mechanism that changes the shape of the variable focus lens.

[13] A peripheral image display component according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the image display element is any one of an organic EL display, an inorganic EL display, a liquid crystal display, and a laser light source display.

[14] A wearable image display device comprising the peripheral image display component according to any one of [1] to

[13] .

[15] A wearable image display device comprising two peripheral image display components according to any one of [1] to

[13] , wherein one peripheral image display component displays a peripheral area on the left side of the wearer's field of view, and the other peripheral image display component displays a peripheral area on the right side of the wearer's field of view.

[0133] 200 Wearable image display device 100, 101, 103 Peripheral image display component 1 Optical lens 3 Optical system (central region) 3a Variable focus lens 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a Optical lens 2, 2a Reflection system (reflection element) 10, 10a, Image display element 30 Diopter adjustment system 31 Variable focus lens 102 Display system that displays an image of the central region 11 Image display element 20, 20a Optical system (decentered optical system) 102 Virtual image display device with a field of view of approximately 100° EY Wearer's eye PE Pupil RP Center point of eye EY EX Optical axis of pupil PE present in wearer's eye EY X Axis in the vertical direction of the wearer Y Axis in the left-right direction in the wearer's front view Z Axis in the front-to-back direction in the wearer's front view AR1, AR11 Peripheral region of the wearer's field of view AR2, Central region of the wearer's field of view A1 Optical axis of the receiving surface A2 Optical axis of the output surface θ1 The angle when the eyeball rotates from the center point RP of the eye EY is called the eyeball rotation angle

Claims

1. A peripheral image display component for use in a wearable image display device equipped with a display system that displays an image in the central region of the wearer's field of view, comprising: an image display element that displays an optical signal of an image in the peripheral region of the wearer's field of view; and an optical system that receives, transmits and outputs said optical signal, said optical system being composed of at least one optical lens, and in which the optical axis of the receiving surface that receives said optical signal does not coincide with the optical axis of the output surface that outputs said optical signal.

2. The peripheral image display component according to claim 1, wherein the image of the peripheral region has an overlapping region that overlaps with the image of the central region.

3. The peripheral image display component according to claim 2, wherein the peripheral area is an area that is 5 degrees to 80 degrees from the center point of the pupil with respect to the optical axis of the pupil of the wearer's eye.

4. The peripheral image display component according to claim 1, further comprising a reflecting system having a reflecting surface, the reflecting system reflecting the optical signal output from the optical system and transmitting it to the wearer's eye.

5. The peripheral image display component according to claim 4, wherein the reflecting system is positioned off the optical axis of the pupil of the wearer's eye.

6. The peripheral image display component of claim 4, wherein the reflective surface is one of a mirror, a holographic optical element, and a surface relief grating.

7. The peripheral image display component according to claim 4, wherein the image display element is positioned offset from the optical axis of the output surface toward the wearer.

8. The peripheral image display component according to claim 4, wherein said image display element and said optical system are positioned so as not to interfere with the wearer.

9. The peripheral image display component according to claim 1, further comprising a diopter adjustment system.

10. The peripheral image display component according to claim 9, wherein the diopter adjustment system has a variable focus lens, and the variable focus lens is disposed on an optical path of the optical signal.

11. The peripheral image display component according to claim 10, wherein the variable focus lens is disposed on the optical path between the image display element and the optical system.

12. The peripheral image display component of claim 10, wherein the diopter adjustment system has a drive mechanism that adjusts the relative position of the variable focus lens within the peripheral image display component, or a shape adjustment mechanism that changes the shape of the variable focus lens.

13. The peripheral image display component according to claim 1, wherein the image display element is any one of an organic EL display, an inorganic EL display, a liquid crystal display, and a laser light source display.

14. A wearable image display device comprising the peripheral image display component according to claim 1.

15. A wearable image display device comprising two peripheral image display components as described in claim 1, one of the peripheral image display components displaying the peripheral area on the left side of the wearer's field of vision, and the other peripheral image display component displaying the peripheral area on the right side of the wearer's field of vision.

Images