Image display device

Abstract

Provided is an image display device that can reduce the effects of unwanted images observed because of the deviation between the pupil position of the image display device and the eyeball of an observer.　This image display device comprises a display unit group that includes a plurality of display units that can respectively display a plurality of partial images that are included in an image, a separation unit that separates display light from each of the plurality of display units into a plurality of beams of light, and an optical system that forms an image of the pluralities of beams of light that have been separated by the separation unit. This image display device makes it possible to reduce the effects of unwanted images observed because of the deviation between the pupil position of the image display device and the eyeball of an observer.

Description

Image display device

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an image display device that displays a plurality of partial images included in an image on a plurality of display units respectively, and guides display light from each display unit to the eyeball through an optical element (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-175692

[0004] However, in the conventional image display device, there has been room for improvement with respect to reducing unnecessary images visually recognized due to the deviation between the pupil position of the image display device and the eyeball of the observer.

[0005] Therefore, the main object of the present technology is to provide an image display device capable of reducing unnecessary images visually recognized due to the deviation between the pupil position of the image display device and the eyeball of the observer.

[0006] This technology provides an image display device comprising: a group of display units including a plurality of display units capable of displaying a plurality of partial images contained in an image; a splitting unit that splits the display light from each of the plurality of display units into a plurality of lights; and an optical system that images the plurality of lights split by the splitting unit. The splitting unit may be positioned between the group of display units and the optical system. The splitting unit may be positioned away from the first surface of the optical system. There may be a gap between the group of display units and the splitting unit. The minimum value of the gap may be 2 mm or more. The splitting unit may be plate-shaped. The splitting unit may not be plate-shaped. The splitting unit may be micro-machined. The display units may be positioned perpendicular to the direction of the principal rays of the incident light. At least one of the display units may be positioned at an angle to the optical axis of the optical system. The plurality of display units may include at least one set of at least two of the display units positioned along a convex shape on the opposite side from the splitting unit. The splitting unit may have a shape that follows a convex shape on the side of the group of display units. The at least two display units may be arranged horizontally, with a horizontal field of view of a right or obtuse angle, and a vertical field of view of less than or equal to the horizontal field of view. The at least one set may be multiple sets, with at least two display units of one set of the multiple sets arranged horizontally, and at least two display units of the other sets of the multiple sets arranged vertically, with a horizontal field of view of a right or obtuse angle, and a vertical field of view of less than or equal to the horizontal field of view. The dividing section may include a fiber optic plate. The optical system may image the multiple lights at different positions. The optical system may include lenses, mirrors, or prisms. The group of display units, the dividing section, and the optical system may be held by the same holding member. The holding member may be mounted on the head. The image display device may display VR images.

[0007] Figure 3A shows the configuration of an image display device according to Example 1 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the normal usage state. Figure 3B shows the configuration of an image display device according to Example 1 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the usage state when the display is misaligned. Figure 3A shows the appearance of the first and second display units in the image display device according to Example 1 of one embodiment of this technology (normal state). Figure 3B shows the appearance of the first and second display units in the image display device according to Example 1 of one embodiment of this technology (when the display is misaligned). Figure 5A shows the appearance of the first and second display units in the image display device according to Example 2 of one embodiment of this technology (normal state). Figure 5B shows the appearance of the first and second display units in the image display device according to Example 2 of one embodiment of this technology (when the display is misaligned). Figure 5A shows the configuration of an image display device according to Example 3 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the normal usage state. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the image display device. Figure 8A shows the appearance of the first and second display units in the image display device according to Example 3 of one embodiment of this technology (normal state). Figure 8B shows the appearance (when misaligned) of the first and second display units in an image display device according to Example 3 of one embodiment of this technology. This figure shows the configuration of an image display device according to Example 4 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the normal usage state. This figure shows the configuration of an image display device according to Example 5 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the normal usage state. This figure shows the configuration of an image display device according to Example 6 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the normal usage state. This figure shows the configuration of an image display device according to Example 7 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the normal usage state. This figure shows the configuration of an image display device according to Example 8 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the normal usage state. This figure shows the configuration of an image display device according to Example 9 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the normal usage state. This figure is for explaining an image display device according to Example 10 of one embodiment of this technology. This figure shows the configuration of an image display device according to Example 11 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the normal usage state.Figure 17A is a diagram showing the configuration of an image display device according to Example 12 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the normal usage state. Figure 17B is a partially enlarged view of the divided part of Figure 17A. Figure 17B is a diagram showing the configuration of an image display device according to Example 13 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the normal usage state. Figure 17B is a diagram showing the configuration of an image display device according to Example 14 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the normal usage state. Figure 17B is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an image display device according to Example 15 of one embodiment of this technology. Figure 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image display device according to Example 19 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the normal usage state. Figure 17B is a diagram showing the configuration of an image display device according to Example 20 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the normal usage state. Figure 17B is a diagram showing the configuration of an image display device according to Example 1 of one embodiment of this technology, and is a diagram showing the normal usage state. Figure 29A shows the configuration of the comparative example's image display device and its usage state when misaligned. Figure 29B shows the appearance of display panels 1 and 2 in the comparative example's image display device (under normal conditions). Figure 29B shows the appearance of display panels 1 and 2 in the comparative example's image display device (when misaligned).

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the present technology will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. The embodiments described below represent typical embodiments of the present technology, and this will not be interpreted as narrowing the scope of the present technology. Even if this specification describes that the image display device according to the present technology has multiple effects, the image display device according to the present technology only needs to have at least one effect. The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0009] Furthermore, the explanation will proceed in the following order: 0. Introduction 1. Image display device according to Example 1 of one embodiment of this technology 2. Image display device according to Example 2 of one embodiment of this technology 3. Image display device according to Example 3 of one embodiment of this technology 4. Image display device according to Example 4 of one embodiment of this technology 5. Image display device according to Example 5 of one embodiment of this technology 6. Image display device according to Example 6 of one embodiment of this technology 7. Image display device according to Example 7 of one embodiment of this technology 8. Image display device according to Example 8 of one embodiment of this technology 9. Image display device according to Example 9 of one embodiment of this technology 10. Image display device according to Example 10 of one embodiment of this technology 11. Image display device according to Example 11 of one embodiment of this technology 12. Image display device according to Example 12 of one embodiment of this technology 13. Image display device according to Example 13 of one embodiment of this technology 14. Image display device according to Example 14 of one embodiment of this technology 15. Image display device according to Example 15 of one embodiment of this technology 16. Image display device according to Example 16 of one embodiment of this technology 17. Image display device according to Example 17 of one embodiment of this technology 18. Image display device according to Example 18 of one embodiment of this technology 19. Image display device according to Example 19 of one embodiment of this technology 20. Image display device according to Example 20 of one embodiment of this technology 21. Modified examples of this technology

[0010] <0. Introduction> (Concept) Multi-panel technology is a technique that combines multiple display panels to provide a wide field of view. XR (Extended Reality / Cross Reality) image display devices using multi-panel technology, especially XR-HMDs (Head Mounted Displays), have several problems, as listed below. (1) Cost: Building multi-panel systems tends to be expensive. Because multi-panel systems use multiple display panels, the hardware price increases, which may make it difficult to set consumer prices. (2) Installation and adjustment: Installing and adjusting multi-panel systems is not easy. The position and angle of each display panel must be precisely adjusted, which requires expertise and time. If this adjustment is not done properly, it may cause discomfort to the user's visual experience. (3) Ensuring visual consistency: When using multiple display panels, the characteristics of each display panel, such as color reproduction and brightness, may differ. This may impair visual consistency. To ensure visual consistency, measures must be taken on both hardware and software fronts. (4) Seamless display: When using multiple panels, the boundaries (seams) between adjacent display panels may be noticeable. In this case, the user's sense of presence and immersion may be diminished, for example, during a VR (Virtual Reality) experience. To minimize the presence of seams and achieve a more seamless display, improvements in display technology and image processing technology are necessary.

[0011] While solving technical problems (2) to (4) above will improve the XR experience using multi-panels, problem (1) also needs to be solved at the same time. Therefore, the development of new technologies that can suppress the high costs associated with multi-panels is highly anticipated.

[0012] The following explanation will primarily focus on (4) seamless display. Technical measures to achieve seamless display include the following:

[0013] (4-1) Seamless Blending: There is a technique that blends adjacent partial images to hide the seams between display panels. This smoothly integrates the output of adjacent display panels and hides noticeable seams. (4-2) Optical Adjustment: There is a method of making seams less noticeable using optical materials or layers. For example, by placing optically transparent material at the seams between display panels, the reflection and refraction of light can be controlled, making the seams less noticeable. (4-3) Image Processing Techniques: Image processing techniques can be used to detect the location and characteristics of seams and perform corrections to hide them. These corrections include filtering to smooth the boundaries of the image and color adjustment of the seams. (4-4) High-Resolution Display Panels: By increasing the resolution of the display panels, seams can be hidden more finely. By using high-resolution display panels, the width of the seams can be physically reduced, making them less noticeable. By combining the above techniques, it is possible to achieve a more seamless image display. Furthermore, these techniques are constantly evolving, and new methods and approaches are being experimented with.

[0014] (Background) In recent years, for example in VR optics, there has been a movement to adopt pancake lenses, which reduce the distance between the lens and the display panel by using a configuration that folds light back within the lens, rather than Fresnel lens types that require a large gap between the lens and the display panel. For example, the trend is to suppress the depth moment and make HMDs (Head-Mounted Displays) thinner, and many models covering a guided field of view (FOV) of around 100° have been released, starting with the release of the Oculus Rift. VisionPro (registered trademark) using OLEDs has adopted a measure of packing 4K pixels into a 1.3-inch display panel due to cost and size constraints. On the other hand, for example, to widen the field of view in VR optics, a larger panel size is preferable because it has fewer design constraints, and the number of pixels can be increased by increasing the size without reducing the pixel pitch. For example, the Varjo XR-4 employs a 3.7-inch 4K LCD panel, enabling a viewing angle (FOV) of up to 120°. Compared to the VisionPro, which uses OLED, the panel size is more than twice as large, and the HMD size is also larger, but the panel cost is estimated to be about one-third due to the use of LCD. Furthermore, the panel lifespan is more than 100 times longer, and power consumption is reduced by 30%, so there is a demand for measures using low-cost panels for B2C applications. In this situation, one measure that is being taken sporadically is multi-panel technology. Multi-panel technology makes it easy to scale up the FOV and pixel count while maintaining resolution by arranging multiple low-cost, general-purpose small panels, and in the past, PiSight (manufactured by Sensics) was developed for civilian aircraft.

[0015] (Problem) In XR-HMDs using multiple panels, multiple partial images, each corresponding to multiple field of view areas, are displayed on multiple display panels. Because these multiple partial images are discontinuous, segment lenses are used to divide the light rays according to the field of view area. As a result, unwanted images are generated in large quantities, such as images at the boundaries (panel boundaries, seams) between adjacent display panels and images due to misalignment of overlapping partial images, caused by deviations (misalignment) of the user's X, Y, and Z mounting position from the designed position. This requires highly accurate alignment for comfortable viewing, resulting in low usability. In other words, conventional XR-HMDs had room for improvement in reducing unwanted images that are visible due to the misalignment between the pupil position of the image display device and the observer's eyeball.

[0016] (Idea) Based on the idea of ​​separating the function of a segment lens into ray splitting and imaging, a configuration is adopted in which the ray splitting unit and the optical system for imaging are separated, for example, by placing the ray splitting unit between the optical system and the display panel group. (Benefits) With an XR-HMD using this technology, unwanted images such as images caused by the shift of overlapping parts of partial images and images at panel boundaries due to the effects of misalignment can be suppressed to, for example, less than 1 / 5 of conventional levels. A segment lens is not required, resulting in lower costs. A wide field of view can be achieved using a pancake lens while maintaining a resolution of about 30 PPD.

[0017] The inventors have developed an image display device related to this technology as an image display device that embodies the above idea.

[0018] According to the image display device of this technology, it is possible to reduce unwanted images that are perceived due to the misalignment between the pupil position of the image display device and the observer's eyeball.

[0019] <1. Image display device according to Example 1 of one embodiment of the present technology> (Configuration of the image display device) The image display device according to Example 1 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device according to Example 1 of one embodiment of the present technology and is a diagram showing the usage state under normal conditions. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device according to Example 1 of one embodiment of the present technology and is a diagram showing the usage state when the device is misaligned. Both Figure 1 and Figure 2 are plan views (views of the image display device 10 from above).

[0020] The image display device 10 is used to provide users with XR (Extended Reality / Cross Reality) such as VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), and MR (Mixed Reality). In this case, the image display device 10 is a VR display that displays VR images.

[0021] The image display device 10 is, for example, a head-mounted display (HMD) worn on the user's head. HMDs are also known as eyewear. The following explanation will proceed on the premise that the image display device 10 is worn on the user's head.

[0022] The image display device 10 may be provided for only one eyeball EB of the user, or one may be provided for each eyeball EB.

[0023] The image display device 10 includes, as an example, a group of display units including a plurality (for example, two) of display units 101 (for example, a first and second display unit 101A, 101B), a splitting unit 201 that splits the display light DL from each of the plurality of display units 101 (for example, a first and second display unit 101A, 101B) into a plurality of light DVL (hereinafter also referred to as "splitting rays"), and an optical system 301 that forms an image of the plurality of light DVL split by the splitting unit 201.

[0024] The display unit group, the divided unit 201, and the optical system 301 are, for example, held by the same retaining member 400 (see Figure 26). The retaining member 400 is, for example, attached to the user's head. The retaining member 400 is, for example, part of goggles or a frame.

[0025] (Display Unit) The multiple display units 101 (for example, the first and second display units 101A and 101B) are arranged horizontally, as an example. Each display unit is a display panel including a pixel array in which multiple pixels are arranged in an array, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display (OLED display), a microLED (Light Emitting Diode) display, a plasma display, etc. If each display unit is an LCD, a backlight is required.

[0026] The image display device 10 can divide and display an image across multiple display units 101 (for example, first and second display units 101A and 101B). This allows for a wider field of view (FOV) and higher resolution compared to displaying the image on a single display unit, enabling the user to view a wide-angle, high-resolution display image.

[0027] More specifically, each of the multiple display units 101 is capable of displaying multiple partial images contained within an image. The display control unit selectively drives at least one of the multiple display units 101. The display control unit can drive each display unit 101 independently. Image data of the image to be displayed is input to the display control unit. Based on the input image data, the display control unit controls the on / off state of each pixel of each display unit 101 so that the corresponding partial image is displayed. Each pixel of each display unit 101 emits display light DL when it is on. The display control unit is implemented by hardware including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a chipset.

[0028] Adjacent partial images may have overlapping portions. In other words, adjacent display panels may display partial images with overlapping portions. This makes it possible to ensure the continuity of the images (displayed images) that are visible to the user.

[0029] (Dividing section) The dividing section 201 is, for example, positioned between the display unit group and the optical system 301. The dividing section 201 is, for example, positioned away from the first surface 301S of the optical system 301, for example, at a position spaced apart from the first surface 301S of the optical system 301 along the optical axis OA of the optical system 301. In this case, the dividing section 201 is positioned closer to the display unit group than to the optical system 301.

[0030] The divided portion 201 is subjected to micro-machining (for example, micro-roughening). Specifically, the divided portion 201 is, for example, a diffractive optical element (DOE), a diffraction grating, a diffractive lens, etc.

[0031] As an example, the divided section 201 is arranged such that its central axis CA is coaxial with the optical axis OA of the optical system 301. As an example, the divided section 201 is not plate-shaped. As an example, the divided section 201 has an axisymmetric shape with respect to the central axis CA. The divided section 201 has first and second diffraction structures 201A and 201B adjacent to each other in the direction of alignment of the first and second display sections 101A and 101B. As an example, each diffraction structure has a convex surface with a fine uneven structure as its light-receiving surface, and a flat surface as its light-emitting surface. The first diffraction structure 201A is located on the optical path of the display light DL from the first display section 101A. The second diffraction structure 201B is located on the optical path of the display light DL from the second display section 101B. Display light DL from the edge of the first display unit 101A on the second display unit 101B side and display light DL from the edge of the second display unit 101B on the first display unit 101A side are incident on the boundary portion (the portion through which the central axis CA passes) of the first and second diffraction structures 201A and 201B.

[0032] The splitting unit 201, configured as described above, splits the incident light, which is the display light DL, into multiple light DVLs and directs them into the optical system 301.

[0033] (Optical System) The optical system 301 is, as an example, a lens (e.g., a biconvex lens) that includes at least one (e.g., one) lens element. The optical system 301 images multiple light DVLs (divided rays) from the dividing section 201 at different points (positions) on the pupil position PP (pupil plane). At each imaging point, a light DVL, which is a divided ray of each display light DL, is imaged.

[0034] In the image display device 10 configured as described above, the user can view two partial images displayed on the first and second display units 101A and 101B, respectively, or a display image generated from a partial image displayed on one of the first and second display units 101A and 101B, with a wide viewing angle and high resolution in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, in normal operation when the image display device 10 is properly (without misalignment) mounted on the user's head, the display unit group, the dividing unit 201, and the optical system 301 are designed and arranged so that when the user's line of sight LOS coincides with the optical axis OA of the optical system 301, unwanted images such as images at the boundaries between adjacent display panels (panel boundaries) and images due to misalignment of overlapping partial images are not visible.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the image display device 10 divides the display light DL from at least one of the first and second display units 101A and 101B into a plurality of light DVLs using a division unit 201, and images each of the divided plurality of light DVLs at different points on the pupil position PP.

[0036] Figure 3A shows the appearance (normally) of the first and second display units 101A and 101B in the image display device 10 according to Embodiment 1 of one embodiment of this technology. Figure 3B shows the appearance (when misaligned) of the first and second display units 101A and 101B in the image display device 10 according to Embodiment 1 of one embodiment of this technology.

[0037] The image display device 10 is designed and arranged such that, when properly (without slippage) mounted on the user's head as shown in Figure 1, the panel boundary PB located in the horizontal center as shown in Figure 3A is not visible to the user. This is achieved by designing and arranging the first and second display units 101A, 101B, the dividing unit 201, and the optical system 301.

[0038] In the image display device 10, when the pupil position shifts by approximately 4 mm due to misalignment, as shown in Figure 2 (when misalignment occurs), the panel boundary shifts by only about 0.6 mm, making the panel boundary almost invisible (inconspicuous) to the user. This is because the configuration including the dividing unit 201 and the optical system 301 (a configuration in which the light ray division function and imaging function are provided by separate components) allows the dividing unit 201 to be positioned close to the display unit group (at a distance A from the display unit group), and the optical system 301 to be positioned so as to image the divided light rays at a desired pupil position (at a distance L from the dividing unit 201), thereby reducing the shift of the panel boundary in response to the pupil position shift.

[0039] To elaborate, if A is the distance between the display group and the dividing section 201, L is the distance between the dividing section 201 and the pupil position PP, and Δp is the displacement of the pupil position PP, then the panel boundary displacement Δy can be expressed as Δy = A × Δp / L. In the image display device 10, A is set to be small and L is set to be large, so Δy can be made small for any Δp.

[0040] (Comparative Example) Figure 27 is a diagram showing the configuration of the comparative example's image display device and its normal operating state. Figure 28 is a diagram showing the configuration of the comparative example's image display device and its operating state when misaligned. Figure 29A is a diagram showing the appearance of display panels 1 and 2 in the comparative example's image display device (normal state). Figure 29B is a diagram showing the appearance of display panels 1 and 2 in the comparative example's image display device (when misaligned).

[0041] As shown in Figure 27, the comparative image display device divides the display light from each of the display panels 1 and 2 of the display panel group into multiple beams of light using a segment lens, and images each of the divided beams of light at points with different pupil positions. For convenience, Figures 27 and 28 show the light ray division function and imaging function of the segment lens separately, but in reality, the segment lens is a lens that has both a light ray division function and an imaging function.

[0042] In the image display device of the comparative example, the display panels 1, 2 and the segment lens are designed and arranged so that the panel boundary located at the center in the horizontal direction shown in FIG. 29A is not visible to the user when properly (without deviation) worn on the user's head as shown in FIG. 27.

[0043] In the image display device of the comparative example, when there is a deviation of about 4 mm in the pupil position as shown in FIG. 28, the panel boundary also deviates by about 4 mm, and the panel boundary becomes highly visible (conspicuous) to the user. This is because the segment lens having both a light beam splitting function and an imaging function performs light beam splitting and light beam refraction at substantially the same position, and thus it is necessary to arrange the segment lens at a certain distance from the display unit group in order to form an image of the split light beam at a desired pupil position (position at a distance D from the segment lens), and the deviation of the panel boundary with respect to the deviation of the pupil position cannot be reduced.

[0044] As a supplement, assuming that the distance between the display unit group and the segment lens is B, the distance between the segment lens and the pupil position is D, and the deviation of the pupil position is Δq, the deviation Δx of the panel boundary can be expressed as Δx = B × Δq / D. In the image display device of the comparative example, under the condition of B + A = A + L, since B is large (B > A) and D is small (D < L), Δx becomes large for any Δq.

[0045] (Effect of the image display device) The image display device 10 described above includes a display unit group including a plurality of display units 101 (for example, first and second display units 101A, 101B) each capable of displaying a plurality of partial images included in an image, a splitting unit 201 that splits display light DL from each of the plurality of display units 101 into a plurality of lights DVL, and an optical system 301 that forms an image of the plurality of lights DVL split by the splitting unit 201.

[0046] According to the image display device 10, it is possible to provide an image display device capable of reducing unnecessary images visually recognized due to the deviation between the pupil position PP of the image display device 10 and the eyeball EB of the user who is an observer. Further, according to the image display device 10, since it is not necessary to use an expensive segment lens, an increase in cost can be suppressed.

[0047] As an example, a dividing part 201 is arranged between the display unit group and the optical system 301. Thereby, the display light DL from each of the plurality of display units 101 can be divided into a plurality of lights DVL with a simple configuration (for example, the minimum configuration).

[0048] As an example, the dividing part 201 is located at a position deviated from the first surface 301S of the optical system 301. Thereby, the dividing part 201 can be arranged close to the display unit group and the optical system 301 can be arranged so that the divided light rays are imaged at a desired pupil position, and thus it is possible to suppress the panel boundary from being largely visible.

[0049] The dividing part 201 is, for example, subjected to microfabrication. Thereby, light ray division can be performed with high accuracy.

[0050] The dividing part 201 is, for example, not plate-shaped. Thereby, the degree of freedom in the design of the dividing part 201 can be improved.

[0051] The optical system 301, for example, images a plurality of lights DVL at different positions (for example, different points of the pupil position PP). Thereby, a display image generated from at least one partial image displayed on at least one of the plurality of display units 101 can be visually recognized by the user.

[0052] The optical system 301 includes, for example, a lens. Thereby, an increase in the cost of the optical system 301 can be suppressed.

[0053] As an example, the display unit group, the dividing part 201, and the optical system 301 are held by the same holding member 400. Thereby, the image display device 10 can be modularized (integrated).

[0054] As an example, the holding member 400 is worn on the head. Thereby, the image display device 10 can function as an HMD.

[0055] The image display device 10 displays a VR image. Thereby, unnecessary images are reduced, and it is possible to realize VR image display that does not impair the sense of presence and immersion.

[0056] Furthermore, in the image display device 10, the display units 101 may also be arranged vertically, forming a group of four display units 101, and the division unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to these four display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. This makes it possible to widen the viewing angle and increase the resolution of the display image in the vertical direction as well.

[0057] <2. Image display device according to Embodiment 2 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Embodiment 2 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 20 according to Embodiment 2 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the normal operating state. Figure 4 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 20 from above).

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, the image display device 20 has a configuration that is generally the same as the image display device 10 according to Embodiment 1, except that the divided portion 201 is a plate-shaped micro-machined plate and the optical system 301 is a thin pancake lens.

[0059] The microfabricated plate, as the divided section 201, is, for example, arranged in close proximity to the display section group. This microfabricated plate is, for example, a diffractive optical element (DOE), a diffraction grating, or a diffractive lens. This microfabricated plate has, for example, a fine uneven structure on the light-receiving surface, which can accurately adjust the imaging position and improve imaging performance.

[0060] For example, the microfabricated plate is located closer to the pancake lens, which is part of the optical system 301, than to the display unit group (for example, in a position that is in contact with the pancake lens).

[0061] As an example, the pancake lens as an optical system 301 has a plurality (e.g., three) of lens elements (e.g., first to third lens elements 301a, 301b, 301c) arranged in a line along the optical axis.

[0062] The first to third lens elements 301a, 301b, and 301c are arranged in this order from the dividing section 201 side to the eyeball EB side. For example, the first lens element 301a is a concave lens, the second lens element 301b is a convex lens, and the third lens element 301c is a convex lens. Here, each lens is arranged to be convex toward the eyeball EB side and concave toward the dividing section 201 side. Each lens is, for example, non-axisymmetric and has, for example, an XY polynomial free surface (where both X and Y are of even order).

[0063] In the image display device 20 configured as described above, for example, the horizontal field of view HFOV can be set to 90°, and the vertical field of view VFOV can be set to be less than or equal to the horizontal field of view HFOV (for example, 30° or more and 90° or less).

[0064] Figure 5A shows the appearance (normal) of the first and second display units 101A and 101B in the image display device 20 according to Embodiment 2 of one embodiment of this technology. Figure 5B shows the appearance (misaligned) of the first and second display units 101A and 101B in the image display device 20 according to Embodiment 2 of one embodiment of this technology.

[0065] In the image display device 20, under normal conditions without misalignment, the panel boundary is located in the horizontal center of the display unit group and is not visible (see Figure 5A).

[0066] In the image display device 20, even if the pupil position shifts by, for example, about 4 mm due to misalignment, the panel boundary shifts by only about 0.6 mm from the horizontal center of the display group, making it inconspicuous (see Figure 5B).

[0067] According to the image display device 20, since the pancake lens used as the optical system 301 is thin, it is possible to reduce the depth dimension of the image display device 20 while achieving roughly the same effect as the image display device 10.

[0068] Furthermore, in the image display device 20, the display units 101 may also be arranged vertically to form a group of four display units 101, and the division unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to these four display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, division unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged so that the horizontal field of view HFOV is 90° and the vertical field of view VFOV is 45° or more and 90° or less.

[0069] <3. Image display device according to Embodiment 3 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Embodiment 3 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 30 according to Embodiment 3 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the normal operating state. Figure 6 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 30 from above).

[0070] In the image display device 30, as shown in Figure 6, a plurality of (for example, two) display units 101 (first and second display units 101A, 101B) are arranged at an inclination with respect to the optical axis of the optical system 301, and the plurality of display units 101 include at least one set (for example, one pair) of at least two display units 101 (for example, the first and second display units 101A, 101B) arranged along a convex shape (for example, a V-shape) on the opposite side of the dividing unit 201, except that the image display device 30 has a configuration that is generally the same as the image display device 20 according to Embodiment 2.

[0071] As an example, the microfabricated plate is positioned in close proximity to the display unit group and the pancake lens which constitutes the optical system 301 (for example, in contact with at least one of the display unit group and the pancake lens).

[0072] As an example, the pancake lens as an optical system 301 has a plurality (e.g., three) of lens elements (e.g., first to third lens elements 301a, 301b, 301c) arranged in a line along the optical axis.

[0073] The first to third lens elements 301a, 301b, and 301c are arranged in this order from the dividing section 201 side to the eyeball EB side. For example, the first lens element 301a is a concave lens, the second lens element 301b is a convex lens, and the third lens element 301c is a convex lens. Here, each lens is arranged to be concave on the eyeball EB side and convex on the dividing section 201 side. Each lens is, for example, non-axisymmetric and has, for example, an XY polynomial free surface (where both X and Y are of even order).

[0074] In the image display device 30 configured as described above, the horizontal field of view angle HFOV can be set to an obtuse angle (for example, 120°), and the vertical field of view angle VFOV can be set to less than the horizontal field of view angle HFOV (for example, 30° or more and less than 120° (for example, 80°)).

[0075] Figure 8A shows the appearance (normally) of the first and second display units 101A and 101B in the image display device 30 according to Embodiment 3 of one embodiment of this technology. Figure 8B shows the appearance (when misaligned) of the first and second display units 101A and 101B in the image display device 30 according to Embodiment 3 of one embodiment of this technology.

[0076] In the image display device 30, under normal conditions without misalignment, the panel boundary is located in the horizontal center of the display unit group and is not visible (see Figure 8A).

[0077] In the image display device 30, even if the pupil position shifts by, for example, about 4 mm due to misalignment, the panel boundary shifts by only about 0.6 mm from the horizontal center of the display group, making it inconspicuous (see Figure 8B).

[0078] The first and second display units 101A and 101B are arranged in a V-shape when viewed from the vertical direction such that the horizontal field of view HFOV is obtuse (for example, 120°). This allows the optical path length of the outermost field of view to be shortened, making it possible to achieve a wide field of view with a compact optical system 301.

[0079] Here, each display unit 101 is an LCD, and the first and second display units 101A and 101B are arranged perpendicular to the Chief Ray Direction (CRD) of the incident light (light from the backlight). This suppresses a decrease in resolution. To elaborate, as shown in Figure 7, if the Chief Ray Direction CRD is inclined with respect to the display panel, the beam spot (orthogonal projection of the incident beam) on the display panel deforms from the desired shape (e.g., a circle), leading to a decrease in resolution. However, if the Chief Ray Direction CRD is perpendicular to the display panel, deformation of the beam spot on the display panel from the desired shape (e.g., a circle) is suppressed, thus suppressing a decrease in resolution. Furthermore, in the image display device 30, the high-brightness portion of the panel orientation can reach the eyeball EB, contributing to increased brightness of the device. Note that the Chief Ray Direction is synonymous with the Chief Ray Angle (CRA).

[0080] The image display device 30 provides effects that are generally similar to those of the image display device 20 according to Example 2.

[0081] In addition, in the image display device 30, the display units 101 may also be arranged vertically to form a group of four display units 101, and the division unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to these four display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, division unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged such that the horizontal field of view angle HFOV is obtuse (for example, 120°), and the vertical field of view angle VFOV is smaller than the horizontal field of view angle HFOV (for example, 120°) (for example, between 45° and 120°).

[0082] <4. Image display device according to Embodiment 4 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Embodiment 4 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 40 according to Embodiment 4 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the state of normal use. Figure 9 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 40 from above).

[0083] As shown in Figure 9, the image display device 40 has a configuration that is generally the same as the image display device 30 according to Embodiment 3, except that the divided portion 201 has a shape that follows the convex shape of the display unit group side (more specifically, the divided portion 201 is V-shaped when viewed from the vertical direction).

[0084] By the way, in the image display device 30 according to Embodiment 3, since the first and second display units 101A and 101B (two display panels) are arranged in a V-shape on a plate-shaped micro-machined plate, the divided portion 201, in particular the portion corresponding to the gap between the first and second display units 101A and 101B, may be conspicuously visible.

[0085] Therefore, in the image display device 40, the dividing section 201 is made convex in a plan view, that is, V-shaped along the first and second display sections 101A and 101B (with the apex angle of the V being, for example, 120°).

[0086] According to the image display device 40, the portion of the divided section 201 corresponding to the gap between the first and second display sections 101A and 101B can be made less conspicuous, thereby suppressing the visibility of that portion.

[0087] In addition, in the image display device 40, the display units 101 may also be arranged vertically to form a group of four display units 101, and the division unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to these four display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, division unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged such that the horizontal field of view angle HFOV is obtuse (for example, 120°), and the vertical field of view angle VFOV is smaller than the horizontal field of view angle HFOV (for example, 120°) (for example, between 45° and 120°).

[0088] <5. Image Display Device According to Embodiment 5 of One Embodiment of the Present Technology> An image display device according to Embodiment 5 of one embodiment of the Present Technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 50 according to Embodiment 5 of one embodiment of the Present Technology, and is a diagram showing the normal operating state. Figure 10 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 50 from above).

[0089] As shown in Figure 10, the image display device 50 has the same configuration as the image display device 40 according to Embodiment 4, except that the first and second display units 101A and 101B each constitute one side and the other side of a V-shaped panel, which is a V-shaped display panel (with a V-shaped apex angle of, for example, 120°).

[0090] The first and second display units 101A and 101B may be formed by processing a single display panel (for example, bending or folding) to create a V-shaped panel, or by connecting two display panels to create a V-shaped panel.

[0091] According to the image display device 50, since the first and second display units 101A and 101B are integrated as a single unit, the portion of the divided unit 201 corresponding to the boundary between the first and second display units 101A and 101B can be made less conspicuous.

[0092] In addition, the image display device 50 may be configured such that the V-shaped panels are also arranged vertically, forming a group of four display units 101, and the dividing unit 201 and optical system 301 correspond to these four display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, the dividing unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged such that the horizontal field of view angle HFOV is obtuse (for example, 120°), and the vertical field of view angle VFOV is smaller than the horizontal field of view angle HFOV (for example, 120°) (for example, between 45° and 120°).

[0093] <6. Image Display Device According to Embodiment 6 of One Embodiment of the Present Technology> An image display device according to Embodiment 6 of one embodiment of the Present Technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 60 according to Embodiment 6 of one embodiment of the Present Technology, and is a diagram showing the normal operating state. Figure 11 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 60 from above).

[0094] As shown in Figure 11, the image display device 60 has the same configuration as the image display device 50 according to Embodiment 5, except that the divided portion 201 has a shape that conforms to a convex shape (for example, a convex curved surface) that is convex toward the display group side (more specifically, the divided portion 201 is formed by bonding a micro-processed film 201a and a curved transparent member 201b).

[0095] In this configuration, the divided section 201 consists of a micro-processed film 201a and a curved transparent member 201b, arranged in this order from the display unit group side to the optical system 301 side. The divided section 201 is convex towards the display unit group side and is curved to conform to the optical system 301 and the V-shaped panel.

[0096] The microfabricated film 201a has a fine uneven surface structure. Examples of the microfabricated film 201a include diffractive optical elements (DOEs), diffraction gratings, and diffraction lenses.

[0097] The image display device 60 provides effects that are generally similar to those of the image display device 50 according to Example 5.

[0098] In addition, in the image display device 60, the V-shaped panels may also be arranged vertically to form a group of four display units 101, and the dividing unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to the four display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, the dividing unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged such that the horizontal field of view angle HFOV is obtuse (for example, 120°), and the vertical field of view angle VFOV is smaller than the horizontal field of view angle HFOV (for example, 120°) (for example, 45° or more and less than 120°).

[0099] <7. Image display device according to Embodiment 7 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Embodiment 7 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 70 according to Embodiment 7 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the normal operating state. Figure 12 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 70 from above).

[0100] As shown in Figure 12, the image display device 70 has the same configuration as the image display device 60 according to Embodiment 6, except that the arrangement of the micro-processed film 201a and the curved transparent member 201b is reversed.

[0101] Here, the micro-processed film 201a and the curved transparent member 201b are arranged in this order from the optical system 301 side to the display unit group side.

[0102] The image display device 70 provides effects that are generally similar to those of the image display device 60 according to Example 6.

[0103] In addition, in the image display device 70, the V-shaped panels may also be arranged vertically to form a group of four display units 101, and the dividing unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to the four display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, the dividing unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged such that the horizontal field of view angle HFOV is obtuse (for example, 120°), and the vertical field of view angle VFOV is smaller than the horizontal field of view angle HFOV (for example, 120°) (for example, 45° or more and less than 120°).

[0104] <8. Image display device according to Embodiment 8 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Embodiment 8 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 80 according to Embodiment 8 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the state of normal use. Figure 13 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 80 from above).

[0105] As shown in Figure 13, the image display device 80 has the same configuration as the image display device 60 according to Embodiment 6, except that the first and second display units 101A and 101B constitute one side and the other side of a curved display panel, respectively.

[0106] The curved panel is convex on the side opposite to the divided portion 201 and is curved to follow the direction of the divided portion 201.

[0107] The image display device 80 provides the same effects as the image display device 60 according to Embodiment 6. Furthermore, since the curved panel, the divided section 201, and the optical system 301 are arranged in the optical axis direction of the optical system 301 with similar curvatures, the difference in optical path length of the display light from each pixel is shortened, enabling image display with less optical aberration on the screen.

[0108] In addition, in the image display device 80, the curved panels may also be arranged vertically, and the display group may consist of a total of four display units 101, with the division unit 201 and optical system 301 corresponding to these four display units 101, so that the user can view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. In this case, for example, the display group, division unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged so that the horizontal field of view angle HFOV is obtuse (for example, 120°), and the vertical field of view angle VFOV is smaller than the horizontal field of view angle HFOV (for example, 120°) (for example, between 45° and 120°).

[0109] <9. Image display device according to Example 9 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Example 9 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 90 according to Example 9 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the normal operating state. Figure 14 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 90 from above).

[0110] As shown in Figure 14, the image display device 90 has the same configuration as the image display device 80 according to Embodiment 8, except that the arrangement of the micro-processed film 201a and the curved transparent member 201b is reversed.

[0111] Here, the micro-processed film 201a and the curved transparent member 201b are arranged in this order from the optical system 301 side to the display unit group side.

[0112] The image display device 80 provides effects that are generally similar to those of the image display device 80 according to Example 8.

[0113] In addition, in the image display device 80, the curved panels may also be arranged vertically, and the display group may consist of a total of four display units 101, with the division unit 201 and optical system 301 corresponding to these four display units 101, so that the user can view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. In this case, for example, the display group, division unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged so that the horizontal field of view angle HFOV is obtuse (for example, 120°), and the vertical field of view angle VFOV is smaller than the horizontal field of view angle HFOV (for example, 120°) (for example, 45° or more and less than 120°).

[0114] <10. Image display device according to Example 10 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Example 10 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the image display device 100 according to Example 10 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0115] The image display device 100 has a configuration that is generally the same as the image display device 10 according to Embodiment 1, except that the minimum value of the gap A between the group of display units including multiple display units 101 and the dividing unit 201 is 2 mm or more, as shown in Figure 15. If the dividing unit 201 is separated from the display unit 101 by 2 mm or more, the dividing unit 201 will no longer be directly viewed.

[0116] To elaborate, the minimum near point of accommodation for the human eye is approximately 100 mm. Therefore, objects at a distance of less than 100 mm from the eye appear blurred. Using the lens formula with a focal length of f = 15 mm, a simple calculation shows that the distance x between the dividing section 201 and the optical system 301 in Figure 15 is x = 13 mm. Thus, A = f - x = 2 mm.

[0117] <11. Image display device according to Embodiment 11 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Embodiment 11 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 110 according to Embodiment 11 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the normal operating state. Figure 16 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 110 from above).

[0118] The image display device 110 has a configuration that is generally the same as the image display device 110 according to Embodiment 3, except that a diffuser plate 401 is provided in the center of the divided portion 201.

[0119] According to the image display device 110, the display light from the opposing edges of the two display units 101 is diffused by the diffuser plate 401, so that the part of the divided section 201 corresponding to the gap or boundary between the first and second display units 101A and 101B (the ridge line) becomes blurred, thereby suppressing the visibility of that part.

[0120] The image display device 110 can prevent the divided section 201 from being viewed directly.

[0121] In addition, in the image display device 110, the display units 101 may also be arranged vertically to form a group of four display units 101, and the division unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to these four display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, division unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged such that the horizontal field of view angle HFOV is obtuse (for example, 120°) and the vertical field of view angle VFOV is less than or equal to the horizontal field of view angle HFOV (for example, 120°) (for example, 45° or more and less than 120°).

[0122] <12. Image display device according to Example 12 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Example 12 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 17A is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 120 according to Example 12 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the state of normal use. Figure 17B is a partial enlarged view of the divided part of Figure 17A (an enlarged view of the part enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 17A).

[0123] As shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the image display device 120 has a configuration that is generally the same as the image display device 20 according to Embodiment 2, except that the micro-machined plate, which serves as the divided portion 201, has a pitch P of irregularities that decreases as it approaches the center (for example, P4 > P3 > P2 > P1 in Figure 17B), and the minimum pitch of irregularities (>20 μm) is greater than the optical resolution.

[0124] The image display device 120 can prevent the divided section 201 from being viewed directly.

[0125] In addition, in the image display device 120, the display units 101 may also be arranged vertically to form a group of four display units 101, and the division unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to these four display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, division unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged such that the horizontal field of view angle HFOV is obtuse and the vertical field of view angle VFOV is less than or equal to the horizontal field of view angle HFOV.

[0126] <13. Image display device according to Example 13 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Example 13 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 130 according to Example 13 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the state of normal use. Figure 18 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 130 from above).

[0127] As shown in Figure 18, the image display device 130 has an image display device 30 for the left eyeball LEB and an image display device 30 for the right eyeball REB. The two image display devices 30 generate disparity images for stereoscopic viewing.

[0128] Each image display device 30 is positioned such that the optical axis of the optical system 301 is inclined with respect to the line of sight LOS when the corresponding eyeball is facing forward.

[0129] The image display device 130 provides a stereoscopic image display device that can suppress direct viewing of the divided portion 201.

[0130] Furthermore, in each image display device 30 of the image display device 130, the display units 101 may be arranged vertically to form a group of four display units 101, and the division unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to these four display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, division unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged such that the horizontal field of view angle HFOV is obtuse (for example, 120°) and the vertical field of view angle VFOV is less than or equal to the horizontal field of view angle HFOV (for example, 120°) (for example, between 45° and 120°).

[0131] <14. Image display device according to Example 14 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Example 14 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 140 according to Example 14 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the normal operating state. Figure 19 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 140 from above).

[0132] As shown in Figure 19, the image display device 140 has a configuration that is generally the same as the image display device 30 according to Embodiment 3, except that the divided portion 201 includes a fiber optic plate.

[0133] The fiber optic plate, which serves as the divided section 201, is positioned at the imaging plane of the optical system 301.

[0134] More specifically, the fiber optic plate as the divided section 201 has, for example, a bifurcated structure with two incident ends and one exit end, where one incident end is connected to (e.g., fused to) the first display unit 101A, the other incident end is connected to (e.g., fused to) the second display unit 101B, and the exit end is connected to (e.g., fused to) the optical system 301.

[0135] The fiber optic plate has fiber cores that are aligned with the pixels of each display unit 101.

[0136] In the image display device 140, for example, the horizontal field of view (HFOV) can be set to 100° and the vertical field of view (VFOV) to 100°.

[0137] According to the image display device 140, although the arrangement of the fiber optic plate as the divided section 201 is limited, the flexibility of the fiber optic plate improves the degree of freedom in the spacing, arrangement, and shape of the first and second display sections 101A and 101B.

[0138] In addition, in the image display device 140, the display units 101 may also be arranged vertically to form a group of four display units 101, and the division unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to these four display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, division unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged such that the horizontal field of view angle HFOV is obtuse and the vertical field of view angle VFOV is less than or equal to the horizontal field of view angle HFOV.

[0139] <15. Image display device according to Example 15 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Example 15 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 150 according to Example 15 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the normal operating state. Figure 20 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 150 from above).

[0140] As shown in Figure 20, the image display device 150 has a configuration that is generally the same as the image display device 10 according to Embodiment 1, except that in the group of display units, the three display units 101 (for example, the first to third display units 101A, 101B, and 101C) are arranged along a convex surface that protrudes on the opposite side from the dividing unit 201.

[0141] In the image display device 150, as an example, the three display units 101 are arranged such that the first and second display units 101A and 101B at both ends are inclined with respect to the optical axis of the optical system 301, and the central third display unit 101C is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system 301.

[0142] Here, each of the three display units 101 constitutes a part of the folding panel, but they may be separate from each other.

[0143] The image display device 150 provides the same effects as the image display device 10 according to Example 1, while also enabling the display of images with a wider viewing angle and higher resolution.

[0144] In addition, in the image display device 150, the folding panels may also be arranged vertically to form a group of six display units 101, and the dividing unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to the six display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the six partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, the dividing unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged such that the horizontal viewing angle HFOV is obtuse and the vertical viewing angle VFOV is less than or equal to the horizontal viewing angle HFOV.

[0145] <16. Image display device according to Example 16 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Example 16 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 21 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 160 according to Example 16 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the normal operating state. Figure 21 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 160 from above).

[0146] As shown in Figure 21, the image display device 160 has a configuration that is generally the same as the image display device 10 according to Embodiment 1, except that in the group of display units, the four display units 101 (for example, the first to fourth display units 101A, 101B, 101C, and 101D) are arranged along a convex surface that protrudes on the opposite side from the dividing unit 201.

[0147] In the image display device 160, for example, each of the four display units 101 is arranged at an angle with respect to the optical axis of the optical system 301.

[0148] Here, each of the four display units 101 constitutes a part of the folding panel, but they may be separate from each other.

[0149] The image display device 160 provides the same effects as the image display device 10 according to Example 1, while also enabling the display of images with a wider viewing angle and higher resolution.

[0150] In addition, in the image display device 160, the folding panels may also be arranged vertically to form a group of eight display units 101, and the dividing unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to the eight display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the eight partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, the dividing unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged such that the horizontal viewing angle HFOV is obtuse and the vertical viewing angle VFOV is less than or equal to the horizontal viewing angle HFOV.

[0151] <17. Image display device according to Example 17 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Example 17 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 22 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 170 according to Example 17 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the normal operating state. Figure 22 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 170 from above).

[0152] As shown in Figure 22, the image display device 170 has a configuration that is generally the same as the image display device 10 according to Embodiment 1, except that in the group of display units, the five display units 101 (for example, the first to fifth display units 101A, 101B, 101C, 101D, and 101E) are arranged along a convex surface that protrudes on the opposite side from the dividing unit 201.

[0153] In the image display device 170, as an example, the five display units 101 are arranged such that the central fourth display unit 101D is positioned perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system 301, while the first to third display units 101A to 101C and the fifth display unit 101E are positioned at an angle to the optical axis of the optical system 301.

[0154] Here, each of the five display units 101 constitutes a part of the folding panel, but they may be separate from each other.

[0155] The image display device 170 provides the same effects as the image display device 10 according to Example 1, while also enabling wider viewing angles and higher resolution image display.

[0156] In addition, in the image display device 170, the folding panels may also be arranged vertically to form a group of 10 display units 101, and the dividing unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to the 10 display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the 10 partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, the dividing unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged such that the horizontal viewing angle HFOV is obtuse and the vertical viewing angle VFOV is less than or equal to the horizontal viewing angle HFOV.

[0157] <18. Image display device according to Example 18 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Example 18 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 23 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 180 according to Example 18 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the normal operating state. Figure 23 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 180 from above).

[0158] The image display device 180 has a configuration that is generally the same as the image display device 10 according to Embodiment 1, except that the optical system 301 includes a free-form surface prism.

[0159] The image display device 180 provides the same effects as the image display device 10 according to Example 1.

[0160] In addition, in the image display device 180, the display units 101 may also be arranged vertically to form a group of four display units 101, and the division unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to these four display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, division unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged such that the horizontal field of view angle HFOV is obtuse and the vertical field of view angle VFOV is less than or equal to the horizontal field of view angle HFOV.

[0161] <19. Image display device according to Example 19 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Example 19 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 190 according to Example 19 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the state of normal use. Figure 24 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 190 from above).

[0162] The image display device 190 has a configuration that is generally the same as the image display device 40 according to Embodiment 4, except that the first and second display units 101A and 101B are one side and the other side of a flat panel (flat display panel), respectively.

[0163] The image display device 190 provides effects that are generally similar to those of the image display device 40 according to Example 4.

[0164] In addition, in the image display device 190, the flat panels may also be arranged vertically to form a group of four display units 101, and the division unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to the four display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, division unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged such that the horizontal viewing angle HFOV is obtuse and the vertical viewing angle VFOV is less than or equal to the horizontal viewing angle HFOV.

[0165] <20. Image display device according to Example 20 of one embodiment of the present technology> An image display device according to Example 20 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 25 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image display device 200 according to Example 20 of one embodiment of the present technology, and is a diagram showing the state of normal use. Figure 25 is a plan view (a view of the image display device 200 from above).

[0166] The image display device 200 has a configuration that is generally the same as the image display device 40 according to Embodiment 4, except that the dividing section 201 has a first diffraction structure 201A corresponding to the first display section 101A and a second diffraction structure 201B corresponding to the second display section 101B as separate components.

[0167] The gaps between the first and second diffraction structures 201A and 201B are located at positions corresponding to the gaps between the first and second display sections 101A and 101B.

[0168] The image display device 200 provides generally the same effects as the image display device 40 according to Example 4, while also suppressing direct viewing of the divided section 201.

[0169] In addition, in the image display device 200, the display units 101 may also be arranged vertically to form a group of four display units 101, and the division unit 201 and optical system 301 may be made to correspond to these four display units 101, thereby allowing the user to view a display image generated from at least one of the four partial images. In this case, for example, the group of display units, division unit 201 and optical system 301 can be designed and arranged such that the horizontal field of view angle HFOV is obtuse and the vertical field of view angle VFOV is less than or equal to the horizontal field of view angle HFOV.

[0170] <21. Modifications of the present technology> The configuration of the image display device in each embodiment of the present technology described above can be modified as appropriate.

[0171] The number, arrangement, and shape of the display units 101 are not limited to the above embodiments and can be changed as appropriate.

[0172] The number of divisions, arrangement, and shape of the divided portion 201 are not limited to the above embodiments and can be changed as appropriate.

[0173] The configuration of the optical system 301 is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified as appropriate. For example, the optical system 301 may include a mirror. For example, the optical system 301 may include a plurality of different optical elements (e.g., at least two of a lens, a prism, and a mirror).

[0174] Although the image display devices in each of the above embodiments are VR image display devices as an example, it is also possible to configure AR image display devices and MR image display devices by making each display unit 101 transparent.

[0175] At least some of the configurations of each of the above embodiments may be combined with each other in a non-consistent manner.

[0176] Furthermore, this technology can also take the following configurations: (1) An image display device comprising: a group of display units including a plurality of display units capable of displaying a plurality of partial images contained in an image; a splitting unit that splits the display light from each of the plurality of display units into a plurality of lights; and an optical system that forms an image of the plurality of lights split by the splitting unit. (2) The image display device according to (1), wherein the splitting unit is positioned between the group of display units and the optical system. (3) The image display device according to (1) or (2), wherein the splitting unit is located off-center from the first surface of the optical system. (4) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein there is a gap between the group of display units and the splitting unit. (5) The image display device according to (4), wherein the minimum value of the gap is 2 mm or more. (6) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the splitting unit is plate-shaped. (7) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the splitting unit is not plate-shaped. (8) The divided portion is subjected to microfabrication, the image display device according to any one of (1) to (7). (9) The display unit is arranged perpendicular to the direction of the principal ray of the incident light, the image display device according to any one of (1) to (8). (10) The at least one of the display units is arranged at an angle with respect to the optical axis of the optical system, the image display device according to any one of (1) to (9). (11) The group of display units includes at least one set of at least two display units arranged along a convex shape on the side opposite to the divided portion, the image display device according to any one of (1) to (10). (12) The divided portion has a shape that conforms to a convex shape on the side of the group of display units, the image display device according to any one of (1) to (11). (13) The at least two display units are arranged horizontally, the horizontal viewing angle is a right angle or an obtuse angle, and the vertical viewing angle is less than or equal to the horizontal viewing angle, the image display device according to (11) or (12).(14) The image display device according to any one of (11) to (13), wherein the at least one set is a plurality of sets, the at least two display units of one set of the plurality of sets are arranged horizontally, the at least two display units of the other sets of the plurality of sets are arranged vertically, the horizontal viewing angle is a right angle or an obtuse angle, and the vertical viewing angle is less than or equal to the horizontal viewing angle. (15) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein the dividing section includes a fiber optic plate. (16) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein the optical system images the plurality of lights at different positions. (17) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein the optical system includes a lens, a mirror, or a prism. (18) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (17), wherein the group of display units, the dividing section, and the optical system are held by the same holding member. (19) The image display device according to (18), wherein the holding member is attached to the head. (20) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (19), which displays a VR image.

[0177] 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200: Image display device 101: Display unit 101A: First display unit 101B: Second display unit 201: Dividing unit 301: Optical system 301S: First surface 400: Holding member

Claims

1. An image display device comprising: a group of display units including a plurality of display units each capable of displaying a plurality of partial images contained in an image; a splitting unit that splits the display light from each of the plurality of display units into a plurality of lights; and an optical system that forms an image of the plurality of lights split by the splitting unit.

2. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the dividing section is arranged between the group of display units and the optical system.

3. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the divided portion is located at a position away from the first surface of the optical system.

4. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein there is a gap between the group of display units and the dividing unit.

5. The minimum value of the gap is 2 mm or more, as described in claim 4.

6. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the divided portion is plate-shaped.

7. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the divided portion is not plate-shaped.

8. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the divided portion is subjected to micro-machining.

9. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is arranged perpendicular to the direction of the principal ray of the incident light.

10. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the display units is arranged at an inclination with respect to the optical axis of the optical system.

11. The image display device according to claim 2, wherein the group of display units includes at least one set of at least two display units arranged along a convex shape on the side opposite to the dividing unit.

12. The image display device according to claim 2, wherein the divided portion has a shape that conforms to the convex shape of the display unit group side.

13. The image display device according to claim 11, wherein the at least two display units are arranged horizontally, the horizontal viewing angle is a right angle or an obtuse angle, and the vertical viewing angle is less than or equal to the horizontal viewing angle.

14. The image display device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one set is a plurality of sets, the at least two display units of one of the plurality of sets are arranged horizontally, the at least two display units of the other sets are arranged vertically, the horizontal viewing angle is a right angle or an obtuse angle, and the vertical viewing angle is less than or equal to the horizontal viewing angle.

15. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the divided portion includes a fiber optic plate.

16. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the optical system images the plurality of lights at different positions.

17. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the optical system includes a lens, a mirror, or a prism.

18. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the group of display units, the dividing unit, and the optical system are held by the same holding member.

19. The image display device according to claim 18, wherein the holding member is attached to the head.

20. The image display device according to claim 1, which displays a VR image.

Images