JP5537337B2 - Display device and display method - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a display device and a display method.

Development of high-quality display devices that can perceive a sense of depth is in progress.
Conventionally, various configurations based on binocular parallax have been proposed as a display for perceiving a sense of depth, but an advanced image processing device is required to generate a plurality of images for the left and right eyes, and the display The optical system for this also becomes complicated.

  In a vehicle head-up display HUD (Head-Up Display), display information such as navigation information is projected onto the windshield, and the external world information and the display information are simultaneously viewed. In a binocular HUD, Binocular parallax occurs between the external information and the display information, and the display is difficult to see.

  On the other hand, a monocular display device for viewing the display with one eye has been proposed. According to this, a virtual image of a display object can be perceived at a depth position matching the background, and a display with enhanced depth and stereoscopic effect can be provided.

  Such a monocular display device can be applied to, for example, an on-vehicle head-up display HUD, and binocular parallax does not occur even when external information and display information are simultaneously viewed, and is displayed at a desired depth position. Can be presented and perceived.

  In addition, such a display device that is viewed with one eye can be applied to an amusement application such as a game in addition to a vehicle-mounted HUD, and a sense of depth and a three-dimensional effect can be enhanced to provide a highly realistic display.

  In a monocular display device, a projection area of a light beam including display contents is controlled to be narrow so that the display is not viewed with both eyes. For this reason, if one eye to be observed deviates from the projection area, the viewer loses sight of the display. In a monocular display device, there is room for improvement in order to make the display easy to see and use.

JP 2009-128565 A

  The present invention provides a monocular display device and a display method in which an eye to be viewed is not easily deviated from a light flux projection region and is easy to see.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, a display device that projects a first light beam including video information and a second light beam including video information toward a viewer is provided. The distance between the first light flux at the viewer position and the second light flux at the viewer position is wider than the distance between the eyes of the viewer. At least one of the width of the first light flux at the position of the viewer and the width of the second light flux at the position of the viewer is narrower than the distance between the eyes of the viewer. The first luminous flux has a first high luminance state with high luminance and a first low luminance state with lower luminance than the first high luminance state, and the second luminous flux has a second high luminance with high luminance. A luminance state and a second low luminance state having a luminance lower than that of the second high luminance state. When the first light flux is in the first high brightness state, the second light flux is in the second low brightness state, and when the first light flux is in the first low brightness state, the second light flux is in the second high brightness state. State.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of light fluxes including video information, having a mutual interval wider than the interval between both eyes and a width smaller than the interval between both eyes are alternately projected toward the viewer. A display method is provided.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are schematic views illustrating the configuration and operation of the display device according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the outline | summary of a structure of the display apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are schematic views illustrating the configuration of the display device according to the first embodiment. 6 is a schematic view illustrating characteristics of the display device according to the first embodiment; FIG. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the characteristic of the splitting element of the display apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are schematic views illustrating characteristics of the display device according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the structure of the principal part of another display apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the structure of another display apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of another display device according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the structure of another display apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the structure of another display apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the structure of another display apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 13A to FIG. 13D are schematic views illustrating divided elements of another display device according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the structure of another display apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are schematic views illustrating the configuration of another display device according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the structure of the display apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B are flowcharts illustrating the display method according to the third embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the structure of the display apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B are schematic views illustrating the operation of the display device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B are schematic views illustrating the operation of the display device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B are schematic views illustrating the configuration of elements included in the display device according to the fourth embodiment. 22A and 22B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of elements included in the display device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 23A to FIG. 23D are schematic views illustrating the operation of the display device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 24A to FIG. 24H are schematic views illustrating the operation of the display device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of another element included in the display device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of another display device according to the fourth embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the structure of the display apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment. FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B are flowcharts illustrating the display method according to the sixth embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Note that, in the present specification and each drawing, the same elements as those described above with reference to the previous drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
The display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a display device that can be viewed with one eye, and can be applied to amusement applications such as games in addition to in-vehicle HUD, enhancing the sense of depth and stereoscopic effect, A highly realistic display can be provided. Below, the display apparatus which concerns on this embodiment as an example demonstrates as a case where it applies as HUD which is a vehicle-mounted display apparatus.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are schematic views illustrating the configuration and operation of the display device according to the first embodiment.
1A is a schematic perspective view, and FIG. 1B is a schematic plan view illustrating an operation state.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the outline of the configuration of the display device according to the first embodiment.
First, the outline of the configuration of the display device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the display device 10 is a display device that projects a plurality of light beams 112 including video information toward the viewer 100. The plurality of light beams 112 are, for example, a first light beam 112a and a second light beam 112b. The number of the light beams 112 may be three or more as will be described later. Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, a case will be described where the plurality of light beams 112 are two, ie, the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b.

  The display device 10 includes a video projection unit 115 that reflects a plurality of light beams 112 to the image forming unit 715 and projects it toward the one eye 101 of the viewer 100.

  The image forming unit 715 reflects the plurality of light beams 112 and forms an image based on the plurality of light beams 112. In this specific example, the image forming unit 715 is, for example, the windshield 710 of the vehicle 730 (moving body). That is, the image forming unit 715 has reflectivity and translucency, and the viewer 100 transmits the video information included in the light beam 112 reflected by the image forming unit 715 and the image forming unit 715. It is possible to view the outside world information at the same time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the image forming unit 715 has reflectivity, and it is only necessary to reflect the plurality of light beams 112 and form an image based on the plurality of light beams 112. Note that the image forming unit 715 may be included in the video projecting unit 115, and the image forming unit 715 and the video projecting unit 115 may be regarded as separate bodies. In the following description, it is assumed that the image forming unit 715 is provided separately from the video projection unit 115.

  Note that the video information includes a display object 180, for example. The display object 180 is provided in an image that the display device 10 presents to the viewer 100. For example, various display items such as “arrows” indicating the traveling direction regarding the operation information of the vehicle 730 on which the display device 10 is mounted. Is the display content.

  The video projection unit 115 projects a plurality of light beams 112 toward the head 105 of the viewer 100. That is, the plurality of light beams 112 emitted from the video projection unit 115 are reflected by the reflection surface 712 of the image forming unit 715 and enter the head 105. At this time, the divergence angle of the light beam 112 is controlled, and any one of the plurality of light beams 112 enters the one eye 101 of the viewer 100. Thereby, the human viewer 100 views the video information included in the light flux 112 with one eye 101.

  The image forming unit 715 (the windshield 710 in this example) is disposed at a position where the distance from the viewer 100 is 21.7 cm or more. Thereby, the sense of depth perceived by the viewer 100 is enhanced, and the display object 180 can be perceived at a desired depth position. In a head-mounted display (HMD), an image may be presented to one eye (monocular), but an image by a display unit arranged in the very vicinity of the eye (position closer to 21.7 cm) is displayed. It only perceives, and cannot display a high sense of presence with a sense of depth.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the display device 10 can be provided in, for example, the vehicle 730, that is, for example, at the back of the dashboard 720 of the vehicle 730 when viewed from the human viewer 100 who is the operator. .

  The video projection unit 115 includes, for example, a video data generation unit 130, a video formation unit 110, and a projection unit 120.

  The video data generation unit 130 generates a video signal corresponding to the video including the display object 180 and supplies the video signal to the video formation unit 110.

  As the image forming unit 110, for example, various optical switches such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device), and a MEMS (Micro-electro-mechanical System) can be used. Then, the video forming unit 110 forms a video on the screen of the video forming unit 110 based on the video signal supplied from the video data generating unit 130.

On the other hand, for example, various light sources, lenses, mirrors, and various optical elements that control the divergence angle (diffusion angle) are used for the projection unit 120.
In this specific example, the projection unit 120 includes a light source 121, a taper light guide 122, a light source side lens 123, an image exit side lens 124, an optical path changing mirror 127, a dividing element 128, and an exit side mirror 126. ,including.

  The light source 121 generates light that becomes the light flux 112. A tapered light guide 122 is disposed between the light source 121 and the exit side mirror 126 along the traveling direction of the light that becomes the light beam 112, and a light source side lens 123 is disposed between the taper light guide 122 and the exit side mirror 126. The image exit side lens 124 is disposed between the light source side lens 123 and the exit side mirror 126, and the optical path changing mirror 127 is disposed between the image exit side lens 124 and the exit side mirror 126 to change the optical path. A dividing element 128 is provided between the mirror 127 and the exit side mirror 126.

  The optical path changing mirror 127 may have the function of the image exit side lens 124. Further, depending on the arrangement of the light source 121, the tapered light guide 122, the light source side lens 123, and the image emission side lens 124, the optical path changing mirror 127 may be omitted.

  In this specific example, an image forming unit 110 (for example, an LCD) is disposed between the light source side lens 123 and the image emission side lens 124.

  As the light source 121, various types such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a high-pressure mercury lamp, a halogen lamp, and a laser can be used. By using an LED for the light source 121, power consumption can be reduced, and the apparatus can be reduced in weight and size.

  Each configuration of the video data generation unit 130, the video formation unit 110, and the projection unit 120 can be variously modified. Arrangement of the elements included in the image forming unit 110 and the elements included in the projection unit 120 is arbitrary. For example, between the elements included in the projection unit 120, the image forming unit 110 (and elements included in the image forming unit 110). ) May be inserted.

  The light emitted from the light source 121 is controlled to have a divergence angle within a certain range in the taper light guide 122. Then, the light passes through the image forming unit 110 and becomes a primary light beam 112o including an image including a predetermined display object 180.

  The primary light beam 112o passes through the splitting element 128 to become a plurality of light beams 112 (for example, the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b). Divergence angles of the plurality of light beams 112 are controlled by various optical elements included in the video projection unit 115.

  As described above, the video projection unit 115 according to this specific example can first generate the primary light beam 112o and divide the primary light beam 112o to generate a plurality of light beams 112. Therefore, the image forming unit 110 and the projection unit 120 included in the image projecting unit 115 divide the primary light beam 112o from the portion that generates the primary light beam 112o (the primary light beam generation unit 140) and the viewer 100. It can divide into the part (division projection part 141) projected toward the direction.

  The primary light beam generation unit 140 includes, for example, the light source 121, the tapered light guide 122, the light source side lens 123, and the image forming unit 110 included in the projection unit 120. The division projection unit 141 includes, for example, an image emission side lens 124, an optical path changing mirror 127, a division element 128, and an emission side mirror 126 included in the projection unit 120.

As described above, the video projection unit 115 includes the primary light flux generation unit 140 and the division projection unit 141.
The primary light beam generation unit 140 generates a primary light beam 112o including video information.
The split projection unit 141 includes a splitting element 128 that splits the primary light beam 112o into a plurality of light beams 112, and controls the interval between the plurality of light beams 112 and the width of the plurality of light beams.

  Specific examples of the primary beam generation unit 140 and the splitting elements 128 included in the split projection unit 141 will be described later.

  In this specific example, the exit-side mirror 126 has a concave shape, so that the image of the video information included in the light beam 112 can be enlarged and projected to the viewer 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of light beams 112 are reflected by the output side mirror 126, then reflected by the image forming unit 715 of the vehicle 730, and reach the one eye 101 of the viewer 100.

  The viewer 100 perceives the image 181 (virtual image) of the display object 180 formed at the image forming position 181p via the image forming unit 715. Thus, the display device 10 can be used as a HUD.

The exit side mirror 126 can be movable. For example, the position and angle of the exit side mirror 126 can be adjusted manually or automatically in accordance with the position and movement of the head 105 of the viewer 100. With adjustment, the light beam 112 can be appropriately projected onto the one eye 101.
The video projection unit 115 can be variously modified in addition to the above specific examples.

  Since the display device 10 is a display device that is viewed with one eye, the spread of the plurality of light beams 112 is controlled so that it is not viewed with both eyes, and one of the plurality of light beams 112 is projected onto one eye and projected onto both eyes. Not.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1A, the size of the first projection area 114a of the first light flux 112a of the plurality of light fluxes 112 at the position 100p of the viewer 100 includes only one eye, The size is set so that does not enter. Similarly, the size of the second projection region 114b of the second light beam 112b of the plurality of light beams 112 at the position 100p of the viewer 100 is set to a size that only one eye enters and both eyes do not enter. The first projection area 114 a and the second projection area 114 b are separated from each other, and the distance between them is set to be larger than the distance between both eyes of the viewer 100.

  For example, the first light beam 112 a is emitted from the video projection unit 115, and the first light beam 112 a is reflected by the image forming unit 715 and projected toward the viewer 100. Similarly, the second light beam 112 b is emitted from the video projection unit 115, and the second light beam 112 a is reflected by the image forming unit 715 and projected toward the viewer 100. Thereby, the human viewer 100 perceives the image 181 (virtual image) of the display object 180 formed by the image forming unit 715.

  Here, the direction of the light beam 112 after the light beam 112 emitted from the display device 10 is reflected by the image forming unit 715 is defined as a Z-axis direction. The direction in which the two light beams 112 (the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b) face each other is taken as the X-axis direction. That is, the two light beams 112 (the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b) are separated from each other along the X-axis direction. A direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction is taken as a Y-axis direction. The image forming unit 715 is, for example, the windshield 710 of the vehicle 730 and may be inclined with respect to the vertical axis.

  For example, the position 100p of the viewer 100, the position where the light beam 112 is reflected by the image forming unit 715, and the position of the image 181 of the display object 180 (image forming position 181p) are aligned along the Z-axis direction. That is, the human viewer 100 views the image 181 of the display object 180 on the extension in the Z-axis direction of the position where the light beam 112 is reflected by the image forming unit 715. The horizontal direction of the viewer 100 corresponds to the X-axis direction, and the vertical direction of the viewer 100 corresponds to the Y-axis direction. Thus, the position 100p of the viewer 100 is a position in the direction along the light beam 112, that is, a position along the Z-axis direction.

FIG. 1B illustrates a plurality of light beams 112 at the position 100 p of the viewer 100.
As shown in FIG. 1B, the first projection region 114a of the first light flux 112 at the position 100p of the viewer 100 and the second projection region 114b of the second light flux 112 at the position 100p of the viewer 100 The luminous flux interval Wxs, which is the interval between and, is wider than the interval Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100.

  A first projection area width Wxa that is a length along the X-axis direction of the first projection area 114a, a second projection area width Wxb that is a length along the X-axis direction of the second projection area 114b, Is narrower than the interval Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100. However, as will be described later, one of the first projection region width Wxa and the second projection region width Wxb only needs to be smaller than the distance Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100. In the following description, it is assumed that both the first projection region width Wxa and the second projection region width Wxb are narrower than the distance Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100.

  Thus, in the display device 10, the interval between the plurality of light beams 112 (light beam interval Wxs) at the position 100 p of the viewer 100 is wider than the interval Wxe between both eyes of the viewer 100. At least one of the widths of the plurality of light beams 112 at the position 100p (for example, the first projection region width Wxa and the second projection region width Wxb) is narrower than the distance Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100, so Thus, both eyes of the viewer 100 do not enter any one of the regions (any one of the first projection region 114a and the second projection region 114b).

  Then, when one eye 101 of the viewer 100 is in one area (for example, the first projection area 114a) of the plurality of light beams 112, the other area (for example, the first projection area 114a) The other one eye 102 of the viewer 100 does not enter the two projection areas 114b).

  As described above, according to the display device 10, it is possible to cause the viewer 100 to see the display with one eye without causing the viewer 100 to see the display with both eyes.

  Then, by providing a plurality of light beams 112, one eye 101 of the viewer 100 is out of the projection region (for example, the first projection region 114a) of the light beam 112, and the viewer 100 is likely to lose sight of the display. Sometimes, the other eye 102 of the viewer 100 enters another projection area (for example, the second projection area 114b), so that the viewer 100 can see the display with the other eye 102, and the viewer 100 Can suppress losing sight of the display.

  As described above, according to the display device 10, it is possible to make it difficult for the eyes to view to deviate from the projection region of the luminous flux, and it is possible to present a monocular display that is easy to see.

  The distance Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100 is about 60 mm (millimeters) to about 65 mm, although there are variations depending on people. For this reason, the space | interval (light beam space | interval Wxs) between the some light beams 112 in the position 100p of the viewer 100 is set to a space | interval wider than the width | variety of about 60 mm to about 65 mm. The widths of the plurality of light beams 112 at the position 100p of the viewer 100 (for example, the first projection region width Wxa and the second projection region width Wxb) are set to be narrower than about 60 mm to 65 mm. The first projection area width Wxa and the second projection area width Wxb are about 55 mm, for example, and the light flux interval Wxs at the position 100p of the viewer 100 is about 70 mm, for example.

  When the light flux interval Wxs at the position 100p of the viewer 100 is small, when one eye 101 is removed from the light flux 112 (for example, the first light flux 112a), the other eye 102 is another light flux 112 (for example, the second light flux 112b). ) In this case, the human viewer 100 immediately switches from one eye 101 to the other eye 102 to see the display.

  When the light flux interval Wxs at the position 100p of the viewer 100 is large, when one eye 101 is removed from the light flux 112 (for example, the first light flux 112a), the other eye 102 is changed to another light flux 112 (for example, the second light flux 112b). ) Will not enter immediately. In this case, the viewer 100 does not immediately switch from one eye 101 to the other eye 102 to view the display. For example, the viewer 100 moves the head 105 to display the image 181 of the display object 180. As a result, the light beam 112 (for example, the first light beam 112a) is again incident on one eye 101, and the viewer 100 views the image 181 with one eye 101 or another light beam with the other eye 102. 112 (for example, the second light beam 112b) is incident, and the display is switched to the other eye 102.

  As described above, when the light flux interval Wxs is small, when the position of the head 105 and the position of the light flux 112 are shifted, the frequency with which the eyes to be viewed are switched between the one eye 101 and the other eye 102 is high. If the luminous flux interval Wxs is large, when the position of the head 105 and the luminous flux 112 are deviated, it is estimated that the viewer 100 performs an operation to compensate for the deviation. It is presumed that the number of eyes that maintain one eye 101 increases.

  It is said that humans have a dominant eye. When the display device 10 presents a display, the light beam 112 may be incident on the dominant eye of the viewer 100, or the light beam 112 may be incident on the non-dominant eye. The eye on which the light beam 112 is not incident views the background image of the outside world, and the eye on which the light beam 112 is incident views the image 181 of the display object 180 together with the background image of the outside world. Depending on the preference of the viewer 100, it is possible to select whether the eye on which the light beam 112 is incident is mainly dominant or mainly non-dominant.

  Then, depending on the preference of the viewer 100, when the position of the head 105 deviates from the position of the light beam 112, the frequency of switching between the one eye 101 and the other eye 102 is increased or maintained in the one eye 101. Can be selected. As described above, the light flux interval Wxs can be set according to the preference of the viewer 100 under conditions wider than the interval Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100.

  However, it is desirable that the light flux interval Wxs is not more than twice the interval Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100. That is, when the light flux interval Wxs is larger than twice the interval Wxe between both eyes of the viewer 100, for example, when one eye 101 is removed from the light flux 112 (for example, the first light flux 112a), the viewer 100 Even if the head 105 is moved, the ease with which another light beam 112 (for example, the second light beam 112b) is incident on the other eye 102 is reduced, making it difficult to use. On the other hand, when the light flux interval Wxs is less than or equal to twice the interval Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100, even when one eye 101 is removed from the light flux 112 (for example, the first light flux 112a), Another light beam 112 (for example, the second light beam 112b) can be made incident on one eye 102 of the first eye 102, which makes it easy to use.

  In the display device 10, it is sufficient that the light beam 112 is not incident on both eyes. Therefore, the vertical width of the light beam 112 (for example, the length in the Y-axis direction of the first projection region 114 a and the second projection region 114 b). ) Is optional. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the light beam 112 (for example, the pattern shape when the first projection region 114a and the second projection region 114b are viewed from the Z-axis direction) is arbitrary, and an ellipse, a circle, a rectangle, and a corner are curved. Various shapes such as rectangular shapes can be applied.

  The boundaries of the plurality of light beams 112 are not limited to, for example, the boundaries of the portions of the light beam 112 where the brightness is substantially zero. Can be determined based on the ratio of the brightness to the relatively low portion. That is, in each of the plurality of light fluxes 112, a boundary between a portion with relatively high brightness and a portion with relatively low brightness relative thereto can be used as the boundary of the light flux 112, and the brightness is relatively Thus, the viewer 100 can view the display at a high portion, and the viewer 100 does not view the display at a portion where the brightness is relatively low.

  When the display device 10 is applied to a vehicle-mounted HUD, the display device 10 includes a case where the display is viewed under bright conditions (for example, daytime) and a case where the display is viewed under dark conditions (for example, nighttime). The brightness of the light beam 112 emitted from the light source can be changed. At this time, the boundary of the light beam 112 is determined not by the absolute value of the brightness of the light beam 112 but by the relative relationship between the high brightness portion and the low brightness portion under each condition. . Based on this relatively defined boundary, the luminous flux interval Wxs is wider than the interval Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100, and the width of the plurality of luminous fluxes 112 (first projection region width Wxa and second projection region width Wxb). Is set to be narrower than the distance Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100.

  When the boundary of the luminous flux 112 is determined by a relative ratio of brightness (brightness of a part with low brightness / brightness of a part with high brightness), the relative ratio is set to be high (large). Then, the light flux interval Wxs increases and the widths of the plurality of light fluxes 112 (the first projection region width Wxa and the second projection region width Wxb) become narrower. On the other hand, when the relative ratio is set low (small), the light flux interval Wxs is narrowed and the widths of the plurality of light fluxes 112 (first projection region width Wxa and second projection region width Wxb) are widened.

Hereinafter, a specific example of the video projection unit 115 will be described.
FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are schematic views illustrating the configuration of the display device according to the first embodiment.
That is, FIG. 10A illustrates the configuration of the video projection unit 115, and FIG. 10B illustrates the configuration of the dividing element 128 used in the video projection unit 115.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the video projection unit 115 includes a primary light beam generation unit 140 that generates a primary light beam 112o including video information, and a split projection unit 141.
The primary light beam generation unit 140 uses the light source 121, the taper light guide 122, the light source side lens 123, and the image forming unit 110 that have already been described.
The split projection unit 141 includes a splitting element 128 that splits the primary light beam 112o into a plurality of light beams 112, and includes an interval (light beam interval Wxs) between the plurality of light beams 112 and a width (for example, a first projection) of the plurality of light beams 112. Area width Wxa and second projection area width Wxb).

As shown in FIG. 3B, the dividing element 128 has a reflective surface 128r and a transmissive reflective surface 128t.
The reflecting surface 128r of the dividing element 128 reflects the primary light beam 112o. The transmission / reflection surface 128t is arranged non-parallel to the reflection surface 128r, and has transparency and reflectivity to the primary light beam 112o.

  The dividing element 128 is made of optically transparent glass, for example, and the dividing element 128 has, for example, a triangular prism shape. The shape when the dividing element 128 is cut in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the triangular prism is, for example, a right triangle, and the surface corresponding to the base of the right triangle is the reflecting surface 128r, which corresponds to the hypotenuse of the right triangle. The surface to be transmitted is a transmission / reflection surface 128t. In such a dividing element 128, a reflective film such as silver is formed on the surface that becomes the reflective surface 128r of the triangular prism made of glass or the like, and a metal oxide film, an organic resin film, or the like is formed on the surface that becomes the transmissive reflective surface 128t. Can be obtained. Note that the wavelength of the light beam 112 is, for example, visible light, and the dividing element 128 can be transparent to visible light. The dividing element 128 may be substantially transparent, and various resins may be used for the dividing element 128 in addition to glass.

  The transmittance of the transmissive reflecting surface 128t can be, for example, about 62%, and the reflectance of the transmissive reflecting surface 128t can be, for example, about 38%. On the other hand, the reflectance of the reflecting surface 128r is ideally 100%, that is, reflects all of the incident light.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, a part of the primary light beam 112o incident on the transmission / reflection surface 128t of the splitting element 128 is reflected by the transmission / reflection surface 128t to become the first light beam 112a, which is an exit side mirror. Through 126, the image is projected toward the viewer 100. The first light flux 112a has a first projection region 114a at the position 100p of the viewer 100.

  On the other hand, the other part of the primary light beam 112o incident on the transmission / reflection surface 128t of the splitting element 128 travels inside the splitting element 128, is reflected by the reflecting surface 128r, and is extracted to the outside to be the second light flux. 112b, and is projected toward the viewer 100 through the output side mirror 126. The second light flux 112b has a second projection region 114b at the position 100p of the viewer 100.

  Thus, the splitting element 128 has a combination of the reflecting surface 128r and the transmissive reflecting surface 128t arranged non-parallel to the reflecting surface 128r, so that two primary light beams 112o incident on the splitting element 128 are provided. The two light beams 112 can be projected onto the viewer 100.

  The difference in the traveling direction of the two light beams 112 is controlled by the optical characteristics of the dividing element 128 and the arrangement of the dividing element 128 on the optical path.

  Then, the characteristics of the optical element having the aperture function included in the video projection unit 115 and the enlargement ratio as the entire optical system of the video projection unit 115 (including the image forming unit 715 in some cases) The interval between the light beams 112 (light beam interval Wxs) and the width of the plurality of light beams 112 (for example, the first projection region width Wxa and the second projection region width Wxb) are controlled.

In this specific example, the image output side lens 124 is used as the control element 129 having an aperture function included in the video projection unit 115.
The primary light beam 112o that has passed through the image forming unit 110 enters the splitting element 128 via the image exit side lens 124 and the optical path changing mirror 127. Then, an image of the video information included in the primary light beam 112o is formed on, for example, the transmission / reflection surface 128t of the dividing element 128. That is, the transmission / reflection surface 128t is an image forming surface. At this time, the size and shape of the cross section of the primary light beam 112o incident on the splitting element 128 from the image emission side lens 124 are controlled by the size and shape of the image emission side lens 124. The projection region of the plurality of light beams 112 generated by dividing the primary light beam 112o is also controlled by the image exit side lens 124. Thus, in this specific example, the image exit side lens 124 functions as the control element 129.

  The size of the aperture of the control element 129 included in the video projection unit 115 is, for example, a plurality of magnifications in consideration of the enlargement ratio as the entire optical system of the video projection unit 115 (including the image forming unit 715 in some cases). The width of the light beam 112 (for example, the first projection region width Wxa and the second projection region width Wxb) is appropriately set so as to be smaller than the distance Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100.

  As described above, the division projection unit 141 of the video projection unit 115 can further include the control element 129 (in this example, the image emission side lens 124) that controls the widths of the plurality of light beams 112. The position of the control element 129 and the position 100p of the viewer 100 can be in an imaging relationship on the optical path of the plurality of light beams 112.

  That is, since the position 100p of the viewer 100 can be a position for viewing the video information included in the light beam 112, the position along the light beam 112 of the control element 129 (image emission side lens 124), The position 100p of the viewer 100 is optically conjugate with each other, and the position along the light beam 112 of the control element 129 and the position 100p of the viewer 100 are in an imaging relationship with each other.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating characteristics of the display device according to the first embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, an optical element such as a lens is provided on the optical path between the control element 129 serving as an aperture and the viewer 100. A distance d ₁ along the light beam 112 between the position of the optical element and the control element 129 serving as an aperture is set. Then, the position of the optical element, the position 100p of the image viewer 100, a distance along the optical beam 112 and the distance _{d 2} between. When the focal length of the optical element is the focal length f ₃ , the distance d ₁ and the distance d are set so as to satisfy the relationship of (1 / d ₁ ) + (1 / d ₂ ) = (1 / f ₃ ). ₂ and the focal length _{f 3} is set.

Further, for example, when a plurality of optical elements are provided on the optical path between the control element 129 serving as the aperture and the viewer 100, the following is performed. That is, a distance along the light beam 112 between the principal point obtained by optically integrating the plurality of optical elements and the control element 129 serving as an aperture is defined as a distance d ₁ . Its principal point, and the position 100p of the image viewer 100, a distance along the optical beam 112 and the distance _{d 2} of that. When a focal length obtained by optically integrating the plurality of optical elements is a focal length f _k , the relationship of (1 / d ₁ ) + (1 / d ₂ ) = (1 / f _k ) is satisfied. The distance d ₁ , the distance d _2, and the focal length f _k are set so as to satisfy.

  In the case of this specific example, the optical elements provided on the optical path between the control element 129 (image emission side lens 124) and the viewer 100 are the optical path changing mirror 127, the dividing element 128, and the emission side mirror 126. And the image forming unit 715.

  Due to such a relationship, for example, an image of the video information formed by the video forming unit 110 of the video projecting unit 115 is formed at the position of the viewer 100, and the viewer 100 is formed at the image forming position 181p. The captured image 181 can be viewed in a good state in focus.

Here, the characteristics of the dividing element 128 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating characteristics of the dividing element of the display device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, the dividing element 128 has a reflection surface 128r and a transmission / reflection surface 128t, and an angle formed by the reflection surface 128r and the transmission / reflection surface 128t is an inclination angle θ1. The refractive index of the medium in the space between the reflective surface 128r and the transmissive reflective surface 128t is defined as a medium refractive index n. When a glass triangular prism is used as the dividing element 128, for example, 1.33 is used as the medium refractive index n. The refractive index of the space excluding the dividing element 128 is 1.

  When the primary light beam 112o is incident on the transmission / reflection surface 128t of the dividing element 128 at the incident angle θi, the first light beam 112a reflected by the transmission / reflection surface 128t of the division element 128 is output at the first emission angle θja. The second light beam 112b reflected by the reflecting surface 128r of the dividing element 128 is assumed to be emitted at the second emission angle θjb. The output angle difference α (that is, the absolute value of the difference between the first output angle θja and the second output angle θjb), which is the angle formed by the direction of the first light beam 112a and the direction of the second light beam 112b, is the dividing element 128. The relationship between these values depends on the inclination angle θ1, the medium refractive index n, and the incident angle θi.

θ1 = (1/2) · sin ⁻¹ ((sin α) / n) (1)

Then, an emission angle difference α which is an angle formed by the emission direction of the first light beam 112a and the emission direction of the second light beam 112b, the magnification of the entire optical system, and the position between the position 100p of the viewer 100 and the dividing element 128 The distance along the light beam 112 (the distance along the light beam 112 between the dividing element 128 and the exit side mirror 126 and the distance along the light beam 112 between the exit side mirror 126 and the position 100p of the viewer 100). d ₂ ), the distance between the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b at the position 100p of the viewer 100 (the center of the first projection region width Wxa and the center of the second projection region width Wxb), Distance).

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are schematic views illustrating characteristics of the display device according to the first embodiment.
That is, FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the optical paths of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b when the emission side mirror 126 is a plane mirror and when it is a concave mirror. In these specific examples, the windshield 710 (image forming unit 715) is a flat plate for the sake of simplicity.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when the exit side mirror 126 is a plane mirror, the direction of the first light beam 112a (the direction of the central light beam of the first light beam 112a) at the position 100p of the viewer 100. And the direction of the second light beam 112b (the direction of the central light beam of the second light beam 112b) is the above-described emission angle difference α, and the inclination angle of the splitting element 128 expressed by the above formula (1) It depends on θ1 and the medium refractive index n. That is, at the position 100p of the viewer 100, the light flux center between the center of the first projection area 114a (center of the first light flux 112a) and the center of the second projection area 114b (center of the second light flux 112b). The inter-distance Wxsc depends on the inclination angle θ1 of the dividing element 128 and the medium refractive index n. The center-of-beam distance Wxsc has a relationship of Wxsc = Wxs + (Wxa + Wxb) / 2.

As shown in FIG. 6B, when the exit side mirror 126 is a concave mirror, the normal angle θr varies depending on the incident position IP of the light beam 112 on the exit side mirror 126. Here, the position of the center of the first projection region 114a of the first light flux 112 at the position 100p of the viewer 100, the position of the splitting element 128, and the center of the curved surface of the concave mirror (exit-side mirror 126) are straight lines. The X-axis direction distance between the center position of the first projection region 114a and the incident position IP of the light beam 112 on the exit side mirror 126 is the entrance position distance x _IP, and the radius of curvature of the exit side mirror 126 is set. Is a radius of curvature r, the normal angle θr is expressed by the following equation (2).

θr = sin ⁻¹ (x _IP / r) (2)

Using this normal angle θr, at the position 100p of the viewer 100, the direction of the first light beam 112a (the direction of the central light beam of the first light beam 112a) and the direction of the second light beam 112b (the center of the second light beam 112b). The angle formed by (the direction of the light beam) is (α−2θr). That is, at the position 100p of the viewer 100, the center-of-beam distance Wxsc between the center of the first projection region 114a and the center of the second projection region 114b is the tilt angle θ1 of the dividing element 128 and the medium refractive index. n, depends on the incident position IP of the light beam 112 on the exit side mirror 126 and the radius of curvature r of the exit side mirror 126.

  The inclination angle θ1 of the splitting element 128 depends on the desired center-of-beam distance Wxsc, the desired position 100p of the viewer 100, and the magnification of the entire optical system (for example, including the radius of curvature r of the exit side mirror 126). It can be set appropriately.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of the main part of another display device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, in another display device 10 a according to the present embodiment, the dividing element 128 included in the video projection unit 115 has a reflecting surface 128 r that reflects the primary light beam 112 o instead of the triangular prism shape. The reflective plate 128ra and the transmissive reflective plate 128ta having a transmissive reflective surface 128t that is arranged non-parallel to the reflective surface 128r and has transparency and reflectivity to the primary light beam 112o are included.

  That is, the reflecting surface 128r and the transmitting / reflecting surface 128t included in the dividing element 128 are provided as separate bodies, whereby the inclination angle θ1 formed by the reflecting surface 128r and the transmitting / reflecting surface 128t can be made variable. . This makes it possible to vary the angle of each of the plurality of light beams 112 (exit angle difference α), and to vary the light beam interval Wxs between the plurality of light beams 112 at the position 100p of the viewer 100, which is more convenient.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of another display device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, in another display device 10 b according to the present embodiment, an aperture 125 b is used as the control element 129 included in the video projection unit 115.

  That is, in the display device 10 already described, the image emitting side lens 124 is used as an optical element (control element 129) functioning as an aperture included in the video projection unit 115, but the display device 10b of this specific example. In FIG. 3, an aperture 125b is used as an optical element (control element 129) that functions as an aperture included in the video projection unit 115.

  The primary light beam 112o that has passed through the image exit side lens 124 enters the aperture exit side lens 124a through the aperture 125b, and further enters the splitting element 128 through the optical path changing mirror 127. Then, a plurality of light beams 112 are generated by the dividing element 128, and the plurality of light beams 112 are projected toward the viewer 100.

  As the aperture 125b, an aperture having a variable opening size can be used. In this case, the width of the plurality of light beams 112 at the position of the viewer 100 can be made variable. Thereby, a display device that is easier to use can be provided.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of another display device according to the first embodiment.
In the figure, the optical path of the first light beam 112a, which is one of a plurality of light beams, is illustrated.
As shown in FIG. 9, the position of the aperture 125 b along the light beam 112 and the position 100 p of the viewer 100 are optically conjugate with each other. That is, the relationship between the surface rays is the same at the position along the light beam 112 of the aperture 125b and the position 100p of the viewer 100.

  The position of the image forming surface 128i of the light beam 112 (in this case, the position of the transmission / reflection surface 128t of the dividing element 128) and the image forming position 181p of the image 181 of the display object 180 are optically conjugate. Is done. That is, the position of the image forming surface 128i of the light beam 112 and the image forming position 181p are in an imaging relationship, and the image forming unit 110, the position of the image forming surface 128i of the light beam 112, and the image forming position 181p Can be considered substantially the same.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of another display device according to the first embodiment.
That is, this figure is a schematic plan view illustrating the operation state of the display device 11 according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, the display device 11 also projects two light beams (first light beam 112 a and second light beam 112 b) toward the viewer 100.

  In the display device 11, the first projection area width Wxa of the first light beam 112 a at the position 100 p of the viewer 100 is narrower than the interval Wxe between both eyes of the viewer 100, but the position 100 p of the viewer 100. The second projection region width Wxb of the second light flux 112b at is larger than the interval Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100. Also in this case, the distance between the first light flux 112a and the second light flux 112b (light flux spacing Wxs) is wider than the distance Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100. Except this, it can be the same as the display device 10.

  In the case of the display device 11 having such a configuration, the first projection region 114 a is set to one eye (for example, one eye 101) of the viewer 100, so that one eye 101 is set. Hardly deviates from the first projection region 114a. When the head 105 of the viewer 100 moves greatly and one eye 101 is removed from the first projection region 114a, the other eye 102 is arranged in the second projection region 114b, so that the viewer 100 does not lose sight of the display. As described above, even if the second projection area width Wxb of the second projection area 114b is enlarged so that the boundary of the second projection area 114b opposite to the first projection area 114a is separated from the first projection area 114a, The ease of viewing with one eye of the viewer 100 is not greatly reduced.

  Further, when the head 105 is moved, both eyes (one eye 101 and the other eye 102) of the viewer 100 may enter the second projection region 114b. However, such a situation is a special state in which the head 105 is moved considerably greatly from the situation in which the initially set one eye 101 enters the first projection area 114a. In this case, the display is viewed with one eye. It may be more convenient to keep the display visible with both eyes.

  That is, the display device according to the present embodiment can display the display content at an arbitrary depth position of the background image by perceiving the display with one eye, but moves the head 105 greatly as described above. In this case, it is presumed that the display device is not in a normal use state but in a special use state (for example, an accident such as a sudden drop in eyesight of one eye). However, by making it visible, for example, a display with high safety can be provided when applied to a vehicle-mounted HUD or the like.

  In the display device according to the present embodiment, the width of the light beam 112 can be made variable so that the display can be switched with one eye or the display with both eyes as necessary. At this time, in the plurality of light fluxes 112 provided, the distance (light flux spacing Wxs) between the plurality of light fluxes 112 at the position 100p of the viewer 100 is set wider than the distance Wxe between both eyes of the viewer 100 while viewing. It is sufficient that at least one of the widths of the plurality of light beams 112 at the position 100p of the viewer 100 (the first projection region width Wxa and the second projection region width Wxb) can be set narrower than the interval Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100. Depending on the setting of the display device, the light flux interval Wxs is set to be narrower than the interval Wxe between the eyes, or the widths of the plurality of light beams 112 at the position 100p of the viewer 100 (the first projection region width Wxa and the first projection region width Wxa). 2 projection region width Wxb) may be set to be narrower than the distance Wxe between both eyes.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of another display device according to the first embodiment.
That is, this figure is a schematic plan view illustrating the operation state of the display device 12 according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, the display device 12 projects three light beams 112 (first light beam 112a, second light beam 112b, and third light beam 112c) including image information toward the viewer.

  Also in this case, the interval between the plurality of light beams 112 (light beam interval Wxs) at the position of the viewer 100 is wider than the interval Wxe between both eyes of the viewer 100, and the plurality of light beams at the position of the viewer 100 is also present. At least one of the widths 112 (first projection region width Wxa, second projection region width Wxb, and third projection region width Wxc) is narrower than the interval Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100. In this specific example, the first projection area 114a is arranged between the second projection area 114b and the third projection area 114c.

  Accordingly, the viewer 100 is not caused to see the display with both eyes, and the viewer 100 is allowed to see the display with one eye. When one eye 101 of the viewer 100 deviates from the projection area of the light beam 112 and the viewer 100 is about to lose sight of the display, the other one eye 102 of the viewer 100 enters another projection area. Thus, the viewer 100 can see the display with the other eye 102, and can more effectively suppress the viewer 100 from losing sight of the display. As described above, according to the display device 12, it is possible to make it difficult for the eyes to view to deviate from the projection region of the luminous flux, and it is possible to present a monocular display that is easy to see.

  By providing three light beams 112, it is possible to more efficiently suppress the viewer 100 from losing sight of the display. That is, when three light beams 112 are provided, a desired eye (for example, superiority) of the viewer 100 is set as an initial setting state in the first projection region 114a of the first first light beam 112a among the three light beams 112. If the head 105 is arranged, one eye (one eye 101 or the other eye) is placed on the second projection area 114b or the third projection area 114c arranged in the left-right direction, regardless of whether the head 105 moves in the left-right direction. One eye 102) can be inserted, and the eye to be viewed is more difficult to deviate from the projection region of the luminous flux.

  It is desirable that the width (first projection region width Wxa) of the first light beam 112a disposed at the center of the three light beams 112 is set to be narrower than the interval Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100. That is, in the case where three light beams 112 are provided, the first projection region width Wxa of the first projection region 114a of the central first light beam 112a among the three light beams 112 is determined from the distance Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100. By setting the value to be narrow, the viewer 100 can view the display with one eye in the initial state.

  When three or more light beams 112 are used as described above, for example, after the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b are generated from the primary light beam 112o, any of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b is used. For example, by arranging another splitting element on the optical path, any one of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b can be split into two, thereby three or more light beams 112 can be split. Can be formed.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of another display device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, in another display device 13 according to the present embodiment, the configuration of the video projection unit 115 is different from that of the display device 10. That is, the splitting element 128a included in the video projection unit 115 is a transmissive type, and the primary light beam 112o is incident on one main surface of the splitting element 128a and is emitted from the other main surface facing the one main surface.

  The dividing element 128a includes a plurality of interfaces arranged non-parallel to each other. At least one of the plurality of interfaces is an interface having transparency and reflectivity, and the plurality of interfaces are arranged non-parallel so that the primary light flux 112o passing through the plurality of interfaces is transmitted. It can be divided into a plurality of light beams 112.

  In this specific example, the light emitted from the light source 121 passes through the image forming unit 110 to become a primary light beam 112o including image information. The primary light beam 112o enters the image exit side lens 124, and then enters the splitting element 128a via the aperture 125b and the aperture exit side lens 124a. Then, a plurality of light beams 112 are generated by the dividing element 128a.

  Thus, even with the display device 13 having the transmission type dividing element 128, it is possible to make it difficult for the eyes to view to be out of the projection region of the luminous flux, and it is possible to present a monocular display that is easy to see.

FIG. 13A to FIG. 13D are schematic views illustrating divided elements of another display device according to the first embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 13A, the dividing element 128 a of the display device 13 includes a first transmission / reflection element 310 and a second transmission / reflection element 320. The first transmission / reflection element 310 includes a first triangular prism element 311 and a second triangular prism element 312. The slope of the first triangular prism element 311 has a first transmission / reflection film 311t having transparency and reflectivity. The first triangular prism element 311 and the second triangular prism element 312 are arranged so that the first transmission / reflection film 311 t of the first triangular prism element 311 faces the slope of the second triangular prism element 312.

  The second transmission / reflection element 320 includes a third triangular prism element 313 and a fourth triangular prism element 314. The slope of the third triangular prism element 313 has a second transmissive reflection film 313t having transparency and reflectivity. The third triangular prism element 313 and the fourth triangular prism element 314 are arranged so that the second transmission / reflection film 313t of the third triangular prism element 313 faces the slope of the fourth triangular prism element 314.

  The first transmission / reflection element 310 and the second transmission / reflection element 320 are arranged such that the first transmission / reflection film 311t and the second transmission / reflection film 313t are not parallel to each other.

  A metal or dielectric thin film is used for the first transmission / reflection film 311t and the second transmission / reflection film 313t. For example, the slopes of the first triangular prism element 311 and the third triangular prism element 313 are deposited by a technique such as vapor deposition or sputtering. The first transmission / reflection film 311t and the second transmission / reflection film 313t are formed by forming a metal or dielectric thin film.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, when the primary light beam 112o is incident on the bottom surface of the first triangular prism element 311 of the dividing element 128a, a part of the primary light beam 112o is converted into the first transmission / reflection film. 311t and the second transmitting / reflecting film 313t are transmitted to become a first light beam 112a, which is emitted from the splitting element 128a. Then, another part of the primary light beam 112o is reflected by the second transmission / reflection film 313t, passes through the fourth triangular prism element 314 and the second triangular prism element 312 and reaches the first transmission / reflection film 311t. The light is reflected by the one transmission reflection film 311t, becomes the second light beam 112b, and is emitted from the splitting element 128a. Thus, by using the splitting element 128a, the primary light beam 112o is split into the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b.

  As shown in FIG. 13C, another dividing element 128 b that can be used for the display device 13 includes a first triangular prism element 311, a third triangular prism element 313, and a fifth triangular prism element 315. . The slope of the first triangular prism element 311 has a first transmission / reflection film 311t having transparency and reflectivity. The slope of the third triangular prism element 313 has a second transmissive reflection film 313t having transparency and reflectivity. The slopes of the first triangular prism element 311 and the slopes of the third triangular prism element 313 are not parallel to each other, and the first triangular prism is such that the first transmission / reflection film 311t and the second transmission / reflection film 313t are non-parallel. An element 311 and a third triangular prism element 313 are arranged. The fifth triangular prism element 315 has a slope parallel to the slope of the first triangular prism element 311 and a slope parallel to the slope of the third triangular prism element 313. A fifth triangular prism element 315 is disposed between the first triangular prism element 311 and the third triangular prism element 313.

  As shown in FIG. 13D, when the primary light beam 112o is incident on the bottom surface of the first triangular prism element 311 of the dividing element 128b, a part of the primary light beam 112o is converted into the first transmission / reflection film. 311t and the second transmitting / reflecting film 313t are transmitted to become the first light beam 112a, which is emitted from the splitting element 128b. Then, another part of the primary light beam 112o is reflected by the second transmission / reflection film 313t, reaches the first transmission / reflection film 311t via the fifth triangular prism element 315, and is transmitted by the first transmission / reflection film 311t. The light is reflected to become the second light beam 112b and is emitted from the splitting element 128b. Thus, by using the splitting element 128b, the primary light beam 112o is split into the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b.

As described above, the splitting elements 128a and 128b are disposed non-parallel to the reflection surface (for example, the second transmission reflection film 313t) that reflects the primary light beam 112o and the reflection light surface, and the primary light beam 112o. A transmissive reflective surface (eg, a first transmissive reflective film 311t) having transparency and reflectivity.
Note that the refractive indexes of the first triangular prism element 311, the second triangular prism element 312, the third triangular prism element 313, the fourth triangular prism element 314, and the fifth triangular prism element 315 may be the same or different from each other.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of another display device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 14, in another display device 13a according to the present embodiment, a lenticular plate 125l is used as the control element 129 of the video projection unit 115. The lenticular plate 125l is disposed on the emission side of the transmission type dividing element 128a (on the optical path, the viewer 100 side of the dividing element 128a).

  In this specific example, the light emitted from the light source 121 passes through the image forming unit 110 to become a primary light beam 112o including image information, and then enters the splitting element 128a via the image emitting side lens 124b. Then, a plurality of light beams 112 are generated by the splitting element 128, the plurality of light beams 112 are incident on the lenticular plate 125l, and the divergence angles of the plurality of light beams 112 are controlled and projected toward the viewer 100.

  In this way, even with the display device 13a having the transmission type dividing element 128a and using the lenticular plate 125l as the control element 129, the eyes to be viewed are not easily deviated from the projection area of the luminous flux, and the monocular display is easy to see. Can be presented.

FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are schematic views illustrating the configuration of another display device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 15A, in another display device 14 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of light sources are provided and a plurality of video forming units are provided. That is, in the display device 10 and the like already described, one primary light beam 112o is divided into a plurality of light beams 112, but in the display device 14 of this specific example, the primary light beam 112o is not divided, but a light source. A plurality of light beams 112 are generated directly from the light source.

  That is, the video projection unit 115 of the display device 14 includes, as a first optical system, a light source 121, a tapered light guide 122, a light source side lens 123, a video formation unit 110, an image emission side lens 124, and an aperture. 125b and an aperture exit side lens 124a.

Further, the video projection unit 115 includes, as a second optical system, a light source 121y, a tapered light guide 122y, a light source side lens 123y, a video formation unit 110y, an image emission side lens 124y, an aperture 125by, and an aperture. And an exit side lens 124ay.
In this specific example, the image projection unit 115 is provided with one exit side mirror 126.
Then, the video data generation unit 130 of the video projection unit 115 supplies the video data to the first video formation unit 110 and the second video formation unit 110y.

  As shown in FIG. 15B, also in another display device 14a according to the present embodiment, the video projection unit 115 of the display device 14 has a light source 121 and a tapered light guide 122 as the first optical system. And a light source side lens 123, an image exit side lens 124, an aperture 125b, and an aperture exit side lens 124a.

  Furthermore, the image projection unit 115 includes a light source 121y, a tapered light guide 122y, a light source side lens 123y, an image emission side lens 124y, an aperture 125by, and an aperture emission side lens 124ay as a second optical system. Yes.

  The image forming unit 110 is provided between the light source side lens 123 and the image emission side lens 124 and between the light source side lens 123y and the image emission side lens 124y. That is, the image forming unit 110 is shared by the first optical system and the second optical system, and two light beams pass through two regions of the image forming unit 110, and the two light beams 112. It becomes. As described above, at least one video forming unit 110 may be provided in the video projecting unit 115.

  Also with the display devices 14 and 14a having such a configuration, it is possible to project a plurality of light beams 112 including video information toward the viewer 100, and the first optical system and the second optical system. For example, by setting the optical axis, the interval between the plurality of light beams 112 (light beam interval Wxs) at the position 100p of the viewer 100 is wider than the interval Wxe between both eyes of the viewer 100, so that the viewer 100 At least one of the widths (for example, the first projection area width Wxa and the second projection area width Wxb) of the plurality of light beams 112 at the position 100p can be set to be narrower than the interval Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100. This makes it difficult for the eyes to view to deviate from the projection area of the luminous flux, and it is possible to present a monocular display that is easy to see.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 16 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of a display device according to the second embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 16, the display device 20 according to the present embodiment further includes an image forming unit 715 that forms an image based on the plurality of light beams 112. That is, the image forming unit 715 is included in the video projection unit 115, for example.

  The image forming unit 715 only needs to reflect the light beam 112 to form an image, and can use a transparent glass plate or a transparent resin plate having translucency and reflectivity. A so-called mirror having no translucency and substantially reflecting properties may be used.

  As a result, the viewer can view the image formed by the image forming unit 715 of the display device 20 with one eye, the depth feeling and the stereoscopic effect can be enhanced, and a high presence display can be provided. When the display device 20 is applied to an amusement application such as a game, the effect is particularly effective.

  Also in this case, the interval between the plurality of light beams 112 at the position 100p of the viewer 100 (light beam interval Wxs) is wider than the interval Wxe between both eyes of the viewer 100, and the plurality of light beams 112 at the position 100p of the viewer 100 At least one of the widths of the luminous flux 112 (for example, the first projection region width Wxa and the second projection region width Wxb) can be set to be narrower than the interval Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100, thereby This makes it easier for the eyes to move out of the projected region of the luminous flux and presents a monocular display that is easy to see.

  As described above, the video projection unit 115 may further include the image forming unit 715 that reflects the plurality of light beams 112 and forms an image based on the plurality of light beams 112. The distance between the image forming unit 715 and the eyes of the viewer 100 on the optical path of the plurality of light beams 112 is 21.7 cm or more. Thereby, the sense of depth perceived by the viewer 100 is enhanced, and the display object 180 can be perceived at a desired depth position.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B are flowcharts illustrating the display method according to the third embodiment.
That is, FIG. 9A is a flowchart of the display method, and FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing a specific example of the display method.
As shown in FIG. 17A, in the display method according to the present embodiment, a plurality of light fluxes that include video information and that are spaced apart from each other by an interval Wxe between the eyes and a width that is less than the interval Wxe between the eyes. 112 is projected toward the viewer 100 (step S101).
As a result, the viewer 100 can see the display with one eye, and at that time, the eye to be viewed can hardly come off from the projection region of the luminous flux, and an easy-to-view monocular display can be presented.

At this time, it is possible to employ a method in which a primary light beam 112o including video information is first generated and then the primary light beam 112o is divided into a plurality of parts.
That is, as shown in FIG. 17B, first, a primary light beam 112o including video information is generated (step S110).
Then, the primary light beam 112o is divided into a plurality of light beams, and a plurality of light beams 112 including video information are generated. The distance between the light beams 112 is wider than the distance Wxe between the eyes, and the width of the light beams 112 is the distance Wxe between the eyes. The plurality of light beams 112 are projected toward the viewer 100 under narrower control (step S120).
For splitting the primary light beam 112o, for example, the splitting elements 128, 128a and 128b already described can be used. In this way, by dividing the primary light beam 112o to generate a plurality of light beams 112, the optical system is simplified and the apparatus can be miniaturized. This method also makes it difficult for the eyes to view to deviate from the projection area of the luminous flux and presents a monocular display that is easy to see.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 18 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of a display device according to the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 18, the display device 30 according to the present embodiment also includes a video projection unit 115. The video projection unit 115 includes a primary light beam generation unit 140 that generates a primary light beam 112o including video information, and a split projection unit 241. Since the configuration of the primary light beam generation unit 140 can be the same as that already described, description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, for example, a time division element 228 is used as the division projection unit 241 instead of the optical path changing mirror 127 and the division element 128 described with reference to FIG. Since the other structure of the division | segmentation projection part 241 can be the same as that already demonstrated, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the first beam 112a and the second beam 112b are generated from the primary beam 112o by the time division element 228.

  Also in this case, the position along the light beam 112 of the control element 129 (image emission side lens 124) and the position 100p of the viewer 100 are optically conjugate with each other, and the light beam of the control element 129 is obtained. The position along 112 and the position 100p of the viewer 100 are in an imaging relationship with each other. In other words, the divided projection unit 241 includes a control element 129 that controls the widths of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b, and the control element 129 is provided on the optical paths of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b. The position and the position 100p of the viewer 100 are optically conjugate.

FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B are schematic views illustrating the operation of the display device according to the fourth embodiment.
That is, these drawings illustrate the state of the light beam 112 in the first state S1 in the first period and the second state S2 in the second period in the display device 30. The second period is a period different from the first period.
As shown in FIG. 19A, in the first state S1 of the first period, the primary light beam 112o is incident on the time division element 228, and the light emitted from the time division element 228 is the first light beam 112a. Thus, the first projection area 114a is reached.

  As shown in FIG. 19B, in the second state S2 in the second period, the primary light beam 112o is incident on the time division element 228, and the light emitted from the time division element 228 is the second light beam 112b. Thus, the second projection area 114b is reached.

  That is, the time division element 228 has a function of changing the traveling direction of the primary light beam 112o. For example, the first state S1 and the second state S2 are repeated. The time of one cycle of the repetition is set, for example, to such a length that the viewer 100 does not substantially perceive flicker.

  The first projection area 114a and the second projection area 114b are controlled as described above. That is, the interval (light beam interval Wxs) between the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b at the position 100p of the viewer 100 is set wider than the interval Wxe between both eyes of the viewer 100. Then, at least one of the widths (width Wxa and width Wxb) of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b at the position 100p of the viewer 100 is set to be narrower than the interval Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100.

FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B are schematic views illustrating the operation of the display device according to the fourth embodiment.
That is, FIG. 20A illustrates the time change of the luminance LI1 of the first light beam 112a, and FIG. 20B illustrates the time change of the luminance LI2 of the second light beam 112b. The horizontal axis of these figures is time t.

  As shown in FIG. 20A, the first light flux 112a has a first high-brightness state HS1 having a high luminance LI1 and a first low-brightness state LS1 having a lower luminance than the first high-brightness state HS1. . In this specific example, in the first state S1 (first period), the first light flux 112a is in the first high brightness state HS1, and in the second state S2 (second period), the first light flux 112a is in the first low brightness state LS1. Become.

  As illustrated in FIG. 20B, the second light beam 112b includes a second high-luminance state HS2 in which the luminance LI2 is high and a second low-luminance state LS2 in which the luminance is lower than that in the second high-luminance state HS2. . In this specific example, in the first state S1 (first period), the second light beam 112b is in the second low luminance state LS2, and in the second state S2 (second period), the second light beam 112b is in the second high luminance state HS2. Become.

  As described above, the first light flux 112a having a high luminance is projected onto the first projection region 114a in the first period (first state S1), and the luminance is projected onto the second projection region 114b in the second period (second state S2). By projecting the second light beam 112b in a state of high, the viewer 100 can perceive that a plurality of light beams 112 are projected in two different regions.

  As described above, the display device 30 according to the present embodiment is a display device that projects the first light beam 112a including the video information and the second light beam 112b including the video information toward the viewer 100. The distance (light flux interval Wxs) between the first light beam 112a at the position 100p of the viewer 100 and the second light beam 112b at the position 100p of the viewer 100 is set wider than the distance Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100. In addition, at least one of the width Wxa of the first light beam 112a at the position 100p of the viewer 100 and the width Wxb of the second light beam 112b at the position 100p of the viewer 100 is greater than the distance Wxe between the eyes of the viewer 100. It is set narrowly.

  The first light beam 112a has a first high-brightness state HS1 with high luminance and a first low-brightness state LS1 with lower luminance than the first high-brightness state HS1, and the second light beam 112b has a high luminance. 2 high-brightness state HS2 and second low-brightness state LS2 having lower luminance than second high-brightness state HS2. When the first light beam 112a is in the first high luminance state HS1 (for example, the first state S1 in the first period), the second light beam 112b is in the second low luminance state LS2, and the first light beam 112a is in the first low luminance state. At the time of LS1 (for example, the second state S2 in the second period), the second light beam 112b is in the second high luminance state HS2.

  Thereby, it is possible to provide a monocular display device in which the eyes to be viewed are not easily deviated from the projection region of the luminous flux and are easy to see.

  The first state S1 and the second state S2 are repeated. Thereby, the human viewer 100 can perceive that the plurality of light beams 112 are projected on different regions. The total time of the first period of the first state S1 and the second period of the second state S2 is set to 30 milliseconds or less, for example. This makes it difficult for the viewer 100 to perceive flicker.

  Note that the luminance LI1 of the first low luminance state LS1 can be zero. The luminance LI2 of the second low luminance state LS2 can be zero. The first low luminance state LS1 only needs to have a lower luminance than the first high luminance state HS1, and the luminance LI1 of the first low luminance state LS1 may not be zero. Similarly, the second low luminance state LS2 only needs to have a lower luminance than the second high luminance state HS2, and the luminance LI2 of the second low luminance state LS2 may not be zero. For example, the luminance LI1 in the first low luminance state LS1 and the luminance LI2 in the second low luminance state LS2 are set to values at which the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b are not clearly viewed simultaneously by the viewer 100. it can. Thereby, as described later, more appropriate display can be performed by using different video data for the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b.

  As described above, the first light beam 112 and the second light beam 112b traveling in a plurality of different directions are obtained from the primary light beam 112o by the time division element 228, so that the eyes to be viewed are not easily deviated from the projection region of the light beam. An easy-to-see monocular display device can be provided.

  As illustrated in FIG. 18, the video projection unit 115 of the display device 30 may further include a time division control unit 210 that supplies a control signal 210 s to the time division element 228. The time division element 228 changes the traveling direction of the primary light beam 112o to the direction of the first light beam 112 and the direction of the second light beam 112b based on the control signal 210s.

  As described above, the display device 30 temporally changes the traveling direction of the primary light beam 112o based on the primary light beam generation unit 140 that generates the primary light beam 112o including the video information and the supplied control signal 210s. The image projection unit 115 including the time division element 228 that generates the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b.

Hereinafter, an example of the time division element 228 will be described.
FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B are schematic views illustrating the configuration of elements included in the display device according to the fourth embodiment.
That is, FIG. 21A is a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of the time division element 228, and FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in FIG.
As illustrated in FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B, the time division element 228 includes a refractive index change layer 340. For the refractive index change layer 340, for example, a liquid crystal (liquid crystal layer) is used.

  In this specific example, the refractive index changing layer 340 is disposed between the first substrate 331a having the first electrode 332a and the second substrate 331b having the second electrode 332b. For the first substrate 331a and the second substrate 331b, for example, glass substrates are used. For the first electrode 332a and the second electrode 332b, a light-transmitting conductive layer such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) is used. However, when the time division element 228 is used as a reflective type, either the first substrate 331a or the second substrate 331b may be light-shielding, and either the first electrode 332a or the second electrode 332b is reflective. There may be. A separate reflective layer may be provided.

  A first alignment layer 333a can be provided on the side of the first electrode 332a that contacts the refractive index change layer 340 (liquid crystal layer), and the side of the second electrode 332b that contacts the refractive index change layer 340 (liquid crystal layer). The second alignment layer 333b can be provided. For example, polyimide or the like can be used for the first alignment layer 333a and the second alignment layer 333b. The first alignment layer 333a and the second alignment layer 333b are provided as necessary, and may be omitted in some cases.

  For the refractive index changing layer 340, for example, a nematic liquid crystal can be used. The arrangement (mode) of the liquid crystal in the refractive index changing layer 340 is arbitrary.

  A seal portion 351 is provided around the refractive index change layer 340 (liquid crystal layer) between the first substrate 331a and the second substrate 331b. For the seal portion 351, for example, an epoxy resin or the like is used.

  In this specific example, the thickness of the first substrate 331a and the second substrate 331b is substantially constant, and the first substrate 331a and the second substrate 331b are arranged non-parallel. For example, the first substrate 331a and the second substrate 331b can be arranged non-parallel by changing the height of a spacer (not shown) depending on the location.

Thereby, the thickness of the refractive index change layer 340 is not uniform. In other words, the refractive index changing layer 340 has a first main surface 341a and a second main surface 341b. The second main surface 341b is the side opposite to the first main surface 341a. The second main surface 341b is non-parallel to the first main surface 341a.
The first major surface 341a is a surface facing the first substrate 331a (first electrode 332a). The second major surface 341b is a surface facing the second substrate 331b (second electrode 332b).

  Here, a plane parallel to the first main surface 341a is defined as an X1-Y1 plane. The direction in which the first main surface 341a and the second main surface 341b intersect is the X1 axis direction. A direction parallel to the X1-Y1 plane and perpendicular to the X1-axis direction is taken as a Y1-axis. A direction perpendicular to the first major surface 341a is taken as a Z1 axis direction.

  The thickness of the refractive index changing layer 340 (for convenience, the refractive index changing layer 340 along the Z1 axis direction) changes along the Y1 axis direction.

  The time division control unit 210 is connected to the first electrode 332a and the second electrode 332b, and thereby the control signal 210s supplied from the time division control unit 210 to the refractive index change layer 340 (liquid crystal layer). A voltage based on can be applied. The alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer changes depending on the voltage (for example, effective value voltage) applied to the refractive index changing layer 340 (liquid crystal layer). The liquid crystal has a birefringence, and the effective refractive index of the liquid crystal layer changes due to the change in the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules.

  When light (for example, the primary light beam 112o) is incident on the first main surface 341a or the second main surface 341b of the refractive index changing layer 340 having such a configuration, the traveling direction of the light emitted from the refractive index changing layer 340 is , And changes depending on the refractive index of the refractive index changing layer 340. In this specific example, the refractive index of the refractive index changing layer 340 changes due to a change in voltage (for example, effective value voltage) applied to the liquid crystal layer of the refractive index changing layer 340, and thus the light is emitted from the refractive index changing layer 340. The traveling direction of the light changes. Accordingly, the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b having different traveling directions can be generated from the primary light beam 112o by time division.

22A and 22B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of elements included in the display device according to the fourth embodiment.
That is, FIG. 22A illustrates a state where the effective value of the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer of the refractive index changing layer 340 is low (for example, a state where the voltage is zero), and FIG. The state where the effective value of is high is illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 22A, in this specific example, a π cell configuration is used as the liquid crystal layer. That is, the major axis direction (director) of the liquid crystal molecules 342 on the first major surface 341a side of the liquid crystal layer is parallel to the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules 342 on the second major surface 341b side of the liquid crystal layer. The arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules 342 in FIG. A liquid crystal having negative dielectric anisotropy is used for the liquid crystal layer. If the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 342 is perpendicular to the substrate, the refractive index n of the liquid crystal layer is substantially the refractive index n _o for ordinary light of the liquid crystal.

As shown in FIG. 22B, when the effective value of the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer is high, the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules 342 changes in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the electric field. Thus, the refractive index n of the liquid crystal layer, in conjunction with the arrangement of the liquid crystal, the refractive index n _o, a refractive index n _e of against the extraordinary light, the refractive index between the. That is, the refractive index n increases.

  Thus, the refractive index n in the liquid crystal layer (refractive index changing layer 340) varies depending on the applied voltage (control signal 210s or voltage based on the control signal 210s). Thereby, the 1st light beam 112a and the 2nd light beam 112b from which the advancing direction mutually differs from the primary light beam 112o can be produced | generated by time division.

  As described above, the time division element 228 includes the first main surface 341a and the second main surface 341b that is opposite to the first main surface 341a and is not parallel to the first main surface 341a. The refractive index changing layer 340 can change the refractive index based on the control signal 210s.

  In this specific example, since the liquid crystal layer having a π cell configuration (bend arrangement) is used as the refractive index changing layer 340, the response speed of the refractive index change of the refractive index changing layer 340 is high. Thereby, the time for switching between the first state S1 and the second state S2 can be shortened, and a display with less flicker can be easily realized.

  In this specific example, the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules 342 in the liquid crystal layer is set, for example, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X1 axis direction (that is, substantially in the Y1-Z1 plane). . This makes it easy to use the change in the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 342 in the liquid crystal layer as the change in the refractive index of the refractive index change layer 340. Further, by setting the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules 342 in the liquid crystal layer to a direction substantially perpendicular to the X1 axis direction, the bend alignment becomes stable, and a more stable operation can be easily performed.

FIG. 23A to FIG. 23D are schematic views illustrating the operation of the display device according to the fourth embodiment.
That is, these figures illustrate the result of simulating the change in the direction of the light beam 112 at the position 100p of the viewer 100 when the refractive index of the refractive index changing layer 340 changes. In FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C, and 23D, the refractive index n of the refractive index changing layer 340 is 1.0, 1.4, 2.0, and 2, respectively. The luminous flux 112 at .5 is illustrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 23A to 23D, the traveling direction of the light beam 112 changes along the X-axis direction in accordance with the change in the refractive index n of the refractive index changing layer 340, and the viewer The position of the projection region 114 of the light beam 112 at the position 100p of 100 changes along the X-axis direction.

  When liquid crystal is used as the refractive index change layer 340, for example, the refractive index n changes between 1.4 and 2.0. Thereby, the light beam 112 illustrated in FIG. 23B (for example, corresponding to the first light beam 112a) and the light beam 112 illustrated in FIG. 23C (for example, corresponding to the second light beam 112b) are obtained. .

  Thus, according to the display device 30 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a monocular display device in which the eyes to be viewed are easily removed from the projected region of the light flux.

  Further, in the display device 30 according to the present embodiment, the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b are obtained from the primary light beam 112o in a time-sharing manner, so that the video data of the video information included in the second light beam 112b is obtained. The video data of the video information included in the first light beam 112a can be different. That is, in the first period (first state S1) in which the first light beam 112o is generated from the primary light beam 112o, the video data generation unit 130 generates the video data of the first video information. In the second period (second state S2) in which the second light beam 112b is generated from the primary light beam 112o, the video data generation unit 130 generates video data of the second video information different from the video data of the first video information. Generate. As a result, it is possible to generate video data suitable for each of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b, and to give an appropriate display to the viewer 100.

  For example, the light beam 112 emitted from the video projection unit 115 is reflected by the image forming unit 715 (for example, the windshield 710) and projected toward the viewer 100. The reflection surface of the image forming unit 715 is not necessarily a flat surface but a curved surface. For this reason, distortion occurs in the image of the video information included in the light beam 112 reflected by the image forming unit 715. At this time, an image generated in the image forming unit 110 (for example, a liquid crystal display device) is deformed in advance so as to compensate for the distortion of the image, and the distortion is small when the image is viewed at the position 100p of the viewer 100. An image can be obtained. In addition, various optical components included in the video projection unit 115 (for example, the exit side mirror 126) often have a curved surface, and an image generated in the video forming unit 110 is previously stored so as to compensate for the optical characteristics of the curved surface. In some cases, an image with little distortion is obtained when the image is viewed at the position 100p of the viewer 100.

  The first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b having different traveling directions are different positions of optical elements that pass therethrough (for example, at least one of the optical elements included in the image forming unit 715 and the video projection unit 115). Pass (reflect or transmit). For this reason, the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b have different image distortion characteristics.

  At this time, the display device 30 can adjust the video data included in the first light flux 112a so that the distortion of the image of the first light flux 112a is reduced. Then, the video data included in the second light beam 112b can be adjusted so that the distortion of the image of the second light beam 112b is reduced.

  For example, in the first period (first state S1) in which the video data generation unit 130 generates the first light beam 112a from the primary light beam 112o, the first video information is set so that the image distortion of the first light beam 112a is reduced. Video data is generated. Then, in the second period (second state S2) in which the second light beam 112b is generated from the primary light beam 112o, the video data generation unit 130 reduces the second video information so that the image distortion of the second light beam 112b is reduced. Video data is generated. Thus, the video data generation unit 130 corrects the video data in accordance with each of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b.

FIG. 24A to FIG. 24H are schematic views illustrating the operation of the display device according to the fourth embodiment.
That is, FIG. 24A, FIG. 24B, FIG. 24C, and FIG. 24D show the image of the viewer 100 when a grid-shaped image is used as the image of the primary light beam 112o. The shape of the image 181 included in the light beam 112 at the position 100p is illustrated. 24 (a), 24 (b), 24 (c), and 24 (d) show that the refractive index n of the refractive index changing layer 340 is 1.0, 1.4, 2.0, and 2, respectively. .5, and a simulation result of the image 181 corresponding to the change in the position of the projection region 114 of the light beam 112 according to each refractive index n is illustrated. That is, FIG. 24A, FIG. 24B, FIG. 24C, and FIG. 24D correspond to the image 181 when the video data correction is not performed.

  FIG. 24E, FIG. 24F, FIG. 24G, and FIG. 24H illustrate an image 181a of the primary light beam 112o that has undergone video data correction. That is, in FIGS. 24E, 24F, 24G, and 24H, the refractive index n of the refractive index changing layer 340 is 1.0, 1.4, and 2.0, respectively. And 2.5, the video data image 181a after the video data correction supplied from the video data generation unit 130 is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 24A, when the refractive index n of the refractive index changing layer 340 is 1.0, even if the image of the primary light beam 112o is a grid-shaped image, The shape of the image 181 included in the light beam 112 at the position 100p is a fan shape. This is because, for example, the reflection surface of the image forming unit 715 through which the light beam 112 passes (reflects) is a curved surface.

  As shown in FIGS. 24B to 24D, when the refractive index n of the refractive index changing layer 340 changes, the shape of the image 181 at the position 100p of the viewer 100 changes. This is because, for example, the position of the image forming unit 715 through which the light beam 112 passes (reflects) changes corresponding to the change in the refractive index n of the refractive index changing layer 340.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 24E, FIG. 24F, FIG. 24G, and FIG. 24H, the position of the viewer 100 when the target image has a square shape. The shape of the image 181a of the primary light beam 112o is corrected so that the shape of the image 181 included in the light beam 112 at 100p becomes a square shape. Accordingly, an image having a target shape is obtained at the position 100p of the viewer 100.

  For example, when the first light beam 112a has optical characteristics corresponding to the image 181 illustrated in FIG. 24B, the image data of the primary light beam 112o is corrected as in the image 181a illustrated in FIG. To do.

  When the second light beam 112b has optical characteristics corresponding to the image 181 illustrated in FIG. 24C, the image data of the primary light beam 112o is corrected as in the image 181a illustrated in FIG. To do.

  Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately correct the video data in each of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b that are different from each other, and the target image is reproducible in each of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b. It is well obtained.

  As described above, in the display device 30, the video data generation unit 130 generates video data related to the first video information such that the distortion of the image of the first light flux 112a is reduced in the first period (first state S1). In the second period (second state S2), video data relating to the second video information is generated so that the distortion of the image of the second light beam 112b is reduced.

  That is, the video projection unit 115 generates the video data corresponding to the video information and the time division control unit 210 that supplies the control signal 210s to the time division element 228, and generates the primary light flux generation unit 140 (for example, the video formation unit 110). And a video data generation unit 130 for supplying video data. The video data generation unit 130 changes the video data based on a signal synchronized with the control signal 210s of the time division control unit 210 (for example, the signal 210c illustrated in FIG. 18). The signal synchronized with the control signal 210s (for example, the signal 210c) may be the same signal as the control signal 210s.

  Thereby, video information suitable for each of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b can be provided to the viewer 100, and a display that is easier to view is possible.

  A computer can be used for at least a part of the video data generation unit 130. A computer can be used for at least a part of the time division control unit 210. A computer used for the video data generation unit 130 can be used as at least a part of the time division control unit 210. In this case, a part that performs processing for generating video data in the computer can be regarded as the video data generation unit 130, and a part that outputs the control signal 210 s can be regarded as the time division control unit 210.

  In the above description, the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b have different characteristics regarding the shape of the image, and the technique for appropriately correcting this characteristic in each of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b has been described. The embodiment is not limited to this. The first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b have different characteristics relating to the brightness and color of the image, and this characteristic may be appropriately corrected for each of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b.

  As described above, in the display device 30 according to the present embodiment, the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b that are projected in a time-sharing manner at different positions are appropriately corrected. By changing temporally the video data of the video information included in the first light beam 112o in conjunction with switching between the light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b, a more easily viewable display becomes possible.

FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of another element included in the display device according to the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, in this example, a liquid crystal layer having homogeneous alignment is used as the refractive index changing layer 340 of the time division element 228a. A nematic liquid crystal having positive dielectric anisotropy is used for the liquid crystal layer. FIG. 25A illustrates a state where the effective value of the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer of the refractive index changing layer 340 is high, and FIG. 25B illustrates a state where the effective value of the voltage is low (for example, the voltage is (Zero state).

As shown in FIG. 25B, when the effective value of the applied voltage is low, the liquid crystal molecules 342 are in a homogeneous alignment state. Refractive index of the refractive index changing layer 340 in this case n is, for example, the refractive index n _e of the extraordinary light.

As shown in FIG. 25A, when the effective value of the applied voltage is high (voltage exceeding the threshold voltage), the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules 342 changes toward the Z1 axis direction, and the tilt angle is large. Become. Accordingly, the refractive index n of the refractive index changing layer 340 decreases toward the refractive index n _o of the ordinary light.

  Also in such a time division element 228a, the traveling direction of the primary light beam 112o can be temporally changed by the control signal 210s to generate the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b.

  Furthermore, for the time division element according to the present embodiment, an element using the Kerr effect in PLZT (lead lanthanum zirconate titanate), for example, whose refractive index changes depending on the applied voltage may be used.

In addition, an element including a mirror whose angle can be changed can be used as the time division element according to the present embodiment. Then, the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b can be obtained by modulating the luminance of the primary light beam 112o according to the mirror angle of the element. For example, a MEMS element can be used as an element including a mirror whose angle can be changed. Further, the mirror may be rotated, and the luminance of the primary light beam 112o may be modulated in accordance with the rotation angle.
As described above, the time division element can be variously modified.

FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of another display device according to the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 26, in another display device 30b according to the present embodiment, an aperture 125b is used as the control element 129 included in the video projection unit 115. The other optical systems are the same as the optical systems included in the display device 10b illustrated in FIG. However, in the display device 30b, a time division element 228 (or the time division element 228a) may be used instead of the division element 128. The time division element 228 is a reflection type.

  In the time division element 228 in this case, for example, a reflective electrode is used as the first electrode 332a. The light incident on the refractive index changing layer 340 from the second main surface 341b side is reflected by the first electrode 332a and is emitted to the outside from the first main surface 341a side. Thus, the time division element 228 may be a reflection type.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 27 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of a display device according to the fifth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 27, the display device 40 according to the present embodiment further includes an image forming unit 715 that forms an image based on the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b. That is, the image forming unit 715 is included in the video projection unit 115, for example.

  As described with reference to FIG. 16, the image forming unit 715 can use, for example, a transparent glass plate or a transparent resin plate that reflects the light beam 112 to form an image, and further uses a mirror. You can also.

As described above, the image projection unit 115 may further include an image forming unit 715 that reflects the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b to form an image based on the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b. The distance between the image forming unit 715 and the eyes of the viewer 100 on the respective optical paths of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b is 21.7 cm or more.
Thereby, the viewer can view the image formed by the image forming unit 715 of the display device 40 with one eye, the sense of depth perceived by the viewer 100 is enhanced, and the display object 180 is displayed at a desired depth position. Can be perceived. That is, a sense of depth and a three-dimensional feeling are enhanced, and a display with a high presence can be provided.
According to the display device 40, it is possible to make it difficult for the eyes to view to deviate from the projection region of the light flux, and it is possible to present a monocular display that is easy to see.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B are flowcharts illustrating the display method according to the sixth embodiment.
That is, FIG. 9A is a flowchart of the display method, and FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing a specific example of the display method.
As shown in FIG. 28A, in the display method according to the present embodiment, a plurality of light beams 112 (including image information) whose mutual distance is wider than the distance between both eyes and whose width is smaller than the distance between both eyes. The first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b) are alternately projected toward the viewer 100 (step S201).
As a result, the viewer 100 can see the display with one eye, and at that time, the eye to be viewed can hardly come off from the projection region of the luminous flux, and an easy-to-view monocular display can be presented.

  At this time, it is possible to employ a method in which a primary light beam 112o including video information is first generated and then the primary light beam 112o is temporally divided into a plurality of times.

That is, as shown in FIG. 28B, first, a primary light beam 112o including video information is generated (step S210).
Then, the primary light beam 112o is divided into a plurality of times to generate a first light beam 112a and a second light beam 112b, and the distance between the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b is wider than the distance Wxe between the eyes. The first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b are alternately projected toward the viewer 100 by controlling the width of the first light beam 112a and the width of the second light beam 112b to be smaller than the distance Wxe between the eyes. (Step S220).

  For splitting the primary light beam 112o, for example, the time-splitting elements 228 and 228a already described can be used. Thus, by dividing the primary light beam 112o in time to generate a plurality of light beams 112, the optical system is simplified and the apparatus can be miniaturized. This method also makes it difficult for the eyes to view to deviate from the projection area of the luminous flux and presents a monocular display that is easy to see.

  Then, by alternately projecting the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b, video information subjected to video data correction suitable for each of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b is given to the viewer 100. Display that can be more easily viewed. For example, by performing video data correction on at least one of brightness, color, and image shape suitable for each of the first light beam 112a and the second light beam 112b, for example, an image included in the first light beam 112a, The image included in the second light beam 112b can have the same brightness, the same color, and the same shape. In addition, by changing the brightness of the first light flux 112a and the second light flux 112b as necessary, for example, it is possible to provide an appropriate image to the eyes of the dominant eye of the viewer 100 and make it easier to view. .

  According to the embodiment, there is provided a monocular display device and a display method in which an eye to be viewed is not easily deviated from a light flux projection region and is easy to see.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, each of a video projection unit, a video data generation unit, a video formation unit, a projection unit, a primary light beam generation unit, a division projection unit, a control element, a division element, a time division element, a time division control unit, etc. included in the display device The specific configuration of the elements is included in the scope of the present invention as long as a person skilled in the art can appropriately perform the present invention by selecting appropriately from a known range and obtain the same effect.
Moreover, what combined any two or more elements of each specific example in the technically possible range is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the gist of the present invention is included.

  In addition, all display devices and display methods that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art based on the display device and display method described above as embodiments of the present invention as appropriate include the gist of the present invention. It belongs to the scope of the present invention.

  In addition, in the category of the idea of the present invention, those skilled in the art can conceive of various changes and modifications, and it is understood that these changes and modifications also belong to the scope of the present invention. .

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

10, 10a, 10b, 11, 12, 13, 13a, 14, 14a, 20, 30, 30b, 40 ... display device, 100 ... viewer, 100p ... position of viewer, 101, 102 ... one eye, 105 ... head, 110, 110y ... image forming unit, 112 ... light flux, 112a ... first light flux, 112b ... second light flux, 112c ... third light flux, 112o ... primary light flux, 114 ... projection area, 114a ... first projection Area 114b second projection area 114c third projection area 115 image projection section 120 projection section 121 121y light source 122 122y taper light guide 123 123y light source lens 124 , 124b, 124by ... image exit side lens, 124a, 124ay ... aperture exit side lens, 125b, 125by ... aperture, 12 l ... lenticular plate, 126 ... output side mirror, 127 ... optical path changing mirror, 128, 128a, 128b ... splitting element, 128i ... image forming surface, 128r ... reflecting surface, 128ra ... reflecting plate, 128t ... transmitting / reflecting surface, 128ta DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Transmission reflector, 129 ... Control element, 130 ... Video data generation part, 140 ... Primary light beam generation part, 141 ... Division projection part, 180 ... Display object, 181, 181a ... Image, 181p ... Image formation position, 210 ... Time division control unit, 210c ... signal, 210s ... control signal, 228, 228a ... time division element, 241 ... division projection unit, 310 ... first transmission / reflection element, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315 ... first to first 5 triangular prism element, 311t ... first transmission reflection film, 313t ... second transmission reflection film, 320 ... second transmission reflection element, 33 a, 331b ... first and second substrates, 332a, 332b ... first and second electrodes, 333a, 333b ... first and third alignment layers, 340 ... refractive index changing layer, 341a, 341b ... first and second 342 ... Liquid crystal molecules, 351 ... Sealing part, 710 ... Windshield, 712 ... Reflecting surface, 715 ... Image forming part, 720 ... Dashboard, 730 ... Vehicle (moving body), HS1, HS2 ... First and second 2 high brightness state, LS1, LS2 ... 1st and 2nd low brightness state, IP ... incident position, LI1, LI2 ... brightness, LS1, LS2 ... 1st and 2nd low brightness state, S1, S2 ... 1st and 1st 2 states, Wxa: first projection area width, Wxb: second projection area width, Wxc: third projection area width, Wxe: distance between both eyes, Wxs: light beam distance, Wxsc: light beam center distance, α: emission angle difference , .Theta.1 ... inclination angle, .theta.i ... incident angle, θja, θjb ... first and second output angle, [theta] r ... normal angle, _{d 1,} d 2 _... distance, n ... medium refractive index, refractive index, r ... the radius of curvature , T ... time, x _IP ... incident position distance

Claims (5)

A display device that projects a first light beam including image information and a second light beam including image information toward a viewer,
An interval between the first light flux at the viewer position and the second light flux at the viewer position is wider than an interval between both eyes of the viewer,
At least one of the width of the first light flux at the position of the viewer and the width of the second light flux at the position of the viewer is narrower than an interval between both eyes of the viewer,
The first light flux has a first high-brightness state with high brightness and a first low-brightness state with lower brightness than the first high-brightness state,
The second light flux has a second high-brightness state with high brightness and a second low-brightness state with lower brightness than the second high-brightness state,
When the first light flux is in the first high brightness state, the second light flux is in the second low brightness state;
The display device, wherein the second light beam is in the second high luminance state when the first light beam is in the first low luminance state.   The display device according to claim 1, wherein the video data of the video information included in the second light flux is different from the video data of the video information included in the first light flux. A primary light beam generation unit for generating a primary light beam including video information;
A division projection unit including a time division element that temporally changes a traveling direction of the primary light beam based on a supplied control signal and generates the first light beam and the second light beam;
The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a video projection unit including The video projection unit
A time division control unit for supplying the control signal to the time division element;
A video data generation unit that generates video data corresponding to the video information and supplies the video data to the primary light beam generation unit;
Further including
The display device according to claim 3, wherein the video data generation unit changes the video data based on a signal synchronized with the control signal of the time division control unit.   A display method characterized by alternately projecting a plurality of light fluxes including image information, having a mutual interval wider than the interval between both eyes and a width smaller than the interval between both eyes toward the viewer.

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