DE102010041343A1 - display device - Google Patents

Abstract

A display device is provided with a holding device (2) that can be placed on the head of a user, an imaging device (5) attached to the holding device (2) for generating an image, a control unit (9) for controlling the imaging device (5) and one The holding device (2) fastened multifunction glass (3, 4), which has a first coupling-in area (12) and a first coupling-out area (13), the generated image being coupled into the multifunction glass (3) via the first coupling-in area (12), in the multifunction glass (3) up to the first decoupling area (13) and is decoupled via the first decoupling area (13) so that the user can perceive the decoupled image as a virtual image when the holding device (2) is placed on the head, the multifunction glass ( 3) has at least one further coupling-out area (60, 61) which is offset relative to the first coupling-out area (13), the coupling-in direction and / or the coupling-in location of the generated image is adjustable and, as a function thereof, the generated image is decoupled from the first coupling-out area (13) or from the further coupling-out area (60, 61) as the virtual image.

Description

The present invention relates to a display device according to the preamble of claim 1.

With such a display device, a user can, for example, be presented with an image of a device that can be connected to the display device. The device may be, for example, a computer, a navigation device, an organizer, a smartphone, etc. However, since different users typically have different nose-to-eye distances, it is difficult to easily adapt virtual imaging to it.

Proceeding from this, it is therefore an object of the invention to develop the display device of the type mentioned so that a simplified adaptation to different nose-eye distances is possible.

The object is achieved in a display device of the type mentioned above in that the multifunction glass has at least one further decoupling region which is offset relative to the first decoupling region, wherein the coupling-in direction and / or the Einkoppelort the generated image is adjustable and depending on the generated image from the first decoupling area or from the further decoupling area is decoupled as the virtual image.

Thus, according to the invention, only one adjustment of the coupling-in direction and / or the coupling-in location of the generated image is necessary in order to adapt to the different nose-eye distances. A change of the multifunction glass itself is then no longer necessary. Thus, in the simplest way the desired adaptation to the nose-eye distances can be performed.

In the display device according to the invention, the generated image can be coupled out either only from the first outcoupling region or only from the further outcoupling region.

The further decoupling region may partially overlap the first decoupling region. However, it is also possible that the further decoupling area does not overlap the first decoupling area.

Furthermore, a plurality of further decoupling regions can be provided in order to carry out a finer adaptation of the display device to the present nose-eye distance.

In the display device according to the invention, the imager can be tilted about an axis for adjusting the coupling-in direction. Furthermore, the imager may be displaceable along an axis for adjusting the coupling-in location. However, the coupled-in image always hits the coupling-in area which carries out the desired coupling or deflection.

Furthermore, the display device may have a fixing unit which fixes the set tilt or rotational position and / or the set displacement and thus the set position of the image generator. The fixing unit may be designed so that the fixation is effected by means of form, friction and / or material connection.

The display device can be designed in particular in the form of a pair of glasses. In this case, the holding device is designed as a spectacle frame. In particular, a conventional spectacle lens can be designed as a multifunctional glass. For this purpose, essentially only the first coupling-in region and the first and the further coupling-out region must be formed in the spectacle lens.

Furthermore, the display device according to the invention can be designed so that the user - in the mounted on the head state of the holding device - can perceive the decoupled image in superimposition with the environment.

Preferably, the first coupling region and the first and the further decoupling region are formed on the front side of the multifunctional glass facing away from the user's eye in the state of the holding device mounted on the head. In particular, the first coupling-in region and the first and the further coupling-out region are each designed as reflective regions.

In the case of the device according to the invention, the control unit can be set up, in particular, to control the imager such that the desired image is generated.

In the display device according to the invention, the first coupling-in region, the first coupling-out region and / or the further coupling-out region can each be designed as a Fresnel structure.

The respective Fresnel structures may have an imaging property. The imaging feature can be used, for example, to correct any aberrations that may occur during the guidance in the multifunctional glass.

The respective Fresnel structure may in particular be formed on the material interface of the multi-functional glass, wherein the material interface is in particular a curved material interface. This provides a high freedom of design for the multifunctional glass, which is hardly or not at all limited by the necessary optical function of the coupling-in or coupling-out region, since the optical function of the coupling-in or coupling-out region is realized by means of the Fresnel structure.

The respective Fresnel structure may be transmissive or reflective. If it is of a transmissive nature, it is preferably formed on the material interface of the multifunctional glass facing the user's eye when the holding device is placed on the head of the user. If the Fresnel structure is reflective, it is preferably designed for the first coupling-in region and the first and second coupling-out regions respectively at the front side of the multifunctional glass facing away from the user's eye in the head-mounted state of the holding device and is preferably for the second coupling-in region formed the back of the multi-functional glass.

The respective Fresnel structure may have a plurality of Fresnel segments, wherein the optically active facets of the Fresnel segments optically emulate an imaginary optical active surface. The optical active surface is in particular curved. Furthermore, it can not have mirror symmetry, rotational symmetry and / or translational symmetry.

Furthermore, the Fresnel structure can cause a beam path convolution.

The guidance of the image in the multifunction glass from the first coupling-in region to the first coupling-out region or to the further coupling-out region is preferably carried out in each case by total internal reflection at the front and rear sides of the multifunctional glass.

The maximum height of each facet is preferably equal in the Fresnel structure. It is for example in the range of 5 to 500 .mu.m, in particular in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 mm.

Particularly preferred is a range of 200 to 300 microns and a range of 0.05 to 0.3 mm.

The facet shape may be a food, in particular a linear food of the shape of the corresponding surface portion of the imaginary effective surface. In particular, the facets may be concave, convex or linear in section.

The Fresnel segments may be directly adjacent, as in a "classic" Fresnel structure. However, it is possible that the Fresnel segments are spaced apart from one another, with the normal course of the material interface then preferably existing between them.

The display device according to the invention may comprise a second multifunction glass, which is attached to the holding device, and a second imager. The second multi-functional glass is preferably formed in the same or corresponding manner. In particular, it may be mirror-symmetrical to the first multifunction glass. Thus, both eyes of the user images can be presented. This can be used for example for a three-dimensional image representation. The second multifunctional glass may, but need not, have a return channel.

Furthermore, the display device according to the invention preferably has an interface in order to connect a device to the display device. This is in particular a data interface. The device may be, for example, a computer, a smartphone, a navigation device, etc. In this case, a combined display device is provided which comprises the display device according to the invention and the device connected to it.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the specified combinations but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The invention will be explained in more detail for example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which also disclose characteristics essential to the invention. Show it:

1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of the display device according to the invention;

2 an enlarged detail view of the display device of 1 ;

3 a perspective view of a portion of the first Fresnel structure of the multifunction glass of the display device of 1 ;

4 the course of the optical effective surface, with the first Fresnel structure according to 3 is modeled;

5 a plan view of the first Fresnel structure according to 3 ;

6 an xz cut of the effective area 108 ;

7 an enlarged view of the detail CC of 6 ;

8th - 11 different profile shapes of the Fresnel structure 12 the display device according to the invention;

12 a representation of an optical active surface, which is implemented on a curved base optically equivalent acting as a Fresnel structure;

13 - 14 Sectional views of the first Fresnel structure on the curved front of the multifunction glass;

15 a sectional view of a complete facet 105 the Fresnel structure 12 of multifunctional glass 3 from 1 ;

16 a modification of the facet 105 from 15 ;

17 another variation of the facet 105 from 15 ;

18 a sectional view of another embodiment of the first Fresnel structure;

19 a sectional view of the formation of the Fresnel structure as a discontinuous Fresnel structure;

20 a sectional view of the second Fresnel structure 13 , and

21 a schematic plan view of the second Fresnel structure 13 ,

At the in 1 embodiment shown comprises the display device according to the invention 1 an attachable to the head of a user holding device 2 that z. B. may be formed in the manner of a conventional glasses, and a first and second multifunction glass 3 . 4 attached to the fixture 2 are attached. The outer shape of the multifunctional glasses 3 . 4 can correspond to the usual spectacle lenses.

As best of the enlarged detail view in 2 can be seen, the display device comprises 1 also an imager 5 and a control unit 9 , The Elements 5 and 9 are in 1 only schematically as a block with the reference numeral 10 located.

As turn out 2 can be seen, points the multifunction glass 3 on his front 11 a first Fresnel structure 12 and laterally spaced therefrom three second Fresnel structures 13 . 60 . 61 on. The Fresnel structure 12 is used for coupling the imager 5 coming light and the Fresnel structures 13 . 60 and 61 are used for decoupling of the first Fresnel structure 12 coming light.

The imager 5 becomes in operation of the display device 1 from the control unit 9 controlled to produce a desired image.

The light from the imager 5 occurs over the back 14 of multifunctional glass 3 in this one and is using the first Fresnel structure 12 so diverted that it is in the multifunction glass 3 due to internal total reflection on front and back 11 . 14 up to the three second fresnel structures 13 . 60 and 61 running. One of the second Fresnel structures 13 . 60 . 61 directs the light in the direction of the user's eye A, so that this through the imager 5 generated image in a front of the multifunction glass 3 lying presentation area 40 as a virtual picture 15 as shown schematically in 2 is shown, can perceive.

Which of the three second Fresnel structures 13 . 60 and 61 causes the light extraction depends on the angle of incidence of the imager 5 on the first Fresnel structure 12 from striking light. This angle of incidence is determined by the rotational position of the imager 5 determined around the x-axis and chosen so that the user creates the optimal image impression. In other words, by the rotational position of the imager 5 the lateral position of the virtual image 15 relative to the nosepiece 62 ( 1 ) of the holding device 2 be set. Thus, an adaptation to each person's individual nose-eye distance is possible. The adaptation of the display device 1 thus the user is depleted in the proper rotational position of the imager 5 to choose, so that then there is the optimal lateral position of the displayed virtual image for the present nose-eye distance. An adaptation of the multifunction glass itself is therefore no longer necessary, so that the adjustment can be easily and quickly performed.

Thus, the multifunction glass 3 as a forward channel 16 used for the representation of a virtual image for the user, the first Fresnel structure 12 can be referred to as the first coupling-in area, since it is the light of the image generator 5 so deflects that it in the multifunction glass 3 by means of total internal reflection at the front and back 11 . 14 to the second Fresnel structures 13 . 60 . 61 to be led. The second Fresnel structure 13 can as the first coupling-out area and the second Fresnel structures 60 . 61 can be referred to as further decoupling, since the corresponding decoupling 13 . 60 . 61 the light deflects so that it meets the eye A of the user.

The forward channel 16 can work together with the first coupling area 12 and the decoupling areas 13 . 60 and 61 Also be designed so that, depending on the Einkoppelortes (eg., In z-direction) within the first coupling region 12 a decoupling from one of the decoupling areas 13 . 60 and 61 he follows. In this case, the imager is 5 For example, provided so that it is displaceable in the z direction.

Furthermore, the imager 5 in particular be provided so that it can be fixed in the selected rotational position or lateral position (eg., Along the z-direction).

The first decoupling areas 13 . 60 . 61 are particularly designed so that a user the displayed virtual image 15 in overlay with the environment perceive.

It can also be a device 25 be provided that, for example, with the control unit 9 connected is ( 1 ). The device 25 may provide the image data used to generate the image by means of the imager 5 needed or used to create a desired image.

The following is an example of the formation of the first Fresnel structure 12 described. In 3 is an enlarged view of the front 11 in the area of the first Fresnel structure 12 shown. The first Fresnel structure 12 points to the front 11 several Fresnel segments 104 on.

Every Fresnel segment 104 has an optically effective facet 105 on, which are mirrored here. To the in 3 To achieve the stepped shape shown usually includes each Fresnel segment 105 another flank 106 ,

The joint optical effect of the facets 105 corresponds to an imaginary optical effective surface 108 as they are in 4 is shown, wherein the optical active surface 108 here is curved. It may also, but need not, have no mirror or rotational symmetry. As from the comparison of 3 and 4 is easily apparent, the illustration is in 4 by 90 ° about the z-axis in relation to the illustration in 3 turned. The imaginary optical effective surface 108 can be as follows as the first Fresnel structure 12 according to 3 be implemented.

The effective area 108 is divided in z-direction into sections of equal height Δh. This results in cutting lines 109 , which can also be referred to as contour lines and each one area section 110 the effective area 108 limit. The surface sections 110 are all shifted to each other in the z direction, that in each case the lower cut line (the one with the lower z value) and thus the lower edge of the facet 105 at the same height (in the z-direction). From the respective upper section line of the surface sections 110 and thus the top edge of the facet 105 then becomes the vertical flank 106 to the lower intersection of the directly adjacent surface section 110 led to the stepped formation of the Fresnel structure 12 according to 3 to get. In the plan view in 5 the first Fresnel structure 12 from 3 you can see the upper edges.

The steps to be performed to get from the imaginary optical effective surface 108 that is curved and, for example, does not have mirror or rotational symmetry, to the desired first Fresnel structure 12 to get in touch with 6 explained in detail, in which an xz section of the effective area 108 is shown, which is different to the effective area 108 from 4 but is curved and has no mirror or rotational symmetry. The division into surface sections 110 (in the sectional view of 6 Of course, these surface sections are line sections) of the same height is indicated by the dashed lines in 6 shown.

In the enlarged view of the detail CC in 7 it can be seen that the surface section shown 110 is uniquely defined due to the predetermined distance Δh and then lowered to the height z ₀ , as shown schematically by the arrow P101. Furthermore, it is still on the left side of the surface element 110 the flank 106 added, which extends perpendicular to the height z ₀ . At the height z ₀ is thus a flat base 111 , on which the first Fresnel structure 12 is trained. The base area 111 however, it can also be curved.

For the first Fresnel structure 12 can thus set up the following formula 1, where z _{F is} the Fresnel structure 12 , z _{Base area is} the surface shape of the base area 111 (here a plane) on which the Fresnel structure 12 is applied, and z _facet the Fresnel facets 105 relative to the base area describes: z _F = z _{base area} + z _facet (1)

bei der K1 den konischen Term in x-Richtung und K2 den konischen Term in y-Richtung, wie nachfolgend angegeben ist, bezeichnen

The surface z _{facet of} the facets, which can also be called a "curved" freeform surface, is calculated according to the following formula 2 z _facet = modulo (z _{effective area} , Δh) (2), where the effective area 108 is described by the following surface formula z _{effective area}

where K1 is the conic term in the x direction and K2 is the conic term in the y direction, as indicated below

By applying the modulo function to the effective surface 108 becomes the effective area 108 divided in z-direction at intervals with the same height Δh. Thus, the maximum height of the facets 105 each Δh. The modulo function used is given below modulo (a, m) = a - ⌊ a / m⌋ · m (6), the gaussian staple ⌊ at the⌋ denotes the largest integer less than or equal to the number in the Gauss bracket, that is, the result of division a / m without the remainder of the division. This results in the following formula for the facet surfaces

According to the procedure described above, based on a desired optical effective area 108 , the corresponding Fresnel structure 12 derived, which provides the corresponding optical effect. Due to the step shape can indeed with the Fresnel structure 12 not the same optical effect would be achieved, which would have an interface, according to the free-form surface 108 is formed, however, a comparable optical effect is achieved.

As the illustration in 6 and 7 can be seen, have the facets 105 through the free-form surface 108 in the height range Δh predetermined curvatures. To manufacture the Fresnel structure 12 To simplify, it is possible the course of each facet 105 to approximate the corresponding surface shape of the freeform surfaces. In the simplest case, the course can be linearized, as in the sectional view of 8th is shown schematically.

However, it is also possible to use the facets with a convex curvature ( 9 ) or a concave curvature ( 10 ) to provide. An approximation by another curvature is possible, as for example in 11 is indicated.

In 12 an example is shown in which the means of the Fresnel structure 12 nachzustellende optical effective surface 108 opposite the spherically curved front 11 is heavily tilted. Also in this case it is no problem, the effective area 108 as a Fresnel structure 12 on the front side 11 form without the macroscopic shape of the front 11 must be changed. The height .DELTA.h can here as in all other embodiments in the range of 5-500 .mu.m, in particular in the range of 0.01-0.1 mm and particularly preferably in the range of 0.05 to 0.3 mm. Further, the height Δh need not be constant, but may vary here as well as in all other embodiments. So z. B. Δh increase or decrease with increasing z value itself.

In 13 is a sectional view of the Fresnel structure 12 on the curved front 11 shown at the facets 105 are each formed linearly. The single flanks 106 are aligned parallel to each other, with the original course of the front 11 is still shown schematically. In this embodiment, in a modification of formula 1, the facet function z _{facet has been} subtracted from the base surface function z _{base area} , so that the Fresnel structure 12 is writable as follows: z _F = z _{base area} - z _facet (12).

This type of calculation of z _F is, of course, also possible in all the embodiments already described as well as in all subsequent embodiments.

In 14 is a modification of the profile of 13 shown, which differs essentially in that the flanks 106 are no longer oriented parallel to each other in parallel, but radially to the center of the front not shown 11 ,

In 15 is a sectional view of a complete facet 105 the Fresnel structure 12 shown. As can be seen from the illustration, the facet points 105 a reflection V on, thus the desired beam deflection of the light beams of the imager 5 takes place.

In 16 is a modification shown in the free areas, due to the inclination of the facet 105 relative to the front 11 of multifunctional glass 3 is formed, with material 134 to the front 11 is filled up. The filling is preferably carried out so that a smooth, continuous front 11 is formed. As a material 134 in particular, the same material as for the multifunction glass 3 to be used by myself.

However, it is also possible to use the Fresnel structure 12 interpreted so that the deflection of the light beams of the imager 5 by total internal reflection, so that a mirroring is no longer necessary, as in 17 is indicated.

In 18 is a sectional view of another possible embodiment of the Fresnel structure 12 shown. In this Fresnel structure 12 the flanks extend 106 not as in most previously described embodiments perpendicular (ie here in the z direction), but are also slightly inclined. This simplifies the fabrication of the Fresnel structure 12 , However, it is preferable if the inclination angle of the flanks 106 as small as possible, so that they are virtually vertical.

All previously described Fresnel structures 12 were coherent Fresnel structures. By this is meant here that the individual Fresnel facets 105 always through the flanks 106 connected to each other. However, it is also possible to use the Fresnel facets 105 provide spaced apart and between the individual Fresnel facets 105 sections 123 insert, for example, sections 123 the front 11 could be. This can be easily realized by be replaced by the profile of the base for _base in those portions of the determined Fresnel surface z _F areas or sections. A profile of such a Fresnel structure 12 is in 19 indicated schematically.

If you look at the Fresnel facets 105 mirrored, for example, the second Fresnel structures in this way 13 . 60 . 61 be provided as in the enlarged sectional view in 20 is shown. With the second Fresnel structures 13 . 60 . 61 can do that from the imager 5 incoming beams BS are superimposed with a second beam US to a common beam GS. As the illustration in 20 can be taken, are the Fresnel facets 105 opposite the normal of the front 11 tilted so that the part of the first beam BS (also referred to as the image beam BS), which on the respective Fresnel facet 105 meets, is deflected to the right as Bildteilstrahl BS '. The remaining part of the image beam BS, which does not affect the Fresnel facets 105 meets, is at the front 11 reflected and / or transmitted so that it does not become part of the common beam GS.

The part of the ambient light beam US that (in 20 from the left) to the back of the Fresnel facets 105 is met by the Fresnel facets 105 shadowed so that it does not become part of the common beam GS. Therefore, this part of the ambient light beam US is hatched. The remainder of the ambient beam US passes as ambient partial beams US 'through the transmissive areas 123 between the Fresnel facets 105 therethrough.

The discontinuous Fresnel structure 13 according to 20 thus causes a superposition of the through the transmissive areas 123 passing part US 'of the ambient light beam US with the Fresnel facets 105 reflected part BS 'of the image beam BS to a common beam GS.

Preferably, the second Fresnel structures 13 . 60 . 61 in each case a plurality of spaced-apart Fresnel sections 140 according to 20 or in the same way as the first Fresnel structure 12 are formed. The Fresnel sections 140 can, as in the schematic plan view in 21 on the example, rectangular overlay area 129 is shown to be distributed arbitrarily. In the areas in between remains the multifunction glass 3 obtained, so that these areas represent normal light transmission areas.

To a regular arrangement or structure of the Fresnel sections 140 To prevent these z. B. can be arranged as follows. There are defined circular area whose diameter can be determined as follows D = √ (100 - T) / 100 / π · 2 · APX / N

Where T is the required transmission for the ambient light in percent, N is the number of circles in the x-direction and APX is the aperture width in the x-direction. The circles are first arranged equidistantly in a fixed grid with grid spacing APX / N in x and y. Thereafter, the circle center locations are slightly modified by dicing the direction and length of the midpoint shift. The length is chosen here so that no overlap effect between adjacent circles occurs.

The following formulas can be used as statistic functions for length and angle.

Statistical shift length:

• r = (APX / N / 2 - D / 2) · edge f

Statistical shift direction:

• w = 360 · edgef

Where randf returns a random value between 0 and 1. The modified position of the circles 140 then results according to the following formulas: x = (i / N) · APX + r · cos (w) y = (j / N) · APX + r · sin (w) M = round (APY / APX)

The round function rounds the argument (APY / APX) to integers.

Of course, any other way of distributing the Fresnel sections may be 140 are selected, preferably a non-regular arrangement is selected.

Claims (11)

Display device with a holding device which can be placed on the head of a user ( 2 ), one on the holding device ( 2 ) mounted imagers ( 5 ) for generating an image, a control unit ( 9 ) for controlling the imager ( 5 ) and one on the holding device ( 2 ) attached multi-functional glass ( 3 . 4 ), which has a first coupling region ( 12 ) and a first decoupling area ( 13 ), wherein the generated image over the first coupling region ( 12 ) into the multifunction glass ( 3 ), in the multifunction glass ( 3 ) to the first decoupling area ( 13 ) and over the first decoupling area ( 13 ) is decoupled so that the user in the upside down state of the holding device ( 2 ) can perceive the decoupled image as a virtual image, characterized in that the multifunctional glass ( 3 ) at least one further decoupling area ( 60 . 61 ), which relative to the first decoupling region ( 13 ), wherein the coupling-in direction and / or the coupling-in location of the generated image is adjustable and, depending thereon, the generated image from the first coupling-out region (FIG. 13 ) or from the further decoupling area ( 60 . 61 ) as the virtual image is extracted. Display device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the image produced is either only from the first outcoupling region ( 13 ) or only from the further decoupling area ( 60 . 61 ) is decoupled. Display device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the further decoupling region ( 60 . 61 ) partially overlaps the first outcoupling area. Display device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the further decoupling region ( 60 . 61 ) does not overlap with the first decoupling area. Display device according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the imager ( 5 ) is tiltable about an axis to adjust the Einkoppelrichtung. Display device according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the imager ( 5 ) is displaceable to adjust the Einkoppelortes along an axis. Display device according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized by a fixing unit which sets the set position of the imager ( 5 ) fixed. Display device according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the first coupling region ( 12 ) as well as the first and the further decoupling area ( 13 . 60 . 61 ) on the - in the head attached state of the holding device ( 2 ) - facing away from the user's eye ( 11 ) of the multifunction glass ( 3 ) are formed. Display device according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the first coupling-in region, the first coupling-out region and / or the further coupling-out region are each designed as a Fresnel structure. Display device according to claim 9, characterized in that the respective Fresnel structure has an imaging property and effects a radiation folding. Display device according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the first and / or the further decoupling region is / are formed as a Fresnel structure, in particular as a non-coherent Fresnel structure.

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