JP2007052224A - Image display apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make possible for a viewer to easily and surely recognize the effect that information (warning and notification) is given to the viewer, regarding a constitution of displaying an image in a part of viewer's visual field 30. <P>SOLUTION: Light supplied from an illuminating optical system of an HMD is modulated by a display element, and directed as image light to a first area 31 as a part of viewer's visual field 30 through an eyepiece optical system. Meanwhile, a second area 32 as a part of viewer's visual field 30 is irradiated with information light emitted from an information light source. In this case, at least a part of the second area 32 is located outside the first area 31, and so, an area where only the information light is directed surely exists in the viewer's visual field 30. Consequently, the viewer can easily and surely recognize the information light in the aforesaid area, and even in such the state that the viewer does not view the image displayed in the first area 31 intently, the viewer can easily and surely recognize the effect that the information is given. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display device that is mounted on an observer's head and displays an image displayed on a display element on the eyes of the observer.

  2. Description of the Related Art An image display device that is attached to an observer's head and provides a display image to the observer's eyes is called a so-called head mounted display (hereinafter abbreviated as HMD) and is generally known. Many conventional HMDs have been developed as one of display means for AV (Audio Visual) devices, and the mainstream is the goggle type in which the HMD body covers all of the eyes of the observer.

  Some of these types of HMDs urge the observer to warn about eye fatigue or to warn about the power consumption of the device itself. As a warning technique in this case, for example, there is a technique of interrupting video display and displaying warning information. However, this method has a disadvantage that the observer misses information to be viewed when necessary. For this reason, many techniques have been employed in the past in which warning information is superimposed on the image being observed. Such warning display is all performed using a display element for displaying an image.

On the other hand, in recent years, many wearable displays that can be always worn and can display necessary information when necessary, have been proposed for the arrival of a ubiquitous society. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a small and lightweight display (video observation apparatus) that is attached to an observer's ear and has a display unit disposed in front of one eye. Patent Document 2 proposes a see-through type eyeglass-type display (information display device) that is thin, lightweight, compact, and is configured with a transparent optical element such as a spectacle lens and that can observe the outside (surrounding). ing.
JP 2000-231075 A JP 2001-264682 A

  By the way, in any of the display of the single-eye type patent document 1 and the display of the binocular type patent document 2, the display image provided to the observer is provided in a part of the visual field of the observer. The observer can always see the surrounding external image in the remaining part of the visual field separately from the display image. Therefore, when an observer wears such a display, the observer does not always concentrate on watching images.

  In particular, when an observer wears a see-through type display, the observer can observe the surroundings as if wearing glasses, and at the same time superimposes it on a display element (for example, an LCD). The displayed image can be observed. Therefore, the observer usually observes the surroundings and concentrates on the image only when he / she wants to see the image.

  In this way, in a display that provides a display image in a part of the observer's field of view, the observer is not always concentrated on the image, so the conventional warning method is applied to the display. In other words, even if warning information is superimposed and displayed only in the video display area, when the observer is not concentrated on the video, the warning information can be recognized as well as the warning information itself. Have difficulty. In particular, in the see-through display, the background (external world image) and the display image are superimposed, so that depending on the background, it is more difficult to recognize the warning itself.

  Such a problem can occur not only when a warning is given to the observer but also when information is simply notified. In other words, for example, when a video display device is connected to a mobile phone and a mobile phone receives an incoming call or e-mail, the incoming call information is displayed only on the video display area in order to notify that fact. Even in this case, when the observer is not concentrated on the video, it is difficult to recognize that the notification itself has occurred.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and the purpose thereof is to provide notification (warning, notification) even when the video is displayed in a part of the visual field of the observer. It is an object of the present invention to provide a video display device that allows an observer to easily and reliably recognize that the notification itself has occurred.

  An image display device of the present invention includes an image display element and an eyepiece optical system that guides image light from the image display element to a first region that is a part of the visual field of the observer, and the observer's head. A display light source that emits light for notification to an observer, and the light for notification is a part of the visual field of the observer. The second region is irradiated, and at least a part of the second region is located outside the first region.

  When the observer wears the image display device having the above configuration on the head, the image light emitted from the image display element is guided to the first region that is a part of the visual field of the observer through the eyepiece optical system. . Thereby, the observer can observe the video displayed in the first region. On the other hand, the notification light emitted from the notification light source is applied to the second region that is a part of the visual field of the observer.

  Here, since at least a part of the second region is located outside the first region, the light for notification is guided to at least a portion of the second region in the field of view of the observer. It is burned. That is, the notification light is guided at least to a portion of the second area that does not overlap with the first area where the video is displayed. Therefore, there is always an area in the observer's visual field where only the notification light is guided. Accordingly, the observer can easily and reliably recognize the notification light in the region. As a result, even if the observer is not intensively observing the image displayed in the first area, the observer is notified based on the recognition of the light for notification only in the second area. It is possible to easily and reliably recognize that there has been.

  In the present invention, the entire second area may be located outside the first area. In this case, since the first region and the second region are completely separated in the visual field of the observer, the observer can observe the display image in the first region even while observing the display image. It is possible to reliably recognize the notification itself in the second region without obstructing the observation.

  In the present invention, the eyepiece optical system may include a first optical path bending member that bends the optical path of the video light from the video display element to the first region. In this case, the eyepiece optical system can be made compact, and the apparatus can be reduced in size and thickness.

  The video display device of the present invention further includes a notifying optical system for guiding the notifying light emitted from the notifying light source to the second region, and the notifying optical system includes: A second optical path bending member that bends the optical path of the notification light from the notification light source to the second region may be provided. In this case, the notification optical system can be configured compactly, and the apparatus can be reduced in size and thickness.

  In the present invention, the first optical path bending member may also serve as the second optical path bending member. In this case, both the eyepiece optical system and the notification optical system can be simplified, and the apparatus can be further reduced in size and thickness.

  In the present invention, the eyepiece optical system may include a combiner that guides the image light and the external light simultaneously to the first region of the observer's visual field. In this configuration, the observer can observe the image and the external image superimposed by the combiner. Even in this configuration, the observer can easily and surely recognize the notification light only in the second region, so that even a so-called see-through type video display device can be used. The observer can easily and reliably recognize that the notification has been made.

  The video display device of the present invention further includes a notifying optical system for guiding the notifying light emitted from the notifying light source to the second region, and the notifying optical system includes: The optical member having positive optical power may be included, and the notification light may be guided to the second region via the optical member. In this case, the light for notification is converted into an image having a clear shape by the optical member, and the image is displayed in the second region, so that the observer can more easily recognize that the notification has occurred. Become.

  In the present invention, the combiner may also serve as the optical member. In this case, both the eyepiece optical system and the notification optical system can be simplified, and the apparatus can be reduced in size and thickness.

  In the present invention, the combiner may be a hologram optical element. The hologram optical element efficiently diffracts only light having a specific wavelength out of light (image light) from the image display element, so that a bright image and an external image can be provided to the observer.

  In the present invention, the wavelength of the light emitted from the notification light source may substantially coincide with the wavelength of the video light emitted from the video display element. In this case, only light of a specific wavelength out of the light emitted from the light source for notification is efficiently diffracted by the combiner (hologram optical element), so that a bright image and an external image are displayed in the first region. A bright notification image can be displayed in the second region, and the observer can easily recognize that the notification has been made.

  In addition, the video display device of the present invention includes a detection unit that detects a state (for example, remaining battery level) of a detection target (for example, a battery) inside the device, a storage unit that stores a reference value of the detection target state, A first control unit that compares a detection result of the detection unit with the reference value stored in the storage unit, and controls emission of the notification light from the notification light source based on the comparison result; May further be included.

  In the above configuration, the first control unit compares the information detected by the detection unit with the reference value stored in the storage unit. As a result, for example, if the detected information (for example, the remaining battery level) is equal to or less than a reference value, the first control unit emits notification light from the notification light source, while the detected information is the reference value. If it exceeds, the emission of the notification light from the notification light source is stopped. By such control of the first control means, it is possible to appropriately notify (warn) the observer according to the state of the detection target inside the apparatus.

  In the present invention, the storage means stores a plurality of the reference values, and the first control means includes a detection result of the detection means and a plurality of reference values stored in the storage means. May be determined to determine the level of the detection result, and the emission of the notification light from the notification light source may be controlled in different modes depending on the level.

  For example, after determining the level of the detection result, the first control unit may perform control to emit light having a wavelength according to the level from the notification light source as notification light. You may perform control which emits the light for an alerting | reporting from the said light source for an alerting | reporting so that the lighting method (for example, blinking speed, brightness) changes according to a level.

  Under such control of the first control means, the observer can determine the state of the detection target based on recognition of the state of the light for notification emitted from the light source for notification (for example, color, blinking speed, brightness). It is possible to easily grasp which of the plurality of levels, and it is possible to immediately determine whether it is necessary to perform a predetermined process (for example, battery replacement).

  Further, in the present invention, the first control unit further displays the notification information (for example, a warning character) over the video when the notification light is emitted from the notification light source. Control for driving the video display element may be performed.

  In this case, since the video displayed on the video display element and the notification information are integrally displayed in the first area of the observer's field of view, the observer recognizes the light for notification in the second area. In addition, the contents of the notification can be specifically known, and the observer can take a predetermined measure (for example, perform battery replacement or charging) promptly. It should be noted that since the video display is not interrupted, there is almost no situation where the observer misses information to be viewed when necessary.

  In addition, the video display device of the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives information from an external device that needs to be notified to an observer, and the information source receives the information when the receiving unit receives the information. You may have further the 2nd control means to emit the light for information. As the information, if the external device is, for example, a mobile phone, information that should be notified to the observer, such as a radio wave state of the mobile phone, an incoming call or an incoming e-mail, can be assumed.

  In this configuration, when the receiving unit receives information from an external device that requires notification to the observer, the second control unit emits notification light from the notification light source. Necessary measures such as confirming external devices (for example, confirming the radio wave state, confirming incoming calls or e-mails) can be taken promptly based on the recognition light for notification.

  In the present invention, the second control unit may control the emission of the notification light from the notification light source in a different mode according to the content of the information received by the reception unit. Good. For example, if the information is information related to the radio wave condition of the mobile phone, the second control means emits light having a wavelength corresponding to the content of the information (the level of the radio wave condition) or at the above level. The emission of the notification light from the notification light source is controlled so that the corresponding blinking speed and brightness are realized. Thereby, the observer can recognize the state (for example, radio wave state) of the external device at a plurality of levels.

  Further, in the present invention, the second control means further includes the video display element so as to display the notification information superimposed on the video when the notification light is emitted from the notification light source. It may be driven. In this case, since the video displayed on the video display element and the notification information are integrally displayed in the first area of the observer's field of view, the observer recognizes the light for notification in the second area. In addition, the contents of the notification can be specifically known, and the observer can take a predetermined measure promptly (for example, confirming the radio wave state of the external device and the incoming call). It should be noted that since the video display is not interrupted, there is almost no situation where the observer misses information to be viewed when necessary.

  In the present invention, it is desirable that the notification light source is provided outside the optical path of the video light from the video display element to the first region. In this case, since the notification light source does not hinder the progress of the image light from the image display element to the observer, the visibility of the display image is good for the observer regardless of whether or not the notification light source is turned on. Can be secured.

  The video display device of the present invention may further include a light amount adjustment unit for adjusting the amount of light emitted from the notification light source. By this light quantity adjustment unit, the light quantity can be adjusted to a light quantity according to the preference of an observer using the apparatus, for example. As a result, the convenience of the apparatus can be improved.

  In the present invention, the amount of light emitted from the notification light source is preferably larger than the amount of image light emitted from the image display element. In this case, it becomes easier for the observer to visually recognize the light for notification from the light source for notification as compared with the case where the light amounts of both are the same.

  According to the present invention, since at least a part of the second area is located outside the first area, the observer can easily transmit the notification light at least in the part of the second area and Can be recognized reliably. As a result, even when the observer is not intensively observing the image displayed in the first area, the notification is made based on the recognition of the light for notification only in the second area. It can be easily and reliably recognized.

[Embodiment 1]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(1-1. About HMD)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the HMD 1 as the video display apparatus according to the present embodiment. The HMD 1 of this embodiment is of a one-eye type that can be mounted on the observer's head, and includes an image display unit 2, a support unit 3, a controller box 4, and a connection unit 5. It is configured. The support part 3 and the controller box 4 are electrically connected via a cable 6, and the controller box 4 and the connection part 5 are electrically connected via a cable 7.

  The video display unit 2 displays video to be provided to an observer, and is configured by housing various optical components in a housing. The detailed configuration of the video display unit 2 will be described later.

  The support unit 3 supports the video display unit 2 in front of the observer's eyes (for example, in front of the right eye). One end of the support unit 3 is connected to the video display unit 2 and the other end is placed on the right ear of the viewer. The shape is possible.

  The controller box 4 is operated by an observer for inputting various information and operating instructions to the HMD 1. By operating each button of the controller box 4, it is possible to turn on / off the power of the HMD 1, adjust the volume, reproduce the video, fast forward, rewind, and the like.

  The connection unit 5 is a connector for connecting the HMD 1 to the external device 8. In this embodiment, a portable information terminal (Personal Digital Assistance; hereinafter abbreviated as PDA) is used as the external device 8, and therefore the connection unit 5 is an expansion card that is mounted in the PCI slot of the external device 8. (PCI card).

  By connecting the connection unit 5 of the HMD 1 to the external device 8, the video signal output from the external device 8 is transmitted through the connection unit 5, the cable 7, the controller box 4, the cable 6, and the support unit 3. The video is displayed there. As a result, the observer can view the video displayed on the video display unit 2 with the external device 8 in the pocket or bag.

  In the HMD 1 having such a configuration, the video display unit 2 is arranged in front of the observation eye (right eye). Therefore, when the observer wears the HMD 1, only the rear of the video display unit 2 becomes a blind spot, and thereafter One cannot observe the outside world image. However, since it is possible to sufficiently observe the outside world image in the area other than the rear side of the video display unit 2, the observer can act while wearing the HMD 1 at all times.

  In the present embodiment, the external device 8 is composed of a PDA, but may be composed of, for example, a mobile phone or a portable DVD playback device. In this case, the connection unit 5 may be appropriately changed to a connector that can be connected to these devices.

(1-2. Video display unit)
Next, a detailed configuration of the video display unit 2 will be described.
FIG. 3A is a front view showing a configuration example of the video display unit 2, and FIG. 3B is a longitudinal sectional view of the video display unit 2. The video display unit 2 includes an illumination optical system 11, a display element 12, an eyepiece optical system 13, an observation window 14, a notification light source 15, and a notification optical system 16 in a housing 20. Has been.

  The illumination optical system 11 supplies light to the display element 12 and includes a light source 21 made of, for example, an LED. The display element 12 modulates incident light, that is, light supplied from the illumination optical system 11 in accordance with image data, and displays an image, and is composed of, for example, a transmissive LCD. The illumination optical system 11 and the display element 12 constitute an image display element that displays an image.

  The display element 12 may be configured by a reflective LCD or DMD (Digital Micromirror Device; manufactured by Texas Instruments, USA). The display element 12 may be a self-luminous type element such as an EL (electroluminescence) display element. In this case, the illumination optical system 11 (illumination light source 12) is unnecessary, and a video display element is configured by the display element 12 alone.

  The eyepiece optical system 13 is for guiding the image light from the image display element to the observer's pupil. Here, FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing an example of the visual field 30 of the observer's right eye. In particular, the eyepiece optical system 13 is configured to guide the image light to the first region 31 that is a part of the visual field 30 of the observer.

  More specifically, the eyepiece optical system 13 includes a reflection mirror 22 and an eyepiece lens 23. The reflection mirror 22 functions as a first optical path bending member that bends the optical path of the video light from the video display element (particularly the display element 12) to the first region 31. The eyepiece 23 condenses the image light reflected by the reflection mirror 22 toward the observer's first region 31.

  Since the eyepiece optical system 13 includes the reflection mirror 22 as the first optical path bending member, the eyepiece optical system 13 can be configured compactly. Furthermore, the arrangement of the illumination optical system 11 (illumination light source 21) can be changed according to the arrangement of the reflection mirror 22, and the degree of freedom of the arrangement of the illumination optical system 11 can be increased.

  The observation window 14 is a window for the observer to visually recognize the image displayed on the display element 12 and the light emitted from the light source 15 for notification, and the eyes of the observer wearing the HMD 1 in the housing 20 (here In this case, it is provided at a position almost opposite to the right eye.

  The notification light source 15 is a light source that emits light for notification to the observer when a situation that should be notified to the observer occurs, and is configured by an LED, for example. Here, “notification” has a concept including “warning” for the purpose of calling attention to the observer and “notification” for the purpose of only informing the observer of some information. That is, the notification light source 15 is turned on when a situation that should warn the observer occurs or when information that should be notified occurs. The method of controlling the notification light source 15 will be described in Embodiments 3 and 4 to be described later.

  The notification light source 15 is provided outside the optical path of the image light from the image display element to the first region 31 of the observer's visual field 30 through the eyepiece optical system 13 in the housing 20. More specifically, the notification light source 15 is provided outside the display area of the display element 12 (for example, next to the display element 12). By disposing the notification light source 15 in this manner, the notification light source 15 does not hinder the progress of the image light emitted from the display element 12, so that the observation is performed regardless of whether the notification light source 15 is turned on or off. The person can visually recognize the displayed image.

  The notifying optical system 16 guides the light emitted from the notifying light source 15 (notifying light) to a second region 32 (see FIG. 1) that is a part of the visual field 30 of the observer. And has a reflection mirror 22 and an eyepiece lens 23. That is, the reflection mirror 22 and the eyepiece lens 23 are used in common by the eyepiece optical system 13 and the notification optical system 16.

  When the reflection mirror 22 is considered as a constituent member of the notification optical system 16, the reflection mirror 22 functions as a second optical path bending member that bends the optical path of the notification light from the notification light source 15 to the second region 32. To do. On the other hand, when the eyepiece lens 23 is considered as a constituent member of the notification optical system 16, the eyepiece lens 23 has a function of collecting the notification light reflected by the reflection mirror 22 toward the second region 32. Have.

  As described above, the notification optical system 16 includes the reflection mirror 22 as the second optical path bending member, so that the notification optical system 16 can be configured compactly. Furthermore, the arrangement of the notification light source 15 can be changed according to the arrangement of the reflection mirror 22, and the degree of freedom of the arrangement of the notification light source 15 can be increased.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the configuration of the eyepiece optical system 13 and the notifying optical system 16 is simplified because the reflecting mirror 22 also functions as both the first optical path bending member and the second optical path bending member. The video display unit 2 can be made compact by reducing the number of parts.

  In the above configuration, the light emitted from the illumination light source 21 of the illumination optical system 11 enters the display element 12, where it is modulated and emitted from the display element 12 as image light. This image light is reflected by the reflection mirror 22 of the eyepiece optical system 13 and guided to the first region 31 of the visual field 30 of the observer through the eyepiece lens 23 and the observation window 14. Thereby, the observer can observe the image displayed on the display element 12 in the first region 31.

  On the other hand, when a situation that should be notified to the observer occurs, the notification light source 15 is turned on, and notification light is emitted from the notification light source 15. This notification light is reflected by the reflection mirror 22 constituting the notification optical system 16 and is applied to the second region 32 of the visual field 30 of the observer through the eyepiece lens 23 and the observation window 14. As a result, the observer can recognize in the second area 32 that the light for notification has been emitted, that is, that the notification has been made.

(1-3. Positional relationship between first area and second area)
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the eyepiece optical system 13 and the notification are provided so that at least a part of the second region 32 is located outside the first region 31 in the visual field 30 of the observer. An optical system 16 is configured, and a notification light source 15 is arranged in accordance with the notification optical system 16. That is, the positional relationship between the first region 31 and the second region 32 is realized by appropriately defining the arrangement of the reflection mirror 22, the optical power of the eyepiece lens 23, the position of the light source 15 for notification, and the like. It is possible. Thus, the greatest feature of the present invention is that the positional relationship between the first region 31 and the second region 32 is defined.

  Since at least a part of the second region 32 is located outside the first region 31 as described above, only the second region 32, that is, the portion of the observer's visual field 30, that is, There is always a region where only the light for notification is guided without the image light from the display element 12 being guided. Thus, when the notification light is emitted from the notification light source 15, the observer can easily and reliably recognize the notification light at least in the portion of the second region 32 only. Therefore, even if the observer is not intensively observing the image displayed in the first area 31, the observer is based on the recognition of the light for notification only in the second area 32, It is possible to easily and reliably recognize that there is a notification. In addition, even when the observer is gazing at the video, the viewer can be notified without interrupting the video display, and the information that the observer should miss is not missed.

  As described above, if there is a portion where only the second region 32 is formed in the visual field 30 of the observer, it can be said that the above-described effect of the present invention can be obtained. Therefore, the first region 31 and the second region 32 are obtained. May be separated from each other in the field of view 30 of the observer. For example, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating another example of the visual field 30 of the observer's right eye. In the figure, the entire second region 32 is located outside the first region 31 in the visual field 30 of the observer. That is, the eyepiece optical system 13 and the notification optical system 16 are configured so that the first region 31 and the second region 32 are completely separated in the visual field 30 of the observer. A notification light source 15 is arranged in accordance with the notification optical system 16.

  As described above, even if the first region 31 and the second region 32 are in the positional relationship as shown in FIG. 4, the second region 32 in which the image light is not guided into the observer's visual field 30. Therefore, the observer can easily and surely recognize the notification light by using only the second region 32. In addition, since the first region 31 and the second region 32 are completely separated, the observer is obstructed while observing the display image in the first region 31. The second area 32 can reliably recognize that the notification has been made.

(1-4. Other configurations)
Incidentally, the amount of light emitted from the notification light source 15 can be adjusted, for example, based on the input in the controller box 4 (see FIG. 2) of the HMD 1 described above. In this case, the controller box 4 functions as a light amount adjusting unit for adjusting the light amount of the notification light. The light amount adjustment unit includes, for example, an operation unit operated by an observer, a light source driving unit that drives the light source for notification 15, and a control unit that controls the light source driving unit based on an operation on the operation unit. Is done.

  By providing the controller box 4 with such a function as a light amount adjustment unit, the light amount of the notification light can be freely adjusted according to the preference of the observer who uses the HMD 1. Will improve.

  In addition, if the light amount of the notification light emitted from the notification light source 15 is larger than the light amount of the video light emitted from the video display element, the observer can compare with the case where both of the light amounts are comparable. Further, it becomes easier to visually recognize the light for notification guided to the second region 32. Therefore, in order to improve the visibility of the notification light, such light amount adjustment may be performed by the controller box 4 as a light amount adjustment unit.

  Note that the color of the notification light emitted from the notification light source 15 may be selected by an operation on the controller box 4. In this case, the color of the notification light can be freely adjusted according to the preference of the observer who uses the HMD1, and the convenience of the HMD1 is improved in this respect as well.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, an example in which the common reflection mirror 22 is used for the eyepiece optical system 13 and the notification optical system 16 has been described, but of course, these optical systems may have separate reflection mirrors. Absent.

  For example, FIG. 5 is a front view showing another configuration example of the video display unit 2. As described above, the notification optical system 16 may include the reflection mirror 24 as the second optical path bending member separately from the reflection mirror 22 as the first optical path bending member. Here, when the optical axis is an axis that optically connects the center of the display area of the display element 12 and the center of the observer's pupil, the reflection mirror 24 is, for example, from the display element 12 to the reflection mirror 22 of the eyepiece optical system 13. The light for notification from the light source for notification 15 is arranged to be reflected in a direction perpendicular to a plane including the optical axis extending from the reflection mirror 22 to the observer's pupil. In this case, the notification light from the notification light source 15 is irradiated from the side onto the second region 32 of the visual field 30 of the observer due to reflection by the reflection mirror 24.

  As described above, even if the reflecting mirror 24 is used for the notifying optical system 16 separately from the reflecting mirror 22, the optical path of the notifying light from the notifying light source 15 is bent by the reflecting mirror 24. Therefore, the notification optical system 16 can be configured in a compact manner. Further, in the configuration of FIG. 3A described above, it is necessary to dispose the notification light source 15 at a position relatively close to the display element 12 so that the notification light from the notification light source 15 enters the reflection mirror 22. Occurs. On the other hand, in the configuration of FIG. 5, the notification light source 15 can be disposed without considering the configuration of the eyepiece optical system 13, such as disposing the notification light source 15 away from the display element 12. As a result, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the notification light source 15 can be increased.

  FIG. 6 is a front view showing still another configuration example of the video display unit 2. As shown in the figure, the notification light source 15 is disposed on the side of the optical path from the reflection mirror 22 of the image light emitted from the display element 12 to the observation window 14 without arranging the reflection mirror 24, and the notification light source. The light for notification emitted from 15 may be directly applied to the second region 32 of the visual field 30 of the observer from the side. In this case, the notification optical system 16 is not required, and the configuration of the apparatus can be further simplified.

  In the present embodiment, the illumination light source 21 and the notification light source 15 of the illumination optical system 11 are provided on separate substrates, but it is needless to say that these light sources may be provided on the same substrate. In addition to the display element 12, a display element that modulates the light for notification and displays the notification information may be provided separately, and the notification information may be displayed in the second region 32 at the time of notification. is there. In addition, a sound output unit that outputs sound may be provided in the video display unit 2, and at the time of notification, sound may be output from the sound output unit simultaneously with the emission of the notification light from the notification light source 15.

[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. For convenience of explanation, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same member numbers, and the description thereof is omitted.

(2-1. About HMD)
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the HMD 1 as the video display device according to the present embodiment. The HMD 1 of the present embodiment is a glasses type that can be worn on the observer's head, and includes a video display unit 2, a support unit 3, a controller box 4, and a connection unit 5. It is configured. The support part 3 and the controller box 4 are electrically connected via a cable 6, and the controller box 4 and the connection part 5 are electrically connected via a cable 7.

  In the present embodiment, a mobile phone is assumed as the external device 8 connected to the HMD 1, but other devices (PDA, DVD playback device, etc.) may of course be used.

  In this embodiment, the video display unit 2 includes a housing that houses various optical components and a transparent substrate corresponding to one lens (for example, a right-eye lens). The support unit 3 supports the image display unit 2 in front of the observer's eyes. In this embodiment, the HMD 1 is a glasses type, and therefore, a portion corresponding to a frame of general glasses and the other side of the glasses. And a transparent substrate corresponding to this lens (for example, a lens for the left eye).

  By connecting the connection unit 5 of the HMD 1 to the external device 8, a signal output from the external device 8 is sent to the video display unit 2 via the connection unit 5, the cable 7, the controller box 4, the cable 6, and the support unit 3. It is captured. As a result, the observer can view information (for example, the contents of an e-mail, video) displayed on the external device 8 on the video display unit 2 while the external device 8 is in a pocket or bag.

(2-2. About the video display unit)
Details of the video display unit 2 will be described below.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of the video display unit 2. FIG. 9A is a plan view of a part of the video display unit 2 (a display element 42 to be described later) viewed from one direction (a Z direction to be described later), and FIG. It is a top view when a part (display element 42 mentioned later) of the display part 2 is seen from another direction (Y direction mentioned later). The video display unit 2 includes an illumination optical system 41, a display element 42, an eyepiece optical system 43, a notification light source 44, and a notification optical system 45.

  Here, for convenience of explanation, directions are defined as follows. First, an axis that optically connects the center of the display area of the display element 42 and the center of the optical pupil E formed by the eyepiece optical system 43 is an optical axis. The optical axis direction when the optical path from the illumination optical system 41 to the optical pupil E is developed is taken as the Z direction. Further, the direction perpendicular to the incident surface of the optical axis to the hologram optical element 55 described later of the eyepiece optical system 43 is defined as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the ZX plane is defined as the Y direction. The incident surface of the optical axis to the hologram optical element 55 refers to a plane including the optical axis of incident light and the optical axis of reflected light in the hologram optical element 55, that is, the YZ plane.

  The illumination optical system 41 supplies light to the display element 42 and includes an illumination light source 51 and a condenser lens 52.

  The illumination light source 51 is composed of an RGB-integrated one-chip LED that emits light having wavelengths corresponding to the three primary colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). More specifically, the illumination light source 51 emits light in three wavelength bands, for example, 462 ± 12 nm, 525 ± 17 nm, and 635 ± 11 nm with a peak wavelength of light intensity and a wavelength width of half value of light intensity.

  The condensing lens 52 is a collimator lens that condenses and shapes the light emitted from the illumination light source 51 in the Y direction. The illumination optical system 41 may further include a diffuser plate between the illumination light source 51 and the condenser lens 52.

  The display element 42 modulates incident light, that is, light supplied from the illumination optical system 41 in accordance with image data and displays an image, and is configured by, for example, a transmissive LCD. The illumination optical system 41 and the display element 42 constitute an image display element that displays an image. Of course, the display element 42 may be composed of a reflective LCD or DMD. The display element 42 may be a self-luminous type element such as an EL display element. In this case, the illumination optical system 41 is not necessary, and a video display element is configured by the display element 42 alone.

  The eyepiece optical system 43 is for guiding the image light from the image display element to the observer's pupil and guiding the light of the external image (external light) to the observer's pupil. Here, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of the visual field 60 of the observer's right eye. In particular, the eyepiece optical system 43 is configured to guide the image light and the external light to the first region 61 that is a part of the visual field 60 of the observer. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the eyepiece optical system 43 includes an eyepiece prism 53 (first transparent substrate), a deflection prism 54 (second transparent substrate), and a hologram optical element 55. Configured.

  The eyepiece prism 53 totally reflects the image light from the image display element (particularly the display element 42) and guides it to the observer's pupil through the hologram optical element 55, while allowing the outside light to pass therethrough and transmit the observer's pupil. For example, the deflecting prism 54 is made of an acrylic resin. The eyepiece prism 53 is formed in a shape in which the lower end portion of the parallel flat plate is thinned toward the lower end to be wedge-shaped and the upper end portion is thickened toward the upper end. Further, the eyepiece prism 53 is joined to the deflection prism 54 with an adhesive so as to sandwich the hologram optical element 55 disposed at the lower end thereof.

  The deflection prism 54 is formed of a substantially U-shaped parallel plate in plan view, and is integrated with the eyepiece prism 53 when bonded to the lower end portion and both side surface portions (left and right end surfaces) of the eyepiece prism 53. It becomes a substantially parallel plate. By joining the deflection prism 54 to the eyepiece prism 53, it is possible to prevent distortion in the external image observed by the observer through the eyepiece optical system 43.

  That is, for example, when the deflecting prism 54 is not joined to the eyepiece prism 53, the external light is refracted when passing through the wedge-shaped lower end of the eyepiece prism 53, so that the external field image observed through the eyepiece prism 53 is distorted. Arise. However, the deflection prism 54 is joined to the eyepiece prism 53 to form an integral substantially parallel plate, so that the deflection when the external light passes through the wedge-shaped lower end of the eyepiece prism 53 is canceled by the deflection prism 54. Can do. As a result, it is possible to prevent distortion in the external image observed through the see-through.

  The hologram optical element 55 diffracts the image light (light having a wavelength corresponding to the three primary colors) from the image display element (particularly the display element 42), enlarges the image displayed on the display element 42, and the observer's pupil. Is a volume phase type reflection hologram that is guided as a virtual image, and has an axially asymmetric positive optical power. That is, the hologram optical element 55 has the same function as an aspherical concave mirror having positive power. Thereby, the degree of freedom of arrangement of each optical member constituting the apparatus can be increased, and the apparatus can be easily reduced in size, and an image with good aberration correction can be provided to the observer.

  Further, the hologram optical element 55 functions as a combiner that guides the image light from the image display element (particularly the display element 42) and external light to the observer's pupil at the same time. Thus, the observer can simultaneously observe the image provided from the display element 42 and the external field image via the hologram optical element 55.

  The notification light source 44 is a light source that emits light for notification to the observer when a situation that should be notified to the observer occurs, and emits each color light of RGB as shown in FIG. LEDs 44R, 44G, and 44B. The wavelength of the RGB light emitted from the notification light source 44 substantially matches the wavelength of the RGB light emitted from the video display element.

  The notification light source 44 is arranged side by side with the display element 42 and outside the optical path of the image light from the image display element to the first region 61 of the observer's visual field 60 through the eyepiece optical system 43. positioned. Thereby, the notification light source 44 does not hinder the progress of the image light emitted from the display element 42.

  The notifying optical system 45 is an optical system for guiding light emitted from the notifying light source 44 (notifying light) to a second region 62 (see FIG. 10) that is part of the visual field 60 of the observer. And is composed of a condenser lens 56 and an eyepiece optical system 43. That is, the eyepiece optical system 43 also functions as a part of the notification optical system 45, and not only guides the image light from the display element 42 to the first region 61 but also enters through the condenser lens 56. The notification light is guided to the second region 62. The condensing lens 56 is configured by a collimator lens that condenses and shapes the light emitted from the notification light source 44, and is arranged alongside the display element 42 on the light emission side of the notification light source 44.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the eyepiece optical system 43 and the notification optical system are arranged so that the second region 62 is located outside the first region 61 in the visual field 60 of the observer. 45 is configured, and a notification light source 44 is arranged in accordance with such a notification optical system 45.

  In the above configuration, the light emitted from the illumination light source 51 of the illumination optical system 41 is shaped by the condenser lens 52 and incident on the display element 42, where it is modulated and emitted from the display element 42 as image light. The This image light enters the eyepiece prism 53 of the eyepiece optical system 43 from its upper end surface, is totally reflected a plurality of times by two opposing surfaces, and enters the hologram optical element 55. The light incident on the hologram optical element 55 is reflected and reaches the optical pupil E. At the position of the optical pupil E, the observer can observe an enlarged virtual image of the image displayed on the display element 42 in the first region 61 of the observer's visual field 60.

  Further, since the eyepiece prism 53 and the deflecting prism 54 transmit almost all of the outside light, the observer can observe the outside world image in the first region 61 of the field of view 60. Therefore, the virtual image of the image displayed on the display element 42 is observed in the first region 61 so as to overlap a part of the external image.

  On the other hand, when a situation that should be notified to the observer occurs, the notification light source 44 is turned on, and notification light is emitted from the notification light source 44. This notification light enters the eyepiece optical system 43 from its upper end surface via a condenser lens 56 that constitutes the notification optical system 45, and is totally reflected a plurality of times by two opposing surfaces, thereby producing a hologram. The light enters the optical element 55. The light incident on the hologram optical element 55 is reflected and reaches the optical pupil E. At the position of the optical pupil E, the observer can observe the image formed by the notification light in the second region 62 of the observer's visual field 60. That is, the observer can recognize in the second region 62 that the light for notification has been emitted, that is, that the notification has been made.

(2-3. Effect)
In the present embodiment, the second region 62 is located outside the first region 61 in the observer's visual field 60, and the second region 62 is separated from the first region 61. When the notification light is emitted from the notification light source 44, the observer can easily and reliably recognize the notification light in the second region 62 where the image light does not reach. Therefore, even if the observer is not intensively observing the image displayed in the first area 61, the observer is based on the recognition of the light for notification only in the second area 62, The same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained, for example, that the notification itself can be easily and reliably recognized.

  A part of the second region 62 may overlap with the first region 61. Even in this case, since there is a portion of only the second region 62 (region where the image light does not reach), the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, the eyepiece optical system 43 includes the hologram optical element 55 as a combiner of image light and external light, so that a display image and an external image can be observed in a superimposed manner, so-called see-through type. Even in this video display device, the observer can easily and reliably recognize that the notification has been made.

  Further, the notifying optical system 45 guides notifying light to the second region 62 via the hologram optical element 55. Since the hologram optical element 55 is an optical member having a positive power, the light for notification is converted into a clear image by the hologram optical element 55, and the image is displayed in the second region 62. For example, when the LED 44R of the notification light source 44 is turned on, a red image 62R is clearly displayed in a spot shape in the second region 62 as shown in FIG. Therefore, for example, as compared with a case where light for notification is displayed in the second area 62 dimly, the observer can more easily recognize that the notification has occurred.

  Further, the image light and external light combiner (hologram optical element 55) in the eyepiece optical system 43 also serves as an optical member that guides the light for notification to the second region 62. Therefore, the eyepiece optical system 43 and the information for notification are used. Both the configurations of the optical system 45 can be simplified.

  Further, since the hologram optical element 55 efficiently diffracts only light having a specific wavelength incident at a specific incident angle, a bright image and an external environment can be obtained by configuring the combiner with such a hologram optical element 55. An image can be provided to the observer. In addition, since the RGB color purity of the image light is increased, a wide color reproduction region can be realized in the display image.

  In addition, the wavelength of the RGB light emitted from the notification light source 44 is substantially the same as the wavelength of the image light (RGB light) emitted from the image display element, so that only the image light from the display element 42 can be obtained. Instead, only light having a specific wavelength among the light emitted from the notification light source 44 is efficiently diffracted by the combiner (the hologram optical element 55). Accordingly, a bright notification image can be displayed in the second region 62 while displaying a bright image and an external image in the first region 61, and the observer can easily recognize that the notification has been made. Can be recognized.

  If the hologram optical element 55 described above is a first hologram optical element, the wavelength of RGB light emitted from the light source for notification 44 and the wavelength of image light (RGB light) emitted from the video display element Are different from each other, the second hologram optical element for guiding the notification light to the second region 62 of the visual field 60 of the observer may be arranged on substantially the same plane as the first hologram optical element. Good.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment, when the LEDs 44R, 44G, and 44B of the notification light source 44 are turned on, the second region 62 has red, green, and blue images 62R, 62G, and 62B (see FIG. 10). Are displayed in spots. Therefore, each type of notification content (for example, incoming call, incoming e-mail, low battery level, etc.) is associated with each of the LEDs 44R, 44G, and 44B, and the LEDs 44R, 44G, and 44B are associated with the types of notification content. Either of these may be lit. In this case, the observer can immediately grasp the notification content by the color of the notification light displayed in the second region 62.

[Embodiment 3]
The following will describe still another embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the lighting control of the notification light sources 15 and 44 according to the first and second embodiments will be described.

(3-1. Configuration of HMD and lighting control (part 1))
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a main part of the HMD 1 of the present embodiment. The HMD 1 includes a notification light source 71, an illumination light source 72, a battery 73, a detection unit 74, a storage unit 75, and a first control unit 76.

  The notification light source 71 corresponds to the notification light sources 15 and 44 of the first and second embodiments. The illumination light source 72 corresponds to the illumination light sources 21 and 51 of the first and second embodiments. The battery 73 supplies power to the notification light source 71 and the illumination light source 72, and includes a dry battery or a rechargeable battery.

  The detection unit 74 is a detection unit that detects a state of a detection target inside the apparatus. In the present embodiment, for example, a battery 73 is assumed as a detection target inside the apparatus. Therefore, for example, the remaining battery level (voltage) of the battery 73 can be considered as the detection target state. In addition, the detection of the battery remaining amount in the detection unit 74 may be performed constantly, or may be performed every predetermined time (for example, every 10 minutes).

  The storage unit 75 is a storage unit that stores a reference value of the state to be detected. Since the remaining battery level is considered here as the state of the detection target, the reference value is, for example, a battery voltage that does not interfere with the video display on the video display unit 2 of the HMD 1 (the viewer visually recognizes the display video). The lowest possible voltage).

  The first control means 76 compares the detection result of the detection unit 74 with the reference value stored in the storage unit 75, and controls the emission of the notification light from the notification light source 71 based on the comparison result. To do. More specifically, the first control unit 76 includes a control unit 77 and a light source driving unit 78. The control unit 77 compares the detection result with the reference value, and controls the light source driving unit 78 based on the comparison result. The light source driving unit 78 drives the notification light source 71 under the control of the control unit 77 to emit the notification light from the notification light source 71 or stop the emission.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in the HMD 1 of the present embodiment. First, when the detection unit 74 detects the remaining amount of the battery 73 (S1), the control unit 77 compares the remaining battery level with the reference value stored in the storage unit 75, and the remaining battery level is equal to or less than the reference value. Whether or not (S2). If the remaining battery level is equal to or less than the reference value in S2, the control unit 77 controls the light source driving unit 78 to emit notification light from the notification light source 71 (S3). On the other hand, if the remaining battery level exceeds the reference value in S2, the video display is not hindered. Therefore, the control unit 77 does not drive the light source driving unit 78 and emits notification light from the notification light source 71. Do not let (S4).

  By such lighting control of the notification light source 71, it is possible to appropriately notify the observer according to the state of the detection target (battery 73) inside the apparatus. In particular, in this embodiment, when the detection result of the detection unit 74 is equal to or less than the reference value by the control of the first control unit 76, the notification light source 71 emits notification light to notify the observer. Therefore, the observer can quickly take appropriate measures such as replacing the battery 73 or charging the battery 73 based on the recognition of the light for notification.

(3-2. Lighting control (2))
In the lighting control described above, the detection unit 74 detects the remaining battery level of the battery 73, and the first control unit 76 controls the light source 71 for notification based on the remaining battery level. The method of control is not limited.

  For example, the detection unit 74 may directly detect the luminance of the illumination light source 72. That is, the detection target of the detection unit 74 may be the illumination light source 72. In this case, if the storage unit 75 stores the luminance of the illumination light source 72 that does not hinder video display as a reference value, the first control unit 76 uses the luminance detected by the detection unit 74 and the storage unit. It is also possible to control the emission of notification light from the notification light source 71 based on the result of comparison with the reference value (luminance) stored in 75. That is, for example, the first control unit 76 may cause the notification light source 71 to emit the notification light when the luminance detected by the detection unit 74 is equal to or lower than the reference value. Even in this case, the observer can promptly take appropriate measures such as battery replacement based on the recognition of the light for notification.

(3-3. Lighting control (part 3))
For example, FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the main part of the HMD 1. As shown in the figure, it is also possible to provide the HMD 1 with a time measuring unit 79 that measures the usage time of the device after the battery 73 is attached to the HMD 1, and to set the detection target of the detection unit 74 as the time measuring unit 79.

  In this case, if the usable period of the battery 73 that does not hinder video display is stored in the storage unit 75 as a reference value, the first controller 76 compares the usable time with the usable period. It is also possible to control the emission of notification light from the notification light source 71 based on the determination result. That is, for example, the first control unit 76 may cause the notification light source 71 to emit notification light when the usage time detected by the detection unit 74 exceeds the usable period. . Even in this case, the observer can promptly take appropriate measures such as battery replacement based on the recognition of the light for notification.

(3-4. Lighting control (part 4))
In the above, the storage unit 75 stores only one reference value, and the control of the notification light source 71 based on the comparison result between the one reference value and the detection result of the detection unit 74 has been described. 75 may store a plurality of reference values. In this case, the first control means 76 compares the detection result of the detection unit 74 with a plurality of reference values stored in the storage unit 75 to determine the level of the detection result, and differs depending on the level. The emission of the notification light from the notification light source 71 can be controlled in the mode.

For example, when the remaining battery level (voltage) of the battery 73 is associated with three levels of A ₁ , A ₂ , and A ₃ (the remaining battery level is A ₁ <A ₂ <A ₃ ), level A A threshold (voltage) B ₁ for distinguishing between ₁ and A ₂ and a threshold (voltage) B ₂ (where B ₁ <B ₂ ) for distinguishing between levels A ₂ and A ₃ are a plurality of reference values. Is stored in the storage unit 75. In this case, the detection result of the detecting section 74, i.e., when the battery is assumed to be C _1, the first control unit 76 compares the battery remaining amount C ₁ and the threshold value B ₁ and B _2, battery It is determined whether the level of the remaining amount C ₁ is any one of A ₁ , A ₂ , and A ₃ .

When the level of the remaining battery level C ₁ is A ₃ , the first control unit 76 emits red light from the notification light source 71 as notification light, for example. Further, when the level of the remaining battery capacity C ₁ is A ₂ , the first control unit 76 causes, for example, green light to be emitted from the notification light source 71 as notification light. Furthermore, when the level of the remaining battery level C ₁ is A ₁ , the first control unit 76 emits, for example, blue light from the notification light source 71 as notification light.

  As described above, the first control unit 76 controls the emission of the notification light from the notification light source 71 in different modes according to the level of the detection result in the detection unit 74, thereby the notification light. When the observer recognizes the emission state, it is possible to easily grasp which of the plurality of levels the detection target state is. That is, in the above example, the first control unit 76 emits light having a wavelength corresponding to the level of the detection result from the notification light source 71 as notification light. Based on the recognition of the color of the light, it is possible to easily grasp which of the plurality of levels the detection target state is. As a result, the observer can immediately determine whether it is necessary to perform a predetermined process (for example, battery replacement), and can perform the predetermined process immediately if necessary.

(3-5. Lighting control (part 5))
When the storage unit 75 stores a plurality of reference values, the first control unit 76 determines the level of the detection result from a comparison between the plurality of reference values stored in the storage unit 75 and the detection result of the detection unit 74. The light for notification can be emitted from the light source for notification 71 so that the lighting method (for example, one lighting time (flashing speed)) differs depending on the level.

For example, when the level of the remaining battery level C ₁ detected by the detection unit 74 is A ₃ , the first control unit 76 sends a notification light from the notification light source 71 so that the first control unit 76 is always lit. Light is emitted. Further, when the level of the remaining battery level C ₁ is A ₂ , the first control means 76 sends a notification light from the notification light source 71 so as to be in a blinking state that is repeatedly turned on / off. Is emitted. Further, when the level of the remaining battery capacity C ₁ is A ₁ , the first control means 76 emits notification light from the notification light source 71 so as to blink rapidly. That is, in this case, the lighting time of the light source 71 for notification once is the longest at the level A ₃ and becomes shorter in the order of the level A ₂ and the level A ₁ .

  Thus, the observer can change the lighting method of the notification light source 71 in accordance with the level of the detection result in the detection unit 74, thereby allowing the observer to recognize the state of the notification light (flashing speed). It is possible to easily grasp which of the plurality of levels the detection target state is. As a result, the observer can immediately determine whether it is necessary to perform a predetermined process (for example, battery replacement), and can perform the predetermined process immediately if necessary.

  The first control unit 76 changes the lighting method of the notification light source 71 according to the level of the detection result, and the brightness (luminance) when the notification light source 71 is turned on according to the level. Of course, it is also possible to change.

(3-6. Additional control)
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing still another configuration example of the main part of the HMD 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, when the first control means 76 of the HMD 1 emits the notification light from the notification light source 71, the first display means 76 further displays the notification information so as to be superimposed on the image. Control for driving the display element 81) may be performed. The display element 81 corresponds to the display elements 12 and 42 of the first and second embodiments.

  Here, as said alerting | reporting information, the warning character that the battery remaining charge of HMD1 fell, for example, the image | video (for example, the icon which can display a battery remaining charge in steps) corresponding to it can be assumed. The HMD 1 normally has a display element driving unit 82 for driving the display element 81, and the display element driving unit 82 constitutes a first control means 76 together with the control unit 77 and the light source driving unit 78. ing.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in the HMD 1 in which, for example, the battery 73 is a detection target of the detection unit 74. In this example, S1 to S4 are exactly the same as in FIG. In S4, the control unit 77 of the first control means 76 controls the light source driving unit 78 to emit the notification light from the notification light source 71. At this time, the display element driving unit 82 is also controlled. Then, the notification information is displayed on the display element 81 so as to overlap the video (S5).

  In this case, since the image and the notification information displayed on the display element 81 are integrally displayed in the first region 31/61 of the observer's field of view, the observer can In addition to recognizing the light for notification, the contents of the notification can be specifically known, and the observer can take a predetermined measure (for example, perform battery replacement or charging) promptly.

[Embodiment 4]
The following will describe still another embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the lighting control of the notification light sources 15 and 44 when the HMD 1 of the first to third embodiments described above is connected to an external device will be described.

(4-1. Configuration of HMD and lighting control (part 1))
FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a main part of the HMD 1 of the present embodiment. The HMD 1 includes a notification light source 91, a receiving unit 92, and second control means 93. The notification light source 91 corresponds to the notification light sources 15 and 44 of the first and second embodiments or the notification light source 71 of the third embodiment.

  The receiving unit 92 is a receiving unit that receives information from an external device that requires notification to the observer of the HMD 1. For example, a mobile phone or a PDA can be assumed as the external device, but a mobile phone is assumed here. Therefore, information from an external device that requires notification to the observer is assumed here to be information that the radio wave condition of the mobile phone has deteriorated or information that a call or e-mail has been received. Can do.

  The second control means 93 emits notification light from the notification light source 91 when the reception unit 92 receives the above information, and includes a control unit 94 and a light source driving unit 95. Configured. The control unit 94 controls the light source driving unit 95 when the receiving unit 92 receives the information. The light source driving unit 95 drives the notification light source 91 under the control of the control unit 94 and causes the notification light source 91 to emit notification light. The first control unit 76 of the third embodiment may have the function of the second control unit 93 of the present embodiment.

  With such a configuration of the HMD 1, when the HMD 1 receives information that requires notification to an observer from an external device via a cable, the notification light source 91 is turned on by the control of the second control means 93, and notification is performed. Light is emitted. Therefore, the observer can quickly take necessary measures based on the recognition of the light for notification, for example, confirming the radio wave condition of the external device, confirming the incoming call or e-mail. .

(4-2. Lighting control (part 2))
By the way, the second control means 93 described above may control the emission of the notification light from the notification light source 91 in different modes depending on the content of the information received by the reception unit 92. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in the HMD 1 provided with such second control means 93.

  Here, the radio wave state of the external device is considered as information from the external device that requires notification to the observer. The radio wave condition is divided into three stages, a little bad, bad, and quite bad (communication is impossible). These correspond to the first level, the second level, and the third level in order. It shall be. That is, it is assumed that signals corresponding to the first to third levels are transmitted from the external device to the HMD 1.

  First, when the reception unit 92 receives a signal (information) indicating a radio wave state from an external device (S11), the control unit 94 of the second control unit 93 determines whether the radio wave state indicated by the reception signal is at the first level. It is determined whether or not (S12). In S12, when it is determined that the radio wave state is the first level, the control unit 94 controls the light source driving unit 95 in the first control mode to set the notification light source 91 to the first level. Operate in the operation mode (S12-1). The first operation mode refers to an operation mode in which, for example, red light is emitted from the notification light source 91 as notification light.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S12 that the radio wave state is not the first level, the control unit 94 determines whether or not the radio wave state indicated by the received signal is the second level (S13). If it is determined in S13 that the radio wave state is at the second level, the control unit 94 controls the light source driving unit 95 in the second control mode to set the notification light source 91 to the second operation. Operate in the mode (S13-1). The second operation mode refers to an operation mode in which, for example, green light is emitted from the notification light source 91 as notification light.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S13 that the radio wave state is not the second level, the control unit 94 determines that the radio wave state indicated by the received signal is the third level, and the light source is in the third control mode. The drive unit 95 is controlled to operate the notification light source 91 in the third operation mode (S14-1). The third operation mode refers to, for example, an operation mode in which blue light is emitted from the notification light source 91 as notification light.

  As described above, when the receiving unit 92 receives information from an external device that requires notification to the observer, the second control unit 93 notifies in a different control mode depending on the content of the information. Since the light emission for notification from the light source 91 is controlled, the observer can easily determine the state of the external device (in this case, the radio wave state) at a plurality of levels based on recognition of the state of the light emission for notification. Can be recognized. In particular, the second control means 93 emits light having a wavelength according to the content of the information received by the receiving unit 92 from the notification light source 91 as notification light. Based on the recognition of the color of light, the state of the external device can be easily and reliably recognized at a plurality of levels.

  Further, as the information, for example, when an incoming call or an e-mail is received at an external device, the second control means 93 follows the above example. It is also possible to operate the notification light source 91 in the second operation mode when the notification light source 91 is operated. In this case, based on the recognition of the color of the light for notification, the observer not only has received the notification, but also the notification content (whether it is an incoming call or an incoming email). It can be easily recognized.

  In the first to third control modes described above, the wavelength of the notification light emitted from the notification light source 91 is varied according to the content of the information, but is the same as in the third embodiment. In addition, the second control means 93 controls the emission of the notification light from the notification light source 91 so that the operation mode in which the blinking speed and brightness according to the contents of the information are realized. May be. That is, the second control means 93 emits the notification light from the notification light source 91 so that the lighting method (flashing speed, brightness) differs according to the content of the information received by the reception unit 92. It does not matter if you let them.

(4-3. Additional control)
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing still another configuration example of the main part of the HMD 1 of the present embodiment. When the notification light source 91 emits the notification light as described above, the second control means 93 of the HMD 1 further displays the notification information on the image so as to display the notification information (display element 96). ) May be controlled. The display element 96 corresponds to the display elements 12 and 42 of the first and second embodiments or the display element 81 of the third embodiment.

  The HMD 1 normally has a display element driving unit 92 for driving the display element 91. The display element driving unit 92, together with the control unit 94 and the light source driving unit 95, controls the second control unit 93. It is composed. The display element driving unit 92 corresponds to the display element driving unit 82 of the third embodiment.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations in the HMD 1 having the above configuration. The basic flow is the same as that of the flowchart of FIG. 17, but the following steps are added here.

  For example, the second control unit 96 displays the information corresponding to the first operation mode after S12-1 in which the notification light is emitted from the notification light source 91 in the first operation mode. 93 controls the display element 96 (S12-2). Note that the information corresponding to the first operation mode may be, for example, text information such as “the radio wave condition is a little bad”, or a video (two antenna icons) showing the contents. There may be.

  Further, the second control means is configured so that the display element 96 displays information corresponding to the second operation mode after S13-1 in which the notification light is emitted from the notification light source 91 in the second operation mode. 93 controls the display element 96 (S13-2). In addition, as information corresponding to the second operation mode, for example, text information indicating that the radio wave condition is bad and a video (icon of one antenna) indicating the content can be considered.

  Further, the second control means is configured so that the display element 96 displays information corresponding to the third operation mode after S14-1 in which the notification light is emitted from the notification light source 91 in the third operation mode. 93 controls the display element 96 (S14-2). As information corresponding to the third operation mode, for example, character information such as “the radio wave condition is quite bad” or “communication is impossible” and a video (icon with zero antenna) indicating the content are considered. be able to.

  Thus, when the second control means 93 emits the notification light from the notification light source 91, the second control means 93 further drives the display element 96 so as to display the notification information superimposed on the video. In addition to recognizing light for notification, the observer can specifically know the content of the notification, and can quickly take predetermined measures such as confirming the radio wave condition of the external device.

  Note that here, information regarding the radio wave condition of the external device is considered as the notification information. However, as information that requires notification to the observer, incoming calls and e-mails, and a decrease in the remaining battery level are considered. In such a case, notification information such as “There is an incoming call” and “Email arrives” and warning information such as “Low battery level” may be considered.

  Of course, the HMD 1 can be realized by appropriately combining the configurations described in the above embodiments.

It is explanatory drawing which shows typically an example of the visual field of the observer's right eye wearing HMD which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the outline of the said HMD. (A) is a front view which shows the example of 1 structure of the video display part of said HMD, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the said video display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the other example of the visual field of an observer's right eye. It is a front view which shows the other structural example of the said video display part. It is a front view which shows the other structural example of the said video display part. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the outline of HMD which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the detailed structure of the video display part of the said HMD. (A) is a plan view when a part of the video display unit is viewed from one direction, and (b) is a plan view when a part of the video display unit is viewed from another direction. . It is explanatory drawing which shows typically an example of the visual field of the right eye of the observer wearing the HMD. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the outline of the principal part of HMD which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement in the said HMD. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of the principal part of the said HMD. It is a block diagram which shows the further another structural example of the principal part of the said HMD. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement in the said HMD. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the outline of the principal part of HMD which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement in the other control of said HMD. It is a block diagram which shows the further another structural example of the principal part of the said HMD. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement in the said HMD.

Explanation of symbols

1 HMD (video display device)
4 Controller box (light intensity adjustment unit)
11 Illumination optical system (image display element)
12 Display element (video display element)
13 eyepiece optical system 15 light source for notification 16 optical system for notification 21 light source for illumination (video display element)
22 reflection mirror (first optical path bending member, second optical path bending member)
24 reflection mirror (second optical path bending member)
30 Field of View 31 First Area 32 Second Area 41 Illumination Optical System (Video Display Element)
42 Display element (video display element)
43 Eyepiece optical system 44 Information light source 45 Information optical system 51 Light source for illumination (video display element)
55 Hologram optical element (combiner, optical member)
60 field of view 61 first area 62 second area 71 light source for notification 74 detection unit (detection means)
75 Storage unit (storage means)
76 1st control means 77 Control part (1st control means)
78 Light source drive section (first control means)
81 Display element (video display element)
82 Display element driver (first control means)
91 Light source for notification 92 Reception unit (reception means)
93 Second control means 94 Control section (second control means)
95 Light source driving unit (second control means)
96 Display element (video display element)
97 Display element driver (second control means)

Claims (19)

An image display element;
An eyepiece optical system that guides image light from the image display element to a first region that is a part of the field of view of the observer, and is an image display device that can be mounted on the head of the observer,
It further has a notification light source that emits light for notification to the observer,
The notification light is applied to a second region that is a part of the observer's field of view,
An image display device, wherein at least a part of the second area is located outside the first area.   The video display device according to claim 1, wherein the entire second area is located outside the first area.   3. The image according to claim 1, wherein the eyepiece optical system includes a first optical path bending member that bends an optical path of the image light from the image display element to the first region. Display device. A notification optical system for guiding the notification light emitted from the notification light source to the second region;
The said optical system for alerting | reporting has the 2nd optical path bending member which bends the optical path of the said alerting | reporting light from the said light source for alerting | reporting to the said 2nd area | region. Video display device.   5. The image display device according to claim 4, wherein the first optical path bending member also serves as the second optical path bending member.   The video display device according to claim 1, wherein the eyepiece optical system includes a combiner that guides the video light and external light simultaneously to the first region of the observer's field of view. A notification optical system for guiding the notification light emitted from the notification light source to the second region;
7. The notification optical system includes an optical member having a positive optical power, and guides the notification light to the second region via the optical member. Video display device.   The video display device according to claim 7, wherein the combiner also serves as the optical member.   The video display device according to claim 8, wherein the combiner is a hologram optical element.   10. The video display device according to claim 9, wherein the wavelength of the light emitted from the notification light source substantially matches the wavelength of the video light emitted from the video display element. Detection means for detecting the state of the detection target inside the apparatus;
Storage means for storing a reference value of the state of the detection target;
A first control unit that compares a detection result of the detection unit with the reference value stored in the storage unit and controls emission of the notification light from the notification light source based on the comparison result. The video display device according to claim 1, further comprising: The storage means stores a plurality of the reference values,
The first control unit compares the detection result of the detection unit with a plurality of reference values stored in the storage unit to determine the level of the detection result, and the mode is different depending on the level. The video display device according to claim 11, wherein emission of light for notification from the light source for notification is controlled.   The said 1st control means drives the said image | video display element so that notification information may be further displayed on a video, when emitting the said notification light from the said notification light source. Item 13. The video display device according to Item 11 or 12. Receiving means for receiving information from an external device that requires notification to an observer;
14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second control unit that emits the notification light from the notification light source when the information is received by the reception unit. A video display device according to claim 1.   The said 2nd control means controls emission of the said light for an alerting | reporting from the said light source for an alerting | reporting in a different mode according to the content of the said information received by the said receiving means, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. The video display device described.   The second control means drives the video display element to display the notification information so as to be superimposed on the video when the notification light is emitted from the notification light source. The video display device according to claim 14 or 15.   17. The video display device according to claim 1, wherein the notification light source is provided outside an optical path of the video light from the video display element to the first region.   18. The video display device according to claim 1, further comprising a light amount adjustment unit for adjusting a light amount of light emitted from the notification light source.   The video display device according to claim 1, wherein the amount of light emitted from the notification light source is greater than the amount of video light emitted from the video display element.

Images