JP5385080B2 - Display device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display device that displays a video by converting a virtual image formed by an imaging optical element typified by a lens and a reflecting mirror into a real image or converting a real image into a virtual image.

  Focusing on microfabrication technology that finely divides light rays in order to realize realistic 3D aerial images, nano-processing technology that makes it possible to form image images in the mirror as real images instead of virtual images A reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element using the above has been developed (see Non-Patent Document 1).

  A large number of small through-holes each having a side of 100 μm and a depth of 100 μm are opened in the element surface of such a reflective surface-symmetric imaging element. The inner wall of this hole is a micromirror, and a two-surface corner reflector is formed by two adjacent micromirrors. The light passing through the hole is reflected twice by the micromirror, thereby forming a mirror image (see Patent Documents 1 to 3 and Non-Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-158114 A JP 2009-257576 JP2009-75483A Succeeded in developing “mirror” for imaging aerial images-Realizing realistic 3D aerial images-(URL: http://www2.nict.go.jp/pub/whatsnew/press/h18/ 061124-2 / 061124-2.html) [As of April 28, 2008]

  The reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element can form an object as a real image in a range where it is used alone, and the object and the real image have a 1: 1 magnification relationship. Therefore, the object and the reflection type plane symmetric imaging element are proportional to the size of the real image to be obtained, and a large object, that is, a large area reflection type plane symmetric imaging element is required.

  Therefore, there is a problem in that these are often limited to the installation mode of the object and the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element, such as when used in a display device.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention includes the above-mentioned problem as an example, and it is to provide a display device that enables installation of an object having a high degree of freedom of arrangement and a reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element. This is one of the objects of the present invention.

A display device of one embodiment of the present invention includes:
A light beam incident on the element surface in a converged state is emitted in a divergent state symmetrically with respect to the element surface, while a light beam incident in a divergent state on the element surface is converged symmetrically with respect to the element surface. A plate-like reflective surface-symmetric imaging element that emits in a state ;
A relay optical element that enters light in a convergent or divergent state to the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element;
A light emitter for supplying the light to the relay optical element,
The light emitting body, the light emitted from the relay optical element is incident on the element surface in a divergent state, and the light emitted in a converged state on the element surface is formed as a real image; A relay optical element and the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element are arranged .
Further, the display device according to another aspect of the present invention emits a light beam incident on the element surface in a converged state in a divergent state symmetrically with respect to the element surface, while diverging with respect to the element surface. A plate-like reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element that emits a light beam incident on the element plane in a convergent state symmetrically with respect to the element surface;
A relay optical element that enters light in a convergent or divergent state to the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element;
A light emitter for supplying the light to the relay optical element,
The light emitted from the relay optical element is incident on the element surface in a divergent state, and the light emitted in a converged state on the element surface is formed as a real image, or the relay optical element So that the light emitted from the light incident on the element surface in a converged state and the light emitted in a divergent state on the element surface is formed as a virtual image, the light emitter, the relay optical element, And the reflective plane-symmetric imaging element is disposed,
The reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element is composed of a structure in which micromirror units having first and second light reflecting surfaces are arranged in a matrix, and incident light is reflected by the first and second light reflecting surfaces. It is a reflection that creates a mirror image,
The reflective surface-symmetric imaging element includes a first assembly and a second assembly in which a plurality of longitudinal members having one light reflecting surface are arranged in parallel so that the light reflecting surfaces are in the same direction. The light reflection surfaces of the first aggregate are configured so as to intersect with each other, the light reflection surface of the first aggregate constitutes the first light reflection surface of the micromirror unit, and the light reflection surface of the second aggregate Constitutes the second light reflecting surface of the micromirror unit.

In the above display device , the light emitter may be a self-light emitter or an irradiated body.

  The display device may include a light blocking body including the light emitter, the relay optical element, and the reflective plane-symmetric imaging element.

  In the display device described above, a part of the light shielding body may be formed of the reflection type plane-symmetric imaging element.

  In said display apparatus, the inner wall face of the said light-shielding body can be made into a dark color.

  The relay optical element may be an imaging optical element including any one of a convex lens, a concave lens, a concave mirror, and a convex mirror.

  In the display device, in the relay optical element, a half mirror may be disposed between the imaging optical element and the light emitter, and light may be combined by the half mirror.

It is a perspective view of the micro mirror unit in XYZ rectangular coordinates for conceptually explaining the micro mirror unit in the display device of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the micro mirror unit on XY plane seen from the Z-axis direction in the display apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view of the first and second light reflecting surfaces when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bisector of the angle formed by the first and second light reflecting surfaces of FIG. 2 and the Z axis. It is a top view of a reflection type plane symmetry image formation element in a display of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of a reflection type plane symmetry image formation element in a display of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of a reflection type plane symmetry image formation element in a display of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of a reflection type plane symmetry image formation element in a display of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of a reflection type plane symmetry image formation element in a display of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the rectangular parallelepiped material which comprises the reflection type plane-symmetric image formation element in the display apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the combination of two sheet | seat parts which form the reflection type plane-symmetric image formation element in the display apparatus of embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a rectangular parallelepiped plate-shaped body having a stepped side surface on one surface for forming a reflective plane-symmetric imaging element in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a rectangular parallelepiped plate-shaped body having a stepped side surface on one surface for forming a reflective plane-symmetric imaging element in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a rectangular parallelepiped plate-shaped body having a stepped side surface on one surface for forming a reflective plane-symmetric imaging element in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a rectangular parallelepiped plate-shaped body having a stepped side surface on one surface for forming a reflective plane-symmetric imaging element in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a partial notch perspective view which shows the assembly | attachment which the plate-shaped body for rectangular parallelepiped formation which has a step-shaped side surface on the surface for formation of the reflection type plane-symmetric image formation element in the display apparatus of other embodiment of this invention adhere | attached. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the optical path by the convex lens of the relay optical element in the display apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the optical path in the display apparatus containing the convex lens of the relay optical element of FIG. 16, and a reflection type plane-symmetric image formation element. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the optical path by the convex lens of the relay optical element in the display apparatus of other embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the optical path in the display apparatus containing the convex lens of the relay optical element of FIG. 18, and a reflection type plane-symmetric image formation element. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the optical path by the concave mirror of the relay optical element in the display apparatus of other embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the optical path in the display apparatus containing the concave mirror of a relay optical element of FIG. 20, and a reflection type plane-symmetric image formation element. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the optical path by the concave mirror of the relay optical element in the display apparatus of other embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the optical path in the display apparatus containing the concave mirror of a relay optical element of FIG. 22, and a reflection type plane-symmetric image formation element. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the optical path by the concave mirror of the relay optical element in the display apparatus of other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical path in a display device including the concave mirror of the relay optical element of FIG. 24 and a reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the optical path in the projector display apparatus which consists of a combination of a display, an expansion optical system lens, and a plane mirror. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the optical path in the projector display apparatus which consists of a combination of the display of the display apparatus of the Example of this invention, an expansion optical system convex lens, an internal plane mirror, and a reflection type plane-symmetric image formation element.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Object 2, 2b Reflection type plane-symmetric imaging element 3 Real image 20 Cuboid material 21, 22 Sheet part 23 Light reflection film 24 Light absorption film 31 Plate body 32 Plate body parallel peak part 33 Plate body main surface 34 Plate shape Body assembly 41 Display 42 Convex lens 43 Plane half mirror 44 Convex lens 45 Internal plane mirror CvL Convex lens CcM Concave mirror HM Half mirror Mu Micro mirror unit Mxz First light reflection surface Myz Second light reflection surface T Light transmission surface

  Conventional imaging optical elements such as a convex lens, a concave lens, a concave mirror, and a convex mirror can enlarge and reduce the image, but the position where the image can be observed is limited by the optical path of each optical system. In addition, in these conventional imaging optical elements, whether the image to be connected becomes a real image or a virtual image is determined by the type of each optical system and the positional relationship of the object, and the image to be formed becomes a real image or a virtual image. Depending on how, the observation position is greatly restricted.

  The inventor has intensively studied, and with the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element, the image could not be enlarged / reduced, but this time, a display device that combines these, converts a virtual image into a real image, or converts a real image into a real image. It was converted into a virtual image and enabled to enlarge and reduce, and at the same time, the range in which the formed image could be observed was changed.

  Such a display device includes a plate-like reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element that emits a light beam incident on the element surface in a converged or divergent state symmetrically with respect to the element surface, and a light-reflecting type. A relay optical element that is incident on the plane-symmetric imaging element in a convergent or divergent state (the conventional imaging optical element described above), and an object that supplies light to the relay optical element. The reflective surface-symmetric imaging element, the relay optical element, and the object are arranged so that a real image or a virtual image of the object can be observed.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Reflective plane-symmetric imaging element>
Since the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element is composed of a large number of micromirror units, a single micromirror unit will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the minute mirror unit Mu in XYZ orthogonal coordinates for conceptually explaining the minute mirror unit. The minute mirror unit Mu includes a first light reflecting surface Mxz and a second light reflecting surface Myz that are orthogonal to the element surface (XY plane).

  In the micromirror unit Mu, if there is a certain point (black circle) in the unit cell (1, 1, 1,), the black circle (1, -1,1,) is on the mirror surface of the first light reflecting surface Mxz. Black circles (-1, 1, 1,) are respectively projected onto the image space on the mirror surface of the second light reflecting surface Myz. Here, −1 in the XYZ orthogonal coordinate values means the reverse direction of each axis direction, and means that the plane is inverted to a plane perpendicular to each axis direction.

  Since the mirror surface of the first light reflection surface Mxz and the mirror surface of the second light reflection surface Myz in the image space have XYZ orthogonal coordinates, the black circle (1, -1,1,) and the black circle (-1,1,1) )) Is projected on the space of the diagonal position of the real space of the unit cell (1,1,1,) with the star (-1, -1, -1,).

  Therefore, the relationship between the star (-1, 1, 1, 1) in the diagonal position space and the black circle (1, 1, 1,) in the real space is the XY axis direction of the black circle (1, 1, 1,). Is in a relationship reversed with the position of the asterisk (-1, -1, 1,) in the XY-axis direction.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view of the minute mirror unit Mu on the XY plane viewed from the Z-axis direction. Here, the real space is (1, 1, 1,), the image space by the mirror surface of the first light reflecting surface Mxz is (1, -1, 1,), and the image space by the mirror surface of the second light reflecting surface Myz. (−1, 1, 1,) and the mirror image space of the image space of the first and second light reflecting surfaces Mxz, Myz is represented as (−1, −1, 1,). Assuming that the line B is in the real space (1, 1, 1,), a virtual image Bv that is inverted in the XY-axis direction is obtained in the image space (-1, -1, 1,). When a light beam is incident on the mirror surface of the second light reflecting surface Myz in the real space (1, 1, 1,) at an angle θ, the light beam is reflected and reflected by the mirror surface of the first light reflecting surface Mxz at an angle φ, and the second light. The light is returned in the same direction in parallel with the incident light beam on the mirror surface of the reflecting surface Myz.

  Therefore, the incident light beam to the micro mirror unit Mu other than the normal direction of each of the first light reflection surface Mxz and the second light reflection surface Myz is the first and second light reflection surfaces Mxz, which open from the Z axis of the XY plane. It returns in the same direction as a light beam reversed within the range of Myz (less than 90 degrees), that is, recursively. By the way, if you prepare two mirrors, align them at right angles and look vertically at the intersection of the mirrors, you can observe that your face is always in the middle at any position in the horizontal direction. Sex is obvious.

  However, in the Z-axis direction, the recursiveness due to the first and second light reflecting surfaces Mxz and Myz of the micromirror unit Mu does not appear. 3 is a side view of the first and second light reflecting surfaces Mxz and Myz viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bisector of the angle formed by the first and second light reflecting surfaces Mxz and Myz in FIG. 2 and the Z axis. is there. Here, when a light beam is incident on the mirror surface of the second light reflecting surface Myz in the real space (1, 1, 1,) at an angle ψ with respect to the Z axis, the light beam is reflected and reflected by the mirror surface of the first light reflecting surface Mxz. , Reflected at an angle ψ with respect to the Z axis. Incidentally, in order to obtain complete recursion, if a third light reflecting surface is further provided on the XY plane of FIG. 1, recursion by the white circle image space (−1, −1, −1,) of FIG. Can be obtained. This is known as the retroreflectivity of a corner cube or retroreflector in which incident light beams directed to three intersecting lines return to the same incident direction at any incident position when these three mirrors orthogonal to each other are combined.

  In the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element 2 of the embodiment, a plurality of micro mirror units Mu that regularly reflect incident light in the Z-axis direction component and retroreflect incident light in the XY-axis direction component are illustrated. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 4, for example, the first light reflection surface Mxz and the second light reflection surface Myz are arranged in a matrix in a plane so as to coincide with each other in the XY axis direction. Needless to say, the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2 is configured to allow light to pass in the Z-axis direction (at least partially reflected twice).

  As shown in FIG. 5, for example, if there is an illuminant that emits divergent light CvB on the positive side (upper side) on the Z-axis of the reflective plane-symmetric imaging element 2, the micro mirror unit of the reflective plane-symmetric imaging element 2 is effective. Of all the light rays spread in the region, each of the light rays reflected twice by each of the first and second light reflecting surfaces Mxz and Myz is in a plane-symmetrical position with respect to the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2 of the light emitter. Converge.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, convergent light DvB is incident on the micromirror unit effective region of the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2 from the positive side (upper side) on the Z-axis of the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2. For example, the light beam reflected twice by each of the first and second light reflecting surfaces Mxz and Myz in the condensing region therein diverges in a plane symmetry from the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2 and spreads as diverging light. .

  In this way, in the XY plane formed by the normal lines of the first and second light reflecting surfaces Mxz and Myz orthogonal to each other, the light beam is recursively reflected and regularly reflected in the Z-axis direction. When the object 1 of the self-luminous body or the irradiated body is disposed on the negative side (lower side) on the Z axis, the image of the object 1 can be formed as a real image Ri. Since the observation is from the back side of the image reflected on the micromirror unit, the depth is reversed for the three-dimensional object. Since one micromirror unit can be freely manufactured with a size of several tens of μm to several tens of mm square, the resolution of such an image can be reduced by reducing the size of each micromirror unit Mu. The brightness of the image can be improved by arranging them in the array. The object 1 may be a self-luminous body or an irradiated body, and a display surface of a display such as a liquid crystal display can be used as the object 1.

  When such micromirror units are arranged in a plane, the light emitted from the point light source is reflected by every micromirror unit and always passes through a plane-symmetrical position, so that a real image or a virtual image can be formed. Become. Since the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element 2 is plate-like when viewed macroscopically, it operates as a light bending transmission type optical element that transmits light from one main surface to the other main surface.

  As shown in FIG. 7, an aerial image is floated on the main surface of the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2, and the observer can observe from a predetermined direction.

  An example of the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element 2 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, two sheet portions (first sheets) formed by sticking the same number of rod-shaped rectangular parallelepiped materials 20 in parallel at their long side surfaces. 1 aggregate and second aggregate) 21, 22. The main surfaces of the sheet portions 21 and 22 are bonded to each other.

  Of the four surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction, two opposing surfaces are light transmission surfaces T used for light transmission, as shown in FIG. One of the remaining two surfaces is a reflecting surface and is subjected to a mirror surface treatment. This mirror surface treatment does not mean that light is reflected, but is a treatment that makes a very smooth state. The other of the remaining two surfaces is a surface that absorbs light. About 100 to 20000 rectangular parallelepiped materials 20 are used for each of the sheet portions 21 and 22. For example, the rectangular parallelepiped material 20 is made of a plastic or glass rod typified by a transparent acrylic having a side of a square cross section in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, that is, in the short direction, of about 0.1 to 10 mm. The length varies depending on the size of the projected image, but is about 100 mm to 10 m. In addition, a light reflecting film 23 is formed on one surface of the rectangular parallelepiped material 20 that extends in the longitudinal direction (the surface opposite to the remaining one surface). The light reflecting film 23 is formed by vapor deposition or sputtering of aluminum or silver. A light absorbing film 24 is formed on the surface opposite to the surface on which the light reflecting film 23 is formed (the remaining one surface), thereby forming a light absorbing surface. The light absorbing film 24 may be formed by using a matte black paint or the like, or by adhering a thin black sheet.

  With respect to such a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped members 20, as shown in FIG. 10, sheet portions 21 and 22 are formed by closely adhering the light absorbing film surface of one rectangular parallelepiped material 20 and the light reflecting film surface of another rectangular parallelepiped material 20, respectively. Is done. As shown in FIG. 10, the sheet portions 21 and 22 are bonded together in a state in which one of the rectangular parallelepiped materials 20 is rotated by 90 degrees so that the parallel directions of the rectangular parallelepiped materials 20 intersect each other. Is formed. A portion where each rectangular parallelepiped material 20 of the sheet portion 21 and each rectangular parallelepiped material 20 of the sheet portion 22 intersect constitutes a micromirror unit, and the light reflecting film surface of the sheet portion 21 of each micromirror unit is the first aggregate. 1 light reflection surface, and the light reflection film surface of the sheet portion 22 is the second light reflection surface of the second aggregate.

  When the sheet portions 21 and 22 are formed, the light absorbing film surface of one rectangular parallelepiped material 20 and the light reflecting film surface of another rectangular parallelepiped material 20 are brought into close contact with each other. Alternatively, they may be laminated.

  Furthermore, since the rectangular parallelepiped material 20 is formed of plastic resin, glass, or the like, it has a refractive index of about 1.5, which may cause surface reflection. Therefore, a clear real image can be formed in the space by applying the anti-reflection coating on the object (object 1) side and the real image 3 side of the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2.

  In the above example, each rectangular parallelepiped material 20 of the reflective plane-symmetric imaging element 2 is formed as a transparent layer using acrylic, glass, or the like, so that maintenance and the like are facilitated. The same effect can be obtained even if a large number of sheets are used. Structurally, it is a structure in which parallel mirror groups are orthogonally arranged in two layers.

  When a glass mirror is used as each rectangular parallelepiped material, the cut surface is inclined or minute irregularities are generated on the surface during cutting, which is a major factor that blurs the combined image. Therefore, by coating the surface with a low-viscosity epoxy resin or UV curable resin, the surface of the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element becomes smooth, and as a result, a clear real image with little optical axis deviation can be obtained. Become. As the surface to be coated, both surfaces of the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element are most effective, and any surface is effective. However, the bonding surface of the sheet portion can also serve as an adhesive layer.

  As another example of the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element, a single sheet structure may be used in addition to the two-sheet bonding structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, there is a reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element 2 b having a plate-like body in which stepped side surfaces of a rectangular parallelepiped having stepped side surfaces are arranged and joined as side surfaces. FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2b. In the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element 2b shown in the figure, one step of the stepped side surface is a micromirror unit having first and second light reflecting surfaces that are orthogonal to each other by 90 degrees.

  FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a plate-shaped body 31 for forming a rectangular parallelepiped having a stepped side surface on one surface for forming the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2b of FIG. The rectangular parallelepiped plate-like body 31 has a plurality of parallel ridges 32 of the same shape extending in the Z-axis direction on one main surface. The other principal surface is a plane. The cross sections in the XY plane of the parallel ridge portions 32 having the same pitch periodically are right triangles (top portions) having the same shape.

  FIG. 13 is also a partially cutaway perspective view of a rectangular parallelepiped-forming plate 31 having stepped side surfaces on one side. In this rectangular parallelepiped-forming plate 31, a light reflecting film and a light absorbing film (not shown) are sequentially formed on the main surface 33 on the parallel ridge portion 32 side. A plurality of the rectangular parallelepiped-forming plate-like bodies 31 on which the light reflecting film and the light absorbing film are formed are manufactured. The material of the rectangular parallelepiped plate is plastic or glass typified by transparent acrylic. In the case of plastic, a plurality of sheets can be manufactured by a mold having parallel ridges by injection molding or the like.

  FIG. 14 shows that the parallel ridge portion 32 side portion of another manufactured rectangular parallelepiped-forming plate 31 is bonded to the flat portion side of the manufactured rectangular parallelepiped-forming plate 31 with a transparent adhesive (not shown). It is a partial notch perspective view of the sticking plate-shaped object which was made. The transparent adhesive is preferably selected from materials whose refractive index is substantially equal to the refractive index of the rectangular parallelepiped plate-like body 31. It is preferable to bond so that bubbles do not remain at the parallel ridges of the rectangular parallelepiped-forming plate-like body 31 at the time of bonding.

  FIG. 15 shows an assembly 34 in which the parallel ridge 32 side portion of another rectangular parallelepiped-forming plate 31 is adhered to the flat portion side of the rectangular parallelepiped-forming plate 31 with a transparent adhesive (not shown). It is a partially cutaway perspective view.

  After the adhesive is cured, it is cut and cut at an equal pitch parallel to the XY plane (broken line), and the cut surface is polished, a transparent protective film is formed, and the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2b in FIG. 11 is manufactured. Is done.

<Combination with relay optical element and object>
The relay optical element is a conventional imaging optical element such as a convex lens, a concave lens, a concave mirror, or a convex mirror, and is an element that enables enlargement or reduction of an image. Further, not only the use of a single element but also a combination thereof can be used, and the position at which the image can be observed can be set by the optical path of the imaging optical system of each conventional imaging optical element. In addition, these conventional imaging optical elements determine whether the connected image becomes a real image or a virtual image depending on the type of each optical system and the positional relationship of the object. The observation position can be changed depending on whether or not.

  The relay optical element, that is, the imaging optical system, mainly uses a lens and uses a reflecting mirror. Here, a case where a convex lens is used will be described.

  FIG. 16 shows an optical path diagram of the coupling optical system when the focal length of the convex lens CvL is f, the distance between the convex lens CvL and the object 1 is a, and a is f> a> 0. In this case, a virtual image with a magnification of f / (fa) is obtained. At this time, the range in which the entire image of the virtual image 3V can be observed with the eyes of the observer E is indicated by hatching.

  When the relationship between the convex lens CvL and the object 1 in FIG. 16 is a> f> a> 0, the normal to the optical axis of the convex lens CvL is inclined 45 degrees in the space between the convex lens CvL and the eyes of the observer E. FIG. 17 shows an aspect in which the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element 2 is arranged as described above. In FIG. 17, by arranging the reflective plane-symmetric imaging element 2, the real image 3 having the magnification f / (fa) is placed in the space between the reflective plane-symmetric imaging element 2 and the eyes of the observer E. can get. This is because the divergent light from the object 1 is converted into convergent light by the convex lens CvL by the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2. At this time, the range in which the entire image of the real image 3 can be observed with the eyes of the observer E is indicated by hatching.

  The light emitted from the object 1 placed at a is refracted by the convex lens CvL, and then the first and second light beams out of all the light rays that have spread to the effective region of the minute mirror unit of the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2. Reflected twice on the light reflecting surface, the real image 3 is formed as a whole.

  In this example, an image formed as a virtual image 3V behind the conventional convex lens CvL is formed as a real image 3. The real image 3 can be observed by reflecting a reflected light by setting a screen or the like at the image forming position. Further, since the image is formed in the space in front of the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element, the eye of the observer E can be observed closest to the real image 3. Furthermore, it is possible to secure a sufficiently wide range where the entire real image can be directly observed.

  When used alone, this reflection-type surface-symmetric imaging element functions as an optical element that forms a real image from an object. However, this reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element can be used as another coupling optical system. Conversion from a real image to a virtual image, or from a virtual image to a real image, in combination with a convex lens, concave mirror, concave lens, convex mirror, and optical elements that form a real image or virtual image) Can be performed. Further, since the reflection type plane-symmetric imaging element is a plane-symmetric imaging system, the image magnification is 1, but an arbitrary image magnification can be set by combining with a conventional imaging optical element. In addition, many of the conventional imaging magnification optical systems display virtual images, and the effective observation range is limited to a narrow range. However, the effective observation range can be expanded by combining with a reflective surface-symmetric imaging element. An image can be observed from a wide range by forming an image in a front space and projecting it on a screen.

<Combination with other relay optical elements and objects>
FIG. 18 shows an optical path diagram of the coupling optical system when the focal length of the convex lens CvL is f, the distance between the convex lens CvL and the object 1 is a, and a is a> f. In this case, a real image with a magnification of f / (af) is obtained. At this time, the range in which the entire image of the real image 3 can be observed with the eyes of the observer E is indicated by hatching.

  When the relation between the convex lens CvL and the object 1 in FIG. 18 is a> f, the space between the convex lens CvL and the eyes of the observer E (between the convex lens CvL and the real image 3) is aligned with the optical axis of the convex lens CvL. FIG. 19 is a diagram in which the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element 2 is arranged so that the normal is inclined by 45 degrees. By disposing the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2 in a space opposite to the space where the object 1 is disposed with respect to the convex lens CvL shown in FIG. 18, as shown in FIG. 19, the convex lens CvL and the reflective surface In the space between the symmetrical imaging elements 2, a virtual image 3V having a magnification of f / (af) is obtained. This is because convergent light from the object 1 at the convex lens CvL is converted into divergent light by the reflective plane-symmetric imaging element 2.

  As another example, a case will be described in which a real image is formed by adding a reflective plane-symmetric imaging element to an imaging optical system that forms a virtual image using a concave mirror.

  FIG. 20 shows an optical path diagram of the coupling optical system when the focal length of the concave mirror CcM is f, the distance between the concave mirror CcM and the object 1 is a, and a is f> a> 0. In this case, the concave mirror CcM and the optical axis of the object 1 are made to coincide using the half mirror HM so that the object 1 does not disturb the light. In this case, a virtual image 3V having a magnification of f / (fa) is obtained. At this time, the range in which the entire image of the virtual image 3V can be observed with the eyes of the observer E is indicated by hatching.

  When the relationship between the concave mirror CcM and the object 1 in FIG. 20 is a> f> a> 0, the object is placed in the space between the concave mirror CcM and the eyes of the observer E (between the half mirror HM and the eyes of the observer E). FIG. 21 shows an aspect in which the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element 2 is arranged so that the normal to the optical axis 1 is inclined by 45 degrees.

  As shown in FIG. 21, a real image 3 having a magnification of f / (fa) is obtained by disposing the reflective plane-symmetric imaging element 2 in the space behind the half mirror HM when viewed from the concave mirror. This is because the divergent light from the object 1 at the concave mirror CcM is converted into convergent light by the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2. In the optical system of FIG. 21, a case where a screen Sc for diffusing light is arranged at the real image position and the projected real image 3 is observed is described.

  As another example, a case where a real image is formed by adding a reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element to an imaging optical system that forms a virtual image using a concave mirror will be described.

  FIG. 22 shows an optical path diagram of the coupling optical system when the focal length of the concave mirror CcM is f, the distance between the concave mirror CcM and the object 1 is a, and a is f> a> 0. In this case, the concave mirror CcM and the optical axis of the eye of the observer E are made to coincide with each other by using the half mirror HM between the object 1 and the concave mirror CcM so that the object 1 does not disturb the light. In this case, a virtual image 3V (broken line) with a magnification of f / (fa) is obtained on the back side of the concave mirror CcM when viewed from the half mirror HM, but divergent light from the concave mirror CcM is observed by the half mirror HM. Therefore, a virtual image 3V (solid line) having a magnification f / (fa) is obtained. At this time, the range in which the entire image of the virtual image 3V can be observed with the eyes of the observer E is indicated by hatching.

  When the relationship between the concave mirror CcM in FIG. 22 and the object 1 is a> f> a> 0, the normal of the optical axis of the object 1 is inclined 45 degrees in the space between the half mirror HM and the eyes of the viewer E. FIG. 23 shows an aspect in which the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element 2 is arranged as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 23, a real image 3 having a magnification of f / (f−a) is obtained by disposing the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2. This is because the divergent light from the object 1 at the concave mirror CcM is converted into convergent light by the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2. In the optical system of FIG. 23, a case is described in which a screen Sc for diffusing light is arranged at the real image position and the projected real image 3 is observed.

  As another example, a case where a virtual image is formed by adding a reflective plane-symmetric imaging element to an optical system that forms a real image using a concave mirror will be described.

  FIG. 24 shows an optical path diagram of the coupling optical system when the focal length of the concave mirror CcM is f, the distance between the concave mirror CcM and the object 1 is a, and a satisfies the condition 2f> a> f. In this case, the concave mirror CcM and the optical axis of the object 1 are made to coincide using the half mirror HM so that the object 1 does not disturb the light. In the optical system of FIG. 24, a case is described in which a screen Sc that diffuses light is disposed at the real image position and the projected real image 3 is observed.

  When the relationship between the concave mirror CcM in FIG. 24 and the object 1 is 2f> a> f, a reflection type is formed in the space between the half mirror HM and the screen Sc so that the normal to the optical axis of the object 1 is inclined 45 degrees. FIG. 25 shows an aspect in which the plane-symmetric imaging element 2 is arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 25, a virtual image 3V having a magnification of f / (af) can be obtained by disposing the reflective plane-symmetric imaging element 2 in the space behind the half mirror HM as viewed from the concave mirror. This is because convergent light from the object 1 at the concave mirror CcM is converted into divergent light by the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in the same manner as when a real image is formed from a virtual image by combining a reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element and an imaging optical element (relay optical element), a virtual image is obtained from a bundle of rays forming a real image. Can be made. The configuration of the above display device can provide the same operation not only in a transmission type optical system represented by a convex lens and a concave lens but also in a reflection type optical system using a concave mirror or a convex mirror.

  Further, in any of the embodiments, a light-shielding body (not shown) such as a housing including the object 1, the convex lens CvL or the concave mirror CcM, the half mirror HM, and the reflective plane-symmetric imaging element 2 can be included. Further, a part of the light shielding body such as a housing may be formed of the reflection type plane-symmetric imaging element 2. By making the inner wall surface of the light shield darker, the contrast of an image that can absorb stray light or the like can be improved.

  Finally, examples of a windshield projector mounted on a vehicle and a comparative example of the display device of the present invention will be described. Since there are many operation devices around the driver's seat and cockpit, it is necessary to reduce the size of the windshield projector. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the angle of view of recent high-definition displays (16: 9) is 30 degrees. FIG. 26 shows a projector (comparative example) comprising a combination of a display 41, a convex lens 42 of an magnifying optical system, and a flat half mirror 43. FIG. 27 shows a projector comprising a combination of real image and virtual image conversion optical systems (enlarged optical systems) equivalent to the case of a> f in FIG. The display device of the embodiment of FIG. 27 is configured by arranging a display 41 equivalent to the device of FIG. 26, a convex lens 44 of an magnifying optical system, an internal plane mirror 45, and a reflective surface-symmetric imaging element 2, and a comparative example of FIG. The same projected image (virtual image) is formed.

  Comparing the example and the comparative example, the convex lens 42 and the convex lens 44 have substantially the same focal length, but the diameter of the convex lens 44 of the example can be reduced to about 1/3 compared to the convex lens 42 of the comparative example. Therefore, according to the combination of the magnifying optical system and the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element of the present invention, there is an effect that a display device that can be downsized and can be easily configured as compared with the related art.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a real image is converted into a virtual image (or a virtual image into a real image) by combining a reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element and a conventional imaging optical system that forms a real image (or a virtual image). Since it is used as an element, a light beam that creates an imaging state by a relay optical element, that is, a conventional imaging optical system (lens or mirror) is incident on the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element. The virtual image formed by the (lens or mirror) can be converted into a real image, or the real image can be converted into a virtual image, and the converted image can be extracted.

  The reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element is composed of minute mirror units having first and second light reflecting surfaces that are orthogonal to each other by 90 degrees within the optical element surface, and the intersection line thereof is perpendicular to the element surface. A large number of micromirror units are arranged. In the individual micromirror units of the reflection type plane-symmetric imaging element, the light bundles that create the imaging state by the conventional imaging optical system (lens or mirror) are the first and the first of the reflection type plane-symmetric imaging elements. The light is reflected by the two-light reflecting surface once, and is emitted twice.

  The display device is an optical product such as a microscope, a telescope, binoculars, a spatial image display, a head-up display, a head-mounted display, a front projector, a rear projector, and the like, and includes a convex lens, a concave mirror, a concave lens, a convex mirror, or a combination thereof. Thus, the present invention can be applied to a device that forms a real image or a virtual image and can observe the formed image, or a technical field for observing the formed image.

Claims (8)

A light beam incident on the element surface in a converged state is emitted in a divergent state symmetrically with respect to the element surface, while a light beam incident in a divergent state on the element surface is converged symmetrically with respect to the element surface. A plate-like reflective surface-symmetric imaging element that emits in a state ;
A relay optical element that enters light in a convergent or divergent state to the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element;
A light emitter for supplying the light to the relay optical element,
The light emitting body, the light emitted from the relay optical element is incident on the element surface in a divergent state, and the light emitted in a converged state on the element surface is formed as a real image; A display device comprising: a relay optical element; and the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element . A light beam incident on the element surface in a converged state is emitted in a divergent state symmetrically with respect to the element surface, while a light beam incident in a divergent state on the element surface is converged symmetrically with respect to the element surface. A plate-like reflective surface-symmetric imaging element that emits in a state;
A relay optical element that enters light in a convergent or divergent state to the reflective surface-symmetric imaging element;
A light emitter for supplying the light to the relay optical element,
The light emitted from the relay optical element is incident on the element surface in a divergent state, and the light emitted in a converged state on the element surface is formed as a real image, or the relay optical element So that the light emitted from the light incident on the element surface in a converged state and the light emitted in a divergent state on the element surface is formed as a virtual image, the light emitter, the relay optical element, And the reflective plane-symmetric imaging element is disposed,
The reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element is composed of a structure in which micromirror units having first and second light reflecting surfaces are arranged in a matrix, and incident light is reflected by the first and second light reflecting surfaces. It is a reflection that creates a mirror image,
The reflective surface-symmetric imaging element includes a first assembly and a second assembly in which a plurality of longitudinal members having one light reflecting surface are arranged in parallel so that the light reflecting surfaces are in the same direction. The light reflection surfaces of the first aggregate are configured so as to intersect with each other, the light reflection surface of the first aggregate constitutes the first light reflection surface of the micromirror unit, and the light reflection surface of the second aggregate Constitutes the second light reflecting surface of the minute mirror unit. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the luminous body is a self-luminous body or an irradiated body. 4. The display device according to claim 1 , further comprising a light-shielding body including the light emitter, the relay optical element, and the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element. 5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein a part of the light shielding body includes the reflection-type plane-symmetric imaging element. The display device according to claim 4, wherein an inner wall surface of the light shielding body is dark. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the relay optical element is an imaging optical element including any one of a convex lens, a concave lens, a concave mirror, and a convex mirror. The display device according to claim 7 , wherein in the relay optical element, a half mirror is disposed between the imaging optical element and the light emitter, and light is synthesized by the half mirror.

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