JP5573808B2 - Head mounted display - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a head-mounted display that is arranged on a user's head and allows a user to visually recognize a display image corresponding to an image signal superimposed on an external background.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a see-through type head mounted display is known which is arranged on a user's head and allows a user to visually recognize a display image corresponding to an image signal superimposed on the background of the outside world (this function is called see-through). . For example, a see-through type head mounted image display device described in Patent Literature 1 includes a half mirror and a visor type shutter. The image light from the image display device is reflected by the half mirror and enters the user's eyes. As a result, the user can visually recognize the image. In this case, the shutter includes a rotating plate and a blocking plate that blocks light, and the user rotates the rotating plate to rotate the shutter to open the field of view in front of the half mirror. It is possible to switch between the case of performing and the case of blocking the field of view in front of the half mirror by the blocking plate. When the user rotates the shutter and opens the field of view in front of the half mirror, the user can view a composite image in which the image from the image display device and the background in front overlap, but the field of view in front of the half mirror is blocked. When blocked by a board, the front background cannot be seen.

  In other words, if the field of view in front of the half mirror is blocked as in the image display device described in Patent Document 1, the image from the image display device does not overlap with the background. It becomes easy to visually recognize an image from the display device.

JP 2006-276198 A

  However, in the image display device described in Patent Document 1, when the field of view in front of the half mirror is blocked, all fields of view in the range where the blocking plate is positioned are blocked. For this reason, although it becomes easy to visually recognize the image from the image display device, there is a problem that it is difficult to visually recognize the background of the outside world, which is also a characteristic of the see-through type head mounted display. For this reason, for example, it may be difficult to move while visually recognizing the display image.

    In recent years, liquid crystal displays have been widely used in homes and workplaces as screen displays for personal computers (hereinafter referred to as “PCs”), presentation displays, device operation displays, etc., and large liquid crystal displays as digital signage even in public places. A display is used. In such a situation, when an image of a PC is being displayed on a liquid crystal display, an HMD is used for the purpose of assisting the operation of the PC, or a separate HMD is used regardless of the external, etc. In an environment where a liquid crystal display is used, there are increasing cases of viewing images with an HMD. However, in this case as well, when the HMD screen and these display screens overlap in a see-through manner, similar display contents such as characters and images overlap, making it very difficult to visually recognize the contents of the HMD screen. However, in this case, the polarization characteristics of light incident as a background image are limited to a predetermined polarization angle in a liquid crystal display, but the polarization characteristics of other ordinary background images are not particularly limited. Attention.

  It is an object of the present invention to focus on the fact that the light from the external liquid crystal display incident as the background image described above has only a predetermined polarization characteristic, and even when the display image is viewed, the background of the outside world is viewed. It is an object to provide a see-through type head mounted display capable of easily viewing a display image corresponding to an image signal while ensuring the performance as much as possible.

In order to achieve the above object, the head mounted display according to the first to fourth aspects of the present invention is a head mounted display arranged on the user's head, and the image light that emits the first image light. A part of the first image light emitted by the emitting unit and the image light emitting unit is reflected in the first direction and incident on the user's eye, and the remaining part of the first image light is transmitted. The plate-like beam splitter and the first direction in which the second image light having a predetermined polarization angle incident from the second direction side opposite to the first direction causes the user to visually recognize the first image light. And a light shielding means having a polarization characteristic for shielding light having the predetermined polarization angle. The light shielding means is provided so as to prevent transmission to at least a part of the display area on the side.

  In this case, the user's eyes are positioned on the first direction side of the beam splitter, and the background of the outside world viewed from the user is positioned on the second direction side of the beam splitter. When the user looks at the outside world, there are a beam splitter and polarizing means in the direction of the user's line of sight. The user can view an image based on the first image light reflected by the beam splitter. The light shielding means is provided to prevent the second image light having a predetermined polarization angle from passing through at least a part of the display area on the first direction side that allows the user to visually recognize the first image light. Yes. Further, the light shielding means has a polarization characteristic that shields light having a predetermined polarization angle that is the same as the polarization angle of the second image light. For this reason, the second image light is shielded by the light shielding means. Therefore, the display surface on which the image based on the second image light is displayed appears black to the user. Here, when the user faces the direction of the display surface on which the image based on the second image light is displayed, the image based on the first image light overlaps the display surface that is visually recognized as black. Therefore, the image based on the first image light does not overlap with the background of the outside world, and the image can be easily viewed. In addition, since light other than the predetermined polarization angle is included in the background light other than the second image light, light other than the predetermined polarization angle out of the background light is provided with a light shielding means and a beam splitter. It penetrates in the first direction and reaches the user's eyes. For this reason, the visibility of the background of the outside world can be ensured. That is, the head-mounted display can make it easy to visually recognize an image based on the first image light while ensuring the visibility of the background of the outside world.

In the head-mounted display according to any one of the first to third aspects, the light shielding means has a polarization characteristic that shields the second image light having the predetermined polarization angle and transmits light having another polarization angle. The first polarizing plate is located on the second direction side of the beam splitter and transmits the second image light to at least a part of the display region on the first direction side. Ru first blocking position near to prevent.

In the head-mounted display according to the first aspect, the first polarizing plate, Ru removable der in the first blocking position.

In the head mounted display according to the second aspect, the first polarizing plate is provided so as to be able to advance and retract toward the first light shielding position.

  In the head mounted display, the first polarizing plate may be rotatable about an axis along a direction orthogonal to the plate surface of the first polarizing plate.

In the head-mounted display according to the third aspect, the first polarizing plate includes a state where one plate surface of the first polarizing plate is positioned on the beam splitter side, and another plate surface of the first polarizing plate. There in a state located in the beam splitter side, Ru reversed available der.

  The head-mounted display is provided between the first polarizing plate and the beam splitter or on the second direction side of the first polarizing plate, and is polarized light having a polarization angle different from that of the first polarizing plate. You may provide the 2nd polarizing plate which has the polarization characteristic which can shield the light of an angle | corner.

In the head-mounted display according to a fourth aspect, the light blocking means is a PBS (Polarized Beam) having a polarization characteristic of blocking the second image light by reflecting the second image light having the predetermined polarization angle. splitter, a polarizing beam splitter), the beam splitter, the second direction side of the PBS, or, that are provided around the PBS in the direction of the plate surface extended outward of the PBS.

  In the head-mounted display, the PBS is positioned on the first direction side of the beam splitter and prevents the second image light from passing through at least a part of the display area on the first direction side. There may be two light shielding positions.

  In the head mounted display, the PBS may be provided so as to be able to advance and retract toward the second light shielding position.

  In the head mounted display, the PBS may be detachable at the second light shielding position.

  The head mounted display may include a third polarizing plate having a polarization characteristic capable of blocking light having a polarization angle different from that of the PBS on the second direction side of the beam splitter.

It is a front view of HMD1. It is a top view of HMD1. It is a figure which shows the state which the 1st polarizing plate 60 advanced to the 1st light-shielding position. It is a figure which shows the state which the 1st polarizing plate 60 left | separated from the 1st light shielding position. It is II sectional view taken on the line of HMD1 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the image 72 based on the external scenery and the 2nd image light 63 radiate | emitted from the liquid crystal display 71. FIG. It is a figure which shows the image 76 based on the 1st image light 62 radiate | emitted from the liquid crystal device 101. FIG. It is a figure which shows the state where the image 72 based on the 2nd image light 63 and the image 76 based on the 1st image light 62 overlapped when the user turned to the direction of the liquid crystal display 71. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a clock 74 included in a landscape and an image 76 overlap each other when the user faces in the vicinity of the clock 74. It is a figure which shows the case where the user faces the direction of the liquid crystal display 71 in the state where the second image light 63 is shielded. It is a figure which concerns on the modification which shows the state which the 1st polarizing plate 60 advanced to the 1st light-shielding position. It is a figure which concerns on the modification which shows the state which the 1st polarizing plate 60 left | separated from the 1st light shielding position. It is a figure which shows the state which reversed the front and back and attached the 1st polarizing plate 60 in the same position as FIG. It is a front view which shows the 1st polarizing plate 601 and the half mirror 8 which were comprised so that rotation was possible. It is a figure which concerns on the modification which shows the state which added the 2nd polarizing plate 67. FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which PBS40 advanced to the 2nd light-shielding position. It is a figure which shows the state which PBS40 left | separated from the 2nd light-shielding position. It is a figure which concerns on the modification which shows the state which added the 3rd polarizing plate 68. FIG. It is a figure which concerns on the modification which shows the state which provided the half mirror 8 around PBS40. It is a front view concerning a modification showing a state where half mirror 8 is provided around PBS 40.

  A head-mounted display (Head Mounted Display, hereinafter referred to as HMD) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the front side, the depth direction, the left direction, the right direction, the upward direction, and the downward direction of FIG. 1 are the forward direction, the backward direction, the right direction, the left direction, the upward direction, and the downward direction of the HMD 1, respectively. .

  An outline of the HMD 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, two HMDs 1 corresponding to both eyes of the user are provided. The two HMDs 1 have substantially the same configuration. The display format of the HMD 1 is an optical transmission type. The scenery light in front of the user's eyes is directly guided to the user's eyes by passing through the half mirror 8 (see FIG. 1, described later). The projection format of HMD1 is a virtual image projection type. The first image light 62 (see FIG. 3), which is the light of the image emitted from the liquid crystal device 101 (see FIG. 5, described later) included in the HMD 1, is guided to the user's eyes by being reflected by the half mirror 8. . Accordingly, the HMD 1 can make the user recognize the image of the liquid crystal device 101 by superimposing the image on the scene in front of the eyes. In general, a liquid crystal display includes a polarizing plate, and light is emitted through the polarizing plate. Therefore, the light output from the liquid crystal display (the first image light 62 emitted from the liquid crystal device 101 and the second image light 63 emitted from the liquid crystal display 71) has a predetermined polarization angle. In the present embodiment, the first image light 62 (see FIG. 3) and the second image light 63 (see FIG. 3) have different polarization angles, but may have the same polarization angle. .

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the HMD 1 includes a housing 2. The housing | casing 2 is attached to the spectacles type flame | frame 91 so that attachment or detachment is possible. The glasses-type frame 91 is attached to the user's head. Thereby, HMD1 is arrange | positioned at a user's head. The eyeglass-type frame 91 includes a left frame portion 92 (see FIG. 2), a right frame portion 93 (see FIG. 2), a central frame portion 94, and an HMD support portion 96. The left frame part 92 is hung on the left ear of the user. The right frame portion 93 is hung on the user's right ear. The center frame portion 94 is provided between the front end portion of the left frame portion 92 and the front end portion of the right frame portion 93. The central frame portion 94 includes a spectacle lens 81 on the right side and the lower side from the central portion in the longitudinal direction. The central frame portion 94 includes a spectacle lens 82 on the left side and the lower side from the central portion in the longitudinal direction. The spectacle lenses 81 and 82 are transparent flat plates having a diopter value of “0”. The spectacle lenses 81 and 82 are provided to prevent the housing 2 from coming into contact with the user's face when an impact is applied to the housing 2. Of course, the spectacle lenses 81 and 82 may have a predetermined diopter value according to the visual acuity of the user. The center frame portion 94 includes a pair of nose pads 95 at the center in the longitudinal direction. The HMD support portions 96 are provided at both left and right end portions of the central frame portion 94. The HMD support portion 96 includes a downward extending portion 98 (see FIG. 1). The downward extending portion 98 extends in the vertical direction.

  A held portion (not shown) is provided on the surface of the housing 2 that faces the eyeglass-type frame 91. The held portion includes a U-shaped groove along the vertical direction. A downward extending portion 98 is fitted in the U-shaped groove. Since the friction member is provided at the bottom of the U-shaped groove, the HMD 1 can be positioned in the vertical direction.

  The housing 2 of the HMD 1 will be described. Since the left and right HMDs 1 have substantially the same configuration, the following description will focus on the HMD 1 (HMD 1 on the right side of FIG. 2) that is worn in front of the left eye of the user. The housing 2 has a rectangular tube shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 2 protrudes in the vertical direction from the left and right substantially center to the right end. The material of the housing 2 is resin. The housing 2 includes a support portion 5 that supports the half mirror 8 and the first polarizing plate 60 (see FIGS. 4 and 3) on the left side.

  The support portion 5 includes a pair of upper and lower sandwich plates 6 and 7 (see FIG. 1). The sandwich plates 6 and 7 hold the half mirror 8 from above and below. The half mirror 8 can swing around the portion held by the sandwiching plates 6 and 7. The user can adjust the angle of the half mirror 8 according to the position of the eye. The half mirror 8 is a kind of beam splitter. In the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the half mirror 8 has a characteristic of reflecting 50% of light reaching the half mirror 8 and transmitting 50%. In the following description, the direction in which the first image light 62 is reflected by the half mirror 8 and enters the user's eye 83 is referred to as a “first direction” (see FIG. 3). In the case of this embodiment, the first direction is the backward direction (see FIG. 3). In FIG. 3, members such as the eyepiece optical system 102 (see FIG. 5) between the half mirror 8 and the liquid crystal device 101 are omitted (FIG. 4, FIGS. 11 to 13, and FIGS. 15 to 19 also. The same).

  The support unit 5 includes a first polarizing plate 60. The first polarizing plate 60 has a polarization characteristic that blocks light having the polarization angle of the second image light 63 emitted from the external liquid crystal display 71 (see FIG. 3) and transmits light having another polarization angle.

  The first polarizing plate 60 is located on the second direction side of the half mirror 8, and the first light shielding position (FIG. 3) prevents the second image light 63 from passing through at least a part of the display area on the first direction side. You can move forward and backward. In the case of the present embodiment, the display area is the surface of the half mirror 8 on the first direction side. In the present embodiment, the first polarizing plate 60 advances and retracts toward the first light shielding position (see FIG. 3) by sliding in the left-right direction. An opening that is long in the left-right direction is provided at the front end of the upper surface of the support portion 5, corresponding to the range of sliding movement of the first polarizing plate 60. A transparent columnar member 51 protruding in a columnar shape upward from the first polarizing plate 60 is inserted into the opening 50. The columnar member 51 protrudes above the upper surface of the support portion 5. The user slides the first polarizing plate 60 in the left-right direction by moving the column member 51 in the left-right direction along the opening 50.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the first polarizing plate 60 moves to the right side and advances to the first light shielding position, the first polarizing plate 60 is positioned on the second direction side of the half mirror 8. In this case, the first polarizing plate 60 prevents the second image light 63 of the external liquid crystal display 71 from being transmitted to the first direction side. Therefore, to the user, the screen of the liquid crystal display 71 appears black (see FIG. 10).

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the first polarizing plate 60 moves out of the first light shielding position by moving to the left side, the first polarizing plate 60 is positioned inside the housing 2. In this case, the first polarizing plate 60 does not exist on the second direction side of the half mirror 8. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the flower image 72 displayed on the liquid crystal display 71 (see FIG. 8).

  With reference to FIG. 5, the internal structure of the housing | casing 2 is demonstrated. A projection unit 10 is stored in the center in the left-right direction inside the housing 2. A control board 20 that electrically controls the projection unit 10 is stored on the left side of the projection unit 10.

  The projection unit 10 will be described. The projection unit 10 includes a lens holder 15, a liquid crystal holder 17, and a liquid crystal device 101 in order from the right side to the left side. The lens holder 15 is a substantially cylindrical member extending in the left-right direction. The lens holder 15 holds the eyepiece optical system 102 from the substantially horizontal center in the cylindrical shape to the right side portion. The left part of the lens holder 15 from the substantially right and left center is hollow. The eyepiece optical system 102 includes a plurality of lenses 111. The optical axes of the plurality of lenses 111 are arranged on an axis extending in the left-right direction at the center of the cylindrical interior. The plurality of lenses 111 are arranged in the left-right direction and are fixed to the lens holder 15.

  The liquid crystal holder 17 includes a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 171. A left wall 172 that closes the opening is provided at the left end of the peripheral wall 171. An opening window 173 is provided at the center of the left wall portion 172. The liquid crystal device 101 is held on the right surface of the left wall portion 172. The liquid crystal device 101 includes a liquid crystal display unit at the center of the left surface. The liquid crystal device 101 displays an image that is superimposed on the scenery in front of the user. That is, the liquid crystal device 101 emits the first image light 62. The half mirror 8 is disposed in front of the user's eye 83 (see FIG. 3).

  The first image light 62 emitted from the liquid crystal device 101 passes through the opening window 173 to the right, travels rightward inside the cylindrical shape of the lens holder 15, passes through the plurality of lenses 111, and reaches the half mirror 8. To reach. The half mirror 8 reflects a part (50% of light) of the first image light 62 toward the first direction (backward). The reflected first image light 62 passes through the spectacle lens 82 (see FIG. 2) from the front to the rear, reaches the user's eye 83, and forms an image on the retina of the user's eye 83 (see FIG. 2). 3). Further, the remaining part of the first image light 62 (the remaining 50% of light) is transmitted through the half mirror 8 in the right direction among the directions orthogonal to the first direction.

  A part (50% of light) of the scenery in front of the user's eyes passes through the half mirror 8 from the front to the rear (toward the first direction). The scenery light transmitted through the half mirror 8 further passes through the spectacle lens 82 and reaches the user's eye 83. The light that reaches the eye 83 forms an image on the retina. As a result, the user can simultaneously view both images in the state where the image based on the first image light 62 created by the HMD 1 is superimposed on the scenery in front of the eyes (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

  With reference to FIGS. 6-10, an example of the image visually recognized by the user and a background is demonstrated. FIG. 6 shows a background in front of the user's eyes. The user is in the room. In front of the user's eyes, there are a liquid crystal display 71, a support base 73 that supports the liquid crystal display 71, a clock 74 hung on a wall behind the liquid crystal display 71, a window 75, and the like. The liquid crystal display 71 displays a plurality of flower images 72. The image 72 is an image based on the second image light 63 emitted from the liquid crystal display 71.

  FIG. 7 shows a dog image 76 displayed on the liquid crystal device 101 of the HMD 1 and visually recognized by the user. The image 76 is an image based on the first image light 62 emitted from the liquid crystal device 101 and reflected in the first direction by the half mirror 8.

  A case where the first polarizing plate 60 has left the first light shielding position will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the user is facing the direction of the liquid crystal display 71. The half mirror 8 is present in front of the user's eyes, and the first polarizing plate 60 is not present. In FIG. 4, the support base 73, the clock 74, and the window 75 are not shown.

  In this case, a part (50% of light) of the first image light 62 emitted from the liquid crystal device 101 of the HMD 1 is reflected by the half mirror 8 toward the first direction and guided to the user's eye 83. Further, a part (50% of light) of the second image light 63 emitted from the liquid crystal display 71 is transmitted to the first direction side through the half mirror 8 and guided to the user's eye 83. Further, part of the background light (light of 50%) such as the support base 73, the clock 74, and the window 75 around the liquid crystal display 71 is also transmitted through the half mirror 8 in the first direction side. Guided to the eye 83. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the HMD 1 includes a background in front of the user's eyes (see FIG. 6), an image 72 (see FIG. 6) based on the second image light 63 displayed on the liquid crystal display 71, and a liquid crystal device. The image 76 (see FIG. 7) based on the first image light 62 displayed on 101 can be overlapped and made visible to the user.

  Further, for example, when the user changes the face direction and faces the HMD 1 near the clock 74, the background clock 74 and the first image light 62 displayed on the liquid crystal device 101 are displayed as shown in FIG. 9. It is visually recognized by the user so as to overlap with the image 76 based thereon. Although not specifically shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the light in the background in front of the user overlaps with the half mirror 8 (in this embodiment, the range of the outer shape of the first polarizing plate 60 in FIG. 10). The light in the portion of substantially the same range) is attenuated to 50% by the half mirror 8 and reaches the user's eye 83, and the light in the portion that does not overlap the half mirror 8 directly reaches the user's eye 83. doing.

  The case where the 1st polarizing plate 60 advances to the 1st light-shielding position (refer FIG. 3) is demonstrated. It is assumed that the user is facing the liquid crystal display 71. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, a part (50% of light) of the first image light 62 emitted from the liquid crystal device 101 provided in the HMD 1 is reflected by the half mirror 8 toward the first direction and used. The person's eye 83 is reached. For this reason, the user can visually recognize the image 76 based on the first image light 62. Further, since the first polarizing plate 60 has a polarization characteristic that blocks light having the polarization angle of the second image light 63, the second image light 63 is blocked by the first polarizing plate 60, and the first polarizing plate 60 It does not transmit in one direction (transmission of the second image light 63 is 0%). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the image 72 of the liquid crystal display 71 (more specifically, the portion of the image 72 where the first polarizing plate 60 overlaps) appears black to the user. In FIG. 10, the range of the outer shape of the first polarizing plate 60 is represented by a dotted line. Since the user is facing the direction of the liquid crystal display 71, the dog image 76 based on the first image light 62 overlaps the screen of the liquid crystal display 71 that is visually recognized as black. Therefore, the background of the outside world and the dog image 76 based on the first image light 62 do not overlap, and the user can easily view the image 76.

  In addition, the background light other than the liquid crystal display 71 includes light other than the polarization characteristic (polarization angle) that can be shielded by the first polarizing plate 60. Therefore, the support base 73, the clock 74, and The light from the window 75 or the like passes through the first polarizing plate 60 and the half mirror 8 in the first direction and reaches the user's eye 83. More specifically, 50% of the light that overlaps the first polarizing plate 60 and the half mirror 8 among the light from the support base 73, the clock 74, the window 75, and the like is in the user's eye 83. To reach. Of the light from the support base 73, the clock 74, and the window 75, the light outside the range of the first polarizing plate 60 and the half mirror 8 directly reaches the user's eye 83. Since the light of the background of the outside world passes through the first polarizing plate 60 and the half mirror 8 in the first direction and reaches the user's eye 83, the visibility of the background of the outside world is ensured as shown in FIG. be able to. In FIG. 10, a part of the timepiece 74 and a part of the window 75 overlap the first polarizing plate 60, but the visibility is ensured. As described above, the HMD 1 of the present embodiment can make the image 76 based on the first image light 62 easily visible while ensuring the visibility of the background of the outside world. For this reason, for example, it becomes easy to move while visually recognizing the image 76 based on the first image light 62.

  As described above, the HMD 1 in the present embodiment is configured. In the present embodiment, since the image 76 based on the first image light 62 is displayed from the liquid crystal device 101 so as to be superimposed on the image 72 of the external liquid crystal display that is visually recognized as black, the image from the liquid crystal device 101 that is visually recognized by the user. The contrast of 76 is dramatically improved. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the image 76 based on the first image light 62 more clearly. In addition, since the image 76 based on the first image light 62 is easy to visually recognize, and the contrast is further improved and the image can be clearly observed, the HMD 1 of the present embodiment can be used for viewing content such as a photo slideshow or a moving image. Is suitable.

  In addition, the user can view the image 76 based on the first image light 62 and the background in an overlapping manner by directing the face direction (the direction of the HMD 1) to other than the liquid crystal display 71. Therefore, it is easy to visually recognize the image 76 based on the first image light 62 simply by changing the orientation of the face, and to visually recognize the image 76 based on the first image light 62 superimposed on the background of the outside world. Can be switched.

  Moreover, the 1st polarizing plate 60 can advance / retreat toward the 1st light-shielding position (refer FIG.3 and FIG.4). When the first polarizing plate 60 is advanced toward the first light shielding position (see FIG. 3), the image 72 of the liquid crystal display 71 appears black to the user, and thus the user cannot visually recognize the image 72 (see FIG. 3). 10). Moreover, when the 1st polarizing plate 60 has left | separated from the 1st light shielding position (refer FIG. 4), the user can visually recognize the image 72 of the liquid crystal display 71 (refer FIG. 8). Thus, since the 1st polarizing plate 60 is provided so that advancement / retraction is possible toward the 1st light-shielding position, the user can visually recognize the image 72 based on the 2nd image light 63 of an external liquid crystal display. Can be switched easily.

  In addition, for example, when a liquid crystal shutter is overlapped with a half mirror so that a background image can be visually recognized and the background image is shielded or not by controlling the liquid crystal shutter, a circuit for driving the liquid crystal shutter, Since a mechanism for providing a liquid crystal shutter is required, the size of the HMD increases, the weight of the HMD increases, and the price increases. Since the HMD increases in size and weight, the appearance of the HMD may be unsightly. In HMD1 of this embodiment, since the 1st polarizing plate 60 is used, HMD1 does not enlarge, a weight does not change substantially, but it can comprise cheaply above all. For this reason, HMD1 can be comprised small size, lightweight, and cheap. Since the HMD 1 can be configured in a small size, the HMD 1 of the present embodiment is suitable when the user carries the HDM 1. Further, the appearance of the HMD 1 is not unsightly.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid crystal device 101 corresponds to “image light emitting means” of the present invention, and the half mirror 8 corresponds to “beam splitter” of the present invention.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, A various change is possible. In the following modifications, the shape of the housing 2 may be different from that of the above-described embodiment, but the description of the shape of the housing 2 is omitted.

  For example, although the 1st polarizing plate 60 was slid to the left-right direction, it is not limited to this. For example, it may be slidable along the half mirror 8 as in the modification shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first polarizing plate 60, the opening 50, etc. are inclined obliquely along the half mirror 8 in plan view, as compared with the case of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 3 and 4). doing. When the first polarizing plate 60 advances to the first light shielding position, the first polarizing plate 60 slides along the half mirror 8, and the first polarizing plate 60 is positioned at the first light shielding position located on the second direction side of the half mirror 8. (See FIG. 11). When the first polarizing plate 60 retreats from the first light shielding position (see FIG. 11), the first polarizing plate 60 slides along the half mirror 8 and enters the inside of the housing 2 (see FIG. 12). Even in the case of this modification, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Moreover, although the 1st polarizing plate 60 was moved to the 1st light-shielding position by slidingly moving, it is not limited to this. For example, the first polarizing plate 60 may be fixed at the first light shielding position. Further, for example, the first polarizing plate 60 may be configured to be detachable at the first light shielding position. In this case, when the first polarizing plate 60 is attached to the HMD 1, the first polarizing plate 60 is located at the first light shielding position as in the case shown in FIGS. 3 and 11. And when the 1st polarizing plate 60 is removed from HMD1, the 1st polarizing plate 60 will not be located in the 2nd direction side of the half mirror 8 like the case where it shows in FIG.4 and FIG.12. Therefore, the user can easily switch whether to make the image 72 based on the second image light 63 of the liquid crystal display 71 visible.

  An example in which the first polarizing plate 60 is configured to be detachable will be described. For example, a passage through which the first polarizing plate 60 can move is provided in the sandwich plates 6 and 7. The passage is configured to be connected to an end of the housing 2 (for example, the second direction side of the half mirror 8 at the right end of the housing 2). In this case, the 1st polarizing plate 60 is attached to HMD1 from the edge part side of the housing | casing 2 in a channel | path, and the 1st polarizing plate 60 is moved along a channel | path. The first polarizing plate 60 is supported by the sandwich plates 6 and 7 at the first light shielding position. When removing the first polarizing plate 60 from the HMD 1, the user moves the first polarizing plate 60 along the path and removes the first polarizing plate 60 from the end of the housing 2. By comprising as mentioned above, the 1st polarizing plate 60 can be comprised so that attachment or detachment is possible.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, the state where one plate surface 607 of the first polarizing plate 60 is on the half mirror 8 side and the other plate surface 608 of the first polarizing plate 60 as shown in FIG. In addition, the first polarizing plate 60 may be provided so that the front and back can be reversed in the state of being on the half mirror 8 side. When the first polarizing plate 60 is reversed, the direction of the slit that determines the polarization characteristics of the first polarizing plate 60 changes. Thereby, the polarization angle at which the first polarizing plate 60 can shield light can be switched. Therefore, when one plate surface 607 of the first polarizing plate 60 is on the half mirror 8 side (see FIG. 11), the second image light 63 from the liquid crystal display 71 is shielded by the first polarizing plate 60. . When the other plate surface 608 of the first polarizing plate 60 is on the half mirror 8 side (see FIG. 13), the polarization angle at which the first polarizing plate 60 can block light is switched, and the second image light 63 is switched. Is no longer shielded from light. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 13, the second image light 63 from the liquid crystal display 71 passes through the first polarizing plate 60. A part of the second image light 63 (50% light) is transmitted through the half mirror 8 in the second direction. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, the user can visually recognize the flower image 72 of the liquid crystal display 71. In this way, the user can easily switch whether the image 72 based on the second image light of the liquid crystal display 71 is visible by reversing the first polarizing plate 60.

  In addition, as an example of configuring the first polarizing plate 60 so that the front and back can be reversed, a path or the like when the first polarizing plate 60 is detachable is provided, and when the first polarizing plate 60 is mounted in the path, The first polarizing plate 60 may be mounted with its front and back reversed. In addition, the HMD 1 may be configured so that the first polarizing plate 60 is reversed while being slid.

  For example, the first polarizing plate 60 may be rotatable about an axis along a direction orthogonal to the plate surface of the first polarizing plate 60. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, a first polarizing plate 601 in which the first polarizing plate 60 is formed in a circle is provided, and the sandwiching plates 6 and 7 hold the half mirror 8 and the first polarizing plate 601. Good. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the circular first polarizing plate 601 is provided on the second direction side of the half mirror 8 (the front side in FIG. 13). The diameter of the first polarizing plate 601 is larger than the vertical length of the half mirror 8 and shorter than the horizontal length of the half mirror 8. The upper and lower portions of the first polarizing plate 601 protrude above and below the sandwich plates 6 and 7. The sandwiching plates 6 and 7 are provided with holes (not shown) corresponding to the shapes of the portions 602 and 603 of the first polarizing plate 601 protruding upward and downward. A plate 601 protrudes upward and downward.

  The user can turn the first polarizing plate 601 while pressing the portions 602 and 603 of the first polarizing plate 601 protruding upward and downward with a finger. When the user turns the first polarizing plate 601, the first polarizing plate 60 is centered on an axis along a direction orthogonal to the plate surface of the first polarizing plate 601 (the front side and the depth side in FIG. 13). Rotate to. In the present embodiment, the axis is the center of the circular first polarizing plate 601. When the first polarizing plate 601 rotates, it rotates in the circumferential direction (the direction of the arrow 55 in FIG. 13).

  The first polarizing plate 601 includes a slit 604 for shielding light having a predetermined polarization angle. The user can adjust the polarization angle of light that can be blocked by changing the angle of the slit 604 by rotating the first polarizing plate 601 in the circumferential direction. For this reason, for example, the user can rotate the first polarizing plate 601 to block the light having the polarization angle of the second image light 63 so that the second image light 63 emitted from the liquid crystal display 71 can be blocked. If the 1st polarizing plate 601 is adjusted to a state, as shown in FIG. 10, the user can visually recognize the screen of the liquid crystal display 71 in black. Therefore, the HMD 1 can make the image 76 based on the first image light 62 easily visible while ensuring the visibility of the background of the outside world. Also, if the user rotates the first polarizing plate 601 and adjusts the polarization angle that can block light other than the polarization angle of the second image light 63 so that the second image light 63 can be transmitted, it is shown in FIG. As described above, the image 72 of the liquid crystal display 71 is visible.

  For example, it is assumed that there is a liquid crystal display (not shown) of a different type from the liquid crystal display 71. Then, it is assumed that the polarization angle of the second image light emitted from the liquid crystal display is different from the polarization angle of the second image light 63. Even in this case, the user can rotate the first polarizing plate 601 to adjust the polarization angle of the second image light emitted from the liquid crystal display different from the liquid crystal display 71 so as to be shielded. In this case, similarly to the image 72 shown in FIG. 10, the user can visually recognize the screen of the liquid crystal display in black. As described above, when there are a plurality of types of liquid crystal displays having different polarization angles of the second image light, the HMD 1 can adjust the polarization angle that can be shielded in accordance with the respective liquid crystal displays. Therefore, the HMD 1 can make it easy to visually recognize the image 76 based on the first image light 62 emitted from the liquid crystal device 101 using a plurality of types of liquid crystal displays.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, in addition to the first polarizing plate 60, a second polarizing plate 67 having a polarization characteristic capable of blocking light having a polarization angle different from the polarization angle that the first polarizing plate 60 can block light. May be provided. The second polarizing plate 67 is provided on the second direction side of the first polarizing plate 60. In this case, for example, when there is a liquid crystal display (not shown) that emits the second image light 65 having a polarization angle different from that of the second image light 63 in addition to the liquid crystal display 71, the polarization of the second polarizing plate 67. The characteristic is set so that the second image light 65 can be shielded. Thereby, the second image light 65 of the liquid crystal display (not shown) can be shielded (see FIG. 15). Therefore, the user visually recognizes the screen of the liquid crystal display (not shown) in black. Further, the first polarizing plate 60 can block the second image light 63 of the liquid crystal display 71. Therefore, the HMD 1 is based on the first image light 62 of the liquid crystal device 101 while ensuring the visibility of the background of the outside world, regardless of which of the two types of displays (liquid crystal display 71, liquid crystal display not shown) is used. The image 76 (see FIG. 10) can be easily viewed. Even if the second polarizing plate 67 is provided between the first polarizing plate 60 and the half mirror 8, the same effect can be obtained.

  Moreover, although the 1st polarizing plate 60 was used in order to shield the 2nd image light 63 radiate | emitted from the liquid crystal display 71, it is not limited to this. For example, a PBS (Polarized Beam Splitter) may be used. Hereinafter, a second embodiment, which is a modification of the HMD 1 when using PBS, will be described. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the first image light 62 emitted from the liquid crystal device 101 and the second image light 63 emitted from the liquid crystal display 71 are both s-polarized light. Moreover, the external shape of the 1st polarizing plate 60 shown with the dotted line in FIG. 10 becomes an external shape of PBS40 in this embodiment. Moreover, in this embodiment, the structure similar to the structure of HMD1 at the time of using the above-mentioned 1st polarizing plate 60 is shown with the same code | symbol, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the HMD 1 in the second embodiment includes a plate-like PBS 40. The PBS 40 has a polarization characteristic that blocks the second image light 63 by reflecting the second image light 63 (s-polarized light) and transmits light having other polarization angles. The size of the PBS 40 in the vertical and horizontal directions is smaller than that of the half mirror 8. The PBS 40 is located at the center of the plate surface on the first direction side of the half mirror 8. The PBS 40 is located on the first direction side of the half mirror 8 and is at a second light shielding position (see FIG. 16) that prevents the second image light 63 from passing through at least a part of the display area on the first direction side. It can be moved back and forth (see FIGS. 16 and 17). In the present embodiment, the sliding movement in the left diagonal forward direction and the right diagonal backward direction moves forward and backward toward the second light shielding position (see FIG. 16). In FIG. 17, since the PBS 40 disappears from the front of the user, the incident position of the first image light 62 on the eye 83 moves to the right side of the drawing compared to FIG. Is moved to the right. However, in practice, the angle of the half mirror 8 may be changed to adjust without moving the position of the eye 83. Further, if the PBS 40 is configured to be thin, the incident position of the first image light 62 on the eye 83 moves only slightly, so that it is not necessary to adjust the angle of the half mirror 8 or the like.

  A transparent cylindrical member 51 extending upward from the PBS 40 is inserted into the opening 50 corresponding to the range of sliding movement of the PBS 40. The user slides the PBS 40 by moving the cylindrical member 51 along the opening 50.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when the PBS 40 moves to the right rearward side and advances to the second light shielding position, the PBS 40 is positioned on the first direction side of the half mirror 8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, most of the first image light 62 (s-polarized light) emitted from the liquid crystal device 101 included in the HMD 1 (the PBS 40 has an effect of absorbing light, and the reflected light is 100 %, For example, 97% to 99% of light) is reflected toward the first direction by the PBS 40 and reaches the user's eye 83. For this reason, the user can visually recognize the image 76 based on the first image light 62. Further, since the PBS 40 has a polarization characteristic that reflects and shields light having the polarization angle (s-polarized light) of the second image light 63, the second image light 63 is shielded by the PBS 40, and on the first direction side of the PBS 40. Not transparent. Therefore, the image 72 of the liquid crystal display 71 appears black to the user. In this case, the dog image 76 based on the first image light 62 overlaps the screen of the liquid crystal display 71 that is visually recognized as black (see FIG. 10). Therefore, the background of the outside world and the dog image 76 based on the first image light 62 do not overlap, and the user can easily view the image 76.

  The background light other than the liquid crystal display 71 includes light other than the s-polarized light that can be reflected by the PBS 40. Therefore, s of the lights of the support base 73, the clock 74, the window 75, and the like included in the background. Light other than polarized light passes through the PBS 40 and the half mirror 8 in the first direction and reaches the user's eye 83. For this reason, the visibility of the background of the outside world (the support stand 73, the clock 74, the window 75, etc.) can be ensured (see FIG. 10). That is, the HMD 1 can make the image 76 based on the first image light 62 easily visible while ensuring the visibility of the background of the outside world.

  As described above, the HMD 1 in the present embodiment is configured. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the contrast of the image 76 from the liquid crystal device 101 visually recognized by the user is dramatically improved. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the image 76 based on the first image light 62 more clearly. Similarly to the first embodiment, it is easy to visually recognize the image 76 based on the first image light 62 just by changing the orientation of the face, and the image 76 based on the first image light 62 overlaid on the background. Can be switched to the case of visually recognizing.

  Further, the PBS 40 can advance and retreat toward the second light shielding position (see FIGS. 16 and 17). As shown in FIG. 17, when the PBS 40 is slid diagonally forward to the left and is withdrawn from the second light shielding position, the user can visually recognize the image 72 based on the second image light 63. Therefore, the user can easily switch whether to make the image 72 based on the second image light 63 of the liquid crystal display 71 visible.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said 2nd embodiment, A various change is possible. For example, the PBS 40 has moved to the second light shielding position (see FIG. 16) by sliding, but is not limited thereto. For example, the PBS 40 may be fixed at the second light shielding position. Further, the PBS 40 may not be plate-shaped. For example, the PBS 40 is a thin film, and the PBS 40 may be formed by being deposited on the surface of the half mirror 8 on the first direction side.

  Further, for example, the PBS 40 may be configured to be detachable similarly to the modified example of the first embodiment described above. In this case, the user can easily switch whether to make the image 72 based on the second image light 63 of the liquid crystal display 71 visible.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 18, a third polarizing plate 68 having a polarization characteristic capable of blocking light having a polarization angle different from that of the PBS 40 may be provided on the second direction side of the half mirror 8. In this case, for example, when there is a liquid crystal display (not shown) that emits the second image light 65 having a polarization angle different from that of the second image light 63 in addition to the liquid crystal display 71, the third polarizing plate 68 is used as the first polarizing plate 68. The two image light 65 is made to have a polarization characteristic capable of blocking light. Thereby, the second image light 65 of the liquid crystal display (not shown) can be shielded (see FIG. 18). Therefore, the user visually recognizes the screen of the liquid crystal display (not shown) in black. Further, the PBS 40 can shield the second image light 63 of the liquid crystal display 71. Therefore, the HMD 1 can easily recognize the image 76 (see FIG. 10) based on the first image light 62 of the liquid crystal device 101 regardless of which of the two types of displays (the liquid crystal display 71 and the liquid crystal display not shown) is used. can do.

  Moreover, although PBS40 was provided in the 1st direction side of the half mirror 8, it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the half mirror 8 may be provided around the outer periphery of the PBS 40. In other words, the half mirror 8 may be provided around the PBS 40 in the direction in which the plate surface 401 (see FIG. 20) of the PBS 40 extends outward (up and down, left and right in FIG. 20). Even in this case, the first image light 62 is reflected by the PBS 40 toward the first direction and reaches the user's eye 83, and the second image light 63 is reflected by the PBS 40 and does not reach the user's eye 83. Therefore, the HMD 1 can make the image 76 based on the first image light 62 easily visible while ensuring the visibility of the background of the outside world.

  Further, the polarization angle of light that can be reflected by the PBS 40, the polarization angle of the first image light 62, and the polarization angle of the second image light 63 are not limited to s-polarized light. For example, each of the image lights 62 and 63 may have a polarization angle different from s-polarized light (for example, p-polarized light). The PBS 40 may have a polarization characteristic capable of shielding (reflecting) light having a polarization angle different from the s-polarization according to the polarization angles of the image lights 62 and 63.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid crystal display 71 is a liquid crystal display, but is not limited thereto. For example, as long as the second image light can be emitted at a predetermined polarization angle, the liquid crystal method may not be used. Further, the positions and sizes of the first polarizing plates 60 and 601, the second polarizing plate 67, the third polarizing plate 68, the PBS 40, and the like are not limited. The first polarizing plates 60 and 601, the second polarizing plate 67, the third polarizing plate 68, the PBS 40, and the like are provided in the display area on the first direction side where the second image light 63 allows the user to visually recognize the first image light 62. The position and size may be at least partially transmitted.

  Moreover, you may combine each Example shown in the said embodiment. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the first polarizing plate 60 and the second polarizing plate 67 may be configured to be slidable, rotated front and back, or detachable. Further, for example, when one polarizing plate can be attached to and detached from the HMD 1, the case where the first polarizing plate 60 is attached and the case where the second polarizing plate 67 is attached may be switched. In this case, polarizing plates having different light shielding characteristics can be switched in accordance with the polarization angle of the second image light emitted from the liquid crystal display. Therefore, even when a plurality of liquid crystal displays are used, it is possible to easily view the image 76 based on the first image light 62 while ensuring the visibility of the background of the outside world.

1 Head mounted display 8 Half mirror 40 PBS
60, 601 First polarizing plate 62 First image light 63, 65 Second image light 67 Second polarizing plate 68 Third polarizing plate 71 Liquid crystal display 101 Liquid crystal device 607 Plate surface 608 Plate surface

Claims (10)

A head mounted display placed on the user's head,
Image light emitting means for emitting the first image light;
A plate-like beam that reflects a part of the first image light emitted by the image light emitting means in the first direction to enter the user's eye and transmits the remaining part of the first image light. A splitter,
The second image light having a predetermined polarization angle incident from the second direction side opposite to the first direction is at least one of the display areas on the first direction side that allows the user to visually recognize the first image light. A light-shielding means having a polarization characteristic for shielding light of the predetermined polarization angle .
The light shielding means is a first polarizing plate having a polarization characteristic that shields the second image light having the predetermined polarization angle and transmits light of another polarization angle,
The first polarizing plate is located on the second direction side of the beam splitter and prevents the second image light from being transmitted to at least a part of the display area on the first direction side. The head mounted display is characterized in that it is detachable from the first light shielding position . A head mounted display placed on the user's head,
Image light emitting means for emitting the first image light;
A plate-like beam that reflects a part of the first image light emitted by the image light emitting means in the first direction to enter the user's eye and transmits the remaining part of the first image light. A splitter,
The second image light having a predetermined polarization angle incident from the second direction side opposite to the first direction is at least one of the display areas on the first direction side that allows the user to visually recognize the first image light. A light-shielding means having a polarization characteristic that shields light having the predetermined polarization angle.
With
The light shielding means is a first polarizing plate having a polarization characteristic that shields the second image light having the predetermined polarization angle and transmits light of another polarization angle,
The first polarizing plate is located on the second direction side of the beam splitter and prevents the second image light from being transmitted to at least a part of the display area on the first direction side. features and to Ruhe head-mounted display that is provided to be retractable toward.   A head mounted display placed on the user's head,
  Image light emitting means for emitting the first image light;
  A plate-like beam that reflects a part of the first image light emitted by the image light emitting means in the first direction to enter the user's eye and transmits the remaining part of the first image light. A splitter,
  The second image light having a predetermined polarization angle incident from the second direction side opposite to the first direction is at least one of the display areas on the first direction side that allows the user to visually recognize the first image light. A light-shielding means having a polarization characteristic that shields light having the predetermined polarization angle.
With
  The light shielding means is a first polarizing plate having a polarization characteristic that shields the second image light having the predetermined polarization angle and transmits light of another polarization angle,
  The first polarizing plate is located on the second direction side of the beam splitter and prevents the second image light from being transmitted to at least a part of the display area on the first direction side. And can be reversed between the state where one plate surface of the first polarizing plate is located on the beam splitter side and the state where the other plate surface of the first polarizing plate is located on the beam splitter side. A head-mounted display characterized by being. Wherein the first polarizing plate, a head-mounted display according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said rotatable in a first about an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the polarizing plate. Provided between the first polarizing plate and the beam splitter or on the second direction side of the first polarizing plate, and can block light having a polarization angle different from the polarizing angle that the first polarizing plate can block light. head-mounted display according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second polarizing plate having a Do polarization characteristics. A head mounted display placed on the user's head,
Image light emitting means for emitting the first image light;
A plate-like beam that reflects a part of the first image light emitted by the image light emitting means in the first direction to enter the user's eye and transmits the remaining part of the first image light. A splitter,
The second image light having a predetermined polarization angle incident from the second direction side opposite to the first direction is at least one of the display areas on the first direction side that allows the user to visually recognize the first image light. A light-shielding means having a polarization characteristic that shields light having the predetermined polarization angle.
With
The light blocking means is a PBS (Polarized Beam Splitter, polarization beam splitter) having a polarization characteristic of blocking the second image light by reflecting the second image light having the predetermined polarization angle,
The beam splitter, the second direction side of the PBS, or features and to Ruhe head-mounted display that is provided around the PBS in the direction extending the plate surface of the PBS outward. The PBS is located on the first direction side of the beam splitter and is in a second light shielding position that prevents the second image light from being transmitted to at least a part of the display area on the first direction side. The head-mounted display according to claim 6 . The head-mounted display according to claim 7 , wherein the PBS is provided so as to be able to advance and retract toward the second light shielding position. The head-mounted display according to claim 7 , wherein the PBS is detachable at the second light shielding position. In the second direction side of the beam splitter, according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that it comprises a third polarizing plate having a polarization characteristic of light as possible shading of different polarization angle from said PBS Head mounted display.

Images