JPH0965245A - Image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent deterioration in a display image due to flair light or ghost light based on light from an image display element and external light in the image display device employing an eyepiece optical system consisting of an eccentric prism or the like. SOLUTION: The display device is provided with an image display element 9, an eyepiece optical system 10 leading an image displayed on the image display element 9 into an eyeball 7 of a viewer without forming an intermediate real image and a support means supporting the image display element 9 and the eyepiece optical system 10 to a head or a face of the viewer. In this case, a light shield plate 21 having an opening 22 is provided between the eyepiece optical system 10 and the eyeball 7 of the viewer to shut a flair light or a ghost light based on a light from the image display element 9 and an external light.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image display device, and more particularly to a head or face-mounted image display device capable of being held on the head or face of an observer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, helmet-type or goggle-type head- or face-mounted image display devices have been developed for virtual reality or for the purpose of personally enjoying large-screen images. People have already proposed many eyepiece optical systems for head- or face-mounted image display devices. Among them, an eyepiece optical system that is compact in size for guiding the display image of the image display element to the observer's eyeball without forming an intermediate image on the way and is capable of clear display on the entire screen with a wide angle of view. There are some proposals in which the above is composed of a prism body having three or more optical surfaces, and at least one of the three or more surfaces is a surface having power.
Hereinafter, these will be briefly described.

FIG. 23 shows a sectional view of an eyepiece optical system 10 according to Japanese Patent Application No. 6-256676. This eyepiece optical system 10
Consists of four optical surfaces 1-4, with a refractive index of 1 between them.
Display light from the image display element 9 which is an eccentric prism body filled with a larger medium and is incident on the eyepiece optical system 10 through the first surface 1 of the transmissive surface arranged facing the image display element 9, The light that is incident on the fourth surface 4 of the decentered reflecting surface and reflected there is incident on the second surface 2 of the reflecting surface that is decentered so as to face the pupil 7 of the observer on the observer's visual axis 8. The reflected light crosses the incident light on the fourth surface 4, and then is a transmissive surface disposed between the second surface 2 and the observer's pupil 7 on the observer's visual axis 8. Exits from the eyepiece optical system 10 through the third surface 3 and advances along the observer's visual axis 8, enters the observer's pupil 7 without forming an intermediate image, and forms on the observer's retina. Image.

FIG. 24 shows a sectional view of an eyepiece optical system 10 according to Japanese Patent Application No. 6-290892. This eyepiece optical system 10
Is composed of three optical surfaces 1 to 3, with a refractive index of 1 between them.
Display light from the image display element 9 which is an eccentric prism body filled with a larger medium and is incident on the eyepiece optical system 10 through the first surface 1 of the transmissive surface arranged facing the image display element 9, The light incident on the second surface 2 of the decentered reflecting surface and reflected there is reflected by the third surface of the transmitting surface arranged between the second surface 2 and the pupil 7 of the observer on the observer's visual axis 8. The light exits from the eyepiece optical system 10 through the surface 3, travels along the observer's visual axis 8, enters the observer's pupil 7 without forming an intermediate image, and forms an image on the observer's retina.

FIG. 25 shows a sectional view of an eyepiece optical system 10 according to Japanese Patent Application No. 7-127896. This eyepiece optical system 10
Consists of four optical surfaces 1-4, with a refractive index of 1 between them.
Display light from the image display element 9 which is an eccentric prism body filled with a larger medium and is incident on the eyepiece optical system 10 through the first surface 1 of the transmissive surface arranged facing the image display element 9, The light that is incident on the fourth surface 4 of the decentered reflecting surface and reflected there is incident on the second surface 2 of the reflecting surface that is decentered so as to face the pupil 7 of the observer on the observer's visual axis 8. The reflected light is emitted from the eyepiece optical system 10 through the third surface 3 which is a transmission surface disposed between the second surface 2 and the observer's pupil 7 on the observer's visual axis 8. , Advances along the observer's visual axis 8, enters the observer's pupil 7 without forming an intermediate image, and forms an image on the observer's retina.

FIG. 26 shows a sectional view of an eyepiece optical system 10 according to Japanese Patent Application No. 7-120034. This eyepiece optical system 10
Is composed of three optical surfaces 1 to 3, with a refractive index of 1 between them.
Display light from the image display element 9 which is an eccentric prism body filled with a larger medium and is incident on the eyepiece optical system 10 through the first surface 1 of the transmissive surface arranged facing the image display element 9, The light incident on the fourth surface 4 of the reflecting surface which doubles as the third surface 3 arranged between the second surface 2 and the observer's pupil 7 on the observer's visual axis 8 and is reflected there is observed by the observer. The reflected light is incident on the second surface 2 of the reflecting surface, which is eccentrically arranged so as to face the pupil 7 of the observer on the visual axis 8, and is reflected.
The light is emitted from the eyepiece optical system 10 through the third surface 3 which is a transmission surface arranged between the surface 2 and the observer's pupil 7, and travels along the observer's visual axis 8 to form an intermediate image on the observer's pupil 7. Incident on the observer's retina without being imaged.

27 to 29, Japanese Patent Application No. 7-158897.
2 is a cross-sectional view of the eyepiece optical system 10 according to No. Among these, Figure 2
The eyepiece optical system 10 of No. 7 is a decentered prism body which is composed of four optical surfaces 1 to 5 and is filled with a medium having a refractive index larger than 1, and is arranged facing the image display element 9. Display light from the image display element 9 that has entered the eyepiece optical system 10 via the first surface 1 of the transmission surface is incident on and reflected by the fifth surface 5 of the reflection surface, and the reflected light is The light incident on the fourth surface of the reflecting surface which also serves as the reflecting surface is incident on and reflected by the second surface 2 of the reflecting surface which is eccentrically arranged on the observer's visual axis 8 so as to face the pupil 7 of the observer. The reflected light is emitted from the eyepiece optical system 10 through the third surface 3 which is the transmission surface arranged between the second surface 2 and the observer's pupil 7 on the observer's visual axis 8 and The light travels along the visual axis 8, enters the observer's pupil 7 without forming an intermediate image, and forms an image on the observer's retina.

The eyepiece optical system 10 shown in FIG. 28 is a decentered prism body composed of four optical surfaces 1 to 4, and a space between them is filled with a medium having a refractive index larger than 1, and is arranged facing the image display element 9. Eyepiece optical system 1 through the first surface 1 of the formed transparent surface
The display light from the image display element 9 incident on 0 is the fifth surface 5 of the reflecting surface which is also eccentrically arranged facing the pupil 7 of the observer on the observer's visual axis 8 and which also serves as the second surface 2 of the reflecting surface. The reflected light is incident on the fourth surface of the reflecting surface, and the light reflected there is reflected eccentrically on the observer's visual axis 8 so as to face the pupil 7 of the observer. The reflected light is incident on the second surface 2 of the surfaces and reflected by the third surface 3 of the transmission surface disposed between the second surface 2 and the observer's pupil 7 on the observer's visual axis 8. After that, the light exits from the eyepiece optical system 10, advances along the observer's visual axis 8, enters the observer's pupil 7 without forming an intermediate image, and forms an image on the observer's retina.

The eyepiece optical system 10 shown in FIG. 29 is a decentered prism body composed of four optical surfaces 2 to 5, and a space between them is filled with a medium having a refractive index larger than 1. Second surface 2 of the reflecting surface eccentrically arranged facing the pupil 7 of
Also, the display light from the image display element 9 that has entered the eyepiece optical system 10 through the first surface 1 that is the transmission surface that is arranged so as to face the image display element 9 is incident on the fifth surface 5 that is the reflection surface. And the reflected light is reflected by the sixth surface 6 of the reflecting surface which the second surface 2 also serves.
The reflected light is incident on the fourth surface of the reflecting surface, and the light reflected there is reflected eccentrically on the observer's visual axis 8 so as to face the pupil 7 of the observer. The reflected light is incident on the second surface 2 of the surfaces, and the reflected light is reflected by the third surface of the transmission surface disposed between the second surface 2 and the observer's pupil 7 on the observer's visual axis 8.
The light exits from the eyepiece optical system 10 through the surface 3, travels along the observer's visual axis 8, enters the observer's pupil 7 without forming an intermediate image, and forms an image on the observer's retina.

FIG. 30 shows a sectional view of an eyepiece optical system 10 according to Japanese Patent Application No. 7-178657. This eyepiece optical system 10
Consists of three optical surfaces 2 to 4, with a refractive index of 1 between them.
It is a decentered prism body filled with a larger medium, and also serves as the second surface 2 of the reflecting surface, which is eccentrically arranged on the observer's visual axis 8 so as to face the pupil 7 of the observer and faces the image display element 9. The display light from the image display element 9 that has entered the eyepiece optical system 10 through the first surface 1 of the transparent surfaces arranged as shown in FIG. 1 is between the second surface 2 and the pupil 7 of the observer on the observer's visual axis 8. The light incident on the fifth surface 5 of the reflecting surface which doubles as the third surface 3 arranged in the, the light reflected there enters the fourth surface 4 of the reflecting surface and is reflected, and the reflected light is observed by the observer. The light is incident on the second surface 2 of the reflecting surface, which is eccentrically arranged so as to face the pupil 7 of the observer on the axis 8, and is reflected, and the reflected light intersects with the light reflected by the fifth surface 5. , Exits from the eyepiece optical system 10 through the third surface 3 which is the transmission surface arranged between the second surface 2 and the observer's pupil 7 on the observer's visual axis 8, and along the observer's visual axis 8. Advances, the intermediate image on the pupil 7 of the observer enters without being imaged, is imaged on the retina of the observer.

FIG. 31 shows a sectional view of an eyepiece optical system 10 according to Japanese Patent Application No. 7-212594. This eyepiece optical system 10
Consists of three optical surfaces 2 to 4, with a refractive index of 1 between them.
It is a decentered prism body filled with a larger medium, and also serves as the second surface 2 of the reflecting surface, which is eccentrically arranged on the observer's visual axis 8 so as to face the pupil 7 of the observer and faces the image display element 9. The display light from the image display element 9 that has entered the eyepiece optical system 10 via the first surface 1 of the transmission surface arranged as a unit is the fourth surface 4 of the reflection surface.
Is reflected by the second surface 2 of the reflecting surface which is eccentrically arranged on the observer's visual axis 8 so as to face the pupil 7 of the observer. The light exits from the eyepiece optical system 10 through the third surface 3 which is the transmission surface arranged between the second surface 2 and the observer's pupil 7 on the observer's visual axis 8 and is incident on the observer's visual axis 8. Along with this, an intermediate image is incident on the observer's pupil 7 without being imaged, and is imaged on the observer's retina.

In the above, the decentered prism body having three or four optical surfaces is used as the eyepiece optical system 10. However, the head or face using the back mirror having the decentering arrangement having two optical surfaces. Several eyepiece optical systems for wearable image display devices have also been proposed. It can be said that the rear surface mirror has a transmission surface in front of the reflection surface that serves as both the first surface 1 and the third surface. FIG. 32 shows a sectional view of an eyepiece optical system 10 according to Japanese Patent Application No. 7-34. The eyepiece optical system 10 is a backside mirror having two optical surfaces 1 and 2 and an eccentric arrangement in which a space between them is filled with a medium having a refractive index larger than 1, and the rearview mirror is arranged to face the image display element 9. The display light from the image display element 9 that has entered the eyepiece optical system 10 through the first surface 1 of the two surfaces is the second reflective surface that is eccentrically arranged on the observer's visual axis 8 so as to face the pupil 7 of the observer. The first surface 1 also serves as the reflected light which is incident on the surface 2 and reflected.
The light is emitted from the eyepiece optical system 10 through the third surface 3 which is the transmission surface arranged between the second surface 2 and the observer's pupil 7 on the observer's visual axis 8, and advances along the observer's visual axis 8. , The intermediate image is incident on the pupil 7 of the observer without being imaged, and is formed on the retina of the observer.

FIG. 33 shows a sectional view of an eyepiece optical system 10 according to Japanese Patent Application No. 7-43847. This eyepiece optical system 10
Another rear surface mirror or front surface mirror 12 is arranged on the incident side of the rear surface mirror 11 having the same eccentric arrangement as in FIG. 32, and is eccentrically arranged by being reflected by the rear surface mirror or front surface mirror 12 arranged facing the image display element 9. The display light from the image display element 9 that has entered the rear-view mirror 11 passes through the first surface 1 of the transmission surface and is reflected by the reflection surface eccentrically arranged on the observer's visual axis 8 so as to face the pupil 7 of the observer. Second
The light incident on the surface 2 and reflected by the first surface 1 also serves as a reflected light of the transmission surface disposed between the second surface 2 and the pupil 7 of the observer on the observer's visual axis 8. Eyepiece optical system 1 through the third surface 3
The light exits from 0, travels along the observer's visual axis 8, enters the observer's pupil 7 without forming an intermediate image, and forms an image on the observer's retina.

FIG. 34 shows a sectional view of an eyepiece optical system 10 according to Japanese Patent Application No. 6-308980. This eyepiece optical system 10
32, a refracting lens system 13 is arranged on the incident side of a back mirror 11 having a decentering arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 32, and the back mirror 11 having a decentering arrangement is passed through the refraction lens system 13 arranged so as to face the image display element 9.
The display light from the image display element 9 incident on the second light passes through the first surface 1 of the transmission surface, and the second surface 2 of the reflection surface eccentrically arranged on the observer's visual axis 8 to face the pupil 7 of the observer. Is reflected by the first surface 1, and the reflected light is reflected by the third surface of the transmission surface disposed between the second surface 2 and the observer's pupil 7 on the observer's visual axis 8. The light exits from the eyepiece optical system 10 through the surface 3, travels along the observer's visual axis 8, enters the observer's pupil 7 without forming an intermediate image, and forms an image on the observer's retina.

Further, a plurality of decentered lenses are attached to each other, two surfaces of which are semi-transmissive surfaces, and light which is reflected by each semi-transmissive surface once forms an intermediate image on the display image of the image display device. An eyepiece optical system 10 for guiding an observer's eyeball without an image is also proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 6-127453, which is shown in FIG.
Shown in The eyepiece optical system 10 is a compound decentered lens body which is composed of two optical surfaces 1 and 2 and a space between them is filled with a medium having a refractive index larger than 1, and a transmissive surface which is arranged facing the image display element 9. The display light from the image display element 9 that has entered the eyepiece optical system 10 through the first surface 1 of the
The light transmitted through the surface 2 and incident on the fourth surface 4 which is a semi-transmissive surface is reflected, and the light reflected there is eccentrically arranged on the viewer's visual axis 8 so as to face the pupil 7 of the viewer. It is incident on the second surface 2 of the transmitting surface, is reflected, is transmitted through the fourth surface 4 of the semi-transmissive surface, and is arranged on the observer's visual axis 8 between the second surface 2 and the pupil 7 of the observer. Is emitted from the eyepiece optical system 10 through the third surface 3 of the transparent surface,
The light travels along the observer's visual axis 8, enters the observer's pupil 7 without forming an intermediate image, and forms an image on the observer's retina.

The above first to sixth surfaces are planes, spherical surfaces, aspherical surfaces, anamorphic surfaces and anamorphic aspherical surfaces, and at least one surface has a positive power. In addition, the reflection on the surface that also serves as the transmission surface and the reflection surface, for example, the surface that constitutes the third surface and the fourth surface in FIG. 26 is caused by total reflection, or when the transmission area and the reflection area are separated. Is from the back mirror.

[0017]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] As described above, 2
In the image display device using the eyepiece optical system 10 including a decentered prism body or the like which is composed of four optical surfaces and is filled with a medium having a refractive index larger than 1, the light from the image display element 9 is displayed. Directly or irregularly incident on the eyeball of the observer to be flare light or ghost light, and external light is reflected on any surface of the eyepiece optical system 10 to the eyeball of the observer. The incident light becomes flare light or ghost light, which causes deterioration of a display image. This will be briefly described below by taking the optical system of FIG. 26 as an example.

FIG. 22A is a diagram showing the optical path of regular display light. In the case of the eyepiece optical system 10 of FIG. 26, the display light from the image display element 9 such as an LCD (liquid crystal display element) is 1
The light enters the eyepiece optical system 10 from the surface 1, is totally reflected by the fourth surface which also serves as the third surface 3, is incident on the second surface 2, is reflected, and exits from the eyepiece optical system 10 via the third surface 3. The image entering the observer's pupil 7 and displayed on the image display element 9 is enlarged and displayed. On the other hand, FIG. 22B is a diagram showing the optical path of the first type ghost light, and a part of the light emitted from the image display element 9 is the first surface 1 and the fourth surface of the eyepiece optical system 10. Ghost light enters the pupil 7 directly through the surface (third surface 3),
A ghost image or the like is formed outside the display area. Further, FIG. 22C is a diagram showing the optical path of the second type of ghost light, and a part of the light emitted from the image display element 9 is part of the first surface 1 to the fourth surface ( It reaches the third surface 3), is reflected there and returns to the first surface 1 again, is reflected on the back surface there, and enters the pupil 7 through the second surface 2 and the third surface 3 as shown in FIG. It becomes ghost light and forms a ghost image or the like outside the display area. FIG. 22D is a diagram showing the optical path of the ghost light of the third type. In this case, the outside light of the outside world constitutes any of the surfaces forming the eyepiece optical system 10 (the second surface in the case of the drawing). The light is reflected by 2) and enters the pupil 7, and becomes flare light and ghost light, which deteriorates the image display.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to be composed of 2 to 4 optical surfaces as proposed by the applicant of the present invention,
In an image display device using an eyepiece optical system including a decentered prism body or the like filled with a medium having a refractive index larger than 1, a display by flare light or ghost light based on light from the image display element and light from the outside The purpose is to prevent image deterioration and to enable a clear display on the entire screen with a compact size and wide angle of view.

[0020]

An image display device of the present invention that achieves the above object is an image display device for displaying an image and an image displayed on the image display device without forming an intermediate real image. In the image display device having an eyepiece optical system that guides the eyeball to the eyeball, and a holding unit that holds the image display element and the eyepiece optical system on the observer's head or face, between the eyepiece optical system and the observer's eyeball. It is characterized in that a light shielding member is provided on the.

Another image display device of the present invention comprises an image display element for displaying an image and an eyepiece optical system for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to an observer's eye without forming an intermediate real image. In an image display device having a holding means for holding the image display element and the eyepiece optical system on an observer's head or face, the image display element emits light between the image display element and the eyepiece optical system. A numerical aperture limiting member for limiting the numerical aperture of the light flux is arranged.

Still another image display device of the present invention is an eyepiece optical system for guiding an image display element for displaying an image and an image displayed on the image display element to an eyeball of an observer without forming an intermediate real image. And an image display device having a holding means for holding the image display element and the eyepiece optical system on an observer's head or face, the image display element is a transmissive liquid crystal display element, and the liquid crystal display element It is characterized by using illumination light with a limited numerical aperture as illumination.

Another image display device of the present invention comprises an image display element for displaying an image and an eyepiece optical system for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to an eyeball of an observer without forming an intermediate real image. In an image display device having a holding means for holding the image display element and the eyepiece optical system on an observer's head or face, the image display element is formed of a transmissive liquid crystal display element having an illumination means behind, When the size of the illuminating means is Sb, the distance d between the illuminating means and the image display element satisfies Sb>d> 1 mm (3).

Still another image display device of the present invention comprises an image display element for displaying an image and an eyepiece optical system for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to an eyeball of an observer without forming an intermediate real image. An image display device having a holding means for holding the image display element and the eyepiece optical system on an observer's head or face, wherein the image display element is a transmissive liquid crystal display element having a lighting means at the back, It is characterized in that the illuminating means and the image display element are arranged so as to be relatively inclined so that a direction opposite to a viewer's eyeball side is opened.

In the present invention, since the light blocking member is provided between the eyepiece optical system and the eyeball of the observer, the light from the image display element and unnecessary ghost light and flare light based on the light from the outside are the light blocking member. The light is shielded by, and the displayed image does not deteriorate,
The compact size and wide angle of view enable clear display on the entire screen. Further, a numerical aperture limiting member that limits the numerical aperture of the light flux emitted from the image display element is arranged between the image display element and the eyepiece optical system, or the image display element is configured by a transmissive liquid crystal display element, When the illumination light with a limited numerical aperture is used as the illumination of the liquid crystal display element, or when the image display element is formed of a transmissive liquid crystal display element having an illumination means in the back and the size of the illumination means is Sb, The distance d between the means and the image display element satisfies Sb>d> 1 mm (3), or the illumination means and the image display element are relatively inclined so that the direction opposite to the viewer's eyeball side is opened. Since it is arranged so that unnecessary ghost light and flare light based on the light from the image display element are not generated, similarly, there is no deterioration of the displayed image, the size is compact and the wide angle of view makes it possible to clear the entire screen. Can be displayed.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Some embodiments of the image display device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 22 for explaining the optical path of the image display device of the first embodiment, and FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the optical path of regular display light, FIG. 1B, FIG. ) And (d) are diagrams showing the optical paths of the ghost light of the first type, the second type, and the third type, respectively. In the case of this embodiment, FIG.
The eyepiece optical system 10 is used, but the same applies to the case where the eyepiece optical system 10 of FIGS. 23 to 25 and 27 to 35 is used. In the present embodiment, a light-absorbing light-shielding plate 21 having laterally long rectangular openings 22 is arranged between the eyepiece optical system 10 and the observer's pupil 7 to allow flare light and ghost light to reach the pupil 7. It prevents the light from entering.

That is, in the case of the regular display light of FIG. 1A, the display light from the image display element 9 such as an LCD is the first display light.
The light enters the eyepiece optical system 10 from the surface 1, is totally reflected by the fourth surface which the third surface 3 also serves, is incident on the second surface 2, is reflected, and exits from the eyepiece optical system 10 via the third surface 3. The light is not blocked by the light blocking plate 21, passes through the opening 22, enters the pupil 7 of the observer, and the image displayed on the image display element 9 is enlarged and displayed. On the other hand, the ghost light of the first type shown in FIG. 1B is emitted from the image display element 9 and the first ghost light of the eyepiece optical system 10 is emitted.
Although it directly passes through the surface 1 and the fourth surface (third surface 3), since the angle of view incident on the pupil 7 is larger than the angle of view of the display screen, it is not blocked by the light shielding plate 21 and enters the pupil 7. , Not a ghost light. In addition, the second type ghost light of FIG. 1C goes out from the image display element 9, reaches the first surface 1 to the fourth surface (third surface 3) of the eyepiece optical system 10, and is reflected there. Then, it returns to the first surface 1 again, is reflected on the back surface thereof, and exits from the eyepiece optical system 10 through the second surface 2 and the third surface 3 as shown in the figure. Since the angle is larger than the angle of view of the display screen, the light is blocked by the light blocking plate 21 and the pupil 7
Since it is not incident on, it does not become a ghost light.
Further, the ghost light of the third type in FIG. 1D is external light from the outside, but it is blocked by the light absorbing light shielding plate 21 and cannot enter the eyepiece optical system 10. None of the system 10 is reflected from the surface,
It does not become flare light or ghost light.

As described above, by disposing the light shielding plate 21 having the opening 22 between the eyepiece optical system 10 and the observer's pupil 7, the display light from the image display element 9 is not blocked at all,
It is possible to block flare light and ghost light, and it is possible to effectively prevent deterioration of a displayed image due to flare light and ghost light based on light from the image display element 9 and light from the outside.

Here, the size of the opening 22 of the light blocking plate 21 capable of effectively blocking flare light and ghost light will be examined. As shown in FIG. 2, in the cross section including the center of the image display element 9 and the visual axis 8, from the end of the opening 22 of the light shielding plate 21 to the visual axis 8.
Is R, the diameter of the exit pupil of the eyepiece optical system 10 is φ, the eye relief is L, and the half angle of view in the cross section including the center of the image display element 9 and the visual axis 8 is θ. Ltan θ + φ / 2 ≦ R ≦ 2 (Ltan θ + φ / 2) (1) is satisfied in order to effectively shield the three types of flare light and ghost light shown in FIG. 22 without blocking the normal display light. Desirable for. More preferably, it is preferable that the following condition is satisfied: Ltan θ + φ / 2 ≦ R ≦ 1.2 (Ltan θ + φ / 2) (1 ′).

23 to 25, and FIGS.
27 shows a state in which a similar light shielding plate 21 is arranged between the eyepiece optical system 10 and the observer's pupil 7 in FIGS. Although the description of each drawing is omitted, the operation of the light shielding plate 21 will be apparent from the above description.

The light shield plate 21 may be provided in close contact with the surface of the eyepiece optical system 10 on the pupil 7 side by means of coating or the like. FIG. 15 shows a diagram corresponding to FIG.
In this figure, a light shield plate 21 having an opening 22 is formed in a shape along the surface of the eyepiece optical system 10 on the pupil 7 side (the third surface 3 in the figure) and is in close contact with the surface. FIG.
Since the operation of (d) is the same as that of the case of FIGS. 1 (a) to 1 (d), description thereof will be omitted. The same applies to the case of the eyepiece optical system 10 of FIGS. 23 to 25 and 27 to 35. However, the light shielding plate 2
When 1 is brought into close contact with the surface of the eyepiece optical system 10, if the total reflection on that surface is used, the condition of total reflection on that surface will be destroyed due to this close contact, so that a reflection coating is applied on that surface. It is necessary to make the light shielding plate 21 closely adhere to the coat.

By the way, the reason why the ghost light as shown in FIG. 22B is generated is that the angular spread (NA: numerical aperture) of the display light emitted from the image display element 9 is too large. Here, the focal length of the eyepiece optical system 10 is, for example, 30 m.
Assuming that the diameter of the pupil 7 of the observer's eye, that is, the exit pupil diameter of the eyepiece optical system 10 is 4 mm, and the image display element 9 side of the eyepiece optical system 10 is configured to be substantially telecentric, The divergence angle of the necessary light ray incident on 7 is 3.8 ° from the general NA formula. That is, among the light rays emitted from the image display element 9, a light ray of 3.8 ° or more with respect to the normal line of the image display element 9 has no effect on the observed image, and further, an unnecessary light ray. And cause flare and ghosts. Therefore, flare light and ghost light can also be reduced by limiting the NA of the display light emitted from the image display element 9. For that purpose, as shown in FIG. 16, an NA limiting member 23 such as a louver is arranged between the image display element 9 and the eyepiece optical system 10.
As the NA limiting member 23, a louver can be mentioned first. As shown in the cross section of FIG. 18, the louver 25 has a structure in which the light transmitting holes 26 and the absorption / shielding walls 27 are alternately and periodically arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally, and within a narrow angle β in a specific direction. Only the light is selectively passed, and when it is arranged between the image display element 9 and the eyepiece optical system 10, the display light of a wide angle α emitted from the image display element 9 is limited to a narrow angle β and a large emission. The light that causes the ghost light coming out of the corner is blocked. Another example of the NA limiting member 23 is an optical fiber plate. This action is similar to that of the louver 25. Further, the NA limiting member 23 has a visual field selection glass. One of them is called “Angle 21” (manufactured by Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.), which allows light with a small incident angle to pass therethrough but scatters light with a large incident angle so that it cannot be transmitted. .

The NA limiting member 23 has an angle θ between the normal line of the image display element 9 and the maximum opening angle ray on the observer's pupil 7 side.
However, it is desirable to limit so as to satisfy the equation of θ <45 ° (2), and more desirably to satisfy the equation of θ <20 ° (2 '). .

As another means for limiting the NA of the display light emitted from the image display element 9, as shown in FIG. 17, when an LCD 9'is used as the image display element 9, it is between the illumination light source 24 and the LCD 9 '. NA limiting member 2 as described above
Place 3. Also in this case, the display light emitted from the image display element 9 is limited within a narrow angle, and the light emitted at a large emission angle that causes ghost light disappears.

In the case of FIGS. 16 and 17, the angular range of the transmitted light flux limited by the NA limiting member 23 does not necessarily have to be symmetric with respect to the normal line of the image display elements 9 and 9 '. There are cases where it is better to limit the NA of the luminous flux on the side opposite to the observer (FIG. 20). In that case,
The principal ray of the transmitted light flux deviates from the normal line of the image display elements 9 and 9 '.

Next, when the LCD 9'is used as the image display element 9 in any of the eyepiece optical systems 10 shown in FIGS. 23 to 35, the eyepiece is selected by selecting the relative position between the illumination light source 24 and the LCD 9 '. It is possible to limit the NA of the display light incident on the optical system 10 and prevent flare light and ghost light. The other means will be described. FIG.
, The display surface of the image display element 9 and the illumination light source 24
Is defined as d, and the angle of viewing the display surface from the light emitting surface end point of the illumination light source 24 is defined as θ, and the illumination light source 24 is separated from the image display element 9 so that d ₀ <d ₁ <d _2. And (FIGS. (A) → (b) → (c)), the incident angle θ of the light beam from the illumination light source 24 at the edge of the image display range is θ ₀ > θ ₁
> Θ ₂ . That is, the larger the distance d between the display surface of the image display element 9 and the illumination light source 24 is (d ₀ → d ₁ → d
₂ ) The incident angle θ of the light beam from the illumination light source 24 at the edge of the image display range becomes small (θ ₀ → θ ₁ → θ ₂ ).

Therefore, it is desirable that the distance d between the display surface of the image display element 9 and the illumination light source 24 is Sb>d> 1 mm (3). By setting a distance of 1 mm or more between the display surface of the image display element 9 and the illumination light source 24, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
The angle of incidence of the light beam from the light source, and hence the angle of incidence on the eyepiece optical system 10, is reduced, and thus unnecessary light that causes flare and ghost can be reduced.

Further, it is obvious that the above object can be achieved by combining the following conditions. That is,
When the size of the illumination light source 24 is Sb, it is preferable to satisfy Sb>d> 2 mm (3 '). When the distance d between the display surface of the image display element 9 and the illumination light source 24 is set to 2 mm or more, the incident angle θ of the light ray from the illumination light source 24 at the edge of the image display range becomes smaller, and unnecessary light can be further reduced. it can.

Further, it is more preferable that Sb>d> 3 mm (3 ″) is satisfied. When the expression (3 ″) is satisfied at the edge of the image display range, the incident angle θ of the light beam from the illumination light source 24 is further increased. It becomes smaller, and unnecessary light can be reduced more effectively. However, since the amount of light from the illumination light source 24 decreases,
The optimum value should be determined by trial and error.

The ghost light as shown in FIG. 22B is caused by a light ray having a large NA from the display surface position of the image display element 9 which is further away from the position of the observer's pupil 7. By the way, as shown in FIG. 20, when the distance at one end between the illumination light source 24 and the image display element 9 is d _s , FIG.
When the illumination light source 24 is tilted so that d _s1 <d _s2 as in (b), the incident angle of the light beam from the illumination light source 24 at the edge of the image display range is θ _s1 > θ _s2 . That is, as the distance between the illumination light source 24 and the image display element 9 increases (d _s1
→ d _s2 ), the incident angle θ of the light ray from the illumination light source 24 at the edge of the image display range becomes small (θ _s1 → θ _s2 ). Therefore, it is desirable that the illumination light source 24 and the image display element 9 are relatively tilted so as to open in the direction opposite to the observer's pupil 7 so that the tilt angle satisfies the following formula. Here, d _s is the distance between the illumination light source 24 and the display surface of the image display element 9 at the open end.

Sb> d _s > 1 mm (4) The illumination light source 24 and the image display element 9 are installed so that the relative tilt angle satisfies the expression (4) so that the direction opposite to the observer's eyeball side is opened. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20B, the exit ray tilt angle at the edge of the image display range becomes small. Thus
It is possible to reduce unnecessary light as shown in FIG.

Further, it is more preferable that Sb> d _s > 2 mm (4 ') is satisfied. Since the illumination light source 24 at the open end and the display surface of the image display element 9 are installed so as to be inclined at a distance of 2 mm or more, the exit light ray inclination angle θ _s at the end of the image display range is further reduced and further unnecessary. Light can be reduced.

Furthermore, it is more preferable that Sb> d _s > 3 mm (4 ") be satisfied. The distance between the illumination light source 24 and the display surface of the image display element 9 at the open end should be 3 mm or more. By arranging the device in a tilted position, the exit light beam inclination angle θ _s at the edge of the image display range is further reduced, and unnecessary light can be reduced very effectively.

Now, the decentering prism which is composed of 2 to 4 optical surfaces which prevent the deterioration of the displayed image due to the flare light and the ghost light as described above and which is filled with a medium having a refractive index larger than 1 is provided. By using two sets of eyepiece optical systems including a body and the like, it is not necessary to close one eye and observe an observation image. If it is possible to observe with both eyes, the observer can observe without getting tired. Also, by presenting images with parallax to both eyes, it is possible to observe as a stereoscopic image. Also, using two sets of the eyepiece optical system of the present invention,
By attaching a support mechanism that supports the observer's head,
It is possible to observe the observation image in a comfortable posture.

As described above, the eyepiece optical system according to the present invention is used, and a pair of the optical system and the image display element is prepared on the left and right sides, and they are supported by being separated by the eye radiation distance. It can be configured as a portable image display device such as a stationary or head-mounted image display device. FIG. 21 shows the overall configuration of an example of such a portable image display device. The display device main body 50 is provided with a pair of left and right eyepiece optical systems as described above, and an image display element composed of a liquid crystal display element is arranged on the image plane corresponding to them. A temporal frame 51 as shown in the figure is provided continuously to the left and right of the main body 50, the temporal frames 51 on both sides are connected by a crown frame 52, and a leaf spring 53 is provided between the temporal frames 51 on both sides. The rear frame 54 is provided via
The display device main body 50 can be held in front of the observer's eyes by placing the display device main body on the back of both ears of the observer like a temple of eyeglasses and placing the crown frame 52 on the observer's crown. A top pad 55 made of an elastic body such as a sponge is attached inside the top frame 52, and a similar pad is attached inside the rear frame 54 in the same manner. It does not feel uncomfortable when attached to the camera.

The rear frame 54 has a speaker 56.
Is provided so that stereophonic sound can be heard together with image observation. As described above, the display device main body 50 having the speaker 56 has a video / audio transmission code 57.
The viewer 58 holds the playback device 58 at an arbitrary position such as a belt position as shown in FIG.
You can enjoy the sound. 5 shown
Reference numeral 9 denotes an adjustment unit such as a switch and a volume of the playback device 58. Note that electronic components such as a video processing / audio processing circuit are built in the top frame 52.

The cord 57 may be attached to an existing video deck or the like by using the tip as a jack. Furthermore, it is connected to a tuner for TV radio wave reception,
It may be used for viewing, or may be connected to a computer to receive computer graphics images, message images from the computer, and the like. Also, in order to reject an obstructive code, an antenna may be connected to receive an external signal by radio waves.

Although the image display apparatus of the present invention has been described above based on some embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and various modifications can be made.

The above-described image display device of the present invention can be configured as follows, for example.

[1] An image display element for displaying an image and an eyepiece optical system for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to an eyeball of an observer without forming an intermediate real image, and the image display element and the eyepiece optics. An image display device having a holding means for holding the system on an observer's head or face, characterized in that a light-shielding member is provided between the eyepiece optical system and the observer's eyeball.

[2] In the eyepiece optical system, a region surrounded by two to four optical surfaces is filled with a transparent medium having a refractive index of more than 1, and the first eyepiece is arranged to face the image display element.
A surface, a second surface disposed on the observer's visual axis to face the observer pupil, and a third surface disposed on the observer's visual axis between the second surface and the observer pupil. The image display device as described in [1].

[3] The image display device according to [2], wherein the second surface is a reflecting surface.

[4] A light beam emitted from the image display element is transmitted through the first surface, is incident on the eyepiece optical system, is transmitted through the third surface, and is guided to an observer's eyeball. The image display device according to [2] or [3].

[5] A light beam emitted from the image display device passes through the first surface, enters the eyepiece optical system, and is reflected in the order of the fourth surface and the second surface, and then the first surface. The image display device according to [2] or [3], wherein the image display device is transmitted through three surfaces and guided to an observer's eyeball.

[6] The image display device according to [5], wherein the fourth surface is the same surface as the third surface.

[7] The image display device according to [6], wherein the reflection on the fourth surface is total reflection.

[8] The image display device according to [5], wherein the fourth surface is the same surface as the first surface.

[0058]

[9] The image display device according to [5], wherein the second surface is the same surface as the first surface.

[10] The image display device according to [4], wherein the third surface is the same surface as the first surface.

[11] Any one of [1] to [10], characterized in that the light shielding member is provided with an opening.
An image display device according to the item.

[12] The distance from the opening end of the light shielding member to the observer's visual axis in a cross section including the center of the image display element and the visual axis is R, and the diameter of the exit pupil of the eyepiece optical system is φ. ,
Let L be the eye relief of the eyepiece optical system and θ be the half angle of view in the cross section including the center of the image display element and the visual axis, and then Ltan θ + φ / 2 ≦ R ≦ 2 (Ltan θ + φ / 2) (1) The image display device according to [11], which is satisfied.

[13] R is the distance from the opening end of the light shielding member to the visual axis of the observer in a cross section including the center of the image display element and the visual axis, and the diameter of the exit pupil of the eyepiece optical system is φ. ,
Ltan θ + φ / 2 ≦ R ≦ 1.2 (Ltan θ + φ / 2) (1) where L is the eye relief of the eyepiece optical system and θ is the half angle of view in the cross section including the center of the image display element and the visual axis. The image display device according to [11], characterized in that

[14] The image display device according to any one of [1] to [13], wherein the light shielding member is in close contact with the eyepiece optical system.

[15] An image display element for displaying an image, an eyepiece optical system for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to the eyeball of an observer without forming an intermediate real image, the image display element and the eyepiece optical system. In an image display device having a holding means for holding the system on an observer's head or face, an aperture for limiting the numerical aperture of a light beam emitted from the image display device between the image display device and the eyepiece optical system. An image display device having a number limiting member.

[16] In the eyepiece optical system, a region surrounded by 2 to 4 optical surfaces is filled with a transparent medium having a refractive index of more than 1, and the first surface is arranged to face the image display element. And a second surface arranged on the observer's visual axis so as to face the observer pupil, and a third surface arranged on the observer's visual axis between the second surface and the observer pupil. [15] The image display device according to [15].

[17] The image display device according to [16], wherein the second surface is a reflecting surface.

[18] A light beam emitted from the image display element passes through the first surface and enters the eyepiece optical system,
The image display device according to [16] or [17], wherein the image display device is transmitted through the third surface and guided to an observer's eyeball.

[19] A light beam emitted from the image display element passes through the first surface and enters the eyepiece optical system,
The fourth surface and the second surface are reflected in this order, and then,
The image display device according to [16] or [17], wherein the image display device is transmitted through the third surface and guided to an observer's eyeball.

[20] The image display device according to [19], wherein the fourth surface is the same surface as the third surface.

[21] The image display device according to [20], wherein the reflection on the fourth surface is total reflection.

[22] The image display device according to [19], wherein the fourth surface is the same surface as the first surface.

[23] The image display device according to [19], wherein the second surface is the same surface as the first surface.

[24] The image display device according to [18], wherein the third surface is the same surface as the first surface.

[25] The numerical aperture limiting member limits the numerical aperture of the image display element so that the angle θ between the normal line of the image display element and the marginal ray on the observer pupil side is 45 ° or less. [15] to [2]
4] The image display device according to any one of [4].

[26] The numerical aperture limiting member limits the numerical aperture of the image display element so that the angle θ between the normal line of the image display element and the marginal ray on the observer pupil side is 20 ° or less. [15] to [2]
4] The image display device according to any one of [4].

[27] The image display device according to any one of [15] to [26], wherein the numerical aperture limiting member is a louver.

[28] The image display device according to any one of [15] to [26], wherein the numerical aperture limiting member is an optical fiber plate.

[29] [15] to [26], wherein the numerical aperture limiting member is made of a visual field selection glass.
The image display device according to claim 1.

[30] An image display element for displaying an image and an eyepiece optical system for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to an eyeball of an observer without forming an intermediate real image, the image display element and the eyepiece optical system. In an image display device having a holding means for holding the system on an observer's head or face, the image display element is a transmissive liquid crystal display element, and illumination light having a limited numerical aperture as illumination of the liquid crystal display element. An image display device characterized by using.

[31] In the eyepiece optical system, a region surrounded by 2 to 4 optical surfaces is filled with a transparent medium having a refractive index of more than 1, and the first surface is arranged to face the image display element. And a second surface arranged on the observer's visual axis so as to face the observer pupil, and a third surface arranged on the observer's visual axis between the second surface and the observer pupil. [30] The image display device as described in [30].

[32] The image display device according to [31], wherein the second surface is a reflecting surface.

[33] A light beam emitted from the image display element passes through the first surface and enters the eyepiece optical system,
The image display device according to [31] or [32], wherein the image display device is transmitted through the third surface and guided to an observer's eyeball.

[34] A light beam emitted from the image display element passes through the first surface and enters the eyepiece optical system,
The fourth surface and the second surface are reflected in this order, and then,
The image display device according to [31] or [32], wherein the image display device is transmitted through the third surface and guided to an observer's eyeball.

[35] The image display device according to [34], wherein the fourth surface is the same surface as the third surface.

[36] The image display device according to [35], wherein the reflection on the fourth surface is total reflection.

[37] The image display device according to [34], wherein the fourth surface is the same surface as the first surface.

[38] The image display device according to [34], wherein the second surface is the same surface as the first surface.

[39] The image display device according to [33], wherein the third surface is the same surface as the first surface.

[40] An image display element for displaying an image and an eyepiece optical system for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to an eyeball of an observer without forming an intermediate real image, the image display element and the eyepiece optical system. In an image display device having a holding means for holding the system on an observer's head or face, the image display element is formed of a transmissive liquid crystal display element having an illumination means on the back, and the size of the illumination means is Sb. The distance d between the illuminating means and the image display element satisfies Sb>d> 1 mm (3).

[41] The image display device according to [40], wherein the distance d between the illumination means and the image display element satisfies Sb>d> 2 mm (3 ').

[42] The image display device according to [41], wherein the distance d between the illumination means and the image display element satisfies Sb>d> 3 mm (3 ″).

[43] An image display element for displaying an image, an eyepiece optical system for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to the eyeball of an observer without forming an intermediate real image, the image display element and the eyepiece optical system. In an image display device having a holding means for holding the system on an observer's head or face, the image display element comprises a transmissive liquid crystal display element having a lighting means at the back, and the lighting means and the image display element. Is arranged so as to be relatively inclined so that the direction opposite to the eyeball side of the observer is opened.

[44] When the size of the illuminating means is Sb, the distance d _s between the illuminating means and the image display element at the open end is Sb> d _s > 1 mm (4) The image display device according to [43], characterized in that

[45] The description [43], wherein the distance d _s between the illuminating means and the image display element at the open end satisfies Sb> d _s > 2 mm (4 ′). Image display device.

[46] The description [43], wherein the distance d _s between the illuminating means and the image display element at the open end satisfies Sb> d _s > 3 mm (4 ″). Image display device.

[47] In the eyepiece optical system, a region surrounded by two to four optical surfaces is filled with a transparent medium having a refractive index of more than 1, and the first surface is arranged to face the image display element. And a second surface arranged on the observer's visual axis so as to face the observer pupil, and a third surface arranged on the observer's visual axis between the second surface and the observer pupil. The image display device according to any one of [40] to [46].

[48] The image display device according to [47], wherein the second surface is a reflecting surface.

[49] A light beam emitted from the image display device passes through the first surface and enters the eyepiece optical system,
The image display device according to [47] or [48], wherein the image display device is transmitted through the third surface and guided to an observer's eyeball.

[50] A light beam emitted from the image display element passes through the first surface and enters the eyepiece optical system,
The fourth surface and the second surface are reflected in this order, and then,
The image display device according to [47] or [48], wherein the image display device is transmitted through the third surface and guided to an observer's eyeball.

[51] The image display device according to [50], wherein the fourth surface is the same surface as the third surface.

[52] The image display device according to [51], wherein the reflection on the fourth surface is total reflection.

[53] The image display device according to [50], wherein the fourth surface is the same surface as the first surface.

[54] The image display device according to [50], wherein the second surface is the same surface as the first surface.

[55] The image display device according to [49], wherein the third surface is the same surface as the first surface.

[0105]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, since the light blocking member is provided between the eyepiece optical system and the eyeball of the observer, the light from the image display element and the light from the external environment are used. Unnecessary ghost light and flare light are blocked by this light blocking member, the display image is not deteriorated, the size is compact, and the wide display angle enables clear display on the entire screen. Also,
Between the image display element and the eyepiece optical system, a numerical aperture limiting member that limits the numerical aperture of the light beam emitted from the image display element is arranged, or the image display element is composed of a transmissive liquid crystal display element. Illumination light with a limited numerical aperture is used as the illumination of the element, or when the image display element is formed of a transmissive liquid crystal display element having an illumination means behind it, and the size of the illumination means is Sb, the illumination means The distance d of the image display element satisfies Sb>d> 1 mm (3), or the illumination means and the image display element are arranged relatively inclined so that the direction opposite to the observer's eyeball side is opened. As a result, unnecessary ghost light and flare light based on the light from the image display element do not occur, and similarly, there is no deterioration of the displayed image, the size is compact, and the wide angle of view provides a clear display on the entire screen. It will be possible.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of an image display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for examining a size of an opening of a light shielding plate.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a light shielding plate is arranged in one image display device proposed by the present applicant.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a light shielding plate is arranged in an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a light shielding plate is arranged in an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which a light shielding plate is arranged in an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a light shielding plate is arranged in an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a state in which a light shielding plate is arranged in an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which a light shielding plate is arranged in an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a light shielding plate is arranged in an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a light shielding plate is arranged in an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which a light shielding plate is arranged in an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a light shielding plate is arranged in an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which a light shielding plate is arranged in an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of the modified image display device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of an image display device of another embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of an image display device of still another embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the structure and action of the louver.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the image display device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the image display device of yet another embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of a portable image display device incorporating the eyepiece optical system according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining optical paths of display light and flare light of one image display device.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of one image display device proposed by the present applicant.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining an optical path of an image display device according to another proposal of the applicant.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... 1st surface 2 ... 2nd surface 3 ... 3rd surface 4 ... 4th surface 5 ... 5th surface 6 ... 6th surface 7 ... Observer's pupil 8 ... Observer's visual axis 9 ... Image display element 9 '... LCD 10 ... Eyepiece optical system 11 ... Rear surface mirror 12 ... Rear surface mirror or front surface mirror 13 ... Refractive lens system 21 ... Shading plate 22 ... Opening 23 ... NA limiting member 24 ... Illumination light source 25 ... Louver 26 ... Translucent hole 27 ... Absorption light shielding Wall 50 ... Display device main body 51 ... Temporal frame 52 ... Top frame 53 ... Leaf spring 54 ... Rear frame 55 ... Top pad 56 ... Speaker 57 ... Video / audio transmission code 58 ... Playback device 59 ... Control parts for switches, volume, etc.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] December 8, 1995

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] All figures

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

[Figure 3]

[Fig. 2]

FIG. 4

[Figure 5]

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

[Figure 8]

[Figure 9]

[Figure 10]

FIG. 11

FIG.

FIG. 16

FIG.

FIG. 13

FIG. 14

FIG.

FIG.

FIG.

FIG.

FIG. 23

FIG. 24

FIG. 21

FIG.

FIG. 25

FIG. 26

FIG. 27

FIG. 28

FIG. 30

FIG. 29

FIG. 31

FIG. 32

FIG. 33

FIG. 34

FIG. 35

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image display element for displaying an image, an eyepiece optical system for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to an eyeball of an observer without forming an intermediate real image, and the image display element and the eyepiece optical system. An image display device having a holding means for holding the head on the observer's head or face, wherein a light shielding member is provided between the eyepiece optical system and the observer's eyeball. 2. An image display element for displaying an image, an eyepiece optical system for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to an eyeball of an observer without forming an intermediate real image, and the image display element and the eyepiece optical system. An image display apparatus having a holding means for holding the head on the face or the face of an observer, the numerical aperture for limiting the numerical aperture of the light flux emitted from the image display element between the image display element and the eyepiece optical system. An image display device having a limiting member. 3. An image display element for displaying an image, an eyepiece optical system for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to an eyeball of an observer without forming an intermediate real image, and the image display element and the eyepiece optical system. In an image display device having a holding means for holding on the head or face of an observer, the image display element is formed of a transmissive liquid crystal display element, and illumination light with a limited numerical aperture is used as illumination of the liquid crystal display element. An image display device characterized by being used. 4. An image display element for displaying an image, an eyepiece optical system for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to an eyeball of an observer without forming an intermediate real image, and the image display element and the eyepiece optical system. An image display device having a holding means for holding on the head or face of an observer, wherein the image display element comprises a transmissive liquid crystal display element having an illumination means behind, and the size of the illumination means is Sb. In this case, the distance d between the illuminating means and the image display element satisfies Sb>d> 1 mm (3). 5. An image display element for displaying an image, an eyepiece optical system for guiding the image displayed on the image display element to an eyeball of an observer without forming an intermediate real image, the image display element and the eyepiece optical system. In an image display device having a holding means for holding the head or face of an observer, the image display element is a transmissive liquid crystal display element having a lighting means behind, the illumination means and the image display element An image display device, which is arranged so as to be relatively inclined so that a direction opposite to an observer's eyeball side is opened.