Spectacle lens for a display device that can be fitted on the head of a user and generates an image

Abstract

A spectacle lens for a display device can be fitted on the head of a user and generate an image. The spectacle lens includes a front side and a rear side, a coupling-in section and a coupling-out section spaced apart from the coupling-in section, as well as a light guiding channel which is suitable for guiding light bundles of pixels of the generated image, which are coupled into the spectacle lens via the coupling-in section of the spectacle lens, in the spectacle lens to the coupling-out section, by which they are coupled out of the spectacle lens. The light guiding channel includes a first reflecting layer, which extends from the coupling-in section to the coupling-out section and on which the light bundles are reflected for guiding to the coupling-out section. The first reflecting layer includes at least one transparent gap.

Claims

1. A spectacle lens for a display device that can be fitted on the head of a user and generate an image, the spectacle lens comprising: a front side and a rear side; a coupling-in section a coupling-out section spaced apart from the coupling-in section; and a light guiding channel configured to guide light bundles of pixels of the generated image, which are coupled into the spectacle lens via the coupling-in section of the spectacle lens, in the spectacle lens to the coupling-out section, by which they are coupled out of the spectacle lens, wherein the light guiding channel comprises a first reflecting layer, which extends from the coupling-in section to the coupling-out section and on which the light bundles are reflected for guiding to the coupling-out section, and wherein the first reflecting layer comprises at least one transparent gap such that a portion of the light bundles pass through the first reflecting layer.

2. The spectacle lens according to claim 1, wherein the first reflecting layer comprises several transparent gaps spaced apart from each other.

3. The spectacle lens according to claim 2, wherein the several gaps are spaced apart in a first direction from the coupling-in section towards the coupling-out section or transverse to the first direction.

4. The spectacle lens according to claim 3, wherein the several gaps are arranged equidistantly in a predetermined direction.

5. The spectacle lens according to claim 2, wherein the several gaps are arranged equidistantly in a predetermined direction.

6. The spectacle lens according to claim 1, wherein the at least one gap is shaped as a circle, an oval or a polygon.

7. The spectacle lens according to claim 1, wherein the first reflecting layer is segmented and includes a plurality of transparent gaps.

8. The spectacle lens according to claim 1, wherein, outside of the light guiding channel, an angle-selective absorption layer is arranged in front of the at least one gap of the first reflecting layer, which absorption layer absorbs light which strikes the absorption layer at an angle from a range from a predetermined first critical angle up to 90 and transmits light which strikes at an angle of from 0 up to a predetermined second critical angle, wherein the second critical angle is smaller than or equal to the first critical angle.

9. The spectacle lens according to claim 1, wherein, between the at least one gap and the reflecting layer, a transition area is disposed, in which the reflectivity increases in the direction from the gap to the reflecting layer.

10. The spectacle lens according to claim 1, wherein the light guiding channel comprises a second reflecting layer which is opposite the first reflecting layer.

11. The spectacle lens according to claim 10, wherein the second reflecting layer comprises at least one transparent gap.

12. The spectacle lens according to claim 11, wherein at least one transparent gap of the first reflecting layer is opposite a transparent gap of the second reflecting layer.

13. The spectacle lens according to claim 1, wherein the coupling-out section comprises several reflective deflecting surfaces arranged adjacent to each other.

14. The spectacle lens according to claim 1, wherein the coupling-out section is buried in the spectacle lens.

15. A display device, comprising: a holder configured to be fitted on the head of a user; an image-generating module secured to the holder, which is configured to generate an image; and an imaging optical system secured to the holder, which comprises a spectacle lens according to claim 1 and which, when the holder is fitted on the head of the user, is configured to image the generated image such that the user can perceive the generated image as a virtual image.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective representation of an example embodiment of the display device according to the invention;

(2) FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the first spectacle lens including a schematic representation of the image-generating module;

(3) FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view of the rear side of the spectacle lens according to the invention in the area of the light guiding channel and the coupling-out section;

(4) FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged sectional view according to FIG. 2 through the light guiding channel, where, to simplify the representation, the front and rear side, the reflecting layers and the coupling-out section are represented with straight lines and not curved;

(5) FIG. 5 is a modification of the spectacle lens according to the invention in a sectional representation according to FIG. 4;

(6) FIG. 6 is a modification of the spectacle lens according to the invention in a view according to FIG. 3;

(7) FIG. 7 is a modification of the spectacle lens according to the invention in a view according to FIG. 3;

(8) FIG. 8 is a modification of the spectacle lens according to the invention in a view according to FIG. 3;

(9) FIG. 9 is a modification of the spectacle lens according to the invention in a view according to FIG. 3;

(10) FIG. 10 is a modification of the spectacle lens according to the invention in a view according to FIG. 3;

(11) FIG. 11 is a modification of the spectacle lens according to the invention in a view according to FIG. 3;

(12) FIG. 12 is a representation of the reflection profile of the first reflecting layer in the y-direction;

(13) FIG. 13 is a representation of the reflection profile of a development of the first reflecting layer in the y-direction;

(14) FIG. 14 is a representation of the reflection profile of a development of the first reflecting layer in the y-direction;

(15) FIG. 15 is a representation of the reflection profile of a development of the first reflecting layer in the y-direction;

(16) FIG. 16 is a further embodiment of the spectacle lens according to the invention in a sectional view according to FIG. 2, and

(17) FIG. 17 is a further embodiment of the spectacle lens according to the invention in a sectional view according to FIG. 2.

(18) While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular example embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(19) In the following descriptions, the present invention will be explained with reference to various exemplary embodiments. Nevertheless, these embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to any specific example, environment, application, or particular implementation described herein. Therefore, descriptions of these example embodiments are only provided for purpose of illustration rather than to limit the present invention.

(20) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the display device 1 according to the invention comprises a holder 2 that can be fitted on the head of a user and can be formed e.g. in the manner of a conventional spectacles frame, as well as a first and a second spectacle lens 3, 4, which are secured to the holder 2. The holder 2 with the spectacle lenses 3, 4 can be formed e.g. as sports glasses, sunglasses and/or glasses for correcting defective vision, wherein a virtual image can be reflected into the user's field of view via the first spectacle lens 3, as is described below.

(21) For this, the display device 1 comprises an image-generating module 5, which can be arranged in the area of the right-hand temple stem of the holder 2, as is represented schematically in FIG. 1. The image-generating module 5 can comprise a two-dimensional image-generating element 6 (FIG. 2), such as e.g. an OLED, a CMOS or an LCoS chip or a tilting mirror matrix, with a plurality of pixels arranged e.g. in columns and rows.

(22) The spectacle lenses 3 and 4, and in particular the first spectacle lens 3, are only described together with the display device 1 according to the invention by way of example. The spectacle lenses 3, 4, or at least the first spectacle lens 3, are in each case formed individually as a spectacle lens 3, 4 according to the invention or as an optical element according to the invention. The optical element according to the invention can also be used in another context than with the display device 1 described here. Therefore, the optical element, when it is formed as a spectacle lens, can, of course, also be formed as second spectacle lens 4.

(23) As can best be seen from the enlarged schematic partial sectional view in FIG. 2, the display device 1 comprises an imaging optical system 7 which contains an optical element 8 arranged between the image-generating element 6, or the imaging system 6, and the first spectacle lens 3. In addition, the first spectacle lens 3 itself also serves as part of the imaging optical system 7.

(24) A light bundle 9 can emerge from each pixel of the imaging system 6. The desired image can be generated by correspondingly actuating the pixels of the imaging system 6 by means of a control unit 10, which can be part of the image-generating module 5. In FIG. 2, the beam path of a light beam is drawn in to represent the light bundles 9, with the result that the light beam 9 is also discussed below.

(25) The light beam 9 emerging from the imaging system 6 runs through the optical element 8 and enters the first spectacle lens 3 via a coupling-in section 11 (here the end face of the first spectacle lens 3), and is guided in this along a light guiding channel 12 to a coupling-out section 13. The coupling-out section 13 comprises several reflective deflecting surfaces 14 (which can also be referred to as reflective facets) arranged next to each other on which a reflection of the light beams 9 takes place in the direction of a rear side 15 of the first spectacle lens 3, with the result that the light beams 9 exit the first spectacle lens 3 via the rear side 15.

(26) Thus, when a user is wearing the display device 1 according to the invention on his head as intended, he can perceive the image generated by means of the imaging system 6 as a virtual image when he looks at the coupling-out section 13. In the embodiment described here, the user must look towards the right by approx. 40 relative to the direction of view G of a forward view. In FIG. 2, the centre of rotation 16 of the user's eye as well as the eyebox 17 or the exit pupil 17 of the imaging optical system is drawn in for clarification. The eyebox 17 is the area which is provided by the display device 1 and in which the user's eye can move and he can still always see the generated image as a virtual image.

(27) Although in the described embodiment the coupling-in is carried out via the end face of the first spectacle lens 3 and thus the coupling-in section 11 is formed on the end face of the first spectacle lens 3, it is also possible to carry out a coupling-in via the rear side 15 of the first spectacle lens.

(28) As is shown in the schematic representation in FIG. 2, both the rear side 15 and the front side 18 of the first spectacle lens 3 are formed curved.

(29) Furthermore, the first spectacle lens 3 is formed with two shells and comprises an outer shell 19 and an inner shell 20.

(30) The light guiding channel 12 comprises two reflecting layers 21, 22 which are opposite each other and which in each case extend from the coupling-in section 11 to the coupling-out section 13. The first reflecting layer 21 is formed on the rear side 15. The second reflecting layer 22 is formed between the inner shell 20 and the outer shell 19.

(31) As can be learned in particular from the enlarged view on the rear side 15 of the spectacle lens 3 according to FIG. 3, the first reflecting layer 21 is not formed as a continuous layer between the coupling-in section 11 and the coupling-out section 13, but rather as a segmented layer. The first reflecting layer 21 thus comprises reflecting segments 23, which are spaced apart from each other in a first direction from the coupling-in section 11 to the coupling-out section 13, with the result that gaps 24 are present between the reflecting segments 23. In these gaps 24 no material of the reflecting layer 21 is applied. The gaps 24 are thus transparent.

(32) In the schematic, enlarged sectional view in FIG. 4, it can be seen that the second reflecting layer 22 comprises, in the same manner as the first reflecting layer 21, reflecting segments 25 with gaps 26 provided between them. The reflecting segments 23 and 25 of the two reflecting layers 21, 22 are arranged such that they are opposite each other. The gaps 24 and 26 are thus also opposite each other and thus form transparent areas which run through the two reflecting layers 21 and 22.

(33) As is indicated further in FIG. 4, the light bundles 9 are guided by reflections on the reflecting layers 21 and 22, or on the corresponding reflecting segments 23 and 25, from the coupling-in section 11 to the coupling-out section 13. On the coupling-out section 13, the light bundles are then deflected by reflection on the facets 14 in the direction of the rear side 15 such that they are coupled out of the first spectacle lens 3.

(34) Furthermore, because of the gaps 24, 26 which are provided, ambient light 27 can run through the light guiding channel 12 and be perceived by the user when the display device 1 is fitted on.

(35) To simplify the representation, in FIG. 4 the reflecting layers 21, 22, the front side 18, the rear side 15 and the coupling-out section 13 are shown flat in each case. In fact, they are formed curved in the described embodiment. In a modification, however, the reflecting layer 21, the reflecting layer 22, the front side 18, the rear side 15 and/or the coupling-out section 13 can be formed flat. The layers and/or sides which are not formed flat are then curved.

(36) In the spectacle lens 3 according to the invention, through the size and arrangement of the reflecting segments 23, 25 and through the size and arrangements of the gaps 24, 26, the transmittance of the light guiding channel 12 can thus be set. It is thus possible for a user to still perceive the surroundings even in the area of the light guiding channel 12.

(37) The transmission through the light guiding channel results essentially from the relationship between the surface of the reflecting segments 23 or 25 and the surface of the gaps 24 and 26, as well as from the relative arrangement of the reflecting segments 23 of the first reflecting layer with respect to the reflecting segments of the second reflecting layer 22.

(38) In FIG. 5, in the same manner as in FIG. 4, in a sectional view a further embodiment is shown which differs from the previously described embodiment in particular in that outside the light guiding channel 12 an angle-selective absorption layer 28 is arranged in front of the gaps 24 of the second reflecting layer 21. This serves to suppress scattered light. Thus, for example, a light bundle 9 can strike the curved front side 18 through a gap 26 and be reflected by this front side 18 back in the direction of the light guiding channel 12. This light bundle 9 can then strike the absorption layer 28 at such an angle that it is absorbed by this and does not enter the light guiding channel again. For this, the angle-selective absorption layer is designed such that it is transmissive for an angle of incidence of from 0 up to a predetermined first critical angle and is absorbing for an angle of incidence greater than a predetermined second critical angle which is greater than or equal to the first critical angle, up to 90 (always relative to the normal on the absorption layer 28). The absorption layer 28 is thus transmissive for ambient light 27, as is indicated in FIG. 5.

(39) The described segmentation of the first and second reflecting layer 21 and 22 is only to be understood by way of example and, of course, any other geometric sectioning or segmentation can also be carried out.

(40) For instance, the reflecting segments 23 can, for example, be squares which are arranged in a regular pattern, as is shown in FIG. 6.

(41) It is also possible for the reflecting segments 23 to be rectangles which extend in the first direction and are spaced apart transverse thereto, as is shown in FIG. 7.

(42) In the variant according to FIG. 8, the gaps 24 are formed circular and arranged in a regular pattern.

(43) It is also possible to form the gaps trapezoidal and arrange them accordingly, as is shown in FIG. 9.

(44) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the reflecting segments 23 are squares of different sizes.

(45) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the reflecting segments are essentially strips running at an angle with respect to the x-direction and the y-direction.

(46) Of course, the arrangement of the gaps does not have to be regular. An arrangement with differing distances is also possible.

(47) Furthermore, other shapes for the gaps 24 and for the reflective segments 23 from those already described are possible. For instance, polygons, ovals etc. can be used as shapes. It is also not necessary to use the same shapes. Different shapes can be used for the gaps and/or segments.

(48) The reflecting segments preferably have a reflectivity of 100% or almost 100% for visible light. However, it is also possible for them to have a lower reflectivity.

(49) The gaps can be 100% transmissive or also have a certain reflectivity. In the latter case, the gaps would be partially transparent. In any case, the reflectivity of the gaps is always lower than the reflectivity of the reflecting segments, and in the same manner the transmissivity of the gaps 24, 26 is always greater than the transmissivity of the reflecting segments 23, 25.

(50) Until now it has been assumed that the transition between the reflecting segments 23 and the gaps 24 is stepwise. For the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 4 for the first reflecting layer 21, this is represented enlarged in FIG. 12 for some reflecting segments 23 and gaps 24. The reflecting segments 23 here have a reflectivity R2 and the gaps 24 a reflectivity R1, wherein the reflectivity R2 is greater than the reflectivity R1. For instance, R2 can for example have a reflectivity of 100% or almost 100% and R1 a reflectivity of 0% or almost 0%. However, other values for R1 and R2 are also possible. The essential thing is that R2 is always greater than R1.

(51) In a development, the transition between the reflecting segments 23 and the gaps 24 does not have to be stepwise. There can be a continuous transition, as is indicated by the edges 30 in the representation according to FIG. 13.

(52) Although there is a continuous transition in this embodiment, this starts suddenly or abruptly at the reflecting segments 23 and the gaps 24, with the result that the reflectivity profile has a kink at this point and is not continuous.

(53) Of course, the reflectivity profile can also be continuous, as is indicated in FIG. 14. In particular, the reflectivity profile can also be continuous over the reflecting segments 23 and the gaps 24, as is indicated in FIG. 15. The essential thing is that there are sections with a higher reflectivity (reflecting segments 23) and sections with a lower reflectivity (gaps 24).

(54) Of course, the developments described in connection with FIGS. 12 to 15 can also be provided for the second reflecting layer 22.

(55) In the spectacle lens 2 according to the invention, the rear side 15 can in particular have a curvature in order to bring about a correction of defective vision. It is thus advantageously achieved that the represented virtual image can also be perceived sharply by the user, as the coupling-out of the light bundles 9 takes place via the rear side 15, which is the correction surface for the user.

(56) In the previously described embodiment, the structure of the spectacle lens was with two shells. A structure with more than two shells is also possible. For example, a further inner shell can be provided which rests against the inner shell 20. In this case, both reflecting layers 21 and 22 would be buried in the spectacle lens 3.

(57) In FIG. 16, a modification of the spectacle lens according to the invention is represented in the same manner as in FIG. 2, wherein in this modification the second reflecting layer 22 is not provided and instead of this a total internal reflection takes place on the front side 18.

(58) In FIG. 17, a further modification is shown in which the spectacle lens 3 is formed with one shell. Again, two reflecting layers 21 and 22 are provided, which in this case are arranged on the rear side 15 and the front side 18. The reflective facets 14 are formed buried and are preferably filled with material of the spectacle lens 3 such that the front side 18 is a smooth, continuous side.

(59) The materials of the inner and outer shell 20 and 19 are preferably the same, with the result that they have an identical refractive index. The inner and outer shell 20 and 19 are preferably glued over the whole surface, with the result that a compact first spectacle lens 3 is present.

(60) In the display device 1 according to the invention, the reflection of the virtual image into the user's field of view takes place via the first spectacle lens 3. Of course, a reflection via the second spectacle lens 4 is also possible. In addition, the display device 1 can be formed such that items of information or virtual images are reflected via both spectacle lenses 3, 4. The reflection can take place such that a three-dimensional image impression results. However, this is not absolutely necessary.

(61) The spectacle lenses 3, 4 can have a refractive power of zero or a refractive power different from zero (in particular to correct vision defects). As is shown in the figures, both the front side 11 and the rear side 12 of the spectacle lens 3 are formed curved. In particular, the front side 11 can be spherically curved. If the spectacle lens has a refractive power different from zero, in order to correct defective vision, as a rule the curvature of the rear side 15 is chosen appropriately in order to achieve the appropriate correction. The rear side 15 can have a curvature which deviates from the spherical form.

(62) The holder 2 does not have to be formed as a spectacles-type holder. Any other type of holder with which the display device can be fitted or worn on the head of the user is also possible.

(63) While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and equivalent arrangements can be made thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, such scope to be accorded the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures and products. Moreover, features or aspects of various example embodiments may be mixed and matched (even if such combination is not explicitly described herein) without departing from the scope of the invention.