JPH08160340A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prevent the brightness of a see through image from fluctuating and to maintain the specific brightness, by controlling the transmission light quantity corresponding to the intensity of incident light from the outside, at the time of making a virtual image overlapping the outside image. CONSTITUTION: The prism block 1 is composed by joining the optical member 1-1 and 1-2, forming the joining surface 1-1a into a concave half mirror, and arranging the transmission light quantity control unit 4 held in contact with the plane part of the optical member 1-1. The transmissivity of the transmission light quantity control unit 4 composed of the photochromic glass or the like varies corresponding to the strength of the beam of light from the outside composing the see through image S, therefore, when the transmissivity of the transmission light quantity control unit 4 is reduced, the intensity of the incident light becomes large, and the incident light quantity to the pupil of the observer 5 is reduced. Moreover, when the intensity of the incident light is reduced, the transmissivity of the transmission light quantity control unit 4 is increased, and see through image S becomes bright. As a result, the ratio of brightness between the see through image S and the virtual image H of the display element 2 is maintained in nearly the specific ratio, thus the overlap display picture is made easy to see.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image observing apparatus, and in particular, an image displayed on an image display means (display element) is displayed as a virtual image in front of the observer via an optical means (optical system). Relates to an image observation apparatus in which a part of an image of the outside world observed forward is spatially overlapped and displayed so that both images are observed in the same observation visual field.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image observing apparatus for displaying an image displayed on a display element via an optical system so as to be spatially overlapped with an image of the outside world observed by an observer, FIG.
The structure shown in FIG. 110 in the figure
Is a display element, for example, a liquid crystal panel is used. 1
Reference numeral 11 denotes a display element observing lens (optical system), which reflects the image displayed on the display element 110 toward the eye of the observer 5 and forms a virtual image 114 of the image in front of the observer 5 by the lens action. To do. 112 is a half mirror.

The image displayed on the display element 110 is incident on the pupil of the observer 5 through the display element observation lens 111,
The virtual image 114 is observed by the observer 5. On the other hand, the observer 5 also observes the external image 115 through the half mirror 112. Therefore, the field of view seen by the observer 5 is as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, an external image 115 observed through the half mirror 112 and a virtual image 114 (H) of the display element 110 spatially overlapped and displayed on a part thereof.

[0004]

In the conventional image observing apparatus, when the image of the outside world (hereinafter referred to as see-through image S) is dark, the virtual image of the overlapping display element becomes relatively bright to the observer, On the other hand, when the see-through image S is bright, there is a problem that the virtual image H of the overlapping display elements becomes dark and is difficult to see.

According to the present invention, in an image observing apparatus for displaying a virtual image H of a display element on a part of a see-through image S in an overlapped manner, the see-through image S and a virtual image of a display element overlapped with the see-through image S under various conditions. An object of the present invention is to provide an image observing apparatus that enables both H to be satisfactorily observed.

In particular, in the present invention, (1-1) By using the transmitted light amount control means whose transmittance changes depending on the intensity of incident light from the outside world, fluctuations in the brightness of the see-through image S are suppressed, and the brightness is reduced. To provide an image observation device in which the image is kept substantially constant. (1-2) Provided is a transmitted light amount control means capable of electrically controlling the transmitted light amount, and using the output from the incident light amount detection means,
To provide an image observation apparatus in which the brightness of the see-through image S is kept constant by controlling the transmitted light amount control means, so that the state of the image that is easy to see is always maintained even if there is an external change. (1-3) The transmitted light amount control means is made to have at least two regions through which the light flux passes, and the transmittance of one of the overlap region and the non-overlap region of the virtual image of the display element is set to that region. The see-through image S and the see-through image S are obtained by setting the image in a state in which it is easy to see and configuring the other with a transmittance control element capable of electrically controlling the amount of transmitted light, and controlling the transmittance control element using the output from the incident light amount detection means. To provide an image observation device that keeps a state in which a virtual image H of a display element can be easily seen. (1-4) The transmitted light amount control means is divided into an overlap region and a non-overlap region of the virtual image H of the display element, and each region is constituted by a transmittance control element capable of electrically controlling the transmitted light amount, and each is individually To provide an image observing device that can obtain an easily viewable image by configuring so that the transmitted light amount is different. (1-5) The user of the image observing apparatus can display the virtual image H of the display element at a desired position in the visual field according to the situation, and the virtual image H of the display element displayed at the desired position is easy to see, and the see-through image S To provide an image observation apparatus capable of observing both of them with good brightness. (1-6) An image observation apparatus that adjusts the brightness of the see-through image S so that the brightness of the virtual image H of the display element and the brightness of the see-through image S are substantially equal to each other so that the brightness of the entire visual field is substantially uniform. To provide. With the goal.

[0007]

The image observation apparatus of the present invention includes (2-1) image display means for displaying an image, display control means for displaying the image on the image display means, and the image display means. Optical means for forming a virtual image of the displayed image,
Overlap means for overlappingly displaying the virtual image on a part of an image of the outside world observed by an observer and a light incident side from the outside of the overlap means are provided to control the amount of transmitted light according to the intensity of the incident light. It is characterized by having a transmitted light amount control means.

In particular, (2-1-1) the transmitted light amount control means has at least two regions through which a light beam passes,
One of the regions is a region through which a light flux reaching the observer's pupil from an image of the external field overlapping the virtual image is transmitted, and the transmittances of the two regions can be independently controlled. (2-1-2) The display control means displays an image in an arbitrary display area from a plurality of display areas forming the display surface of the image display means. And so on.

(2-2) Image display means for displaying an image, display control means for displaying the image on the image display means, and optical means for forming a virtual image of the image displayed on the image display means. , An overlap means for overlappingly displaying the virtual image on a part of the image of the outside world observed by an observer, an incident light amount detecting means for detecting the brightness of the outside world or an image of the outside world, and an outside world of the overlapping means. And a transmitted light amount control means for electrically controlling the transmittance provided on the light incident side, and controlling the transmittance of the transmitted light amount control means by using the output from the incident light amount detection means, etc. Is characterized by.

In particular, (2-2-1) the transmitted light amount control means has at least two regions through which a light beam passes, and one region thereof is from the external image overlapping with the virtual image to the observer's pupil. It is a region through which the reaching light flux is transmitted, and the two regions are constituted by a transmittance control element that can independently control the amount of transmitted light and can be electrically controlled. (2-2-2) The display control means displays an image in an arbitrary display area from a plurality of display areas forming the display surface of the image display means. (2-2-3) The incident light amount detecting means detects the brightness of the overlapped image portion which is overlapped and displayed and the brightness of the other image portion, and the transmitted light amount control means detects from the incident light amount detecting means. The brightness of the overlap video part and the brightness of the other video parts are controlled to be almost equal based on the signal of. And so on.

(2-3) Image display means for displaying an image, display control means for displaying the image on the image display means, and optical means for forming a virtual image of the image displayed on the image display means. , An overlap means for overlappingly displaying the virtual image on a part of the image of the outside world observed by an observer, an incident light amount detecting means for detecting the brightness of the outside world or an image of the outside world, and an outside world of the overlapping means. A transmitted light amount control means provided on the light incident side, the transmitted light amount control means having at least two regions through which the light flux passes,
One of the regions is a region through which the light flux reaching the observer's pupil from the external image that overlaps the virtual image is transmitted, and this region is composed of an optical member having a constant transmittance, and the other regions are transmitted. Is composed of an electrically controllable transmittance control element, and the transmittance of the transmittance control element is controlled by using the output from the incident light amount detection means.

In particular (2-3-1), the incident light amount detecting means detects the brightness of the overlapped image portion and the brightness of the other portion, and the transmitted light amount control means detects the incident light amount. It is characterized in that the brightness of the overlapping image part and the brightness of the other image parts are controlled to be substantially equal based on the signal from the light amount detecting means.

(2-4) Image display means for displaying an image, display control means for displaying the image on the image display means, and optical means for forming a virtual image of the image displayed on the image display means. , An overlap means for overlappingly displaying the virtual image on a part of the image of the outside world observed by an observer, an incident light amount detecting means for detecting the brightness of the outside world or an image of the outside world, and an outside world of the overlapping means. A transmitted light amount control means provided on the light incident side, the transmitted light amount control means having at least two regions through which the light flux passes,
One of the regions is a region through which the light flux reaching the observer's pupil from the external image overlapping the virtual image is transmitted, and this region is composed of a transmittance control element capable of electrically controlling the transmittance. The other regions are composed of an optical member having a constant transmittance, and the transmittance of the transmittance control element is controlled by using the output from the incident light amount detecting means.

In particular, (2-4-1) the incident light amount detecting means detects the brightness of the overlap-displayed overlapped image portion and the brightness of the other portion, and the transmitted light amount control means detects the brightness. It is characterized in that the brightness of the overlapping image part and the brightness of the other image parts are controlled to be substantially equal based on the signal from the incident light amount detecting means.

(2-5) image display means for displaying an image, and display control means for displaying an image in an arbitrary display area from a plurality of display areas forming the display surface of the image display means, Optical means for forming a virtual image of the image displayed on the image display means, overlap means for overlappingly displaying the virtual image on a part of the image of the outside world observed by an observer, and brightness of the outside world or the outside world image. Incident light amount detecting means for detecting the incident light, and transmitted light amount control means provided on the light incident side from the outside of the overlapping means, the transmitted light amount control means corresponding to a plurality of display regions forming the display surface. And a region that does not correspond to the display surface, and each region is configured so that the transmittance can be electrically controlled individually, and the virtual image is generated by using the output from the incident light amount detection means. From the image of the outside world that overlaps with It is characterized in that different amounts of transmitted light are controlled in a region through which a light flux reaching the observer's pupil is transmitted and other regions.

(2-6) The image displayed on the image display means is formed as a virtual image by the optical means by the signal from the display control means, and the virtual image is spatially formed on a part of the external image by the overlap means. When observing both of them in the same observation field by superimposing them, a transmitted light amount control means for controlling the brightness of at least a part of the region in the observation field in accordance with the intensity of incident light from the outside is provided in the observation optical path. The feature is that it is provided.

(2-6-1) In particular, the transmitted light amount control means is a light control glass whose transmittance changes depending on the intensity of incident light. (2-6-2) The transmitted light amount control means controls the transmitted light based on the signal from the incident light amount detection means for detecting the incident light from the outside. And so on.

[0018]

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1A is a schematic view of the essential portions of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a prism block, which joins the optical member 1-1 and the optical member 1-2 to each other, and the joining surface 1-1
Reference numeral a denotes a concave half mirror (50% reflectance, 50% transmittance). A display element (image display means) 2 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or a CRT. Reference numeral 3 is a display control means, which takes in a video signal and controls the display element 2 to display it as an image on its display surface. Four
1 is a transmitted light amount controller (transmitted light amount control means), and FIG.
(B) is the front view. This is made of, for example, so-called light control glass such as photochromic glass, and is arranged in contact with the plane portion of the optical member 1-1. The light control glass has a characteristic that the transmittance decreases in proportion to the intensity of light incident on it. In this embodiment, the effective surface of the transmitted light amount controller 4 corresponds to the observation visual field.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the display control means 3. This will be described. A video signal input from the outside is separated into a Y signal and a C signal by a Y / C separation circuit 301, the separated Y signal is sent to a sync separation circuit 303, and the sync signal is separated from the Y signal, and a timing control circuit is provided. Sent to 310. On the other hand, the Y signal from which the sync signal is extracted is sent to the matrix circuit 311.

On the other hand, the C signal separated by the Y / C separation circuit 301 is sent to the color demodulation circuit 302, and the RY and BY signals are demodulated and sent to the matrix circuit 311. The matrix circuit 311 generates R, G, and B signals from the input Y, RY, and BY, and sends them to the A / D converter 304. A
The respective signals that have undergone the / D conversion are stored in the field memory 305. The signal stored in the field memory 305 is
The signal is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 306, converted into a signal suitable for a display element by the signal processing circuit 307, and sent to the H-driver 308. Further, the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals for controlling the display are the timing control circuit 3
The image is displayed on the display element 2 by being sent to the H-driver 308 and the V-driver 309 from 10.

As a signal input to the display control means 3, Y
It is also possible to configure so as to correspond to the / C separation signal, the color difference signal, or the RGB signal.

The operation of this embodiment will be described. The light flux from the image displayed on the display element 2 by the display control means 3 passes through the surface 1-2a of the prism block 1 and the optical member 1-2.
To the surface 1-2b at an angle of incidence equal to or greater than the critical angle, and after being totally reflected there, the concave half mirror 1-1a.
Toward, and at the same time it is reflected here
A light beam that forms a virtual image H in front of the observer 5 becomes a surface 1-
2b, after passing through the surface 1-2b, enters the pupil of the observer 5. Then, the observer 5 observes the virtual image H of the image displayed on the display element 2 in a part of the front visual field as shown in FIG. This virtual image H will be referred to as "the virtual image H of the display element 2" hereinafter.
I will call it. In addition, the optical member 1-2 and the like are the display element 2
It constitutes an element of the optical means for forming a virtual image H of the image displayed on.

On the other hand, the luminous flux from the outside is controlled by the transmitted light amount controller 4
Through the concave half mirror 1-1a and then through the surface 1-2b to reach the pupil of the observer 5, and as a result, as shown in FIG. Image S of the outside world observed through 1 (hereinafter "
A virtual image H of the display element 2 is displayed in an overlapping manner in the see-through image S ″.

The concave half mirror 1-1a is an element of the overlapping means for displaying the virtual image of the image displayed on the display element 2 in a part of the see-through image in an overlapping manner.

In the conventional image observing apparatus, when the virtual image H of the display element 2 is overlap-displayed on the see-through image S by the display control means 3, the see-through image S is overlapped by the brightness of the see-through image S, that is, the brightness of the outside world. The appearance of the virtual image H of the display element 2 thus changed changes, which may be difficult for the observer 5 to see. For example, when the see-through image S (outside world) is bright, the virtual image H of the display element 2 looks dark,
Further, when the see-through image S (outside world) is dark, the virtual image H of the display element 2 becomes too bright.

In this embodiment, the above problem is solved by the transmitted light quantity controller 4 arranged on the incident side of the prism block 1. That is, the transmittance of the transmitted light amount controller 4 changes according to the intensity of light from the outside that constitutes the see-through image S. Therefore, when the intensity of incident light from the outside is high, the transmittance of the transmitted light amount controller 4 automatically decreases. As a result, the amount of light incident on the pupil is reduced, and the brightness ratio between the see-through image S and the virtual image H of the display element 2 is kept substantially constant. Further, when the intensity of the incident light from the outside is reduced, the transmittance of the transmitted light amount controller 4 is automatically increased, whereby the see-through image S becomes brighter and the see-through image S becomes brighter.
The brightness ratio of the virtual image H of the display element 2 is kept substantially constant, and the overlapping display screen is controlled so as to be easy to see. However, since there is a limit to the increase in transmittance, it is possible to control until the increase in transmittance reaches the limit. In other words, in this embodiment, even if the external brightness fluctuates within a certain range,
The visibility of the see-through image S and the virtual image H of the display element 2 is maintained by suppressing the variation in the brightness of the see-through image S and always keeping it substantially constant.

The transmitted light amount controller 4 may be composed of an element whose reflectance increases or decreases in proportion to the intensity of incident light.

In addition, the first embodiment achieves an image observation apparatus that keeps the brightness of the see-through image S substantially constant with an extremely simple structure.

The transmitted light amount controller 4 may be constructed by dividing the area through which the light beam passes into two areas as shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, a region 4a is a region where the observer's pupil observes the outside world in which the virtual image H of the display element 2 overlaps. Hereinafter, this area on the transmitted light amount controller 4 is referred to as an "overlap area", and the other area 4b is referred to as a "non-overlap area".

The overlap region 4a and the non-overlap region 4b are made of materials having different transmittances and reflectances. For example, the overlap region 4a is made of a material having a low transmittance, and the non-overlap region 4b is made of light control glass. Then, the virtual image H of the display element 2 in the overlap area 4a is displayed in an easy-to-see manner. In this way, in the non-overlap area 4b, the transmittance decreases when the outside world becomes bright, and the transmittance increases when the outside world becomes dark. As a result, the variation in the brightness of the see-through image S is suppressed, and the brightness is substantially constant. Kept in. The see-through image in the overlap area 4a changes according to the brightness of the outside world, but the change in brightness is small because the transmittance of this part is reduced. As a result, the virtual image H of the display element 2 is easy to see, and the brightness of the see-through image S does not change within a certain range. FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram of the visual field of this embodiment. Note that only the overlap region 4a may be made of a material having a transmittance of 0.

Further, when the display control means 3 displays an image on the display element 2, the display surface may be divided into a plurality of display areas and displayed in one of the display areas. With this configuration, the position of the virtual image H of the display element 2 that overlaps in the see-through image S can be set to an arbitrary position according to the external environment. For example, when the upper part is a very bright sky, the see-through image S is displayed. You can select the lower part of S and display it there to make it easier to see.

FIG. 4A is a schematic view of the essential portions of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figure, elements having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. The difference from the first embodiment is that the present embodiment is provided with an incident light amount detection means 6 for detecting the intensity of light transmitted from the outside or an image of the outside transmitted through the prism block 1, and the transmitted light amount controller 14 (transmitted light amount). The control means) is composed of a transmittance control element capable of electrically controlling the transmittance, for example, an electrochromic element or a liquid crystal element, and the transmitted light quantity controller 1 is based on a signal from the incident light quantity detecting means 6.
4 is that the transmittance is controlled. Other points are the same. Note that FIG. 4B is a front view of the transmitted light amount controller 14.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an essential part of the incident light amount detecting means 6. In the figure, reference numeral 501 denotes a light amount detecting element, which is composed of, for example, a silicon photodiode, and detects the brightness of the see-through image S. Reference numeral 502 is a current-voltage conversion circuit, 503 is an amplifier, and 504 is a drive circuit.

The operation of the incident light amount detecting means 6 will be described. The current-voltage conversion circuit 502 converts a current output according to the amount of light incident on the light amount detection element 501 into a voltage, the amplifier 503 amplifies the voltage, and the drive circuit 504 controls the transmitted light amount controller 14. Control.

That is, depending on the detection level of the light amount detecting element 501, for example, if the brightness of the see-through image S is bright, the transmittance of the entire transmitted light amount controller 14 is decreased, and if the brightness of the see-through image S is dark, the light is transmitted. The transmitted light amount controller 14 is controlled so as to increase the rate.

When the output from the light amount detecting element 501 reaches a predetermined value by a control circuit (not shown), the transmittance of the transmitted light amount controller 14 is held at that time. Thereby, the brightness of the see-through image S is always kept substantially constant.

The light amount detecting element 501 is made of silicon.
Not only the photodiode but also a PN junction type element such as CCD or a photoconductive type element such as CdS may be used.

The transmitted light amount controller 14 of this embodiment changes the transmittance of the see-through image S according to the brightness thereof. That is, when the see-through image S is bright, the transmittance of the transmitted light amount controller 14 decreases. As a result, the amount of light incident on the pupil is reduced, and the brightness ratio between the see-through image S and the virtual image H of the display element 2 is kept substantially constant. When the see-through image S is dark, the transmittance of the transmitted light amount controller 14 increases. As a result, the see-through image S becomes bright, and the brightness ratio between the see-through image S and the virtual image H of the display element 2 is kept substantially constant.
The overlapped screens are controlled so that they are easy to see. However, since there is a limit to the increase in transmittance, it is possible to control until the increase in transmittance reaches the limit. That is, in the present embodiment, the brightness of the see-through image S is always kept substantially constant within a certain range to maintain the visibility of both images.

The light amount detecting element 501 may be installed on the incident surface side of the transmitted light amount controller 14 as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4A to detect the brightness of the outside world. At this time, a control circuit (not shown) controls the transmitted light amount controller 14 with a predetermined drive voltage according to the output from the light amount detection element 501.

FIG. 6A is a schematic view of the essential portions of Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a control explanatory diagram of the incident light amount detection unit 6 and the transmitted light amount controller 24 (transmitted light amount control unit) according to the third embodiment. This embodiment is different from Embodiment 2 of FIG. 4 in that FIG.
As shown in (B), the transmitted light amount controller 24 is divided into an overlap region 4a and a non-overlap region 4b, and the overlap region 4a is made of a material having a constant transmittance (low transmittance, for example, 50%). , A transmittance control element capable of electrically controlling the transmittance of only the non-overlap region 4b,
For example, it is composed of an electrochromic element or a liquid crystal element, and the transmittance of only the non-overlap region 4b is controlled by a signal from the incident light amount detection means 6. Other points are the same.

In this embodiment, the transmittance of the overlap area 4a of the transmitted light quantity controller 24 is reduced to increase the brightness of the virtual image H of the display element 2 so that the image of the overlap area 4a becomes almost easy to see. Thus, the transmittance of the non-overlap region 4b is controlled according to the output from the incident light amount detection means 6.

When the output from the light amount detecting element 501 reaches a predetermined value by a control circuit (not shown), the transmittance of the transmitted light amount controller 24 is held at that time. Thereby, the brightness of the see-through image S is always kept substantially constant.

FIG. 6C is an explanatory view of the visual field of this embodiment. According to the present embodiment, when the see-through image S becomes bright, the amount of transmitted light in the non-overlap region 4b of the transmitted light amount controller 24 is controlled to decrease, and when the see-through image S becomes dark, the non-overlap region S is controlled. Control is performed so that the amount of transmitted light in the portion 4b increases. However, there is a certain limit to the increase in transmittance. On the other hand, the overlap area 4a
Although the brightness of the see-through image in the area changes with the change in the brightness of the outside world, since the transmittance is originally reduced, the change in the brightness of the see-through image in this area is small. That is, in this embodiment, the virtual image H of the display element 2 is
Brightness of the see-through image S is controlled to be substantially constant within a certain range by reducing the brightness difference between the virtual image H of the display element 2 and the see-through image S, and both images are easy to see. The state is maintained.

The overlap region 4a of the transmitted light amount controller 24 may be formed of a transmittance control element capable of electrically controlling the transmittance, for example, an electrochromic element or a liquid crystal element. In this case, a circuit for driving this may be provided separately, and the transmittance of the overlap region 4a may be set appropriately by this.

Further, in this case, the transmittance of the overlap region 4a is controlled according to the detection level of the incident light amount detecting means 6 so that the amount of transmitted light of the non-overlap region 4b becomes different from that of the overlap region 4a. You may control. For example, the transmittance of the overlap region 4a is related to the amount of incident light from the outside world and the transmittance of the non-overlap region 4b is changed.
Always set lower than the transmittance of. As a result, the brightness ratio between the virtual image H of the display element 2 and the see-through image S can be finely and appropriately set, and both images can be maintained in a state that is always easy to see.

FIG. 8A is a schematic view of the essential portions of Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Further, FIG. 9 shows the incident light amount detection means 6 of the fourth embodiment.
3 is a control explanatory diagram of a transmitted light amount controller 34. FIG. The present embodiment is different from the third embodiment in FIG. 6 in that the transmitted light amount controller 34 is divided into an overlap region 4a and a non-overlap region 4b, and in contrast to the third embodiment, the non-overlap region 4b has a transmittance. Incident light amount detecting means is composed of a material that does not change (for example, transmittance of 80%), and is composed of a transmittance control element capable of electrically controlling only the overlap region 4a, for example, an electrochromic element or a liquid crystal element. The point is that the transmittance of only the overlap region 4a is controlled by the signal from the control unit 6. Other points are the same.

In this embodiment, the transmittance of the overlap area 4a is controlled according to the output from the incident light amount detecting means 6 which detects the brightness of the see-through image S.

Then, the drive voltage of the transmitted light amount controller 34 is appropriately set according to the output from the light amount detecting element 501 by a control circuit (not shown). Thereby, the virtual image H of the display element 2 is always kept easy to see.

For example, when the see-through image S becomes bright, the amount of transmitted light in the overlap area 4a of the transmitted light amount controller 34 is controlled to decrease, so that the brightness of the see-through image S in this portion does not change.
Further, when the see-through image S becomes dark, the amount of transmitted light in the overlap area 4a is controlled to increase, so that the brightness of the see-through image S in this portion does not change, and the virtual image H of the display element 2 is changed. Maintain legibility. However, there is a limit to the increase in the transmittance of the overlap region 4a.

That is, in this embodiment, the brightness of the see-through image S in the portion overlapping the virtual image H of the display element 2 is controlled, and even if the brightness of the see-through image S changes within a certain range, the virtual image H of the display element 2 is changed. It gives an easy-to-see image in which the brightness of the part does not change.

Further, as mentioned in the second embodiment, the light quantity detecting element 501 may be installed on the incident surface side of the transmitted light quantity controller 34.

FIG. 10A is a schematic view of the essential portions of Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Further, FIG. 11 shows the display control means 3 of the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a main part of an incident light amount detection means 46 and a transmitted light amount controller 44 (transmitted light amount control means). The present embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that a screen configuration to be displayed on the display element 2 can be selected and that the transmitted light amount controller 44 can be controlled by selecting a region. In FIG. 10, elements having the same functions as those in the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. In the case of the present embodiment, the display control means 3 selects an arbitrary partial screen Di from among a plurality of partial screens (display areas) D1 to D9 (FIG. 10 (B), FIG. 11) constituting the screen of the display element 2. Select and display the image only in that part. The transmitted light amount controller 44 is also shown in FIG.
(C), a plurality of partial overlap areas C1 to C9 corresponding to a plurality of partial screens of the display element 2 as shown in FIG.
And other areas, and these areas are configured so that the transmittance can be electrically controlled individually. That is, the transmitted light amount controller 44 is entirely composed of, for example, an electrochromic element, a liquid crystal element, or the like.

Then, in accordance with the selected and displayed partial screen Di in the screen of the display element 2, the transmitted light amount controller 44 causes the area other than the corresponding partial overlap area Ci (= 4a), that is, the non-overlap area 4b. Only light amount detection means 4
The transmittance is controlled according to the detection level of 6.

The operation of this embodiment will be described. In FIG. 11, a video signal input from the outside is a Y / C separation circuit 301.
Is separated into a Y signal and a C signal, and the separated Y signal is
The sync signal is sent to the sync separation circuit 303, and the sync signal is separated from the Y signal and sent to the timing control circuit 310.
On the other hand, the Y signal from which the sync signal is extracted is sent to the matrix circuit 311.

On the other hand, the C signal separated by the Y / C separation circuit 301 is sent to the color demodulation circuit 302, and the RY and BY signals are demodulated and sent to the matrix circuit 311. In the matrix 311, the input Y, R-Y, and B-Y are converted into R,
G and B signals are generated and sent to the A / D converter 304. A / D
Each converted signal is stored in the field memory 305. The signal stored in the field memory 305 is D /
The signal is converted into an analog signal by the A converter 306, converted into a signal suitable for a display element by the signal processing circuit 307, and converted into an H signal.
-Sent to driver 308. Further, the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals for controlling the display are the timing control circuit 310.
The image is sent to the H-driver 308 and the V-driver 309, and an image is displayed on the display element (liquid crystal panel) 2.

At this time, the timing control circuit 31
0 is a field memory 305, a D / A converter 306,
Alternatively, the H-driver 308 and the V-driver 309 are controlled to display the partial screen Di smaller than the normal display screen size 2a on the display element 2. For example, in order to display a screen of 1/9 of the normal display size in the center of the screen, the video stored in the field memory 305 is appropriately thinned out horizontally and vertically, and the video is vertically and horizontally ⅓ screen. It should be controlled so that it is displayed. In this way, the screen of the display element 2 is divided so that an image can be displayed on any of a plurality of partial screens (display areas) D1 to D9 arranged in a predetermined manner.

On the other hand, the current output according to the amount of light incident on the light amount detecting element 501 is converted into a voltage by the current-voltage conversion circuit 502, the amplifier 503 amplifies the voltage, and the drive circuit 504 transmits the transmitted light amount. A drive signal is obtained which controls the controller 44. The drive signal is input to the selector 505,
Information on which partial screen of the display element 2 is displayed is obtained from the timing control circuit 310, a drive signal is supplied to a region other than the corresponding partial overlap region Ci, that is, the non-overlap region 4b, and the transmitted light amount controller 44 is supplied. To control.

For example, if an image is displayed on the partial screen (display area) D4 of the display element 2, the transmittance of the overlap area C4 (= 4a) corresponding to the partial screen D4 is lowered (for example, 50% to 0%) Virtual image H of display element 2
Set so that the overlapped image of the part of is almost easy to see. Then, according to the change in the brightness of the see-through image S (outside world), a control signal is supplied to the area other than C4, that is, the non-overlap area 4b to control the amount of transmitted light.

When the output from the light amount detecting element 501 reaches a predetermined value by a control circuit (not shown), the transmittance of the transmitted light amount controller 44 is held at that time. Thereby, the brightness of the see-through image S is always kept substantially constant within a certain range.

For example, when the see-through image S (outside world) becomes bright, the amount of transmitted light in the non-overlap area 4b is reduced to control the see-through image S to be dark, and the brightness of the see-through image S is kept substantially constant. When the see-through image S becomes dark, the amount of transmitted light in the non-overlap region 4b is increased to control the see-through image S to be bright, and the brightness of the see-through image S is kept substantially constant. However, since there is a limit to the increase in transmittance, control is performed until the increase in transmittance reaches the limit.

The overlap area 4a may also be changed according to the brightness of the outside world.

According to the present invention, by selecting a partial screen constituting the screen of the display element 2 in accordance with the external situation,
The see-through image and the virtual image H of the display element 2 displayed at an arbitrary position, in which the image of the partial screen can be displayed at an arbitrary position in the see-through image S and the brightness of the see-through image S is kept substantially constant, , Both of which are easy to see.

The light amount detecting element 501 may be installed on the incident surface side of the transmitted light amount controller 44. At this time, a control circuit (not shown) controls the transmitted light amount controller 44 with a predetermined drive voltage according to the output from the light amount detection element 501.

On the contrary, the drive signal may be supplied only to the partial overlap region Ci (= 4a) to control the transmitted light amount of that portion.

For example, if an image is displayed on the partial screen D4 of the display element 2, the transmittance of the area other than the overlap area C4 (= 4a) corresponding to the partial screen D4, that is, the non-overlap area 4b is reduced. Then, the brightness of the see-through image S is slightly lowered and the image is set to be almost easy to see. Then, a control signal is supplied to the overlap region C4 (= 4a) according to the change in the brightness of the see-through image S (outside world) to control the amount of transmitted light.

When the see-through image S (outside world) becomes bright, the amount of transmitted light in the overlap region C4 is reduced to make the brightness of the virtual image H of the display element 2 relatively bright so that it is easy to see. Further, when the see-through image S (outside world) becomes dark, the amount of transmitted light in the overlap region C4 is increased to relatively darken the brightness of the virtual image H of the display element 2 to make it easier to see. However, there is a limit to increase the amount of transmitted light.

FIG. 12A is a schematic view of the essential portions of Embodiment 6 of the present invention. Example 6 is different from Example 2 in that
The incident light amount detection means 26 of the sixth embodiment includes two incident light amount detection units 16-a and 16-b, and the incident light amount comparison controller 1.
It is composed of 7 points. FIG. 12B is a view of the arrangement of the two light amount detection elements 501-a and 501-b from the observer side. Two incident light amount detection units 16-
a and 16-b detect the brightness of the see-through image S (non-overlap region 4b) and the virtual image H (overlap region 4a) of the display element 2, respectively. The front view of the transmitted light quantity controller 54 (transmitted light quantity control means) is shown in FIG. 12C. The entire area is divided into the overlap area 4a and the non-overlap area 4b, and the overlap area 4a is constant. A material having a transmittance (low transmittance, eg, 50%) is used, and only the non-overlap region 4b is composed of a transmittance control element capable of electrically controlling the transmittance, for example, an electrochromic element or a liquid crystal element. There is.

FIG. 13 shows the incident light amount detecting means 26 of the sixth embodiment.
FIG. Reference numerals 501a and 501b denote light amount detection elements, which are composed of, for example, silicon photodiodes and are arranged so as to correspond to the overlap region 4a and the non-overlap region 4b, respectively, as shown in FIG.

The incident light amount comparison controller 17 compares the outputs from the two incident light amount detection units 16-a and 16-b and sets the non-overlap region 4b so that the detection levels of the two incident light amount detection units become substantially equal. Control the transmittance of.

The operation of the sixth embodiment will be described. The current output according to the amount of light incident on the two light amount detection elements 501-a and 501-b is the current-voltage conversion circuit 502-.
a, 502-b is converted into a voltage, and an amplifier 503-a,
The signal is amplified by 503-b and input to the microcomputer 507 through the A / D converter 506. The microcomputer 507 outputs a signal for controlling the non-overlap region 4b to the D / A conversion 508 so that the levels of the two become substantially equal, and controls the transmitted light amount controller 54 through the drive circuit 504.

The light amount detecting elements 501-a and 501-
If the output from b has a predetermined relationship, the microcomputer 507 holds the transmittance of the transmitted light amount controller 54 at that time.

According to the present invention, the brightness of the portion of the virtual image H of the display element 2 which is overlapped regardless of the change in the brightness of the outside world and the brightness of the see-through image S are substantially equal to each other, so that both images are easy to see. Is obtained. However, also in this case, there is a limit to increase the transmittance of the overlap region 4a.

Further, the transmitted light amount controller 54 is divided into an overlap region 4a and a non-overlap region 4b, and contrary to the sixth embodiment, the non-overlap region 4b is made of a material having a constant transmittance (low transmittance). Composing and overlapping area 4a
For example, if only the overlap region 4a is controlled by the signal from the incident light quantity comparator 17, the light quantity of both is controlled to be substantially equal. good. In this case, the brightness of the see-through image S in the non-overlap area 4b varies depending on the brightness of the outside world, but within a certain range, the virtual image H portion of the display element 2 in the overlap area 4a has the brightness of the see-through image S. The brightness is controlled to be almost the same as. Therefore, both images can be easily viewed.

[0074]

According to the present invention, the brightness of the see-through image S is controlled by using the transmitted light amount controller whose transmittance changes according to the intensity of the incident light. If the fluctuation of is suppressed, the brightness is kept substantially constant. As a result, the virtual image H of the display element 2 to be overlapped when the external environment is bright appears dark, or the virtual image H of the display element 2 that is overlapped when the external environment is dark.
Can be prevented from appearing unnecessarily bright.

Further, since the transmitted light amount controller is constituted by an element whose transmittance or reflectance changes according to the intensity of incident light, that is, a so-called passively changed amount of transmitted light, the image observation apparatus has a simple structure. . (3-2) In the second embodiment, a see-through image S is provided by providing a transmitted light amount controller capable of electrically controlling the transmitted light amount and controlling the transmitted light amount controller using the output from the incident light amount detecting means. To prevent the overlapped virtual image H of the display element 2 from appearing dark due to the light and darkness of the outside world or appearing unnecessarily bright. (3-3) In the third and fourth embodiments, the transmittance of one of the overlapping area 4a and the non-overlapping area 4b of the transmitted light amount controller is set so that the image in that area is easy to see, and the other is electrically set. The see-through image S can be obtained by controlling the transmitted light amount controller by using the output from the incident light amount detecting means, which is composed of a transmittance control element capable of controlling the transmitted light amount.
Also, the virtual image H of the display element 2 is kept in a state where it is easy to see. (3-4) In the third and fourth embodiments, the transmitted light amount controller is divided into the overlap region 4a and the non-overlap region 4b, and the transmittance control elements can electrically control the transmitted light amount. The see-through image S and the virtual image H of the display element 2 are kept in a state where they are easy to see. (3-5) In the fifth embodiment, the user of the image observation apparatus can display the virtual image H of the display element 2 at a desired position in the visual field according to the situation, and the virtual image of the display element 2 displayed at the desired position. H is easy to see, the brightness of the see-through image S is substantially constant, and both images are kept in an easy-to-see state. (3-6) In the sixth embodiment, the brightness of the see-through image S is adjusted so that the brightness of the virtual image H of the display element 2 and the brightness of the see-through image are substantially equal, and the brightness of the entire visual field is substantially uniform. The display is easy to see with less fatigue. An image observation device that achieves the effects described above has been achieved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention (A) A schematic diagram of a main part (B) A front view of a transmitted light amount controller 4 (C) An explanatory view of a visual field

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of display control means 3 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram in which the transmitted light amount controller 4 of the first embodiment is configured by being divided into two parts. (A) A front view of the transmitted light amount controller 4 (B) An explanatory view of a field of view

4A and 4B are explanatory views of a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a schematic view of a main part. FIG. 4B is a front view of a transmitted light amount controller 14. FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a main part of an incident light amount detection unit according to a second embodiment.

6A and 6B are explanatory views of a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a schematic view of main parts. FIG. 6B is a front view of the transmitted light amount controller 24. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a control explanatory view of an incident light amount detection unit and a transmitted light amount controller according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of Embodiment 4 of the present invention (A) A schematic diagram of a main part (B) A front view of a transmitted light amount controller 34 (C) An explanatory view of a visual field

FIG. 9 is a control explanatory view of an incident light amount detection unit and a transmitted light amount controller according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a fifth embodiment of the present invention (A) Schematic diagram of main parts (B) Division of display screen (plurality of display regions) (C) Front view of transmitted light amount controller 44 (D) Description of field of view Figure

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a main part of a display control unit, an incident light amount detection unit, and a transmitted light amount controller according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of Embodiment 6 of the present invention. (A) Schematic diagram of essential parts (B) Layout diagram of light amount detection element (C) Front view of transmitted light amount controller 54 (D) Field explanatory view

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a main part of an incident light amount detection means 26 according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 14: Conventional example of image observation apparatus (A) Schematic diagram of main parts (B) Explanatory diagram of visual field

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Prism block 1-1, 1-2 Optical member 2 Display element 3 Display control means 4, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54 Transmitted light amount controller 4a Overlap area 4b Non-overlap area 5 Observer 6, 26, 46 Incident light amount detection means 16-a, 16-b Incident light amount detection unit 17 Incident light amount comparator H Virtual image of display element 2 S See-through image 501 Light amount detection element 502 Current-voltage converter 503 Amplifier 504 Driving circuit

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image display unit for displaying an image, a display control unit for displaying the image on the image display unit, an optical unit for forming a virtual image of the image displayed on the image display unit, and an observation of the virtual image. Overlap means for displaying an overlap on a part of the image of the outside world observed by a person, and transmitted light amount control means for controlling the amount of transmitted light according to the intensity of the incident light, provided on the light incident side from the outside of the overlap means. An image observing apparatus comprising: 2. The transmitted light amount control means has at least two regions through which a light beam passes, and one region of the regions is a region through which a light beam reaching an observer's pupil from an external image overlapping the virtual image is transmitted. The image observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmittances of the two regions can be independently controlled. 3. The image observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays an image in an arbitrary display region from a plurality of display regions forming a display surface of the image display unit. . 4. An image display unit for displaying an image, a display control unit for displaying the image on the image display unit, an optical unit for forming a virtual image of the image displayed on the image display unit, and an observation of the virtual image. Overlap means for overlapping display on a part of the external image observed by a person, and incident light amount detection means for detecting the brightness of the external image or the external image,
Provided on the light incident side from the outside of the overlapping means,
An image observation apparatus comprising: a transmitted light amount control means for electrically controlling the transmittance, and controlling the transmittance of the transmitted light amount control means by using an output from the incident light amount detection means. 5. The transmitted light amount control means has at least two regions through which a light beam passes, and one of the regions is a region through which a light beam reaching an observer's pupil from an external image overlapping the virtual image is transmitted. The image observing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the two regions are constituted by a transmittance control element in which the amount of transmitted light is independent and electrically controllable. 6. The image observation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display control means displays an image in an arbitrary display area from a plurality of display areas forming a display surface of the image display means. . 7. The incident light amount detecting means detects the brightness of the overlapped image portion and the brightness of the other image portion which are overlapped and displayed, and the transmitted light amount control means receives the signal from the incident light amount detecting means. 6. The image observation apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the brightness of the overlap video part and the brightness of the other video parts are controlled to be substantially equal based on the above. 8. An image display unit for displaying an image, a display control unit for displaying the image on the image display unit, an optical unit for forming a virtual image of the image displayed on the image display unit, and an observation of the virtual image. Overlap means for overlapping display on a part of the external image observed by a person, and incident light amount detection means for detecting the brightness of the external image or the external image,
And a transmitted light amount control means provided on the light incident side from the outside of the overlap means, the transmitted light amount control means having at least two regions through which a light beam passes, and one region thereof is the virtual image. Is a region through which the light flux reaching the observer's pupil passes from the image of the outside world that overlaps with this region, and this region is composed of an optical member with a constant transmittance,
The other area is composed of a transmittance control element capable of electrically controlling the transmittance, and the transmittance of the transmittance control element is controlled by using the output from the incident light amount detecting means. Image observation device. 9. The incident light amount detecting means detects the brightness of the overlapped image portion which is overlap-displayed and the brightness of other portions, and the transmitted light amount control means outputs the signal from the incident light amount detecting means. 9. The image observing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the brightness of the overlapping video part and the brightness of the other video part are controlled to be substantially equal based on the above. 10. An image display unit for displaying an image, a display control unit for displaying the image on the image display unit, an optical unit for forming a virtual image of the image displayed on the image display unit, and an observation of the virtual image. Overlap means for overlapping display on a part of the external image observed by a person, and incident light amount detection means for detecting the brightness of the external image or the external image,
And a transmitted light quantity control means provided on the light incident side from the outside of the overlap means, the transmitted light quantity control means having at least two regions through which a light beam passes, and one region thereof is the virtual image. The area where the light flux reaching the observer's pupil is transmitted from the external image that overlaps with this area is composed of a transmittance control element that can electrically control the transmittance. An image observing apparatus comprising an optical member, wherein the transmittance of the transmittance control element is controlled by using an output from the incident light amount detecting means. 11. The incident light amount detecting means detects the brightness of an overlapped image portion which is overlap-displayed and the brightness of other portions, and the transmitted light amount control means receives a signal from the incident light amount detecting means. 11. The image observing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the brightness of the overlapping video part and the brightness of the other video part are controlled to be substantially equal based on the above. 12. An image display means for displaying an image, a display control means for displaying an image in an arbitrary display area among a plurality of display areas forming a display surface of the image display means, and the image display means. Optical means for forming a virtual image of the displayed image, overlap means for overlappingly displaying the virtual image on a part of the image of the outside world observed by an observer, and the amount of incident light for detecting the brightness of the outside world or the image of the outside world. Detection means,
And a transmitted light amount control unit provided on the light incident side from the outside of the overlap unit, wherein the transmitted light amount control unit does not correspond to a plurality of display regions forming the display surface and to the display surface. Each region is configured so that the transmittance can be electrically controlled individually, and by using the output from the incident light amount detection means, an image of an observer can be seen from an external image that overlaps the virtual image. An image observation apparatus characterized in that different amounts of transmitted light are controlled in a region through which a light flux reaching the pupil is transmitted and in other regions. 13. An image displayed on the image display means is formed as a virtual image by the optical means in response to a signal from the display control means,
When the virtual image is spatially superimposed on a part of the image of the outside world by the overlapping means and both are observed in the same observation field of view, the brightness of at least a part of the area of the observation field of view is incident from the outside world. An image observation apparatus characterized in that a transmitted light amount control means for controlling according to the intensity of light is provided in an observation optical path. 14. The image observation apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the transmitted light amount control means is a light control glass whose transmittance changes depending on the intensity of incident light. 15. The image observation apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the transmitted light amount control means controls the transmitted light on the basis of a signal from an incident light amount detection means for detecting incident light from the outside.