U.S. patent application number 17/223591 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-22 for optical unit and display device.
This patent application is currently assigned to SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Takeshi KOSHIHARA.
Application Number | 20210226173 17/223591 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005496991 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210226173 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOSHIHARA; Takeshi |
July 22, 2021 |
OPTICAL UNIT AND DISPLAY DEVICE
Abstract
Provided are an optical unit and a display device being able to
inhibit unwanted light, which is generated when a dichroic mirror
transmits part of color light to be reflected, from being emitted
from an emission surface of a dichroic prism. In the optical unit,
color filters (a first color filter, a second color filter, and a
third color filter) are provided between a dichroic prism and a
first panel, a second panel, and a third panel, the color filters
selectively transmitting light of wavelengths incident on the
dichroic prism from each of the panels. Further, an optical
resonator, which has a resonance wavelength corresponding to a
wavelength range of image light incident on the dichroic prism from
each of the panels, is provided on the first panel, the second
panel, and the third panel.
Inventors: |
KOSHIHARA; Takeshi;
(Matsumoto-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000005496991 |
Appl. No.: |
17/223591 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16365251 |
Mar 26, 2019 |
|
|
|
17223591 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B 33/12 20130101;
H01L 27/3276 20130101; G09G 3/3233 20130101; H01L 51/5012 20130101;
G02B 2027/0114 20130101; G02B 27/149 20130101; H01L 2251/558
20130101; H01L 27/3258 20130101; G09G 2300/0842 20130101; G02B
27/0172 20130101; H01L 51/5234 20130101; G02B 27/142 20130101; G02B
5/22 20130101; H01L 25/105 20130101; G09G 2300/0861 20130101; H01L
51/5281 20130101; H01L 2251/5315 20130101; G03B 35/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01L 51/52 20060101
H01L051/52; G02B 27/01 20060101 G02B027/01; G02B 27/14 20060101
G02B027/14; G03B 33/12 20060101 G03B033/12; H01L 25/10 20060101
H01L025/10; H01L 27/32 20060101 H01L027/32; H01L 51/50 20060101
H01L051/50; G09G 3/3233 20060101 G09G003/3233; G02B 5/22 20060101
G02B005/22; G03B 35/00 20060101 G03B035/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 27, 2018 |
JP |
2018-059467 |
Claims
1. An optical unit comprising: a dichroic prism which includes a
first incident surface, a second incident surface facing the first
incident surface, a third incident surface provided between the
first incident surface and the second incident surface, an emission
surface facing the third incident surface, a first dichroic mirror
configured to reflect light incident from the first incident
surface toward the emission surface and transmit light incident
from the second incident surface and the third incident surface,
and a second dichroic mirror configured to reflect light incident
from the second incident surface toward the emission surface and
transmit light incident from the first incident surface and the
third incident surface; a first panel which includes a first
light-emitting element in a first display region, image light
emitted from the first display region being incident, as first
image light of a first wavelength range, on one of the incident
surfaces, among the first incident surface, the second incident
surface, and the third incident surface; a second panel which
includes a second light-emitting element in a second display
region, image light emitted from the second display region being
incident, as second image light of a second wavelength range, on
another incident surface that is different to the one of the
incident surfaces, among the first incident surface, the second
incident surface, and the third incident surface; a third panel
which includes a third light-emitting element in a third display
region, image light emitted from the third display region being
incident, as third image light of a third wavelength range, on
remaining one of the incident surfaces that is different to the one
of the incident surfaces and the other of the incident surfaces,
among the first incident surface, the second incident surface, and
the third incident surface, wherein a first color filter that
selectively transmits light of the first wavelength range is
provided between the first light-emitting element and the dichroic
prism.
2. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the first panel
is provided with a first optical resonator having a resonance
wavelength corresponding to the first wavelength range.
3. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the first color
filter and the first panel are integrally provided.
4. The optical unit according to claim 3, wherein the first panel
includes a cover substrate fixed on the dichroic prism side of the
first light-emitting element, and the first color filter is
provided on the cover substrate.
5. The optical unit according to claim 3, wherein the first panel
includes a coloring layer that colors the light emitted from the
first light-emitting element to be the light of the first
wavelength range.
6. The optical unit according to claim 3, wherein the first color
filter is provided as a coloring layer that colors the light
emitted from the first light-emitting element to be the light of
the wavelength range.
7. The optical unit according to claim 3, wherein the first panel
includes a cover substrate fixed by an adhesive layer, on the
dichroic prism side of the first light-emitting element, and the
first color filter is configured by the adhesive layer.
8. The optical unit according to claim 3, wherein the first panel
includes a cover substrate fixed on the dichroic prism side of the
first light-emitting element, and the first color filter is
configured by the cover substrate.
9. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the first color
filter is provided between the first panel and the dichroic
prism.
10. The optical unit according to claim 9, comprising: an adhesive
layer that fixes the first panel to the dichroic prism, wherein the
first color filter is configured by the adhesive layer.
11. The optical unit according to claim 9, wherein the first color
filter is laminated over the dichroic prism.
12. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein a second color
filter that selectively transmits light of the second wavelength
range is provided between the second light-emitting element and the
dichroic prism.
13. The optical unit according to claim 12, wherein the second
panel is provided with a second optical resonator having a
resonance wavelength corresponding to the second wavelength
range.
14. The optical unit according to claim 12, wherein a third color
filter that selectively transmits light of the third wavelength
range is provided between the third light-emitting element and the
dichroic prism.
15. The optical unit according to claim 14, wherein the third panel
is provided with a third optical resonator having a resonance
wavelength corresponding to the third wavelength range.
16. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the first color
filter is light absorbent.
17. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the first color
filter is provided in a region through which, among luminous fluxes
of image light emitted toward the dichroic prism from the first
display region, an effective luminous flux corresponding to a
luminous flux emitted from the emission surface passes.
18. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the first color
filter is provided in a region through which, among luminous fluxes
of image light emitted toward the dichroic prism from the first
display region, an effective luminous flux used in display of an
image passes.
19. A display device provided with the optical unit according to
claim 1, wherein the display device is configured to display an
image using synthesized light of the first image light, the second
image light, and the third image light emitted from the emission
surface of the dichroic prism.
20. The display device according to claim 19, comprising: a virtual
display unit configured to display a virtual image using the
synthesized light.
21. The display device according to claim 19, comprising: a
projection optical system configured to project the synthesized
light.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/365,251, filed Mar. 26, 2019, which claims
priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-059467, filed Mar.
27, 2018. The disclosure of the prior applications is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0002] The invention relates to an optical unit using a panel
provided with a light emitting element, and a display device.
2. Related Art
[0003] As an optical unit using a panel provided with a light
emitting element, and a display device, a mode is conceivable in
which three organic electroluminescent panels emitting light of
each color are arranged facing three incident surfaces of a
dichroic prism. With this optical unit and display device, while
red image light emitted from a red color organic electroluminescent
panel is reflected by a first dichroic mirror toward an emission
surface, the first dichroic mirror transmits blue image light
emitted from a blue color organic electroluminescent panel and
green image light emitted from a green color organic
electroluminescent panel. Further, while the blue image light
emitted from the blue color organic electroluminescent panel is
reflected by a second dichroic mirror toward an emission surface,
the second dichroic mirror transmits the red image light emitted
from the red color organic electroluminescent panel and the green
image light emitted from the green color organic electroluminescent
panel. Thus, synthesized light that is a synthesis of the images of
the red light, the green light, and the blue light is emitted from
the emission surfaces of the dichroic prism, and a color image can
thus be displayed (refer to JP-A-11-67448).
[0004] In the dichroic prism, while part of the color light that
should be reflected passes through the dichroic mirror, some of the
color light that should pass through is reflected by the dichroic
mirror, and this results in the occurrence of unwanted light. When
this type of unwanted light is reflected again by the organic
electroluminescent panel, is incident on the dichroic prism, and is
emitted from the emission surface, this may cause problems of
ghosting and a deterioration in contrast.
SUMMARY
[0005] In light of the foregoing, an object of the invention is to
provide an optical unit and a display device capable of inhibiting
unwanted light, which is generated as a result of a part of color
light to be reflected passing through a dichroic mirror, for
example, from being emitted from an emission surface of a dichroic
prism.
[0006] In order to solve the above-described problem, an optical
unit according to an aspect of the invention includes a dichroic
prism which includes a first incident surface, a second incident
surface facing the first incident surface, a third incident surface
provided between the first incident surface and the second incident
surface, an emission surface facing the third incident surface, a
first dichroic mirror configured to reflect light incident from the
first incident surface toward the emission surface and transmit
light incident from the second incident surface and the third
incident surface, and a second dichroic mirror configured to
reflect light incident from the second incident surface toward the
emission surface and transmit light incident from the first
incident surface and the third incident surface. The optical unit
also includes a first panel which is provided with a first
light-emitting element in a first display region, image light
emitted from the first display region being incident, as first
image light of a first wavelength range, on one of the incident
surfaces, among the first incident surface, the second incident
surface, and the third incident surface, a second panel which is
provided with a second light-emitting element in a second display
region, image light emitted from the second display region being
incident, as second image light of a second wavelength range, on
another of the incident surfaces that is different to the one of
the incident surfaces, among the first incident surface, the second
incident surface, and the third incident surface, and a third panel
which is provided with a third light-emitting element in a third
display region, image light emitted from the third display region
being incident, as third image light of a third wavelength range,
on remaining one of the incident surfaces that is different to the
one of the incident surfaces and the other of the incident
surfaces, among the first incident surface, the second incident
surface, and the third incident surface. A first color filter that
selectively transmits light of the first wavelength range is
provided between the first light-emitting element and the dichroic
prism.
[0007] According to the aspect of the invention, the first color
filter that selectively transmits image light of the wavelength
range that is incident on the dichroic prism from the first panel
is provided between the dichroic prism and the first light-emitting
element. Thus, even when unwanted light is generated due to a part
of light of a second wavelength range or a third wavelength range
that should be reflected passing through the dichroic mirror, or
due to a part of the light of the second wavelength range or the
third wavelength range that should pass through being reflected by
the dichroic mirror, the unwanted light is blocked by the first
color filter. As a result, it is possible to suppress the unwanted
light from being reflected by the first panel and being emitted
from the emission surface of the dichroic prism.
[0008] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which the first panel includes a first optical resonator having a
resonance wavelength corresponding to the first wavelength range.
According to this aspect, even when part of the unwanted light of
the second wavelength range or the third wavelength range passes
through the first color filter, the unwanted light can be
attenuated by the first optical resonator. As a result, it is
possible to suppress the unwanted light from being reflected by the
panel and being emitted from the emission surface of the dichroic
prism.
[0009] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which the first color filter and the first panel are integrally
provided.
[0010] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which the first panel includes a cover substrate fixed on the
dichroic prism side of the first light-emitting element, and the
first color filter is provided on the cover substrate.
[0011] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which the first panel includes a coloring layer that colors the
light emitted from the first light-emitting element to be the light
of the first wavelength range.
[0012] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which the first color filter is provided as the coloring layer that
colors the light emitted from the first light-emitting element to
be the light of the first wavelength range.
[0013] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which the first panel includes a cover substrate fixed by an
adhesive layer, on the dichroic prism side of the first
light-emitting element, and the first color filter is configured by
the adhesive layer.
[0014] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which the first panel includes a cover substrate fixed on the
dichroic prism side of the first light-emitting element, and the
first color filter is configured by the cover substrate.
[0015] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which the first color filter is provided between the first panel
and the dichroic prism.
[0016] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which the optical unit includes an adhesive layer that fixes the
first panel to the dichroic prism, and the first color filter is
configured by the adhesive layer.
[0017] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which the first color filter is laminated over the dichroic
prism.
[0018] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which a second color filter that selectively transmits light of the
second wavelength range is provided between the second
light-emitting element and the dichroic prism.
[0019] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which the second panel is provided with a second optical resonator
having a resonance wavelength corresponding to the second
wavelength range.
[0020] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which a third color filter that selectively transmits light of the
third wavelength range is provided between the third light-emitting
element and the dichroic prism.
[0021] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which the third panel includes a third optical resonator having a
resonance wavelength corresponding to the third wavelength
range.
[0022] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which the first color filter is light-absorbent.
[0023] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which, the first color filter is provided in a region through
which, among luminous fluxes of image light emitted toward the
dichroic prism from the first display region, an effective luminous
flux corresponding to a luminous flux emitted from the emission
surface passes.
[0024] According to the invention, an aspect can be adopted in
which, the first color filter is provided in a region through
which, among luminous fluxes of image light emitted toward the
dichroic prism from the first display region, an effective luminous
flux used in display of an image passes.
[0025] According to a display device provided with the optical unit
to which the invention is applied, the display device displays an
image using synthesized light of the first image light, the second
image light, and the third image light emitted from the emission
surface of the dichroic prism.
[0026] According to a display device according to the invention, an
aspect can be adopted in which the display device includes a
virtual display unit configured to display a virtual image using
the synthesized light.
[0027] According to the display device according to the invention,
an aspect can be adopted in which the display device includes a
projection optical system configured to project the synthesized
light.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The invention will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like
elements.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an optical unit according to First
Exemplary Embodiment of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating
transmittance-wavelength characteristics of a first coloring layer
and the like illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a spectrum of
first image light and the like illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating transmittance-wavelength
characteristics of a first dichroic mirror illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating transmittance-wavelength
characteristics of a second dichroic mirror illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0034] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical
configuration of a first panel illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of each of pixels (pixel
circuits) in a first display region illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first panel
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a second panel
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a third panel
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating effects and
the like of a color filter illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0040] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first
example of a forming range of the color filter in the optical unit
to which the invention is applied.
[0041] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second
example of the forming range of the color filter in the optical
unit to which the invention is applied.
[0042] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the optical unit according to
Second Exemplary Embodiment of the invention.
[0043] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the optical unit according to
Third Exemplary Embodiment of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 16 is a plan view of the optical unit according to
Fourth Exemplary Embodiment of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the optical unit according to
Fifth Exemplary Embodiment of the invention.
[0046] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a head-mounted display
device.
[0047] FIG. 19 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a
configuration of an optical system of a display unit illustrated in
FIG. 18.
[0048] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating optical paths
of the optical system illustrated in FIG. 19.
[0049] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a projection-type
display device.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0050] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described.
Note that in the drawings referred to in the description below, to
illustrate each layer or each member at a recognizable size on the
drawings, the number and scale of each layer or each member are
differentiated.
First Exemplary Embodiment
Overall Configuration
[0051] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an optical unit 1 according to
First Exemplary Embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is an
explanatory diagram illustrating transmittance-wavelength
characteristics of a first coloring layer 81(R) and the like
illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram
illustrating a spectrum of first image light LR and the like
illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the optical unit 1
includes a first panel 10 provided with a plurality of first
light-emitting elements 15 in a first display region 111 that is a
display region of a first substrate 11, a second panel 20 provided
with a plurality of second light-emitting elements 25 in a second
display region 211 that is a display region of a second substrate
21, a third panel 30 provided with a plurality of third
light-emitting elements 35 in a display region 311 that is a
display region of a third substrate 31, and a dichroic prism
50.
[0052] Image light emitted from the first panel 10 is incident on
the dichroic prism 50 as the first image light LR of a first
wavelength range. Image light emitted from the second panel 20 is
incident on the dichroic prism 50 as second image light LB of a
second wavelength range. Image light emitted from the third panel
30 is incident on the dichroic prism 50 as third image light LG of
a third wavelength range. In the exemplary embodiment, the first
panel 10 emits the first image light LR of the first wavelength
range from the first display region 111. The second panel 20 emits
the second image light LB of the second wavelength range from the
second display region 211. The third panel 30 emits third image
light LG of a third wavelength range from the third display region
311. In the exemplary embodiment, the first wavelength range is
from 620 nm to 750 nm, for example, and the first panel 10 emits
the red color first image light LR. The second wavelength range is
from 450 nm to 495 nm, for example, and the second panel 20 emits
the blue color second image light LB. The third wavelength range is
from 495 nm to 570 nm, for example, and the third panel 30 emits
the green color third image light LG. In the exemplary embodiment,
the first image light LR, the second image light LB, and the third
image light LG are non-polarized light. However, the first image
light LR, the second image light LB, and the third image light LG
may be polarized light.
[0053] In the exemplary embodiment, as white light is emitted from
the plurality of first light-emitting elements 15 provided in the
first display region 111, in the first substrate 11, the first
panel 10 is provided with, on the dichroic prism 50 side of the
first light-emitting elements 15, a first coloring layer 81(R) that
colors the image light, emitted from the first light-emitting
elements 15, to be the first image light LR of the first wavelength
range. As white light is emitted from the plurality of second
light-emitting elements 25 provided in the second display region
211, in the second substrate 21, the second panel 20 is provided
with, on the dichroic prism 50 side of the second light-emitting
elements 25, a second coloring layer 81(B) that colors the image
light emitted from the second light-emitting elements 25 to be the
second image light LB of the second wavelength range. As white
light is emitted from the plurality of third light-emitting
elements 35 provided in the third display region 311, in the third
substrate 31, the third panel 30 is provided with, on the dichroic
prism 50 side of the third light-emitting elements 35, a third
coloring layer 81(G) that colors the image light emitted from the
third light-emitting elements 35 to be the third image light LG of
the third wavelength range. In the exemplary embodiment, the first
light-emitting elements 15, the second light-emitting elements 25,
and the third light-emitting elements 35 are all the organic
electroluminescent elements.
[0054] In the exemplary embodiment, the first coloring layer 81(R)
has the transmittance-wavelength characteristics indicated by a
dashed line P81(R) in FIG. 2, and is a light-absorbing filter layer
that absorbs light other than the red light. The second coloring
layer 81(B) has the transmittance-wavelength characteristics
indicated by a one-dot chain line P81(B) in FIG. 2, and is a light
absorbing filter layer that absorbs light other than the blue
light. The third coloring layer 81(G) has the
transmittance-wavelength characteristics indicated by a two-dot
chain line P81(G) in FIG. 2, and is a light absorbing filter layer
that absorbs light other than the green light. Thus, the first
image light LR has a spectrum indicated by a dashed line LR in FIG.
3, the second image light LB has a spectrum indicated by a one-dot
chain line LB in FIG. 3, and the third image light LG has a
spectrum indicated by a two-dot chain line LG in FIG. 3.
[0055] The dichroic prism 50 includes a first incident surface 51,
a second incident surface 52 that faces the first incident surface
51, a third incident surface 53 that is provided between the first
incident surface 51 and the second incident surface 52, and an
emission surface 54 that faces the third incident surface 53. The
first panel 10, the second panel 20, and the third panel 30 are
arranged so as to face the first incident surface 51, the second
incident surface 52, and the third incident surface 53,
respectively. For example, the first panel 10 is arranged so as to
face the first incident surface 51, and the image light emitted
from the first panel 10 is incident on the first incident surface
51 as the first image light LR of the first wavelength range. The
second panel 20 is arranged so as to face the second incident
surface 52, and the image light emitted from the second panel 20 is
incident on the second incident surface 52 as the second image
light LB of the second wavelength range. The third panel 30 is
arranged so as to face the third incident surface 53, and the image
light emitted from the third panel 30 is incident on the third
incident surface 53 as the third image light LG of the third
wavelength range. In the exemplary embodiment, the first incident
surface 51 and the first panel 10 are fixed by a transmissive
adhesive layer 19, the second incident surface 52 and the second
panel 20 are fixed by a transmissive adhesive layer 29, and the
third incident surface 53 and the third panel 30 are fixed by a
transmissive adhesive layer 39.
[0056] The dichroic prism 50 includes a first dichroic mirror 56,
and a second dichroic mirror 57 that are arranged so as to
intersect each other at a 45 degree angle.
[0057] Optical Characteristics of Dichroic Prism 50
[0058] FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating transmittance-wavelength
characteristics of the first dichroic mirror 56 illustrated in FIG.
1. FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating transmittance-wavelength
characteristics of the second dichroic mirror 57 illustrated in
FIG. 1.
[0059] As indicated by a solid line La45 in FIG. 4, with regard to
light that is incident at the 45 degree angle, the first dichroic
mirror 56 transmits the light having a wavelength of 550 nm or less
and reflects the light having a wavelength of 600 nm or greater.
Further, with regard to the light having a wavelength from 550 nm
to 600 nm, the longer the wavelength, the lower the transmittance.
Thus, the first dichroic mirror 56 reflects the first image light
LR toward the emission surface 54 and transmits the second image
light LB and the third image light LG.
[0060] As indicated by a solid line Lb45 in FIG. 5, with regard to
light that is incident at the 45 degree angle, the second dichroic
mirror 57 transmits the light having a wavelength of 520 nm or
greater and reflects the light having a wavelength of 490 nm or
less. Further, with regard to the light having a wavelength from
490 nm to 520 nm, the longer the wavelength, the greater the
transmittance. Thus, the second dichroic mirror 57 reflects the
second image light LB toward the emission surface 54 and transmits
the first image light LR and the third image light LG. Thus, the
dichroic prism 50 emits, from the emission surface 54, a color
image obtained by synthesizing the first image light LR emitted
from the first panel 10, the second image light LB emitted from the
second panel 20, and the third image light LG emitted from the
third panel 30.
[0061] Note that the transmittance and the reflectance of the first
dichroic mirror 56 are incident angle dependent. For example, with
respect to the first dichroic mirror 56, as indicated by a dashed
line La38 in FIG. 4, the wavelength range of transmission shifts
more to the long wavelength side when the incident angle is 38
degrees than when the incident angle is 45 degrees, and as
indicated by a one-dot chain line La52 in FIG. 4, the wavelength
range of transmission shifts more to the short wavelength side when
the incident angle is 52 degrees than when the incident angle is 45
degrees. Note that, similar to the first dichroic mirror 56, the
transmittance and the reflectance of the second dichroic mirror 57
are incident angle dependent. For example, for the second dichroic
mirror 57, as indicated by a dashed line Lb38 in FIG. 5, the
wavelength range of transmission shifts more to the long wavelength
side when the incident angle is 38 degrees than when the incident
angle is 45 degrees, and as indicated by a one-dot chain line Lb52
in FIG. 5, the wavelength range of transmission shifts more to the
short wavelength side when the incident angle is 52 degrees than
when the incident angle is 45 degrees.
[0062] Electrical Configuration of First Panel 10
[0063] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical
configuration of the first panel 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 7
is a circuit diagram of each of pixels (pixel circuits) in the
first display region 111 illustrated in FIG. 6. Note that, in the
following explanation, an "upper layer side" and an "upper surface"
refer to an opposite side to the first substrate 11.
[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the first panel 10, the first
display region 111, a peripheral region 112, and a mounting region
113 are provided on one surface of the first substrate 11. In the
exemplary embodiment, the first substrate 11 is a silicon
semiconductor substrate or the like. In the first substrate 11, the
first display region 111 is a rectangular region in which a
plurality of pixels P are arrayed. A plurality of scanning lines 62
that extend in an X direction, a plurality of control lines 64 that
extend in the X direction in corresponding to each of the scanning
lines 62, and a plurality of signal lines 61 that extend in a Y
direction intersecting the X direction are formed in the first
display region 111. The pixels P are formed corresponding to each
intersection of the plurality of scanning lines 62 and the
plurality of signal lines 61. Thus, the plurality of pixels P are
arrayed in a matrix over the X direction and the Y direction.
[0065] The peripheral region 112 is a rectangular frame-shaped
region that surrounds the periphery of the first display region
111. A drive circuit 41 is provided in the peripheral region 112.
The drive circuit 41 is a circuit that drives each of the pixels P
inside the first display region 111, and is configured so as to
include two scanning line drive circuits 42 and a signal line drive
circuit 44. The first panel 10 of the exemplary embodiment is a
circuit incorporating display device in which the drive circuit 41
is configured by active elements, such as a transistor, formed
directly on the surface of the first substrate 11.
[0066] The mounting region 113 is a region on the opposite side of
the first display region 111 with the peripheral region 112
positioned therebetween, and a plurality of mounting terminals 47
are arrayed in the mounting region 113. Control signals and a power
supply potential are supplied to each of the mounting terminals 47
from various external circuits such as a control circuit and a
power supply circuit, which are not illustrated. The external
circuits are mounted on a flexible circuit board, which is not
illustrated, this flexible circuit board being bonded to the
mounting region 113, for example.
[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the pixel P is configured so as to
include the first light-emitting element 15, a drive transistor
TDR, a light emission control transistor TEL, a selection
transistor TSL, and a capacitative element C. Note that, in FIG. 7,
each of the transistors T (TDR, TEL, and TSL) of the pixel P, are
p-channel type transistors, but n-channel type transistors can also
be used.
[0068] The first light-emitting element 15 is an electro-optical
element in which a light-emitting functional layer 46 that includes
a light-emitting layer of an organic EL material is interposed
between a first electrode E1 (a positive electrode) and a second
electrode E2 (a negative electrode). The first electrode E1 is
formed individually for each of the pixels P, and the second
electrode E2 is continuous across the plurality of pixels P. The
first light-emitting element 15 is arranged on a current path that
couples a first power supply conductor 48 and a second power supply
conductor 49. The first power supply conductor 48 is a power supply
line to which a higher-side power supply potential (a first
potential) VEL is supplied, and the second power supply conductor
49 is a power supply line to which a lower-side power supply
potential (a second potential) VCT is supplied.
[0069] The drive transistor TDR and the light emission control
transistor TEL are arranged on the current path, which couples the
first power supply conductor 48 and the second power supply
conductor 49, in series with the first light-emitting element 15.
Specifically, one (the source) of a pair of current terminals of
the drive transistor TDR is coupled to the first power supply
conductor 48. The light emission control transistor TEL functions
as a switch that controls a conductive state
(conductive/non-conductive) between the other (the drain) of the
pair of current terminals of the drive transistor TDR, and the
first electrode E1 of the first light-emitting element 15. The
drive transistor TDR generates a drive current of an amperage
corresponding to a voltage between a gate and the source of the
drive transistor TDR. In a state in which the light emission
control transistor TEL is controlled to be ON, the drive current is
supplied from the drive transistor TDR to the first light-emitting
element 15 via the light emission control transistor TEL, and the
light-emitting element 15 thus emits light at a luminance
corresponding to the amperage of the drive current. In a state in
which the light emission control transistor TEL is controlled to be
OFF, the supply of the drive current to the first light-emitting
element 15 is cut off, and the light-emitting element 15 is thus
extinguished. A gate of the light emission control transistor TEL
is coupled to the control line 64.
[0070] The selection transistor TSL functions as a switch that
controls a conductive state (conductive/non-conductive) between the
signal line 61 and the gate of the drive transistor TDR. A gate of
the selection transistor TSL is coupled to the scanning line 62.
Further, the capacitative element C is an electrostatic capacitance
with a dielectric substance interposed between a first electrode C1
and a second electrode C2. The first electrode C1 is coupled to the
gate of the drive transistor TDR, and the second electrode C2 is
coupled to the first power supply conductor 48 (the source of the
drive transistor TDR). Thus, the capacitative element C holds the
voltage between the gate and source of the drive transistor
TDR.
[0071] The signal line drive circuit 44 supplies a grayscale
potential (a data signal) depending on a grayscale specified for
each of the pixels P by an image signal supplied from an external
circuit, to the plurality of signal lines 61, in parallel, for each
write period (horizontal scanning period). Meanwhile, by supplying
a scanning signal to each of the scanning lines 62, each of the
scanning line drive circuits 42 sequentially selects each of the
plurality of scanning lines 62 for each write period. The selection
transistor TSL of each of the pixels P corresponding to the
scanning line 62 selected by the scanning line drive circuits 42
switches to an ON state. Thus, the grayscale potential is supplied
to the gate of the drive transistor TDR of each of the pixels P,
via the signal line 61 and the selection transistor TSL, and the
voltage according to the grayscale potential is held in the
capacitative element C. Meanwhile, when the selection of the
scanning lines 62 in the write period ends, each of the scanning
line drive circuits 42 supplies a control signal to each of the
control lines 64, thus controlling the light emission control
transistor TEL of each of the pixels P corresponding to the control
lines 64 to be in an ON state. Thus, a drive current that accords
with the voltage held in the capacitative element C in the
immediately preceding write period is supplied to the first
light-emitting element 15 from the drive transistor TDR via the
light emission control transistor TEL. In this way, the first
light-emitting element 15 emits light at a luminance that accords
with the grayscale potential. As a result, the desired first image
light LR specified by the image signal is emitted from the first
display region 111.
[0072] Cross-sectional Configuration of First Panel 10
[0073] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first panel 10
illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a transistor
active region 40 (a source/drain region) for, for example, the
selection transistor TSL of the pixel P, is formed on the first
substrate 11, and the upper surface of the active region 40 is
covered by an insulating film B0 (a gate insulating film). A gate
electrode G is formed on the upper surface of the insulating film
B0. A multilayer wiring layer, in which a plurality of insulating
layers BA to BE and a plurality of wiring layers WA to WE are
alternately laminated, is formed on the upper layer side of the
gate electrode G. Each of the wiring layers is formed of a
low-resistance conductive material that contains aluminum, silver,
or the like. The wiring layer WA that includes the scanning lines
62 and the like illustrated in FIG. 7 is formed on the upper
surface of the insulating film BA. The wiring layer WB that
includes the signal lines 61, the first electrodes C1 and the like
illustrated in FIG. 7 is formed on the upper layer of the
insulating layer BB. The wiring layer WC that includes the second
electrodes C2 and the like illustrated in FIG. 7 is formed on the
surface layer of the insulating layer BC. The wiring layer WD that
includes the first power supply conductors 48 and the like
illustrated in FIG. 7 is formed on the surface layer of the
insulating layer BD. The wiring layer WE that includes wiring 69,
wiring 67 and the like is formed on the upper layer of the
insulating layer BE.
[0074] An optical path adjusting layer 60 is formed on the upper
layer of the insulating layer BE. The optical path adjusting layer
60 is an element used to set a resonance wavelength of an optical
resonator 16 (a first optical resonator) to a red wavelength, and
is formed of a light-transmissive insulating material of silicon
nitride, silicon oxide or the like. Specifically, by appropriately
adjusting an optical path length dR (an optical distance) between
the first power supply conductor 48 and the second electrode E2
that configure the optical resonator 16, in accordance with a film
thickness of the optical path adjusting layer 60, the resonance
wavelength is set with respect to the light emitted from the first
panel 10. In the exemplary embodiment, since the red first image
light LR is emitted from the first panel 10, the optical path
length of the optical resonator 16 is set to a value appropriate
for the first image light LR. Thus, the optical resonator 16
generally has the same transmittance-wavelength characteristics
(refer to FIG. 2) as the first coloring layer 81(R) illustrated in
FIG. 1.
[0075] The first electrode E1 is formed on the upper surface of the
optical path adjusting layer 60, for each of the pixels P in the
first display region 111. The first electrode E1 is formed of a
light-transmissive conductive material, such as indium tin oxide
(ITO), for example. An insulating pixel defining layer 65 is formed
around the first electrode E1. The light-emitting functional layer
46 is formed on the upper surface of the first electrode E1. The
light-emitting functional layer 46 is configured to contain the
light-emitting layer formed of the organic EL material, and
irradiates white light as a result of the supply of current. A
transport layer or an injection layer of electrons or positive
holes supplied to the light-emitting layer may be provided in the
light-emitting functional layer 46. The light-emitting functional
layer 46 is formed continuously over the plurality of pixels P in
the first display region 111.
[0076] The second electrode E2 is formed on the upper layer of the
light-emitting functional layer 46, over the entire area of the
first display region 111, and, of the light-emitting functional
layer 46, a region (a light-emitting region sandwiched between the
first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 emits light. The
second electrode E2 transmits some of the light that has reached
it, and also functions as a semitransparent reflection layer that
reflects back the rest of the light. For example, by forming a
photoreflective conductive material, such as an alloy containing
silver or magnesium, into a sufficiently thin film, the
semitransparent reflective electrode E2 is formed. The radiated
light from the light-emitting functional layer 46 reciprocates
between the first power supply conductor 48 and the second
electrode E2, and components of a particular resonance wavelength
are selectively amplified. Then, the reciprocating light passes
through the second electrode E2 and is emitted to an observation
side (the opposite side to the first substrate 11). In other words,
the optical resonator 16 is formed that causes the light emitted
from the light-emitting functional layer 46 to resonate between the
first power supply conductor 48 that functions as the reflection
layer and the second electrode E2 that functions as the
semitransparent reflection layer.
[0077] Here, in the peripheral region 112, the wirings 66, 67, 68,
69, and the like are formed in the same layers as the conductive
layers formed in the first display region 111, and the wirings 66,
67, 68, and 69 are electrically coupled via contact holes of the
insulating layers formed between the wirings, for example.
[0078] A sealing body 70 is formed on the upper layer side of the
second electrode E2, over the entire area of the first substrate
11. The sealing body 70 is a light-transmissive film body that
seals each of the elements formed on the first substrate 11 and
prevents the infiltration of outside air and moisture, and is
configured by a laminated film of a first sealing layer 71, a
second sealing layer 72, and a third sealing layer 73, for example.
The third sealing layer 73 is formed on the upper layer of the
second electrode E2 and is in direct contact with the upper surface
of the second electrode E2. The third sealing layer 73 is an
insulating inorganic material such as a silicon compound
(typically, silicon nitride or silicon oxide), for example. The
first sealing layer 71 functions as a flattening film that buries
level differences of the surface of the second electrode E2 and the
third sealing layer 73. The first sealing layer 71 is formed of a
light-transmissive organic materials, such as an epoxy resin, for
example. The second sealing layer 72 is formed over the entire area
of the first substrate 11. The second sealing layer 72 is formed of
a silicon nitride compound, a silicon oxide compound, or the like,
for example, which offer excellent water-resistant and
heat-resistant properties.
[0079] The first coloring layer 81(R) is formed on the upper
surface of the sealing body 70 (the second sealing layer 72), over
the entire region or substantially the entire region of the first
display region 111 and the peripheral region 112. The first
coloring layer 81(R) transmits the red light of the first
wavelength range. Further, in the first panel 10, a transmissive
cover substrate 18 is fixed by an adhesive layer 17 on the opposite
side of the first coloring layer 81(R) to the first substrate 11
(i.e., on the dichroic prism 50 side).
[0080] Configurations of Second Panel 20 and Third Panel 30
[0081] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the second panel 20
illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the
third panel 30 illustrated in FIG. 1. Similar to the first panel
10, the second panel 20 and the third panel 30 illustrated in FIG.
1 have the electrical configuration explained with reference to
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, and the second light-emitting elements 25 and
the third light-emitting elements 35 are formed in place of the
first light-emitting elements 15.
[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 9, in the second panel 20, in place
of the first coloring layer 81(R) explained with reference to FIG.
8, the second coloring layer 81(B) is formed over the entire region
or substantially the entire region of the second display region 211
and the peripheral region 212, and the second coloring layer 81(B)
transmits the blue light of the second wavelength range. Further,
the film thickness of the optical path adjusting layer 60
illustrated in FIG. 9 is adjusted to correspond to the wavelength
of the blue second image light LB emitted from the second panel 20,
and an optical path length dB (the optical distance) between the
first power supply conductor 48 and the second electrode E2 that
configure an optical resonator 26 (a second optical resonator) is
optimized. Thus, the optical resonator 26 generally has the same
transmittance-wavelength characteristics (refer to FIG. 2) as the
second coloring layer 81(B) illustrated in FIG. 1. Further, in the
second panel 20, a transmissive cover substrate 28 is fixed by an
adhesive layer 27 on the opposite side of the second coloring layer
81(B) to the second substrate 21 (i.e., on the dichroic prism 50
side).
[0083] As illustrated in FIG. 10, in the third panel 30, in place
of the first coloring layer 81(R) explained with reference to FIG.
8, the third coloring layer 81(G) is formed over the entire region
or substantially the entire region of the display region 311 and
the peripheral region 312, and the third coloring layer 81(G)
transmits the green light of the third wavelength range. Further,
the film thickness of the optical path adjusting layer 60
illustrated in FIG. 10 is adjusted to correspond to the wavelength
of the green third image light LG emitted from the third panel 30,
and an optical path length dG (the optical distance) between the
first power supply conductor 48 and the second electrode E2 that
configure an optical resonator 36 (a third optical resonator) is
optimized. Thus, the optical resonator 36 generally has the same
transmittance-wavelength characteristics (refer to FIG. 2) as the
third coloring layer 81(G) illustrated in FIG. 1. Further, in the
third panel 30, a transmissive cover substrate 38 is fixed by an
adhesive layer 37 with respect to the third coloring layer 81(G),
on the opposite side to the third substrate 31 (the side of the
dichroic prism 50).
[0084] Configuration of Color Filter 80
[0085] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating effects and
the like of a color filter 80 illustrated in FIG. 1. Returning once
again to FIG. 1, the optical unit 1 of the exemplary embodiment
uses the light (the first image light LR, the second image light
LB, and the third image light LG) emitted from the light-emitting
elements (the first light-emitting elements 15, the second
light-emitting elements 25, and the third light-emitting elements
35), such as the organic electroluminescent elements. Thus, the
first image light LR, the second image light LB, and the third
image light LG include the oblique light that is significantly
inclined with respect to the device optical axis. Further, the
dichroic mirrors (the first dichroic mirror 56 and the second
dichroic mirror 57) of the dichroic prism 50 do not have 100%
transmittance or reflectance. Further, the dichroic mirrors (the
first dichroic mirror 56 and the second dichroic mirror 57) of the
dichroic prism 50 have incident angle dependence. Thus, in the
dichroic prism 50, while some of the color light that should be
reflected passes through the dichroic mirrors, some of the color
light to pass through is reflected by the dichroic mirrors, and
unwanted light may be generated.
[0086] Here, in the optical unit 1 of the exemplary embodiment,
between any one of the light-emitting elements among the first
light-emitting elements 15, the second light-emitting elements 25,
and the third light-emitting elements 35, and the dichroic prism
50, the color filter 80 is provided, and the color filter 80 that
selectively transmits the image light of the wavelength range
incident on the dichroic prism 50 from the panels is provided.
[0087] In the exemplary embodiment, the color filters 80 are
provided between the display region and the dichroic prism 50 in
all of the first panel 10, the second panel 20, and the third panel
30. Specifically, the color filters 80 are provided as a first
color filter 82(R) between the first light-emitting elements 15 and
the dichroic prism 50, as a second color filter 82(B) between the
second light-emitting elements 25 and the dichroic prism 50, and as
a third color filter 82(G) between the third light-emitting
elements 35 and the dichroic prism 50. Here, the first color filter
82(R) is a light-absorbent filter layer configured from the same
material as that of the first coloring layer 81(R), and has the
transmittance-wavelength characteristics indicated by the dashed
line P81(R) in FIG. 2. The second color filter 82(B) is a
light-absorbent filter layer configured from the same material as
that of the second coloring layer 81(B), and has the
transmittance-wavelength characteristics indicated by the one-dot
chain line P81(B) in
[0088] FIG. 2. The third color filter 82(G) is a light-absorbent
filter layer configured from the same material as that of the third
coloring layer 81(G), and has the transmittance-wavelength
characteristics indicated by the two-dot chain line P81(G) in FIG.
2.
[0089] In realizing the above-described configuration, the first
color filter 82(R) is configured integrally with the first panel
10, the second color filter 82(B) is configured integrally with the
second panel 20, and the third color filter 82(G) is configured
integrally with the third panel 30. More specifically, the first
color filter 82(R) is formed on the cover substrate 18, the second
color filter 82(B) is formed on the cover substrate 28, and the
third color filter 82(G) is formed on the cover substrate 38. In
FIG. 1, a mode is illustrated in which the first color filter
82(R), the second color filter 82(B), and the third color filter
82(G) are formed on surfaces of the cover substrates 18, 28, and 38
on the dichroic prism 50 side. However, a mode may be adopted in
which the first color filter 82(R), the second color filter 82(B),
and the third color filter 82(G) are formed on surfaces of the
cover substrates 18, 28, and 38 on the opposite side to the
dichroic prism 50.
[0090] In the optical unit 1 configured in this way, as illustrated
in FIG. 11, even when, in the dichroic prism 50, part of the color
light that should be reflected has passed through the dichroic
mirrors (the first dichroic mirror 56 and the second dichroic
mirror 57) as the unwanted light, or when part of the color light
that should be allowed to pass through is reflected by the dichroic
mirrors (the first dichroic mirror 56 and the second dichroic
mirror 57) and the unwanted light is generated, this unwanted light
is absorbed by the color filter 80 provided on the other panels. As
a result, it is possible to suppress the unwanted light from being
emitted from the emission surface 54 of the dichroic prism 50, and
thus, when the optical unit 1 is used in a display device to be
described later, it is possible to suppress the generation of
ghosting or a deterioration in contrast caused by the unwanted
light.
[0091] For example, even when a part of the second image light LB
emitted from the second panel 20 is not reflected by the second
dichroic mirror 57 and advances toward the first panel 10, this
unwanted light is absorbed by the first color filter 82(R) provided
between the dichroic prism 50 and the first panel 10. Further, even
when a part of the third image light LG emitted from the third
panel 30 does not pass through the second dichroic mirror 57 and is
reflected, this unwanted light is absorbed by the first color
filter 82(R) provided between the dichroic prism 50 and the first
panel 10.
[0092] Further, in the exemplary embodiment, as described with
reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10, the optical resonators
16, 26, and 36 are formed on the first panel 10, the second panel
20, and the third panel 30. Thus, even when part of the unwanted
light passes through the color filter 80, this light is attenuated
in the optical resonators 16, 26, and 36, and is not easily emitted
from the first panel 10, the second panel 20, and the third panel
30. As a result, it is possible to suppress the unwanted light from
being emitted from the emission surface 54 of the dichroic prism
50, and thus, when the optical unit 1 is used in the display device
to be described later, it is possible to suppress the generation of
ghosting or the deterioration in contrast caused by the unwanted
light.
[0093] Configuration of Color Filter 80
[0094] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first
example of a forming range of the color filter 80 in the optical
unit 1 to which the invention is applied. FIG. 13 is an explanatory
diagram illustrating a second example of the forming range of the
color filter 80 in the optical unit 1 to which the invention is
applied. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 12, and when explained taking
the third image light LG emitted from the third panel 30 as an
example, the color filter 80 is preferably provided at least in a
region, through which an effective luminous flux L0 corresponding
to a luminous flux emitted from the emission surface 54 passes, of
a luminous flux of the third image light LG emitted toward the
dichroic prism 50 from the third display region 311 of the third
substrate 31.
[0095] For example, when an angle between a ray of light positioned
at the end of the effective luminous flux L0 and a normal line with
respect to the third incident surface 53 is .theta., a distance in
the direction of the normal line with respect to the third incident
surface 53 from the third light-emitting element 35 to the surface
of the color filter 80 on the dichroic prism 50 side is d, and an
interval between an edge of the color filter 80, when seen from the
direction of the normal line with respect to the third incident
surface 53, and the third light-emitting element 35 positioned on
an end portion of the third display region 311 is Ga, the angle
.theta., the distance d, and the interval Ga preferably satisfy the
following condition.
Ga>d*tan .theta.
[0096] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the color filter 80 is
preferably provided at least in a region, through which the
effective luminous flux L0 that is used in the display of the image
passes, of the luminous flux emitted from the emission surface 54.
For example, the angle .theta. between the ray of light positioned
at the end of the effective luminous flux L0 and the normal line
with respect to the third incident surface 53, the distance d in
the direction of the normal line with respect to the third incident
surface 53 from the third light-emitting element 35 to the surface
of the color filter 80 on the dichroic prism 50 side, and the
interval Ga between the color filter 80, when seen from the
direction of the normal line with respect to the third incident
surface 53, and the third light-emitting element 35 positioned on
the end portion of the third display region 311 preferably satisfy
the following condition.
Ga>d*tan .theta.
Second Exemplary Embodiment
[0097] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the optical unit 1 according to
Second Exemplary Embodiment of the invention. Note that the basic
configuration of this exemplary embodiment and exemplary
embodiments to be described later is the same as the configuration
of First Exemplary Embodiment, and thus common portions have the
same reference symbols and a description of the common portions
will be omitted.
[0098] In First Exemplary Embodiment, both the coloring layer and
the color filter are provided on each one of the panels, but in
this exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the coloring
layer of First Exemplary Embodiment is used as the color filter.
Thus, the color filter and the coloring layer are formed as a
single layer. More specifically, in the first panel 10, the light
emitted from the plurality of first light-emitting elements 15 is
colored by the first color filter 82(R) that also serves as the
first coloring layer 81(R), and is incident on the dichroic prism
50 as the first image light LR of the first wavelength range. In
the second panel 20, the light emitted from the plurality of second
light-emitting elements 25 is colored by the second color filter
82(B) that also serves as the second coloring layer 81(B), and is
incident on the dichroic prism 50 as the second image light LB of
the second wavelength range. In the third panel 30, the light
emitted from the plurality of third light-emitting elements 35 is
colored by the third color filter 82(G) that also serves as the
third coloring layer 81(G), and is incident on the dichroic prism
50 as the third image light LG of the third wavelength range.
Third Exemplary Embodiment
[0099] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the optical unit 1 according to
Third Exemplary Embodiment of the invention. In Second Exemplary
Embodiment, the coloring layer of First Exemplary Embodiment is
used as the color filter, but in this exemplary embodiment, as
illustrated in FIG. 15, the coloring layer is configured by the
color filter of First Exemplary Embodiment. More specifically, in
the first panel 10, the light emitted from the plurality of first
light-emitting elements 15 is colored by the first color filter
82(R), and is incident on the dichroic prism 50 as the first image
light LR of the first wavelength range. In the second panel 20, the
light emitted from the plurality of second light-emitting elements
25 is colored by the second color filter 82(B), and is incident on
the dichroic prism 50 as the second image light LB of the second
wavelength range. In the third panel 30, the light emitted from the
plurality of third light-emitting elements 35 is colored by the
third color filter 82(G), and is incident on the dichroic prism 50
as the third image light LG of the third wavelength range.
Fourth Exemplary Embodiment
[0100] FIG. 16 is a plan view of the optical unit 1 according to
Fourth Exemplary Embodiment of the invention. In this exemplary
embodiment, a color filter is provided between each of the panels
and the dichroic prism 50. More specifically, as illustrated in
FIG. 16, the first color filter 82(R) is configured by the adhesive
layer 19 that bonds the first panel 10 and the dichroic prism 50
together, the second color filter 82(B) is configured by the
adhesive layer 29 that bonds the second panel 20 and the dichroic
prism 50 together, and the third color filter 82(G) is configured
by the adhesive layer 39 that bonds the third panel 30 and the
dichroic prism 50 together.
MODIFIED EXAMPLE OF FOURTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
[0101] As a mode in which the color filter is provided between the
panels and the dichroic prism 50, although not illustrated in the
drawings, the color filters (the first color filter 82(R), the
second color filter 82(B), and the third color filter 82(G)) may be
laminated on the dichroic prism 50.
[0102] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the optical unit 1 according to
Fifth Exemplary Embodiment of the invention. In this exemplary
embodiment, the cover substrate 18 is adhered to a surface of the
first panel 10 on the dichroic prism 50 side, by the adhesive layer
17, and the first color filter 82(R) is configured by the cover
substrate 18. Similarly, the cover substrate 28 is adhered to a
surface of the second panel 20 on the dichroic prism 50 side, by
the adhesive layer 27, and the second color filter 82(B) is
configured by the cover substrate 28. Similarly, the cover
substrate 38 is adhered to a surface of the third panel 30 on the
dichroic prism 50 side, by the adhesive layer 37, and the third
color filter 82(G) is configured by the cover substrate 38.
Sixth Exemplary Embodiment
[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10, the first
color filter 82(R), the second color filter 82(B), and the third
color filter 82(G) may be configured by mixing color materials into
the adhesive layers 17, 27, and 37.
Other Exemplary Embodiments
[0104] In all of the above-described exemplary embodiments, the
color filter 80 is provided between the dichroic prism 50 and all
of the first panel 10, the second panel 20, and the third panel 30,
but the color filter 80 may be provided between the dichroic prism
50 and one or some of the first panel 10, the second panel 20, and
the third panel 30. Further, in all of the above-described
exemplary embodiments, the panel facing the first incident surface
51 is the first panel 10, the panel facing the second incident
surface 52 is the second panel 20, and the panel facing the third
incident surface 53 is the third panel 30, but correspondences
between the incident surfaces and the panels, and correspondences
between the panels and the wavelength ranges of the image light
emitted from the panels are not limited to the combinations
described in the above-described embodiments.
[0105] In all the above-described exemplary embodiments, the
optical resonators 16, 26, and 36 are provided on the first panel
10, the second panel 20, and the third panel 30, respectively, but
the invention may be applied to a case in which the optical
resonators 16, 26, and 36 are not provided. In all the
above-described exemplary embodiments, the cover substrates 18, 28,
and 38 are provided on the first panel 10, the second panel 20, and
the third panel 30, respectively, but the invention may be applied
to a case in which the cover substrates are not provided.
[0106] In all the above-described embodiments, the light-emitting
elements emit white light, but the first light-emitting elements 15
themselves provided on the first panel 10 may emit the first image
light LR of the first wavelength range, the second light-emitting
elements 25 themselves provided on the second panel 20 may emit the
second image light LB of the second wavelength range, and the third
light-emitting elements 35 themselves provided on the third panel
30 may emit the third image light LG of the third wavelength
range.
[0107] In all of the above-described exemplary embodiments, a case
is exemplified in which each of the plurality of pixels has an
organic electroluminescent element as a light-emitting element, but
the invention may be applied to a case in which each of the
plurality of pixels has a light-emitting diode or the like as the
light-emitting element.
CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE 1 OF DISPLAY DEVICE
[0108] The optical unit 1 described in the above-described
exemplary embodiments is used in a display device or the like
described below. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a
head-mounted display device 1000. FIG. 19 is a perspective view
schematically illustrating a configuration of an optical system of
virtual display units 1010 illustrated in FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is an
explanatory diagram illustrating optical paths of the optical
system illustrated in FIG. 19.
[0109] A display device 1000 illustrated in FIG. 18 is configured
as a see-through eyeglass display, and includes a frame 1110
provided with left and right temples 1111 and 1112. In the display
device 1000, the virtual display units 1010 are supported by the
frame 1110, and an image emitted from the virtual display units
1010 is caused to be recognized as a virtual image by a user. In
this exemplary embodiment, the display device 1000 is provided with
a left-eye display unit 1101 and a right-eye display unit 1102 as
the virtual display units 1010. The left-eye display unit 1101 and
the right-eye display unit 1102 that have the same configuration
are disposed left-right symmetrically.
[0110] Therefore, the left-eye display unit 1101 will be mainly
described below, and the description of the right-eye display unit
1102 will be omitted. As illustrated in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, in the
display device 1000, the display unit 1101 includes the optical
unit 1, and a light guide system 1030 that guides synthesized light
Lb emitted from the optical unit 1 to an emission unit 1058. A
projection lens system 1070 is disposed between the optical unit 1
and the light guide system 1030, and the synthesized light Lb
emitted from the optical unit 1 enters the light guide system 1030
via the projection lens system 1070. The projection lens system
1070 is configured of a single collimate lens that has a positive
power.
[0111] The light guide system 1030 is provided with a transmissive
incident unit 1040 on which the synthesized light Lb is incident,
and a transmissive light guide unit 1050, one end 1051 side of
which is coupled to the incident unit 1040. In the embodiment, the
incident unit 1040 and the light guide unit 1050 are configured as
an integrated transmissive member.
[0112] The incident unit 1040 is provided with an incident surface
1041 on which the synthesized light Lb emitted from the optical
unit 1 is incident, and a reflection surface 1042 that reflects the
synthesized light Lb that has entered from the incident surface
1041 between the reflection surface 1042 and the incident surface
1041. The incident surface 1041 is a flat surface, an aspherical
surface, a free form surface, or the like, and faces the optical
unit 1 via the projection lens system 1070. The projection lens
system 1070 is disposed obliquely such that an interval between the
projection lens system 1070 and an end portion 1412 of the incident
surface 1041 is larger than an interval between the projection lens
system 1070 and an end portion 1411 of the incident surface 1041. A
reflection film or the like is not formed on the incident surface
1041, but the incident surface 1041 fully reflects light that is
incident at an incident angle equal to or greater than a critical
angle. Thus, the incident surface 1041 has transmittance and
reflectivity. The reflection surface 1042 is a surface facing the
incident surface 1041 and is disposed obliquely such that an end
portion 1422 of the reflection surface 1042 is separated farther
from the incident surface 1041 than from an end portion 1421 of the
incident surface 1041. Thus, the incident unit 1040 has a
substantially triangular shape. The incident surface 1042 is a flat
surface, an aspherical surface, a free form surface, or the like.
The reflection surface 1042 can has a configuration in which a
reflective metal layer, mainly formed of aluminum, silver,
magnesium, chrome or the like, is formed.
[0113] The light guide unit 1050 is provided with a first surface
1056 (a first reflection surface) that extends from one end 1051 to
another end 1052 side, a second surface 1057 (a second reflection
surface) that faces and extends in parallel to the first surface
1056 from the one end 1051 side to the other end 1052 side, and an
emission portion 1058 provided on a section of the second surface
1057 that is separated from the incident unit 1040. The first
surface 1056 and the reflection surface 1042 of the incident unit
1040 are joined together by an inclined surface 1043. A thickness
of the first surface 1056 and the second surface 1057 is thinner
than the incident unit 1040. The first surface 1056 and the second
surface 1057 reflect all the light that is incident at an incident
angle equal to or greater than the critical angle, on the basis of
a refractive index difference between the light guide unit 1050 and
the outside (the air). Thus, a reflection film and the like is not
formed on the first surface 1056 and the second surface 1057.
[0114] The emission unit 1058 is configured on a part of the light
guide unit 1050 on the second surface 1057 side in the thickness
direction of the light guide unit 1050. In the emission unit 1058,
a plurality of partial reflection surfaces 1055 that are inclined
obliquely with respect to a normal line with respect to the second
surface 1057 are arranged so as to be mutually parallel to each
other. The emission unit 1058 is a portion, which overlaps the
plurality of partial reflection surfaces 1055, of the second
surface 1057, and is a region having a predetermined width in an
extending direction of the light guide unit 1050. Each of the
plurality of partial reflection surfaces 1055 is formed of a
dielectric multilayer film. Further, at least one of the plurality
of partial reflection surfaces 1055 may be a composite layer of a
dielectric multilayer film and a reflective metal layer (thin film)
mainly formed of aluminum, silver, magnesium, chrome, or the like.
When the partial reflection surface 1055 is configured to include a
metal layer, an effect can be obtained to improve the reflectance
of the partial reflection surface 1055, or an effect that the
incident angle dependence or the polarization dependence of the
transmittance and the reflectance of the partial reflection surface
1055 can be optimized. Note that the emission unit 1058 may have a
mode in which an optical element, such as a diffraction grating, a
hologram, or the like is provided.
[0115] In the display device 1000 configured in this manner, the
synthesized light Lb formed of the parallel light incident from the
incident unit 1040, is refracted by the incident surface 1041 and
is oriented toward the reflection surface 1042. Next, the
synthesized light Lb is reflected by the reflection surface 1042,
and is oriented toward the incident surface 1041 again. At this
time, since the synthesized light Lb is incident on the incident
surface 1041 at the incident angle equal to or greater than the
critical angle, the synthesized light Lb is reflected by the
incident surface 1041 toward the light guide unit 1050, and is
oriented toward the light guide unit 1050. Note that, in the
incident unit 1040, the configuration is used in which the
synthesized light Lb that is the parallel light is incident on the
incident surface 1041, but a configuration may be adopted in which
the incident surface 1041 and the reflection surface 1042 are
configured to have a free form curve or the like, and after the
synthesized light Lb, which is non-parallel light, is incident on
the incident surface 1041, the synthesized light Lb is reflected
between the reflection surface 1042 and the incident surface 1041
and is converted to the parallel light while being reflected.
[0116] In the light guide unit 1050, the synthesized light Lb is
reflected between the first surface 1056 and the second surface
1057, and advances. Then, a part of the synthesized light Lb that
is incident on the partial reflection surface 1055 is reflected by
the partial reflection surface 1055 and is emitted from the
emission unit 1058 toward an eye E of an observer. Further, the
rest of the synthesized light Lb incident on the partial reflection
surface 1055 passes through the partial reflection surface 1055 and
is incident on the next, adjacent, partial reflection surface 1055.
As a result, the synthesized light Lb that is reflected by each of
the plurality of partial reflection surfaces 1055 is emitted from
the emission unit 1058 toward the eye E of the observer. Therefore,
the observer can recognize a virtual image. At this time, with
regard to the light from the outside, the light that has entered
the light guide unit 1050 from the outside passes through the
partial reflection surfaces 1055 after entering the light guide
unit 1050, and reaches the eye E of the observer. As a result, the
observer can see the color image emitted from the optical unit 1
and can also see the outside background and the like in a see
through manner.
CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE 2 OF DISPLAY DEVICE
[0117] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a projection-type
display device 2000. The display device 2000 illustrated in FIG. 21
includes the optical unit 1 according to the above-described
exemplary embodiments, and a projection optical system 2100 that
expands and projects the synthesized light Lb emitted from the
optical unit 1 onto a projection receiving member 2200 and the
like, such as a screen.
OTHER CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES OF DISPLAY DEVICE
[0118] The display device (electronic apparatus) provided with the
optical unit 1 described in the above-described exemplary
embodiments can be an electronic view finder (EVF) or the like used
in an imaging device, such as a video camera and a still
camera.
[0119] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No.
2018-059467, filed Mar. 27, 2018 is expressly incorporated by
reference herein.
* * * * *