Head-mounted image display apparatus

• US 6,538,624 B1
• Filed: 04/12/2000
• Issued: 03/25/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/20/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Original Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Inventors: Karasawa, Joji, Uchiyama, Shoichi, Ishizawa, Shoichi, Miyazawa, Yoko
• Primary Examiner(s): Lao, Lun-Yi
• Application Number:
  US09/547,980
• Time in Patent Office: 1,077 Days
• Field of Search: 345/7-9, 348/115, 348/42, 348/43, 348/52, 348/53, 351/156, 351/159, 351/160.R, 359/480-482, 359/630-632, 359/646, 359/462
• US Class Current: 345/8
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0132 comprising binocular systems
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0154 with movable elements
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0159 with mechanical means other than scaning means for positioning the whole image
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0149 characterised by mechanical features G02B27/0176 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/017 Head mounted
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0176 characterised by mechanical features
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/06 Focusing binocular pairs
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/12 Adjusting pupillary distance of binocular pairs
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/307 by helmet-mounted projector or display G09B9/36 takes precedence; optical parts of head-up displays G02B27/01

Abstract

In a head-mounted image display apparatus (1) for viewing images on a liquid crystal display means virtually enlarged by an enlarging lens while worn on the head, main apparatus (10) comprises a front case (2), which is positioned at the frontal region side when said main apparatus is worn on the head, and a back case (3), which is positioned at the occipital region. In addition, an air bag (8), which inflates to cause the frontal region to contact a buffer pad affixed to the inside surface of the front case (2), is provided on the inside of the back case (3). The back case (3) is able to rotate on connecting member 5 to the front case (2). Adjustment mechanisms for moving the optical system in the pupil distance direction and in the direction of the optical axes is disposed inside main apparatus (10), and the knobs therefor are centrally disposed on the front of main apparatus (10).

Claims

1. A head-mounted image display apparatus for mounting on a head of a user with eyes having a horizontal line of vision, the apparatus comprising:

an image display unit for forming an optical image;

an enlarging lens for focusing said optical image to the eyes;

said image display unit and said enlarging lens being positioned on an optical axis formed at an angle of depression relative to said eye'"'"'s horizontal line of vision;

a diopter adjustment unit that moves said image display unit relative to said enlarging lens along said optical axis while maintaining said angle of depression of said optical axis relative to said eye'"'"'s horizontal line of vision;

first and second image display units;

first and second enlarging lenses; and

first and second diopter adjustment units,

said first diopter adjustment unit operating independently of said second diopter adjustment unit to move said first display unit, and said second diopter adjustment unit operating independently of said first diopter adjustment unit to move said second display unit.

2. The head-mounted image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said angle of depression is 10°

or less.

3. The head mounted image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said angle of depression is 6°

or less.