LENS HOLDER, OPTICAL MODULE INCLUDING THE SAME, AND GLASSES-TYPE AUGMENTED REALITY PROVISION DEVICE

Disclosed herein are a lens holder, an optical module including the lens holder, and a glasses-type augmented reality provision device. According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a lens holder including: frames configured to be coupled to a lens and fix the lens; and a display unit holder fixing part configured to be connected to the frames and accommodate a display unit holder.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2022-0160347 filed on Nov. 25, 2022 and No. 10-2023-0031244 filed on Mar. 9, 2023, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a lens holder, an optical module including the lens holder, and a glasses-type augmented reality provision device, and more particularly, to a lens holder capable of increasing manufacturing convenience and minimizing tolerance during assembly, thereby significantly lowering the defect rate of products, and an optical module including the lens holder and a glasses-type augmented reality provision device.

2. Description of the Related Art

In order to implement augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR), there is required an optical system for transferring virtual images to be played back in a device such as a computer to the eyes of a user.

For example, an optical system for augmented reality generally includes an optical module including: a display unit configured to output virtual image light; and lenses each configured such that an optical element for transferring the virtual image light, output from the display unit, to the eyes of a user is disposed therein and also configured to transmit image light from external real objects therethrough to the eyes.

Since the optical module is configured to transfer virtual image light, output from the small display unit, to the eyes of a user, it has to be assembled considerably precisely. In particular, the coupling between the display unit and the lenses in which the optical element is disposed requires considerably high precision. In particular, in the case of a binocular optical module, the position of the display unit changes excessively out of a design position when the cumulative tolerance of the left and right lenses occurs, which causes dipvergence and convergence defects.

However, in the prior art, when the display unit is coupled to the lenses, the method of simply attaching the display unit to required positions of the lenses and then applying an adhesive is employed, so that there are problems in that assembling process is difficult and the defect rate of products is significantly high.

SUMMARY

The present invention has been conceived to overcome the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a lens holder capable of increasing the manufacturing convenience of an optical module used in augmented reality or virtual reality and minimizing tolerance during assembly, and an optical module including the lens holder.

In particular, another object of the present invention is to provide a lens holder capable of efficiently preventing dipvergence and convergence problems that may occur in a binocular optical module, and an optical module including the lens holder.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lens holder having a foreign material blocking function capable of effectively blocking the inflow of a foreign material such as dust, and an optical module including the lens holder.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a glasses-type augmented reality provision device including such an optical module.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lens holder including: frames configured to be coupled to a lens and fix the lens; and a display unit holder fixing part configured to be connected to the frames and accommodate a display unit holder.

The frames may be coupled to at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the lens and fix the lens.

The frames may include first and second frames extending in opposite directions along the outer circumferential surface of the lens with the display unit holder fixing part as the center thereof.

The frames may be provided with at least one recess configured to be fitted over a protrusion formed on the lens.

The display unit holder may be accommodated and fixed in the display unit holder fixing part in a state in which a display unit is disposed in the display unit holder.

A gap may be formed between the display unit holder fixing part and the display unit holder so that the display unit holder can be moved or rotated within the display unit holder fixing part.

In an embodiment, a holder opening configured such that virtual image light output from the display unit passes therethrough may be formed in the display unit holder; and an opening configured such that virtual image light output from the display unit and having passed through the holder opening of the display unit holder passes therethrough may be formed in the display unit holder fixing unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lens holder including: frames configured to be coupled to a lens and fix the lens; and a display unit holder fixing part configured to be connected to the frames and accommodate a display unit holder; wherein the display unit holder fixing part has a foreign material accommodation portion configured to accommodate a foreign material incoming from the outside; and wherein the foreign material accommodation portion includes at least one of an inner groove formed in the bottom surface of the display unit holder fixing part and outer grooves formed in the lateral sides of the display unit holder fixing part.

The frames may be coupled to at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the lens and fix the lens.

The frames may include first and second frames extending in opposite directions along the outer circumferential surface of the lens with the display unit holder fixing part as the center thereof.

The frames may be provided with at least one recess configured to be fitted over a protrusion formed on the lens.

The display unit holder may be accommodated and fixed in the display unit holder fixing part in a state in which a display unit is disposed in the display unit holder.

A gap may be formed between the display unit holder fixing part and the display unit holder so that the display unit holder can be moved or rotated within the display unit holder fixing part.

In an embodiment, a holder opening configured such that virtual image light output from the display unit passes therethrough may be formed in the display unit holder; an opening configured such that virtual image light output from the display unit and having passed through the holder opening of the display unit holder passes therethrough may be formed in the display unit holder fixing unit; and the inner groove may be formed in the outer edges of the opening.

Front and rear edge portions may be formed along the outer edges of front and rear sides of the opening of the display unit holder fixing part; support plates may be formed spaced apart from the front and rear edge portions outside the front and rear edge portions; and the inner groove may be defined by the support plates, the front and rear edge portions, and the bottom surface of the display unit holder fixing part.

Accommodation plates extending to have an inclination angle with respect to a direction in which the support plates protrude may be disposed outside the support plates.

Sticking members configured to stick to a foreign material may be applied to bottom surfaces of the accommodation plates.

Side edge portions may be formed at the outer edges of lateral sides of the opening; side walls may be formed spaced apart from the side edge portions outside the side edge portions; and the inner groove may be defined by the side walls, the side edge portions, and the bottom surface of the display unit holder fixing part.

Blocking plates configured to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the display unit holder and to change the direction in which a foreign material incoming from the outside moves and guide it to the inner groove may be formed on the bottom surface of the display unit holder.

The blocking plates may be formed such that, when the display unit holder is disposed in the display unit holder fixing part, the outer surfaces of the blocking plates are located aligned with the outer surfaces of the side edge portions or are located closer to the opening than the outer surfaces of the side edge portions.

The outer grooves may extend along lateral sides of the display unit holder fixing part, and may each be defined by two side walls spaced apart from each other.

The cross sections of the inner surfaces of the two side walls beside the outer groove may be inclined toward the inside of the outer groove to appear like a “V” shape.

A sticking member configured to stick to a foreign material may be applied to at least one of the bottom surface of the inner groove and the bottom surfaces of the outer grooves.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical module including: the above-described lens holder; a display unit holder configured to be accommodated and fixed in the lens holder and support a display unit; the display unit configured to be disposed and supported in the display unit holder and output virtual image light; and a lens configured to transfer real object image light, output from a real object, to an eye of a user by transmitting the real object image light therethrough, and also configured such that an optical element for transferring virtual image light, output from the display unit, to the eye of the user is disposed therein.

At least one protrusion may be formed on at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the lens.

At least one concave portion in the form of a recess may be formed in at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the lens.

The display unit holder fixing part may be formed in the lens holder so that the width of the display unit in the left-right direction at least partially overlaps the width of the area, where the optical element is disposed, in the left-right direction.

The display unit holder fixing part may be formed in the lens holder so that a vertical line passing through the center of the region where the optical element is disposed coincides with the vertical line passing through the center of the display unit holder fixing part.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a binocular optical module including: an optical module for the left eye and an optical module for the right eye each composed of the above-described optical module; and an edge part configured to fix the optical module for the left eye and the optical module for the right eye.

Each of the display unit holder fixing parts may be disposed in a corresponding one of the lens holders such that a vertical line passing through the center of the display unit holder fixing part is located inward from a vertical line passing through the center of the region where a corresponding one of the optical elements is disposed.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a glasses-type augmented reality provision device including: the above-described optical modules; a frame part configured to fix the optical modules; and fixation parts configured to be coupled to the frame part and fix the glasses-type augmented reality provision device so that the glasses-type augmented reality provision device can be worn on the face of a user.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a glasses-type augmented reality provision device including: the above-described binocular optical module; a frame part configured to fix the binocular optical module; and fixation parts configured to be coupled to the frame part and fix the glasses-type augmented reality provision device so that the glasses-type augmented reality provision device can be worn on a face of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First, an optical module100including a lens holder according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS.1to4.

FIGS.1to4are perspective, exploded perspective, front, and side views of the optical module100including a lens holder according to the present embodiment, respectively. Referring toFIGS.1to4, the optical module100includes a lens holder10, a display unit holder20, a lens30, and a display unit40.

The optical module100is fabricated in the form shown inFIGS.1to4, and is assembled together with other parts to fabricate a glasses-type augmented reality provision device, such as so-called “smart glasses,” in the form of eye glasses (seeFIGS.16and17).

For example, by embedding the optical module100, i.e., the lens holder10, the display unit holder20, and the display unit40inside a glasses frame, a glasses-type augmented reality provision device in the form of smart glasses can be fabricated.

Furthermore, the lens holder10itself may be formed as a rim.

Furthermore, the optical module100may be used in a form that can be selectively attached to and detached from, for example, conventional glasses by an appropriate detachable fastening means.

Although the optical module100ofFIGS.1to4is monocular for either the left eye or the right eye, it may also be possible to construct a binocular optical module300(seeFIG.15) for binocular purposes by arranging such optical modules100for the left and right eyes, respectively. The binocular optical module300will be described in detail below with reference toFIG.15.

The lens holder10is coupled to the lens30and fixes the lens30, and is coupled to the display unit holder20and supports the display unit40. The specific configuration of the lens holder10will be described in more detail below with reference toFIG.5.

As will be described later, the display unit holder20is accommodated and fixed in the display unit holder fixing part13of the lens holder10and serves to support the display unit40.

The lens30serves to transfer real object image light, output from a real object, to an eye of a user by transmitting it therethrough.

Furthermore, an optical element50is disposed in the lens30, and the virtual image light output from the display unit40propagates through the lens30and is transferred to the optical element50. Accordingly, the lens30serves as a waveguide for virtual image light.

The lens30may be made of, e.g., transparent glass or synthetic resin material.

The optical element50is disposed in the lens30, and is a means for providing a virtual image by transferring virtual image light, output from the display unit40, to an eye of a user.

The optical element50may be, e.g., a reflective element that reflects incident virtual image light.

In this case, the reflective element may be a full mirror having a reflectance of 100% or a high reflectance close to 100%.

Alternatively, the reflective element may be a half mirror that transmits part of incident virtual image light therethrough and reflects part of the incident virtual image light.

Alternatively, the optical element50may be a refractive element or a diffractive element.

Alternatively, the optical element50may be composed of a combination of at least one of a reflective element, a refractive element, and a diffractive element.

The optical element50may be composed of a plurality of reflective elements each having a size smaller than a human pupil, e.g., 4 mm or less, as shown in the drawing.

Although the optical element50is shown as being embedded inside the lens30inFIGS.1to4, this is an example. The optical element50may be disposed on a surface of the lens30.

Meanwhile, the optical element50may be composed of a plurality of bar-shaped reflective elements each extending over a length corresponding to the left-right widthwise direction of the display unit40.

Meanwhile, the configurations and arrangement structures of the lens30and the optical element50are examples. It should be noted that the lens holder10according to the present invention may be applied to any configurations and arrangement of the lens30and the optical element50regardless of the specific configurations and arrangement structures of the lens30and the optical element50.

The display unit40is a means for outputting virtual image light, and is disposed in the display unit holder20and supported by the display unit holder20.

The display unit40may include a display cover41and a display42.

The display cover41is a means for protecting the surface of the display42, and may be made of, e.g., transparent thin glass or synthetic resin material.

The display42is a means for displaying virtual image on a screen and outputting virtual image light corresponding to the virtual image. The display42may be a conventionally known device such as a small sized LCD, OLED, LCOS, or micro-LED display.

A cable43for transferring power and image signals is connected to the display42.

In this case, “virtual image” refers to an image for augmented reality provided to a user, which may be a still image or moving image.

Although not shown, the display unit40may further include a light conversion unit such as a concave mirror that enlarges and outputs a virtual image to meet design requirements such as an intended optical path or focal length or a collimator that converts incident light into parallel light and outputs the parallel light. The light conversion unit may also be composed of a reflective element, a refractive element, a diffractive element, or a combination of at least one of them according to design requirements.

Meanwhile, the display cover41may be omitted.

Since the display unit40itself is not a direct target of the present invention and a display known in the prior art may be employed as the display unit40without essential change, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

This optical module100operates as follows:

The virtual image light output from the display42passes through the holder opening21of the display unit holder20and the opening131of the lens holder10to be described later, is then transferred to the lens30, and is finally transferred to the pupil of an eye of a user, for example, by being reflected or refracted via the optical element50disposed in the lens30, thereby providing a virtual image to the user.

In addition, at the same time, the real object image light output from a real object is transferred to the pupil of the eye of the user through the space between the lens30and the optical element50, so that the virtual image and an image of the real object may be provided to the user at the same time.

Meanwhile, the optical module100may be an optical module for providing augmented reality or an optical module for providing virtual reality. When the optical module100is used for virtual reality, the lens30may be made of opaque glass or synthetic resin material.

Next, one embodiment of the lens holder10used in the optical module100described above will be described in more detail.

FIG.5is an exploded perspective view showing the lens holder10and the display unit holder20together, andFIG.6is a perspective view of a state in which the display unit holder20is disposed in the lens holder10.

Referring toFIGS.5and6together withFIGS.1to4, the lens holder10includes frames11and12and the display unit holder fixing part13.

The frames11and12are means for being coupled to the lens30and fixing the lens30.

The frames11and12may be coupled to at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the lens30and fix and support the lens30.

As one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.1to4, the frames11and12may be coupled to the upper portion of the outer circumferential surface of the lens30. In this case, the frames11and12are formed to correspond to the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the upper portion of the lens30.

However, this is an example, and the frames11and12may be coupled to at least a portion of the lower, left or right side of the outer circumferential surface of the lens30at a different position. In this case, the frames11and12have a shape corresponding to each coupling position.

Alternatively, the frames11and12may be coupled to the overall outer circumferential surface of the lens30. In this case, the frames11and12may have a shape surrounding the overall outer circumferential surface of the lens30.

As an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.1to4, the frames11and12may include two frames extending to both sides with the display unit holder fixing part13as the center, i.e., the first and second frame11and12.

In this case, the first and second frames11and12extend in opposite directions along the outer circumferential surface of the lens30with the display unit holder fixing part13as the center.

However, this is an example. For example, when the display unit holder fixing part13is formed at one end of one of the frames11and12, only one frame may be used. In the following description, the first and second frames11and12will be collectively referred to as the frames11and12when there is no need to specifically distinguish them.

Meanwhile, recesses14and15(seeFIG.7) may be formed in the frames11and12to ensure secure coupling with the lens30.

FIG.7is a rear view showing the lens holder10and the lens30together.

Referring toFIG.7, the recesses14and15are formed in the inner surfaces of the frames11and12that are coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the lens30. In addition, protrusions33and34having shapes that can be fitted into the shapes of the recesses14and15are formed at both ends of the outer circumferential surface of the lens30that are coupled to the frames11and12of the lens holder10.

When the lens holder10is coupled to the lens30, the recesses14and15are fitted over the protrusions33and34to securely fix the lens30and the lens holder20in close contact with each other.

In addition, an adhesive may be applied or an adhesive member may be attached to contact portions between the frames11and12and the lens30to more securely couple the frames11and12and the lens30together.

Meanwhile, screw fastening holes16and17configured to fasten screws therein may be formed in the frames11and12. The screw fastening holes16and17may be used to combine the optical module100with other components in order to fabricate the binocular optical module300(seeFIG.15) or a glasses-type augmented reality provision device400(seeFIGS.16and17).

The display unit holder fixing part13is formed to be connected to the frames11and12, and accommodates the display unit holder20.

The display unit40is disposed in the display unit holder20, and the display unit holder20is accommodated and fixed in the display unit holder fixing part13in a state in which the display unit40is disposed therein.

As described above, the lens holder10may be formed in such a manner that the first and second frames11and12extend to both sides with the display unit holder fixing part13as the center.

In this case, the display unit holder fixing part13is formed in the central portion of the lens holder10. However, this is an example, and it is obvious that the display unit holder fixing part13may be disposed at a different position of the lens holder10.

Meanwhile, as described above, the optical element50configured to transfer the virtual image light, output from the display unit40, to the eye of the user is disposed in the lens30. The display unit holder fixing part13is formed at an appropriate position of the lens holder10by taking into consideration the position where the optical element50is disposed in the lens30.

For example, the display unit holder fixing part13may be formed in the lens holder10so that, in a state where the lens holder10is coupled and fixed to the lens30, when the lens30is viewed such that the center of the region where the optical element50is disposed is located in front of the pupil, the width of the display unit40in the left-right direction at least partially overlaps the width of the region, where the optical element50is disposed, in the left-right direction.

Preferably, as shown inFIG.7, in a state in which the lens holder10is coupled and fixed to the lens30, when the lens30is viewed such that the center of the region where the optical element50is disposed is located in front of the pupil, the display unit holder fixing part13is formed in the lens holder10so that a vertical line passing through the center of the region where the optical element50is disposed coincides with a vertical line passing through the center of the display unit holder fixing part13.

Meanwhile, the display unit holder20is accommodated and fixed in the display unit holder fixing unit13in a state in which the display unit40is disposed in the display unit holder20. Accordingly, the display unit holder20serves to support the display unit40.

As shown inFIGS.5and6, the holder opening21configured such that the virtual image light output from the display unit40passes therethrough is formed in the display unit holder20.

The virtual image light output from the display42of the display unit40is transferred to the lens30through the holder opening21and the opening131of the lens holder10to be described later. Accordingly, the holder opening21is formed to correspond to the shapes and sizes of the display42and the opening131.

In general, the display42is formed in a rectangular shape, and thus the holder opening21is formed in a rectangular shape. However, the display42may have other shapes, in which case the holder opening21has corresponding shapes.

A display support part22is formed along the outer edges of the holder opening21to support the display unit40in contact with the outer surfaces of the display part40. The display unit40may be supported in such a manner that the edges of the bottom surface of the display unit40come into contact with and are disposed on the display support part22.

The opening131configured such that the virtual image light output from the display unit40and having passed through the holder opening21of the display unit holder20passes therethrough is formed in the display unit holder fixing part13.

As shown in the drawing, the opening131may be formed in the bottom surface of the inside of the display unit holder fixing part13.

As described above, the virtual image light output from the display42of the display unit40is transferred to the lens30through the holder opening21of the display unit holder20and the opening131. Accordingly, the opening131is formed to have a shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of the display42and the holder opening21.

Although the opening131is preferably formed in a rectangular shape as described above, it is obvious that the opening131may have other shapes.

Meanwhile, the display unit holder20is accommodated and fixed in the display unit holder fixing part13in a state in which the display40is disposed in the display unit holder20. In this case, the position of the display unit holder20is adjusted while being finely moved or rotated within the display unit holder fixing part13, and then the display unit holder20is fixed to the display unit holder fixing part13.

The reason for this is to align the display unit40so that the virtual image light output from the display unit40can be accurately transferred to the optical element50according to design requirements.

Accordingly, it is preferable that the size of the display unit holder fixing part13be slightly larger than the size of the display unit holder20so that the display unit holder20can move finely within the display unit holder fixing part13.

For example, it is desirable that the length of the display unit holder fixing part13in the left-right direction be made longer than the length of the display unit holder20in the left-right direction by about 0.1 to 0.5 mm, so that gaps are formed between the left and right ends of the display unit holder fixing part13and the left and right ends of the display unit holder20.

The reason for this is that the cumulative tolerances generated during the processing of the lens30and the assembly of the display unit holder20and the lens holder10are taken into consideration. When the cumulative tolerance and the positional tolerance of the active area of the display unit40are considered, a gap of about 0.3 mm is required. When a gap of about 0.2 mm is added to the above gap to improve workability and yield, it is preferable to form a maximum gap of about 0.5 mm.

A fine adjustment operation such as the operation of moving the position of the display unit holder20within the display unit holder fixing part13, the operation of rotating the display unit holder20around an axis parallel to the outer circumferential surface of the lens30, or the operation of moving the display unit holder20vertically is performed. Thereafter, the display unit holder20is tightly fixed to the display unit holder fixing part13by applying an adhesive between the display unit holder20and the display unit holder fixing part13.

According to the lens holder10described above, when the display unit holder20and the display unit40are assembled together with the lens holder10, processing may be performed on a per-module basis. Accordingly, basic alignment may be achieved simply by disposing the display unit holder20on the lens holder10. Further, as described above, there is an advantage in that more accurate positioning can be easily performed while moving the display unit holder20.

In particular, the display unit40may be easily arranged by setting the position of the display unit holder fixing unit13in advance in accordance with the arrangement of the optical element50, so that the virtual image light from the display unit40can be output to the optical element50more accurately.

Meanwhile, the display unit holder fixing part13of the lens holder10may include foreign material accommodating portions135and136(seeFIGS.8to10) configured to block the inflow of a foreign material from the outside by accommodating the foreign material.

FIGS.8and9are perspective and plan views of the lens holder10according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively, andFIG.10is a partially enlarged perspective view of portion L ofFIG.8.

Referring toFIGS.8to10, the foreign material accommodating portions135and136may include an inner groove135formed in the bottom surface of the display unit holder fixing part13and/or outer grooves136formed in the lateral sides of the display unit holder fixing part13.

The inner groove135and the outer grooves136will be described in more detail below.

First, the inner groove135will be described.

As described above, the opening131is formed in the bottom surface of the display unit holder fixing part13. The inner groove135may be formed in the bottom surface of the display unit holder fixing part13at the outer edges of the opening131.

As one embodiment, front and rear edge portions132and side edge portions133may be formed at the outer edges of the opening131, and the inner groove135may be formed by the front and rear edge portions132and the side edge portions133.

The front and rear edge portions132are formed on the front and rear sides of the opening131, and the side edge portions133are formed on the lateral sides of the opening131.

In this case, the front and rear sides are defined as both directions perpendicular to the directions in which the frames11and12extend with the opening131as the center on the drawing, and the lateral sides are defined as both directions in which the frames11and12extend with the opening131as the center on the drawing.

However, it should be noted that these are relative positions and not absolute positions. These will be the same below.

Based on the state in which a user wears the optical module100, when it is assumed that the center of the region where the optical element50is disposed is disposed in front of the pupil, the forward and rearward directions from the pupil may be viewed the front and rear sides, and the left and right directions perpendicular to the forward and rearward directions from the pupil may be viewed as the lateral sides.

The front and rear edge portions132and the side edge portions133are formed higher than the opening131. The heights of the front and rear edge portions132and the heights of the side edge portions133do not have to be the same. The side edge portions133may be formed higher than the front and rear edge portions132, as shown in the drawing.

Although the front and rear edge portions132and the side edge portions133preferably extend along the overall area of the edges of the opening131, they may be formed in part along the edges.

Support plates134are formed spaced apart from the front and rear edge portions132outside the front and rear edge portions132from the opening131.

The support plates134are formed to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the display unit holder fixing part13, preferably vertically. Furthermore, the support plates134are preferably formed parallel to the direction in which the front and rear edge portions132extend.

The height of the support plates134is preferably formed higher than the height of the front and rear edge portions132. As will be described later, the support plates134are preferably as high as possible because they serve to block the inflow of a foreign material from the outside into the lens holder10.

Furthermore, first side walls161are formed spaced apart from the side edge portions133outside the side edge portions133from the opening131.

The first sidewalls161are also formed to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the display unit holder fixing part13, preferably vertically. Furthermore, the first side walls161are preferably formed parallel to the direction in which the side edge portions133extend.

The heights of the first side walls161are preferably formed higher than the height of the side edge portions133. Since the first sidewalls161also serve to block a foreign material from entering the lens holder10, it is desirable to make the first side walls161as high as possible.

Since the support plates134and the front and rear edge portions132are spaced apart from each other and protrude upward from the display unit holder fixing part13, the internal grooves135are formed along the edges of the front and rear sides of the opening131by these and the bottom surface of the display unit holder fixing part13.

In addition, since the first side walls161and the side edge portions133are also spaced apart from each other and protrude upward from the display unit holder fixing part13, the inner grooves135are formed along the edges of the sides of the opening131by these and the bottom surface of the display unit holder fixing part13.

The inner grooves135formed by the support plates134and the front and rear edge portions132and the inner grooves135formed by the first side walls161and the side edge portions133perform the same function except that they are formed on the front and rear sides or the lateral sides. Although all of them may be used as the inner grooves135, it is obvious that it may be possible to use only one of them.

Meanwhile, accommodation plates137may be formed outside the support plates134of the display unit holder fixing part13.

The accommodation plates137extend to have an inclination angle with respect to the direction in which the supporting plates134protrude (seeFIG.13).

Accordingly, due to the inclination angle between the accommodation plates137and the support plates134, the spaces between them act as grooves. Therefore, since a foreign material from the front and rear surfaces of the lens holder10may be primarily blocked at the front ends of the inner grooves135, the foreign material from the front and rear surfaces may be blocked more reliably.

A foreign material from the outside may be accommodated by the inner grooves135, and thus the foreign material may be prevented from flowing into the opening131.

Next, the outer grooves136will be described.

The outer grooves136may be formed on the lateral sides of the display unit holder fixing part13.

The outer grooves136may be formed in the portions of the display unit holder fixing part13present outside the side edge portions133and adjacent to the frames11and12. For example, as shown inFIG.10, the outer grooves136may be formed outside the inner groove135.

As one embodiment, as shown in the drawings, the outer grooves136are formed to extend along the sides of the display unit holder fixing part13. As described above, the side edge portions133are formed on the lateral sides of the opening131, and thus the outer grooves136may extend parallel to the side edge portions133.

The outer grooves136extend along the lateral sides of the display unit holder fixing part13, and may each be formed by two side walls161and162spaced apart from each other. One of the two side walls is the first side wall161used to form the inner groove135, and the outer groove136may be formed by the second side wall162formed spaced apart from the first side wall161and the first side wall161.

However, this is an example. It is obvious that a side wall separate from the first side wall161forming the inner groove135may be used.

The second side walls162are also formed to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the display unit holder fixing part13, preferably vertically.

Like the first side walls161, the second side walls162are also preferably formed parallel to the directions in which the side edge portions133extend. In this case, the first sidewalls161and the second sidewalls162extend parallel to each other.

Although the second sidewalls162are preferably formed higher than the first sidewalls161as shown in the drawing, the height of the first sidewalls161and the height of the second sidewalls162may be the same, or the height of the first sidewalls161may be higher than that of the second sidewalls162.

The bottom surfaces between the first side walls161and the second side walls162are formed lower than the first side walls161and the second side walls162. The outer grooves136are formed by the bottom surfaces and the first side walls161and the second side walls162. A foreign material from the outside may be accommodated in the outer grooves136.

Meanwhile, the inner surfaces of the first and second sidewalls161and162beside the outer grooves136may be formed not to be parallel to the directions in which the first and second sidewalls161and162protrude. In this case, the cross sections of the inner surfaces may be inclined toward the inside of the outer groove136to appear like a “V” shape.

The outer grooves136serve as spaces for accommodating a foreign material, such as dust, introduced through the gaps on the sides between the display unit holder20and the display unit holder fixing part13when the display unit holder20is disposed on the display unit holder fixing part13(seeFIG.12).

Meanwhile, in order to assist the function of the inner groove135, blocking plates23configured to change the direction in which a foreign material incoming from the outside moves and guide it to the inner groove135may be formed on the bottom surface of the display unit holder20.

FIG.11is a perspective view of the display unit holder20viewed from the bottom side thereof.

Referring toFIG.11, the blocking plates23are formed to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the display unit holder20, preferably vertically. Furthermore, the blocking plates23extend parallel to the directions in which the outer grooves136extend.

The blocking plates23are preferably formed on the bottom surface of the display unit holder20so that, when the display unit holder20is disposed in the display unit holder fixing part13, the outer surfaces231of the blocking plates23are placed aligned with the outer surfaces of the side edge portions133forming the inner groove135or are located slightly closer to the opening131than the outer surfaces of the side edge portions133.

FIG.12is a view illustrating the effect of blocking a foreign material incoming from the sides of the lens holder10, which is a partially sectional view taken along line B-B′ ofFIG.4in a state in which the lens30and the display unit holder20are coupled to the lens holder10.

Referring toFIG.12, in a state where the display unit holder20is disposed in the display unit holder fixing unit13and the lens holder10is coupled to the lens30, a foreign material may be introduced from the outside through one of the side gaps between the display unit holder fixing part13and the display unit holder20, as indicated by arrows. In this case, the foreign material may be primarily accommodated and blocked by the outer grooves136as described above.

Furthermore, a foreign material not accommodated in the outer grooves136may be secondarily received by the inner groove135. In this case, as described above, a foreign material may be guided to the inner groove135by the blocking plates23formed on the bottom surface of the display unit holder20, and thus a foreign material blocking efficiency may be increased.

By this configuration, a foreign material from the outside may be effectively blocked from entering the space on the optical path of the virtual image light, output from the display42, from the lateral sides of the lens holder20.

FIG.13is a view illustrating the effect of blocking a foreign material incoming from the front and rear sides of the lens holder10, which is a partial sectional view taken along line A-A′ ofFIG.3in a state in which the lens30and the display unit holder20are coupled to the lens holder10.

Referring toFIG.13, in a state where the display unit holder20is disposed in the display unit holder fixing part13and the lens holder10is coupled to the lens30, a foreign material may be introduced from the outside through one of the front and rear gaps between the display unit holder fixing part13and the display unit holder20, as indicated by the arrows. In this case, a foreign material may be primarily accommodated by the spaces between the accommodation plates137and the support plates134, as described above.

Furthermore, a foreign material not accommodated in the spaces may be secondarily accommodated by the inner groove135.

By this configuration, a foreign material incoming from the outside may be effectively blocked from entering the space on the optical path of the virtual image light, output from the display42, from the front and rear sides of the lens holder20.

Meanwhile, in the above embodiments, a sticking member for sticking to a foreign material may be applied to at least one of the bottom surfaces of the inner groove135, the outer grooves136, and the accommodation plates137.

Furthermore, it may also be possible to employ only one of the inner groove135and the outer grooves136or to employ both the inner groove135and the outer grooves136, as needed. In the case where the inner groove135is employed, the blocking plates23may be omitted if necessary.

FIG.14is a perspective view of an optical module100including a lens holder10according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The embodiment ofFIG.14is the same as the optical module100of the above-described embodiment, except that the embodiment ofFIG.14further includes one or more protrusions31protruding from at least portions of the outer circumferential surface of the lens30.

As shown in the drawing, the protrusions31may be formed to protrude from portions of the outer circumferential surface of the lens30other than the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the lens30coupled to the frames11and12of the lens holder10.

For example, when the frames11and12of the lens holder10are coupled to the upper portion of the outer circumferential surface of the lens30as described above, the protrusions31may be formed on the lower portion of the outer circumferential surface of the lens30and both side surfaces of the outer circumferential surface of the lens30.

The protrusions31serve as guides for minimizing the tolerances that may occur when the optical module100together with other parts is assembled into the binocular module300(seeFIG.15) or the glasses-type augmented reality provision device400(seeFIGS.16and17)

For example, recesses (not shown) configured such that the protrusions31can be fitted thereinto are formed inside each rim of the glasses-type augmented reality provision device400(seeFIGS.16and17), and the protrusions31are fitted and coupled into the grooves. Accordingly, assembly is facilitated, and tolerances that may occur during assembly may be minimized.

The protrusions31are particularly useful in the case of the binocular optical module300(seeFIG.15).

In the case of the binocular optical module300, the cumulative tolerance of the left and right lenses30may occur, which may cause dipvergence and convergence problems. Such dipvergence and convergence problems make assembly Such difficult and become a factor that lowers manufacturing efficiency.

The protrusions31serve as guides for preventing dipvergence and convergence problems attributable to tolerances during assembly in the binocular optical module300.

Meanwhile, as another embodiment, it may also be possible to form concave portions (not shown) instead of the protrusions31. In other words, one or more recess-shaped concave portions (not shown) may be formed in at least portions of the outer circumferential surface of the lens30.

For example, one or more concave portions may be formed in the form of recesses at the positions where the protrusions31are formed, and protrusions (not shown) may be formed inside each rim of the glasses-type augmented reality provision device400. Accordingly, the protrusions are fitted into the concave portions during assembly. These concave portions may provide the same function as the protrusions31described with reference toFIG.14.

FIG.15is a perspective view of the binocular optical module300.

Referring toFIG.15, the binocular optical module300includes an optical module100for the left eye, an optical module200for the right eye, and a glasses frame-shaped edge part310configured to fix the optical modules100and200.

The optical module100for the left eye and the optical module200for the right eye are each composed of the optical module100described above.

The edge part310is formed in the shape of a glasses frame, and fixes the optical module100for the left eye and the optical module200for the right eye.

Although the edge part310is shown in a form surrounding the overall outer circumferential surface of each lens30including the lateral and lower side of the lens30inFIG.15, this is an example. For example, the edge part310may be formed to be coupled to a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the lens30(seeFIGS.16and17).

Connection portions320and330for connection with other parts of the augmented reality provision device may be formed at both ends of the outer sides of the edge part310.

Meanwhile, recesses (not shown) configured such that the protrusions31of the lenses30described above are fitted thereinto are formed in the inner surface of the edge part310.

As described above, when the optical module100for the left eye and the optical module200for the right eye are coupled to the edge part310, the protrusions31are fitted into the recesses, thereby minimizing the tolerance according to design requirements. Therefore, as described above, the dipvergence and convergence problems occurring in the binocular optical module300may be prevented, so that manufacturing convenience can be improved and yield can be increased, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.

Meanwhile, in the case of the binocular optical module300, the display unit holder fixing part13is preferably disposed on the lens holder10so that, when viewed forward from the pupil, a vertical line passing through the center of the display unit holder fixing part13is located, e.g., about 0.5 mm inward from a vertical line passing through the center of the region where the optical element50is disposed.

In other words, the display unit holder fixing parts13of the binocular optical module300are preferably located slightly inward, i.e., toward the edge part310between the optical module100for the left eye and the optical module200for the right eye, compared to the monocular optical module100described above.

The reason for this is that the binocular convergence angle generated in the binocular optical module300is taken into consideration.

In order to satisfy the binocular convergence angle, PPD (Pixel per Degree=the resolution/horizontal FOV of the display42) is determined and then a pixel value satisfying the binocular convergence angle is calculated (the binocular convergence angle*PPD). When this pixel value is calculated, a necessary value for the movement of the display42is generally calculated as a value less than about 0.5 mm (the number of pixels*the pixel size).

Accordingly, it is preferable to dispose the display unit holder fixing part13slightly inward compared to that of the above-described optical module100so that the display42can be moved and disposed by taking into consideration the above value.

Furthermore, in the binocular optical module300, it is desirable to set the above-described position of the display unit holder fixing part13by taking into consideration a preset IPD range, an image convergence, and a wrap angle. When these requirements are taken into consideration in an integrated manner, the display unit holder fixing part13may be disposed slightly outward compared to that of the above-described optical module100.

Meanwhile, the glasses-type augmented reality provision device400(seeFIGS.16and17) may be fabricated in the form of a finished product by embedding the lens holders10of the binocular optical module300ofFIG.15in the upper part of a glasses frame.

The optical module100and binocular optical module300described above may be fabricated in various forms as needed. For example, the monocular optical module100or200described with reference toFIGS.1to14, i.e., the optical module100or200for the left eye or the right eye, may be fabricated and provided, and the binocular optical module300described with reference toFIG.15may be fabricated and provided.

Furthermore, the optical modules100or200may be separately fabricated for the left eye and the right eye, respectively, and may be provided together with a glasses frame capable of fastening them. In this case, the glasses frame preferably has a structures described inFIG.15.

Alternatively, it is obvious that a device-type augmented reality provision device may also be implemented by combining the edge part ofFIG.15with one of the monocular optical modules100or200.

FIGS.16and17are perspective and front views of the glasses-type augmented reality provision device400implemented in the form of smart glasses according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

Referring toFIGS.16and17, the glasses-type augmented reality provision device400is formed in the shape of glasses as a whole, and includes the above-described binocular optical module300, a frame part410, and fixation parts420.

The lens holders10of the binocular optical module300are embedded and disposed inside the frame part410.

Although the frame part410is formed only on the upper portions of the lenses30inFIG.16, it may be formed to surround the overall outer circumferential surfaces of the lenses30(seeFIG.15).

The fixation parts420are coupled to the frame part410, and are means for fixing the glasses-type augmented reality provision device400to be worn on the face of a user. As shown in the drawing, it may be formed in the shape of glasses temples that can be worn over the ears of the user.

Although not shown, a connection port (not shown) configured to enable connection to a smartphone or computer is formed at the end of one of the fixation parts420, and the connection port and a data cable connected to the cables43of the displays42may be disposed inside the fixation part420and the frame part410.

With this configuration, it is possible to receive still image or moving image data from the smartphone or computer, transfer the received data to the display42so that it is displayed on the display42, and allow virtual image light to be output therefrom.

According to the augmented reality provision device400, there may be provided so-called “smart glasses” that are more comfortable to wear and minimize a sense of difference compared to the prior art like conventional glasses.

Meanwhile, although the augmented reality provision device400including the binocular optical module300has been described with reference toFIGS.16and17, it is obvious that this description is applicable to the monocular optical module100without essential change.

Furthermore, a separate circuit board (not shown) may be embedded in each of the above-described monocular optical module100and binocular optical module300. The circuit board may be embedded in the frame, or may be freely embedded in a region other than the optical path of the virtual image light output from the display42. The circuit board may serve to improve the performance of the monocular optical module100or the binocular optical module300when a separate power supply is supplied.

For example, the circuit board may be embedded in the monocular optical module100and transfer signals for the correction of color coordinates of the monocular optical module100to the display42.

Alternatively, the circuit board is embedded in the monocular optical module100. When such monocular optical modules100are paired and used in a glasses-type device or the like, the binocular parallax of the glasses-type device or the like may be corrected by moving the position of the image using the margin areas of displays42. This may be applied to the binocular optical module300in the same manner.

Furthermore, the circuit board may mitigate a problem (e.g., the occurrence of defective pixels attributable to deterioration, or the like) by transferring a signal to shift an image to the margin region of the display42or to compensate for the shape of an image when the problem occurs in the display42.

The circuit board may change the shapes of images output from the display42according to the preference of the user of the monocular optical module100or binocular optical module300. For example, the circuit board may transfer signals to the display42so that images in a polygonal shape such as a square or images having a curvature such as that of a circle are displayed according to the preference of the user.

Alternatively, the circuit board may transfer signals to adjust the sizes of images output from the monocular optical module100or the binocular optical module300.

Furthermore, the circuit board may be electrically connected to the display42and exchange signals checking whether the display42has been set to preset conditions.

According to the present invention, there may be provided the lens holder capable of increasing the manufacturing convenience of an optical module used in augmented reality or virtual reality and minimizing tolerance during assembly, and the optical module including the lens holder.

In particular, the present invention may provide the lens holder capable of efficiently preventing dipvergence and convergence problems that may occur in a binocular optical module, and the optical module including the lens holder.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, there may be provided the lens holder having a foreign material blocking function capable of effectively blocking the inflow of a foreign material such as dust, and the optical module including the lens holder.

Moreover, according to the present invention, there may be provided the glasses-type augmented reality provision device including such an optical module.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments of the present invention, this is an example. A person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains may make other various modifications and alterations within the scope of the present invention determined by the attached claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that these modifications and alterations are all included in the scope of equivalent rights of the present invention.