input device

Abstract

The present application provides an input device capable of notifying input determination and capable of achieving thinness. The input device (100) of the present application includes a display section (200A) that displays an aerial image (260) and a detection section (300) that detects a user operation related to the aerial image (260). The display section (200A) includes a light guide plate (220) disposed between a half mirror (240) and a retroreflective sheet (250) and a light source (230) that irradiates the light guide plate (220), and displays the aerial image (260) formed on a light diffusion surface (222) of the light guide plate (220) in response to incident light. The display section (200A) turns off the light source (230) when a user operation related to the aerial image (260) is detected, and notifies the user of input determination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to input devices, and more particularly to input devices capable of displaying aerial images via retroreflection and performing input operations. Background Technology

[0002] Aerial Imaging by Retro-Reflection (AIRR) is known (e.g., Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3). For example, Patent Document 3 discloses an aerial imaging display device in which, in order to achieve miniaturization of the device, the display and the retro-reflection component are arranged parallel to the beam splitter, and a deflecting optical element is arranged on the display.

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-107165

[0004] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-81138

[0005] [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-101055 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Contactless buttons are rapidly expanding as an input function required for elevators and other applications. Figure 1 This is an example of an input device 10 installed in an elevator, equipped with a button 12 for inputting floor numbers and a button 14 for inputting door opening and closing. By incorporating miniaturized non-contact sensors within the buttons 12 and 14, user actions such as bringing their hands close to or covering the buttons 12 and 14 are detected. Furthermore, when an aerial image 16 is displayed above the buttons 12 and 14 using retroreflection, non-contact sensors are used to detect user actions such as bringing their hands close to the aerial image 16 or covering it.

[0007] When user input is detected using a non-contact sensor, users can input data in a contactless manner. However, there is a problem that it is impossible to know whether the input has been confirmed when the hand is covered by the air image 16. In addition, when displaying the air image of the button, it is necessary to achieve a thinner input device.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to solve these previous problems and provide an input device that can notify input confirmation and achieve a thin profile.

[0009] The input device of the present invention includes: a display unit including a light guide plate disposed between a beam splitter and a retroreflection component, and a light source illuminating the light guide plate, the display unit displaying an aerial image of a light diffusion surface formed on the light guide plate in response to incident light; and a detection unit detecting user operations related to the aerial image, the display unit switching the light source on / off based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0010] In one embodiment, the detection unit detects a press of the display unit as a user operation. In one embodiment, the detection unit includes an on / off switch for detecting a press of the display unit. In one embodiment, when the display unit detects a user operation, it disconnects the light source and sets the aerial image to non-display. In one embodiment, the light guide plate includes a first light guide plate and a second light guide plate stacked together, the light source includes a first light source and a second light source corresponding to the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate, and the display unit turns on one of the first light source and the second light source and turns off the other light source based on the detection result of the detection unit. In one embodiment, the second light guide plate is farther away from the beam splitter than the first light guide plate, and when the display unit disconnects the first light source, turns on the second light source, and detects a user operation related to a second aerial image based on the second light guide plate, it disconnects the second light source, turns on the first light source, and displays the first aerial image based on the first light guide plate. In one embodiment, the first aerial image corresponding to the first light guide plate is smaller than the second aerial image based on the second light guide plate. In one embodiment, the color of the light emitted by the first light source is different from the color of the light emitted by the second light source. In one embodiment, the display unit further includes a lens capable of electrically changing its focal length, the display unit changing the focal length of the lens based on the detection result of the detection unit. In another embodiment, the display unit changes the size or display position of the aerial image when it detects a user operation.

[0011] [Invention Effects]

[0012] According to the present invention, since the display unit switches the light source on / off based on the detection result of the detection unit, the user can know that the input has been confirmed by displaying an aerial image. Furthermore, by detecting the pressing of the display unit, the input device can be made thinner. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This diagram shows an example of an input device mounted on an existing elevator.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the input device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the input device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of an input device according to a modified example of the present invention.

[0019] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0020] 100, 100A, 100B, 100C: Input devices

[0021] 200, 200A, 200B, 200C: Display Unit

[0022] 210: Shell

[0023] 220, 220A: Light guide plate

[0024] 222, 222A: Light diffusion surface

[0025] 230, 230A: Light source

[0026] 240: Semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror

[0027] 250: Regression Reflector

[0028] 260, 260A: Aerial Images

[0029] 270: Electron Lens

[0030] 300: Testing Department

[0031] 310: Protrusion

[0032] 320: Switch Detailed Implementation

[0033] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The input device of the present invention is an integrated input device that combines the function of displaying an aerial image using retroreflection and the function of detecting user operations. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings referenced in the following description of the embodiments include exaggerated displays for ease of understanding of the invention and do not represent the actual shape or proportions of the product verbatim.

[0034] [Example]

[0035] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 2This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The input device 100 of this embodiment is configured to include: a display unit 200, which has the function of displaying an aerial image; and a detection unit 300, which has the function of detecting user operations related to the aerial image displayed by the display unit 200.

[0036] The display unit 200 is configured, for example, as a rectangular housing 210 with an internal space, including a light guide plate 220, a light source 230, a semi-transparent mirror 240, and a retroreflector 250.

[0037] The light guide plate 220 is a transparent plate-shaped or film-shaped optical component having a flat upper surface, a flat bottom surface, and a side connecting the upper surface and the bottom surface. The light guide plate 220 can use known light guide plates, such as those made of glass, acrylic plastic, polycarbonate resin, or cycloolefin resin. A light diffusion surface 222 is formed on the bottom or bottom surface of the light guide plate 220. The light diffusion surface 222 is formed, for example, by laser processing or printing on the bottom surface of the light guide plate 220. The light diffusion surface 222 forms the original image, i.e., the appearance, for generating an aerial image. The appearance, for example, represents... Figure 1 The number of the layer shown is the input button 12.

[0038] A light source 230 is disposed on the side of the light guide plate 220. The light source 230 is not particularly limited; for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode can be used. The light source 230 emits light with a certain exit angle (or radiation angle) from the side of the light guide plate 220, uniformly illuminating the interior of the light guide plate 220. The light diffusion surface 222 within the light guide plate 220 diffuses or scatters the incident light upwards.

[0039] A transflective mirror 240 is disposed on the upper surface of the light guide plate 220. The transflective mirror 240 is a transparent optical component that separates incident light into reflected light and transmitted light. The transflective mirror 240 is constructed, for example, by forming a dielectric multilayer film or an anti-reflection film on the surface or back of a flat substrate such as glass or plastic. Here, a transflective mirror 240 in which the amount of reflected light is equal to the amount of transmitted light is exemplified, but a beam splitter in which the ratio of reflected light to transmitted light varies depending on the brightness of the light source 230 or the brightness of the image in the air can also be used.

[0040] The retroreflector 250 is installed in contact with the bottom surface of the light guide plate 220. The retroreflector 250 is an optical component that reflects light in the same direction as the incident light. Its structure is not particularly limited. For example, it can be composed of prism-type retroreflector elements such as triangular pyramid-shaped retroreflector elements and full cubic corner retroreflector elements, or bead-type retroreflector elements.

[0041] Light incident from the side of the light guide plate 220 diffuses or scatters upwards on the light diffusion surface 222. A portion of this diffused or scattered light is reflected by the semi-transparent mirror 240, and this reflected light is incident on the retroreflector 250. The light incident on the retroreflector 250 is reflected in the same direction as the incident light, and a portion of it is re-imaged through the semi-transparent mirror 240. As a result, an aerial image 260 floating above the display unit 200 is observed from the user's viewpoint.

[0042] A detection unit 300 is disposed on the bottom side of the display unit 200. The detection unit 300 detects user operation when the display unit 200 is operated. In one embodiment, the user visually confirms the aerial image 260 displayed by the display unit 200 and presses the display unit 200 to perform input. The display unit 200 functions as an input button, changing its position when pressed by the user. The detection unit 300 detects this position change of the display unit 200 as a user operation.

[0043] As a specific example, the detection unit 300 includes a switch that physically or mechanically opens and closes its contacts, which are opened and closed by a protrusion 310 that contacts the bottom surface of the housing 210 of the display unit 200. The protrusion 310 is elastically pressed against the bottom surface of the housing by an elastic member such as a spring; when the display unit 200 is pressed against this elastic force, the switch opens / or closes. The result of the switch opening and closing is provided to a controller (not shown).

[0044] Figure 2 (A) indicates a state where the aerial image 260 is displayed on the display unit 200 and the user U has not pressed the display unit 200. At this time, the protrusion 310 protrudes from the detection unit 300 and elastically applies force to the bottom surface of the housing 210.

[0045] Figure 2 (B) shows the state where the user visually confirms the aerial image 260 and presses the display unit 200. When the user presses the display unit 200, the display unit 200 moves to the right, and the protrusion 310 is recessed inward by the movement, thereby opening and closing the switch.

[0046] Thus, in the input device 100 of this embodiment, the state of visually confirming the aerial image 260 and being able to press the display unit 200 is ensured, and the display unit 200 and the detection unit 300 are integrated, thereby enabling the input device 100 to be made thinner. In addition, the user U can know that the input has been confirmed by physically pressing the display unit 200.

[0047] Furthermore, the display unit 200 that generates aerial images is not limited to... Figure 2The structure shown can also be modified, for example, by changing the semi-transparent mirror 240 into a polarizing beam splitter and inserting a λ / 4 plate between the light guide plate 220 and the retroreflector plate 250. This allows the display of an aerial image 260 using polarized light.

[0048] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of the input device 100A according to the second embodiment. Figure 2 The same structures are labeled with the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the detection unit 300 provides the detection results of the user operation to the display unit 200, and the display unit 200 switches the light source 230 on / off according to its detection results.

[0049] Similar to the first embodiment, the detection unit 300 includes a switch 320 that opens and closes based on the position of the protrusion 310. The switch 320 is configured, for example, to open and close based on the position of the protrusion 310. Figure 3 As shown in (A), the display unit 200A is turned off when not pressed by the user U. Figure 3 As shown in (B), the display unit 200A is turned on when pressed by the user U. When the switch 320 is closed, the switch 320 provides a voltage signal Vd to the display unit 200A, and when the switch 320 is open, it provides a GND level signal to the display unit 200A. In one example, the protrusion 310 may also be made of a conductive material, and one of the protrusions 310 may be used as part of a current path to provide the display unit 200A with a signal indicating the opening and closing of the switch 320.

[0050] In such Figure 3 As shown in (A), when the display unit 200A is not pressed by the user U, the display unit 200A turns on the light source 230 based on the voltage signal Vd and displays the aerial image 260. On the other hand, in the case of... Figure 3 As shown in (B), when the user U presses the display unit 200A, the display unit 200A disconnects the light source 230 based on a GND level signal, thus preventing the aerial image 260 from being displayed. By setting the aerial image 260 to non-display in sync with the pressing of the display unit 200A, the user can visually confirm that the input has been confirmed.

[0051] Thus, according to this embodiment, the on / off state of the light source 230 is switched based on the detection result of the user's operation, and the display / non-display of the aerial image 260 is performed, thereby notifying the user that the input has been confirmed. Furthermore, since the press of the display unit 200A is detected (the press amount can also be very small), a thinner input device can be achieved.

[0052] Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of the input device 100B according to the third embodiment. Figure 2 , Figure 3 The same structures are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0053] The display unit 200B of this embodiment includes two stacked light guide plates 220 and 220A. The two light guide plates 220 and 220A may have the same structure, or the light diffusion surfaces 220 and 222A may have different designs. Additionally, two light sources 230 and 230A are provided in a manner corresponding to the two light guide plates 220 and 220A. The two light sources 230 and 230A may have the same structure, or they may be light sources emitting light of different wavelengths (colors).

[0054] A light guide plate 220A is disposed on the bottom side of the light guide plate 220, and a retroreflector plate 250 is disposed on its bottom side. The display unit 200B is connected to either the light source 230 or 230A, thereby displaying an aerial image 260 or 260A based on either the light guide plate 220 or 220A. As a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown in (A), the display unit 200B disconnects the light source 230 and connects the light source 230A to illuminate the light guide plate 220A. Light diffused or scattered by the light diffusion surface 222A of the light guide plate 220A passes through the light guide plate 220, and a portion of it is reflected by the semi-transparent mirror 240. This reflected light then passes through the light guide plate 220 and onto the retroreflector plate 250. The retroreflector plate 250 reflects light in the same direction as the incident light, and this reflected light passes through the light guide plates 220A and 220, with a portion of the transmitted light passing through the semi-transparent mirror 240. Thus, an aerial image 260A is displayed based on the light guide plate 220A. The aerial image 260A is generated at a position symmetrical about the semi-transparent mirror 240, therefore the aerial image 260A is displayed in a manner that it floats higher than the display unit 200B.

[0055] If user U visually confirms aerial image 260A and presses display unit 200B as a user operation, the detection unit 300 detects the press and provides the detection result to display unit 200B. The state at this time is as follows: Figure 4 As shown in (B). When the detection unit 300 detects a user's press, the display unit 200B turns on the light source 230 and turns off the light source 230A, illuminating the light guide plate 220. A portion of the light diffused or scattered on the light diffusion surface 222 of the light guide plate 220 is reflected by the semi-transparent mirror 240. This reflected light passes through the light guide plates 220 and 220A and is incident on the retroreflector plate 250. The retroreflector plate 250 reflects the light in the same direction as the incident light. This reflected light passes through the light guide plates 220A and 200, and a portion of the transmitted light passes through the semi-transparent mirror 240. Thus, an aerial image 260 based on the light guide plate 220 is displayed. The aerial image 260 has a lower levitation distance compared to the aerial image 260A.

[0056] Thus, according to this embodiment, the user can recognize that the input has been confirmed by visually confirming the change in the display position of the aerial image in sync with the user's operation. Alternatively, the size and shape of the light diffusion surface 222 of the light guide plate 220 can be different from the light diffusion surface 222A of the light guide plate 220A. In this case, the user can recognize that the input has been confirmed by the change in the size and shape of the aerial image 260. Furthermore, the colors of the light source 230 and the light source 230A can also be changed. In this case, the user can recognize that the input has been confirmed by the change in the color of the aerial image 260.

[0057] Next, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the structure of the input device 100C according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 2 , Figure 3 The same structural elements are labeled with the same reference numerals. In addition to the structure of the display unit 200A of the second embodiment, the display unit 200C of this embodiment also includes an electronic lens 270 in front of the transflective mirror 240. The electronic lens 270 is a concave or convex lens capable of electrically changing its focal length. For example, the electronic lens 270 is composed of a liquid crystal lens. Furthermore, to protect the electronic lens 270 from user operation, protective glass or the like may be disposed on the surface of the electronic lens 270.

[0058] Similar to the aforementioned embodiment, the detection unit 300 detects the pressing of the display unit 200C and provides the detection result to the display unit 200C. Based on the detection result, the display unit 200C changes the focal length of the electronic lens 270, thereby changing the position (hovering amount) and size (dimension) of the displayed aerial image.

[0059] Figure 5 (A) shows the state where the user U is not pressed. At this time, the display unit 200C adjusts the focal length of the electronic lens 270 so that the aerial image 260 is displayed in a way that is relatively far away from the display unit 200C.

[0060] Figure 5 (B) shows the state where the user U has pressed the button. In response to the detection unit 300 detecting the pressing of the display unit 200C, the display unit 200C adjusts the focal length of the electronic lens 270 so that the aerial image 260C is displayed in a position closer to the display unit 200C and in a smaller size.

[0061] Thus, according to this embodiment, the user can know that the input has been confirmed by visually confirming the changes in the hovering amount and size of the aerial image in sync with the user's operation.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the detection unit 300 is exemplified as a switch 320 that opens and closes contacts by moving the protrusion 310. However, the detection unit 300 is not necessarily limited to such a switch, and may also be a switch with other structures. For example, it may also be as follows: Figure 6 As shown in (A), a switch 320 serving as a detection unit 300 is built into the housing 210 of the display unit 200D, and a protrusion 310 protrudes from the bottom surface of the housing 210. In this case, when the display unit 200D is not pressed, as... Figure 6 As shown in (A), protrusion 310 protrudes, thereby turning on switch 320, as when display unit 200D is pressed. Figure 6 As shown in (B), the protrusion 310 contacts the stationary part 330 and is recessed, thereby closing the switch 320. The display unit 200D switches the light source 230 on / off according to the opening and closing of the switch 320. With this structure, the input device 100D can be made thinner.

[0063] The spatial input device of this embodiment can be applied to all types of user input, such as computer devices, in-vehicle electronic devices, bank ATMs, ticket purchasing machines in stations, elevator input buttons, etc.

[0064] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to specific embodiments. Various modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of the spirit of the invention as described in the claims.

Claims

1. An input device, comprising: The display unit, within a housing, includes a light guide plate disposed between a beam splitter and a retroreflector, and a light source illuminating the light guide plate. The display unit displays an aerial image of the light diffusion surface formed on the light guide plate in response to incident light; and The detection unit includes a switch for detecting position changes of the housing caused by a user operation related to the aerial image. The display unit switches the light source on / off based on the detection result of the detection unit. The display unit turns on the light source to display an aerial image when the switch does not detect the pressing of the housing, and turns off the light source to prevent the aerial image from being displayed when the switch detects the pressing of the housing.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein, The detection unit includes a protrusion that elastically applies force to the bottom surface of the housing and a switch that opens and closes contacts by moving the protrusion, the protrusion moving according to changes in the position of the housing.

3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein, The switch is connected between the light source and the voltage signal of the display unit. When a change in the position of the housing is detected, the switch is turned on and the light source is turned off.

4. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The beam splitter is disposed on the upper surface of the housing, and the retroreflective component is disposed on the bottom surface of the housing in such a way that it contacts the bottom surface of the light guide plate.

5. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The light guide plate includes a first light guide plate and a second light guide plate that are stacked together, and the light source includes a first light source and a second light source corresponding to the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate. The display unit connects one of the first light source and the second light source and disconnects the other light source based on the detection result of the detection unit.

6. The input device according to claim 5, wherein, The second light guide plate is farther away from the beam splitter than the first light guide plate. When the first light source is turned off, the second light source is turned on, and a user operation related to the second aerial image based on the second light guide plate is detected, the display unit turns off the second light source, turns on the first light source, and displays the first aerial image based on the first light guide plate.

7. The input device according to claim 6, wherein, The first aerial image corresponding to the first light guide plate is smaller than the second aerial image based on the second light guide plate.

8. The input device according to claim 6, wherein, The color of the light emitted by the first light source is different from the color of the light emitted by the second light source.

9. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The display unit also includes a lens capable of electrically changing its focal length. The display unit adjusts the focal length of the lens based on the detection result of the detection unit.

10. The input device according to claim 9, wherein, When a user operation is detected, the display unit changes the size or display position of the aerial image.

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