Reflective aerial image imaging apparatus and reflective aerial image imaging method

Abstract

The reflective aerial imaging device of the present invention includes: a first reflector (38) disposed opposite to the first light control unit (17) on the side of the first light control unit (17) of the optical imaging unit (12) at a distance from the first light control unit (17); and a second reflector (39) disposed opposite to the second light control unit (19) on the side of the second light control unit (12) at a distance from the second light control unit (19). The reflective aerial imaging device causes light emitted from the display unit (11) and irradiated onto the first reflector (38) to be reflected by the first reflector (38) and incident on the first light control unit (17). Light incident on the first light control unit (17) that is reflected once by the first light reflecting surface and incident on the second light control unit (19) and reflected once by the second light reflecting surface and emitted from the second light control unit (19) is reflected by the second reflector (39), thereby imaging the image displayed on the display unit (11) as an aerial image (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reflective aerial image imaging apparatus and a reflective aerial image imaging method using an optical imaging unit that images displayed on a display unit as aerial images. Background Technology

[0002] As a device that uses light (scattered light) emitted from the surface of an object to form an aerial image (stereoscopic image) of the object in the air, there is, for example, the optical imaging device (optical imaging unit) described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] This optical imaging device has first and second light control panels, which are formed inside two transparent plates by arranging multiple light-reflecting surfaces (mirrors) vertically in a strip-like manner along the thickness direction of the transparent plates at a constant spacing. In this optical imaging device, the light-reflecting surfaces of the first and second light control panels are orthogonal to each other when viewed from above, so that one side of each light control panel faces and fits tightly against the other. According to this optical imaging device, in addition to imaging a stereoscopic image of an object with a three-dimensional shape in the air, it is also possible to image light emitted by a display unit such as a monitor in the air, thereby making the image displayed on the display unit appear to float in the air. Furthermore, as a device utilizing this optical imaging device, an air touch panel, such as that described in Patent Document 2, has also been proposed.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2009 / 131128

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-67071 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, in this optical imaging device, when an aerial image of the object is formed symmetrically with respect to the object across the optical imaging device, for example, in a structure where a display unit is positioned below a horizontally arranged optical imaging device and an aerial image of the image displayed on the display unit is formed above the optical imaging device, the vertical distance from the display unit to the optical imaging device is equal to the vertical distance from the optical imaging device to the aerial image, and the vertical distance from the display unit to the aerial image is twice the vertical distance from the display unit to the optical imaging device. This results in a problem of requiring a large space in the height direction. Furthermore, in a structure where a display unit is positioned inside a vertically arranged optical imaging device and an aerial image of the image displayed on the display unit is formed near the front of the optical imaging device, the horizontal distance from the display unit to the optical imaging device is equal to the horizontal distance from the optical imaging device to the aerial image, and the horizontal distance from the display unit to the aerial image is twice the horizontal distance from the display unit to the optical imaging device. This results in a problem of requiring a large space in the depth direction.

[0010] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a reflective aerial image imaging device and a reflective aerial image imaging method that can shorten the straight-line distance from the display unit and the aerial image to the optical imaging unit, respectively, thereby achieving miniaturization and thinning of the device, while maintaining the length of the optical path from the display unit through the optical imaging unit to the aerial image, forming a clear and highly recognizable aerial image without reducing the field of view.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] The first invention according to the stated purpose uses an optical imaging unit in which a first light control unit having a plurality of first light reflecting surfaces arranged parallel at intervals inside a transparent plate with one surface perpendicular to the plate and the plate itself, and a second light control unit having a plurality of second light reflecting surfaces arranged parallel at intervals inside a transparent plate with another surface perpendicular to the plate, are arranged to coincide along the thickness direction of the transparent plate in such a way that the first and second light reflecting surfaces are orthogonal when viewed from above. The reflective aerial image imaging device is characterized by having a first reflector, which is located in the first... The optical control unit is disposed opposite to the first optical control unit at a distance from it; and a second reflector is disposed opposite to the second optical control unit at a distance from it on the side of the optical imaging unit. The reflective aerial image imaging device causes light emitted from the display unit and irradiated by the first reflector to be reflected by the first reflector and incident on the first optical control unit. Light incident on the first optical control unit that is reflected once by the first light reflecting surface and then incident on the second optical control unit and reflected once by the second light reflecting surface and then emitted from the second optical control unit is reflected by the second reflector, thereby imaging the image displayed on the display unit as an aerial image.

[0013] In the reflective aerial image imaging device of the first invention, the reflective aerial image imaging device may also include a third reflector, which is disposed between the first reflector and the second reflector at a position that does not overlap with the optical imaging unit. The front and back surfaces of the third reflector have a first reflective surface opposite to the first reflector and a second reflective surface opposite to the second reflector. The reflective aerial image imaging device causes light emitted from the display unit to be reflected by the first reflective surface and then illuminate the first reflector, and causes light emitted from the second light control unit and reflected by the second reflector to be reflected by the second reflective surface and then imaged.

[0014] In the reflective aerial image imaging device of the first invention, the reflective aerial image imaging device may also be provided with a detection unit for detecting the position of the indicator unit that is in contact with the aerial image.

[0015] The second invention, according to the stated objective, uses an optical imaging unit. In this optical imaging unit, a first light control unit having a plurality of first light-reflecting surfaces arranged parallel to each other at intervals on one side of a transparent plate and within the transparent plate, and a second light control unit having a plurality of second light-reflecting surfaces arranged parallel to each other at intervals on another side of the transparent plate, are arranged such that the first and second light-reflecting surfaces are orthogonal to each other when viewed from above, along the thickness direction of the transparent plate. The method is characterized in that, on the side of the first light control unit of the optical imaging unit, the first light control... A first reflector is disposed opposite to the second light control unit at a distance from the first reflector. A second reflector is disposed opposite to the second light control unit at a distance from the second light control unit. In this reflective aerial image imaging method, light emitted from the display unit and irradiated by the first reflector is reflected by the first reflector and incident on the first light control unit. Light incident on the first light control unit that is reflected once by the first light reflecting surface, incident on the second light control unit, and reflected once by the second light reflecting surface before exiting the second light control unit is reflected by the second reflector, thereby imaging the image displayed on the display unit as an aerial image.

[0016] In the second invention's reflective aerial image imaging method, a third reflector may be disposed between the first and second reflectors at a position that does not overlap with the optical imaging unit. The third reflector has a first reflecting surface opposite to the first reflector and a second reflecting surface opposite to the second reflector on its front and back sides. In this reflective aerial image imaging method, light emitted from the display unit is reflected by the first reflecting surface and then illuminates the first reflector. Light emitted from the second light control unit and reflected by the second reflector is then reflected by the second reflecting surface to form an image.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to the reflective aerial image imaging device of the first invention and the reflective aerial image imaging method of the second invention, light emitted from the display unit is reflected by the first reflector and incident on the optical imaging unit (first light control unit), and is reflected once each by the first light reflecting surface and the second light reflecting surface. Light emitted from the optical imaging unit (second light control unit) is reflected by the second reflector. This bends (folds) the light path from the display unit to the optical imaging unit and the light path from the optical imaging unit to the aerial image, respectively shortening the straight-line distance from the display unit to the optical imaging unit and the straight-line distance from the optical imaging unit to the aerial image, thereby enabling miniaturization and thinning of the device.

[0019] In the first invention's reflective aerial image imaging device and the second invention's reflective aerial image imaging method, when a third mirror with a first reflecting surface facing the first reflecting mirror and a second reflecting surface facing the second reflecting mirror is used, light emitted from the display unit is reflected by the first reflecting surface and then illuminates the first reflecting mirror. When light emitted from the optical imaging unit (second light control unit) and reflected by the second reflecting mirror is reflected by the second reflecting surface and then imaged, the optical path from the display unit to the optical imaging unit and the optical path from the optical imaging unit to the aerial image can be further lengthened without increasing the size of the device, forming a clear aerial image with excellent visibility without reducing the field of view.

[0020] In the reflective aerial image imaging device of the first invention, when a detection unit is provided to detect the position of the indicator unit that is in contact with the aerial image, the aerial image can function as a non-contact touch panel. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of a reflective aerial image imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 (A) and (B) are respectively the front sectional view and the side sectional view of the optical imaging unit of the reflective aerial image imaging device.

[0023] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the reflective aerial imaging device.

[0024] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of a reflective aerial image imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Next, the reflective aerial image imaging apparatus and reflective aerial image imaging method of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 The reflective aerial image imaging apparatus 10 and reflective aerial image imaging method of the first embodiment of the present invention shown are apparatuses and methods for imaging an image displayed on a display unit 11 as an aerial image 13 using an optical imaging unit 12. Examples of display units include, for example, displays of mobile phones (especially smartphones) or tablet terminals, or monitors of other devices such as personal computers, but are not limited to these; any display screen (flat screen) that displays various images (including text) by emitting light is acceptable. Furthermore, the display unit can be pre-assembled into the reflective aerial image imaging apparatus, or the display unit displaying the image as the basis for the aerial image can be appropriately positioned for use.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, in the optical imaging unit 12 used in the reflective aerial image imaging device 10 and the reflective aerial image imaging method, the first light control unit 17 and the second light control unit 19 are arranged to overlap along the thickness direction of the transparent plate 15 in such a way that the first light reflecting surface 16 and the second light reflecting surface are orthogonal when viewed from above. The first light control unit 17 has a plurality of first light reflecting surfaces 16 arranged perpendicular to one surface of the transparent plate 15 and parallel to each other at intervals inside the transparent plate 15. The second light control unit 19 has a plurality of second light reflecting surfaces arranged perpendicular to the other surface of the transparent plate 15 and parallel to each other at intervals inside the transparent plate 15. In addition, in this embodiment, the first transparent plate 21 on which the plurality of first light reflecting surfaces 16 that become the first light control unit 17 are formed overlap (joined) with the second transparent plate 22 on which the plurality of second light reflecting surfaces 18 that become the second light control unit 19 are formed, thereby creating the optical imaging unit 12.

[0028] Here, the first light control unit 17 is formed by arranging a plurality of grooves 25 with triangular cross sections and a plurality of protrusions 26 with triangular cross sections at a predetermined interval on the other side of the first transparent plate 21. The plurality of grooves 25 have inclined surfaces 23 and vertical surfaces 24. The plurality of protrusions 26 are formed between adjacent grooves 25, and a first light reflecting surface 16 is formed only on the vertical surface 24 of each groove 25.

[0029] In addition, the second light control unit 19 is formed by arranging a plurality of grooves 32 with triangular cross sections and a plurality of protrusions 33 with triangular cross sections at a predetermined interval on one side of the second transparent plate 22. The plurality of grooves 32 have an inclined surface 30 and a vertical surface 31. The plurality of protrusions 33 are formed between adjacent grooves 32, and a second light reflecting surface 18 is formed only on the vertical surface 31 of each groove 32.

[0030] Furthermore, the corresponding slots 25 and 32 are filled with transparent resin 36.

[0031] Furthermore, the first and second transparent sheets 21 and 22 have the same refractive index η1 and η2, and the refractive index η3 of the transparent resin 36 filling between them is preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 times (more preferably 0.9 to 1.1 times, and even more preferably 0.95 to 1.05 times) of the refractive indices η1 and η2 of the first and second transparent sheets 21 and 22. Moreover, the transparent resin used as the raw material for the first and second transparent sheets 21 and 22 can be thermoplastic resins such as cyclic olefin polymers, polymethyl methacrylate (acrylic resin), amorphous fluoropolymers, PMMA (acrylic), optical polycarbonate, fluorene polyester, and polyethersulfone, but a transparent resin with a high melting point and high transparency is particularly preferred.

[0032] The first light-reflecting surface 16 and the second light-reflecting surface 18 are the surfaces of the metal film 37 formed on the vertical surfaces 24 and 31 of the grooves 25 and 32, and serve as mirror surfaces (metal reflective surfaces). Preferably, the metal film 37 is formed by directly sputtering, metal evaporation, spraying metal particles, irradiating with an ion beam, or applying a metal paste to the vertical surfaces 24 and 31 of the grooves 25 and 32, and its surface is used as the first light-reflecting surface 16 and the second light-reflecting surface 18, but it is not limited to this.

[0033] Alternatively, as a method for integrating the first and second light control units 17 and 19 by filling the grooves 25 and 32 with transparent resin 36, a sheet-like transparent resin with a melting point lower than the first and second transparent plates 21 and 22 can be sandwiched between them in a state where the side of the second light control unit 19 where each groove 25 and 32 is formed is opposite to the other side of the first light control unit 17. This resin can then be heated and pressed under vacuum to dissolve and solidify the transparent resin. Alternatively, a transparent adhesive composed of transparent resin can be filled into each groove 25 and 32, and the grooves 25 and 32 of the first and second light control units 17 and 19 can be joined together, followed by curing of the transparent adhesive. Or, after filling each groove 25 and 32 with transparent resin and allowing it to cure, the first transparent plate 21 and the second transparent plate 22 can be joined together using a transparent adhesive or the like to form a flat plate. As transparent adhesives, in addition to photocurable types that are cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light, thermocurable types and two-component mixed types of adhesives can also be used. In particular, in order to make the refractive index η3 close to the refractive indices η1 and η2, optical adhesives made of refractive index adjusting resins with adjusted refractive indices are preferred.

[0034] Next, the operation of the optical imaging unit 12 will be explained.

[0035] For example, the optical imaging unit 12 can utilize the light emitted by the display unit (not shown) and incident on the first light control unit 17 of the optical imaging unit 12, such as... Figure 2 As shown in (A) and (B), light L1 and L2 are incident on the first light control unit 17 from positions P11 and P21, reflected once each at positions P12 and P22 on the first light reflecting surface 16, and enter the second light control unit 19. They are then reflected once each at positions P13 and P23 on the second light reflecting surface 18 and emitted from the second light control unit 19 at positions P14 and P24, respectively. This causes the image displayed on the display unit to be imaged as an aerial image. Here, light L1 and L2... Figure 2 (B) Q1 and Q2 are incident from the first transparent plate 21 onto the transparent resin 36, and in Figure 2(A) S1 and S2 are incident from transparent resin 36 onto the second transparent plate 22. However, since the refractive indices η1 and η2 of the first and second transparent plates 21 and 22 are the same and approximately equal to the refractive index η3 of transparent resin 36, total internal reflection and spectral dispersion will not occur. In addition, refraction also occurs at positions P11, P21, P14, and P24, but the refractions at P11 and P14 and at P21 and P24 cancel each other out.

[0036] In addition, in this embodiment, Figure 2 In (A) and (B), the left side of the metal film 37 becomes the first light reflecting surface 16 and the second light reflecting surface 18, but the front and back of the metal film ( Figure 2 Either side of (A) and (B) can function as the first light reflecting surface and the second light reflecting surface. Corresponding to the configuration of the first light control unit and the second light control unit (reversal of front and back) or the direction of light entry, either side of the metal film can selectively function as the first light reflecting surface and the second light reflecting surface.

[0037] In this embodiment, an optical imaging unit 12 is described by overlapping (joining) a first transparent plate 21 having a plurality of first light-reflecting surfaces 16 forming the first light control unit 17 with a second transparent plate 22 having a plurality of second light-reflecting surfaces 18 forming the second light control unit 19. However, the optical imaging unit can also be an optical imaging unit in which the first light control unit and the second light control unit are integrally formed on one side and the other side of a transparent plate, respectively. That is, the optical imaging unit can also be manufactured by forming a plurality of grooves and a plurality of protrusions, as before, on one side and the other side of a transparent plate, forming the first light-reflecting surface and the second light-reflecting surface on the vertical surface of each groove on one side and the vertical surface of each groove on the other side, respectively, and filling each groove on one side and the other side with transparent resin. Furthermore, instead of forming a mirror (metal reflective surface) on the vertical surface of each slot using a metal film and filling it with transparent resin, and sealing the slot with air or other gases or creating a vacuum within each slot to utilize total internal reflection, the vertical surface of each slot can directly function as a light reflective surface. Furthermore, in addition to these optical imaging units, for example, it is also possible to appropriately use, as in Patent Document 1 (… Figure 4 The optical imaging unit shown in Figure 6) is formed by alternating layers of a transparent cuboid and a metal film (light reflecting surface) to obtain a flat first and second light control unit (light control panel), or other previously known optical imaging units such as the optical imaging unit described in International Publication No. 2019 / 003730, which has a first light control unit with multiple light reflecting surfaces arranged radially and a second light control unit with multiple light reflecting surfaces arranged concentrically.

[0038] Next, as Figure 1 As shown, in the reflective aerial image imaging device 10 and the reflective aerial image imaging method, a first reflector 38 is disposed opposite to the first light control unit 17 on the side of the first light control unit 17 of the optical imaging unit 12 at a distance from the first light control unit 17, and a second reflector 39 is disposed opposite to the second light control unit 19 on the side of the second light control unit 12 at a distance from the second light control unit 19. Furthermore, light emitted from the display unit 11 and illuminating the first reflector 38 is reflected by the first reflector 38 and incident on the first light control unit 17. Light incident on the first light control unit 17 that is reflected once by the first light reflecting surface 16, incident on the second light control unit 19, and reflected once by the second light reflecting surface 18 before exiting the second light control unit 19 is reflected by the second reflector 39, thereby imaging the image displayed on the display unit 11 as an aerial image 13.

[0039] Here, the virtual image 11a of the display unit 11, which is drawn with illusory lines at a position symmetrical to the display unit 11 on the reflective surface (mirror) 40 of the first reflector 38, corresponds to the conventional position of the display unit 11 when the light emitted from the display unit 11 is directly irradiated to the optical imaging unit 12 (first light control unit 17) without using the first reflector 38. The virtual image 13a of the aerial image 13, which is drawn with illusory lines at a position symmetrical to the aerial image 13 on the reflective surface (mirror) 41 of the second reflector 39, corresponds to the position of the aerial image 13 when the light emitted from the optical imaging unit 12 (second light control unit 19) is directly imaged in the air without being reflected by the second reflector 39.

[0040] Therefore, in this reflective aerial image imaging device 10 and reflective aerial image imaging method, the first reflector 38 and the second reflector 39 are used to bend (fold) the optical path from the display unit 11 to the optical imaging unit 12 and the optical path from the optical imaging unit 12 to the aerial image 13, respectively. This shortens the straight-line distance from the display unit 11 to the optical imaging unit 12 and the straight-line distance from the optical imaging unit 12 to the aerial image 13, and reduces the size in the height direction by about half. Moreover, the aerial image 13 is formed within the space surrounded by the housing 42, thereby increasing brightness while making it difficult for others to visually confirm the aerial image 13, thus protecting privacy.

[0041] Furthermore, when the reflective aerial image imaging device 10 is equipped with a detection unit 43 that detects the position of an indicator unit (e.g., a finger, stylus, etc.) that is in contact with the aerial image 13, the detection unit 43 detects the position on the aerial image 13 indicated by the indicator unit, enabling a personal computer (not shown) or similar device to execute processing (commands) corresponding to the indicated position, thereby enabling the aerial image 13 to function as an aerial touch panel (contactless input screen). In this embodiment, as the detection unit 43, an optical proximity sensor formed in the shape of a flat rod (strip) such as a zForce AIR touch sensor or AIRBAR is arranged along one side (here, the bottom side) of the outer periphery of the aerial image 13. However, the detection unit is not limited to this and can be appropriately selected. The configuration of the detection unit varies depending on the structure (shape) of each detection unit and the detection method. For example, as the detection unit, a frame-shaped sensor (a type of optical proximity sensor) formed along the outer periphery of the aerial image and with multiple light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements arranged around the aerial image can be used, or an infrared motion sensor or the like can be used.

[0042] In this embodiment, the lower surface of the optical imaging unit 12 is designated as the first light control unit 17, and the upper surface is designated as the second light control unit 19. Correspondingly, a first reflecting mirror 38 is disposed on the lower side of the optical imaging unit 12, and a second reflecting mirror 39 is disposed on the upper side. However, it is also possible to... Figure 3 As shown in the modified example of the reflective aerial imaging device 45, the optical imaging unit 12, the first reflector 38, and the second reflector 39 are arranged in an upside-down configuration. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light-incident surface 46 (one side of the transparent plate 15) and the light-exit surface 47 (the other side of the transparent plate 15) of the optical imaging unit 12, the reflecting surface 40 of the first reflector 38, and the reflecting surface 41 of the second reflector 39 are all arranged in parallel (see reference). Figure 1 However, similar to the reflective aerial image imaging device 45, the angles formed by the light-incident surface 46 of the optical imaging unit 12 and the reflective surface 40 of the first reflector 38, and the angles formed by the light-exit surface 47 of the optical imaging unit 12 and the reflective surface 41 of the second reflector 39, can be appropriately selected. Furthermore, the angle between the display surface 48 of the display unit 11 and the reflective surface 40 of the first reflector 38 can also be appropriately selected. Moreover, by appropriately selecting the setting angles of the display unit 11, the optical imaging unit 12, the first reflector 38, and the second reflector 39, the angle between the aerial image 13 and the horizontal plane can be selected (set). Furthermore, the reflective aerial image imaging device 10 and the reflective aerial image imaging device 45 can be used at a desired angle relative to the horizontal plane, especially when rotated by 90 degrees, which minimizes the depth dimension of the device and achieves a thinner profile.

[0043] Next, refer to Figure 4 The reflective aerial image imaging apparatus 50 and the reflective aerial image imaging method of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, structures identical to those in the first embodiment will be labeled with the same reference numerals and descriptions will be omitted.

[0044] Figure 4 The difference between the reflective aerial image imaging device 50 and the reflective aerial image imaging method of the second embodiment shown and the reflective aerial image imaging device 10 and the reflective aerial image imaging method of the first embodiment is that, at a position that does not overlap with the optical imaging unit 12, a third reflector 53 is arranged between the first reflector 38 and the second reflector 39, with a first reflective surface 51 facing the first reflector 38 and a second reflective surface 52 facing the second reflector 39 on its front and back sides, so that the light emitted from the display unit 11 is reflected by the first reflective surface 51 and then illuminates the first reflector 38, and the light emitted from the second light control unit 19 and reflected by the second reflector 39 is reflected by the second reflective surface 52 and then imaged.

[0045] In this way, by using a third mirror 53 with a first reflecting surface 51 opposite to the first reflecting mirror 38 and a second reflecting surface 52 opposite to the second reflecting mirror 39 on the front and back, light emitted from the display unit 11 is reflected by the first reflecting surface 51 and then illuminates the first reflecting mirror 38. Light emitted from the optical imaging unit 12 (second light control unit 19) and reflected by the second reflecting mirror 39 is reflected by the second reflecting surface 52 and then imaged. As a result, compared with the reflective aerial image imaging device 10, the optical path from the display unit 11 to the optical imaging unit 12 and the optical path from the optical imaging unit 12 to the aerial image 13 are longer, without making the reflective aerial image imaging device 50 larger, forming a clear and highly recognizable aerial image 13 without reducing the field of view.

[0046] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to any of the structures described in the above embodiments, and also includes other embodiments or modifications that can be conceived within the scope of the claims.

[0047] For example, in the second embodiment, the light emitted from the display unit is reflected once each by the reflecting surfaces of the first mirror, the second mirror, and the first and second reflecting surfaces of the third mirror during the period from when it is imaged in the air. However, it can also be reflected multiple times by any one or more reflecting surfaces, thereby further lengthening the light path.

[0048] Industrial availability

[0049] The reflective aerial image imaging device and method of the present invention enable miniaturization and thinning of the device, thereby forming a clear and highly legible aerial image. The reflective aerial image imaging device of the present invention can be applied to devices that utilize aerial images, such as medical devices, home appliances, automobiles, aircraft, ships, gaming / game consoles, advertising towers, and non-contact touch panels, enabling overall device compactness.

[0050] Label Explanation

[0051] 10: Reflective aerial image imaging device; 11: Display unit; 11a: Virtual image; 12: Optical imaging unit; 13: Aerial image; 13a: Virtual image; 15: Transparent flat plate; 16: First light reflecting surface; 17: First light control unit; 18: Second light reflecting surface; 19: Second light control unit; 21: First transparent plate; 22: Second transparent plate; 23: Inclined surface; 24: Vertical surface; 25: Groove; 26: Raised strip; 30: Inclined surface; 3 1: Vertical surface; 32: Groove; 33: Raised strip; 36: Transparent resin; 37: Metal film; 38: First reflecting mirror; 39: Second reflecting mirror; 40, 41: Reflecting surface (mirror surface); 42: Box body; 43: Detection unit; 45: Reflective aerial image imaging device; 46: Light-incident surface; 47: Light-out surface; 48: Display surface; 50: Reflective aerial image imaging device; 51: First reflecting surface; 52: Second reflecting surface; 53: Third reflecting mirror.

Claims

1. A reflection-type aerial image imaging apparatus using an optical imaging unit in which a first light control section having a plurality of first light reflecting surfaces arranged in parallel at intervals inside a transparent flat plate in a direction perpendicular to one face of the transparent flat plate and a second light control section having a plurality of second light reflecting surfaces arranged in parallel at intervals inside the transparent flat plate in a direction perpendicular to the other face of the transparent flat plate are arranged in a manner that the first light reflecting surfaces and the second light reflecting surfaces are orthogonal in a plan view and coincide in a thickness direction of the transparent flat plate, characterized by comprising: a first mirror arranged in opposition to the first light control section at intervals on a side of the first light control section of the optical imaging unit; and a second mirror arranged in opposition to the second light control section at intervals on a side of the second light control section of the optical imaging unit, wherein the reflection-type aerial image imaging apparatus causes light emitted from a display unit and irradiated to the first mirror to be reflected by the first mirror and to be incident on the first light control section, causes light among the light incident on the first light control section, which is reflected by the first light reflecting surfaces once and is incident on the second light control section, and which is reflected by the second light reflecting surfaces once and is emitted from the second light control section, to be reflected by the second mirror, thereby imaging an image displayed on the display unit as an aerial image, and the display unit and the aerial image are located between the first mirror and the second mirror.

2. The reflection-type aerial image imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a third mirror arranged between the first mirror and the second mirror at a position not overlapping the optical imaging unit, and having a first reflecting surface opposing the first mirror and a second reflecting surface opposing the second mirror on opposite faces of the third mirror, wherein the reflection-type aerial image imaging apparatus causes the light emitted from the display unit to be reflected by the first reflecting surface after being irradiated to the first mirror, and causes the light emitted from the second light control section and reflected by the second mirror to be reflected by the second reflecting surface after being imaged.

3. The reflection-type aerial image imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising a detection unit detecting a position of a pointing unit in contact with the aerial image.

4. A reflection-type aerial image imaging method using an optical imaging unit in which a first light control section having a plurality of first light reflecting surfaces arranged in parallel at intervals inside a transparent flat plate in a direction perpendicular to one face of the transparent flat plate and a second light control section having a plurality of second light reflecting surfaces arranged in parallel at intervals inside the transparent flat plate in a direction perpendicular to the other face of the transparent flat plate are arranged in a manner that the first light reflecting surfaces and the second light reflecting surfaces are orthogonal in a plan view and coincide in a thickness direction of the transparent flat plate, characterized by comprising: a first mirror arranged in opposition to the first light control section at intervals on a side of the first light control section of the optical imaging unit; and a second mirror arranged in opposition to the second light control section at intervals on a side of the second light control section of the optical imaging unit, wherein the reflection-type aerial image imaging method causes light emitted from a display unit and irradiated to the first mirror to be reflected by the first mirror and to be incident on the first light control section, causes light among the light incident on the first light control section, which is reflected by the first light reflecting surfaces once and is incident on the second light control section, and which is reflected by the second light reflecting surfaces once and is emitted from the second light control section, to be reflected by the second mirror, thereby imaging an image displayed on the display unit as an aerial image, and the display unit and the aerial image are located between the first mirror and the second mirror. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ A first mirror is disposed in opposition to the first light control section with a space therebetween on the first light control section side of the optical imaging unit, and a second mirror is disposed in opposition to the second light control section with a space therebetween on the second light control section side of the optical imaging unit, In the reflection type aerial image imaging method, light emitted from the display unit and irradiated to the first mirror is reflected by the first mirror and incident to the first light control section, light among the light incident to the first light control section which is reflected by the first light reflecting surface once and incident to the second light control section and which is reflected by the second light reflecting surface once and emitted from the second light control section is reflected by the second mirror, thereby imaging an image displayed on the display unit as an aerial image, The display unit and the aerial image are located between the first mirror and the second mirror.

5. The reflection type aerial image imaging method according to claim 4, wherein A third mirror is disposed between the first mirror and the second mirror at a position not overlapping with the optical imaging unit, the third mirror having a first reflecting surface in opposition to the first mirror and a second reflecting surface in opposition to the second mirror on a front surface and a back surface thereof, In the reflection type aerial image imaging method, light emitted from the display unit is reflected by the first reflecting surface and then irradiated to the first mirror, and light emitted from the second light control section and reflected by the second mirror is reflected by the second reflecting surface and then imaged.

Images