DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING A FLOATING IMAGE AND VEHICLE DISPLAY MODULE INDICATING THIS

Abstract

A device for displaying a floating image is disclosed. The device comprises a light source (10) extending in a planar direction and emitting light to realize the floating image, a converging lens (20) extending parallel to the light source (10) and refracting the light, a reflecting plate (30) facing the converging lens (20) and reflecting the light refracted at the converging lens (20), and a dihedral reflector assembly (40) extending in a planar direction and having mirrors extending in directions that intersect each other, wherein a first surface of the dihedral reflector assembly (40) faces the reflecting plate (30) such that the reflected light is incident on the first surface, and the reflected light is emitted from a second surface of the dihedral reflector assembly (40) by being reflected by the mirrors.whereby the floating image is realized at a position spaced from the second surface.,

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a floating image display device and a vehicle display module having the same, and more particularly to a floating image display device capable of improving display quality while reducing the thickness of the device and a vehicle display module having the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Recent multimedia content has been harmonized with advanced technologies to realize diverse expression and new display systems. In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, sensory content is attracting more and more attention with the emergence of mixed reality (MR) as a successor to virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

[0004] For this reason, the technologies used to float an image displayed on a display panel in the air are a transmission type using a dihedral (e.g., dihedral) reflector arrangement and a reflection type using a retroreflector.

[0005] Since the reflection type technology has problems in that the height of a floating image is limited and brightness is reduced due to the use of a beam splitter, the transmission type technology using the dihedral reflector arrangement is attracting more attention.

[0006] However, in the transmission type technology using the dihedral reflector array, there is a need to eliminate problems where the volume of the system must be increased to adjust the height of a floating image and where an unwanted ghost image is generated.

[0007] Details described as background art are intended solely for the purpose of promoting an understanding of the background of the present disclosure and should not be interpreted as an acknowledgment of prior art known in advance to those skilled in the art. OVERVIEW

[0008] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a floating image display device further comprising a lens and mirrors for increasing the height of the floating image while reducing the thickness of the device and for eliminating a ghost image.

[0009] In accordance with the present disclosure, the above and other objects can be achieved by means of a floating image display device comprising a light source extending in a planar direction and emitting light to realize an image, a condenser lens extending in a direction parallel to the light source and refracting light emitted from the light source, a reflective plate arranged to face the condenser lens and reflecting the light refracted by the condenser lens and incident thereon, and a dihedral (e.g., dihedral) reflector assembly extending in a planar direction and having mirrors extending in directions that intersect each other, wherein a first surface of the dihedral reflector assembly is arranged to face the reflective plate so that the light,which is reflected by the reflecting plate, is incident on the first surface, is reflected by the mirrors and is emitted from a second surface of the dihedral reflector arrangement, thereby realizing an image at a position spaced from the second surface.

[0010] The light source may be a display panel configured to generate light for realizing an image floating at a position spaced from the dihedral reflector assembly.

[0011] The converging lens may be an off-axis lens that extends in a planar (e.g., flat) direction parallel to the light source and whose focal axis is positioned behind an outermost end of the converging lens.

[0012] The converging lens may be a portion of a Fresnel lens in which a plurality of prisms configured to refract incident light are arranged coaxially.

[0013] The converging lens may be arranged to be spaced from and facing the reflecting plate, and may be inclined so that the converging lens comes closer to the reflecting lens when moving from one end thereof to the other end thereof.

[0014] The first end of the converging lens may be an extreme end that is closest to a focus axis of the converging lens, and the second end of the converging lens may be an extreme end that is farthest from the focus axis of the converging lens.

[0015] The converging lens may be inclined at an angle that satisfies requirements that the second end of the converging lens should be spaced from the reflecting plate and that the focal axis of the light refracted at the second end of the converging lens and then reflected by the reflecting plate should be positioned behind the first end of the converging lens.

[0016] The reflecting plate may be arranged to face the converging lens and the dihedral reflector assembly spaced apart in a planar direction.

[0017] The reflecting plate may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the dihedral reflector array at a predetermined angle determined by taking into account a ghost image forming area at which a ghost image is generated due to reflection of incident light at the dihedral reflector array.

[0018] The reflecting plate may be inclined such that a normal to a flat surface thereof is parallel to the boundary of the region representing the ghost image.

[0019] The dihedral reflector assembly may include an upper plate and a lower plate, each having mirrors arranged in a planar direction, the mirrors of the upper plate and the mirrors of the lower plate extending in directions that intersect each other.

[0020] The dihedral reflector assembly may be configured such that the mirrors extend in directions intersecting each other at a right angle, and that light reflected from the reflecting plate is obliquely incident on the individual mirrors extending in directions intersecting each other.

[0021] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle display module is provided that includes the device for displaying a floating image and an interior structure that extends in the direction in which the dihedral reflector assembly extends, wherein the interior structure is an instrument panel or an operation panel for a vehicle, and the floating image is formed at a position above the interior structure or at a position between the device and an occupant.

[0022] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Character list

[0023] In order that the disclosure may be well understood, various embodiments thereof will now be described, illustrated by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a view illustrating the construction of a floating image display device in some embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a view illustrating the relationship between a light source and a converging lens in some embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is a view illustrating the converging lens in some embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a view illustrating the relationship between the light source, the converging lens, and a reflective plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the light source and the converging lens are inclined with respect to the reflective plate; Fig. 5 is a view illustrating the position of the reflective plate and the dihedral reflector assembly in some embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 6 is a view illustrating the structure of the dihedral reflector assembly in some embodiments of the present disclosure; and Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are views illustrating vehicle display modules each having the floating image display device in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that corresponding reference characters throughout the drawings indicate similar or corresponding parts and features.

[0026] Certain structural and functional descriptions of the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed herein are merely illustrative of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be embodied in many different embodiments without departing from significant aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure.

[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present disclosure, specific examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below, since the embodiments of the present disclosure may be variously modified in many different embodiments. While the present disclosure will be described in connection with exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the present description is not intended to limit the present disclosure to these exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0028] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be interpreted as limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another element. Indeed, a first element discussed below could be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. Similarly, the second element could also be referred to as the first element.

[0029] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly coupled or connected to the other element, or there may be intervening elements therebetween. In contrast, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another element, there are no intervening elements. Other expressions explaining relationships between elements, such as "between," "directly between," "adjacent to," or "directly adjacent to," should be understood in the same way.

[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," "another," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will further be understood that the terms "comprising," "including," "having," etc., when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, acts, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, acts, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical and scientific terms, used herein have the same meaning as that commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is directed. It will further be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and are not to be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined so herein.

[0032] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals will refer to the same or similar parts.

[0033] Fig. 1 is a view illustrating the construction of a floating image display device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Referring to Fig. 1, the apparatus for displaying a floating image in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a light source 10 which extends in a planar (e.g. flat) direction and which emits light to create an image, a converging lens 20 which are directed in a direction parallel to the light source 10 and the light emitted by the light source 10emitted, refracts (e.g. deflects), a reflecting plate 30 , which is arranged so that it is 20 and which reflects the light that is reflected at the converging lens 20 is refracted and incident on it, and a dihedral (e.g. two-surface) reflector arrangement 40 extending in a planar direction and having mirrors extending in directions that intersect each other, wherein a surface of the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 arranged so that it faces the reflecting plate 30 so that the light coming from the reflecting plate 30 is reflected, incident on one surface, reflected by the mirror and reflected by the other surface of the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 is emitted, thereby realizing an image at a position spaced from the outer surface.

[0035] The light source 10 is a device that receives electrical energy and generates light to create an image. In one embodiment, the light source 10 a display panel. The light source 10 can extend in a planar direction, so that it causes a floating image to extend in a planar direction.

[0036] The converging lens 20 can be parallel to the light source 10 and can be from the light source 10 be spaced apart by a given distance. The converging lens 20 The light emitted by the light source 10 generated, refract (in other words: deflect) in one direction so that the light is concentrated on one point.

[0037] As will be described below, the convex lens 20a convex lens or a Fresnel lens designed to concentrate light onto a focal point.

[0038] The reflective plate 30 may be a mirror which is designed to reflect light and in which a reflecting surface thereof is arranged to face the converging lens 20 and the light incident on it is directed towards the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 reflected.

[0039] The dihedral reflector arrangement 40 and the convex lens 20 can be arranged so that they face the reflecting plate 30 are facing.

[0040] The dihedral reflector arrangement 40may be formed of a light-transmitting material (for example, glass or the like) and may have mirrors extending in directions that cross each other. Light incident on a surface of the dihedral reflector assembly 40 incident, can be reflected by the other surface of the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 are emitted.

[0041] The dihedral reflector arrangement 40 may be divided by means of the mirrors extending in directions that intersect each other and may be formed to have a dihedral corner reflector array (DCRA) structure.

[0042] Light incident on the dihedral reflector array 40can be reflected by the mirrors extending in directions that cross each other at a reflection angle determined in accordance with the angle of incidence of the light. Light incident thereon from a point at different angles of incidence can be reflected at a point at a symmetrical position by the dihedral reflector arrangement. 40 collected to form an image.

[0043] In particular, the light incident on the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 may form a desired image if the light is reflected an even number of times by the mirrors extending in directions that intersect each other, but may form an unwanted ghost image if the light is reflected an odd number of times by the mirrors.

[0044] The floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an effect of reducing the volume of the device symmetrically with the floating height of a floating image by means of the light emitted from the light source 10 emitted, allowing it to be directed onto the dihedral reflector array 40 incident, by means of the convex lens 20 and the reflective plate 30 , unlike conventional technology.

[0045] The light source 10 may be a display panel that generates light to realize an image floating at a position determined by the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 is spaced apart.

[0046] Here, the display panel can be implemented by means of various panels designed to realize an image, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a video display terminal (VDT) and a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0047] Fig. 2 is a view showing the relationship between the light source 10 and the converging lens 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a view showing the convex lens 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a view showing the relationship between the light source 10 , the converging lens 20 and the reflective plate 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the light source 10 and the convex lens 20with reference to the reflecting plate 30 are inclined.

[0048] Referring to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 the convex lens 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in a planar direction parallel to the light source 10 and can be an off-axis lens, where the focal axis is behind the outermost end of the converging lens 20 is arranged.

[0049] As in Fig. 2, the convex lens 20 be a lens designed to refract (e.g., deflect) light incident on it and therefore to collect the light at the focal point. In particular, the converging lens can 20 a section of a convex lens or a Fresnel lens that has a size that corresponds to the size of the light source 10 In one embodiment, the converging lens 20the same size as the light source 10 have.

[0050] Furthermore, the convex lens 20 a portion of a convex lens or a Fresnel lens that is arranged at a distance from the outermost edge of the convex lens or a Fresnel lens (which defines the diameter of the convex lens or a Fresnel lens). Accordingly, it is possible to ensure the quality and size of an image. In one embodiment, the converging lens 20 a section of a convex lens or a Fresnel lens arranged so that the outermost end of the converging lens 20 from the outermost edge of the convex lens or the Fresnel lens by a distance of L=0.05R.

[0051] In particular, the convex lens 20 be designed to have a rectangular shape or a square shape. Furthermore, the converging lens can 20be designed so that the focal axis of the incident light, which extends parallel to the light from the focal point of the light, is outside the outermost end of the converging lens 20 is arranged.

[0052] In particular, an off-axis angle can be defined between the minimum off-axis angle and the maximum off-axis angle. The minimum off-axis angle (θ L ) and the maximum off-axis angle (θ u ) can be defined as follows. θ L = tan − 1 ( R − L − WF ) θ U = tan − 1 ( R − LF )

[0053] Here R is the radius of the convex lens or the Fresnel lens, F is the focal distance of the converging lens 20 , W is the size of the light source 10 and L is the distance between the outermost edge of the light source 10and the outermost end of the convex lens or Fresnel lens.

[0054] The focal axis of the converging lens 20 can be outside the outermost edge of the convex lens 20 be arranged so that the minimum off-axis angle (θ L ) is greater than 0 (RL>W).

[0055] The distance between the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 and the reflective plate 30 can be achieved with the maximum off-axis angle (θ U ) must be set so that it satisfies the following equations. WU = 2 T × tan θ U WU − W = 2 T × tan θ U − W > 0

[0056] Here W U the distance required to cause the focal point of the light refracted at the maximum off-axis angle to be behind the converging lens 20 is arranged.

[0057] The converging lens 20may be a section of a Fresnel lens in which a plurality of prisms are arranged coaxially to refract incident light.

[0058] A general convex lens has a problem in that its volume is increased and its assembly is difficult. To solve this problem, a Fresnel lens can be used, which has a plurality of coaxially arranged prisms and is formed into a plate shape.

[0059] The Fresnel lens can be manufactured such that a plurality of bands coaxial with the center of the lens are formed or shaped in a flat shape.

[0060] The converging lens 20 can be arranged so that it is reflected by the reflecting plate 30 and the reflecting plate 30 The convex lens 20 can be tilted so that the convex lens 20 the reflective lens30 gets closer when you move from one end of it to the other end. The light source 10 can be parallel to the convex lens 20 and can be arranged together with the convex lens 20 be inclined.

[0061] In particular, one end of the converging lens 20 the outermost end closest to the focal axis of the converging lens 20 and the other end of the convex lens 20 can be the outermost end that is separated from the focal axis of the converging lens 20 is furthest away.

[0062] In other words, the convex lens 20 be inclined so that it faces the reflecting plate 30 gets closer as you move from the end closest to the focus axis to the other end furthest from the focus axis.

[0063] In particular, the convex lens 20be inclined at an angle that satisfies: a first requirement where the other end of the converging lens 20 from the reflecting plate 30 should be spaced, and a second requirement where the focal axis of the light refracted at the other end of the converging lens and then reflected by the reflecting plate 30 reflected behind one end of the converging lens 20 should be positioned.

[0064] The angle (θ Neigung ) between the convex lens 20 and the reflective plate 30 can be in the state in which the convex lens 20 with reference to the reflecting plate 30 inclined, be set (e.g. adjusted) so that it meets the following requirements. T > TN inclination WU − WN slope = ( 2 T − W × sin ( θ slope ) ) × tan ( θ U + θ slope ) − W × cos ( θ slope ) > 0

[0065] Especially if the convex lens 20 with an angle of θ Neigung with reference to the reflecting plate 30 inclined, the distance (W U ) between a nearby end of the dihedral reflector array 40 and the other end of the convex lens 20 , the height (T Neigung ) of the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 from the second end of the convex lens 20 and the horizontal width (W Neigung ) of the converging lens 20 , which are set in such a way that they cause the focus axis of the light passing the converging lens 20 at the maximum off-axis angle (θ U ) is refracted, behind the converging lens 20 is arranged as follows. WU = ( 2 T − TN inclination ) × tan ( θ U + θ inclination ) TN slope = W × sin ( θ slope ) W inclination = W × cos ( θ inclination )

[0066] Accordingly, if θ Neigung 32 degrees, the distance (T) between the dihedral reflector array 40 and the reflective plate 30 In particular, the distance (T) can be reduced to approximately half compared to the case where the convex lens 20 is not inclined.

[0067] The width (M) of the reflecting plate 30 can be calculated as follows. Consequently, the width (M) of the reflecting plate 30 be set to approximately 1.24 times the width (W) of the display. M = W × (cos θ slope + tan θ slope × tan (θ L + θ slope))

[0068] Fig. 5 is a view showing the position of the reflecting plate 30 and the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] In one embodiment, the reflective plate 30 be arranged so that they are aligned with the converging lens 20 and the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 which are spaced apart in a planar direction.

[0070] In other words, the converging lens 20 and the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 be arranged in the same direction and the reflecting plate 30 may be arranged so that the reflecting surface of the same of the converging lens 20 and the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 is facing.

[0071] In particular, the reflective plate 30extend in a direction parallel to the direction in which the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 extends.

[0072] In another embodiment, the reflective plate 30 be arranged so that they are aligned with respect to the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 is inclined by a predetermined angle which is determined taking into account a ghost image forming area in which a ghost image is formed due to reflection of incident light at the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 is generated.

[0073] If the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 is used, an unwanted ghost image may be generated depending on the viewing angle and the distance between the reflecting plate and the display. The ghost image can be eliminated by checking the ghost-displaying area on the dihedral reflector array. 40and arranging the display outside the area displaying the ghost image.

[0074] In particular, the area representing the ghost image can be formed by reflecting the light by means of the mirrors of the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 generated an odd number of times. Since a normal floating image is formed to be wider than the ghost image forming area, it is possible to eliminate the ghost image if the display is placed outside the ghost image forming area.

[0075] In one embodiment, the light source 10 outside the ghost image area on the dihedral reflector array 40 be arranged.

[0076] In another embodiment, the reflective plate 30 with reference to the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 by a given angle (θ G) determined taking into account the ghost image area, instead of being parallel to the dihedral reflector array 40 is arranged.

[0077] In particular, the reflective plate 30 be inclined so that a normal on the flat surface thereof is parallel to the boundary of the region representing the ghost image.

[0078] The boundary of the ghost image area can be offset from the vertical outwards by a given angle (θ G ) to the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 be expanded. The reflective plate 30 can be rotated by a given angle (θ G ) with reference to the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 be inclined or the normal on the reflecting plate 30can be arranged parallel to the boundary of the area representing the ghost image. The specified angle (θ G ) should be approximately 12°.

[0079] Consequently, since the light source 10 or the converging lens is not visible on the reflecting plate 30 reflected, there is an effect of eliminating the ghost image.

[0080] Fig. 6 is a view showing the structure of the dihedral reflector array 40 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Referring to Fig. 6, the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 from an upper plate 41 and a lower plate 42 each having mirrors arranged in a planar direction. The mirrors of the upper plate 41 and the mirrors of the lower plate 42can extend in directions that intersect each other.

[0082] The upper and lower plates 41 and 42 the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 may comprise a translucent material (e.g., glass) that allows incident light to pass through it, and mirrors arranged in a planar direction within the translucent material. The mirrors may be arranged at an interval of 1 mm.

[0083] The mirrors of the upper plate 41 and the mirrors of the lower plate 42 can be arranged along the flat surface of the dihedral reflector array 40 extend in directions that intersect each other and may be arranged in directions that intersect each other. In particular, the mirrors of the upper plate 41 and the mirrors of the lower plate 42 intersect at a right angle (90 degrees).

[0084] In another embodiment, the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 may also be composed of a single panel and mirrors arranged in the panel and extending in directions that intersect each other.

[0085] The dihedral reflector arrangement 40 may be designed so that the mirrors extend in directions that intersect each other at a right angle, and that the light reflected from the reflecting plate 30 reflected, is incident obliquely on the individual mirrors, which extend in directions that intersect each other.

[0086] In other words, to allow the light to be reflected on a surface of the dihedral reflector array 40so that it is reflected by the mirrors extending in directions intersecting each other at a right angle and that it is reflected by the other surface of the dihedral reflector array 40 reflected, the light incident on the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 incident, fall on the individual mirrors at an angle.

[0087] Referring again to Fig. 1, the floating image display device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured such that the reflective plate 30 from the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 is spaced (gap G ), while with respect to a planar direction parallel to the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 by an angle (θ M ) is inclined.

[0088] The light source 10 and the convex lens 20can be related to the reflecting plate 30 by an angle (θ D ) can be tilted. Consequently, the light source 10 and the convex lens 20 with respect to a planar direction parallel to the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 by an angle (θ D -θ M ) may be inclined.

[0089] Consequently, there is an effect of reducing the maximum distance (gap G ) between the reflecting plate 30 and the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 by approximately 44% or less of the distance ( F ) between the floating image I and the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 .

[0090] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are views illustrating vehicle display modules each having the floating image display device in accordance with one embodiment and another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Referring to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the vehicle display module in accordance with either embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an interior structure S which extends along a plane along which the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 The interior structure S can be a dashboard or a control panel for a vehicle and the floating image can be in a position above the interior structure S or at a position between the device and an occupant.

[0092] The interior structure can Sa dashboard for a vehicle or a control panel incorporating an audio-video navigation (AVN) unit for a vehicle.

[0093] The dihedral reflector arrangement 40 can be parallel to the interior structure S and can form a floating image at a position determined by the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 in the upward direction or towards an occupant.

[0094] In one embodiment, when the dihedral reflector arrangement 40 is arranged on a vehicle dashboard, the floating image may be arranged above the dashboard and may display content related to a driving assistance function or a destination address.

[0095] In another embodiment, when the dihedral reflector arrangement 40If the display module is arranged on an operation panel located in front of an occupant, the floating image may be formed in front of the passenger. In this case, the display module is capable of displaying information about vehicle operation and is capable of recognizing a gesture of an occupant and thereby controlling an AVN, an air conditioning device, or the like.

[0096] As is apparent from the foregoing description, the present disclosure provides a floating image display device and a vehicle display module having the same, in which light from a light source is incident on a dihedral reflector array through a condenser lens and via a reflecting plate, thereby providing an effect of reducing the volume of the device symmetrically with the floating height of a floating image, unlike the conventional technology.

[0097] Furthermore, it is possible to provide an effect of eliminating a ghost image generated when light is reflected an odd number of times in a dihedral reflector array.

[0098] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure can be implemented in various other embodiments without changing the technical idea or features thereof.

Claims

[1] Device for displaying a floating image, comprising: a light source (10) which is designed to: to extend in a planar direction; and To emit light to realize the floating image; a converging lens (20) designed to: to extend in a direction parallel to the light source (10); and to refract the light; a reflective plate (30) designed to: to face the converging lens (20); and to reflect light refracted at the converging lens (20); and a dihedral reflector assembly (40) configured to extend in a planar direction and having mirrors extending in directions that intersect each other, wherein a first surface of the dihedral reflector assembly (40) is configured to face the reflecting plate (30) such that: the reflected light is incident on the first surface, and the reflected light is emitted by being reflected by the mirrors from a second surface of the dihedral reflector arrangement (40), whereby the floating image is realized at a position spaced from the second surface. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the light source (10) comprises: a display panel configured to generate light for realizing the floating image at a position spaced from the dihedral reflector assembly (40). [3] Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the converging lens (20) comprises: an off-axis lens configured to extend in a planar direction parallel to the light source (10), wherein a focal axis of the off-axis lens is disposed behind an outermost end of the converging lens (20). [4] Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the converging lens (20) comprises: a Fresnel lens in which a plurality of prisms designed to refract incident light are arranged coaxially. [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the converging lens (20) is spaced from the reflecting plate (30) so that it faces the reflecting plate (30), and the converging lens (20) is inclined so that the converging lens (20) is close to the reflecting lens when moving from a first end of the converging lens (20) to a second end of the converging lens (20). [6] The device according to claim 5, wherein the first end of the converging lens (20) is an outermost end closest to a focal axis of the converging lens (20), and the second end of the converging lens (20) is an outermost end farthest from the focal axis of the converging lens (20). [7] Device according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the converging lens (20) is inclined at an angle which satisfies requirements that: the second end of the converging lens (20) is spaced from the reflecting plate (30); and a focal axis of the light refracted at the second end of the converging lens (20) and reflected by the reflecting plate (30) is arranged behind the first end of the converging lens (20). [8] The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the reflecting plate (30) is configured to face the converging lens (20) and the dihedral reflector assembly (40) which are spaced apart from each other in a planar direction. [9] The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the reflecting plate (30) is arranged to be inclined with respect to the dihedral reflector array (40) by a predetermined angle determined based on a ghost image forming area in which a ghost image is generated due to reflection of incident light at the dihedral reflector array (40). [10] The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the reflecting plate (30) is inclined so that a line is parallel to a boundary of the ghost image forming area. [11] Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the dihedral reflector arrangement (40) comprises: a lower plate (42) and an upper plate (41), each having mirrors arranged in a planar direction, the mirrors of the upper plate (41) and the mirrors of the lower plate (42) extending in directions that intersect each other. [12] The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the dihedral reflector array (40) is formed such that the mirrors extend in directions intersecting each other at a right angle, and the light reflected by the reflecting plate (30) is obliquely incident on the individual mirrors extending in directions intersecting each other. [13] Vehicle display module, comprising: a device for displaying a floating image, comprising: a light source (10) which is designed to: to extend in a planar direction; and To emit light to realize the floating image; a converging lens (20) designed to: to extend in a direction parallel to the light source (10); and to refract the light; a reflective plate (30) designed to: to face the converging lens (20); and to reflect light refracted at the converging lens (20); and a dihedral reflector assembly (40) configured to extend in a planar direction and having mirrors extending in directions that intersect each other, wherein a first surface of the dihedral reflector assembly (40) is configured to face the reflecting plate (30) such that: the reflected light is incident on the first surface, and the reflected light is emitted by being reflected by the mirrors from a second surface of the dihedral reflector arrangement (40), whereby the floating image is realized at a position spaced from the second surface, an interior structure (S) extending in a direction in which the dihedral reflector arrangement (40) extends, wherein the interior structure (S) comprises a dashboard or an operating panel for a vehicle and the floating image is formed at a position above the interior structure (S) or at a position between the device and an occupant.