Air floating image display device

Abstract

To provide a more suitable air floating image display device.SOLUTION: The air floating image display device includes an image processing part; a display for displaying images processed by the image processing part; an optical system for generating air floating images on the basis of the images displayed by the display; and a detection mechanism for detecting an aerial operation by a user for the air floating images. The air floating image display device includes a 2D operation mode for accepting a planar operation for the air floating images on a plane as the aerial operation. In the 2D operation mode, images encouraging the planar operation are displayed on the air floating images.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a floating-in-the-air image display device. [Background technology]

[0002] The airborne information display technology is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-128722 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the disclosure of Patent Document 1 does not sufficiently consider configurations for obtaining practical brightness and quality for the floating image, or configurations for allowing users to more enjoyably view the floating image.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a more suitable floating-in-the-air image display device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, for example, the configuration described in the claims is adopted. The present application includes a plurality of means for solving the above problem, but as an example, a floating-in-the-air image display device includes an image processing unit, a display unit that displays an image processed by the image processing unit, an optical system that generates a floating-in-the-air image based on the image displayed by the display unit, and a detection mechanism that detects aerial operations by a user on the floating-in-the-air image, and includes a 2D operation mode that accepts planar operations on the plane of the floating-in-the-air image as the aerial operations, and in the 2D operation mode, displays an image on the floating-in-the-air image that prompts the planar operations. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a more suitable floating-in-the-air image display device can be realized. Other objects, configurations, and effects will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a usage form of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2A] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a main part configuration and a retroreflection part configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2B] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a main part configuration and a retroreflection part configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2C] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a main part configuration and a retroreflection part configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2D] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a main part configuration and a retroreflection part configuration of a floating-in-the-air image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2E] 1 is a projection diagram of a retroreflector constituting a floating-in-the-air image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2F] FIG. 2 is a top view of a retroreflector constituting a floating-in-the-air image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2G] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a corner reflector constituting a retroreflector constituting a floating-in-the-air image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2H] FIG. 2 is a top view showing a corner reflector constituting a retroreflector constituting a floating-in-the-air image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2I] 1 is a side view showing a corner reflector constituting a retroreflector constituting a floating-in-the-air image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4A]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4D] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4E] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4F] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4G] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4H] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4I] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4J] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4K] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4L] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4M] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4N] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4O] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a specific configuration of a light source device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a specific configuration of a light source device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a specific configuration of a light source device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a layout diagram showing a main part of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a light source diffusion characteristic of an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the diffusion characteristics of a video display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13A] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a problem to be solved by image processing according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13B] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of image processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13C] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a video display process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13D] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a video display process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a main part configuration and a retroreflection part configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a space floating image display device. [Figure 16] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of a space floating image display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of 2D and 3D operations according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an implementation example of an aerial operation detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20]FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the aerial operation detection sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21A] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing modes according to a state of a user operation detection mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21B] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing modes according to a state of a user operation detection mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a space floating image display device in which a 2D operation mode is implemented as implementation example 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a space floating image display device in which a 3D operation mode is implemented as implementation example 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a space floating image display device in which a 2D operation mode and a 3D operation mode are implemented as implementation example 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a trigger for determining a mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of mode selection by a user according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram relating to control of the correspondence between mid-air operation detection and floating-in-space image display in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space floating image display system in a case where information regarding a mode is attached to image data, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29A] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of 2D and 3D operations according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29B] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display control process executed in association with an aerial operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30A] 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a 2D display prompting a 2D operation and an example of a 3D display prompting a 3D operation in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of 2D / 3D display of a space floating image according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30C]FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of 2D / 3D display of a space floating image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30D] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of 2D / 3D display of a space floating image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30E] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth example of 2D / 3D display of a space floating image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31A] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of conversion from original image data to display data for a space floating image according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31B] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing examples of conversion patterns according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32A] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a 2D operation determination table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32B] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a 3D operation determination table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 33] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a process flow for switching between a plurality of modes according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 34] 1A to 1D are explanatory diagrams showing examples of 2D operation and 2D display according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 35] 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams showing examples of 3D operation and 3D display according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 36] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a feedback display according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example relating to a mode information output function in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an indicator display image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of audio output according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 40] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of an indicator display according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 41A] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of an indicator display according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 41B]FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display for mode selection as a modified example according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 42A] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of modes prepared as options in a space floating image display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 42B] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of modes prepared as options in a space floating image display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 43] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing flow in a space floating image display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 44A] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a decision to switch from 2D operation mode B to 3D operation mode B according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 44B] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a decision to switch from 3D operation mode B to 2D operation mode B according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 45] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of switching control of 2D / 3D display in a modified example of the fourth embodiment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the description of the embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical ideas disclosed in this specification. In addition, in all the drawings for explaining the present invention, the same reference numerals are given to parts having the same functions, and repeated explanations thereof may be omitted.

[0010] The following embodiment relates to an image display device capable of transmitting an image produced by image light from an image emission source through a transparent member that divides a space, such as glass, and displaying the image as a floating image outside the transparent member. In the following description of the embodiment, an image floating in space is expressed by the term "floating image in space". Instead of this term, it is also acceptable to express it as "aerial image", "spatial image", "floating image in space", "floating optical image of a displayed image", "floating optical image of a displayed image", etc. The term "floating image in space" that is mainly used in the description of the embodiment is used as a representative example of these terms.

[0011] According to the following embodiment, for example, a suitable image display device can be realized for bank ATMs, station ticket vending machines, digital signage, etc. For example, currently, touch panels are usually used in bank ATMs, station ticket vending machines, etc., but by using a transparent glass surface or a light-transmitting plate material, high-resolution image information can be displayed in a space-floating state on the glass surface or light-transmitting plate material. At this time, by making the divergence angle of the emitted image light small, that is, an acute angle, and further aligning it with a specific polarization, only the normal reflected light is efficiently reflected by the retroreflector, so that the light utilization efficiency is high, and ghost images that occur in addition to the main space-floating image, which was a problem in the conventional retroreflection method, can be suppressed, and a clear space-floating image can be obtained. In addition, a device including the light source of this embodiment can provide a novel and highly usable space-floating image display device (space-floating image display system) that can significantly reduce power consumption. In addition, for example, a space-floating image display device for vehicles that can display a so-called unidirectional space-floating image that can be viewed inside and / or outside the vehicle can be provided. <Example 1>

[0012] <An example of how the space floating image display device can be used> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a usage form of a space-floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the space-floating image display device according to this embodiment. The specific configuration of the space-floating image display device will be described in detail using FIG. 2 and the like, but light with a narrow-angle directional characteristic and specific polarization is emitted from the image display device 1 as an image light beam, and is once incident on the retroreflector 2 after reflection in the optical system in the space-floating image display device, and is retroreflected and transmitted through a transparent member 100 (glass, etc.), forming a real aerial image (space-floating image 3) on the outside of the glass surface. In the following embodiment, the retroreflector 2 (retroreflector) is used as an example of the retroreflector. However, the retroreflector 2 of the present invention is not limited to a flat plate, and is used as an example of a concept including a sheet-like retroreflector attached to a flat or non-flat member, and an entire assembly in which a sheet-like retroreflector is attached to a flat or non-flat member. Furthermore, since the light rays reflected by the retroreflector 2 have the optical property of forming an image, the retroreflector 2 may be expressed as an imaging optical member or an imaging optical plate.

[0013] In addition, in a store or the like, a space is divided by a show window (also called "window glass") 105, which is a light-transmitting member such as glass. According to the space floating image display device of this embodiment, it is possible to transmit the floating image through such a transparent member and display it in one direction to the outside and / or inside of the store (space).

[0014] 1, the inside of the window glass 105 (inside the store) is shown in the depth direction, and the outside (for example, the sidewalk) is shown in the foreground. On the other hand, by providing the window glass 105 with a means for reflecting a specific polarized wave, it is possible to form an aerial image at a desired position inside the store.

[0015] <Example of optical system configuration for space floating image display device> Fig. 2A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an optical system of a space-floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the space-floating image display device will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 2A. As shown in Fig. 2A(1), a display device 1 that diverges specific polarized image light at a narrow angle is provided in the oblique direction of a transparent member 100 such as glass. The display device 1 includes a liquid crystal display panel 11 and a light source device 13 that generates specific polarized light having a narrow-angle diffusion characteristic.

[0016] The image light of a specific polarization from the display device 1 is reflected by a polarization separation member 101 (in the figure, the polarization separation member 101 is formed into a sheet shape and adhered to the transparent member 100) having a film that selectively reflects the image light of a specific polarization provided on a transparent member 100, and enters the retroreflector 2. A λ / 4 plate 21 is provided on the image light incidence surface of the retroreflector 2. The image light is made to pass through the λ / 4 plate 21 twice, when it enters the retroreflector 2 and when it leaves, and is polarized and converted from the specific polarization to the other polarization. Here, the polarization separation member 101 that selectively reflects the image light of a specific polarization has a property of transmitting the polarized light of the other polarization that has been polarized and converted, so the image light of the specific polarization after polarization conversion passes through the polarization separation member 101. The image light that has passed through the polarization separation member 101 forms a space floating image 3, which is a real image, outside the transparent member 100. 2A shows an example in which the chief ray of the image light incident on the retroreflector 2 is incident at an angle of 90° to the retroreflector 2. However, the incident angle of the chief ray of the image light on the retroreflector 2 is not limited to 90°, and may be, for example, 90°±15°.

[0017] Here, a first example of the polarization design in the optical system of FIG. 2A will be described. For example, the display device 1 may be configured to emit S-polarized image light to the polarization separation member 101, and the polarization separation member 101 may have the property of reflecting S-polarized light and transmitting P-polarized light. In this case, the S-polarized image light that reaches the polarization separation member 101 from the display device 1 is reflected by the polarization separation member 101 and travels toward the retroreflector 2. When the image light is reflected by the retroreflector 2, it passes through the λ / 4 plate 21 provided on the incident surface of the retroreflector 2 twice, so that the image light is converted from S-polarized light to P-polarized light. The image light converted to P-polarized light travels again toward the polarization separation member 101. Here, the polarization separation member 101 has the property of reflecting S-polarized light and transmitting P-polarized light, so that the P-polarized image light passes through the polarization separation member 101 and then through the transparent member 100. The image light transmitted through the transparent member 100 is generated by the retroreflector 2, and therefore forms a floating image 3, which is an optical image of the image displayed on the display device 1, at a position that is in a mirror relationship with the image displayed on the display device 1 with respect to the polarization separation member 101. This polarization design allows the floating image 3 to be formed appropriately.

[0018] Next, a second example of the polarization design in the optical system of FIG. 2A will be described. For example, the display device 1 may be configured to emit P-polarized image light to the polarization separation member 101, and the polarization separation member 101 may have a property of reflecting P-polarized light and transmitting S-polarized light. In this case, the P-polarized image light that reaches the polarization separation member 101 from the display device 1 is reflected by the polarization separation member 101 and travels toward the retroreflector 2. When the image light is reflected by the retroreflector 2, it passes through the λ / 4 plate 21 provided on the incident surface of the retroreflector 2 twice, so that the image light is converted from P-polarized light to S-polarized light. The image light converted to S-polarized light travels again toward the polarization separation member 101. Here, the polarization separation member 101 has a property of reflecting P-polarized light and transmitting S-polarized light, so that the S-polarized image light passes through the polarization separation member 101 and then through the transparent member 100. The image light transmitted through the transparent member 100 is generated by the retroreflector 2, and therefore forms a floating image 3, which is an optical image of the image displayed on the display device 1, at a position that is in a mirror relationship with the image displayed on the display device 1 with respect to the polarization separation member 101. This polarization design allows the floating image 3 to be formed appropriately.

[0019] The light forming the floating image 3 is a collection of light rays that converge from the retroreflector 2 to the optical image of the floating image 3, and these light rays continue to travel straight even after passing through the optical image of the floating image 3. Therefore, the floating image 3 is an image with high directivity, unlike the diffuse image light formed on a screen by a general projector or the like. Therefore, in the configuration of FIG. 2A, when a user views the floating image 3 from the direction of the arrow A, the floating image 3 is viewed as a bright image. However, when another person views the floating image 3 from the direction of the arrow B, the floating image 3 cannot be viewed as an image at all. This characteristic is very suitable for use in a system that displays images that require high security or highly confidential images that should be kept secret from people facing the user.

[0020] Depending on the performance of the retroreflector 2, the polarization axis of the image light after reflection may become uneven. Also, the reflection angle may become uneven. Such uneven light may not maintain the polarization state and traveling angle assumed in the design. For example, light with such a polarization state and traveling angle that is not assumed in the design may re-enter the image display surface side of the liquid crystal display panel 11 directly from the position of the retroreflector 2 without passing through the polarization separation member. Such light with a polarization state and traveling angle that is not assumed in the design may re-enter the image display surface side of the liquid crystal display panel 11 after being reflected by a component in the space floating image display device. Such light that re-enters the image display surface side of the liquid crystal display panel 11 may be re-reflected by the image display surface of the liquid crystal display panel 11 that constitutes the display device 1, generating a ghost image and possibly degrading the image quality of the space floating image. Therefore, in this embodiment, an absorbing polarizing plate 12 may be provided on the image display surface of the display device 1. The image light emitted from the display device 1 is transmitted through the absorptive polarizing plate 12, and the reflected light returning from the polarization separation member 101 is absorbed by the absorptive polarizing plate 12, thereby suppressing the re-reflection. This makes it possible to prevent degradation of image quality due to ghost images of spatially floating images. Specifically, if the display device 1 is configured to emit S-polarized image light to the polarization separation member 101, the absorptive polarizing plate 12 may be a polarizing plate that absorbs P-polarized light. Also, if the display device 1 is configured to emit P-polarized image light to the polarization separation member 101, the absorptive polarizing plate 12 may be a polarizing plate that absorbs S-polarized light.

[0021] The above-mentioned polarization separation member 101 may be formed, for example, of a reflective polarizing plate or a metal multilayer film that reflects a specific polarized wave.

[0022] 2A(2) shows an example of the surface shape of a retroreflector as a representative retroreflector 2. A ray of light incident on the interior of regularly arranged hexagonal prisms is reflected by the walls and bottoms of the hexagonal prisms and emitted as retroreflected light in a direction corresponding to the incident light, and a real floating image is displayed based on the image displayed on the display device 1.

[0023] The resolution of this floating image in space depends not only on the resolution of the liquid crystal display panel 11, but also on the outer shape D and pitch P of the retroreflector 2 shown in Fig. 2A(2). For example, when using a 7-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixels) liquid crystal display panel, even if one pixel (one triplet) is about 80 μm, if the diameter D of the retroreflector is 240 μm and the pitch is 300 μm, one pixel of the floating image in space will be equivalent to 300 μm. For this reason, the effective resolution of the floating image in space will be reduced to about 1 / 3.

[0024] Therefore, in order to make the resolution of the spatial floating image equal to that of the display device 1, it is desirable to make the diameter and pitch of the retroreflective portion close to one pixel of the liquid crystal display panel. On the other hand, in order to suppress the occurrence of moire due to the retroreflective plate and the pixels of the liquid crystal display panel, it is preferable to design the pitch ratio of each to be a different integer multiple of one pixel. In addition, it is preferable to arrange the shape so that none of the sides of the retroreflective portion overlaps with any of the sides of one pixel of the liquid crystal display panel.

[0025] The surface shape of the retroreflector according to this embodiment is not limited to the above example. It may have various surface shapes that realize retroreflection. Specifically, a retroreflection element in which triangular pyramid prisms, hexagonal pyramid prisms, other polygonal prisms, or a combination of these are periodically arranged may be provided on the surface of the retroreflector of this embodiment. Alternatively, a retroreflection element in which these prisms are periodically arranged to form a cube corner may be provided on the surface of the retroreflector of this embodiment. These can also be expressed as a corner reflector array or a multifaceted reflector array. Alternatively, a capsule lens type retroreflection element in which glass beads are periodically arranged may be provided on the surface of the retroreflector of this embodiment. The detailed configuration of these retroreflection elements can be achieved by using existing technology, so a detailed description will be omitted. Specifically, the techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2001-33609, 2001-264525, 2005-181555, 2008-70898, and 2009-229942 may be used.

[0026] <Another configuration example 1 of the optical system of the space floating image display device> Another example of the configuration of the optical system of the space floating image display device will be described with reference to Fig. 2B. In Fig. 2B, the components with the same reference numerals as Fig. 2A have the same functions and configurations as Fig. 2A. For such components, repeated explanations will be omitted to simplify the explanation.

[0027] In the optical system of FIG. 2B, as in FIG. 2A, image light of a specific polarization is output from the display device 1. The image light of a specific polarization output from the display device 1 is input to the polarization separation member 101B. The polarization separation member 101B is a member that selectively transmits the image light of a specific polarization. Unlike the polarization separation member 101 of FIG. 2A, the polarization separation member 101B is not integrated with the transparent member 100, but has an independent plate-like shape. Therefore, the polarization separation member 101B may be expressed as a polarization separation plate. The polarization separation member 101B may be configured as a reflective polarizing plate configured by attaching a polarization separation sheet to a transparent member, for example. Alternatively, the transparent member may be formed of a metal multilayer film that selectively transmits a specific polarization and reflects a polarization of another specific polarization. In FIG. 2B, the polarization separation member 101B is configured to transmit the image light of a specific polarization output from the display device 1.

[0028] The image light transmitted through the polarization separation member 101B is incident on the retroreflector 2. A λ / 4 plate 21 is provided on the image light incident surface of the retroreflector. The image light is polarized and converted from a specific polarization to the other polarization by passing through the λ / 4 plate 21 twice, when it enters the retroreflector and when it leaves the retroreflector. Here, the polarization separation member 101B has a property of reflecting the polarized light of the other polarization converted by the λ / 4 plate 21, so that the image light after polarization conversion is reflected by the polarization separation member 101B. The image light reflected by the polarization separation member 101B passes through the transparent member 100 and forms a space floating image 3, which is a real image, outside the transparent member 100.

[0029] Here, a first example of the polarization design in the optical system of FIG. 2B will be described. For example, the display device 1 may be configured to emit P-polarized image light to the polarization separation member 101B, and the polarization separation member 101B may have a property of reflecting S-polarized light and transmitting P-polarized light. In this case, the P-polarized image light that reaches the polarization separation member 101B from the display device 1 passes through the polarization separation member 101B and travels toward the retroreflector 2. When the image light is reflected by the retroreflector 2, it passes through the λ / 4 plate 21 provided on the incident surface of the retroreflector 2 twice, so that the image light is converted from P-polarized light to S-polarized light. The image light converted to S-polarized light travels again toward the polarization separation member 101B. Here, the polarization separation member 101B has a property of reflecting S-polarized light and transmitting P-polarized light, so that the S-polarized image light is reflected by the polarization separation member 101 and passes through the transparent member 100. Since the image light transmitted through the transparent member 100 is generated by the retroreflector 2, it forms a space-floating image 3, which is an optical image of the display image of the display device 1, at a position that is in a mirror relationship with the display image of the display device 1 with respect to the polarization separation member 101B. This polarization design allows the space-floating image 3 to be formed appropriately.

[0030] Next, a second example of the polarization design in the optical system of FIG. 2B will be described. For example, the display device 1 may be configured to emit S-polarized image light to the polarization separation member 101B, which may have the property of reflecting P-polarized light and transmitting S-polarized light. In this case, the S-polarized image light reaching the polarization separation member 101B from the display device 1 passes through the polarization separation member 101B and travels toward the retroreflector 2. When the image light is reflected by the retroreflector 2, it passes through the λ / 4 plate 21 provided on the incident surface of the retroreflector 2 twice, so that the image light is converted from S-polarized light to P-polarized light. The image light converted to P-polarized light travels again toward the polarization separation member 101B. Here, the polarization separation member 101B has the property of reflecting P-polarized light and transmitting S-polarized light, so that the P-polarized image light is reflected by the polarization separation member 101 and passes through the transparent member 100. The image light transmitted through the transparent member 100 is generated by the retroreflector 2, and therefore forms a space-floating image 3, which is an optical image of the display image of the display device 1, at a position that is in a mirror relationship with the display image of the display device 1 with respect to the polarization separation member 101B. With this polarization design, the space-floating image 3 can be formed suitably.

[0031] In FIG. 2B, the image display surface of the display device 1 and the surface of the retroreflector 2 are arranged parallel to each other. The polarization separation member 101B is arranged at an angle α (for example, 30°) with respect to the image display surface of the display device 1 and the surface of the retroreflector 2. Then, in the reflection of the polarization separation member 101B, the traveling direction of the image light reflected by the polarization separation member 101B (the direction of the chief ray of the image light) differs from the traveling direction of the image light incident from the retroreflector 2 (the direction of the chief ray of the image light) by an angle β (for example, 60°). By configuring in this way, in the optical system of FIG. 2B, the image light is output at a predetermined angle shown in the figure toward the outside of the transparent member 100, and the space-floating image 3, which is a real image, is formed. In the configuration of FIG. 2B, when a user views the space-floating image 3 from the direction of the arrow A, the space-floating image 3 is viewed as a bright image. However, when another person views the space-floating image 3 from the direction of the arrow B, the space-floating image 3 cannot be viewed as an image at all. This characteristic is extremely suitable for use in a system that displays images that require high security or highly confidential images that should be concealed from people directly facing the user.

[0032] As described above, the optical system in FIG. 2B is an optical system with a different configuration from the optical system in FIG. 2A, but can form a suitable floating-in-space image in the same way as the optical system in FIG. 2A.

[0033] An absorptive polarizing plate may be provided on the surface of the transparent member 100 facing the polarization separation member 101B. The absorptive polarizing plate may transmit the polarized wave of the image light from the polarization separation member 101B and absorb the polarized wave that is 90° out of phase with the polarized wave of the image light from the polarization separation member 101B. In this way, the image light for forming the space-floating image 3 is sufficiently transmitted, while the external light incident from the space-floating image 3 side of the transparent member 100 can be reduced by about 50%. This makes it possible to reduce stray light in the optical system of FIG. 2B due to the external light incident from the space-floating image 3 side of the transparent member 100.

[0034] <Another configuration example 2 of the optical system of the space floating image display device> Another example of the configuration of the optical system of the space floating image display device will be described with reference to Fig. 2C. In Fig. 2C, the components with the same reference numerals as Fig. 2B have the same functions and configurations as Fig. 2B. For the sake of simplicity, the description of such components will not be repeated.

[0035] The only difference between the optical system in Fig. 2B and the optical system in Fig. 2C is the arrangement angle of the polarization separation member 101B with respect to the image display surface of the display device 1 and the surface of the retroreflector 2. All other configurations are the same as those of the optical system in Fig. 2B, so repeated explanations will be omitted. The polarization design of the optical system in Fig. 2C is also the same as that of the optical system in Fig. 2B, so repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0036] In the optical system of FIG. 2C, the polarization separation member 101B is arranged at an angle α with respect to the image display surface of the display device 1 and the surface of the retroreflector 2. In FIG. 2C, the angle α is 45°. With this configuration, in the reflection of the polarization separation member 101B, the angle β between the traveling direction of the image light reflected by the polarization separation member 101B (direction of the chief ray of the image light) and the traveling direction of the image light incident from the retroreflector 2 (direction of the chief ray of the image light) is 90°. With this configuration, the image display surface of the display device 1 and the surface of the retroreflector 2 are perpendicular to the traveling direction of the image light reflected by the polarization separation member 101B, and the angular relationship of the surfaces constituting the optical system can be simplified. If the surface of the transparent member 100 is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the traveling direction of the image light reflected by the polarization separation member 101B, the angular relationship of the surfaces constituting the optical system can be further simplified. In the configuration of FIG. 2C, when a user views the image from the direction of the arrow A, the floating image 3 is perceived as a bright image. However, when another person views the image from the direction of the arrow B, the floating image 3 cannot be seen as an image at all. This characteristic is very suitable for use in a system that displays images that require high security or highly confidential images that should be concealed from people directly facing the user.

[0037] As described above, the optical system of Fig. 2C can form a suitable floating image in space similar to the optical system of Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, even though the optical system of Fig. 2C has a different configuration from the optical system of Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B. In addition, the angles of the surfaces constituting the optical system can be made simpler.

[0038] An absorptive polarizing plate may be provided on the surface of the transparent member 100 facing the polarization separation member 101B. The absorptive polarizing plate may transmit the polarized wave of the image light from the polarization separation member 101B and absorb the polarized wave that is 90° out of phase with the polarized wave of the image light from the polarization separation member 101B. In this way, the image light for forming the space-floating image 3 is sufficiently transmitted, while the external light incident from the space-floating image 3 side of the transparent member 100 can be reduced by about 50%. This makes it possible to reduce stray light in the optical system of FIG. 2C due to the external light incident from the space-floating image 3 side of the transparent member 100.

[0039] <Other Configuration Example 3 of the Optical System of the Space Floating Image Display Device> Another example of the configuration of the optical system of the space floating image display device will be described with reference to FIG. 2D. The optical system of FIG. 2D is an optical system using a retroreflector 5 different from the retroreflector 2 used in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C. Another example of the configuration 3 of the optical system will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2D to FIG. 2I. In FIG. 2D, components with the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C have the same functions and configurations. Such components will not be described repeatedly in order to simplify the explanation.

[0040] 2D is a diagram showing an example of a main part configuration and a retroreflection part configuration of a space floating image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. A display device 10 that emits image light is provided in an oblique direction of a transparent member 100 such as glass. The display device 10 includes a liquid crystal display panel 11 and a light source device 13 that generates light.

[0041] A chief ray 9020 representing a light beam emitted from the display device 10 travels toward the retroreflector 5 and is incident on the retroreflector 5 at an incident angle α. The incident angle α may be, for example, 45°. However, the incident angle α is not limited to 45°, and may be, for example, 45°±15°.

[0042] The retroreflector 5 is an optical member having an optical property of retroreflecting light rays in at least some directions. In addition, since the reflected light rays have an optical property of forming an image, the retroreflector 5 may be expressed as an imaging optical member or an imaging optical plate.

[0043] 2E, 2F, etc., the principal ray 9020 travels in the z direction and is retroreflected in the x and y directions by the retroreflector 5. As a result, the reflected ray 9021 travels in a direction away from the retroreflector 5 along an optical path mirror-symmetrical to the principal ray 9020 with respect to the retroreflector 5, passes through the transparent member 100, and forms the floating image 3 as a real image on the imaging plane.

[0044] The light beam forming the floating image 3 is a collection of light rays that converge from the retroreflector 5 to the optical image of the floating image 3, and these light rays continue to travel straight even after passing through the optical image of the floating image 3. Therefore, the floating image 3 is an image with high directivity, unlike a diffuse image formed on a screen by a general projector or the like. Therefore, in the configuration of FIG. 2, when a user views the floating image 3 from the direction of the arrow A, the floating image 3 is viewed as a bright image. However, when another person views the floating image 3 from the direction of the arrow B, the floating image 3 cannot be viewed as an image at all. This characteristic is suitable for use in a system that displays images that require high security or highly confidential images that should be concealed from people facing the user.

[0045] An example of the configuration of the retroreflector 5 will be described with reference to Figs. 2E and 2F. The retroreflector 5 has a configuration in which a plurality of corner reflectors 9040 are arranged in an array on the surface of a transparent member 50. This may be called a corner reflector array or a multi-surface reflector array. The specific configuration of the corner reflector 9040 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 2G, 2H, and 2I. The light rays 9111, 9112, 9113, and 9114 emitted from the light source 9110 are reflected twice by the two mirror surfaces 9041 and 9042 of the corner reflector 9040, and become reflected light rays 9121, 9122, 9123, and 9124. This double reflection is a retroreflection that turns back in the same direction as the incident direction (travels in a direction rotated by 180°) in the x and y directions, and a regular reflection in which the incident angle and the reflection angle match due to total reflection in the z direction.

[0046] That is, the light rays 9111 to 9114 generate reflected light rays 9121 to 9124 on a straight line symmetrical in the z direction with respect to the corner reflector 9040, and form an aerial real image 9120. The light rays 9111 to 9114 emitted from the light source 9110 are four light rays representative of the diffused light from the light source 9110, and although the light rays incident on the retroreflector 5 are not limited to these depending on the diffusion characteristics of the light source 9110, all the incident light rays cause similar reflection and form an aerial real image 9120. To make the drawing easier to see, the position of the light source 9110 and the position of the aerial real image 9120 in the x direction are shown shifted, but in reality the position of the light source 9110 and the position of the aerial real image 9120 in the x direction are the same position, and are overlapped when viewed from the z direction.

[0047] Next, the configuration and effect of the corner reflector 9040 constituting the retroreflector 5 will be described with reference to Figures 2G, 2H, and 2I. The corner reflector 9040 is a rectangular parallelepiped with only two specific faces being mirror faces 9041 and 9042, and the other four faces being made of transparent materials. The retroreflector 5 has a configuration in which the corner reflectors 9040 are arrayed so that the corresponding mirror faces face the same direction.

[0048] When viewed from the top (+z direction), a light ray 9111 emitted from a light source 9110 enters a mirror surface 9041 (or a mirror surface 9042) at a specific angle of incidence, is totally reflected at a reflection point 9130, and then is totally reflected again at a reflection point 9132 on the mirror surface 9042 (or a mirror surface 9041).

[0049] If the angle of incidence of the light ray 9111 with respect to the mirror surface 9041 (or the mirror surface 9042) is θ, the angle of incidence of the first reflected light ray 9131 reflected by the mirror surface 9041 (or the mirror surface 9042) with respect to the mirror surface 9042 (or the mirror surface 9041) can be expressed as 90°-θ. Therefore, with respect to the light ray 9111, the second reflected light ray 9121 is rotated by 2θ by the first reflection and by 2×(90°-θ) by the second reflection, resulting in a total inversion optical path of 180°. On the other hand, when viewed from the side (the direction halfway between -x and -y), total reflection in the z direction occurs only once. Therefore, with respect to the light ray 9111, if the angle of incidence with respect to the mirror surface 9041 or the mirror surface 9042 is φ, the reflected light ray 9121 is rotated by 2×φ by one reflection.

[0050] As a result, the light beam incident on the corner reflector 9040 undergoes retroreflection with an inverted optical path in the x and y directions, and undergoes regular reflection due to total reflection in the z direction. Considering the retroreflector 5, similar reflections occur in each optical path, so that an image is formed at a point symmetrical with respect to the z axis direction due to an inverted optical path that has convergence in the x and y directions.

[0051] 2A to 2C, the retroreflector 2 has retroreflection characteristics in three axial directions. As a result, when an incident light beam with diffusivity is incident on the retroreflector 2, the reflected light beam with convergence travels toward the side of the retroreflector 2 where the light source of the incident light is present. The reflected light beam with convergence forms an image in the air to form a space floating image 3. The traveling direction of the main ray of the reflected light beam with convergence reflected from the retroreflector 2 is the opposite direction to the traveling direction of the main ray of the incident light beam with diffusivity that is incident on the retroreflector 2.

[0052] 2D, the retroreflector 5 has biaxial retroreflection properties and is specular in the other axial direction. As a result, when a diffusive incident light beam is incident on the retroreflector 5, the convergent reflected light beam reflected by the corner reflector array travels toward the side opposite to the side where the light source of the incident light is present with respect to the retroreflector 5. The convergent reflected light beam forms an image in the air to form the space floating image 3.

[0053] The traveling direction of the chief ray of the convergent reflected light beam reflected by the corner reflector array of the retroreflector 5 is not the opposite direction to the traveling direction of the chief ray of the diffusive incident light beam incident on the retroreflector 5. The normal direction component of the plate-shaped surface of the retroreflector 5 in the traveling direction of the chief ray of the diffusive incident light beam incident on the retroreflector 5 and the normal direction component of the plate-shaped surface of the retroreflector 5 in the traveling direction of the chief ray after being reflected by the retroreflector 5 to become a convergent reflected light beam proceed in a straight line without changing before and after reflection by the corner reflector array.

[0054] That is, the diffusive incident light beam is converted into a convergent reflected light beam by reflection on the retroreflector 5, but in the normal direction of the plate-shaped surface of the retroreflector 5, the light beam travels as if passing through the retroreflector 5. Here, the diffusive incident light beam incident on the retroreflector 5 and the convergent reflected light beam emerging from the retroreflector 5 are geometrically symmetrical with respect to the plate-shaped surface of the retroreflector 5.

[0055] The resolution of the space-floating image formed by the light beam from the image output unit 10 depends heavily on the diameter D and pitch P (not shown) of the retroreflector 5 shown in Figures 2E and 2F, in addition to the resolution of the liquid crystal display panel 11. For example, when a 7-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixels) liquid crystal display panel is used, even if one pixel (one triplet) is about 80 μm, if the diameter D of the retroreflector is 240 μm and the pitch P is 300 μm, one pixel of the space-floating image will be equivalent to 300 μm. For this reason, the effective resolution of the space-floating image is reduced to about 1 / 3.

[0056] Therefore, in order to make the resolution of the spatial floating image equal to that of the display device 10, it is desirable to make the diameter D and pitch P of the retroreflective portion close to one pixel of the liquid crystal display panel. On the other hand, in order to suppress the occurrence of moire due to the retroreflective plate and the pixels of the liquid crystal display panel, it is preferable to design the pitch ratio of each to be a different integer multiple of one pixel. In addition, it is preferable to arrange the shape so that none of the sides of the retroreflective portion overlaps with any of the sides of one pixel of the liquid crystal display panel.

[0057] The shape of the retroreflector (imaging optical plate) according to this embodiment is not limited to the above example. It may have various shapes that realize retroreflection. Specifically, it may be various cubic corner bodies, corner reflector arrays, slit mirror arrays, two-sided corner reflector arrays, polyhedral reflector arrays, or shapes in which a combination of their reflective surfaces is periodically arranged. Alternatively, a capsule lens type retroreflection element in which glass beads are periodically arranged may be provided on the surface of the retroreflection plate of this embodiment. Since the detailed configuration of these retroreflection elements can be achieved by using existing technology, detailed description will be omitted. Specifically, it is possible to use the technology disclosed in JP2017-33005A, JP2019-133110A, JP2017-67933A, WO2009 / 131128A, etc.

[0058] 2D, the image light emitted from the display device 10 may be in any polarization state, either S-polarized or P-polarized.

[0059] As described above, the optical system of FIG. 2D is an optical system that uses a different retroreflector from the optical systems of FIGS. 2A to 2C, but it can form a more suitable floating-in-space image, similar to the optical system of FIGS. 2A to 2C.

[0060] According to the optical systems of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D described above, it is possible to provide brighter and higher quality floating images in space.

[0061] <<Block diagram of the internal configuration of the space floating image display device>>

[0062] Next, a description will be given of a block diagram of the internal configuration of the space-floating image display device 1000. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the space-floating image display device 1000.

[0063] The space floating image display device 1000 includes a retroreflection unit 1101, an image display unit 1102, a light guide 1104, a light source 1105, a power source 1106, an external power source input interface 1111, an operation input unit 1107, a non-volatile memory 1108, a memory 1109, a control unit 1110, an image signal input unit 1131, an audio signal input unit 1133, a communication unit 1132, an air operation detection sensor 1351, an air operation detection unit 1350, an audio output unit 1140, a microphone 1139, an image control unit 1160, a storage unit 1170, an imaging unit 1180, etc. In addition, the space floating image display device 1000 may include a removable media interface 1134, an attitude sensor 1113, a transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650, a second display device 1680, or a secondary battery 1112.

[0064] Each component of the space floating image display device 1000 is disposed in a housing 1190. Note that the imaging unit 1180 and the mid-air operation detection sensor 1351 shown in FIG.

[0065] The retroreflector 1101 in Fig. 3 corresponds to the retroreflector 2 in Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, and Fig. 2C. The retroreflector 1101 retroreflects light modulated by the image display unit 1102. Of the light reflected from the retroreflector 1101, the light outputted to the outside of the space-floating image display device 1000 forms the space-floating image 3.

[0066] Image display unit 1102 in Fig. 3 corresponds to liquid crystal display panel 11 in Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, and Fig. 2C. Light source 1105 in Fig. 3 corresponds to light source device 13 in Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, and Fig. 2C. Image display unit 1102, light guide 1104, and light source 1105 in Fig. 3 correspond to display device 1 in Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, and Fig. 2C.

[0067] The video display unit 1102 is a display unit that generates a video by modulating transmitted light based on a video signal input under the control of a video control unit 1160 described later. The video display unit 1102 corresponds to the liquid crystal display panel 11 in Figs. 2A, 2B, and 2C. For example, a transmissive liquid crystal panel is used as the video display unit 1102. Alternatively, for example, a reflective liquid crystal panel that modulates reflected light or a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device: registered trademark) panel may be used as the video display unit 1102.

[0068] The light source 1105 generates light for the image display unit 1102 and is a solid-state light source such as an LED light source or a laser light source. The power source 1106 converts an AC current input from the outside via the external power input interface 1111 into a DC current and supplies power to the light source 1105. The power source 1106 also supplies the necessary DC current to each unit in the space-floating image display device 1000. The secondary battery 1112 stores the power supplied from the power source 1106. The secondary battery 1112 also supplies power to the light source 1105 and other components that require power when power is not supplied from the outside via the external power input interface 1111. That is, when the space-floating image display device 1000 includes the secondary battery 1112, the user can use the space-floating image display device 1000 even when power is not supplied from the outside.

[0069] The light guide 1104 guides the light generated by the light source 1105 and irradiates the image display unit 1102. The combination of the light guide 1104 and the light source 1105 can be called a backlight of the image display unit 1102. The light guide 1104 may be mainly made of glass. The light guide 1104 may be mainly made of plastic. The light guide 1104 may be made of a mirror. There are various types of combination of the light guide 1104 and the light source 1105. Specific configuration examples of the combination of the light guide 1104 and the light source 1105 will be described in detail later.

[0070] The aerial operation detection sensor 1351 is a sensor that detects an operation of the floating-in-space image 3 by a finger of the user 230. The aerial operation detection sensor 1351 senses, for example, a range that overlaps with the entire display range of the floating-in-space image 3. Note that the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 may only sense a range that overlaps with at least a portion of the display range of the floating-in-space image 3.

[0071] Specific examples of the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 include a distance sensor using invisible light such as infrared light, an invisible light laser, ultrasonic waves, etc. The aerial operation detection sensor 1351 may be configured to detect coordinates on a two-dimensional plane by combining a plurality of sensors. The aerial operation detection sensor 1351 may be configured with a ToF (Time of Flight) LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or an image sensor.

[0072] The mid-air operation detection sensor 1351 only needs to be capable of sensing to detect a touch operation or the like performed by a user with a finger on an object displayed as the floating-in-space image 3. Such sensing can be performed using existing technology.

[0073] The aerial operation detection unit 1350 acquires a sensing signal from the aerial operation detection sensor 1351, and performs operations such as determining whether or not the finger of the user 230 has touched an object in the floating in space image 3 and calculating the position (contact position) where the finger of the user 230 has touched the object based on the sensing signal. The aerial operation detection unit 1350 is configured with a circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Some of the functions of the aerial operation detection unit 1350 may be realized by software using a spatial operation detection program executed by the control unit 1110, for example.

[0074] The aerial operation detection sensor 1351 and the aerial operation detection unit 1350 may be configured to be built into the space-floating image display device 1000, or may be provided externally separately from the space-floating image display device 1000. When provided separately from the space-floating image display device 1000, the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 and the aerial operation detection unit 1350 are configured to transmit information and signals to the space-floating image display device 1000 via a wired or wireless communication connection path or image signal transmission path.

[0075] Also, the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 and the aerial operation detection unit 1350 may be provided separately. This makes it possible to build a system in which the air-floating image display device 1000 without the aerial operation detection function is used as the main body, and only the aerial operation detection function can be added as an option. Also, a configuration in which only the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 is provided separately, and the aerial operation detection unit 1350 is built into the air-floating image display device 1000 may be used. In cases in which it is desired to more freely arrange the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 relative to the installation position of the air-floating image display device 1000, a configuration in which only the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 is provided separately is advantageous.

[0076] The imaging unit 1180 is a camera having an image sensor, and captures the space near the floating-in-space image 3 and / or the face, arms, fingers, etc. of the user 230. A plurality of imaging units 1180 may be provided. By using a plurality of imaging units 1180 or an imaging unit with a depth sensor, the mid-air operation detection unit 1350 can be assisted in the detection process of the touch operation of the floating-in-space image 3 by the user 230. The imaging unit 1180 may be provided separately from the floating-in-space image display device 1000. When the imaging unit 1180 is provided separately from the floating-in-space image display device 1000, it is sufficient to configure it so that an imaging signal can be transmitted to the floating-in-space image display device 1000 via a wired or wireless communication connection path or the like.

[0077] For example, if the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 is configured as an object intrusion sensor that detects whether or not an object has intruded into a plane (intrusion detection plane) including the display surface of the floating image 3, the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 may not be able to detect information such as how far an object (e.g., a user's finger) that has not intruded into the intrusion detection plane is from the intrusion detection plane, or how close the object is to the intrusion detection plane.

[0078] In such a case, the distance between the object and the intrusion detection plane can be calculated by using information such as object depth calculation information based on the captured images of the multiple imaging units 1180 and object depth information by the depth sensor. These pieces of information and various pieces of information such as the distance between the object and the intrusion detection plane are used for various display controls for the floating in space image 3.

[0079] Furthermore, without using the aerial operation detection sensor 1351, the aerial operation detection section 1350 may detect a touch operation on the floating-in-space image 3 by the user 230 based on the captured image by the imaging section 1180.

[0080] Also, the imaging unit 1180 may capture an image of the face of the user 230 operating the floating image 3, and the control unit 1110 may perform an identification process for the user 230. Furthermore, in order to determine whether or not a third person is standing around or behind the user 230 operating the floating image 3 and peeking at the operation of the user 230 on the floating image 3, the imaging unit 1180 may capture an image of a range including the user 230 operating the floating image 3 and the surrounding area of ​​the user 230.

[0081] The operation input unit 1107 is, for example, an operation button, a signal receiving unit such as a remote controller, or an infrared light receiving unit, and inputs a signal for an operation different from the air operation (touch operation) by the user 230. In addition to the above-mentioned user 230 who touches the space floating image 3, the operation input unit 1107 may be used, for example, by an administrator to operate the space floating image display device 1000.

[0082] The video signal input unit 1131 is connected to an external video output device and inputs video data. Various digital video input interfaces are possible for the video signal input unit 1131. For example, the video signal input unit 1131 may be configured with a video input interface conforming to the HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) standard, a video input interface conforming to the DVI (Digital Visual Interface) standard, or a video input interface conforming to the DisplayPort standard.

[0083] Alternatively, an analog video input interface such as analog RGB or composite video may be provided. The audio signal input unit 1133 inputs audio data by connecting an external audio output device. The audio signal input unit 1133 may be configured with an audio input interface conforming to the HDMI standard, an optical digital terminal interface, a coaxial digital terminal interface, or the like. In the case of an interface conforming to the HDMI standard, the video signal input unit 1131 and the audio signal input unit 1133 may be configured as an interface in which a terminal and a cable are integrated. The audio output unit 1140 is capable of outputting audio based on the audio data input to the audio signal input unit 1133. The audio output unit 1140 may be configured with a speaker.

[0084] The audio output unit 1140 may output built-in operation sounds or error warning sounds. Alternatively, the audio output unit 1140 may be configured to output a digital signal to an external device, like the Audio Return Channel function defined in the HDMI standard. The microphone 1139 is a microphone that collects sounds around the space floating image display device 1000, converts them into signals, and generates audio signals. The microphone may record a person's voice, such as a user's voice, and the control unit 1110, which will be described later, may perform voice recognition processing on the generated audio signal to obtain text information from the audio signal.

[0085] The non-volatile memory 1108 stores various data used by the space-floating image display device 1000. The data stored in the non-volatile memory 1108 includes, for example, data for various operations to be displayed on the space-floating image 3, display icons, data of objects to be operated by user operations, layout information, etc. The memory 1109 stores image data to be displayed as the space-floating image 3, data for controlling the device, etc.

[0086] The control unit 1110 controls the operation of each unit connected to it. In addition, the control unit 1110 may perform calculation processing based on information obtained from each unit in the space floating image display device 1000 in cooperation with a program stored in the memory 1109.

[0087] The communication unit 1132 communicates with external devices, external servers, and the like via a wired or wireless communication interface. When the communication unit 1132 has a wired communication interface, the wired communication interface may be, for example, an Ethernet LAN interface. When the communication unit 1132 has a wireless communication interface, the communication unit 1132 may be, for example, a Wi-Fi communication interface, a Bluetooth communication interface, or a mobile communication interface such as 4G or 5G. Various data such as video data, image data, and audio data are transmitted and received by communication via the communication unit 1132.

[0088] The removable media interface 1134 is an interface for connecting a removable recording medium (removable media). The removable recording medium (removable media) may be composed of a semiconductor element memory such as a solid state drive (SSD), a magnetic recording medium recording device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), or an optical recording medium such as an optical disk. The removable media interface 1134 is capable of reading out various information such as various data such as video data, image data, and audio data recorded on the removable recording medium. The video data, image data, and the like recorded on the removable recording medium are output as a space floating image 3 via the video display unit 1102 and the retroreflection unit 1101.

[0089] The storage unit 1170 is a storage device that records various information such as various data such as video data, image data, and audio data. The storage unit 1170 may be configured with a magnetic recording medium recording device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a semiconductor element memory such as a solid state drive (SSD). For example, various information such as various data such as video data, image data, and audio data may be recorded in advance in the storage unit 1170 at the time of product shipment. In addition, the storage unit 1170 may record various information such as various data such as video data, image data, and audio data acquired from an external device, an external server, etc. via the communication unit 1132.

[0090] The video data, image data, etc. recorded in the storage unit 1170 are output as the space floating image 3 via the video display unit 1102 and the retroreflection unit 1101. The video data, image data, etc. of the display icons and objects for the user to operate, which are displayed as the space floating image 3, are also recorded in the storage unit 1170.

[0091] Layout information of display icons and objects displayed as the space floating image 3, various metadata information related to the objects, and the like are also recorded in the storage unit 1170. The audio data recorded in the storage unit 1170 is output as audio from the audio output unit 1140, for example.

[0092] The video control unit 1160 performs various controls related to the video signal input to the video display unit 1102. The video control unit 1160 may be called a video processing circuit, and may be configured with hardware such as an ASIC, an FPGA, or a video processor. The video control unit 1160 may also be called a video processing unit or an image processing unit. The video control unit 1160 performs control of video switching, such as determining which video signal to input to the video display unit 1102, between the video signal to be stored in the memory 1109 and the video signal (video data) input to the video signal input unit 1131, for example.

[0093] In addition, the image control unit 1160 may generate a superimposed image signal by superimposing the image signal to be stored in memory 1109 and the image signal input from the image signal input unit 1131, and input the superimposed image signal to the image display unit 1102, thereby performing control to form a composite image as a floating-in-space image 3.

[0094] Furthermore, the video control unit 1160 may control image processing of the video signal input from the video signal input unit 1131, the video signal to be stored in the memory 1109, etc. Examples of image processing include scaling processing for enlarging, reducing, transforming, etc. an image, brightness adjustment processing for changing the luminance, contrast adjustment processing for changing the contrast curve of the image, and Retinex processing for decomposing an image into light components and changing the weighting of each component.

[0095] Furthermore, the video control unit 1160 may perform special effect video processing or the like for assisting the aerial operation (touch operation) of the user 230 on the video signal input to the video display unit 1102. The special effect video processing is performed, for example, based on the detection result of the touch operation of the user 230 by the aerial operation detection unit 1350 or the captured image of the user 230 by the imaging unit 1180.

[0096] The attitude sensor 1113 is a sensor composed of a gravity sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a combination of these, and can detect the attitude in which the space-floating image display device 1000 is installed. Based on the attitude detection result of the attitude sensor 1113, the control unit 1110 may control the operation of each connected unit. For example, when an undesirable attitude as a user's usage state is detected, the control unit 1110 may perform control to stop displaying the image displayed by the image display unit 1102 and display an error message to the user. Alternatively, when the attitude sensor 1113 detects that the installation attitude of the space-floating image display device 1000 has changed, the control unit 1110 may perform control to rotate the display direction of the image displayed by the image display unit 1102.

[0097] As explained above, various functions are installed in the space-floating image display device 1000. However, the space-floating image display device 1000 does not need to have all of these functions, and can have any configuration as long as it has the function of forming the space-floating image 3.

[0098] <Example of the configuration of a space floating image display device> Next, a configuration example of the space-floating image display device will be described. The layout of the components of the space-floating image display device according to this embodiment can be various depending on the usage form. Each layout of Fig. 4A to Fig. 4M will be described below. In addition, in each example of Fig. 4A to Fig. 4M, the thick line surrounding the space-floating image display device 1000 shows an example of the housing structure of the space-floating image display device 1000.

[0099] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space-floating image display device. The space-floating image display device 1000 shown in FIG. 4A is equipped with an optical system corresponding to the optical system of FIG. 2A. The space-floating image display device 1000 shown in FIG. 4A is installed horizontally so that the surface on which the space-floating image 3 is formed faces upward. That is, in FIG. 4A, the space-floating image display device 1000 has a transparent member 100 installed on the upper surface of the device. The space-floating image 3 is formed above the surface of the transparent member 100 of the space-floating image display device 1000. The light of the space-floating image 3 travels diagonally upward. When the mid-air operation detection sensor 1351 is provided as shown in the figure, it is possible to detect the operation of the space-floating image 3 by the finger of the user 230. Note that the x direction is the left-right direction as seen from the user, the y direction is the front-back direction (depth direction) as seen from the user, and the z direction is the up-down direction (vertical direction). Hereinafter, the definitions of the x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction are the same in each drawing of FIG. 4, so repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0100] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space-floating image display device. The space-floating image display device 1000 shown in FIG. 4B is equipped with an optical system corresponding to the optical system of FIG. 2A. The space-floating image display device 1000 shown in FIG. 4B is installed vertically so that the surface on which the space-floating image 3 is formed faces the front of the space-floating image display device 1000 (the direction of the user 230). That is, in FIG. 4B, the space-floating image display device is installed with the transparent member 100 on the front side of the device (the direction of the user 230). The space-floating image 3 is formed on the user 230 side with respect to the surface of the transparent member 100 of the space-floating image display device 1000. The light of the space-floating image 3 travels in an oblique upward direction. When the midair operation detection sensor 1351 is provided as shown in the figure, it is possible to detect the operation of the space-floating image 3 by the finger of the user 230. 4B, the mid-air operation detection sensor 1351 can use the reflection of sensing light by the user's nail for touch detection by sensing the finger of the user 230 from above. Generally, the nail has a higher reflectivity than the pad of the finger, so that the accuracy of touch detection can be improved by configuring in this way.

[0101] FIG. 4C is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space-floating image display device. The space-floating image display device 1000 shown in FIG. 4C is equipped with an optical system corresponding to the optical system of FIG. 2B. The space-floating image display device 1000 shown in FIG. 4C is installed horizontally so that the surface on which the space-floating image 3 is formed faces upward. That is, in FIG. 4C, the space-floating image display device 1000 has a transparent member 100 installed on the upper surface of the device. The space-floating image 3 is formed above the surface of the transparent member 100 of the space-floating image display device 1000. The light of the space-floating image 3 travels diagonally upward. When the mid-air operation detection sensor 1351 is provided as shown in the figure, it is possible to detect the operation of the space-floating image 3 by the finger of the user 230.

[0102] FIG. 4D is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space-floating image display device. The space-floating image display device 1000 shown in FIG. 4D is equipped with an optical system corresponding to the optical system of FIG. 2B. The space-floating image display device 1000 shown in FIG. 4D is installed vertically so that the surface on which the space-floating image 3 is formed faces the front of the space-floating image display device 1000 (the direction of the user 230). That is, in FIG. 4D, the space-floating image display device 1000 is installed with the transparent member 100 on the front side of the device (the direction of the user 230). The space-floating image 3 is formed on the user 230 side with respect to the surface of the transparent member 100 of the space-floating image display device 1000. The light of the space-floating image 3 travels in an oblique upward direction. When the midair operation detection sensor 1351 is provided as shown in the figure, it is possible to detect the operation of the space-floating image 3 by the finger of the user 230. 4D, the mid-air operation detection sensor 1351 can use the reflection of sensing light by the user's nail for touch detection by sensing the finger of the user 230 from above. Generally, the nail has a higher reflectivity than the pad of the finger, so that the accuracy of touch detection can be improved by configuring in this way.

[0103] FIG. 4E is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space-floating image display device. The space-floating image display device 1000 shown in FIG. 4E is equipped with an optical system corresponding to the optical system of FIG. 2C. The space-floating image display device 1000 shown in FIG. 4E is installed horizontally so that the surface on which the space-floating image 3 is formed faces upward. That is, in FIG. 4E, the space-floating image display device 1000 has a transparent member 100 installed on the upper surface of the device. The space-floating image 3 is formed above the surface of the transparent member 100 of the space-floating image display device 1000. The light of the space-floating image 3 travels directly upward. When the mid-air operation detection sensor 1351 is provided as shown in the figure, it is possible to detect the operation of the space-floating image 3 by the finger of the user 230.

[0104] FIG. 4F is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space-floating image display device. The space-floating image display device 1000 shown in FIG. 4F is equipped with an optical system corresponding to the optical system of FIG. 2C. The space-floating image display device 1000 shown in FIG. 4F is installed vertically so that the surface on which the space-floating image 3 is formed faces the front of the space-floating image display device 1000 (the direction of the user 230). That is, in FIG. 4F, the space-floating image display device 1000 is installed with the transparent member 100 on the front side of the device (the direction of the user 230). The space-floating image 3 is formed on the user 230 side with respect to the surface of the transparent member 100 of the space-floating image display device 1000. The light of the space-floating image 3 travels toward the user. When the midair operation detection sensor 1351 is provided as shown in the figure, it is possible to detect the operation of the space-floating image 3 by the finger of the user 230.

[0105] FIG. 4G is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space-floating image display device. The space-floating image display device 1000 shown in FIG. 4G is equipped with an optical system corresponding to the optical system of FIG. 2C. In the optical system of the space-floating image display device shown in FIG. 4A to FIG. 4F, the central optical path of the image light emitted from the display device 1 was on the yz plane. That is, in the optical system of the space-floating image display device shown in FIG. 4A to FIG. 4F, the image light traveled in the front-back direction and the up-down direction as seen from the user. In contrast, in the optical system of the space-floating image display device shown in FIG. 4G, the central optical path of the image light emitted from the display device 1 is on the xy plane. That is, in the optical system of the space-floating image display device shown in FIG. 4G, the image light travels in the left-right direction and the front-back direction as seen from the user. In the space-floating image display device 1000 shown in FIG. 4G, the surface on the side on which the space-floating image 3 is formed is installed so as to face the front of the device (the direction of the user 230). That is, in Fig. 4G, the space-floating image display device 1000 has the transparent member 100 installed on the front side of the device (toward the user 230). The space-floating image 3 is formed on the user side of the surface of the transparent member 100 of the space-floating image display device 1000. The light of the space-floating image 3 travels toward the user. If the mid-air operation detection sensor 1351 is provided as shown in the figure, it can detect the operation of the space-floating image 3 by the finger of the user 230.

[0106] FIG. 4H is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space-floating image display device. The space-floating image display device 1000 of FIG. 4H is different from the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4G in that it has a window having a transparent plate 100B such as glass or plastic on the back side of the device (opposite the position where the user 230 views the space-floating image 3, i.e., opposite the traveling direction of the image light of the space-floating image 3 toward the user 230). The other configurations are the same as those of the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4G, so repeated explanations will be omitted. The space-floating image display device 1000 of FIG. 4H has a window having a transparent plate 100B at a position opposite the traveling direction of the image light of the space-floating image 3 with respect to the space-floating image 3. Therefore, when the user 230 views the space-floating image 3, the user 230 can recognize the scenery behind the space-floating image display device 1000 as the background of the space-floating image 3. Therefore, the user 230 can recognize the space floating image 3 as floating in the air in front of the scenery behind the space floating image display device 1000. This can further emphasize the floating feeling of the space floating image 3.

[0107] Depending on the polarization distribution of the image light output from the display device 1 and the performance of the polarization separation member 101B, a part of the image light output from the display device 1 may be reflected by the polarization separation member 101B and directed toward the transparent plate 100B. Depending on the coating performance of the surface of the transparent plate 100B, this light may be reflected again by the surface of the transparent plate 100B and may be visually recognized by the user as stray light. Therefore, in order to prevent this stray light, the transparent plate 100B may not be provided on the window on the back of the space floating image display device 1000.

[0108] Fig. 4I is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space-floating image display device. The space-floating image display device 1000 in Fig. 4I is different from the space-floating image display device in Fig. 4H in that a light-shielding door 1410 is provided in the window of the transparent plate 100B arranged on the back of the device (opposite the position where the user 230 views the space-floating image 3). The other configurations are the same as those of the space-floating image display device in Fig. 4H, so repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0109] The opening and closing door 1410 of the space-floating image display device 1000 in FIG. 4I has, for example, a light-shielding plate, and is provided with a mechanism for moving (sliding) the light-shielding plate, a mechanism for rotating the light-shielding plate, or a mechanism for attaching and detaching the light-shielding plate, so that the window (rear window) of the transparent plate 100B located at the back side of the space-floating image display device 1000 can be switched between an open state and a light-shielding state. The movement (sliding) and rotation of the light-shielding plate by the opening and closing door 1410 may be electrically driven by a motor (not shown). The motor may be controlled by the control unit 1110 in FIG. 3. Note that, in the example of FIG. 4I, an example in which the opening and closing door 1410 has two light-shielding plates is disclosed. In contrast, the number of light-shielding plates of the opening and closing door 1410 may be one.

[0110] For example, when the scenery seen through the window of the transparent plate 100B of the space-floating image display device 1000 is outdoors, the brightness of sunlight varies depending on the weather. When the sunlight outdoors is strong, the background of the space-floating image 3 may become too bright, and the user 230 may experience a decrease in visibility of the space-floating image 3. In such a case, if the rear window is put into a light-shielding state by moving (sliding), rotating, or attaching the light-shielding plate of the opening and closing door 1410, the background of the space-floating image 3 becomes dark, and the visibility of the space-floating image 3 can be relatively improved. Such a shielding operation by the light-shielding plate of the opening and closing door 1410 may be directly performed by the force of the hand of the user 230. In response to an operation input via the operation input unit 1107 of FIG. 3, the control unit 1110 may control a motor (not shown) to perform a shielding operation by the light-shielding plate of the opening and closing door 1410.

[0111] In addition, an illuminance sensor may be provided on the rear side (opposite side of the user 230) of the space-floating image display device 1000, such as near the rear window, to measure the brightness of the space beyond the rear window. In this case, the control unit 1110 in FIG. 3 may control a motor (not shown) to perform the opening and closing operation of the light shielding plate of the opening and closing door 1410 according to the detection result of the illuminance sensor. By controlling the opening and closing operation of the light shielding plate of the opening and closing door 1410 in this way, it is possible to more suitably maintain the visibility of the space-floating image 3 even if the user 230 does not manually open and close the light shielding plate of the opening and closing door 1410.

[0112] Also, the light shielding plate by the opening and closing door 1410 may be manually detachable. Depending on the use purpose and installation environment of the space floating image display device 1000, the user can select whether the rear window is opened or shielded. If the rear window is to be used in a light shielded state for a long period of time, the removable light shielding plate may be fixed in the light shielded state. If the rear window is to be used in an open state for a long period of time, the removable light shielding plate may be removed. The light shielding plate may be attached and detached using a screw, a hook structure, or a fitting structure.

[0113] In the example of the space-floating image display device 1000 in FIG. 4I, depending on the polarization distribution of the image light output from the display device 1 and the performance of the polarization separation member 101B, a part of the image light output from the display device 1 may be reflected by the polarization separation member 101B and directed toward the transparent plate 100B. Depending on the coating performance of the surface of the transparent plate 100B, this light may be reflected again by the surface of the transparent plate 100B and may be visually recognized by the user as stray light. Therefore, in order to prevent the stray light, the window on the back of the space-floating image display device 1000 may be configured without providing the transparent plate 100B. The above-mentioned opening and closing door 1410 may be provided on the window that does not have the transparent plate 100B. In order to prevent the stray light, it is desirable that the surface of the light shielding plate of the above-mentioned opening and closing door 1410 on the inside of the housing has a coating or material with low light reflectance.

[0114] Fig. 4J is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space-floating image display device. The space-floating image display device 1000 of Fig. 4J is different from the space-floating image display device of Fig. 4H in that an electronically controlled transmittance variable device 1620 is arranged on the rear side window instead of the transparent plate 100B made of glass or plastic. The other configurations are the same as those of the space-floating image display device of Fig. 4H, so repeated explanations will be omitted. An example of the electronically controlled transmittance variable device 1620 is a liquid crystal shutter.

[0115] That is, the liquid crystal shutter can control the transmitted light by controlling the voltage of the liquid crystal element sandwiched between two polarizing plates. Therefore, if the liquid crystal shutter is controlled to increase the transmittance, the scenery through the rear window can be seen through the background of the floating image 3. Also, if the liquid crystal shutter is controlled to increase the transmittance, the scenery through the rear window can be hidden as the background of the floating image 3. In addition, since the liquid crystal shutter can control the intermediate length, it can also be set to a state of transmittance of 50% or the like. For example, the control unit 1110 can control the transmittance of the electronically controlled transmittance variable device 1620 in response to an operation input via the operation input unit 1107 in Fig. 3. With this configuration, in cases where a view through the rear window is desired as the background of the floating image in space 3, but the view through the rear window as the background is too bright and reduces the visibility of the floating image in space 3, it is possible to adjust the transmittance of the electronically controlled transmittance variable device 1620 to adjust the visibility of the floating image in space 3.

[0116] In addition, an illuminance sensor may be provided on the back side (opposite side of the user 230) of the space floating image display device 1000, such as near the back window, to measure the brightness of the space beyond the back window. In this case, the control unit 1110 in Fig. 3 may control the transmittance of the electronically controlled transmittance variable device 1620 according to the detection result of the illuminance sensor. In this way, even if the user 230 does not perform an operation input via the operation input unit 1107 in Fig. 3, the transmittance of the electronically controlled transmittance variable device 1620 can be adjusted according to the brightness of the space beyond the back window, so that the visibility of the space floating image 3 can be more suitably maintained.

[0117] In the above example, a liquid crystal shutter has been described as an example of the electronically controlled transmittance variable device 1620. However, electronic paper may be used as another example of the electronically controlled transmittance variable device 1620. The same effect as described above can be obtained when electronic paper is used. Furthermore, electronic paper consumes very little power to maintain a halftone state. Therefore, a space floating image display device with low power consumption can be realized compared to the case where a liquid crystal shutter is used.

[0118] Fig. 4K is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space-floating image display device. The space-floating image display device 1000 of Fig. 4K is different from the space-floating image display device of Fig. 4G in that it has a transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650 instead of the transparent member 100. The other configurations are the same as those of the space-floating image display device of Fig. 4G, so repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0119] In the space-floating image display device 1000 of FIG. 4K, after the image light flux passes through the display surface of the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650, the space-floating image 3 is formed outside the space-floating image display device 1000. That is, when an image is displayed on the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650, which is a two-dimensional flat display, the space-floating image 3 can be displayed as a pop-out image further in front of the image of the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650. At this time, the user 230 can simultaneously view two images at different depth positions. The transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650 may be configured using existing technology such as a transmissive organic EL panel disclosed in, for example, JP 2014-216761 A. Note that the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650 is not shown in FIG. 3, but may be configured to be connected to other processing units such as the control unit 1110 as one component of the space-floating image display device 1000 of FIG. 3.

[0120] Here, if both the background and an object such as a character are displayed on the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650, and then only the object such as the character moves to the foreground floating image 3, a more effective surprise video experience can be provided to the user 230.

[0121] Also, if the inside of the space-floating image display device 1000 is kept in a light-shielding state, the background of the transparent self-luminous image display device 1650 becomes sufficiently dark. Therefore, when no image is displayed on the display device 1, or the light source of the display device 1 is turned off, and an image is displayed only on the transparent self-luminous image display device 1650, the transparent self-luminous image display device 1650 appears to the user 230 as a normal two-dimensional flat display, not a transparent display (since the space-floating image 3 in the embodiment of the present invention is displayed as a real optical image in a space without a screen, if the light source of the display device 1 is turned off, the intended display position of the space-floating image 3 becomes an empty space). Therefore, when the transparent self-luminous image display device 1650 is used to display an image as if it were a general two-dimensional flat display, characters, objects, etc. can be suddenly displayed in the air as the space-floating image 3, providing the user 230 with a more effective video experience with a surprise production.

[0122] In addition, the darker the inside of the space-floating image display device 1000, the more the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650 looks like a two-dimensional flat display. Therefore, an absorptive polarizing plate (not shown) that transmits the polarized wave of the image light reflected by the polarization separation member 101B and absorbs the polarized wave that is 90 degrees out of phase with the polarized wave may be provided on the inner surface of the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650 (the incident surface of the image light reflected by the polarization separation member 101B to the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650, i.e., the surface of the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650 opposite to the space-floating image 3). In this way, the effect on the image light that forms the space-floating image 3 is not so large, but the light that enters the inside of the space-floating image display device 1000 from the outside through the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650 can be significantly reduced, and the inside of the space-floating image display device 1000 can be made darker, which is preferable.

[0123] FIG. 4L is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space-floating image display device. The space-floating image display device 1000 of FIG. 4L is a modified example of the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4K. The orientation of the components in the space-floating image display device 1000 is different from that of the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4K, and is closer to the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4F. The functions and operations of each component are the same as those of the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4K, so repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0124] In the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4L as well, after a luminous flux of image light passes through the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650, a space-floating image 3 is formed on the user 230 side of the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650.

[0125] In both the example of the space-floating image display device in FIG. 4K and the example of the space-floating image display device in FIG. 4L, the space-floating image 3 is displayed superimposed on the image of the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650 as seen by the user 230. Here, the position of the space-floating image 3 and the position of the image of the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650 are configured to have a difference in the depth direction. Therefore, when the user moves his / her head (position of viewpoint), the user can recognize the depth of the two images due to parallax. Therefore, by displaying two images with different depth positions, a three-dimensional image experience can be more suitably provided to the user with the naked eye without the need for stereoscopic glasses or the like.

[0126] Fig. 4M is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space-floating image display device. The space-floating image display device 1000 of Fig. 4M is provided with a second display device 1680 on the rear side of the polarization separation member 101B of the space-floating image display device of Fig. 4G as seen from the user. The other configurations are the same as those of the space-floating image display device of Fig. 4G, so repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0127] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 4M, the second display device 1680 is provided behind the display position of the space-floating image 3, and the image display surface faces the space-floating image 3. With this configuration, the image of the second display device 1680 and the space-floating image 3, which are displayed at two different depth positions, can be viewed as overlapping images from the user 230's perspective. In other words, the second display device 1680 is arranged in a direction to display an image toward the user 230 who views the space-floating image 3. Although the second display device 1680 is not shown in FIG. 3, it may be configured to be connected to other processing units such as the control unit 1110 as one component of the space-floating image display device 1000 of FIG. 3.

[0128] The image light of the second display device 1680 of the space floating image display device 1000 of FIG. 4M is visually recognized by the user 230 after passing through the polarization separation member 101B. Therefore, in order for the image light of the second display device 1680 to pass through the polarization separation member 101B more preferably, it is desirable that the image light output from the second display device 1680 is polarized in a vibration direction that the polarization separation member 101B more preferably transmits. That is, it is desirable that the image light is polarized in the same vibration direction as the polarization of the image light output from the display device 1. For example, when the image light output from the display device 1 is S-polarized light, it is desirable that the image light output from the second display device 1680 is also S-polarized light. Furthermore, when the image light output from the display device 1 is P-polarized light, it is desirable that the image light output from the second display device 1680 is also P-polarized light.

[0129] The example of the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4M also has the same effect as the example of the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4K and the example of the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4L in that the second image is displayed behind the space-floating image 3. However, unlike the example of the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4K and the example of the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4L, in the example of the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4M, the luminous flux of the image light for forming the space-floating image 3 does not pass through the second display device 1680. Therefore, the second display device 1680 does not need to be a transmissive self-luminous image display device, and may be a liquid crystal display that is a two-dimensional flat display. The second display device 1680 may be an organic EL display. Therefore, in the example of the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4M, it is possible to realize the space-floating image display device 1000 at a lower cost than the example of the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4K and the example of the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4L.

[0130] Here, depending on the polarization distribution of the image light output from the display device 1 and the performance of the polarization separation member 101B, a part of the image light output from the display device 1 may be reflected by the polarization separation member 101B and travel toward the second display device 1680. This light (a part of the image light) may be reflected again by the surface of the second display device 1680 and may be visually recognized by the user as stray light.

[0131] Therefore, in order to prevent the stray light, an absorptive polarizing plate may be provided on the surface of the second display device 1680. In this case, the absorptive polarizing plate may be an absorptive polarizing plate that transmits the polarized wave of the image light output from the second display device 1680 and absorbs the polarized wave that is 90° out of phase with the polarized wave of the image light output from the second display device 1680. If the second display device 1680 is a liquid crystal display, an absorptive polarizing plate is also present on the image output side inside the liquid crystal display. However, if there is a cover glass (cover glass on the image display surface side) on the output surface of the absorptive polarizing plate on the image output side inside the liquid crystal display, it is not possible to prevent stray light caused by reflection of the cover glass due to light from outside the liquid crystal display. Therefore, it is necessary to separately provide the above-mentioned absorptive polarizing plate on the surface of the cover glass.

[0132] When an image is displayed on the second display device 1680, which is a two-dimensional flat display, the floating-in-space image 3 can be displayed as an image in front of the image on the second display device 1680. In this case, the user 230 can simultaneously view two images with different depth positions. By displaying a character on the floating-in-space image 3 and displaying a background on the second display device 1680, it is possible to provide an effect in which the user 230 is stereoscopically viewing the space in which the character exists.

[0133] Furthermore, if both the background and an object such as a character are displayed on the second display device 1680, and then only the object such as the character moves to the foreground floating image 3, it is possible to provide the user 230 with a more effective surprise visual experience.

[0134] Next, Fig. 4N is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space-floating image display device. The space-floating image display device 1000 in Fig. 4N is a space-floating image display device that employs the optical system in Fig. 2D. As in the example of the space-floating image display device that employs the optical system in Figs. 2A to 2C, an image is formed in the air as a space-floating image 3 by image light that has passed through a transparent member 100. In addition, the operation of the space-floating image 3 by the user's finger 9004 can be detected using the sensing light of the mid-air operation detection sensor 1351 arranged on the back side of the transparent member 100 as seen from the user.

[0135] In both the example of the space-floating image display device employing the optical system of Figures 2A to 2C and the example of the space-floating image display device employing the optical system of Figure 2D, the space-floating image 3 is imaged in front of the transparent member 100, and the operation of the space-floating image 3 by the user's finger can be detected using the sensing light of the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 arranged on the back side of the transparent member 100 as seen from the user. Therefore, the space-floating image display device employing the optical system of Figure 2D has a different optical system from the space-floating image display device in which the optical system of Figures 2A to 2C is arranged on the back side of the transparent member 100 as seen from the user.

[0136] However, from the user's perspective, the usability of the space-floating image display device employing the optical system of FIG. 2D is almost the same as that of the space-floating image display device employing the optical system of FIGS. 2A to 2C.

[0137] Next, Fig. 4O is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a space-floating image display device. Fig. 4O is a diagram showing the configuration of the internal optical system in the space-floating image display device 1000 of Fig. 4N. The space-floating image display device 1000 shown in Fig. 4O is equipped with an optical system corresponding to the optical system of Fig. 2D. The space-floating image display device 1000 shown in Fig. 4O is installed horizontally so that the surface on which the space-floating image 3 is formed faces upward.

[0138] That is, in Fig. 4O, the space-floating image display device 1000 has a transparent member 100 installed on the top surface of the device. The space-floating image 3 is formed above the surface of the transparent member 100 of the space-floating image display device 1000. The light of the space-floating image 3 travels diagonally upward. When the mid-air operation detection sensor 1351 is provided as shown in the figure, it can detect the operation of the space-floating image 3 by the finger of the user 230.

[0139] Here, the configuration of Fig. 4O is compared with the configuration of Fig. 4A to confirm the differences. In Fig. 4A, the display device 1 and the space-floating image 3 are in a plane-symmetrical relationship with respect to the plane of the polarization separation member 101. In contrast, in Fig. 4O, the display device 1 and the space-floating image 3 are in a plane-symmetrical relationship with respect to the plane of the retroreflector 5. Also, the configuration of Fig. 4A includes the retroreflector 2 and the λ / 4 plate 21, but these do not exist in Fig. 4O. Also, while it would be more preferable to include the absorbing polarizer 12 in Fig. 4A, the absorbing polarizer 12 is not particularly necessary in Fig. 4O.

[0140] That is, in order to replace the optical system of FIG. 2A in the configuration of FIG. 4A with the optical system of FIG. 2D and replace it with the configuration of FIG. 4O, the following can be done. That is, the polarization separation member 101 in the configuration of FIG. 4A can be replaced with the retroreflector 5, and the retroreflector 2 and the λ / 4 plate 21 can be removed from the configuration of FIG. 4A. The absorptive polarizer 12 can be omitted. If a replacement is made based on this idea, the optical system of FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C mounted on the configuration of the space floating image display device of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4G can be replaced with the optical system of FIG. 2D, and the space floating image display device mounted with the optical system of FIG. 2D can be replaced. At this time, the polarization separation member 101 can be replaced with the retroreflector 5 in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, and the polarization separation member 101B can be replaced with the retroreflector 5 in FIG. 4C to FIG. 4G.

[0141] In this way, a space-floating image display device can be realized in which the optical system in the configuration of the space-floating image display device in Figures 4A to 4G is replaced with the optical system in Figure 2D. Even in the space-floating image display device in which the optical system in Figure 2D is replaced, a space-floating image display device with almost the same usability as the space-floating image display device in Figures 4A to 4G can be realized.

[0142] <Display device> Next, the display device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The display device 1 of this embodiment includes an image display element 11 (liquid crystal display panel) and a light source device 13 that constitutes the light source thereof, and FIG. 5 shows the light source device 13 together with the liquid crystal display panel as an exploded perspective view.

[0143] As shown by the arrow 30 in Fig. 5, this liquid crystal display panel (image display element 11) receives an illumination light beam from a light source device 13, which is a backlight device, that has narrow-angle diffusion characteristics, i.e., has strong directivity (straightness) and characteristics similar to laser light with a polarization plane aligned in one direction. The liquid crystal display panel (image display element 11) modulates the received illumination light beam in accordance with an input video signal. The modulated image light is reflected by the retroreflector 2 and passes through a transparent member 100 to form a real image, which is a floating image in space (see Fig. 1).

[0144] In addition, in FIG. 5, the display device 1 is configured to include a liquid crystal display panel 11, a light direction conversion panel 54 that controls the directional characteristics of the light beam emitted from the light source device 13, and a narrow-angle diffusion plate (not shown) as necessary. That is, polarizing plates are provided on both sides of the liquid crystal display panel 11, and image light of a specific polarized wave is modulated in intensity by a video signal and emitted (see arrow 30 in FIG. 5). As a result, a desired image is projected as light of a specific polarized wave with high directivity (linearity) through the light direction conversion panel 54 toward the retroreflector 2, and after reflection by the retroreflector 2, it is transmitted toward the eyes of a monitor outside the store (space) to form a space-floating image 3. A protective cover 50 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) may be provided on the surface of the light direction conversion panel 54 described above.

[0145] <Display device example 1> FIG. 6 shows an example of a specific configuration of the display device 1. In FIG. 6, a liquid crystal display panel 11 and a light direction conversion panel 54 are arranged on the light source device 13 of FIG. 5. The light source device 13 is formed, for example, of plastic on the case shown in FIG. 5, and is configured by storing an LED element 201 and a light guide 203 inside. As shown in FIG. 5 and other figures, the end surface of the light guide 203 has a shape in which the cross-sectional area gradually increases toward the opposite side to the light receiving part in order to convert the divergent light from each LED element 201 into a substantially parallel light beam, and is provided with a lens shape that has an effect of gradually decreasing the divergence angle by multiple total reflections during propagation inside. The liquid crystal display panel 11 constituting the display device 1 is attached to the upper surface of the display device 1. In addition, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element 201, which is a semiconductor light source, and an LED board 202 on which a control circuit for the LED element 201 is mounted are attached to one side surface of the case of the light source device 13 (the left end surface in this example). A heat sink, which is a member for cooling the heat generated by the LED elements and the control circuit, may be attached to the outer surface of the LED substrate 202.

[0146] In addition, the liquid crystal display panel frame (not shown) attached to the upper surface of the case of the light source device 13 is configured by attaching the liquid crystal display panel 11 attached to the frame, and further by attaching an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) (not shown) electrically connected to the liquid crystal display panel 11. That is, the liquid crystal display panel 11, which is an image display element, generates a display image by modulating the intensity of transmitted light based on a control signal from a control circuit (image control unit 1160 in FIG. 3) constituting an electronic device together with the LED element 201, which is a solid light source. At this time, the generated image light has a narrow diffusion angle and contains only specific polarization components, so that a new image display device that is similar to a surface-emitting laser image source driven by an image signal can be obtained. Note that, at present, it is technically and safety impossible to obtain a laser light beam of the same size as the image obtained by the above-mentioned display device 1 using a laser device. Therefore, in this embodiment, light similar to the above-mentioned surface-emitting laser image light is obtained from a light beam from a general light source equipped with an LED element, for example.

[0147] Next, the configuration of the optical system housed in the case of light source device 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7 together with FIG.

[0148] 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views, and only one of the LED elements 201 constituting the light source is shown, and this is converted into approximately collimated light by the shape of the light-receiving end surface 203a of the light guide 203. For this reason, the light-receiving part of the end surface of the light guide and the LED element are attached while maintaining a predetermined positional relationship.

[0149] Each of the light guides 203 is formed of a light-transmitting resin such as acrylic. The LED light receiving surface at the end of the light guide 203 has a cone-shaped outer circumferential surface obtained by rotating a parabolic cross section, and at the top of the light guide 203, a concave portion having a convex portion (i.e., a convex lens surface) formed in the center is formed, and at the center of the flat portion, a convex lens surface protruding outward (or a concave lens surface recessed inward) is formed (not shown). The outer shape of the light receiving portion of the light guide to which the LED element 201 is attached is a parabolic shape forming a cone-shaped outer circumferential surface, and is set within an angle range in which the light emitted from the LED element in the peripheral direction can be totally reflected inside the parabolic shape, or a reflective surface is formed.

[0150] On the other hand, the LED elements 201 are arranged at predetermined positions on the surface of the circuit board, that is, the LED substrate 202. The LED substrate 202 is arranged and fixed such that the LED elements 201 on the surface are positioned in the center of the recessed portion described above with respect to the LED collimator (light-receiving end surface 203a).

[0151] According to this configuration, the shape of light-receiving end surface 203a of light guide 203 makes it possible to extract the light emitted from LED element 201 as substantially parallel light, thereby improving the efficiency of use of the generated light.

[0152] As described above, the light source device 13 is configured by mounting a light source unit in which a plurality of LED elements 201 serving as light sources are arranged on the light receiving end surface 203a serving as a light receiving section provided on the end surface of the light guide 203, and the divergent light beam from the LED elements 201 is converted into substantially parallel light by the lens shape of the light receiving end surface 203a of the light guide end surface, and the light is guided inside the light guide 203 (in a direction parallel to the drawing) as shown by the arrow, and is emitted by the light beam direction conversion means 204 toward the liquid crystal display panel 11 arranged substantially parallel to the light guide 203 (in a direction perpendicular to the front side of the drawing). The uniformity of the light beam incident on the liquid crystal display panel 11 can be controlled by optimizing the distribution (density) of the light beam direction conversion means 204 depending on the shape of the inside or surface of the light guide.

[0153] The light beam direction conversion means 204 described above emits the light beam propagated inside the light guide toward the liquid crystal display panel 11 arranged substantially parallel to the light guide 203 (in a direction perpendicular to the front of the drawing) by changing the shape of the light guide surface or by providing, for example, a portion with a different refractive index inside the light guide. At this time, when the brightness of the screen center and the screen periphery are compared while facing the liquid crystal display panel 11 directly at the center of the screen and placing the viewpoint at the same position as the diagonal dimension of the screen, if the relative brightness ratio is 20% or more, there is no practical problem, and if it exceeds 30%, it is an even better characteristic.

[0154] 6 is a cross-sectional layout diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of a light source of this embodiment that performs polarization conversion in light source device 13 including the above-mentioned light guide 203 and LED element 201. In Fig. 6, light source device 13 is composed of light guide 203 formed of, for example, plastic or the like and provided with light beam direction conversion means 204 on its surface or inside, LED element 201 as a light source, reflective sheet 205, retardation plate 206, lenticular lens, etc., and on the upper surface thereof is attached liquid crystal display panel 11 equipped with polarizing plates on the light source light entrance surface and image light exit surface.

[0155] A film or sheet-like reflective polarizing plate 49 is provided on the light source light incidence surface (lower surface in the figure) of the liquid crystal display panel 11 corresponding to the light source device 13, and selectively reflects one side of the polarized wave (e.g. P wave) 212 of the natural light beam 210 emitted from the LED element 201. The reflected light is reflected again by a reflecting sheet 205 provided on one surface (lower surface in the figure) of the light guide 203, and directed toward the liquid crystal display panel 11. Therefore, a retardation plate (λ / 4 plate) is provided between the reflecting sheet 205 and the light guide 203 or between the light guide 203 and the reflective polarizing plate 49, and the reflected light beam is reflected by the reflecting sheet 205 and passes through twice to convert the reflected light beam from P polarized light to S polarized light, improving the utilization efficiency of the light source light as image light. The image light beam, the light intensity of which is modulated by the image signal in the liquid crystal display panel 11 (arrow 213 in FIG. 6), enters the retroreflector 2. After reflection by the retroreflector 2, a real image, a floating image in space, can be obtained.

[0156] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional layout diagram for explaining the configuration and action of a light source of this embodiment that performs polarization conversion in light source device 13 including light guide 203 and LED element 201, similar to Fig. 6. Light source device 13 is also similarly composed of light guide 203 formed of, for example, plastic, on the surface or inside of which light flux direction conversion means 204 is provided, LED element 201 as a light source, reflection sheet 205, retardation plate 206, lenticular lens, etc. On the upper surface of light source device 13, liquid crystal display panel 11 having polarizing plates on the light source light entrance surface and the image light exit surface is attached as an image display element.

[0157] A film or sheet-like reflective polarizing plate 49 is provided on the light source light incidence surface (lower surface in the figure) of the liquid crystal display panel 11 corresponding to the light source device 13, and selectively reflects one side of the polarized wave (e.g., S wave) 211 of the natural light beam 210 emitted from the LED element 201. That is, in the example of FIG. 7, the selective reflection characteristic of the reflective polarizing plate 49 is different from that of FIG. 7. The reflected light is reflected by the reflective sheet 205 provided on one surface (lower surface in the figure) of the light guide 203, and again heads toward the liquid crystal display panel 11. A retardation plate (λ / 4 plate) is provided between the reflective sheet 205 and the light guide 203 or between the light guide 203 and the reflective polarizing plate 49, and the reflected light beam is reflected by the reflective sheet 205 and passes through it twice, thereby converting the reflected light beam from S polarized light to P polarized light, and improving the utilization efficiency of the light source light as image light. The image light beam intensity-modulated by the image signal in the liquid crystal display panel 11 (arrow 214 in FIG. 7) enters the retroreflector 2. After reflection by the retroreflector 2, a real image, a floating image in space, can be obtained.

[0158] In the light source devices shown in Figures 6 and 7, in addition to the action of the polarizing plate provided on the light incidence surface of the corresponding liquid crystal display panel 11, the polarized component on one side is reflected by the reflective polarizing plate, so that the theoretically obtainable contrast ratio is the reciprocal of the cross transmittance of the reflective polarizing plate multiplied by the reciprocal of the cross transmittance obtained by the two polarizing plates attached to the liquid crystal display panel. This results in high contrast performance. In fact, it was confirmed by experiments that the contrast performance of the displayed image was improved by more than 10 times. As a result, a high-quality image comparable to that of a self-luminous organic EL was obtained.

[0159] <Display device example 2> 8 shows another example of a specific configuration of the display device 1. This light source device 13 is configured by housing LEDs, a collimator, a composite diffusion block, a light guide, etc., in a case made of, for example, plastic, and has a liquid crystal display panel 11 attached to its upper surface. LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements 14a and 14b, which are semiconductor light sources, and an LED board mounting a control circuit for the LED elements are attached to one side of the case of the light source device 13, and a heat sink 103, which is a member for cooling heat generated by the LED elements and the control circuit, is attached to the outer side of the LED board.

[0160] The liquid crystal display panel frame attached to the top surface of the case is configured to have the liquid crystal display panel 11 attached to the frame, and further, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) 403 electrically connected to the liquid crystal display panel 11, etc. attached to it. That is, the liquid crystal display panel 11, which is a liquid crystal display element, generates a display image by modulating the intensity of transmitted light together with the LED elements 14a and 14b, which are solid-state light sources, based on a control signal from a control circuit (not shown here) that constitutes the electronic device.

[0161] <Display device example 3> Next, another example of the specific configuration of the display device 1 (Example 3 of the display device) will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The light source device of this display device 1 converts the divergent light flux of the light (a mixture of P-polarized light and S-polarized light) from the LED into a substantially parallel light flux by the collimator 18, and reflects the light toward the liquid crystal display panel 11 by the reflecting surface of the reflective light guide 304. The reflected light is incident on the reflective polarizing plate 49 disposed between the liquid crystal display panel 11 and the reflective light guide 304. The reflective polarizing plate 49 transmits light of a specific polarized wave (e.g., P-polarized light) and causes the transmitted polarized light to be incident on the liquid crystal display panel 11. Here, polarized waves other than the specific polarized wave (e.g., S-polarized light) are reflected by the reflective polarizing plate 49 and head toward the reflective light guide 304 again.

[0162] The reflective polarizing plate 49 is disposed at an angle with respect to the liquid crystal display panel 11 so as not to be perpendicular to the principal ray of the light from the reflecting surface of the reflective light guide 304. The principal ray of the light reflected by the reflective polarizing plate 49 is incident on the transmitting surface of the reflective light guide 304. The light incident on the transmitting surface of the reflective light guide 304 is transmitted through the rear surface of the reflective light guide 304, transmitted through the λ / 4 plate 270 which is a retardation plate, and reflected by the reflecting plate 271. The light reflected by the reflecting plate 271 is transmitted through the λ / 4 plate 270 again, and transmitted through the transmitting surface of the reflective light guide 304. The light transmitted through the transmitting surface of the reflective light guide 304 is incident on the reflective polarizing plate 49 again.

[0163] At this time, the light re-entering the reflective polarizing plate 49 has passed through the λ / 4 plate 270 twice, and therefore its polarization has been converted to a polarized wave (for example, P-polarized light) that is transmitted through the reflective polarizing plate 49. Therefore, the light whose polarization has been converted is transmitted through the reflective polarizing plate 49 and enters the liquid crystal display panel 11. Note that, with regard to the polarization design related to the polarization conversion, the polarization may be configured inversely from the above explanation (S-polarized light and P-polarized light may be reversed).

[0164] As a result, the light from the LED is aligned to a specific polarization (e.g., P polarization), enters the liquid crystal display panel 11, and is brightness-modulated according to the video signal to display an image on the panel surface. As in the above example, multiple LEDs that make up the light source are shown (however, because this is a vertical cross section, only one is shown in FIG. 9), and these are attached at predetermined positions relative to the collimator 18.

[0165] The collimators 18 are each formed of, for example, a light-transmitting resin such as acrylic or glass. The collimators 18 may have a cone-shaped outer peripheral surface obtained by rotating a parabolic cross section. The collimators 18 may have a concave portion with a convex portion (i.e., a convex lens surface) formed in the center of the apex (the side facing the LED substrate 102). The collimators 18 have a convex lens surface protruding outward (or a concave lens surface recessed inward) in the center of the flat surface (the side opposite to the apex). The parabolic surface forming the cone-shaped outer peripheral surface of the collimators 18 is set within an angle range that allows the light emitted from the LED in the peripheral direction to be totally reflected therein, or a reflective surface is formed.

[0166] The LEDs are arranged at predetermined positions on the surface of the circuit board, that is, the LED board 102. The LED board 102 is arranged and fixed to the collimator 18 so that the LEDs on the surface are located at the center of the apex of the convex cone shape (or in the concave portion if the apex has a concave portion).

[0167] According to this configuration, among the light emitted from the LED by the collimator 18, the light emitted from the central part is condensed into parallel light by the convex lens surface forming the outer shape of the collimator 18. The light emitted from the other parts toward the periphery is reflected by the parabolic surface forming the outer peripheral surface of the cone shape of the collimator 18, and is condensed into parallel light in the same manner. In other words, according to the collimator 18 having a convex lens in its center and a parabolic surface formed on its periphery, it is possible to extract almost all of the light generated by the LED as parallel light, and it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the generated light.

[0168] Furthermore, the light converted into approximately parallel light by the collimator 18 shown in FIG. 9 is reflected by the reflective light guide 304. The light of a specific polarized wave is transmitted through the reflective polarizing plate 49 by the action of the reflective polarizing plate 49, and the light of the other polarized wave reflected by the action of the reflective polarizing plate 49 is transmitted through the light guide 304 again. The light is reflected by the reflector 271 located opposite the liquid crystal display panel 11 with respect to the reflective light guide 304. At this time, the light is polarized and converted by passing twice through the λ / 4 plate 270, which is a retardation plate. The light reflected by the reflector 271 is transmitted through the light guide 304 again and enters the reflective polarizing plate 49 provided on the opposite surface. Since the incident light has been polarized and converted, it is transmitted through the reflective polarizing plate 49 and enters the liquid crystal display panel 11 with the same polarization direction. As a result, all the light from the light source can be used, and the geometrical optical utilization efficiency of light is doubled. In addition, since the degree of polarization (extinction ratio) of the reflective polarizer is also included in the extinction ratio of the entire system, the use of the light source device of this embodiment significantly improves the contrast ratio of the entire display device. By adjusting the surface roughness of the reflective surface of the reflective light guide 304 and the surface roughness of the reflector 271, the reflection diffusion angle of light at each reflective surface can be adjusted. The surface roughness of the reflective surface of the reflective light guide 304 and the surface roughness of the reflector 271 can be adjusted for each design so that the uniformity of the light incident on the liquid crystal display panel 11 is more suitable.

[0169] It should be noted that the λ / 4 plate 270, which is the retardation plate in Fig. 9, does not necessarily have to have a phase difference of λ / 4 with respect to polarized light that is perpendicularly incident on the λ / 4 plate 270. In the configuration of Fig. 9, any retardation plate may be used as long as the phase changes by 90° (λ / 2) when polarized light passes through it twice. The thickness of the retardation plate may be adjusted according to the incidence angle distribution of the polarized light.

[0170] <Display device example 4> Furthermore, another example (display example 4) of the configuration of the optical system such as the light source device of the display device will be described with reference to Fig. 10. This is a configuration example in which a diffusion sheet is used instead of the reflective light guide 304 in the light source device of display example 3. Specifically, two optical sheets (optical sheet 207A and optical sheet 207B) that convert the diffusion characteristics in the vertical and horizontal directions (front and back directions not shown in the figure) of the drawing are used on the light emission side of the collimator 18, and the light from the collimator 18 is made to enter between the two optical sheets (diffusion sheets).

[0171] The optical sheet may be one sheet instead of two sheets. In the case of one sheet, the vertical and horizontal diffusion characteristics are adjusted by the fine shape of the front and back surfaces of the single optical sheet. In addition, a plurality of diffusion sheets may be used to share the functions. Here, in the example of FIG. 10, the reflection diffusion characteristics due to the front and back shapes of the optical sheets 207A and 207B may be optimally designed with the number of LEDs, the divergence angle from the LED substrate (optical element) 102, and the optical specifications of the collimator 18 as design parameters so that the surface density of the light beam emitted from the liquid crystal display panel 11 is uniform. In other words, the diffusion characteristics are adjusted by the surface shapes of a plurality of diffusion sheets instead of the light guide.

[0172] In the example of FIG. 10, the polarization conversion is performed in the same manner as in the display device example 3 described above. That is, in the example of FIG. 10, the reflective polarizing plate 49 may be configured to have a property of reflecting S-polarized light (transmitting P-polarized light). In this case, the reflective polarizing plate 49 transmits P-polarized light out of the light emitted from the LED light source, and the transmitted light enters the liquid crystal display panel 11. The reflective polarizing plate 49 reflects S-polarized light out of the light emitted from the LED light source, and the reflected light passes through the retardation plate 270 shown in FIG. 10. The light that passes through the retardation plate 270 is reflected by the reflector 271. The light reflected by the reflector 271 passes through the retardation plate 270 again and is converted to P-polarized light. The polarization-converted light passes through the reflective polarizing plate 49 and enters the liquid crystal display panel 11.

[0173] It should be noted that the λ / 4 plate 270, which is the retardation plate in Fig. 10, does not necessarily have to have a phase difference of λ / 4 with respect to polarized light perpendicularly incident on the λ / 4 plate 270. In the configuration of Fig. 10, any retardation plate may be used in which the phase changes by 90° (λ / 2) when polarized light passes through it twice. The thickness of the retardation plate may be adjusted according to the distribution of the incident angles of the polarized light. It should be noted that, in Fig. 10 as well, the polarization design related to the polarization conversion may be configured in reverse (reversing the S-polarized light and the P-polarized light) based on the above explanation.

[0174] In a device for general TV use, the light emitted from the liquid crystal display panel 11 has similar diffusion characteristics in both the horizontal direction of the screen (shown by the X-axis in FIG. 12(a)) and the vertical direction of the screen (shown by the Y-axis in FIG. 12(b)). In contrast, the diffusion characteristics of the light flux emitted from the liquid crystal display panel of this embodiment are 1 / 5 of the 62 degrees of a device for general TV use, when the viewing angle at which the luminance is 50% of that when viewed from the front (angle 0 degrees) is set to 13 degrees, as shown in Example 1 of FIG. 12. Similarly, the vertical viewing angle is optimized by optimizing the reflection angle of the reflective light guide and the area of ​​the reflection surface so that the viewing angle on the upper side is unequal between the top and bottom and is kept to about 1 / 3 of the viewing angle on the lower side. As a result, the amount of image light heading in the monitoring direction is significantly improved compared to conventional liquid crystal TVs, and the luminance is 50 times or more higher.

[0175] Furthermore, assuming the viewing angle characteristics shown in Example 2 in Figure 12, the viewing angle at which the brightness is 50% of that when viewed from the front (angle 0 degrees) is set to 5 degrees, which is 1 / 12 of the 62 degrees of devices used for general TV applications. Similarly, the vertical viewing angle is optimized by optimizing the reflection angle of the reflective light guide and the area of ​​the reflective surface so that the viewing angle is approximately 1 / 12 of that of devices used for general TV applications, with equal viewing angles both above and below. As a result, the amount of image light heading in the monitoring direction is significantly improved compared to conventional LCD TVs, and the brightness is more than 100 times higher.

[0176] As described above, by setting the viewing angle to a narrow angle, the amount of luminous flux heading in the monitoring direction can be concentrated, greatly improving the efficiency of light utilization. As a result, even if a liquid crystal display panel for general TV applications is used, by controlling the light diffusion characteristics of the light source device, it is possible to achieve a significant improvement in brightness with similar power consumption, making it possible to create an image display device that is compatible with information display systems facing bright outdoors.

[0177] When using a large LCD panel, the overall brightness of the screen can be improved by directing the light around the screen inward so that it is directed toward the observer when the observer faces the center of the screen. Figure 11 shows the convergence angle of the long and short sides of the panel when the observer's distance from the panel L and the panel size (screen ratio 16:10) are used as parameters. When monitoring with the screen vertically long, the convergence angle can be set according to the short side. For example, when using a 22-inch panel vertically and the monitoring distance is 0.8 m, a convergence angle of 10 degrees will allow the image light from the four corners of the screen to be effectively directed toward the observer.

[0178] Similarly, when monitoring with a 15-inch panel in portrait orientation and a monitoring distance of 0.8 m, a convergence angle of 7 degrees will allow the image light from the four corners of the screen to be effectively directed toward the observer. As described above, depending on the size of the LCD panel and whether it is used portrait or landscape, the overall brightness of the screen can be improved by directing the image light from the periphery of the screen toward the observer who is in the optimal position to monitor the center of the screen.

[0179] The basic configuration, as shown in FIG. 9, is that a light beam with a narrow-angle directional characteristic is incident on a liquid crystal display panel 11 from a light source device, and the brightness is modulated according to a video signal, so that the video information displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display panel 11 is reflected by a retroreflector, and the resulting floating-in-space image is displayed indoors or outdoors via a transparent member 100.

[0180] By using the display device and light source device according to one embodiment of the present invention described above, it is possible to realize a space floating image display device with higher light utilization efficiency.

[0181] <Example of image display processing in a space floating image display device> Next, an example of a problem solved by the image processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13A. In the space-floating image display device 1000, when the back side of the space-floating image 3 from the user's perspective is inside the housing of the space-floating image display device 1000 and is sufficiently dark, the user visually recognizes that the background of the space-floating image 3 is black.

[0182] Here, an example of displaying a character "panda" 1525 in the space floating image 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 13A. First, the image control unit 1160 in Fig. 3 distinguishes and recognizes the pixel area in which the image of the character "panda" 1525 is drawn from the transparent information area 1520 which is the background image, for an image including the pixel area in which the image of the character "panda" 1525 is drawn and the transparent information area 1520 which is the background image, as shown in Fig. 13A(1).

[0183] A method for distinguishing and recognizing a character image from a background image may, for example, be configured so that the image processing of the video control unit 1160 can process the background image layer and the layer of a character image in front of the background image layer as separate layers, and the character image and background image can be distinguished and recognized based on the overlay relationship when these layers are combined.

[0184] Here, the image control unit 1160 recognizes black pixels that draw objects such as character images and transparent information pixels as different information. However, it is assumed that the brightness of both the black pixels that draw objects and the transparent information pixels is 0. In this case, when the space floating image 3 is displayed, there is no difference in brightness between the pixels that draw black in the image of the character "panda" 1525 and the pixels of the transparent information area 1520, which is the background image. Therefore, in the space floating image 3, as shown in FIG. 13A(2), there is no brightness in either the pixels that draw black in the image of the character "panda" 1525 and the pixels of the transparent information area 1520, and they are visually recognized by the user as optically the same black space. In other words, the part that draws black in the image of the character "panda" 1525, which is an object, blends into the background, and only the non-black part of the character "panda" 1525 is recognized as an image floating in the display area of ​​the space floating image 3.

[0185] An example of image processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13B. FIG. 13B is a diagram for explaining an example of image processing that more suitably solves the problem that the black image area of ​​the object blends into the background, as described in FIG. 13A. In FIG. 13B(1) and (2), the upper side shows the display state of the floating in space image 3, and the lower side shows the input / output characteristics of the image processing of the image of the object. Note that the image of the object (character "panda" 1525) and the corresponding data may be read from the storage unit 1170 or memory 1109 in FIG. 3. Alternatively, they may be input from the image signal input unit 1131. Alternatively, they may be acquired via the communication unit 1132.

[0186] Here, in the state of Fig. 13B(1), the input / output characteristics of the image processing of the image of the object are in a linear state with no particular adjustment. In this case, the display state is the same as that of Fig. 13A(2), and the black image area of ​​the object blends into the background. In contrast, in Fig. 13B(2), the video control unit 1160 of this embodiment adjusts the input / output characteristics of the image processing of the image of the object (character "panda" 1525) to the input / output characteristics shown in the lower part.

[0187] That is, the video control unit 1160 performs image processing of input / output characteristics on the image of the object (character "panda" 1525) that has a characteristic of converting the pixels of the input image into output pixels with increased luminance values ​​of pixels in low luminance areas. After the image of the object (character "panda" 1525) is subjected to the image processing of the input / output characteristics, a video including the image of the object (character "panda" 1525) is input to the display device 1 and displayed. Then, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 13B(2), the display state of the floating in space video 3 is such that the luminance of pixel areas that draw black in the image of the character "panda" 1525 increases. As a result, the user can recognize the area that draws black among the areas that draw the image of the character "panda" 1525 as distinct from the black of the background without blending in, and the object can be displayed more suitably.

[0188] That is, by using the image processing of Fig. 13B(2), the area displaying the image of the character "panda" 1525, which is an object, can be distinguished from the black background inside the housing of the space-floating image display device 1000 through the window, improving the visibility of the object. Therefore, for example, even if the pixels constituting the object include pixels with a brightness value of 0 before the image processing (i.e., the time when the image of the object and the corresponding data are read from the storage unit 1170 or memory 1109 in Fig. 3, the time when the image of the object is input from the video signal input unit 1131, or the time when the data of the object is obtained via the communication unit 1132, etc.), the image is converted into an object with a high brightness value of the pixels in the low brightness area by the image processing of the input / output characteristics by the video control unit 1160, and then displayed on the display device 1, and is converted into the space-floating image 3 by the optical system of the space-floating image display device 1000.

[0189] In other words, the pixels that make up the object after image processing of the input / output characteristics are converted to a state in which they do not include pixels with a luminance value of 0, and then the object is displayed on the display device 1 and converted into a floating-in-space image 3 by the optical system of the floating-in-space image display device 1000.

[0190] In the image processing of FIG. 13B(2), a method for applying image processing with the input / output characteristics of FIG. 13B(2) only to the image area of ​​the object (character “panda” 1525) is, for example, to configure the image processing of the video control unit 1160 so that the background image layer and the layer of the character image in front of the background image layer can be processed as separate layers, and the image processing with the input / output characteristics of FIG. 13B(2) is applied to the layer of the character image while not applying the image processing to the background image layer.

[0191] Then, by compositing these layers, image processing with a characteristic of raising the low brightness area of ​​the input image is performed only on the character image, as shown in Fig. 13B(2). Alternatively, after the character image layer and the background image layer are composited, the image processing with the input / output characteristic of Fig. 13B(2) may be performed only on the character image area.

[0192] In addition, the input / output image characteristics used in the image processing for boosting the low luminance region of the input / output characteristics for the input image are not limited to the example of FIG. 13B(2). Any image processing for boosting low luminance may be used, including so-called brightness adjustment. Alternatively, image processing for improving visibility may be performed by controlling the gain that changes the weighting of the Retinex processing, as disclosed in International Publication WO 2014 / 162533.

[0193] According to the image processing of FIG. 13B(2) described above, it is possible to allow the user to recognize areas in which black is drawn among areas in which images of characters, objects, etc. are drawn without blending into the black background, thereby making it possible to realize a more suitable display.

[0194] In the example of Figures 13A and 13B, the problem and more suitable image processing are explained using a space-floating image display device in which the background appears black (for example, the space-floating image display device 1000 in Figures 4A to 4G, or the space-floating image display device 1000 in the state in which the rear window is blocked in Figures 4I and 4J). However, the image processing is also effective in devices other than these space-floating image display devices.

[0195] Specifically, in the space-floating image display device 1000 in Fig. 4H, or in Fig. 4I and Fig. 4J where the rear window is not shaded, the background of the space-floating image 3 is not black, but the view behind the space-floating image display device 1000 through the window. In this case, the problems described in Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B also exist.

[0196] That is, the part of the image of the character "panda" 1525, which is an object, that is drawn in black will blend into the scenery behind the space-floating image display device 1000 through the window. In this case, by using the image processing of Fig. 13B(2), the part of the image of the character "panda" 1525, which is an object, that is drawn in black will be distinguished from the scenery behind the space-floating image display device 1000 through the window, improving the visibility of the object.

[0197] In other words, by using the image processing of FIG. 13B(2), the area displaying the image of the object character “panda” 1525 can be recognized as distinct from the scenery behind the space floating image display device 1000 through the window, and it can be more clearly recognized that the object character “panda” 1525 is in front of the scenery, improving the visibility of the object.

[0198] In addition, in the space-floating image display device 1000 of Figures 4K, 4L, and 4M, as described above, when another image (such as an image of the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650 or an image of the second display device 1680) is displayed at a position different in depth from the space-floating image 3, the background of the space-floating image 3 is not black, but the other image. In this case, the problem described in Figures 13A and 13B also exists.

[0199] That is, the part of the image of the character "panda" 1525, which is an object, that is drawn in black will blend into the other image that is displayed at a different depth from the floating in space image 3. In this case as well, by using the image processing of Fig. 13B(2), the part of the image of the character "panda" 1525, which is an object, that is drawn in black can be recognized as being distinct from the other image, improving the visibility of the object.

[0200] In other words, by using the image processing of Figure 13B (2), the area displaying the image of the object character "panda" 1525 can be recognized as distinct from the other image, and it can be more easily recognized that the object character "panda" 1525 is in front of the other image, improving the visibility of the object.

[0201] An example of the image display process of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13C. Fig. 13C shows an example of the image display of this embodiment in which the floating-in-space image 3 and a second image 2050, which is another image, are displayed simultaneously. The second image 2050 may correspond to the display image of the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650 of Fig. 4K or Fig. 4L. The second image 2050 may also correspond to the display image of the second display device 1680 of Fig. 4M.

[0202] That is, the example of the image display in Fig. 13C shows an example of a specific example of the image display example of the space-floating image display device 1000 in Fig. 4K, Fig. 4L, and Fig. 4M. In the example of this figure, a bear character is displayed in the space-floating image 3. The area other than the bear character in the space-floating image 3 is displayed in black, and becomes transparent as a space-floating image. Also, the second image 2050 is a background image in which a plain, a mountain, and a sun are drawn.

[0203] Here, in Fig. 13C, the floating-in-space image 3 and the second image 2050 are displayed at different depth positions. When the user 230 views the two images, the floating-in-space image 3 and the second image 2050, in the line of sight of the arrow 2040, the user 230 can view the images in a state where the two images are superimposed. Specifically, the bear character of the floating-in-space image 3 appears superimposed in front of the background of the plains, mountains, and sun depicted in the second image 2050.

[0204] Here, since the floating-in-space image 3 is formed as a real image in the air, when the user 230 moves his / her viewpoint slightly, the user 230 can recognize the depth of the floating-in-space image 3 and the second image 2050 due to parallax. Therefore, the user 230 can get a stronger sense of floating in space from the floating-in-space image 3 while viewing the two images in an overlapping state.

[0205] An example of the image display process of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13D. Fig. 13D(1) is a diagram showing the floating in space image 3 from the line of sight of the user 230, among the image display examples of this embodiment of Fig. 13C. Here, a bear character is displayed in the floating in space image 3. The area other than the bear character in the floating in space image 3 is displayed in black, and becomes transparent as a floating in space image.

[0206] Fig. 13D(2) is a diagram showing the second image 2050 in the example of the image display of this embodiment in Fig. 13C as viewed from the line of sight of the user 230. In the example of this figure, the second image 2050 is a background image in which a plain, a mountain, and the sun are drawn.

[0207] Fig. 13D(3) is a diagram showing a state in which the second image 2050 and the floating in space image 3 are seen superimposed in the line of sight of the user 230, among the example of image display of this embodiment in Fig. 13C. Specifically, the bear character of the floating in space image 3 is seen superimposed in front of the background of the plains, mountains, and sun depicted in the second image 2050.

[0208] Here, when the space-floating image 3 and the second image 2050 are displayed simultaneously, it is desirable to pay attention to the balance of brightness between the two images in order to more suitably ensure the visibility of the space-floating image 3. If the second image 2050 is too bright compared to the brightness of the space-floating image 3, the display image of the space-floating image 3 will be transparent, and the second image 2050, which is the background, will be strongly visible through the transmitted image.

[0209] Therefore, the light source output of the spatially floating image 3 and the display image luminance of the display device 1, and the light source output of the display device displaying the second image 2050 and the display image luminance of the display device should be set so that at least the brightness per unit area of ​​the spatially floating image 3 at the display position of the spatially floating image 3 is greater than the brightness per unit area of ​​the image light reaching the display position of the spatially floating image 3 from the second image 2050.

[0210] In addition, since this condition only needs to be satisfied when the space-floating image 3 and the second image 2050 are displayed simultaneously, when switching from the first display mode in which the space-floating image 3 is not displayed and only the second image 2050 is displayed to the second display mode in which the space-floating image 3 and the second image 2050 are displayed simultaneously, control may be performed to reduce the brightness of the second image 2050 by lowering the output of the light source of the display device that displays the second image 2050 and / or the display image luminance of the display device. These controls may be realized by the control unit 1110 in Fig. 3 controlling the display device 1 and the display device that displays the second image 2050 (the transmissive self-luminous image display device 1650 in Fig. 4K or Fig. 4L or the second display device 1680 in Fig. 4M).

[0211] In addition, when controlling to reduce the brightness of the second image 2050 in switching from the above-mentioned first display mode to the above-mentioned second display mode, the brightness may be reduced uniformly across the entire screen of the second image 2050. Alternatively, instead of reducing the brightness uniformly across the entire screen of the second image 2050, the brightness reduction effect may be maximized in the portion where the object is displayed in the floating-in-space image 3, and the brightness reduction effect may be gradually relaxed around the portion. In other words, if the brightness reduction of the second image 2050 is realized only in the portion where the floating-in-space image 3 is superimposed on the second image 2050 and viewed, the visibility of the floating-in-space image 3 is sufficiently ensured.

[0212] Here, since the floating-in-space image 3 and the second image 2050 are displayed at positions with different depths, when the user 230 slightly changes his / her viewpoint, the superimposed position of the floating-in-space image 3 on the second image 2050 changes due to parallax. Therefore, when reducing the brightness unevenly across the entire screen of the second image 2050 in switching from the first display mode to the second display mode, it is not desirable to reduce the brightness sharply based on the contour of the object displayed in the floating-in-space image 3, but it is desirable to perform a gradation process of the brightness reduction effect, which changes the brightness reduction effect stepwise depending on the position as described above.

[0213] In addition, in the space-floating image display device 1000 in which the position of the object displayed in the space-floating image 3 is approximately at the center of the space-floating image 3, the position where the brightness reduction effect of the gradation processing of the brightness reduction effect is greatest can be set to the center position of the space-floating image 3.

[0214] According to the image display process of this embodiment described above, the user 230 can visually recognize the space floating image 3 and the second image 2050 more favorably.

[0215] Note that when displaying the space-floating image 3, control may be performed so as not to display the second image 2050. Since the visibility of the space-floating image 3 is improved when the second image 2050 is not displayed, this is suitable for the space-floating image display device 1000 and the like in which the user must be able to reliably view the space-floating image 3 when the space-floating image 3 is displayed.

[0216] <Example 2> As the second embodiment of the present invention, an example of another configuration example of the space-floating image display device will be described. Note that the space-floating image display device according to this embodiment is obtained by changing the optical system stored in the space-floating image display device described in the first embodiment to the optical system shown in FIG. 14(1) or FIG. 14(2). In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and repeated explanations of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted. Note that in the following description of this embodiment, the predetermined polarized light and the other polarized light are polarized waves whose phases differ from each other by 90°.

[0217] Fig. 14(1) is an example of an optical system and an optical path according to this embodiment. The optical system shown in Fig. 14(1) is configured to be more compact as a whole optical system by moving the display device 1 closer to the polarization separation member 101B in the optical system of Fig. 2C. In Fig. 14(1), the configurations with the same reference numerals as Fig. 2C are omitted from the repeated detailed description.

[0218] 14(1), similar to Fig. 2C, image light of a predetermined polarized light (P polarized light in the figure) emitted from display device 1 travels in a direction perpendicular to the image display surface of display device 1. Here, similar to Fig. 2C, polarization separation member 101B selectively transmits the predetermined polarized light (P polarized light in the figure) emitted from display device 1 and reflects the other polarized light (S polarized light in the figure).

[0219] Therefore, the image light of a predetermined polarization (P-polarized light in the figure) traveling in the vertical direction from the image display surface of the display device 1 passes through the polarization separation member 101B and reaches the retroreflector 2 to which the λ / 4 plate 21 is attached. The image light that is retroreflected by the retroreflector 2 and travels again toward the polarization separation member 101B is converted from the predetermined polarization (P-polarized light in the figure) at the time of emission from the display device 1 to the other polarization (S-polarized light in the figure) by passing through the λ / 4 plate 21 twice. The image light that travels again toward the polarization separation member 101B is the other polarization (S-polarized light in the figure), and is therefore reflected by the polarization separation member 101B toward the position where the user should be. The traveling direction of the image reflected by the polarization separation member 101B is determined based on the angle at which the polarization separation member 101B is arranged.

[0220] In the example of FIG. 14(1), the image light traveling toward the polarization separation member 101B is reflected at a right angle by the polarization separation member 101B and travels as shown in the figure. The image light reflected by the polarization separation member 101B forms a space-floating image 3A. The space-floating image 3A can be visually recognized by the user from the direction of the arrow A.

[0221] Here, due to the characteristics of retroreflection by the retroreflector 2, the optical path length of the image light emitted from the display device 1 until it reaches the retroreflector 2 is equal to the optical path length of the image light emitted from the retroreflector 2 until it reaches the formation position of the space floating image 3A. This relationship determines the formation position of the space floating image 3A in the traveling direction of the image light reflected by the polarization separation member 101B.

[0222] In the example of FIG. 14(1), the display device 1, the polarization separation member 101B, and the retroreflector 2 are arranged closer than in the example of FIG. 2C. This allows the entire optical system to be configured more compactly. However, the amount of the space-floating image 3A projecting from the optical system of FIG. 14(1) is not very large. For example, as an index of the amount of the space-floating image 3A projecting from the optical system, the distance from the position where the central light beam of the image light is reflected by the polarization separation member 101B to the position where the image light forms the space-floating image 3A is shown in the figure (L1 in the example of FIG. 14(1)).

[0223] In addition, in the polarization design of the optical system in Fig. 14(1), the characteristics of P polarization and S polarization may be interchanged. Specifically, a predetermined polarization of the image light emitted from the display device 1 may be S polarization, and the characteristics of P polarization and S polarization may be interchanged in the reflection characteristics of the polarization separation member 101B. In this case, the illustrated P polarization and S polarization are both reversed, but the optical design such as the optical path can be realized in exactly the same way.

[0224] Next, Fig. 14(2) shows another example of the optical system and the optical path according to this embodiment. The optical system in Fig. 14(2) is a modified version of the optical system in Fig. 14(1) in order to increase the amount of the floating image projected from the optical system while realizing the same compactness as the optical system in Fig. 14(1). In Fig. 14(2), the detailed description of the components with the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 14(1) will be omitted.

[0225] 14(2), similarly to FIG. 14(1), image light of a predetermined polarized light (P polarized light in the figure) emitted from display device 1 travels in a vertical direction from the image display surface of display device 1. Here, the polarization characteristics of polarization separation member 101B are arranged 90 degrees differently from FIG. 14(1). Image light of a predetermined polarized light (P polarized light in the figure) traveling in a vertical direction from the image display surface of display device 1 passes through polarization separation member 101B.

[0226] 14(1), a specular reflector 4 to which a λ / 4 plate 21B is attached is disposed after the image light passes through the polarization separation member 101B, rather than a retroreflector 2 to which a λ / 4 plate 21 is attached. Here, the reflection at the specular reflector 4 is specular reflection (also called regular reflection), not retroreflection.

[0227] Therefore, the image light that has passed through the polarization separation member 101B is specularly reflected by the specular reflector 4 to which the λ / 4 plate 21B is attached. The image light that has been specularly reflected by the specular reflector 4 and travels again toward the polarization separation member 101B has been converted from the specified polarization (P-polarized in the figure) at the time of emission from the display device 1 to the other polarization (S-polarized in the figure) by having passed twice through the λ / 4 plate 21. The image light that has traveled again toward the polarization separation member 101B is the other polarization (S-polarized in the figure), and is therefore reflected by the polarization separation member 101B.

[0228] Here, since the orientation of the polarization separation member 101B in FIG. 14(2) is different from that in FIG. 14(1), the image light reflected by the polarization separation member 101B travels in the opposite direction to the position where the user should be. A retroreflector 2 with a λ / 4 plate 21C attached is disposed at the destination of the image light reflected by the polarization separation member 101B. The image light is retroreflected by the retroreflector 2. The image light that is retroreflected by the retroreflector 2 and travels again toward the polarization separation member 101B has been converted from the other polarized light (S polarized light in the figure) to the specified polarized light (P polarized light in the figure) again by transmitting twice through the λ / 4 plate 21C.

[0229] The image light that travels back toward the polarization separation member 101B is a predetermined polarization (P polarization in the figure), so it passes through the polarization separation member 101B and travels directly toward the position where the user should be. The image light that passes through the polarization separation member 101B forms the space floating image 3B. The space floating image 3B can be visually recognized by the user from the direction of the arrow A.

[0230] 14(2), as in FIG. 14(1), due to the characteristics of retroreflection by the retroreflector 2, the optical path length of the image light emitted from the display device 1 to reach the retroreflector 2 is equal to the optical path length of the image light emitted from the retroreflector 2 to reach the formation position of the space floating image 3B. This relationship determines the formation position of the space floating image 3B in the traveling direction of the image light transmitted through the polarization separation member 101B.

[0231] 14(2), the optical path length of the image light emitted from the display device 1 to reach the retroreflector 2 is longer than the optical path length of the image light emitted from the display device 1 to reach the retroreflector 2 in FIG. 14(1). This is because in the optical system of FIG. 14(2), an optical path going back and forth between the polarization separation member 101B and the specular reflector 4, which does not exist in the optical system of FIG. 14(1), is added to the optical path length of the image light emitted from the display device 1 to reach the retroreflector 2.

[0232] As a result, in the optical system of Figure 14(2), the distance from the position where the central light beam of the image light passes through the polarization separation member 101B to the position where the image light forms the space-floating image 3B (L2 in the example of Figure 14(2)) is significantly longer than the distance from the position where the central light beam of the image light is reflected by the polarization separation member 101B to the position where the image light forms the space-floating image 3A (L1 in the example of Figure 14(1)) in the optical system of Figure 14(1).

[0233] In addition, in the polarization design of the optical system in Fig. 14(2), the characteristics of P polarization and S polarization may be interchanged. Specifically, a predetermined polarization of the image light emitted from the display device 1 may be S polarization, and the characteristics of P polarization and S polarization may be interchanged in the reflection characteristics of the polarization separation member 101B. In this case, the illustrated P polarization and S polarization are both reversed, but the optical design such as the optical path can be realized in exactly the same way.

[0234] According to the optical system of Fig. 14(1) and Fig. 14(2) in the embodiment 2 of the present invention described above, a more compact optical system can be realized. In particular, according to the optical system of Fig. 14(2), it is possible to increase the amount of the floating image projecting from the optical system, while being a more compact optical system.

[0235] In addition, when the optical system of Fig. 14(1) or Fig. 14(2) is incorporated into a space-floating image display device, it can be realized by replacing the optical system in the space-floating image display device described in the first embodiment with the optical system of Fig. 14(1) or Fig. 14(2). Specifically, the optical system of Fig. 14(1) may be replaced with the optical system of the space-floating image display device of Fig. 4E, Fig. 4F, Fig. 4G, Fig. 4H, Fig. 4I, Fig. 4J, Fig. 4K, Fig. 4L, or Fig. 4M. In this case, since the optical system becomes compact, it is possible to make the housing of the space-floating image display device of each figure smaller.

[0236] Specifically, the optical system of FIG. 14(2) may be replaced with the optical system of the space-floating image display device of FIG. 4E, FIG. 4F, FIG. 4G, FIG. 4K, or FIG. 4L. In this case, it is possible to increase the amount of the space-floating image projected from the optical system. Also, since the optical system becomes compact, it is possible to make the housing of the space-floating image display device of each figure smaller.

[0237] [Comparative Example] Fig. 15 shows a case where there is a misalignment between display range 1501 of floating-in-space image 3 and aerial operation detection range 1502 by aerial operation detection sensor 1351 in a comparative example of floating-in-space image display device 1500. In the comparative example of Fig. 15, in horizontally placed floating-in-space image display device 1500, display range 1501 of floating-in-space image 3 is at a predetermined position, and aerial operation detection range 1502 by aerial operation detection sensor 1351 is at a predetermined position on the rear side in the Y direction from that position. There is a misalignment 1503 in spatial position between display range 1501 and aerial operation detection range 1502.

[0238] The comparative example has the following problems. In the space floating image display device 1500, the space floating image 3 can be visually recognized favorably from a specific viewpoint position of the user 230, but the aerial operation detection range 1502 is invisible. Therefore, it is unclear to the user 230 where in the space and what kind of aerial operation should be performed on the space floating image display device 1500. Even if the aerial operation detection range 1502 is taught to the user 230 in advance, it may be difficult to perform an aerial operation in the aerial operation detection range 1502 because the aerial operation detection range 1502 is invisible. Therefore, in the comparative example, the aerial operation of the user 230 on the space floating image 3 may fall outside the aerial operation detection range 1502. In this case, the user's aerial operation cannot be detected at all or is difficult to detect with high accuracy. Even if the aerial operation detection range 1502 is configured by a camera of the imaging unit 1180 as another sensor, there is a similar problem.

[0239] As a means for solving the above problem, as in one embodiment of the floating-in-space image display device 1000 shown in Fig. 16 etc., a display range 1601 of the floating-in-space image 3 may be formed within a range where the aerial operation by the user 230 can be suitably detected, for example, within an aerial operation detection range 1602 by the aerial operation detection sensor 1351. With this configuration, there is no misalignment between the display range 1601 and the aerial operation detection range 1602.

[0240] This allows the user 230 to perform an aerial operation on the visible floating-in-space image 3, even if he or she does not know the mechanism for detecting an aerial operation or the spatial position of the aerial operation detection range 1602. If the user 230 performs an operation by touching the plane of the floating-in-space image 3 with his or her fingers, this can be detected as an aerial operation by the aerial operation detection range 1602 superimposed on the display range 1601 of the floating-in-space image 3. Therefore, with such a configuration, the user operation can be suitably detected, and the user 230 is less likely to be confused by the aerial operation. Furthermore, it is even better if the display content of the floating-in-space image 3 is an image that encourages the user to perform an aerial operation, as described later.

[0241] <Example 3> As the third embodiment of the present invention, an example of the space-floating image display device 1000 will be described. As the basic configuration of the space-floating image display device 1000 of the third embodiment, any of the space-floating image display devices 1000 of the first embodiment or the second embodiment can be applied. In the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment or the second embodiment will be mainly described, and the repeated description of the similar configuration will be omitted.

[0242] [Outline of Example 3] The floating-in-the-air image display device of the third embodiment is premised on a configuration in which the display range of the floating-in-the-air image 3 is formed within the aerial operation detection range as shown in FIG. 16. In addition, the floating-in-the-air image display device of the third embodiment has two types of modes, a mode for accepting two-dimensional (abbreviated as 2D) operations on the floating-in-the-air image 3 (sometimes referred to as 2D operation mode) and a mode for accepting three-dimensional (abbreviated as 3D) operations on the floating-in-the-air image 3 (sometimes referred to as 3D operation mode), and is configured to be able to select and switch between these modes as appropriate. The 2D operation mode is a mode for accepting 2D operations that do not include operations in the depth direction on the floating-in-the-air image 3, in other words, planar operations. The 3D operation mode is a mode for accepting not only 2D operations but also 3D operations that include operations in the depth direction on the floating-in-the-air image 3.

[0243] The space-floating image display device 1000 of the third embodiment controls the display of the space-floating image 3 in the 2D operation mode so as to display a message indicating that 2D operation is accepted or that operation in the depth direction is not accepted, or to display a message encouraging 2D operation, when displaying an image such as a GUI or content on the space-floating image 3. In the 3D operation mode, the space-floating image display device 1000 controls the display of the space-floating image 3 in the 3D operation mode so as to display a message indicating that 3D operation is accepted or to display a message encouraging 3D operation, when displaying an image such as a GUI or content on the space-floating image 3.

[0244] In addition, the control and processing corresponding to the characteristic functions in the following Example 3 etc. can be performed, for example, by the control unit 1110, the video control unit 1160, or the aerial operation detection unit 1350 in Figure 3, and these may be referred to as video processing units.

[0245] [3-1. System capable of accepting 2D and 3D operations] The third embodiment provides a system capable of accepting both 2D and 3D operations as operations performed by the user 230 on the floating-in-space image 3. The 2D operation is an operation of moving an object such as a hand or finger in a planar direction along the plane of the floating-in-space image 3. The 3D operation is an operation of moving an object such as a hand or finger in a three-dimensional space including a front-back dimension, which is a depth direction relative to the plane of the floating-in-space image 3. An operation in the depth direction may be referred to as a depth operation.

[0246] FIG. 17 shows a configuration example of the space-floating image display device 1000 of the third embodiment, and is a YZ cross-sectional view of the vertically-mounted space-floating image display device 1000 and the user 230 viewed from the side. In the configuration example of FIG. 17, the space-floating image display device 1000 includes components such as the display device 1, the polarization separation member 101B, and the retroreflective member 2 with the λ / 4 plate 21, in the rear part of the housing 1190. The image light reflected from the polarization separation member 101B travels forward in the Y direction, that is, toward the user 230, and passes through the transparent member 100 to form a space-floating image 3, which is a real image, at a predetermined position outside. This space-floating image 3 is formed to stand in the Z direction, which is the vertical direction, and has a two-dimensional XZ plane as a display range 3R.

[0247] A lower part 1190A and an upper part 1190B of the housing 1190 protrude from the front side in the Y direction relative to the transparent member 100 of the housing 1190. A user operation detection mechanism 1701 is provided in the lower part 1190A. The user operation detection mechanism 1701 is a mechanism capable of detecting aerial operations in the left-right and up-down directions, which are the XZ directions of the floating in space image 3, in other words, the position and movement of fingers. The user operation detection mechanism 1701 can be, for example, the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 described above. The aerial operation detection sensor 1351, which is the user operation detection mechanism 1701, is installed corresponding to the position of the floating in space image 3 in the Y direction, and emits light, for example, upward in the Z direction, to sense the plane of the floating in space image 3. The optical axis of detection is indicated by a dashed arrow.

[0248] Moreover, the upper portion 1190B is provided with a user operation detection mechanism 1702. The user operation detection mechanism 1702 is a mechanism capable of detecting an aerial operation (in other words, a position and movement of a finger) in at least the Y direction, which is the depth direction with respect to the floating in space image 3. The user operation detection mechanism 1702 can be, for example, a camera as the imaging unit 1180 (FIG. 3) described above. The imaging unit 1180, which is the user operation detection mechanism 1702, is installed in a position near the floating in space image 3 in the Y direction, for example, with the optical axis of the imaging facing downward in the Z direction, and the imaging range includes the display range 3R of the floating in space image 3. In the configuration example of FIG. 17, the user operation detection mechanism 1702 is a mechanism capable of detecting the position and movement of a finger in the Y direction as a depth operation.

[0249] By combining the detection results of the user operation detection mechanism 1701 and the user operation detection mechanism 1702, a 3D operation can be detected. Not limited to this, the user operation detection mechanism 1701 may be a mechanism capable of detecting an operation in the Y direction, that is, a mechanism capable of detecting a 3D operation by itself. In addition, the user operation detection mechanism 1702 may be a mechanism capable of detecting an operation in the X direction or Z direction by arranging it in another position and orientation, or by using another type of sensor, that is, a mechanism capable of detecting a 3D operation by itself. For example, as the user operation detection mechanism 1702, the imaging unit 1180 is installed near the transparent member 100 as shown by the imaging unit 1180b, and if the optical axis of the imaging is directed toward the plane of the floating image 3 in the Y direction, it is possible to detect an operation in the XZ direction.

[0250] The detection of the aerial operation in the depth direction is performed by a user operation detection mechanism 1701 and a user operation detection mechanism 1702 provided inside and outside the space floating image display device 1000. These user operation detection mechanisms are not limited to the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 and the camera that is the imaging unit 1180, but may also use a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) or a TOF (Time of Flight) distance measurement sensor. Details of the user operation detection mechanism are not limited.

[0251] In the third embodiment, a configuration may be provided that includes a user operation detection mechanism capable of detecting 3D operations on the floating image 3, that is, the position and movement of fingers in each three-dimensional direction. This is not limited to the configuration example of the combination of the user operation detection mechanism 1701 and the user operation detection mechanism 1702. For example, a configuration may be integrated into one user operation detection mechanism, or a configuration may be a combination of three or more sensors. A plurality of mid-air operation detection sensors 1351 may be provided at a plurality of positions in the depth direction. In addition, in various configuration examples that form the floating image 3, not limited to the vertical type as shown in FIG. 17, a UI and display control corresponding to 2D operations and 3D operations are similarly provided.

[0252] The user 230 operates the floating-in-space image 3 using, for example, a finger as an operation object. A finger position 1721 shown by a solid line is an example of the position of the finger of the user 230 when operating in the XZ direction, which is a planar direction corresponding to the plane of the floating-in-space image 3. For example, one finger touches the plane of the floating-in-space image 3, in other words, is placed within the plane, and as an example of the operation, the one finger moves in the X direction or Z direction along the plane. Such an operation / operation may be described as a planar operation or a 2D operation.

[0253] Moreover, the finger position 1722 illustrated by the dashed line is an example of the position of the fingers of the user 230 when performing an operation in the Y direction, which is the depth direction with respect to the plane of the floating-in-space image 3. For example, one finger moves from the front side with respect to the plane of the floating-in-space image 3, touches the plane, and intrudes into the back side, and the other finger is placed at the back side position. Such a movement / operation may be described as a depth operation. Also, a three-dimensional operation formed by a combination of a 2D operation and a depth operation may be described as a 3D operation.

[0254] 16 and 17, the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 is installed and implemented so as to have an aerial operation detection range that covers sensing of aerial operations on the entire plane of the floating in space image 3. This allows detection of 2D operations to be covered first. Furthermore, in the implementation examples shown in FIG. 17 and described below, for example, a user operation detection mechanism 1702 is installed and implemented so as to have an aerial operation detection range that covers sensing of three-dimensional space including the depth direction of the floating in space image 3.

[0255] 16 and 17, the floating-in-space image 3 is displayed within an aerial operation detection range, which is a range where the floating-in-space image 3 can be suitably detected by the user operation detection mechanism. In other words, in these configurations, the aerial operation detection range of the user operation detection mechanism, for example, the aerial operation detection range of the aerial operation detection sensor 1351, is designed to cover the sensing of the plane (display range 3R in FIG. 17) according to the formation position of the plane of the floating-in-space image 3.

[0256] [2D operation and 3D operation] FIG. 18 summarizes the concepts of 2D and 3D operations. It can be said that the concept of 2D operations is included in the concept of 3D operations, which may be confusing, but please note that these are different concepts. The 2D operation mode described below is a mode that makes it possible to detect 2D operations. The 3D operation mode described below is a mode that makes it possible to detect 3D operations, but since 2D operations are included in the 3D operations, it can also be said to be a mode that makes it possible to detect 2D operations. In other words, the 3D operation mode described below is a mode that makes it possible to detect both planar operations and depth operations.

[0257] As an overview of the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 17, the space-floating image display device 1000 includes a user operation detection mechanism 1701 capable of detecting an aerial operation in the XZ directions, which are planar directions, as well as a user operation detection mechanism 1702 capable of detecting an aerial operation in the Y direction, which is the depth direction. These user operation detection mechanisms allow the space-floating image display device 1000 to detect both 2D and 3D operations performed by the user 230 on the space-floating image 3. In other words, the space-floating image display device 1000 in Fig. 17 can accept both 2D and 3D aerial operations, and executes a display control process according to the accepted aerial operation.

[0258] In addition, the space-floating image display device 1000 of the third embodiment provides a user interface (UI) or man-machine interface corresponding to the reception of these 2D and 3D operations. This UI includes the provision of a graphical user interface (GUI) for the space-floating image 3. In addition, the space-floating image display device 1000 of the third embodiment controls the behavior of the space-floating image 3 to be displayed according to the 2D and 3D operations of the user 230. Specifically, as will be described later, in the case of 2D operations, the space-floating image display device 1000 provides a GUI or content display suitable for 2D operations or a display that encourages 2D operations, and in the case of 3D operations, it provides a GUI or content display suitable for 3D operations or a display that encourages 3D operations.

[0259] [Air operation detection sensor] As a supplementary note, the configuration of the aerial operation detection sensor 1351, which is the user operation detection mechanism 1701, can be, for example, the configuration in Fig. 19. Fig. 19 shows an implementation example of the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 applicable to Example 3 etc. The aerial operation detection unit 1350, control unit 1110, image control unit 1160, etc. in Fig. 3, in other words the image processing unit, uses the detection signal of the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 to determine and detect aerial operations in the display range of the floating-in-space image 3.

[0260] FIG. 19 shows an xy plane view aligned with the display range 3R of the floating-in-space image 3. The midair operation detection sensor 1351 has a plurality of optical elements 1351c arranged in the x direction. The optical elements 1351c are a pair of a light-emitting element 1351a and a light-receiving element 1351b. The light-emitting element 1351a is composed of, for example, an infrared element. The emission surface of the light-emitting element 1351a of the midair operation detection sensor 1351 coincides with, for example, the upper surface of the housing 1190. The light-emitting element 1351a emits light a1, for example, infrared light, in the y direction. If the light a1 is not blocked by an object, it passes through the display range 3R. If the light a1 is blocked by an object, it is reflected by the object and returns as reflected light a2. The reflected light a2 is received by the light-receiving element 1351b.

[0261] For example, if there is a contact point 1901 made by the finger of the user 230 within the xy plane of the display range 3R, light a1 is reflected at the contact point 1901 and returns as reflected light a2. The light receiving element 1351b at a certain x-direction position detects the reflected light a2. This allows the aerial operation detection unit 1350 to know that the contact point 1901 is at that x-direction position. Furthermore, the aerial operation detection unit 1350 can calculate the distance by the TOF method from the time it takes for the emitted light a1 to return as reflected light a2. For example, the distance 1902 to the contact point 1901 can be calculated. This allows the position coordinates of the contact point 1901 on the xy plane of the display range 3R to be known.

[0262] In the example of FIG. 19, there is nothing above the floating-in-space image 3, but a part of the housing 1190 may be provided above the floating-in-space image 3. In that case, the light a1 of the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 is reflected by the part of the housing 1190 and returns as reflected light a2. Not limited to this example, the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 may be disposed above the xy plane of the display range 3R, may be disposed in the left-right direction, or may be disposed at a position shifted in the front-back direction, i.e., the z direction. A plurality of aerial operation detection sensors 1351 may be disposed at a plurality of positions in the front-back direction.

[0263] [Modification regarding the mid-air operation detection sensor] FIG. 20 shows a modified example of the aerial operation detection sensor 1351, which is the user operation detection mechanism 1701. This modified example is based on the same configuration as FIG. 17, and has a configuration in which a plurality of aerial operation detection sensors 1351, for example, three aerial operation detection sensors 1351, A1, A2, and A3, are provided from the front side in the Y direction, which is the depth direction. For example, the configuration of FIG. 19 can be applied to each of the aerial operation detection sensors 1351. In this example, the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 is provided on the upper part 1190B of the housing 1190, and emits light downward. The aerial operation detection sensor A2 is provided so as to cover the detection of the display range 3R in correspondence with the position of the display range 3R of the floating-in-space image 3 in the Y direction. The aerial operation detection sensor A1 is provided on the front side of the position of the display range 3R in the Y direction, and can detect the position even when the fingers of the user 230 are placed on the front side of the display range 3R. The aerial operation detection sensor A3 is provided on the rear side of the display range 3R in the Y direction, and can detect the position of the fingers of the user 230 when they are positioned further rearward than the display range 3R. The camera serving as the imaging unit 1180 is provided facing forward in the Y direction so as to be able to capture images of the display range 3R and the user 230. Even with this configuration, it is possible to detect 3D operations.

[0264] [Controlling the state of the user operation detection mechanism] For example, in the configuration of Fig. 17, two user operation detection mechanisms, a user operation detection mechanism 1701 and a user operation detection mechanism 1702, can be switched between an enabled state (also referred to as an ON state) in which operations can be accepted, and an disabled state (also referred to as an OFF state) in which operations cannot be accepted. The space floating image display device 1000 controls the ON / OFF of these user operation detection functions. An example of the switching control will be described later. Depending on the combination of the states of the user detection mechanisms, detectable operations differ. In the third embodiment, an operation mode corresponding to detectable operations is provided.

[0265] The invalid state (OFF state) of the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 is, for example, the following state. Roughly speaking, this invalid state is a state in which the sensor does not react to an aerial operation by the fingers of the user 230, in other words, an operation input. In detail, this invalid state may be any of the following states:

[0266] (1) When a finger is placed within the aerial operation detection range of the aerial operation detection sensor 1351, the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 does not perform detection itself. This is, for example, stopping the operation of the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 itself, for example, stopping the emission of light from the light-emitting element of the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 itself.

[0267] (2) Detection by the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 or detection processing by the aerial operation detection unit 1350 is performed, but the detection result is not output. This means, for example, obtaining a detection signal by the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 but not outputting the detection signal, or outputting all detection signals as off values ​​(for example, 0 value). Alternatively, the aerial operation detection unit 1350 may not output a detection result based on the detection signal of the aerial operation detection sensor 1351, or may output a detection result with an off value. Alternatively, the video control unit 1160 etc. may not input a detection result from the aerial operation detection unit 1350, or may input it but not use it.

[0268] (3) The mid-air operation detection sensor 1351 detects the object, and the mid-air operation detection unit 1350 detects the object, and outputs the detection result of the mid-air operation. However, the image control unit 1160 does not execute a part or all of the image control process, which is a process that is normally executed for the mid-air operation. For example, the image control unit 1160 receives a value representing a touch operation on an object of the floating-in-space image 3 as a detection result. The image control unit 1160 normally executes a predetermined display control process that corresponds to the determination that the object has been touched. The display control process is, for example, the selection or execution of the object. In contrast, in this embodiment, the image control unit 1160 determines that the object has not been touched, and does not execute the predetermined display control process. In other words, this control is to disable the mid-air operation on the object of the floating-in-space image 3, or to disable the display control process of the object.

[0269] In any of the above controls, from the user 230's perspective, the result is that the space floating image display device 1000 including the mid-air operation detection sensor 1351 does not react to the mid-air operation on the space floating image 3.

[0270] [Operation mode according to the state of the user operation detection mechanism] The table in FIG. 21A is a table summarizing several possible states regarding the reception and detection of airborne operations by combinations of the disabled state (OFF state) and the enabled state (ON state) of each user operation detection mechanism in the configuration example having the user operation detection mechanism 1701 and the user operation detection mechanism 1702 in FIG. 17. Such states may be referred to as modes. The table in FIG. 21A has, as rows, a user operation detection mechanism 1701 capable of detecting operations in the XZ directions, a user operation detection mechanism 1702 capable of detecting operations in the Y direction, operation detection and modes, and GUI display in the floating image 3. The columns have, for example, four types of states from state 1 to state 4. Other states are possible, which will be described later.

[0271] First, state 1 is a state in which both user operation detection mechanism 1701 and user operation detection mechanism 1702 are in the OFF state. In state 1, 2D and 3D mid-air operations are not detected and are not accepted. For the sake of explanation, state 1 is referred to as mode 1.

[0272] State 2 is a case where user operation detection mechanism 1701 is in the ON state and user operation detection mechanism 1702 is in the OFF state. This state 2 is a state in which only planar operations in the XZ directions, i.e., 2D operations, are detected and accepted. State 2 is referred to as mode 2. Mode 2 is also referred to as 2D operation mode.

[0273] State 3 is a case where the user operation detection mechanism 1701 is OFF and the user operation detection mechanism 1702 is ON. State 3 is a state where only depth operations can be detected and accepted. State 3 is Mode 3. For example, when a finger enters the plane of the floating image 3 from the front to the back, this state 3 can detect whether the finger is in front of the plane, inside the plane, or behind the plane. In other words, this state 3 can detect the position of the finger in the Y direction, but cannot detect the position in the X direction or the Y direction within the plane.

[0274] State 4 is a case where both user operation detection mechanism 1701 and user operation detection mechanism 1702 are in the ON state. State 4 can detect both planar operations in the XZ directions and depth operations in the Y direction. State 4 is mode 4. That is, mode 4 is a mode in which both 2D operations and 3D operations can be accepted. Mode 4 is also referred to as 3D operation mode. In mode 4, when a planar operation is detected, it is accepted as a 2D operation, and a corresponding display control process is executed. In mode 4, when a depth operation is detected, it is accepted as a 3D operation, and a corresponding display control process is executed.

[0275] Furthermore, the following are also possible as modes of other states. Similarly, the table in FIG. 21B shows state 5 and state 6. State 5 is a case where both the user operation detection mechanism 1701 and the user operation detection mechanism 1702 are in the ON state, similar to state 4, and it is possible to detect a planar operation and a depth operation. State 5 is mode 5. In state 5, it is possible to detect a planar operation and a depth operation during processing, that is, it is possible to determine and detect a 3D operation, but as a valid aerial operation, only a planar operation is accepted as a 2D operation. In mode 5, even if a depth operation is detected, it is not accepted as a 3D operation, and the corresponding display control process is not executed. For example, when a planar operation is detected for a button object that accepts a planar operation, a display control process is executed. In state 5, the user operation detection mechanism 1702 is used as an auxiliary for processing.

[0276] State 6 is a state in which both the user operation detection mechanism 1701 and the user operation detection mechanism 1702 are ON, as in state 4, and both planar and depth operations can be detected. State 6 is called mode 6. In state 6, both planar and depth operations can be detected during processing, that is, 3D operations can be determined and detected, but only depth operations are accepted as 3D operations as valid aerial operations. In mode 6, even if a planar operation is detected, it is not accepted as a 2D operation, and the corresponding display control process is not executed. For example, when a depth operation is detected for a button object that accepts depth operations, the display control process is executed. In state 6, the user operation detection mechanism 1701 is used as an auxiliary for processing.

[0277] The space floating image display device 1000 of the embodiment 3 implements at least the 2D operation mode, which is the above-mentioned mode 2, and the 3D operation mode, which is the above-mentioned mode 4. Not limited to this, in a modified example, other modes may be implemented.

[0278] The space floating image display device 1000 of the third embodiment further controls the display of the space floating image 3 so as to provide each GUI display corresponding to each mode, as shown in the fourth row of the table. Not only GUI, but also contents can be controlled in the same way. Examples of GUI display for each mode are as follows. As the GUI display for mode 1, a display indicating that an aerial operation is not accepted is provided. As the GUI display for mode 2, a display encouraging 2D operation (planar operation) is provided. Also, for example, a display indicating a 2D operation mode is provided. As the GUI display for mode 3, a display encouraging depth operation is provided. As the GUI display for mode 4, a display indicating the acceptance of both 2D operation and 3D operation, or a display encouraging 3D operation is provided. Also, for example, a display encouraging 3D operation mode is provided. As the GUI display for mode 5, a display encouraging planar operation (2D operation) is provided. As the GUI display for mode 6, a display encouraging depth operation (3D operation) is provided.

[0279] [Reasons for providing two different modes: 2D and 3D operation modes] In the third embodiment, two types of modes, the 2D operation mode and the 3D operation mode, are provided separately, and can be used by switching between them as appropriate. The reasons for such a configuration are as follows. Each of the above modes has its own advantages. In the 3D operation mode in which 3D operations are detected and processed, the load of operations on the hardware and software of the space floating image display device 1000 is generally greater than in the 2D operation mode in which 2D operations are detected and processed. Therefore, although it depends on the implementation, in the 3D operation mode, the power consumption may be greater, the detection accuracy may be difficult to improve, and the detection time may be longer. In other words, in the 2D operation mode, the power consumption is smaller, the detection accuracy is higher, and the detection time is shorter. That is, the 2D operation mode has the advantage that the effective aerial operations available to the user 230 are limited, but the reaction to the user operation is faster. Therefore, when 2D operation is sufficient as a UI, the 2D operation mode can be used to improve the operability of the user 230 and reduce power consumption. Conversely, if 3D operation is more suitable as a UI, switching to 3D operation mode will allow for more complex 3D operations. These can be used according to the purpose and situation.

[0280] [3-2. Changing the display between 2D and 3D modes] As described above, in the third embodiment, in a system capable of accepting both 2D and 3D operations, the display of the GUI and the like of the floating-in-space image 3 is changed in each of the 2D operation mode and the 3D operation mode.

[0281] As described above (FIG. 18, etc.), the aerial operations as user operations can be roughly divided into 2D operations and 3D operations. The 2D operations are planar operations, two-dimensional operations, performed within the aerial operation detection range in the planar direction corresponding to the plane of the display range of the floating-in-space image 3. The 3D operations are three-dimensional operations including depth operations, performed within the aerial operation detection range including the planar direction and the depth direction corresponding to the plane of the display range of the floating-in-space image 3. In addition, the floating-in-space image display device 1000 changes the display contents of the floating-in-space image 3 in each of a state where only 2D operations are accepted (mode 2 in FIG. 21A, 2D operation mode) and a state where 3D operations are accepted in addition to 2D operations (mode 4 in FIG. 21A, 3D operation mode).

[0282] The following are some of the issues. In a space floating image display system that allows 2D and 3D operations, the user may be confused about the mid-air operation of the space floating image, and may not be able to perform the mid-air operation expected by the system. The user may not know whether the space floating image accepts 2D operations or 3D operations, and may not be able to determine whether to perform 2D operations or 3D operations. For example, it may be difficult for the user to understand that the space floating image accepts 3D operations when it displays 2D images. Also, for example, it may be difficult for the user to understand that the space floating image 3 accepts 2D operations when it displays 3D images.

[0283] In the third embodiment, the following is provided as a means for solving the problem. When a 2D operation is accepted, for example, in a 2D operation mode, a GUI or content of the floating-in-space image 3 is displayed so as to induce a planar operation by the user 230, i.e., a 2D operation. This display may be, for example, a browser screen or a planar figure, which does not / hardly gives a sense of depth. Alternatively, this display may be a display that has been subjected to image processing or the like so as to not / hardly give a sense of depth. This display may typically be a 2D image display, but is not limited thereto, and may be an image or the like that does not give a sense of depth so as to encourage a 2D operation.

[0284] Similarly, when accepting a 3D operation, for example, in a 3D operation mode, the GUI or contents of the floating-in-space image 3 are displayed so as to induce 3D operations including operations in the depth direction by the user 230. For example, this display may be a display that gives / makes easy to feel depth, such as a three-dimensional figure. Alternatively, this display may be a display that has been subjected to image processing or the like so as to give / make easy to feel depth. This display may typically be a 3D image display, but is not limited thereto, and may be an image or the like that gives / makes easy to feel depth so as to encourage 3D operation.

[0285] In this way, in the third embodiment, the GUI of the floating-in-space image 3 and the display of the contents are changed and controlled according to the 2D operation / 3D operation. When accepting a 2D operation, for example, if the user is desired to input an object using a 2D operation, the object is displayed in a manner that encourages the user to perform the 2D operation. This makes it difficult for the user to be aware of the 3D operation, and encourages the user to perform the 2D operation. Also, when accepting a 3D operation, for example, if the user is desired to input an object using a 3D operation including a depth operation, the object is displayed in a manner that encourages the user to perform the 3D operation. This makes it difficult for the user to be aware of the 2D operation, and encourages the user to perform the 3D operation.

[0286] This reduces the confusion of the user between 2D and 3D aerial operations. In addition, the floating-in-space image display system can provide the aerial operation that is less disturbed and more likely to be detected, as the aerial operation that the user expects. Specific examples of displays encouraging 2D and 3D operations in the floating-in-space image 3 will be described later.

[0287] [Implementation example for two operation modes] Examples of implementation of the space floating image display device 1000 regarding the 2D operation mode and the 3D operation mode as the above two types of operation modes are as follows. That is, there is a system that implements only the 2D operation mode, a system that implements only the 3D operation mode, and a system that implements both the 2D operation mode and the 3D operation mode and can switch between them. Any implementation example is possible. Each implementation example will be described in order below. FIG. 22 shows an implementation example that has only the 2D operation mode. FIG. 23 shows an implementation example that has only the 3D operation mode. FIG. 24 shows an implementation example that has both the 2D operation mode and the 3D operation mode.

[0288] [Implementation example 1.2D operation mode] FIG. 22 shows, as an implementation example 1, a YZ cross-sectional view of the space-floating image display device 1000 in which a 2D operation mode that is a mode that accepts only 2D operations is implemented, and a state of 2D operation as an airborne operation by a user 230 in the 2D operation mode. In the example of FIG. 22, components similar to those in FIG. 16 described above are implemented in a horizontally placed housing 1190. The image light from the retroreflective member 2 travels diagonally upward, passes through the polarization separation member 101 and the transparent member 100, and forms a space-floating image 3, which is a real image, in a display range 2203 at a predetermined position outside. This space-floating image 3 is a space-floating image for 2D operation. For example, an air-floating operation detection sensor 1351 is implemented in the housing 1190 as a 2D operation detection device 2201 that is a user operation detection mechanism 2201. For example, the configuration of FIG. 19 can be applied to the air-floating operation detection sensor 1351.

[0289] The aerial operation detection sensor 1351 is installed near the transparent member 100 on the top surface of the housing 1190, on the near side closer to the user 230 in the Y direction. The optical axis of the aerial operation detection sensor 1351 faces diagonally upward, that is, in the y direction, as shown by the dashed-dotted arrow, and overlaps with the display range 2203 of the floating-in-space image 3 for 2D operation. The aerial operation detection sensor 1351 forms a 2D operation detection range 2202. The 2D operation detection range 2202 is a range that includes the display range 2203 of the floating-in-space image 3 for 2D operation. In other words, the display range 2203 of the floating-in-space image 3 for 2D operation is provided within the 2D operation detection range 2202.

[0290] The coordinate system of the floating in space image 3 is represented by (x, y, z). The x direction is the horizontal direction or left-right direction of the screen of the floating in space image 3, the y direction is the vertical direction or up-down direction of the screen of the floating in space image 3, and the z direction is the depth direction or front-back direction with respect to the floating in space image 3. In other words, the 2D operation detection range 2202 is a range along the xy plane which is the display range 2203 of the floating in space image 3. The mid-air operation detection sensor 1351 which is the 2D operation detection device 2201 senses the 2D operation detection range 2202 including the xy plane of the floating in space image 3. This detects the 2D operation as a planar operation on the xy plane of the floating in space image 3. The user 230 can easily view the floating in space image 3 in the z direction.

[0291] The finger position 2211 of the user 230 is an example of a case where a finger, for example, one finger, is placed in the xy plane of the floating-in-space image 3. The user 230 performs, as a 2D operation, for example, an operation of touching or tapping the finger on the xy plane of the floating-in-space image 3, or an operation of moving the finger in the x direction or y direction in the xy plane of the floating-in-space image 3. Note that the touch and tap operations are basic operations that can be determined based on whether or not the finger is placed in the xy plane, and are included in the concept of 2D operation. The floating-in-space image display device 1000 in the 2D operation mode detects such a 2D operation using the 2D operation detection device 2201, and executes a display control process as a process according to the detected 2D operation.

[0292] The space-floating image display device 1000 in 2D operation mode displays images such as GUI for 2D operation and contents on the space-floating image 3 for 2D operation. An example of 2D image display encouraging 2D operation is shown in the lower part of FIG. 22 as an example of the space-floating image 3 for 2D operation. In this example, a character image 2231 and a button object 2232 are displayed. The character image 2231 is a character image that guides the slide operation, for example, "Please Slide!". The button object 2232 is a GUI that accepts slide operations in the x and y directions. These images are flat images that do not give a sense of depth.

[0293] [Implementation example 2.3D operation mode] FIG. 23 shows, as implementation example 2, a YZ cross-sectional view of the space floating image display device 1000 in which a 3D operation mode that accepts both 2D operations and 3D operations simultaneously is implemented, and also shows the state of 3D operation as mid-air operation by the user 230 in the 3D operation mode.

[0294] In the example of FIG. 23, the above-mentioned components are mounted in a horizontally placed housing 1190, as in FIG. 22. A real image, a floating-in-space image 3, is formed in a display range 2203 at a predetermined position outside the housing 1190. This floating-in-space image 3 is a floating-in-space image for 3D operation. As in FIG. 22, for example, an aerial operation detection sensor 1351 is mounted on the housing 1190 as a 2D operation detection device 2201. The 2D operation detection device 2201 has a 2D operation detection range 2202 similar to that of FIG. 22, and senses the xy plane of the display range 2203 of the floating-in-space image 3. In addition, a 3D operation detection device 2301 is mounted on the housing 1190. In this example, the 3D operation detection device 2301 is installed near the transparent member 100, which is the top surface of the housing 1190, at a position further back in the Y direction than the 2D operation detection device 2201.

[0295] The 3D operation detection range 2302 is a detection range of an aerial operation by the 3D operation detection device 2301, and covers a spatial area in the z direction, which is a depth direction, with respect to the 3D operation floating in space image 3 and the 2D operation detection range 2202 of the 2D operation detection device 2201. In this example, the 3D operation detection range 2302 covers a spatial area on the back side from the floating in space image 3, but is not limited to this, and may also cover a spatial area on the front side (user 230 side) in the z direction, which is a depth direction, with respect to the floating in space image 3. The 3D operation detection device 2301 is a mechanism capable of detecting the position and movement of fingers in the z direction. For example, the camera of the imaging unit 1180 or other sensors can be applied to the 3D operation detection device 2301. Not limited to this, the 3D operation detection device 2301 may be installed in another position.

[0296] A three-dimensional detection range 2303 in the 3D operation mode is formed by combining the 2D operation detection range 2202 of the 2D operation detection device 2201 and the 3D operation detection range 2302 of the 3D operation detection device 2301.

[0297] As a variation example with respect to FIG. 23, the 2D operation detection device 2201 or the 3D operation detection device 2301 may be installed at a position shown as detection device 2350, and sensing may be performed in the xy direction or z direction toward the spatial floating image 3 located in front of the detection device 2350 in the Y direction.

[0298] The finger position 2311 of the user 230 is an example of a position when the fingers, for example, the palm, are placed within the 3D operation detection range 2302 including the xy plane of the floating in space image 3. The user 230 performs, as a 3D operation, for example, an operation of touching the palm on the xy plane of the floating in space image 3 and moving the palm, or an operation of moving the palm from the xy plane of the floating in space image 3 to the back side in the z direction, which is the depth direction, of the floating in space image 3. As another example, the finger position 2312 is an example of a position in the case of a pushing operation in which one finger is inserted from the xy plane of the floating in space image 3 to the back side in the z direction, which is the depth direction. The floating in space image display device 1000 in the 3D operation mode detects such a 2D operation or 3D operation using the 2D operation detection device 2201 and the 3D operation detection device 2301, and executes a display control process as a process according to the detected aerial operation.

[0299] The space-floating image display device 1000 in the 3D operation mode displays images such as GUI for 3D operation and contents on the space-floating image 3 for 3D operation. An example of 3D image display encouraging 3D operation is shown in the lower part of FIG. 23 as an example of the space-floating image 3 for 3D operation. In this example, a character image 2331 and a button object 2332 are displayed. The character image 2331 is a character image that guides a push operation, for example, "Please Push!". The button object 2332 is a GUI that accepts a push operation in the z direction. These images are three-dimensional images that easily give a sense of depth.

[0300] [Implementation example 3. 2D operation mode and 3D operation mode] FIG. 24 shows a YZ cross-sectional view of the space-floating image display device 1000 as an implementation example 3, in which two types of modes, 2D operation mode and 3D operation mode, can be implemented and selected / switched between them, and shows the operation state of the user 230 in the selected mode (for example, 3D operation mode). The configuration of FIG. 24 is the same as the configuration of FIG. 23, but the difference is that the space-floating image display device 1000 has a control function for appropriately switching between the 2D operation mode and the 3D operation mode, and the control function can be realized by an image processing unit such as the control unit 1110 and the image control unit 1160 in FIG. 3. In addition, in the implementation example 3, as shown in the figure, an indicator for displaying the state of the current mode, etc., and an operation button 2309 (operation input unit 1107 in FIG. 3) for selecting a mode may be provided on the housing 1190.

[0301] In a 2D operation mode in which only 2D operations are accepted, the space-floating image display device 1000 detects planar operations on the xy plane of the space-floating image 3 using the 2D operation detection device 2201, and executes processing according to the detected planar operations. In a 3D operation mode in which both 2D operations and 3D operations are accepted simultaneously, the space-floating image display device 1000 detects planar operations and depth operations on the xy plane of the space-floating image 3 using the 2D operation detection device 2201 and the 3D operation detection device 2301, and executes processing according to the detected 2D operation or 3D operation.

[0302] In the 2D operation mode, the space-floating image display device 1000 displays images of GUI and contents for 2D operation on the space-floating image 3 for 2D operation. In the 3D operation mode, the space-floating image display device 1000 displays images of GUI and contents for 3D operation on the space-floating image 3 for 3D operation. The lower part of Fig. 24 shows an example of the space-floating image 3 for 2D operation in the 2D operation mode, and an example of the space-floating image 3 for 3D operation in the 3D operation mode. The space-floating image display device 1000 switches between these displays depending on the mode.

[0303] The implementation is not limited to the above example, and a system may be implemented with other modes than those in Fig. 21A. For example, mode 5 may be implemented as the 2D operation mode, and mode 6 may be implemented as the 3D operation mode.

[0304] [Example of switching control of user operation detection mechanism] In the third embodiment, the control of the user operation detection mechanism may be as follows. The space-floating image display device 1000 sets the user operation detection mechanism in the planar direction, for example the user operation detection mechanism 1701 in FIG. 17, to an enabled state (ON state) in which the operation can be accepted at all times, and sets the user operation detection mechanism in the depth direction, for example the user operation detection mechanism 1702 in FIG. 17, to an disabled state (OFF state) in which the operation cannot be accepted at all times. In addition, the space-floating image display device 1000 switches the user operation detection mechanism in the depth direction 1702 to an enabled state (ON state) in which the operation can be accepted at a predetermined opportunity. The predetermined opportunity may be, for example, when the sensor such as the imaging unit 1180 detects the approach of the user 230, when the user operation detection mechanism 1701 detects an operation in the planar direction, or when the sensor such as the imaging unit 1180 detects an operation in which the user 230 is about to perform not only an operation in the planar direction but also an operation in the depth direction.

[0305] [Example of operation mode switching control] For example, in a configuration in which two types of operation modes, a 2D operation mode and a 3D operation mode, are switched as shown in FIG. 24, examples of control for switching the operation mode are as follows.

[0306] The space-floating image display device 1000 starts in, for example, 2D operation mode at first. Examples of the first time include when the space-floating image display device 1000 is started, when an application is started, or when a sensor such as the imaging unit 1180 detects the approach of the user 230. The 2D operation mode has a simpler mechanism than the 3D operation mode, and therefore has advantages in terms of processing efficiency and power consumption. When the space-floating image display device 1000 is set to the 2D operation mode, the 2D operation detection device 2201 is set to the ON state and the 3D operation detection device 2301 is set to the OFF state. This makes it possible to detect 2D operations. In the 2D operation mode, the space-floating image display device 1000 displays a space-floating image 3 for 2D operation, for example, an image that prompts 2D operation. When the space-floating image display device 1000 receives a 2D operation, it executes a corresponding display control process.

[0307] The space-floating image display device 1000 switches from the 2D operation mode to the 3D operation mode based on a predetermined opportunity or judgment as appropriate. When the space-floating image display device 1000 is in the 3D operation mode, the 2D operation detection device 2201 and the 3D operation detection device 2301 are turned on. This makes it possible to detect 2D and 3D operations. In the 3D operation mode, the space-floating image display device 1000 displays a space-floating image 3 for 3D operation, for example, an image that prompts 3D operation. When the space-floating image display device 1000 receives a 2D operation or a 3D operation, it executes the corresponding display control process.

[0308] After that, the space-floating image display device 1000 appropriately switches from the 3D operation mode to the 2D operation mode based on a predetermined opportunity or judgment. When the space-floating image display device 1000 is in the 2D operation mode, it turns the 2D operation detection device 2201 to the ON state and the 3D operation detection device 2301 to the OFF state. This makes it possible to detect 2D operations. In the 2D operation mode, the space-floating image display device 1000 displays a space-floating image 3 for 2D operation, for example, an image that prompts 2D operation. When the space-floating image display device 1000 receives a 2D operation, it executes a corresponding display control process.

[0309] [Mode selection timing] There are various triggers and conditions for selection, switching, and determination of the above-mentioned 2D operation mode, 3D operation mode, etc. Fig. 25 shows a table summarizing triggers for determining the mode.

[0310] (1) Setting the mode on the space-floating image display device 1000. The mode to be used is set in advance for each space-floating image display device 1000. A person such as a business operator selects and sets the mode to be used when installing the device. The space-floating image display device 1000 also provides a setting screen for setting the mode (for example, similar to FIG. 26).

[0311] (2) Setting the mode in the application of the space floating image display device 1000. The mode to be used is set in advance for each application. For example, a 2D operation mode is used for a window information application, and a 3D operation mode is used for an application for conversation with a character.

[0312] (3) Mode designation operation input by user 230. The space floating image display device 1000 may be provided with an operation input device such as a physical button for selecting and switching modes. Alternatively, a display such as a button for selecting and switching modes may be provided in the display of the space floating image 3, etc. For example, see FIG. 26.

[0313] (4) Mode for each individual image to be displayed. For example, the mode to be used is selected for each GUI or content, in other words, for each type of image or ID. For example, the attribute information attached to the image data of the image to be displayed may describe the 2D or 3D attribute or mode, and the space-floating image display device 1000 may determine or decide the mode to be used based on the description (described later). The creator or provider of the image data of the image to be displayed may set at least one of the information of 2D / 3D display and 2D / 3D operation. For example, if a GUI object accepts 2D operation, the 2D operation mode may be specified. In the space-floating image display device 1000, the correspondence between the type of image or ID, 2D display / 3D display, and 2D operation / 3D operation may be set in a correspondence table or the like.

[0314] (5) Automatic Determination by the Space Floating Image Display Device 1000. For example, the Space Floating Image Display Device 1000 may determine whether to switch to 2D operation mode or 3D operation mode based on the state of mid-air operation by the user 230 on the space floating image 3. Details of this will be described in the fourth embodiment.

[0315] [Example of mode selection by user] Fig. 26 shows an example of an operation input device and a display example of the space-floating image 3 when the user 230 can select / designate an operation mode to be used from two types of operation modes, for example, in the configuration as shown in Fig. 24. As an example of the indicator and operation button 2309 of the housing 1190, a physical 2D button 2601 and a 3D button 2602 are provided. The user 230 presses the 2D button 2601 when wanting to switch to the 2D operation mode, and presses the 3D button 2602 when wanting to switch to the 3D operation mode. The space-floating image display device 1000 switches to the operation mode corresponding to the pressed button.

[0316] In this example, the floating-in-space image 3 displays a message "Please select a mode" within the outer frame that indicates the display range, and displays a GUI that allows the user to select between 2D operation mode and 3D operation mode by midair operation. If the user 230 wants to switch to 2D operation mode, he / she touches the "2D operation mode" area, and if he / she wants to switch to 3D operation mode, he / she touches the "3D operation mode" area. The floating-in-space image display device 1000 detects the touch operation and switches to the operation mode that corresponds to the pressed area.

[0317] [Controlling the relationship between mid-air operation detection and floating image display] In the above, we have explained a control example in which the control starts with determining whether to accept 2D or 3D operation, i.e., whether to use 2D operation mode or 3D operation mode, and then determines whether to display 2D display (display for 2D operation, e.g., display encouraging 2D operation) or 3D display (display for 3D operation, e.g., display encouraging 3D operation) as the display content of the floating-in-space image 3. The control of the correspondence between mid-air operation detection and floating-in-space image display is not limited to this.

[0318] FIG. 27 shows a table summarizing examples of control of the correspondence between the detection of an operation in the air and the display of the floating image 3. In the third embodiment, the floating image display device 1000 may control the display of the floating image 3 to be 2D or 3D, starting from whether the operation in the air and its detection are 2D or 3D, as described above. The operation is first determined to be 2D or 3D, and the display of the floating image 3 is determined to be 2D or 3D, as shown by the arrows in the corresponding correspondence. The rows #1 and #2 in the table show such control examples. #1 is a control to determine the 2D display according to the 2D operation, and #2 is a control to determine the 3D display according to the 3D operation. Here, the 2D display or 3D display is also described as the 2D display mode / 3D display mode. The control examples of #1 and #2 correspond to, for example, the selection of the display mode according to the setting or designation of the operation mode, triggered by #1, #2, and #3 in FIG. 25.

[0319] Conversely, control may be performed so that the display of the floating image 3 in space is determined to be 2D or 3D, and the mid-air operation and its detection are determined to be 2D or 3D. First, the display of the floating image 3 in space is determined to be 2D or 3D, and then the detection of the mid-air operation is determined to be 2D or 3D, as indicated by the arrows corresponding to the display. Rows #3 and #4 in the table show such control examples. #3 is a control that determines 2D operation according to 2D display, and #4 is a control that determines 3D operation according to 3D display. An example of control for #3 and #4 corresponds to, for example, selecting an operation mode according to whether the image to be displayed is 2D or 3D, as a trigger for #4 in FIG. 25.

[0320] The space floating image display device 1000 may apply any of the above control examples. In the above description, the operation mode and the display mode are defined separately, but the operation mode and the display mode may be combined and defined as a mode. Even when specifying a mode as in the example of FIG. 26, the display mode may be specified instead of the operation mode.

[0321] [Video data and mode information] Fig. 28 shows a configuration example of a floating-in-space image display system in the case where information about a mode is attached to image data, corresponding to the example of the trigger #4 in Fig. 25. The mode here is, for example, the above-mentioned operation mode or display mode, or in other words, an air operation method, an air operation detection method, a display method, etc.

[0322] In the system of FIG. 28, an external device 2800 is connected to a space-floating image display device 1000. The external device 2800 is an image provider for the image to be displayed on the space-floating image 3. The external device 2800 creates image data 2811 of the image to be displayed, and provides it to the space-floating image display device 1000 through communication or the like. The space-floating image display device 1000 acquires the image data 2811 through communication or the like, and stores it in a memory. The image processing unit 2801 performs necessary image processing or the like based on the image data 2811, creates display data (not shown), supplies it to the display unit 2802, and controls the display unit 2802. The display unit 2802 displays an image on a screen such as a liquid crystal display panel based on the display data. The image light of the image displayed on the screen is emitted via an optical system 2803, and the space-floating image 3 is formed. Furthermore, the image processing unit 2801 controls the user operation detection mechanism 2804, and detects an aerial operation by the user 230 on the floating in space image 3 by the user operation detection mechanism 2804. The image processing unit 2801 executes a display control process according to the detected aerial operation on objects in the image, etc.

[0323] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the external device 2800 creates or sets 2D or 3D GUI or content in the video data 2811, and also specifies and sets 2D / 3D operation or mode related to the aerial operation for the video in attribute information 2812 attached to the video data 2811. The space-floating image display device 1000 acquires such video data 2811 and attribute information 2812 from the external device 2800, and determines the above-mentioned 2D operation mode or 3D operation mode according to the operation or mode specified in the attribute information 2812. The video processing unit 2801 controls the display of the display unit 2802 and the detection of the user operation detection mechanism 2804 so that 2D / 3D aerial operation detection and 2D / 3D space-floating image 3 corresponding to the operation mode are performed.

[0324] An example of description of attribute information 2812 is shown in a balloon at the bottom of Fig. 28. In example 1, the image type of video data 2811 is image type 1, the image has been created as 2D display (in other words, 2D image), and the operation is specified as 2D operation. Instead of specifying 2D operation, a 2D operation mode may be specified. In example 2, the image type of video data 2811 is image type 2, the image has been created as 3D display (in other words, 3D image), and the operation is specified as 3D operation. Instead of specifying 3D operation, a 3D operation mode may be specified.

[0325] In another embodiment, the space floating image display device 1000, rather than the external device 2800, may add the attribute information 2812 to the image data 2811. For example, the image processor 2801 may determine a correspondence between the 2D display / 3D display mode of the image data 2811 of the image to be displayed and the 2D operation / 3D operation of the aerial operation, and describe the correspondence in the attribute information 2812.

[0326] For example, when the display modes of 2D and 3D aerial operations are determined for video data 2811 of a video to be displayed, the video processing unit 2801 may determine the display modes of 2D and 3D display so as to match the mode of the aerial operation, and may select / determine an operation mode corresponding to the mode of the aerial operation, and a display mode corresponding to the display mode. Also, for example, when the display modes of 2D and 3D display are determined for video data 2811 of a video to be displayed, the video processing unit 2801 may determine the display modes of 2D and 3D aerial operations so as to match the display mode, and may select / determine an operation mode corresponding to the mode of the aerial operation, and a display mode corresponding to the display mode.

[0327] The image processor 2801 may create display data by performing image processing or the like on the original image data 2811 to create 2D or 3D display in the space floating image 3. The image processor 2801 may also create the image data 2811 by itself, and determine the manner of 2D / 3D operation according to the manner of 2D / 3D display in the created image data 2811.

[0328] [3-3. Examples of 2D and 3D operations] Next, concrete examples of the above 2D and 3D operations are given below. In the table of Fig. 29A, the left column shows an example of 2D operation, and the right column shows an example of 3D operation. The space floating image display device 1000 of the third embodiment is configured to detect and accept such 2D and 3D operations (the above-mentioned implementation example).

[0329] Examples of 2D operations include the following. The numbers in parentheses are explanatory identifiers: (1-1) Tap. Place your finger on the plane of the floating image 3 and then release it toward you. (1-2) Swipe. In other words, slide. Place your finger on the plane of the floating image 3 and move it in the direction of the plane. (1-3) Flick: Place your finger on the plane of the floating image 3 and move it quickly in the direction of the plane. (1-4) Multi-swipe: Place multiple fingers on the plane of the floating image 3 and move them in the direction of the plane. (1-5) Hold. Holding the hand and fingers on the plane of the floating image 3 for a certain period of time or longer. (1-6) Circular rotation after hold. Rotation within the plane of the floating image 3. (1-7) Pinch in / pinch out. Place multiple fingers on the plane of the floating image 3 and change the distance between the multiple fingers.

[0330] Examples of 3D manipulation include: (2-1) Push. Move your fingers three-dimensionally, including in the depth direction, across the plane of the floating image 3, passing through the plane and moving your fingers to the back side of the plane. (2-2) Grab. Grasp an object displayed on the plane of the floating image 3 with your fingers or palm. (2-3) Grab and rotate. Rotate in three dimensions. (2-4) Grab and move. Move in three dimensions. (2-5) To sweep one's hand, for example by moving one's palm from side to side. (2-6) Pull. For example, moving the palm of your hand holding an object toward you in the depth direction.

[0331] Fig. 29B shows an example of a display control process executed in association with an aerial operation as in Fig. 29A. Each row corresponds to an example of a 2D operation or a 3D operation in Fig. 29A. The left column shows an example of a 2D GUI or content of the floating-in-space image 3, and the right column shows an example of a 3D GUI or content.

[0332] For example, the tap operation of (1-1) as a 2D operation corresponds to the selection / execution of an object as an example of the control process of the 2D GUI / content. That is, when the image processing unit of the space-floating image display device 1000, for example, the image control unit 1160 of FIG. 3 detects a tap operation on an object displayed as a GUI or content by a 2D image in the space-floating image 3, it executes a process to control the display of the space-floating image 3 of the object, etc., so that the object is in a selected or executed state. Also, when the image processing unit detects a tap operation on an object displayed as a GUI or content by a 3D image in the space-floating image 3, it executes a display control process so that the object is in a selected or executed state.

[0333] Also, for example, when the image processing unit detects a swipe operation (1-2) as a 2D operation on an object in a 2D image, the image processing unit executes a display control process to slide or otherwise move the object within the plane of the floating-in-space image 3, or to transition the screen of a page or the like in the floating-in-space image 3. Also, when the image processing unit detects a swipe operation (1-2) as a 2D operation on an object in a 3D image, the image processing unit executes a display control process to slide the object or transition the screen. Also, in this case, an example of the display control process is to rotate the 3D object.

[0334] For example, when the image processor detects a hold operation (1-5) as a 2D operation on an object in a 2D image, the image processor executes a display control process to fix, in other words, to make the object still. Similarly, when the image processor detects a hold operation (1-5) as a 2D operation on an object in a 3D image, the image processor executes a display control process to fix the object.

[0335] In addition, when a 3D operation such as a press operation (2-1) is performed on an object in a 2D image, the image processor is associated with doing nothing as an example of the display control process. In other words, when a press operation is performed on an object in a 2D image, the image processor does not accept the press operation and performs control to maintain the original display of the object.

[0336] In addition, when a pressing operation (2-1) is performed as a 3D operation on an object in a 3D image, the image processing unit executes display control processing to move the object toward the back in the depth direction relative to the plane of the floating-in-space image 3.

[0337] As described above, in the control example of the mid-air operation detection and the display of the floating image 3 in the third embodiment, for the 2D display image, the 2D operation is accepted to allow a two-dimensional display change, but the 3D operation including the depth operation is not accepted, and the three-dimensional display change including the depth is not allowed. Also, for the 3D display image, both the 2D operation and the 3D operation are accepted to allow a two-dimensional display change and a three-dimensional display change. This makes it easier to understand the correspondence between 2D and 3D in the mid-air operation detection and the display of the floating image 3, and the user 230 is less likely to be confused by the mid-air operation.

[0338] The correspondence between the 2D / 3D aerial operation and the 2D / 3D display, as in the above example, may be designed and set in advance by the business operator of the space-floating image display device 1000. It is preferable to set the correspondence according to the space-floating image display device 1000 and the application. For example, in the case of a window information application, it is specified whether the image of the GUI or content displayed on the space-floating image 3 is to be displayed in 2D or 3D, and it is specified whether the aerial operation to be accepted for that image is to be a 2D operation or a 3D operation, and the display control process to be associated with it.

[0339] [3-4. Examples of 2D and 3D displays] Next, we will explain specific examples of 2D and 3D displays to encourage the above-mentioned 2D and 3D operations in the GUI and content of the floating-in-space image 3. The table in Fig. 30A shows examples of 2D displays that encourage 2D operations in the left column, and examples of 3D displays that encourage 3D operations in the right column. Numbers in parentheses are identifiers.

[0340] The space-floating image display device 1000 controls 2D display and 3D display as appropriate display of the space-floating image 3 in a 2D operation mode that accepts only 2D operations, and a 3D operation mode that accepts 3D operations in addition to 2D operations.

[0341] In FIG. 30A, examples of 2D displays that prompt 2D operations include the following: (2D-1) No object shading, no shadow removal. (2D-2) Adding shallow shading to objects. (2D-3) Adding a frame to an object. (2D-4) Representation of the movement of an object in a planar direction. (2D-5) The plane shape of an object.

[0342] Examples of 3D displays that encourage 3D manipulation include: (3D-1) Adding deep shadows to objects. (3D-2) Representing movement of an object in directions other than the plane (especially the depth direction). (3D-3) Depth processing of objects. (3D-4) A three-dimensional model of an object, such as an avatar or character. (3D-5) The three-dimensional shape of an object. (3D-6) Polishing of objects.

[0343] Fig. 30B shows a first example as a 2D / 3D display example of the floating-in-space image 3 corresponding to Fig. 30A. The floating-in-space image 3 on the left is a 2D-display floating-in-space image 3001, which includes a 2D-display object 3003. The 2D-display object 3003 is an example of a text image "Please Push!", which is an example of a GUI that encourages a push operation.

[0344] The floating-in-space image 3 on the right side is a 3D floating-in-space image 3002, which includes a 3D object 3004. The 3D object 3004 is an example in which shading is added to the text image "Please Push!" This shading also exists in the z direction, which is the depth direction, and is a type of pseudo-3D expression.

[0345] The image processing unit may perform shading processing on image data or display data corresponding to 2D display space-floating image 3001, thereby creating image data or display data corresponding to 3D display space-floating image 3002. The image processing unit may perform shading-free display or shading removal processing on image data or display data corresponding to 3D display space-floating image 3002, thereby creating image data or display data corresponding to 2D display space-floating image 3001. Note that, for the sake of explanation, in FIG. 30B, the conversion between display examples of space-floating image 3 is illustrated with arrows, but the actual conversion is performed between image data and display data, as explained in FIG.

[0346] FIG. 30C shows a second example as a 2D / 3D display example of the floating in space image 3 corresponding to FIG. 30A. The floating in space image 3 on the left side is a floating in space image 3011 in 2D display, and includes an object 3013 in 2D display. The object 3013 in 2D display is an example of a circular image as a planar figure. The floating in space image 3 on the right side is a floating in space image 3012 in 3D display, and includes an object 3014 in 3D display. The object 3014 in 3D display is an example of a spherical image as a three-dimensional figure. The object 3014 is given a shadow near the lower right, and a gloss near the upper left. Similarly, the object 3015 on the left side is an example of a concentric circular pattern as a planar figure. Correspondingly, the object 3016 on the right side is an example of a pattern that has been subjected to depth processing, and is made to be darker toward the center and brighter toward the periphery, for example.

[0347] FIG. 30D shows a third example as a 2D / 3D display example of the floating-in-space image 3 corresponding to FIG. 30A. The floating-in-space image 3 on the left side is a floating-in-space image 3021 in 2D display, and includes an object 3023 in 2D display. The object 3023 is a triangular image as an example of a planar figure. When a swipe operation or the like is detected as a planar operation (2D operation), for example, a movement representation 3023a in a planar direction is executed as a display control process associated with the object 3023, and the display changes to the object 3023b after the movement. In addition, when a circular rotation operation after the above-mentioned hold is detected as a planar operation (2D operation) for the object 3023, a rotation representation 3023c in a planar direction that rotates the object 3023 in the xy plane is executed as a display control process associated with the object 3023.

[0348] On the other hand, the floating-in-space image 3 on the right side is a floating-in-space image 3022 in 3D display, and includes a 3D object 3024. When, for example, a swipe operation as the above-mentioned 2D operation or a grab and rotate operation as a 3D operation is detected for the 3D object 3024, a three-dimensional rotation representation 3024a including the depth direction (in this example, a rotation toward the back around the y-axis) is executed, and the display changes to the object 3024b after rotation.

[0349] Fig. 30E shows a fourth example as a 2D / 3D display example of the floating in space image 3 corresponding to Fig. 30A. The floating in space image 3 of (1) shows a floating in space image 3031A in 3D display or pseudo 3D display, and includes an object 3032A in 3D display or pseudo 3D display. The object 3032A is an example of an avatar / character image, and is an animation image generated based on a 3D solid model. It is also possible to make such a 3D display / pseudo 3D display into a 2D display / pseudo 2D display by extracting a still image through image processing.

[0350] (2) Space Floating Image 3 shows an example of the display state of Space Floating Image 3031B that similarly includes an object 3032B such as an avatar. Object 3032B moves including a three-dimensional rotation 3033 with respect to the xy plane.

[0351] (3) Space Floating Image 3 shows an example of the display state of Space Floating Image 3031C including an object 3032C such as an avatar. Object 3032C moves in a manner that includes a three-dimensional movement representation 3034 including the depth direction relative to the xy plane.

[0352] As shown in FIG. 30A and the like, the space floating image display device 1000 controls the display of the space floating image 3 so that the user 230 can intuitively operate the space floating image 3 by appropriately performing 2D display to prompt 2D operation and 3D display to prompt 3D operation. This makes it less likely that the user 230 will be confused between 2D operation and 3D operation. In this embodiment, a control example has been described in which an object is displayed in 2D or pseudo 2D when a 2D operation of the object is prompted, and an object is displayed in 3D or pseudo 3D when a 3D operation of the object is prompted, but this is not limited to this. Depending on the object, 3D operation may be accepted in the case of 2D display, or 2D operation may be accepted in the case of 3D display.

[0353] In addition, when switching the display content of the floating image 3 in response to a mode change, for example, when switching between 2D image display and 3D image display, in addition to abrupt switching with temporary erasure in between, the display may be controlled to transition or change continuously from one display to the other over a predetermined period of time.

[0354] Regarding the above 2D display or 3D display, it is possible to create something that is basically 2D but looks pseudo-3D. Such a display is called pseudo-3D display. It is also possible to create something that is basically 3D but looks pseudo-2D. Such a display is called pseudo-2D display. The 2D display includes the concept of such pseudo-2D display, and the 3D display includes the concept of such pseudo-3D display. For example, as shown in FIG. 30B, an object 3004 that is shaded with respect to a 2D object 3003 can be said to be a pseudo-3D display. Also, as shown in FIG. 30C, an object 3016 generated by depth processing from a planar object 3015 appears as a pseudo-three-dimensional object, and therefore can be said to be a pseudo-3D display. Also, an image such as an animation generated based on a 3D model as shown in FIG. 30E, especially one that has a movement in the depth direction, can be said to be a 3D display or pseudo-3D display.

[0355] [Generating 2D and 3D displays] With respect to Figs. 30A to 30E etc., when displaying a 2D or 3D floating-in-space image 3, the image processor performs rendering processing and shading processing / shading removal processing etc. on the image of an object or the like of the original image data to generate display data of the 2D or 3D image. The 2D display includes the concept of pseudo 2D display. The 3D display includes the concept of pseudo 3D display. The pseudo 3D display includes, for example, the display of a shaded object or a pseudo three-dimensional object. The shading processing may be a processing for generating a two-dimensional shade by two-dimensional image processing, or a processing for generating a three-dimensional shade by three-dimensional image processing.

[0356] As shown in Fig. 28, the image processing unit of the space floating image display device 1000 performs processing to create display data for displaying the space floating image 3 based on the original image data. The display data is data for displaying an image on the screen of, for example, the display device 1 in Fig. 24, the liquid crystal display panel 11 in Fig. 4A, the image display unit 1102 in Fig. 3, or the display unit 2802 in Fig. 28. The image processing unit creates 2D or 3D display data as the display data based on the 2D or 3D display image in the original image data by rendering in a virtual three-dimensional space, in other words, rendering-based processing.

[0357] In this rendering, all of the following conversions are possible based on known techniques: Conversion of 2D original image to 2D floating image3. Conversion of 3D source image to 3D floating image 3. -Conversion of 2D original image to 3D floating image3. -Conversion of 3D original image to 2D floating image3.

[0358] The outline of the rendering-based processing is as follows. The video processing unit performs video processing on the video generated by rendering the virtual 3D space in which the object is placed. The rendering of the virtual 3D space is performed by taking a picture using a perspective projection method with a virtual 3D space camera set in the virtual 3D space. The video generated by rendering is an image rendered by taking a picture of the virtual 3D space in which the object is placed, by setting the angle of view of the virtual 3D space camera so as to satisfy a predetermined condition based on the focal length of the lens of the virtual 3D space camera, the distance at which the user 230 views the screen corresponding to the display range of the floating in space video 3, the diagonal length of the screen, etc.

[0359] FIG. 31A is a table summarizing examples of conversion from original video data to display data for the floating-in-the-air video 3. The table in FIG. 31A shows original video data, conversion, and display data for the floating-in-the-air video 3 as columns. Each row (1) to (4) shows various conversion patterns as described above. There are various possible processes for generating display data for forming the floating-in-the-air video 3. For example, as pattern (1), when there is 2D display video data as the original video data, 2D display data for the floating-in-the-air video 3 is generated by rendering processing based on the 2D display video data. Also, as pattern (2), when there is 3D display video data such as a 3D model as the original video data, 3D display data for the floating-in-the-air video 3 is generated by rendering processing based on the data. Also, conversion from one display data to another display data is possible.

[0360] FIG. 31B shows examples of each pattern (1) to (4) in correspondence with FIG. 31A. The left side is the original video data, and the right side is the display data. Here, the text image "Pleas Push!" is shown as an example of a video object, and a case where shading is added to the text is shown as an example of 3D or pseudo-3D expression. The display data is an image adjusted to match the size of the display range of the floating in space image 3, etc.

[0361] [3-5. Airborne operation judgment and detection method] Next, an example of a method for determining and detecting an aerial operation as a user operation will be described.

[0362] The space floating image display device 1000 of the third embodiment prepares an algorithm or table for determining and detecting an aerial operation according to a 2D operation mode, and an algorithm or table for determining and detecting an aerial operation according to a 3D operation mode, and applies the algorithm or table according to the operation mode. This algorithm or table corresponds to software or data for determining whether a 2D operation or a 3D operation is valid or invalid as an aerial operation, in other words, an aerial operation determination and detection method. The processor performs processing based on the cooperation of hardware such as a memory or a sensor and the software. Since each mode has its own advantages, in the third embodiment (for example, FIG. 24), two types of operation modes and an algorithm or table corresponding to the operation mode are appropriately switched. By changing and applying the algorithm or table according to the state of the operation mode, it becomes possible to preferably detect 2D / 3D aerial operations.

[0363] One problem is that when a 3D operation is accepted, for example when the device is switched to 3D operation mode, if an algorithm that can only determine 2D operations is applied, the accuracy of detecting user operations will be low.

[0364] In this embodiment, the solution is, for example, as follows. (1) The space floating image display device 1000 has two types of algorithms for detecting and judging operations in the air, for example, an algorithm for 2D operation and an algorithm for 3D operation. The image processing unit of the space floating image display device 1000 switches between these two types of algorithms in a timely manner according to, for example, the above-mentioned operation mode.

[0365] (2) The space-floating image display device 1000 is equipped with one common algorithm for determining and detecting aerial operations, regardless of whether the operation is 2D or 3D. In addition, the space-floating image display device 1000 is equipped with two types of tables, for example, a 2D operation determination table and a 3D operation determination table. The image processing unit of the space-floating image display device 1000 refers to the 2D operation determination table when accepting a 2D operation (for example, a planar operation), and refers to the 3D operation determination table when accepting a 3D operation (for example, a depth operation).

[0366] As described above, the accuracy of detecting an aerial operation can be improved by applying an appropriate algorithm or table depending on whether the operation is 2D or 3D to determine and detect the aerial operation.

[0367] FIG. 32A shows an example of a 2D operation determination table as an example of a method for determining an air operation, which is a user operation in the 2D operation mode. In this example, a case where operations with up to two fingers are supported is shown. For example, x1 and y1 are the x and y coordinates as the position coordinates of the location where the first finger is placed on the plane (here, the xy plane) of the floating-in-space image 3. Similarly, x2 and y2 are the position coordinates of the location where the second finger is placed. "Hold" is whether or not there is a hold on the placement at the position coordinates. "Move" is the direction and amount of movement from the position coordinates. "Operation determination" is a determination regarding the air operation to be accepted, such as that shown in FIG. 29A described above. "Processing corresponding to the operation" is the display control processing described above, such as object selection, screen forwarding, and zooming in / out.

[0368] For example, the first line shows a determination regarding the tap operation described above (FIG. 29A). The position coordinates of one placement point are (10, 15), and there is no hold or movement. Based on this detection, it is determined to be a tap operation. For example, the second line shows a determination regarding the swipe operation described above. The position coordinates of one placement point are (8, 12), and the amount of movement in the downward y-direction is 5. Based on this detection, it is determined to be a swipe operation, particularly a downward swipe operation.

[0369] As in the example of FIG. 32A, the image processing unit refers to the display data of the floating-in-space image 3, the detection results by the above-mentioned user operation detection mechanism, and the operation determination table, to determine and detect the operation of the fingers within the plane of the floating-in-space image 3, and executes a display control process associated with the detected operation, in other words, the accepted operation, and the object, etc.

[0370] Similarly, FIG. 32B is an example of a 3D operation determination table. In this example, only the portion of the 3D operation determination table that includes the z direction, which is the depth direction, is shown, but 2D operations that do not include the depth direction can also be determined in the 3D operation determination table. "Initial x" and "Post-x movement" are the initial and post-movement coordinates in the x direction. The same applies to the y and z coordinates. "Shape" is the shape of the finger used as the operation object.

[0371] For example, the first line shows a determination regarding the pressing operation described above (FIG. 29A). For example, regarding the z direction, which is the depth direction, the movement amount in the z+ direction from the front to the back is 5. The shape is one finger, and there is a hold. Based on such detection, it is determined to be a pressing operation, and depending on the determination of the pressing, an object is determined as a process associated with it.

[0372] In the second line, the shape is a palm, and the x-direction has a movement amount of 6 to the left. Based on this detection, it is determined to be a "left sweep" operation, and the "move left / go back" process is executed accordingly. In the third line, the shape is a palm, there is a hold, and the z-direction has a movement amount of 8 from back to front. Based on this detection, it is determined to be a "pull toward" operation, and the "zoom in / out" process is executed accordingly. In the fourth line, the shape is a palm, there is a hold, and there is no movement. Based on this detection, it is determined to be a "grab" operation, and the "end" process is executed accordingly. In the fifth line, the shape is a palm, there is a hold, and the movements include rotation, x-direction movement amount 5, and y+direction movement amount 5. Based on this detection, it is determined to be a "grab and release" operation, and the "display update" process is executed accordingly.

[0373] As in the above example, when judging / detecting an operation using a 2D operation algorithm / table in 2D operation mode, since the depth direction judgment is not included, judgment / detection is possible with less load and faster than in 3D operation mode.

[0374] [3-6. Processing flow for switching between multiple modes] Next, FIG. 33 shows a processing flow of the space floating image display device 1000 in a configuration such as that shown in FIG. 24, in which the above-mentioned multiple modes are switched between a 2D operation mode and a 3D operation mode, and the display of the space floating image 3 is changed for each operation mode.

[0375] In step S1, the image processor of the space floating image display device 1000 checks the current operation mode setting. If it is the above-mentioned 2D operation mode, proceed to step S2, and if it is the 3D operation mode, proceed to step S3. In step S1, the operation mode setting is checked to determine the mode to be used first. In step S1, the mode to be used may be determined by judging various triggers and conditions such as those shown in FIG. 25 above.

[0376] In step S2, the image processor displays the space floating image 3 for 2D operation in accordance with the 2D operation mode. That is, the space floating image 3 for the above-mentioned 2D display is displayed to encourage 2D operation, for example.

[0377] In step S3, the image processor displays the space floating image 3 for 3D operation in accordance with the 3D operation mode. That is, the space floating image 3 for the 3D display described above is displayed to encourage 3D operation, for example.

[0378] After step S2 or step S3, in step S4, the image processor uses the above-mentioned user operation detection mechanism to determine and detect an aerial operation by the user 230 on the floating-in-space image 3. For example, in the case of a 2D operation mode, the image processor uses an algorithm / table corresponding to the 2D operation mode to determine and detect a 2D operation. In the case of a 3D operation mode, the image processor uses an algorithm / table corresponding to the 3D operation mode to determine and detect a 2D operation or a 3D operation as an aerial operation that is a user operation. If the result of this determination and detection is a valid operation, in other words an accepted operation, an allowed operation, the process proceeds to step S6, and if the result is an invalid operation, in other words an unacceptable operation, an unallowable operation, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0379] In step S5, the image processor outputs feedback to the user 230 to the effect that the operation is invalid. This may be, for example, a feedback display on the screen of the floating-in-space image 3, or a feedback audio output. The process returns from step S5 to step S4.

[0380] In step S6, the image processor executes a process according to a valid user operation, that is, a display control process set in association with an aerial operation and an object as described above. For example, if the 3D operation is a push operation on a button object, the display of the floating image 3 is updated so that the button object is pushed in to a position on the far side in the depth direction (described later). As in the flow of steps S4 and S6, the basic principle is that the process according to the user operation is executed immediately.

[0381] Furthermore, in step S7, the image processor outputs a feedback to the user 230 that the operation is valid. For example, the feedback may be displayed on the screen of the floating-in-space image 3, or may be an audio feedback output.

[0382] The feedback output in step S7 or step S5 may be an output defined for each object or aerial operation. Examples of the feedback output include an effect display indicating that the aerial operation has been accepted as a valid aerial operation, and an effect display indicating that the aerial operation has not been accepted as an invalid aerial operation (described later). It is desirable that the processes of steps S6 and S7 are both executed promptly after it is determined in step S4 that a valid user operation has been performed. In this processing flow, step S7 is executed after step S6, but this is just one example, and the order of steps S6 and S7 may be reversed if feedback output to the user 230 is to be prioritized.

[0383] In step S8, the image processor checks and judges whether to switch the operation mode or change the setting of the operation mode during the display of the 2D or 3D space floating image 3. If it is judged that the operation mode should be changed, the process proceeds to step S9, and if it is judged that the operation mode should not be changed, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0384] This confirmation and judgment may include, for example, the following items: 1. As in #3 of FIG. 25, the user 230 inputs a mode designation operation (described later). 2. Automatic judgment by the space floating image display device 1000, similar to #5 in Fig. 25. For example, judgment according to the user operation situation (Example 4 described later).

[0385] In step S9, the video processor changes the operation mode setting, that is, from 2D operation mode to 3D operation mode in the case of the flow from step S2, and from 3D operation mode to 2D operation mode in the case of the flow from step S3.

[0386] In the next step S10, the image processor displays the space floating image 3 for 2D operation or 3D operation as a display mode according to the changed operation mode. In step S11, the process waits for the next user operation, and the same process is repeated thereafter.

[0387] [Examples of 2D operation and 2D display] FIG. 34 shows an example of a swipe operation as an example of a planar operation, which is a 2D operation on an object of the floating-in-space image 3, and an example of a corresponding 2D display. (1A) is a front view of the xy plane of the floating-in-space image 3, and a button object 3401 is displayed at the center position (x coordinate is x1, y coordinate is y1). This button object 3401 is an object that accepts a swipe operation, in other words, a slide operation. For ease of explanation, a case is shown in which the text image "Slide" is displayed on the button object 3401, but there are also cases where such a guide display is not performed.

[0388] (1B) is a yz plane view of the state of (1A) seen from the side. The user 230 touches a position 3403 where a button object 3401 is located in the xy plane with a finger 3402, particularly one finger. At this time, the finger 3402 is placed at, for example, a position (x1, y1, z1). For example, the figure shows a case where the same user operation detection mechanisms 1701 and 1702 as those in FIG. 17 are present.

[0389] (2A) shows a state when the user 230 swipes the button object 3401, for example, to the right (x+ direction) from the state of (1A). (2B) is a yz plan view of the state of (2A) seen from the side. The user 230 moves the finger 3402 to the right (x+ direction). The finger 3402b is placed at a position (x2, y1, z1) corresponding to the location 3404, for example. Note that the finger may move to some extent in the z direction during the swipe operation. In response to detection of the planar operation, which is the swipe operation, using the user detection mechanism 1701, the image processing unit moves the button object 3401 to the right and displays it as the button object 3401b.

[0390] When the video processor receives a swipe operation on the button object 3401 as described above, since the swipe operation is a 2D operation, the video processor switches to a 2D operation mode and displays the button object 3401 in a 2D display mode as shown in the figure. This makes it possible to prompt the user 230 to perform a 2D operation on the button object 3401. In addition, in the 2D operation mode, high-speed detection is possible using the user detection mechanism 1701 as described above.

[0391] [Examples of 3D operation and 3D display] Fig. 35 shows an example of a push operation as an example of a 3D operation on an object of the floating-in-space image 3, and an example of a corresponding 3D display. (1A) is a front view of the xy plane of the floating-in-space image 3, and a button object 3501 is displayed at the center position (x coordinate is x1, y coordinate is y1). This button object 3501 is an object that accepts a push operation. For ease of explanation, a case is shown in which the text image "Push" is displayed on the button object 3501, but there are also cases where such a guide display is not displayed.

[0392] (1B) is a yz plane view of the state of (1A) seen from the side. The user 230 touches a position 3503 where a button object 3501 is located in the xy plane with a finger 3502, particularly one finger. At this time, the finger 3502 is placed at, for example, a position (x1, y1, z1). For example, the figure shows a case where the same user operation detection mechanisms 1701 and 1702 as those in FIG. 17 are present.

[0393] (2A) shows a state when the user 230 performs an operation to push the button object 3501 backward in the z direction from the state of (1A). The user 230 moves the finger 3502, particularly one finger, in the z+ direction, which is the backward direction. As a result, the finger 3502b after the movement is located at, for example, a position (x1, y1, z2) corresponding to the position 3503. Note that the finger may move to some extent in the xy directions during the pushing operation.

[0394] The video processor detects 3D operations including the depth operation, which is the above-mentioned pressing operation, using the user detection mechanisms 1701 and 1702. In response to the detection, the video processor displays the button object 3501 in a state such that it appears as if the button object 3501 has moved visually to the rear as seen by the user 230, as shown by the button object 3501b. For example, the button object 3501b is reduced in size and has a changed color / brightness compared to the button object 3501 in (1A). This provides a visual effect such that the button object 3501 appears to have moved to the rear as seen by the user 230.

[0395] When the video processor receives a push operation on the button object 3501 as described above, since the push operation is a 3D operation, the video processor switches to a 3D operation mode and displays the button object 3501 in a 3D display mode. In this example, the button object 3501 is a rectangular image shaded in the lower right direction, and the text image "Push" is also shaded. This makes it possible to prompt the user 230 to perform a 3D operation on the button object 3501.

[0396] As in the above example, by applying a suitable 2D display / 3D display in response to the 2D operation / 3D operation, the operability for the user 230 can be improved.

[0397] [Feedback display example] Fig. 36 shows examples of feedback display regarding the aforementioned invalid operations. In the example (1), feedback display indicating invalid is displayed when the user 230 performs a depth operation on an object 3601 that accepts, for example, a swipe operation as a 2D operation, as in Fig. 34. In this invalid display, a cross is displayed on the object 3601, and a text image saying "not accepted" is displayed. In the example (2), feedback display indicating invalid is displayed when the user 230 performs a planar operation on an object 3602 that accepts, for example, a press operation as a 3D operation, as in Fig. 35. In this invalid display, a cross is displayed on the object 3602, and a text image saying "not accepted" is displayed.

[0398] [3-7. Mode information output function] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the following function may be additionally provided: With this function, information indicating the current mode state and its switching regarding the operation and display of the floating-in-space image 3 is output to the user 230.

[0399] One issue is that the effective operation by the user differs between a state where only 2D operations are accepted and a state where 3D operations are also accepted. This state and state changes are difficult for the user to see / understand, so there is a possibility that this state and the actual user operation will not match, and the user may feel that the operability is poor.

[0400] As a solution, the third embodiment has a mode information output function as follows: The mode information output function includes the following functions, and at least one of them may be applied.

[0401] 1. When switching between 2D and 3D operation, the space floating image display device 1000 outputs a notification sound to inform the user of the current mode or the mode after switching from speakers installed inside and outside the housing 1190. Examples of this sound include a short sound, a long sound, a beep, and a natural language sound.

[0402] 2. When switching between 2D and 3D operation, the space-floating image display device 1000 displays an image such as an indicator notation indicating the current mode or the mode after switching within the display range of the space-floating image 3, separate from the original display content of the space-floating image 3.

[0403] 3. When switching between 2D and 3D operation, the space floating image display device 1000 displays an image indicating that the operation mode will be switched for a predetermined period of several seconds or until an operation is performed by the user 230.

[0404] In addition, detailed examples of the above two functions are as follows: 2-1. An indicator display section showing the current mode is provided at a predetermined position within the display range of the space floating image 3, and an image showing the current mode, etc. is displayed on the indicator display section at appropriate times. The indicator display unit is provided at any of the top, bottom, left and right ends of the display range, but is not limited thereto and may be displayed at any position within the display range. In addition, the position of the indicator display unit may be changed as needed, for example, depending on the GUI or content to be displayed.

[0405] [Mode information output example] FIG. 37 shows an example of an indicator display in the space floating image 3 as a configuration example related to the mode information output function. The upper part of FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of the vicinity of the opening 3700 on the upper surface of the housing 1190 of the space floating image display device 1000 corresponding to the configuration example of FIG. 24 and the like, and the space floating image 3. The lower part of FIG. 37 shows an example of display of the space floating image 3 in the xy plane. The opening 3700 is provided with the transparent member 100 and the like described above. The user 230 can preferably view the space floating image 3 from the direction of the arrow A corresponding to the Y direction and the z direction. The space floating image 3 has a predetermined display range 3R, which is a roughly square area in this example. In this example, the space floating image 3 also displays a frame image 3709 that represents an outline corresponding to the display range 3R. The display range 3R has a main content display section 3701. In this example, a character image 3702 is displayed in the main content display section 3701. The character video 3702 is an example of a 3D display.

[0406] Also, an indicator display unit 3703 is provided in a predetermined part of the display range 3R, for example, in the upper right position. In this example, an image 3704 indicating that the display is in a 3D mode corresponding to 3D operation and 3D display is displayed on the indicator display unit 3703. This image 3704 is a three-dimensional character image in which shading is added based on the character "3D."

[0407] The image displayed on the indicator display unit 3703 may be any image that allows the user 230 to easily recognize whether the current mode is 2D operation mode, 3D operation mode, etc., and may be, for example, any of letters, figures, symbols, icons, still images, videos, character representations, etc.

[0408] When the image 3704 showing the current mode is displayed on the indicator display unit 3703, it may be displayed constantly or temporarily. An example of a temporary display may be a display for a certain period of time when a certain mode is started, or a display for a certain period of time when the mode is switched. In another example, it may be displayed for a certain period of time when the user 230 performs some operation, for example, when it is detected that the plane of the floating-in-space image 3 is touched.

[0409] [Example of indicator display image] FIG. 38 shows, in the form of a table, an example of the display of image 3704 as an indicator in indicator display section 3703 in display range 3R of the above-mentioned floating-in-space image 3. Each row indicates whether the indicator display content is text or a figure. Two columns indicate whether the mode is 2D operation mode or 3D operation mode. For example, in the first row, in the 2D operation mode, the text "2D" is displayed as image 3801. In the 3D operation mode, the text "3D" is displayed as image 3802. In the second row, in the 2D operation mode, a triangle is displayed as image 3803 as a planar figure. In the 3D operation mode, a cube is displayed as image 3804 as a solid figure.

[0410] In another example, as shown in the third line, in the 3D operation mode, the letters "3D" may be displayed as image 3806. Image 3806 is a letter image based on image 3802 and given depth and shading through image processing such as depth processing or shading processing. Also, as shown in the fourth line, in the 3D operation mode, a triangle may be displayed as image 3808 as a planar figure. Image 3808 is an image based on image 3803 and given depth and shading through image processing such as depth processing or shading processing.

[0411] When displaying an image with a sense of depth such as image 3806 or image 3808, in other words a 3D image / pseudo 3D image, such an image may be prepared and set in advance, or may be generated from a base 2D image by image processing or the like. Examples of such processing include a stereoscopic effect by changing the background color, adding shading, etc. Similarly, a 2D image / pseudo 2D image may be generated from a base 3D image by image processing or the like.

[0412] As in the above example, when the current mode is the 3D operation mode, it is preferable to make the indicator display image an image of 3D / pseudo 3D expression that gives a sense of depth so that the fact that 3D operations are accepted is easily conveyed to the user 230. Conversely, when the current mode is the 2D operation mode, it is preferable to make the indicator display image an image of 2D / pseudo 2D expression that gives a sense of depth so that the fact that only 2D operations are accepted is easily conveyed to the user 230.

[0413] [Audio output example] FIG. 39 shows an example of outputting a notification sound for informing the current mode or the mode after switching from a speaker 3900 installed inside or outside the housing 1190 as one of the mode information output functions when switching between 2D operation and 3D operation. The speaker 3900 corresponds to the audio output unit 1140 in FIG. 3. The space-floating image display device 1000 performs audio output 3901, for example, when the 2D operation mode is started or when the mode is switched to the 2D operation mode. The audio output 3901 is, for example, a sound such as "This is the 2D operation mode." The space-floating image display device 1000 performs audio output 3902, for example, when the 3D operation mode is started or when the mode is switched to the 3D operation mode. The audio output 3902 is, for example, a sound such as "This is the 3D operation mode."

[0414] [Another example of indicator display: Overlay display] FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing a superimposed display as another example of the indicator display in the space floating image 3. In the upper part of FIG. 40, in the xy plane of the display range 3R of the space floating image 3, the first main content 4001 and the second main content 4002 are displayed in the main content display section 3701, and the indicator display section 3703 is located in the upper right. In this example, a state in which no indicator image is displayed in the indicator display section 3703 is shown. In this state, a part of the character image, which is the first main content 4001, is superimposed in the indicator display section 3703. The superimposed section 4003 is a portion where the first main content 4001 and the indicator display section 3703 are superimposed.

[0415] 40 shows three display examples (A), (B), and (C) of the image display of the indicator display portion 3703. When the overlapping portion 4003 occurs, any of these display examples can be applied.

[0416] The first example of (A) is an example in which a content portion 4004 corresponding to the superimposition portion 4003 is displayed as a lower layer, and an indicator image 4005 indicating the current mode is superimposed on the upper layer. In the first example, a part of the content portion 4004 is displayed hidden by the indicator image 4005. This example is suitable when priority is given to conveying the current mode.

[0417] The second example of (B) is an example in which a content portion 4004 corresponding to the superimposition portion 4003 is displayed as an upper layer, and an indicator image 4005 is superimposed on the lower layer. In the second example, a part of the indicator image 4005 is displayed hidden by a part of the content portion 4004. This example is suitable when priority is given to the display of the main content video.

[0418] The third example of (C) is an example in which indicator image 4005 is made semi-transparent as image 4005C and is displayed superimposed on content portion 4004 corresponding to overlapping portion 4003. In the third example, image 4005C is displayed so that part of content portion 4004 can be seen through to the back side. When the indicator display image and the main content video overlap in this way, one or both of the indicator display image and the main content video, or parts of them, may be displayed after being subjected to image processing so as to appear semi-transparent.

[0419] By applying the above display example, even if the indicator display overlaps with the main image such as the content of the space floating image 3 or the GUI, a suitable display is possible.

[0420] [Another example of indicator display: Mode name] Fig. 41A shows another example of indicator display in the space floating image 3 related to mode information display, in which a character image of the mode name, an icon, etc. are displayed. In the example of Fig. 41 (1), an indicator display unit 4103 is provided in the upper side area of ​​the display range 3R. In the space floating image 3, for example, a button object 4101 displayed in 2D is displayed. In the indicator display unit 4103, a character image "2D operation mode" is displayed. Also, in the indicator display unit 4103, an arrow image 4102 representing the 2D operation mode is displayed. This arrow image 4102 is an icon image expressing two dimensions in the xy directions.

[0421] In the example of (2), the floating-in-space image 3 displays, for example, a 3D button object 4104. A "3D operation mode" text image is displayed in the indicator display portion 4103. Also, an arrow image 4105 representing the 3D operation mode is displayed in the indicator display portion 4103. This arrow image 4105 is an icon image expressing three dimensions in the x, y, and z directions.

[0422] [Variation: Mode selection display] FIG. 41B shows a display example of the space-floating image 3 in a modified example. While a main image such as a GUI or content is displayed in the display range 3R of the space-floating image 3, a GUI may be displayed to allow the user 230 to select and switch the operation mode. In the example of (1) in FIG. 41B, initially, in the 3D operation mode, a 3D display object 4111 is displayed, and a "3D" image indicating the current 3D operation mode is displayed in the indicator display unit 3703 in the upper right. Furthermore, a 2D operation button 4112 for selecting and switching the operation mode is displayed at the bottom of ...

Claims

1. A floating-in-the-air image display device, An image processing section; a display unit that displays the image that has been processed by the image processing unit; an optical system for generating a floating image based on the image displayed by the display unit; a detection mechanism for detecting a user's mid-air operation on the floating-in-the-air image; Equipped with a 2D operation mode that accepts a planar operation on a plane of the floating-in-the-air image as the aerial operation; In the 2D operation mode, an image prompting the planar operation is displayed on the floating image. A floating image display device.

2. A floating-in-the-air image display device, An image processing section; a display unit that displays the image that has been processed by the image processing unit; an optical system for generating a floating image based on the image displayed by the display unit; a detection mechanism for detecting a user's mid-air operation on the floating-in-the-air image; Equipped with a 3D operation mode that accepts a depth operation with respect to a plane of the floating-in-the-air image as the aerial operation; In the 3D operation mode, an image prompting the depth operation is displayed on the floating-in-the-air image. A floating image display device.

3. A floating-in-the-air image display device, An image processing section; a display unit that displays the image that has been processed by the image processing unit; an optical system for generating a floating image based on the image displayed by the display unit; a detection mechanism for detecting a user's mid-air operation on the floating-in-the-air image; Equipped with a 2D operation mode in which a planar operation on a plane of the floating-in-the-air image is accepted as the aerial operation; a 3D operation mode in which a depth operation with respect to a plane of the floating-in-the-air image is received as the aerial operation; Switching between the 2D operation mode and the 3D operation mode; In the 2D operation mode, an image prompting the planar operation is displayed on the floating image; In the 3D operation mode, an image prompting the depth operation is displayed on the floating-in-the-air image. A floating image display device.

4. 4. The airborne image display device according to claim 3, The selection and switching between the 2D operation mode and the 3D operation mode is performed based on any one of the following triggers: A. Setting the airborne image display device; B. Setting of an application provided on the floating-in-the-air image display device; C. A mode specified by the user; D. Attribute or mode designation for each image to be displayed; A floating image display device.

5. 4. The airborne image display device according to claim 3, When the planar operation is accepted as the aerial operation, control is performed so that a 2D image is displayed on the floating-in-the-air image; When the depth operation is received as the aerial operation, control is performed so that a 3D image is displayed on the floating-in-the-air image. A floating image display device.

6. 4. The airborne image display device according to claim 3, When a 2D image is displayed on the floating-in-the-air image, control is performed so as to accept the planar operation as the aerial operation; When a 3D image is displayed on the floating-in-the-air image, control is performed so as to accept the depth operation as the mid-air operation. A floating image display device.

7. 4. The airborne image display device according to claim 3, The floating-in-the-air image display device or an external device connected to the floating-in-the-air image display device describes a 2D display or 3D display attribute, a 2D operation or 3D operation attribute, or a mode designation for a display target image to be displayed as the floating-in-the-air image; selecting between said 2D mode of operation and said 3D mode of operation based on said description; A floating image display device.

8. 4. The airborne image display device according to claim 3, The image that prompts the plane operation is an image without a plane figure or a shadow, or an image with a movement expression in a plane direction, The image that prompts the depth manipulation is an image having a three-dimensional figure or a shadow, or an image having a movement expression in the depth direction. A floating image display device.

9. 4. The airborne image display device according to claim 3, providing an indicator display in a part of a display range of the floating-in-the-air image, and displaying on the indicator display whether a current mode is the 2D operation mode or the 3D operation mode; A floating image display device.

10. 10. The airborne image display device according to claim 9, The indicator display is a 2D image when in the 2D operation mode, and is a 3D image when in the 3D operation mode. A floating image display device.

11. 10. The airborne image display device according to claim 9, When a part of the main image displayed in the display range of the floating-in-the-air image overlaps with an image of the indicator display, the indicator display is displayed in one of the following ways: A. The image of the indicator display is superimposed on a part of the main image, B. A part of the main video is superimposed on the image of the indicator display, C. Displaying the image of the indicator display semi-transparently on a part of the main video; A floating image display device.

12. 4. The airborne image display device according to claim 3, displaying an image for designating the 2D operation mode or the 3D operation mode on the floating-in-the-air image; when the 2D operation mode or the 3D operation mode is designated based on the image, switching to the designated 2D operation mode or the 3D operation mode; A floating image display device.

13. A floating-in-the-air image display device, An image processing section; a display unit that displays the image that has been processed by the image processing unit; an optical system for generating a floating image based on the image displayed by the display unit; a detection mechanism for detecting a user's mid-air operation on the floating-in-the-air image; Equipped with a 2D operation mode in which a planar operation on a plane of the floating-in-the-air image is accepted as the aerial operation; a 3D operation mode in which a depth operation with respect to a plane of the floating-in-the-air image is received as the aerial operation; Switching between the 2D operation mode and the 3D operation mode; The 2D operation mode is a mode in which the planar operation and the depth operation can be detected during processing; The 3D operation mode is a mode in which the planar operation and the depth operation can be detected during processing; determining whether to switch between the 2D operation mode and the 3D operation mode based on a state of detection of the aerial operation of the user while the floating-in-the-air image is being displayed, and switching between the 2D operation mode and the 3D operation mode based on the determination; A floating image display device.

14. 14. The airborne image display device according to claim 13, In the 2D operation mode, an image prompting the planar operation is displayed on the floating image; In the 3D operation mode, an image prompting the depth operation is displayed on the floating-in-the-air image. A floating image display device.

15. 3. The airborne image display device according to claim 2, the 3D operation mode is a mode in which both a planar operation with respect to a plane of the floating-in-the-air image and the depth operation are accepted as the aerial operation, In the 3D operation mode, when the planar operation is prompted, an image prompting the planar operation is displayed on the floating-in-the-air image, and when the depth operation is prompted, an image prompting the depth operation is displayed on the floating-in-the-air image. A floating image display device.

Images