Aerial image formation device

Abstract

To provide an aerial image formation device which can improve the visibility of an aerial image.SOLUTION: The aerial image formation device includes: an image formation unit for forming image formation target light in incident light into an incident plane, into an actual image on an image formation plane in the air; and a light adjusting unit for preventing light in the incident light other than the image formation target light from leaking in the air through the image formation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerial imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an aerial imaging device that images an image displayed on a display unit of an image display device on an imaging plane in the air and displays the image (hereinafter referred to as an aerial image) on the imaging plane, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. Such an aerial imaging device has a transparent imaging unit that images the image displayed on the display unit as an aerial image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-67071 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of the aerial imaging device described above, the image on the display unit may be directly visible to a user standing in front of the aerial imaging device. If the image on the display unit is directly visible to the user, the visibility of the aerial image may be reduced.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an aerial imaging device capable of improving the visibility of an aerial image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the aerial imaging device according to the present invention is to an imaging section that images a target light beam, which is incident on an entrance surface, as a real image on an imaging surface in the air; and a light adjustment section that suppresses leakage of light other than the light to be imaged from the incident light into the air through the imaging section. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, an aerial imaging device capable of improving the visibility of an aerial image can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a non-contact input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration and function of the louver film. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the action and effect of the present invention, and is a schematic diagram showing a view seen by a user of the non-contact input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the action and effect of the present invention, and is a schematic diagram showing a view seen by a user of a non-contact input device according to a comparative example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the non-contact input device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a non-contact input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a non-contact input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a display device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the light source unit incorporated in the display device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration and function of the light adjustment unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the action and effect obtained from the exhibition device according to the embodiment 4, and is a schematic diagram showing the view seen by a user of the exhibition device according to the embodiment 4. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the action and effect obtained from the exhibition device according to the embodiment 4, and is a schematic diagram showing the view seen by a user of the exhibition device according to the comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An example of an aerial imaging device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the aerial imaging device described below is an example of the aerial imaging device according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0010] [Embodiment 1] A non-contact input device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. The non-contact input device 1 corresponds to an example of an aerial imaging device.

[0011] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a non-contact input device 1 according to this embodiment. The non-contact input device 1 is a device equipped with a so-called aerial display. The aerial display can project information and images into the air.

[0012] Such a non-contact input device 1 is used as a terminal for a user U to input information or a terminal for a user U to obtain information in various places (stores, public facilities, medical facilities, factories, etc.).

[0013] Specifically, the non-contact input device 1 may be used as an accounting terminal or a reception terminal, or as an operation input terminal for inputting operation inputs to various devices.

[0014] In the following description, when describing the structure of the non-contact input device 1 and each of the members that make up the non-contact input device 1, a Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) shown in FIG. 1 may be used. The X direction corresponds to the front-to-rear direction of the non-contact input device 1. The + side of the X direction corresponds to the front side of the non-contact input device 1. The - side of the X direction corresponds to the rear side of the non-contact input device 1.

[0015] Moreover, the Y direction corresponds to the left-right direction and the width direction of the non-contact input device 1. The + side of the Y direction corresponds to the left side when the non-contact input device 1 is viewed from the front of the non-contact input device 1. The - side of the Y direction corresponds to the right side when the non-contact input device 1 is viewed from the front of the non-contact input device 1.

[0016] The Z direction corresponds to the up-down direction of the non-contact input device 1. The +Z direction side corresponds to the upper side of the non-contact input device 1. The -Z direction side corresponds to the lower side of the non-contact input device 1.

[0017] The non-contact input device 1 includes a housing 2, a display unit 3, an imaging unit 4, a light adjustment unit 5, an input detection unit 6 (see FIG. 2), and a control unit .

[0018] The non-contact input device 1 according to this embodiment is a so-called horizontally placed non-contact input device. In the case of a horizontally placed non-contact input device, the aerial image G1 is displayed above the non-contact input device 1, as shown in Fig. 1. Note that the non-contact input device is not limited to the horizontally placed non-contact input device.

[0019] The non-contact input device may be a so-called vertically-placed non-contact input device. The vertically-placed non-contact input device has a configuration in which the non-contact input device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is rotated 90° clockwise in Fig. 1. In the case of the vertically-placed non-contact input device, the aerial image G1 is displayed above the non-contact input device 1.

[0020] The housing 2 is box-shaped and is a member for housing or supporting the elements 3 to 7 that constitute the non-contact input device 1. In the case of this embodiment, the housing 2 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the front-rear direction.

[0021] However, the shape of the housing is not limited to the shape of the housing 2 of this embodiment. The shape of the housing may be appropriately determined depending on the environment in which the non-contact input device 1 is installed. The shape of the housing 2 is not limited to a box shape. The shape of the housing 2 may be various shapes that can accommodate or support each of the elements 3 to 7 that configure the non-contact input device 1.

[0022] The display unit 3 may be, for example, various displays (for example, a liquid crystal display) that display images. The display unit 3 is supported by the housing 2 via a support portion 21. The display unit 3 faces diagonally upward and rearward toward the imaging unit 4 described below.

[0023] Specifically, the display unit 3 is supported by the support unit 21 in a state in which the front end of the display unit 3 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ1 in a direction approaching the imaging unit 4 described below with respect to a virtual line α1 parallel to the horizontal direction. In the case of this embodiment, the predetermined angle θ1 is 45°.

[0024] The display unit 3 has a display surface 30 that emits light for an image, and a main body unit 31 that supports the display surface 30.

[0025] The light of the display image displayed on display surface 30 is focused as an aerial image G1 on imaging surface S by imaging unit 4, which will be described later. Aerial image G1 corresponds to an example of a real image. Imaging surface S is a virtual area that exists in the air outside housing 2.

[0026] Of the light of the display image displayed by display surface 30, the light that is imaged by imaging unit 4 as aerial image G1 on imaging surface S is sometimes referred to as image-target light. The light of the display image displayed by display surface 30 also includes light other than the light that is imaged by imaging unit 4 as aerial image G1 on imaging surface S (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as non-image-target light).

[0027] The imaging surface S may be regarded as a virtual area having a size sufficient to form at least the aerial image G1. The area on the imaging surface S where the aerial image G1 is formed may also be referred to as an aerial image area.

[0028] Moreover, the imaging plane S is a virtual area that exists at a position that is plane-symmetrical to the display unit 3 with respect to the imaging unit 4 (in other words, the virtual line α2). The virtual line α2 is a virtual line that passes through the imaging unit 4 and is parallel to the horizontal direction. The virtual line α2 also passes through the imaging unit 4 and indicates a plane that is parallel to the imaging unit 4.

[0029] Specifically, the imaging surface S is a virtual area inclined at a predetermined angle θ2 with respect to a virtual line α3 parallel to the horizontal direction in a direction in which the front end of the imaging surface S approaches the imaging unit 4. In the case of this embodiment, the predetermined angle θ2 is 45°.

[0030] The display operation of the display unit 3 is controlled by a control unit 7, which will be described later. The control process of the display unit 3 by the control unit 7 will be described later.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 1, imaging unit 4 is a plate-shaped member. Imaging unit 4 is arranged parallel in the front-rear and left-right directions. Imaging unit 4 images the display image of display unit 3 in an aerial image area on imaging plane S as an aerial image G1.

[0032] In this embodiment, the imaging unit 4 has a plurality of light reflecting surfaces (not shown). As shown in Fig. 1, light of a display image on the display unit 3 is incident on the imaging unit 4 from the direction indicated by the arrow A2. Hereinafter, the light of the display image incident on the imaging unit 4 may be referred to as "incident light related to the display image".

[0033] The incident light related to the display image includes light (i.e., light to be imaged) that is imaged as aerial image G1 on imaging surface S by imaging unit 4. The incident light related to the display image also includes light other than the light to be imaged (i.e., light that is not to be imaged).

[0034] Of the incident light related to the display image, light to be imaged is reflected a prescribed number of times (e.g., twice) by multiple light reflecting surfaces and emitted from imaging unit 4 in the direction indicated by arrow A3 in Fig. 1. Then, the emitted light related to the display image is imaged as an aerial image G1 on imaging surface S.

[0035] In this way, of the light incident on imaging unit 4, only the light that has been reflected a specified number of times by multiple light reflecting surfaces (image target light) is imaged as an aerial image G1 on imaging surface S by imaging unit 4. The reason for this is that the angle of incidence of the image target light on imaging unit 4 is an angle that allows it to be reflected a specified number of times by multiple light reflecting surfaces.

[0036] On the other hand, of the light incident on imaging unit 4, light that is not reflected by the multiple light reflecting surfaces a specified number of times (light not to be imaged) is not imaged as an aerial image G1 on imaging surface S by imaging unit 4. The reason for this is that the angle of incidence of the non-image target light on imaging unit 4 is not an angle at which the light can be reflected by the multiple light reflecting surfaces a specified number of times.

[0037] Furthermore, the light of the display image emitted from the imaging unit 4 may be referred to as "emitted light related to the display image."

[0038] The outgoing light related to the display image includes light (i.e., light to be imaged) that is imaged as aerial image G1 on imaging surface S by imaging unit 4. The outgoing light related to the display image also includes light other than the light to be imaged (i.e., light that is not to be imaged).

[0039] The incident angle of the light to be imaged in the incident light for the display image is equal to the inclination angle θ1 with respect to the virtual line α1 of the display unit 3. In the present embodiment, the incident angle of the light to be imaged in the exit light for the display image is 45°. In addition, the exit angle of the light to be imaged in the exit light for the display image is equal to the incident angle of the light to be imaged in the incident light for the display image. In the present embodiment, the exit angle of the light to be imaged in the exit light for the display image is 45°.

[0040] The light adjustment unit 5 suppresses leakage of light other than the light to be imaged in the emitted light related to the display image into the air through the imaging unit 4. Note that the light adjustment unit 5 does not need to suppress leakage of all light other than the light to be imaged in the emitted light related to the display image.

[0041] The light adjustment unit 5 also passes light to be imaged in the emitted light related to the display image, and blocks light directed from the display unit 3 (specifically, the display surface 30) toward the user U in use (i.e., the user U in FIG. 1).

[0042] The light adjustment unit 5 is provided on the surface (sometimes referred to as the first surface) on the air side of the imaging unit 4. Specifically, the light adjustment unit 5 is configured by a louver film. However, the light adjustment unit 5 is not limited to a louver film. The light adjustment unit may be various members that can achieve the same function as a louver film.

[0043] 1 and 2, a specific configuration of the light adjustment unit 5 will be described below. The light adjustment unit 5 is a film parallel to the front-rear direction (X direction) and the left-right direction (Y direction). Therefore, the thickness direction of the light adjustment unit 5 coincides with the Z direction.

[0044] The light adjustment section 5 has a plurality of light transmitting sections 50 and a plurality of light blocking sections 51 .

[0045] Each of the light transmitting portions 50 extends in the left-right direction (i.e., the Y direction). Each of the light transmitting portions 50 may be a space. Alternatively, the light transmitting portions 50 may be made of a transparent member having a high transmittance (for example, transparent silicone rubber).

[0046] The light blocking portion 51 absorbs light that it comes into contact with. The light blocking portion 51 may be made of a material with low transmittance (for example, black silicone rubber). The light blocking portion 51 is in the form of a plate whose longitudinal direction coincides with the left-right direction.

[0047] The light blocking portion 51 is arranged at a predetermined angle θ 51 The height of the light blocking portion 51 in the vertical direction is H 51 The distance (i.e., pitch) between the light blocking portions 51 in the front-rear direction is P 51 The height H of the light blocking portion 51 51 is equal to the height of the light transmitting portion 50.

[0048] The light transmitting portions 50 and the light blocking portions 51 are arranged alternately in the front-rear direction. In other words, one light transmitting portion 50 is arranged between the light blocking portions 51 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction.

[0049] 2, of the light emitted from imaging unit 4 and incident on light adjustment unit 5, only light L1 that passes through light transmission unit 50 without contacting light blocking unit 51 is emitted from light adjustment unit 5. Light L1 is light to be imaged. Therefore, light L1 is light that is imaged as an aerial image G1 on imaging surface S.

[0050] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, among the light emitted from the imaging unit 4 and incident on the light adjustment unit 5, the light L2 and L3 that come into contact with the light blocking unit 51 are absorbed by the light blocking unit 51 and do not exit from the light adjustment unit 5.

[0051] The light L2 and the light L3 may be regarded as light that is incident on the imaging unit 4 and is not reflected a specified number of times by a plurality of light reflecting surfaces. The light L2 is incident on the same region of the imaging unit 4 as the region into which the light L1, which is the light to be imaged, is incident.

[0052] Furthermore, the light L3 may be considered as light traveling from the display unit 3 (specifically, the display surface 30) toward the user U in use (i.e., the user U in FIG. 1). In the present embodiment, the light traveling toward the user U in use (i.e., the user U in FIG. 1) may be considered as light traveling forward and upward from the display unit 3.

[0053] By blocking the light L3 by the light adjustment unit 5, the display unit 3 (specifically, the display surface 30) can be made invisible to the user U in use.

[0054] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a view seen by a user U who is using the non-contact input device 1 according to this embodiment. The user U is omitted in Fig. 3. The user U is looking at the non-contact input device 1 (specifically, the aerial image G1) from in front of and above the non-contact input device 1, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0055] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a user U can view an aerial image G1 in the usage state.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light L3 traveling from the display unit 3 (specifically, the display surface 30) toward the user U in use is blocked, so that the user U cannot see the display unit 3 (specifically, the display surface 30).

[0057] 4 is a schematic diagram showing a view seen by a user (not shown) who is using a non-contact input device 1S according to a comparative example. The non-contact input device 1S does not include the light adjustment unit 5 that is included in the non-contact input device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0058] 2 are emitted into the air from imaging unit 4. In the case of non-contact input device 1S of the comparative example, the user can also see aerial image G1 in the usage state, as shown in FIG.

[0059] Furthermore, in the case of non-contact input device 1S of the comparative example, light L3 directed from display unit 3 (specifically, display surface 30) toward the user in use is not blocked, so that the user in use can see display unit 3 (specifically, display surface 30) in front of aerial image G1. Light L3 directed toward the user may be considered to be light in a direction parallel to arrow A1 in Fig. 1. Arrow A1 in Fig. 1 is on a straight line connecting display unit 3 and the face of user U.

[0060] In this way, if the display unit 3 (specifically, display surface 30) is visible along with the aerial image G1, the visibility of the aerial image G1 is significantly reduced. On the other hand, as described above, in this embodiment, the display unit 3 (specifically, display surface 30) is not visible to the user U in the usage state. As a result, in this embodiment, the visibility of the aerial image G1 can be improved.

[0061] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the light adjustment unit 5 is provided on the air-side surface of the imaging unit 4, the light reflected by the surface of the main body 31 of the display unit 3 can be blocked by the light adjustment unit 5. Therefore, the main body 31 of the display unit 3 can be made invisible to the user U in use.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to block light reflected by the surfaces of components contained in housing 2 or light emitted by components contained in housing 2 (components other than display unit 3). This makes it possible to block the components contained in housing 2 from being seen by user U when in use. From this perspective as well, in this embodiment, it is possible to improve the visibility of aerial image G1.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light adjustment unit 5 has a pattern (i.e., design) on the upper surface (i.e., the surface facing the air). Such a configuration can improve the design of the non-contact input device 1. Furthermore, by making the pattern on the upper surface of the light adjustment unit 5 match the environment in which the non-contact input device 1 is set, the non-contact input device 1 can blend in with the installation environment of the non-contact input device 1. As a result, the design of the entire installation environment of the non-contact input device 1 can be improved.

[0064] The inclination angle of the light blocking portion 51 may be different for each region of the light adjusting portion 5. For example, the light adjusting portion 5 may have a first region in which the inclination angle of the light blocking portion 51 is a first inclination angle. Also, the light adjusting portion 5 may have a second region in which the inclination angle of the light blocking portion 51 is a second inclination angle. The first inclination angle and the second inclination angle may be different angles. With this configuration, the light to be blocked can be set for each region of the light adjusting portion 5.

[0065] Specifically, the first region of the light adjustment unit 5 may be a region of the light adjustment unit 5 that is arranged on the optical path of the light to be imaged. The second region of the light adjustment unit 5 may be a region of the light adjustment unit 5 that is arranged other than on the optical path of the light to be imaged.

[0066] The inclination angle of the light blocking portion 51 in the first region of the light adjusting portion 5 may be an inclination angle desired to pass the light to be imaged. The inclination angle of the light blocking portion 51 in the second region of the light adjusting portion 5 may be an inclination angle desired to block light that is not desired to leak into the air.

[0067] Input detection unit 6 (see FIG. 5) detects information (hereinafter referred to as operation input information) relating to an operation input to aerial image G1 from user U (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 5, input detection unit 6 sends the detected operation input information to control unit 7. Such input detection unit 6 is supported by housing 2.

[0068] Input detection unit 6 is configured with a plurality of sensors (not shown). Input detection unit 6 detects, for example, information relating to a position in aerial image G1 operated by user U (also referred to as position information) as operation input information.

[0069] The position information may be, for example, information about coordinates in the aerial image G1 (also referred to as coordinate information). The coordinate information may be three-dimensional coordinates including coordinates in the X direction, coordinates in the Y direction, and coordinates in the Z direction.

[0070] Furthermore, input detection unit 6 may detect information regarding the input depth of a fingertip when user U operates aerial image G1 (also referred to as input depth information). The input depth information may include a distance that user U's fingertip passes through aerial image G1 when user U operates aerial image G1. Input detection unit 6 sends the detected input depth information to control unit 7.

[0071] The above-mentioned operation input information, position information, coordinate information, and input depth information may be collectively referred to as first information.

[0072] The configuration of the input detection unit 6 is not particularly limited. The configuration of the input detection unit 6 may be various configurations that can realize the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the position where the input detection unit 6 is provided is also not particularly limited. The input detection unit 6 may be provided in various positions that can realize the above-mentioned functions.

[0073] The control unit 7 controls the operation of the display unit 3, as shown in Fig. 5. The control unit 7 is supported by the housing 2. The control unit 7 may be substantially configured with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a HDD, etc. connected via a bus, or may be configured with a one-chip LSI, etc. The control executed by the control unit 7 will be described below.

[0074] Controller 7 executes display control of the aerial image. That is, controller 7 controls the display operation of display unit 3. Specifically, controller 7 executes display control of the aerial image based on information related to an operation input by user U of non-contact input device 1 to aerial image G1.

[0075] The control unit 7 acquires information regarding the operation input of the user U of the non-contact input device 1 to the aerial image G1 from the input detection unit 6. The information regarding the operation input of the user U of the non-contact input device 1 to the aerial image G1 is first information detected by the input detection unit 6 (specifically, operation input information, position information, coordinate information, and input depth information).

[0076] (Operation, Actions and Effects of Non-Contact Input Device) Below, the operation of the non-contact input device 1 will be briefly described, and the effects and advantages of the non-contact input device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0077] When the non-contact input device 1 is powered on, the control unit 7 controls the display operation of the display unit 3. Then, a predetermined image is displayed on the display unit 3. The light of the image displayed on the display unit 3 (specifically, the display surface 30) is emitted from the display surface 30 in various directions.

[0078] Specifically, light to be imaged (light L1 in FIG. 2) out of light of an image displayed on the display unit 3 (specifically, display surface 30) travels along a predetermined optical path (also referred to as a first optical path) and enters the imaging unit 4. Thereafter, the light to be imaged (light L1 in FIG. 2) is emitted from the imaging unit 4.

[0079] Then, the light to be imaged (light L1 in FIG. 2) emitted from the imaging section 4 enters the light adjustment section 5. In the case of this embodiment, the light adjustment section 5 has a function of transmitting the light to be imaged (light L1 in FIG. 2). Therefore, the light to be imaged (light L1 in FIG. 2) is emitted from the light adjustment section 5. Then, The light to be imaged (light L1 in FIG. 2) is imaged on the imaging surface S as an aerial image G1.

[0080] On the other hand, non-image subject light (light L2, light L3 in FIG. 2), which is light other than the image subject light (light L1 in FIG. 2) among the light of the image displayed on the display unit 3 (specifically, the display surface 30), passes through the second optical path and the third optical path and enters the imaging unit 4. The second optical path and the third optical path are optical paths different from the optical path (first optical path) of the image subject light (light L1 in FIG. 2). Thereafter, the non-image subject light (light L2, light L3 in FIG. 2) is emitted from the imaging unit 4.

[0081] Then, the non-imaging subject light (light L2 and light L3 in FIG. 2) emitted from the imaging unit 4 enters the light adjustment unit 5. In the present embodiment, the light adjustment unit 5 has a function of blocking the non-imaging subject light (light L2 and light L3 in FIG. 2). Therefore, the non-imaging subject light (light L2 and light L3 in FIG. 2) is not emitted from the light adjustment unit 5.

[0082] Of the non-imaging subject light L2 and light L3, if the non-imaging subject light L3 leaks into the air, the display unit 3 (specifically, display surface 30) will be visible to the user U using the non-contact input device 1. In the present embodiment, the non-imaging subject light L3 can be blocked by the light adjustment unit 5, so that the display unit 3 (specifically, display surface 30) can be made invisible to the user U in the usage state. As a result, the visibility of the aerial image G1 is improved.

[0083] As described above, non-contact input device 1 according to the present embodiment can significantly improve the visibility of aerial image G1. Other actions and effects obtained from non-contact input device 1 according to the present embodiment are as described above.

[0084] [Embodiment 2] 6 illustrates a non-contact input device 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the non-contact input device 1B, the position of a light adjustment unit 5B is different from the position of the light adjustment unit 5 in the first embodiment described above.

[0085] The rest of the configuration of the non-contact input device 1B is almost the same as the configuration of the non-contact input device 1 according to the above-mentioned embodiment 1. Therefore, the configuration of the light adjustment unit 5B will be described below. Note that, among the configurations of the non-contact input device 1B, the same configurations as the non-contact input device 1 according to embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference symbols as the configurations of the non-contact input device 1 according to embodiment 1.

[0086] The light adjustment unit 5B suppresses leakage of light other than the light to be imaged in the emitted light related to the display image into the air through the imaging unit 4. The light adjustment unit 5B passes the light to be imaged in the emitted light related to the display image. In addition, the light adjustment unit 5 blocks light directed from the display unit 3 (specifically, the display surface 30) toward the user U in use (i.e., the user U in FIG. 1).

[0087] In the present embodiment, the light adjustment unit 5B is provided on a surface (sometimes referred to as a second surface) of the imaging unit 4 on the display unit 3 side. Specifically, the light adjustment unit 5B is configured by a louver film.

[0088] Like non-contact input device 1 according to embodiment 1, non-contact input device 1B as described above can prevent ghosts from appearing around aerial image G1, while preventing user U from seeing display unit 3 (specifically, display surface 30) when in use. As a result, the visibility of aerial image G1 can be improved.

[0089] In the case of the non-contact input device 1B of this embodiment, the light adjustment unit 5B is provided on the surface (sometimes referred to as the second surface) of the imaging unit 4 on the display unit 3 side. Therefore, even if a pattern is provided on the upper surface (i.e., the surface facing the air) of the light adjustment unit 5B, the design of the non-contact input device 1 cannot be improved.

[0090] That is, in the case of the non-contact input device 1B of this embodiment, the light adjustment unit 5B cannot improve the design of the non-contact input device 1. However, the design of the non-contact input device 1 can be improved by providing a pattern on the upper surface (i.e., the surface facing the air) of the imaging unit 4 separately from the light adjustment unit 5B.

[0091] Other configurations, functions, and effects of the non-contact input device 1B of this embodiment are similar to those of the non-contact input device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0092] [Embodiment 3] 7 illustrates a non-contact input device 1C according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the non-contact input device 1C, the position of a light adjustment unit 5C is different from the position of the light adjustment unit 5 in the first embodiment described above.

[0093] The rest of the configuration of the non-contact input device 1C is almost the same as the configuration of the non-contact input device 1 according to the above-mentioned embodiment 1. Therefore, the configuration of the light adjustment unit 5C will be described below. Note that, among the configurations of the non-contact input device 1C, the same configurations as the non-contact input device 1 according to embodiment 1 are given the same reference symbols as the configurations of the non-contact input device 1 according to embodiment 1.

[0094] The light adjustment unit 5C also suppresses leakage of light other than the light to be imaged in the emitted light related to the display image into the air through the imaging unit 4. The light adjustment unit 5C passes the light to be imaged in the light output from the display unit 3. In addition, the light adjustment unit 5 blocks light directed from the display unit 3 (specifically, the display surface 30) toward the user U in use (i.e., the user U in FIG. 1).

[0095] In the present embodiment, the light adjustment section 5C is provided on the display surface 30 of the display section 3. Specifically, the light adjustment section 5C is configured by a louver film.

[0096] Like the non-contact input device 1 according to embodiment 1, such non-contact input device 1C can also prevent the display unit 3 (specifically, display surface 30) from being seen by the user U in a used state. As a result, the visibility of the aerial image G1 can be improved.

[0097] In the case of the non-contact input device 1C of this embodiment, the light adjustment unit 5C is provided on the display surface 30 of the display unit 3. For this reason, the light adjustment unit 5C cannot improve the design of the non-contact input device 1. However, the design of the non-contact input device 1 can be improved by providing a pattern on the upper surface (i.e., the surface facing the air) of the imaging unit 4 separately from the light adjustment unit 5C.

[0098] In the case of the non-contact input device 1C of this embodiment, the light adjustment unit 5C is provided on the display surface 30 of the display unit 3. Therefore, the light reflected by the surface of the main body 31 of the display unit 3 cannot be blocked by the light adjustment unit 5C.

[0099] Furthermore, in the case of the non-contact input device 1C of this embodiment, it is not possible to block light reflected by the surfaces of components contained in the housing 2, or light emitted by components contained in the housing 2 (components other than the display unit 3).

[0100] Other configurations, functions, and effects of the non-contact input device 1C of this embodiment are similar to those of the non-contact input device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0101] [Note] The non-contact input devices 1 to 1C may include an incident light regulating section (not shown) on the optical path of the light to be imaged, which regulates the angle of incidence of light incident on the incidence surface of the imaging section 4 to suppress the occurrence of ghosts around the real image. The incident light regulating section may be provided, for example, on the display surface of the display section. Specifically, the incident light regulating section may be composed of a louver film, similar to the above-mentioned light adjusting sections 5 to 5C. In this case, the louver film constituting the incident light regulating section may have a light transmitting section and a light blocking section each extending in the front-rear direction (i.e., the X direction). In other words, the extending direction of the light transmitting section and the light blocking section constituting the incident light regulating section may be rotated by 90° with respect to the extending direction of the light transmitting section and the light blocking section constituting the light adjusting section.

[0102] [Embodiment 4] With reference to Figs. 8 to 12, an exhibition apparatus 1D according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The exhibition apparatus 1D according to this embodiment does not have a function of receiving input from a user, unlike the non-contact input devices 1 to 1S according to the above-mentioned first to third embodiments. Such an exhibition apparatus 1D also corresponds to an example of the aerial imaging device according to the present invention. The configuration of the exhibition apparatus 1D according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0103] Some of the configurations of the display device 1D according to this embodiment are similar to the configurations of the non-contact input devices 1 to 1S according to the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 3 (also referred to as common configurations). Detailed explanations of such common configurations are omitted. For the common configurations, the explanations of the common configurations in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 3 may be used as appropriate.

[0104] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an exhibition device 1D according to this embodiment. The exhibition device 1D is a device equipped with a so-called aerial display. The aerial display can project information such as images into the air.

[0105] Such an exhibition apparatus 1D is used as a terminal for presenting an image of an exhibit in the air (hereinafter, referred to as an "aerial image") in various locations (for example, a museum, a store, or a public facility).

[0106] In the following explanation, when explaining the structure of the exhibition device 1D and each of the components that make up the exhibition device 1D, a Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) shown in FIG. 8 may be used. The X direction corresponds to the front-to-rear direction of the exhibition device 1D. The + side of the X direction corresponds to the front side of the exhibition device 1D. The - side of the X direction corresponds to the rear side of the exhibition device 1D. The Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) shown in FIG. 8 is a Cartesian coordinate system common to the Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) shown in FIG. 1 etc.

[0107] Additionally, the Y direction corresponds to the left-right direction and width direction of the exhibition device 1D. The + side of the Y direction corresponds to the left side when viewing the exhibition device 1D from the front. The - side of the Y direction corresponds to the right side when viewing the exhibition device 1D from the front.

[0108] The Z direction corresponds to the up-down direction of the exhibition device 1D. The + side of the Z direction corresponds to the upper side of the exhibition device 1D. The - side of the Z direction corresponds to the lower side of the exhibition device 1D.

[0109] The display device 1D has a housing 2D, a mounting stand 3D, a light source unit 4D, an imaging unit 5D, an operation input unit 6D, a control unit 7D, and a light adjustment unit 9D.

[0110] The exhibition device 1D according to this embodiment is a so-called horizontally placed exhibition device. In the case of a horizontally placed exhibition device, as shown in Fig. 8, the display is displayed above the exhibition device 1D. Note that the exhibition device is not limited to the horizontally placed exhibition device.

[0111] In this embodiment, aerial image G2 is an image of exhibit 8D. Specifically, aerial image G2 is an image showing the shape of exhibit 8D when viewed from light source unit 4D in FIG.

[0112] The exhibition device may be a so-called vertically-mounted exhibition device. The vertically-mounted exhibition device has a configuration obtained by rotating exhibition device 1D shown in Fig. 8 by 90° clockwise in Fig. 8. In the case of the vertically-mounted exhibition device, aerial image G2 is displayed in front of exhibition device 1D.

[0113] The housing 2D is box-shaped and has a storage space 20D. The storage space 20D stores the elements 3D to 7D that make up the exhibition device 1D. In this embodiment, the housing 2D is a rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the front-rear direction. However, the shape of the housing is not limited to the shape of the housing 2D in this embodiment. The shape of the housing may be determined appropriately depending on the environment in which the exhibition device 1D is installed.

[0114] On the inner surface of the housing 2D, a region R indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2a It is preferable that the color R be a color that can enhance the visibility of the image of the exhibit 8D in the aerial image G2. 2a is a region in aerial image G2 that is the background of exhibit 8D. The color that can enhance the visibility of the image of exhibit 8D is, for example, white.

[0115] Furthermore, the color that can improve the visibility of the image of the exhibit 8D may be a color that is located in the half of the color wheel opposite the color of the exhibit 8D. Note that the color that can improve the visibility of the image of the exhibit 8D may be determined appropriately in relation to the color of the exhibit 8D.

[0116] Also, on the inner surface of the housing 2D, a region R indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2a It is preferable that the shape of the image is free of corners. Such a configuration can prevent unnecessary lines from appearing in the background of the aerial image G2.

[0117] In addition, in the storage space 20D, a position on the opposite side of the light source unit 4D described later with the exhibit 8D in the center (specifically, the thick two-dot chain line P 2b For example, a flat screen (not shown) may be provided at the position indicated by .

[0118] Such a screen constitutes the background of the image of exhibit 8D in aerial image G2. The color of the screen may be changeable according to the color of exhibit 8D. Such a screen can improve the visibility of the image of exhibit 8D in aerial image G2.

[0119] The mounting base 3D is a base for placing the exhibit 8D. The mounting base 3D is disposed in the storage space 20D of the housing 2D. The mounting base 3D is supported by the housing 2D. In this embodiment, the mounting base 3D is inclined with respect to the imaging unit 5D described below. The imaging unit 5D is disposed parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0120] The placement table 3D is parallel to the imaginary line α 1D With respect to a predetermined angle θ 1D The exhibit 8D is supported in an inclined state. In this embodiment, the predetermined angle θ 1D is 45°.

[0121] The mounting table 3D is at an angle of θ 1D The mounting base 3D can rotate around an inclined rotation central axis O3. When the mounting base 3D rotates, the exhibit 8D supported by the mounting base 3D also rotates around the rotation central axis O3. Therefore, the rotation central axis O3 is also the rotation center of the exhibit 8D. The rotational operation of the mounting base 3D is controlled by a control unit 7D described below.

[0122] The exhibits may be various items such as jewelry, toys, watches, sunglasses, ornaments, etc. that are displayed in a so-called showcase. The exhibits may also be plants such as flowers, paintings, etc.

[0123] It is preferable that the exhibit is a non-luminous object that does not emit light by itself. It is also preferable that the exhibit is an article having a surface with high reflectivity. However, the exhibit may be an article having a surface with low reflectivity. In FIG. 8, an exhibit 8D is shown diagrammatically. The shape of the exhibit is not limited to the shape of the exhibit 8D in FIG. 8. The exhibit may be, for example, various exhibits that are generally displayed in museums, stores, etc.

[0124] The light source unit 4D is disposed in a storage space 20D of the housing 2D. The light source unit 4D is supported by the housing 2D. The light source unit 4D irradiates light onto an exhibit 8D. The light source unit 4D is frame-shaped when viewed as a whole.

[0125] The light source unit 4D is disposed in the accommodation space 20D at a position closer to an imaging unit 5D (described later) than the exhibit 8D. In other words, the light source unit 4D is disposed in the accommodation space 20D between the exhibit 8D and the imaging unit 5D.

[0126] The light source unit 4D is aligned along a virtual line α 1D With respect to a predetermined angle θ 2D In this embodiment, the predetermined angle θ 2D is 45°. In other words, the virtual line α 1D Inclination angle θ 2D is the imaginary line α of the mounting table 3D and the exhibit 8D. 1D Inclination angle θ 1D is equal to.

[0127] As described above, the light source unit 4D and the exhibit 8D face each other in the normal direction of the light source unit 4D. The normal direction of the light source unit 4D is indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 3D In the present embodiment, the light source unit 4D irradiates the exhibit 8D with light from behind and diagonally above the exhibit 8D.

[0128] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the light source section 4D has a support member 40D and a plurality of light sources 41D.

[0129] The support member 40D is a plate-like member having a rectangular frame shape. The support member 40D has an opening 400D in a portion including a central portion. The opening 400D is rectangular. The opening 400D penetrates the support member 40D in the thickness direction.

[0130] The opening 400D has an area larger than the exhibit 8D in the plan view shown in Fig. 9. In other words, the exhibit 8D can pass through the opening 400D. Also, the reflected light of the exhibit 8D can pass through the opening 400D. The reflected light of the exhibit 8D is the light that is irradiated from the light source unit 4D and reflected by the exhibit 8D.

[0131] The light sources 41D are, for example, LED lights, and are arranged in a rectangular shape on a first surface of the support member 40D. The first surface of the support member 40D is a surface facing the exhibit 8D.

[0132] Each of the light sources 41D may be configured to be adjustable in the amount of light irradiation. The amount of light irradiation of each of the light sources 41D is controlled by a control unit 7D described later. Also, each of the light sources 41D may be configured to be adjustable in the direction of light irradiation. The direction of light irradiation of the light source 41D is controlled by a control unit 7D described later. The control executed by the control unit 7D will be described later.

[0133] Incidentally, if imaging unit 5D, which will be described later, is transparent, user (i.e., viewer) U may be able to see light source unit 4D through imaging unit 5D. If light source unit 4D is visible to user U, light source unit 4D may get in the way and make it difficult to see aerial image G2. For this reason, it is preferable that light source unit 4D is invisible to user U.

[0134] As shown in Fig. 8, imaging unit 5D is a plate-shaped member. Imaging unit 5D forms an image of reflected light from exhibit 8D on imaging surface S in the air as an aerial image G2. Aerial image G2 is a real image. Such imaging unit 5D is similar to imaging unit 4 in the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

[0135] In this embodiment, the imaging section 5D has a plurality of light reflecting surfaces (not shown). 3D The reflected light from exhibit 8D enters from the direction indicated by the arrow A. Hereinafter, the reflected light from exhibit 8D that enters imaging unit 5D may also be referred to as "incident light relating to exhibit 8D."

[0136] The incident light on the exhibit 8D is reflected multiple times (for example, twice) by multiple light reflecting surfaces and exits from the imaging unit 5D in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4D The light emitted from imaging unit 5D is focused as aerial image G2 on imaging surface S. The light emitted from imaging unit 5D is sometimes referred to as "emitted light relating to exhibit 8D."

[0137] The incident angle of the incident light with respect to the exhibit 8D is a predetermined angle θ 1D , θ 2D In this embodiment, the incident angle of the incident light with respect to the exhibit 8D is 45°. Also, the exit angle of the exit light with respect to the exhibit 8D is equal to the incident angle of the incident light with respect to the exhibit 8D. In this embodiment, the exit angle of the exit light with respect to the exhibit 8D is 45°.

[0138] The operation input unit 6D corresponds to an example of an input unit. The operation input unit 6D is a device for a user U (see FIG. 8) to input instruction information regarding the movement direction of the exhibit 8D. In other words, the operation input unit 6D accepts input of instruction information regarding the movement direction of the exhibit 8D from the user U. The operation input unit 6D sends the accepted movement instruction information to a control unit 7D described later.

[0139] The operation input unit 6D is provided, for example, at the front end of the upper surface of the housing 2D. The position of the operation input unit 6D may be any position that allows the user U to operate it. For example, the operation input unit 6D may be provided on the front surface of the housing 2D.

[0140] The operation input unit 6D may be configured with, for example, a lever or a push button. The operation input unit 6D may be provided in a member separate from the housing 2D. Specifically, the operation input unit 6D may be provided in a remote control provided separately from the housing 2D.

[0141] For example, instruction information regarding the movement direction of the exhibit 8D (hereinafter referred to as "movement instruction information") may be instruction information regarding the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the exhibit 8D. In other words, the movement instruction information may be instruction information regarding the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the mounting base 3D.

[0142] User U can rotate exhibit 8D in a desired direction by inputting movement instruction information via operation input unit 6D. The image of exhibit 8D in aerial image G2 changes in response to the rotation of exhibit 8D. Thus, user U can visually recognize the shape of exhibit 8D as viewed from a desired angle via aerial image G2.

[0143] The control unit 7D mainly controls the operations of the light source unit 4D and the mounting table 3D. The control unit 7D is supported at a predetermined position of the housing 2D. The control unit 7D may be substantially configured with a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. connected via a bus, or may be configured with a one-chip LSI, etc. The control executed by the control unit 7D will be described below.

[0144] First, the control unit 7D controls the operation of the light source unit 4D (specifically, the light source 41D). Specifically, the control unit 7D switches the light source unit 4D (specifically, the light source 41D) between an ON state (light-on state) and an OFF state (light-off state).

[0145] Furthermore, the control unit 7D adjusts the amount of irradiation of the light source unit 4D (specifically, the light source 41D). The control unit 7D partially adjusts the amount of irradiation of the light source unit 4D. For example, the control unit 7D increases the amount of irradiation of a specific portion (also referred to as a first portion) of the light source unit 4D and decreases the amount of irradiation of a specific portion (also referred to as a second portion) of the light source unit 4D.

[0146] In other words, the control unit 7D increases the amount of irradiation of the light source 41D arranged in a specified portion (first portion) of the support member 40D, among the multiple light sources 41D, and decreases the amount of irradiation of the light source 41D arranged in a portion (second portion) other than the specified portion (first portion) of the support member 40D.

[0147] In this embodiment, the amount of irradiation of the light source 41D arranged in the region R4 indicated by the dashed double-dotted line in FIG. 9 among the multiple light sources 41D is set to be less than the amount of irradiation of the light source 41D arranged in the regions other than the region R4 among the multiple light sources 41D.

[0148] Light source 41D arranged in region R4 is a light source close to mounting table 3D in the usage state shown in Fig. 8. By reducing the amount of irradiation of light source 41D arranged in region R4, it is possible to reduce the reflected light from mounting table 3D. As a result, it is possible to prevent an image of mounting table 3D from being displayed in the aerial image G1.

[0149] Controller 7D may set the amount of irradiation of light source 41D arranged in region R4 to zero. That is, controller 7D may turn off light source 41D arranged in region R4. Also, there may be cases where it is desired to clearly display the image of mounting platform 3D in aerial image G2. In this case, controller 7D may set the amount of irradiation of light source 41D arranged in region R4 to be the same as the amount of irradiation of light source 41D arranged in regions other than region R4.

[0150] The control unit 7D may adjust the amount of irradiation of the light source unit 4D (specifically, the light source 41D) according to the shape of the exhibit 8D. The control unit 7D may also adjust the amount of irradiation of the light source unit 4D (specifically, the light source 41D) according to the structure (e.g., the shape) of the mounting table 3D.

[0151] Furthermore, the control unit 7D controls the operation of the mounting table 3D. Specifically, the control unit 7D controls the rotation operation of the mounting table 3D.

[0152] In the use state, the control unit 7D may rotate the mounting base 3D in a predetermined direction at all times. In this case, the control unit 7D may rotate the mounting base 3D at a constant speed. The rotation speed of the mounting base 3D may be adjusted depending on the type of the exhibit 8D.

[0153] The control unit 7D may also control the rotation operation of the mounting table 3D based on movement instruction information acquired from the operation input unit 6D. The movement instruction information includes instruction information regarding the rotation direction of the mounting table 3D (hereinafter referred to as "rotation direction instruction information") and instruction information regarding the rotation amount (hereinafter referred to as "rotation amount instruction information").

[0154] Specifically, the control unit 7D rotates the mounting table 3D in a direction specified by the rotation direction instruction information based on the rotation direction instruction information of the mounting table 3D. The control unit 7D rotates the mounting table 3D by an amount specified by the rotation amount instruction information based on the rotation amount instruction information of the mounting table 3D.

[0155] Light adjustment unit 9D suppresses leakage of light other than the light that is imaged as aerial image G2 by imaging unit 5D in the reflected light of exhibit 8D (hereinafter referred to as "image target light") into the air through imaging unit 5D. Note that light adjustment unit 9D does not need to suppress leakage of all light other than the image target light in the reflected light of exhibit 8D.

[0156] The light adjustment unit 9D also passes light to be imaged that is reflected from the exhibit 8D, and blocks light that is reflected from the exhibit 8D and travels from the exhibit 8D toward the user U in use (i.e., the user U in FIG. 8).

[0157] The light adjustment unit 9D is provided on the surface (sometimes referred to as the first surface) on the air side of the imaging unit 5D. Specifically, the light adjustment unit 9D is configured by a louver film. Note that the light adjustment unit 9D is not limited to a louver film. The light adjustment unit may be various members that can achieve the same function as the louver film.

[0158] Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the light adjustment unit 9D will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 10. The light adjustment unit 9D is a film-like shape parallel to the front-rear direction (X direction) and the left-right direction (Y direction). Therefore, the thickness direction of the light adjustment unit 9D coincides with the Z direction.

[0159] The light adjusting unit 9D has a plurality of light transmitting units 90D and a plurality of light blocking units 91 D. The configurations of the light adjusting unit 9D, the light transmitting units 90D, and the light blocking units 91D are similar to the light adjusting unit 5, the light transmitting units 50, and the light blocking units 51 of the above-described first embodiment.

[0160] Each of the light transmitting portions 90D extends in the left-right direction (i.e., the Y direction). Each of the light transmitting portions 90D may be a space. Alternatively, the light transmitting portions 90D may be made of a transparent material with high transmittance (for example, transparent silicone rubber).

[0161] The light blocking portion 91D absorbs light that it comes into contact with. The light blocking portion 91D may be made of a material with low transmittance (for example, black silicone rubber). The light blocking portion 91D is in the shape of a plate whose longitudinal direction coincides with the left-right direction.

[0162] The light blocking portion 91D is arranged at a predetermined angle θ 91D The height of the light blocking portion 91D in the vertical direction is H 91D The distance (i.e., pitch) between the light blocking portions 91D in the front-rear direction is P 91D The height H of the light blocking portion 91D is 91D is equal to the height of the light transmitting portion 90D.

[0163] The light transmitting portions 90D and the light blocking portions 91D are arranged alternately in the front-rear direction. In other words, one light transmitting portion 90D is arranged between the light blocking portions 91D adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction.

[0164] As shown in Fig. 10, of the light emitted from imaging unit 5D and incident on light adjustment unit 9D, only light L1 that passes through light transmission unit 90D without contacting light blocking unit 91D is emitted from light adjustment unit 9D. Light L1 is light to be imaged. Therefore, light L1 is light that is imaged as aerial image G2 on imaging surface S (see Fig. 8).

[0165] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, among the light emitted from the imaging unit 5D and incident on the light adjustment unit 9D, the light beams L2 and L3 that come into contact with the light blocking unit 91D are absorbed by the light blocking unit 91D and do not exit from the light adjustment unit 9D.

[0166] The light L2 and the light L3 may be regarded as light that is incident on the imaging unit 5D and is not reflected a specified number of times by a plurality of light reflecting surfaces. The light L2 is incident on the same region of the imaging unit 5D as the region into which the light L1, which is the light to be imaged, is incident.

[0167] Also, the light L3 may be considered as light traveling from the exhibit 8D toward the user U in the use state (i.e., the user U in FIG. 8). In this embodiment, the light traveling toward the user U in the use state (i.e., the user U in FIG. 8) may be considered as light traveling forward and upward from the exhibit 8D.

[0168] By blocking the light L3 with the light adjustment unit 9D, the exhibit 8D can be made invisible to the user U in use.

[0169] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the view seen by a user U who is using the exhibition device 1D according to this embodiment. The user U is omitted in Fig. 11. The user U is looking at the exhibition device 1D (specifically, the aerial image G2) from the front and above the exhibition device 1D, as shown in Fig. 8.

[0170] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a user U can view an aerial image U in the usage state.

[0171] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the light L3 directed from the exhibit 8D toward the user U in use is blocked, the user U cannot see the exhibit 8D.

[0172] 12 is a schematic diagram showing a view seen by a user (not shown) who is using an exhibition apparatus 1T according to a comparative example. The exhibition apparatus 1T does not include the light adjustment unit 9D that is included in the exhibition apparatus 1D according to this embodiment.

[0173] 10 are emitted into the air from imaging unit 5D. In the case of exhibition device 1T of the comparative example, the user can also see aerial image G2 in the usage state, as shown in FIG.

[0174] In addition, in the case of exhibition device 1T of the comparative example, light L3 directed from exhibit 8D toward the user in use is not blocked, so that the user in use sees exhibit 8D in front of aerial image G2. Light L3 directed toward the user may be considered to be light in a direction parallel to arrow A1 in Fig. 9. Arrow A1 in Fig. 9 is on the straight line connecting exhibit 8D and the face of user U.

[0175] In this way, if the exhibit 8D is visible along with the aerial image G2, the visibility of the aerial image G2 is significantly reduced. On the other hand, as described above, in this embodiment, the exhibit 8D is not visible to the user U in the usage state. As a result, in this embodiment, the visibility of the aerial image G2 can be improved.

[0176] In addition, in this embodiment, the light adjustment unit 9D is provided on the surface of the imaging unit 5D facing the air, and therefore can block light other than the reflected light of the exhibit 8D. The light other than the reflected light of the exhibit 8D may be, for example, light emitted from the light source unit 4D and directed toward a user in use. The light other than the reflected light of the exhibit 8D may be, for example, light emitted from the light source unit 4D and reflected by an object other than the exhibit 8D in the accommodation space 20D.

[0177] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light adjustment unit 9D has a pattern (i.e., design) on the upper surface (i.e., the surface facing the air). Such a configuration can improve the design of the exhibition device 1D. Furthermore, by making the pattern on the upper surface of the light adjustment unit 9D match the environment in which the exhibition device 1D is set, the exhibition device 1D can blend in with its installation environment. As a result, the design of the entire installation environment of the exhibition device 1D can be improved.

[0178] The inclination angle of the light blocking portion 91D may be different for each region of the light adjusting portion 9D. For example, the light adjusting portion 9D may have a first region in which the inclination angle of the light blocking portion 91D is a first inclination angle. Also, the light adjusting portion 9D may have a second region in which the inclination angle of the light blocking portion 91D is a second inclination angle. The first inclination angle and the second inclination angle may be different angles. With this configuration, the light to be blocked can be set for each region of the light adjusting portion 9D.

[0179] Specifically, the first region of the light adjustment unit 9D may be a region of the light adjustment unit 9D that is arranged on the optical path of the light to be imaged. The second region of the light adjustment unit 9D may be a region of the light adjustment unit 9D that is arranged other than on the optical path of the light to be imaged.

[0180] The inclination angle of the light blocking portion 91D in the first region of the light adjusting portion 9D may be an inclination angle desired to pass the light to be imaged, and the inclination angle of the light blocking portion 91D in the second region of the light adjusting portion 9D may be an inclination angle desired to block light that is not to be leaked into the air.

[0181] The above is the configuration of the exhibition apparatus 1D according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the exhibition apparatus 1D when the exhibition apparatus 1D displays the aerial image G2 will be described.

[0182] First, the worker opens the housing 2D and places the exhibit 8D on the placement stand 3D. Then, the worker turns on the power of the exhibition device 1D. Then, the exhibition device 1D goes into the ON state (exhibition state and use state).

[0183] In the ON state (exhibition state) of the exhibition device 1D, the light source unit 4D (specifically, the plurality of light sources 41D) irradiates light toward the exhibit 8D. The light irradiated from the light source unit 4D is directed toward the exhibit 8D in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 11D , A 12D Proceed in the direction indicated.

[0184] In this embodiment, the amount of irradiation of the light source 41D arranged in the region R4 indicated by the two-dot dashed line in FIG. 9 is less than the amount of irradiation of the light source 41D arranged in the regions other than the region R4 among the multiple light sources 41D.

[0185] In other words, the amount of irradiation of the light source 41D that is closer to the mounting table 3D among the multiple light sources 41D is smaller than the amount of irradiation of the light source 41D that is farther from the mounting table 3D among the multiple light sources 41D. 11D The amount of light irradiation indicated by arrow A in Figure 8 12D is less than the amount of light exposure indicated by

[0186] The light emitted from the light source unit 4D hits the side surface of the exhibit 8D and is reflected. The reflected light from the exhibit 8D is indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 2D As shown in FIG. 8, the reflected light from the exhibit 8D passes through the opening 400D of the light source unit 4D and travels in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 3D As shown in FIG. 1, the light is incident on imaging section 5D.

[0187] The incident light incident on the imaging unit 5D (i.e., the incident light related to the exhibit 8D) is reflected multiple times (for example, twice) by a light reflecting surface (not shown) of the imaging unit 5D and is reflected from the imaging unit 5D in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4D The light is emitted in the direction indicated by .

[0188] Then, the outgoing light emitted from imaging unit 5D (that is, the outgoing light relating to exhibit 8D) is imaged as aerial image G2 on imaging surface S. By looking at aerial image G2, user U can visually recognize the shape of exhibit 8D.

[0189] When the user U wants to view the exhibit 8D from a different angle, he or she operates the operation input unit 6D to input movement instruction information for the exhibit 8D. The movement instruction information for the exhibit 8D is sent from the operation input unit 6D to the control unit 7D.

[0190] Control unit 7D rotates mounting base 3D (i.e., exhibit 8D) based on movement instruction information for exhibit 8D acquired from operation input unit 6D. As a result, the image of exhibit 8D in aerial image G2 changes in accordance with the rotation of exhibit 8D. By viewing aerial image G2, user U can see the shape of exhibit 8D as viewed from a desired angle.

[0191] As described above, in the case of exhibition device 1D according to this embodiment as well, since exhibition device 1D is equipped with light adjustment unit 9D, the visibility of aerial image G2 can be improved. [Industrial Applicability]

[0192] The present invention can be applied to non-contact input devices used for various purposes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] 1, 1B, 1C, 1S, Non-contact input device 1D, 1T exhibition equipment 2. 2D enclosure 20D Storage Space 21 Support part 3 Display section 3D Mounting Table 30 Display surface 31 Main body 4.5D imaging section 4D light source section 40D Support member 41D light source 400D opening 5, 5B, 5C, 9D Light adjustment section 50 Light transmission part 51 Light blocking section 6 Input detection section 6D Operation input section 7, 7D Control section 8D exhibits G1, G2 aerial images U User S image plane

Claims

1. an imaging section that images a target light beam, which is incident on an entrance surface, as a real image on an imaging surface in the air; a light adjustment unit that suppresses leakage of light other than the light to be imaged in the incident light into the air through the imaging unit, Aerial imaging device.

2. The light adjustment unit passes the light to be imaged and blocks light of the incident light directed toward a user in a use state. The aerial imaging device of claim 1 .

3. The light adjustment unit includes: The aerial side surface of the imaging unit, or The imaging unit is provided on a surface of the imaging unit facing the display unit. The aerial imaging device of claim 1 .

4. The light adjustment unit is a louver film, The louver film is a light transmitting portion extending in the left-right direction and transmitting incident light of the louver film; A light blocking portion extending in the left-right direction and inclined with respect to the thickness direction, blocking incident light of the louver film. The aerial imaging device of claim 1 .

5. The louver film includes the light blocking portion having different inclination angles with respect to the thickness direction.

5. The aerial imaging device according to claim 4.

6. In the louver film, the inclination angle of the light blocking portion of a portion disposed on the optical path of the light to be imaged is different from the inclination angle of the light blocking portion of a portion disposed other than on the optical path of the light to be imaged.

6. The aerial imaging device according to claim 5.

7. an incident light regulating unit that regulates an incident angle of light incident on an incident surface of the imaging unit on an optical path of the light to be imaged, thereby suppressing the occurrence of ghosts around the real image; The aerial imaging device of claim 1 .

8. The light adjustment unit includes: The surface facing the air has a pattern, Provided on the air-side surface of the imaging unit, The aerial imaging device of claim 1 .

9. The imaging unit includes: A light reflecting surface is provided. The incident light to be imaged is reflected by the light reflecting surface a number of times and emitted to form the real image on the image forming surface. The aerial imaging device of claim 1 .

10. A display unit that emits light for an image is further provided, The incident light is the light of the image. The aerial imaging device of claim 1 .

11. Further comprising a light source unit for irradiating light onto the exhibit, The incident light is reflected light from the exhibit. The aerial imaging device of claim 1 .

Images