Display unit, display method, and portable terminal case

Abstract

In aerial image display using mobile devices, users can freely display aerial images at any time. [Solution] The display unit 10 is configured as part of the case cover of the mobile terminal 100. It comprises an optical element 30 and a pair of side support parts 40 and 50, and is configured as a transformable structure that can be reversibly deformed between a flat shape that functions as a case cover for the mobile terminal 100 and a mountain-shaped shape that functions as an aerial image display device, with a foldable configuration that involves a change in the shape of the pair of side support parts 40.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device capable of displaying an image or video in space like a hologram image using a terminal such as a smartphone, and also to a mobile terminal case provided with such a display device.

Background Art

[0002] Various methods have been proposed to form an image of an image displayed on a mobile terminal in space (hereinafter referred to as a virtual image in air) by a display mechanism provided with a mirror and display it. For example, a configuration in which a display device is provided on the back side of the lid of a case body for housing a smartphone or a tablet is known (see Patent Document 1). In that case, the reflecting portion housed on the back lid side is inclined, and the reflecting portion is supported by the support portion of the transparent thin plate.

[0003] In addition, a display method has also been proposed in which a mobile terminal is housed and arranged in a case equipped with a plurality of mirrors that can be rotated about an axis, and a video displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal is visually recognized as a virtual image in air (see Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Since a display mechanism for displaying a virtual image in air needs to consider factors such as the inclination angle of the mirror arrangement, it tends to be a complicated mechanism. As a result, it is necessary to prepare a dedicated case different from an ordinary mobile terminal case. It is not realistic to always carry a dedicated case together with a mobile terminal, and the opportunity to display a virtual image in air using the mobile terminal will be limited.

[0006] Therefore, when displaying aerial images using mobile devices, it is essential that users can freely display aerial images at any time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a display device that can easily switch from a normal mobile device usage state to an aerial image display state without compromising the convenience of the mobile device. In particular, the present invention aims to provide a display device composed of a transformable structure that can reversibly change shape.

[0008] A display device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a rectangular optical element capable of displaying an aerial image, and a pair of foldable supports (hereinafter referred to as side supports) connected to the longitudinal edges of the optical element. Various configurations of optical elements are applicable, as long as it is an optical element capable of displaying images and videos displayed on the screen of a mobile device in space.

[0009] The pair of side support sections can vary in their form, material, and other configurations, as long as they are foldable and change shape. For example, paper can be used. The means of connecting to the longitudinal edge of the optical element can also vary; it is possible to connect them using adhesive materials such as stickers. It is also possible to connect them to the optical element so that they rotate on an axis (so that they can be turned inside out).

[0010] In this invention, one of a pair of side support parts is attached to the side of a mobile device or the side of a mobile device case. Various known mounting methods can be applied, and adhesive materials such as seals can be used. Furthermore, the one side support part can be attached integrally or detachably to the side of the mobile device or mobile device case.

[0011] In this invention, the device can be transformed into a flat shape that conforms to the screen of a mobile device by folding a pair of side support parts. Here, "flat shape" means an approximately flat shape, and it is sufficient if it is a flat shape appropriate for a mobile device case, and it also includes shapes with a certain degree of thickness. It does not strictly mean a shape that is parallel and flat along the mobile device screen, but rather an approximately flat shape is sufficient. The method of folding into a flat shape is arbitrary.

[0012] Furthermore, in this invention, the flat shape can be transformed into a mountain-shaped form in which a pair of side support parts support an optical element that is inclined relative to the screen of a mobile device. Here, "mountain-shaped form" means that the optical element is inclined relative to the screen of the mobile device and has a mountain-shaped form when viewed from the side. It may be a mountain-shaped form that forms a apex, or a mountain-shaped form that has a flat portion at the apex.

[0013] The display unit can be positioned arbitrarily, provided it is deformable between a flat shape and a mountain-shaped shape. In the flat shape, it may be configured to be housed in a mobile device case, or it may itself function as part of the case. On the other hand, when it is deformed from a flat shape to a mountain-shaped shape, it may be configured to perform its display function as is, or it may be possible to display an aerial image in combination with a mechanism attached to the mobile device case (such as a display orientation adjustment mechanism). For example, considering that it should perform its case function and display function as is when deformed into a flat shape or between a flat and a mountain-shaped shape, it can be configured to be mounted on the screen of a mobile device in both shapes.

[0014] The display unit may be equipped with a support (hereinafter referred to as the cover / support) that connects to the short edge portion of the optical element. Various connection methods can be applied to the cover / support and the optical element, and they can be connected by adhesive materials such as seals. The optical element can be connected in a way that allows for axial rotation (reversibility).

[0015] In its flat form, the cover-and-support section can be stacked with a pair of folded side support sections to cover the screen of a mobile device. In its mountain-shaped form, it can be unfolded to support optical elements.

[0016] The cover-and-support section can be positioned in a mountain-like shape to make contact with the edges of the mobile device's screen. This allows the case to function effectively while ensuring sufficient display area for images and videos on the mobile device's screen, and enabling the mountain-like shape to unfold three-dimensionally on the mobile device's screen accordingly.

[0017] The configuration of the cover-support section can vary in terms of material, shape, etc., and can be made from materials such as paper. Considering the visibility of the aerial image, the surface facing the optical element in the mountain shape can be configured as a surface that does not transmit light (hereinafter referred to as the non-light-transmitting surface). For example, a black surface can be provided as the non-light-transmitting surface.

[0018] The optical elements can be tilted at a predetermined angle that allows the aerial image to be visible. Considering the relative freedom in how the mobile device is held, a relatively wide range of tilt angles can be set. For example, it is possible to set it within the range of 40 to 60 degrees. Furthermore, considering the stability of the mountain-shaped design, it is possible to tilt them at angles exceeding 45 degrees. However, tilting the optical elements at the more common 45 degrees is also acceptable.

[0019] The folding method of the pair of side support sections and the resulting shape changes vary. Considering its function as a mobile device case, the pair of side support sections can be configured to fold flat to match the width of the optical element. Furthermore, considering the need for a relatively thin, flat display, the pair of side support sections can be configured to fold flat without overlapping each other.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention's display method is applicable to a display device comprising a rectangular optical element capable of displaying a virtual image in mid-air and a pair of foldable side supports respectively connected to the longitudinal edge portions of the optical element. One of the side supports is attached to the side of a mobile terminal or the side of a mobile terminal case. By folding the pair of side supports, the device is transformed into a flat shape along the screen of the mobile terminal. By deploying the device from the flat shape into a three-dimensional form, the optical element is tilted with respect to the screen of the mobile terminal, and the device is transformed into a mountain-shaped configuration in which the optical element is supported by the pair of side supports.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, in the display of a virtual image in mid-air using a mobile terminal, a user can freely display a virtual image at any time.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a display device functioning as part of a mobile terminal case, as seen from above. [Figure 2] Fig. 2 shows the display device in a state where a virtual image in mid-air is being displayed. [Figure 3] Fig. 3 shows the display device in a state where its shape has changed from a flat shape. [Figure 4] Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the display device in a further state of shape change. [Figure 5] Fig. 5 shows the shape change of the display device in this embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, the display device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The display device of this embodiment can display a virtual image in mid-air using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, and also functions as part of a case for the mobile terminal. It is configured as a transformable structure that combines a virtual image display device and a mobile terminal case.

[0024] Fig. 1 is a plan view of the display device functioning as part of the mobile terminal case, as seen from above.

[0025] Figure 1 shows the mobile terminal 100 mounted in a frame-shaped mobile terminal case 200. In this configuration, the display unit 10 is mounted along the longitudinal side of the mobile terminal case 200. The display unit 10 may be integrally mounted to the mobile terminal case 200, or it may be detachably mounted.

[0026] The display unit 10, which functions as a case cover, is folded to transform into a thin, flat shape (hereinafter referred to as the flat shape). Here, the flat-shaped display unit 10 is configured to partially cover the screen 100M of the mobile terminal 100. The display unit 10 is mounted on the screen 100M of the mobile terminal 100 and placed on the mobile terminal case 200.

[0027] Figure 2 is a plan view of a display unit, which functions as a display device, seen from the side. However, the mobile device case is not shown here.

[0028] The display unit 10 can be transformed into a three-dimensional shape with undulations relative to the mobile terminal 100 (hereinafter referred to as a mountain-shaped shape) by unfolding from the flat shape shown in Figure 1. The mountain-shaped display unit 100, like the flat shape, is mounted on the mobile terminal frame 200 and placed on the screen 100M of the mobile terminal 100.

[0029] The display unit 10 includes a rectangular optical element 30 capable of forming an aerial image based on an image displayed on the screen 100M of the mobile terminal 100. The optical element 30 is configured here as a known plate-shaped mirror. For example, it can be composed of a mirror with a two-sided corner reflector array structure, a two-orthogonal reflector, etc. It can also be composed of other optical elements such as a half-mirror.

[0030] The display unit 10 includes an optical element 30 and a pair of support members (hereinafter referred to as side support members) 40 and 50 that connect to the edges of the optical element 30 along its longitudinal direction (only the side support member 40 is shown in Figure 2). The pair of side support members 40 and 50 can be folded, changing their own shape, and can be made of materials such as paper.

[0031] Furthermore, the display unit 10 includes a rectangular body (hereinafter referred to as the cover-and-support portion) 20 that functions as a case cover in a flat shape and as a support for the optical element 30 in a mountain-shaped shape. The cover-and-support portion 20 is thin and flat, and in this case, it is made up of a thickness less than or equal to that of the optical element 30. In addition, the cover-and-support portion 20 is connected to the edge portion along the short side of the optical element 30, and the connection portion can be rotated (reversed) around an axis.

[0032] The cover-support portion 20 is sized to cover at least the entire optical element 30 in its flat shape (see Figure 1). When the display 10 deforms from a flat shape to a mountain shape, the cover-support portion 20 turns inside out, and its end portion 20T contacts the edge portion 100T along the shorter side of the mobile terminal 100 (see Figure 2).

[0033] In the flat shape, the front surface 20F (see Figure 1) of the cover / support portion 20 becomes the rear surface facing the optical element 30 in the mountain-shaped shape (see Figure 2). The back surface 20B of the cover / support portion 20 faces the optical element 30 (mobile terminal 100) side in the flat shape, while in the mountain-shaped shape it faces in the opposite direction from the optical element 30.

[0034] The cover / support section 20 can be made of a thin, flat material, such as paper. The surface 20F of the cover / support section 20 is configured as a surface that does not transmit light (hereinafter also referred to as a non-light-transmitting surface). For example, the surface 20F of the cover / support section 20 is made of a black surface, or it is painted or printed black.

[0035] In the mountain-shaped display unit 10, the optical element 30 is positioned at a predetermined inclination angle α relative to the screen 100M of the mobile terminal 100. The cover-support unit 20 has a longitudinal length L that matches the inclined arrangement of the optical element 30, and together with a pair of support members 40 and 50, supports the optical element 30 at the inclination angle α.

[0036] The tilt angle α is set to the angle at which the user can view the aerial image from the optical element 30 side. Since the user's posture when holding the mobile terminal 100 is not necessarily horizontal, the tilt angle α can be selected from a relatively wide range of angles.

[0037] When the mobile device 100 is placed on a table or the like to display an aerial image, it is generally preferable to set the tilt angle α to 45 degrees. However, when a user views the aerial image while holding the mobile device 100 in their hand, the mobile device 100 is usually held in a downward position, from the front to the back.

[0038] Therefore, it is possible to set an inclination angle α greater than 45 degrees. For example, the inclination angle α can be set in the range of 40 to 60 degrees, and here, the inclination angle α is set to 60 degrees.

[0039] When displaying an aerial image, the user displays the image on the screen 100M of the mobile terminal 100 using application software or the like. Here, image processing is performed so that the image is displayed for the AR area of ​​the screen 100M. As described above, since the surface 20F of the cover-support portion 20 facing the optical element 30 is configured as a non-light-transmitting surface, the aerial image is clearly visible.

[0040] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the process by which the display unit 10 transforms from a flat shape to a mountain-shaped shape.

[0041] When the user transforms the display unit 10 from the flat shape shown in Figure 1 to the mountain-shaped shape shown in Figure 2, the display unit 10 is unfolded so that it opens 100M upwards from the screen, and the cover / support unit 20 is turned over. In Figure 3, the unfolded display unit 10 is shown from the side 100S2 of the mobile terminal 100. The pair of support units 40 and 50 are folded so that they fit within the width of the optical element 30 in the flat shape, and are also folded so that they do not overlap each other.

[0042] Furthermore, the display unit 10 is unfolded into a plane by the user so that a pair of support parts 40 and 50 are opened. Figure 4 shows the state in which the pair of side support parts 40 and 50, which were folded, are unfolded into a plane. The dashed lines on the pair of side support parts 40 and 50 show the fold lines when they were folded. Both the pair of side support parts 40 and 50 are trapezoidal, and the length of the edge portion 40S2 corresponding to the trapezoidal base of the side support part 40 and the edge portion 50S2 corresponding to the trapezoidal hypotenuse of the side support part 50 are set to a length corresponding to the longitudinal length of the optical device 30.

[0043] The side support portion 50 is attached to the side surface 100S1 of the mobile terminal case 200 at its edge portion 50S1, which corresponds to the trapezoidal hypotenuse. Therefore, during the three-dimensional unfolding shown in Figures 3 and 4, the display unit 10 is integral with the mobile terminal case 200. As shown in Figure 4, in the planar unfolded state, the back surface 30B of the optical element 30 faces upward.

[0044] The user then proceeds with the three-dimensional unfolding, transforming it into the mountain-shaped form shown in Figure 2. At this time, the right-angled triangular portions 44 and 54 of the pair of side support parts 40 and 50 are folded (towards the front of the paper) and overlapped with the back surface 20B of the cover / support part 20, thereby transforming it into a mountain-shaped form in which the optical element 30 is tilted at an inclination angle α.

[0045] The display unit 10 is then placed on the mobile terminal 100 such that the short edge portion 30B of the optical element 30 is in contact with the mobile terminal 100. The edge portion 40S1 of the side support portion 40 should be provided with a margin for mounting so that both the flat-shaped and mountain-shaped display units 10 can be placed on the screen 100M of the mobile terminal 100. The trapezoidal shape of the pair of side support portions 40 and 50 is determined according to the aspect ratio and size of the optical element 30.

[0046] As described above, the display unit 10 of this embodiment comprises an optical element 30 and a pair of side support parts 40 and 50. The foldable configuration, which involves a change in the shape of the pair of side support parts 40, allows the display unit to be reversibly transformed between a flat shape that functions as a case cover for the mobile terminal 100 and a mountain-shaped shape that functions as an aerial image display device. This allows the user to freely display aerial images at any time while holding the mobile terminal 100.

[0047] Since it is designed to be attached to the side of the mobile device case 200, there is no need to prepare a dedicated case for displaying aerial images. Furthermore, since it is placed on the screen 100R of the mobile device 100 in both flat and mountain-shaped configurations, the user can view the aerial image simply by unfolding it from the flat configuration to the three-dimensional configuration.

[0048] When the display unit 10 has a mountain-like shape, the pair of side support parts 40 and 50 have a mirror-image-like shape relationship with respect to the optical element 30. Therefore, the optical element 30 is reliably tilted at a predetermined inclination angle α. As a result, the aerial image is projected at a predetermined imaging position, and the user can reliably view it.

[0049] When the display unit 10 has a flat shape, the pair of side support parts 40 are folded to match the width of the optical element and are folded so that they do not overlap each other. As a result, the display unit 10 can be configured as a relatively thin, flat cover case.

[0050] In this embodiment, the display unit 10 is integrally attached to the side of the frame-shaped portable terminal case 200, but it is also possible to configure it to be detachably attached by known fixing means. Alternatively, it may be configured to be directly attached to the side of the portable terminal. [Examples]

[0051] The following describes an embodiment using Figure 5. This embodiment is a transformable structure corresponding to the display unit of the above embodiment, and is attached to a mobile terminal. Figure 5 shows the process of transforming from a folded state to a mountain shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 10 Display 20 Cover and support part 30 Optical elements 40 Side support part 50 Side support part 100 mobile devices 200 Mobile Device Cases

Claims

1. A rectangular optical element capable of displaying an aerial image, The optical element is equipped with a pair of foldable side support portions that are connected to the longitudinal edge portions of the optical element, One side support is attached to the side of a mobile device or mobile device case. By folding the pair of side support parts, it can be transformed into a flat shape that conforms to the screen of the mobile device. A display device characterized by being able to be transformed from a flat shape into a mountain-shaped shape in which the pair of side support parts support the optical element that is inclined with respect to the screen of the mobile terminal, by unfolding it into a three-dimensional shape.

2. The display according to claim 1, characterized in that it is placed on the screen of the mobile terminal in both shapes.

3. The optical element further comprises a cover-and-support portion that connects to the short-side edge portion, The display according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover-support portion, when flat in shape, covers the screen of the mobile terminal, and when mountain-shaped, supports the optical element.

4. The display according to claim 3, characterized in that the cover-support portion is in a mountain-like shape and is in contact with the vicinity of the screen edge of the mobile terminal.

5. The display according to claim 3, characterized in that the cover-support portion has a mountain-shaped surface facing the optical element, which is configured as a non-light-transmitting surface.

6. The display according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical element is arranged in a mountain shape and tilted at an angle of more than 45 degrees with respect to the screen of the mobile terminal.

7. The display according to claim 1, characterized in that the pair of side support portions are folded in a flat shape to match the width of the optical element.

8. The display according to claim 1, characterized in that the pair of side support portions do not overlap each other in a flat shape.

9. A portable terminal case characterized in that the display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is mounted along the side.

10. A display device comprising a rectangular optical element capable of displaying an aerial image, and a pair of foldable side support parts connected to the longitudinal edges of the optical element, wherein one of the side support parts is attached to the side of a mobile device or the side of a mobile device case. The folding of the pair of side support parts transforms the mobile device into a flat shape that conforms to the screen of the mobile terminal. By unfolding the flat shape into a three-dimensional form, the optical element is positioned at an angle relative to the screen of the mobile terminal, and the optical element is transformed into a mountain-shaped form supported by the pair of side support portions. A method of display characterized by the following features.

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