Aerial display device

Abstract

An aerial display apparatus according to an embodiment displays a virtual image in the air. The aerial display apparatus comprises: a display device that applies light and displays information; a retroreflective member that displays a virtual image in the air by reflecting light from the display device multiple times; an infrared transmission and reception unit that transmits and receives infrared light to be used as data via the retroreflective member; a control unit that transmits and receives a control signal to and from each of the display device and the infrared transmission and reception unit; and a housing that houses the display device and the infrared transmission and reception unit. The retroreflective member is attached to an opening formed in the housing, and the display device and the infrared transmission and reception unit are disposed within the housing.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerial display device that displays virtual images. This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2020-176011 filed on October 20, 2020, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of said Japanese application. [Background technology]

[0002] Various display devices that display virtual images in the air have been known in the past. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-154035 describes a non-contact input device equipped with a display with an optical sensor. The non-contact input device includes a planar display and an optical imaging means that receives light for an image displayed on the display and forms the image on the display as a first real image. The optical imaging means forms an image at a symmetrical position on the display.

[0003] A finger touches the first real image formed by the optical imaging means. When the finger touches the real image, infrared light is irradiated onto the finger from the display. The light reflected from the finger is reflected by the optical imaging means and forms a second real image on the display. An infrared sensor is built into the display. The infrared sensor optically detects the position of the second real image, thereby recognizing which part of the first real image the finger has pressed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-154035 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when transmitting and receiving infrared rays for purposes other than sensing, such as detecting a finger, and when an infrared transmitting and receiving unit for transmitting and receiving the infrared rays is disposed inside the housing, a window for transmitting and receiving the infrared rays may need to be formed separately in the housing. In this way, when transmitting and receiving infrared rays for purposes other than sensing, it may be necessary to form a separate window in the housing. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of the design of the housing and the cost required for manufacturing the housing.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide an aerial display device that can suppress a decline in the design of the casing while suppressing an increase in the costs associated with manufacturing the casing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The aerial display device according to the present disclosure is an aerial display device that displays a virtual image in the air. The aerial display device includes a display device that irradiates light to display information, a retroreflective member that reflects the light from the display device multiple times to display a virtual image in the air, an infrared transceiver that transmits and receives infrared rays used as data via the retroreflective member, a control unit that transmits and receives control signals to and from each of the display device and the infrared transceiver, and a housing that houses the display device and the infrared transceiver. The retroreflective member is attached to an opening formed in the housing, and the display device and the infrared transceiver are disposed inside the housing.

[0008] In this aerial display device, the display device displays a virtual image in the air by irradiating the retroreflective member with light, and the infrared transmitter / receiver transmits and receives infrared rays used as data through the retroreflective member. The display device and the infrared transmitter / receiver are arranged inside the housing, and the retroreflective member is attached to the opening of the housing. Therefore, the retroreflective member attached to the opening of the housing can be shared by the display device that irradiates light to display information and the infrared transmitter / receiver that transmits and receives infrared rays for data communication. In other words, the retroreflective member can be shared for both purposes of the display device displaying a virtual image and transmitting and receiving infrared rays. Therefore, since there is no need to form a window in the housing separately from the opening, the design of the housing can be simplified and the increase in the cost of manufacturing the housing can be suppressed. By providing a control unit that transmits and receives control signals to each of the display device and the infrared transmitter / receiver, the display of the virtual image by the display device and the transmission and reception of data by the infrared transmitter / receiver can be linked.

[0009] The retroreflective member may include a sensor that displays a display surface with a switch as a virtual image and detects the position of an object approaching the switch, and a determination unit that determines whether the switch has been operated based on the position of the object detected by the sensor. In this case, the display device displays the display surface with the switch as a virtual image, and the sensor detects the position of an object such as a finger approaching the switch. Based on the position of the object, the determination unit determines whether the switch has been operated. Therefore, since it is possible to display the switch as a virtual image in the air and determine whether the switch has been operated, the infrared transmission and reception unit can transmit and receive infrared rays in conjunction with the operation of the switch.

[0010] The infrared transmitting / receiving unit may transmit infrared rays used as data via the retroreflective member when the determination unit determines that the switch has been operated. In this case, since infrared rays as data are transmitted when the determination unit determines that the switch has been operated, it is possible to link the operation of the switch with the irradiation of infrared rays.

[0011] The infrared transmitting / receiving unit may irradiate infrared rays used as data via a retroreflective member and may include a switching means for switching the direction in which the infrared transmitting / receiving unit irradiates the infrared rays. In this case, the direction of the infrared rays transmitted by the infrared transmitting / receiving unit can be switched to a desired direction by the switching means.

[0012] The infrared transmitter and receiver may transmit infrared rays as an infrared remote control code for operating an external device located outside the aerial display device. In this case, the display of the virtual image by the display device and the transmission of the infrared remote control code can be linked, and the external device can be operated by the transmission of the infrared remote control code. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the design quality of the housing and to suppress an increase in the cost of manufacturing the housing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an exemplary toilet in which an aerial display device according to an embodiment is installed. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an aerial display device according to an embodiment displays a display surface with a switch. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the aerial display device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the functions of the aerial display device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] A vertical cross-sectional view of an aerial display device according to a modified example. [Figure 6] A vertical cross-sectional view of an aerial display device according to a modified example. [Figure 7] A vertical cross-sectional view of an aerial display device according to a modified example. [Figure 8] A vertical cross-sectional view of an aerial display device according to a modified example. [Figure 9] A vertical cross-sectional view of an aerial display device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] In the following, an embodiment of the aerial display device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The drawings may be partially simplified or exaggerated for ease of understanding, and the dimensional ratios and angles are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an aerial display device 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the aerial display device 1 displays a display surface 10 with a switch 11 in the air. For example, the aerial display device 1 according to the present embodiment is an operation input device for operating equipment.

[0017] As an example, the aerial display device 1 is installed in a toilet T, and the switch 11 on the display surface 10 is a switch that operates each part of the toilet T. The display surface 10 with the switch 11 is a floating image that is displayed as if it is floating in the air. The display surface 10 with the switch 11 is displayed as a virtual image in the air. Since the operator does not need to directly touch buttons, etc., it is possible to operate each part of the toilet T in a hygienic manner.

[0018] For example, toilet T includes a toilet bowl B and a wall W adjacent to the toilet bowl B. For example, the wall W is provided on the right side as viewed from an operator seated on the toilet bowl B. An aerial display device 1 and toilet paper E are fixed to the exemplary wall W, and a washbasin M may also be provided. The toilet bowl B includes, for example, a Washlet (registered trademark). The Washlet of the toilet T can be operated from a switch 11 on the display surface 10. For example, the display surface 10 includes a plurality of switches 11. The operator can operate each part of the Washlet by operating the plurality of switches 11.

[0019] The aerial display device 1 is fixed to, for example, a wall W. The aerial display device 1 may be embedded in the wall W, or may be detachable from the wall W. The exemplary aerial display device 1 includes a housing 2 and a protruding portion 3 protruding from a lower portion of the housing 2. A plurality of sensors 12 are embedded in the protruding portion 3 to detect an object F approaching a switch 11.

[0020] In this disclosure, the term "object" refers to something that operates a device by operating a switch 11, and refers to, for example, an operator's finger. The sensors 12 are provided corresponding to the switches 11. Each switch 11 is displayed diagonally above the corresponding sensor 12. As an example, the number of switches 11 and sensors 12 is seven.

[0021] The display surface 10 is displayed so as to be oriented diagonally upward with respect to both the up-down direction D1 of the aerial display device 1 and the protruding direction D3 from the wall W. This makes it easier for the operator to view the display surface 10. For example, since the display surface 10 is displayed glowing, the display surface 10 can be easily viewed regardless of the brightness of the surroundings. The display surface 10 has a shape that extends long in the left-right direction D2, for example.

[0022] As an example, the display surface 10 is displayed in a rectangular shape. The vertical length L1 of the display surface 10 is shorter than the horizontal length L2 of the display surface 10. If the aspect ratio of the length L1 to the length L2 is 1:X (X is a real number), then, for example, the value of X is 2 or more and 10 or less. The lower limit of the value of X may be 3, and the upper limit of the value of X may be 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.

[0023] As an example, the value of X may be 4, and the aspect ratio of the length L1 to the length L2 may be 1:4. The switch 11 may have, for example, a rectangular shape. As an example, the switch 11 may have a square shape. The length of one side of the switch 11 is, for example, 18 mm or more and 24 mm or less. However, the shape and size of the switch 11 may be changed as appropriate.

[0024] The display surface 10 may display something other than the multiple switches 11. For example, the display surface 10 may include the multiple switches 11 and text information 13. For example, the text information 13 may include at least one of date information, time information, temperature information, temperature information, and atmospheric pressure information.

[0025] On the display surface 10, for example, a plurality of switches 11 may be displayed lined up horizontally on the lower side of the display surface 10, and text information 13 may be displayed above the plurality of switches 11. The switches 11 may be arranged such that their centers 11b are positioned at a position shifted from the center 10b of the display surface 10. As an example, each of the plurality of switches 11 is displayed at a position offset from a reference line V that passes through the center 10b and extends in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction) of the display surface 10.

[0026] 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an exemplary housing 2 and protruding portion 3. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, for example, the housing 2 has a horizontally elongated box shape. As an example, the housing 2 has a front surface 2b, a pair of left and right side surfaces 2c, an upper surface 2d, and a lower surface 2f. The front surface 2b extends in the up-down direction D1 and the left-right direction D2 when attached to the wall portion W. The side surface 2c extends in the up-down direction D1 and in the protruding direction D3 from the wall portion W. The upper surface 2d extends in the left-right direction D2 and the protruding direction D3. The lower surface 2f faces the opposite side to the upper surface 2d.

[0027] The protruding portion 3 has, for example, a rectangular plate shape. As an example, the protruding portion 3 has a main surface 3b that protrudes from the lower side of the front surface 2b and faces upward, an end surface 3c that faces the left-right direction D2 or the protruding direction D3, and a back surface 3d that faces the opposite side to the main surface 3b. As described above, the protruding portion 3 has a built-in sensor 12. This makes it easier for the sensor 12 to detect the object F.

[0028] The aerial display device 1 includes a retroreflective member 14 that displays a display surface 10 with a switch 11, a display device 15 disposed inside a housing 2, a control unit 20, and an infrared transmitting / receiving unit 30 that transmits and receives infrared rays S used as data. The infrared transmitting / receiving unit 30 is, for example, an infrared LED.

[0029] As an example, the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 30 receives a control signal from the control unit 20 and transmits infrared rays S. However, the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 30 may receive infrared rays from a device external to the aerial display device 1 (e.g., a remote control). The retroreflective member 14 and the display device 15 correspond to a virtual image display unit that displays the display surface 10 as a virtual image in the air. The retroreflective member 14 is, for example, a retroreflective mirror fixed to an opening 2g located inside the front surface 2b of the housing 2.

[0030] The opening 2g is defined by, for example, a pair of first plates 2h constituting the front surface 2b of the housing 2 and a pair of second plates 2j fixed to the inside of the housing 2 of the first plates 2h. As an example, the first plates 2h and the second plates 2j are provided as a pair above and below. The retroreflective member 14 is fixed to the housing 2 in a state where it is sandwiched between the first plates 2h and the second plates 2j.

[0031] The retroreflective member 14 is, for example, rectangular in shape with long sides extending in the left-right direction D2 and short sides extending in the up-down direction D1. One long side and the other long side of the retroreflective member 14 are sandwiched between the first plate portion 2h and the second plate portion 2j. The display device 15 is disposed obliquely with respect to the retroreflective member 14.

[0032] As an example, the display device 15 is a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display device 15 is disposed diagonally above the retroreflective member 14 inside the housing 2. The display device 15 has a screen 15b that displays an image. The screen 15b irradiates light C as an image diagonally downward toward the retroreflective member 14, for example. The retroreflective member 14 reflects the light C from the display device 15 multiple times (for example, twice) inside the retroreflective member 14, and forms an image of the display surface 10 in a space in front of the retroreflective member 14 as viewed from the operator.

[0033] Sensor 12 may be exposed on, for example, main surface 3b of protrusion 3. As an example, sensor 12 is a depth sensor. For example, sensor 12 is provided on a virtual straight line extending from switch 11, that is, in a position in front of switch 11, which is a virtual image. Sensor 12 acquires distance image data including information on the position (two-dimensional position) of object F on a plane perpendicular to the virtual straight line and information on distance K from sensor 12 to object F. Sensor 12 acquires, for example, distance image data. Sensor 12 outputs the acquired distance image data to control unit 20 at a predetermined period (for example, 1 / 30 seconds).

[0034] As a specific example, the sensor 12 irradiates light rays (or infrared rays) to each point on an object present in a shooting area including the target object F, and receives the light rays reflected from each point on the object. The sensor 12 measures the distance between the sensor 12 and each point on the object based on the received light rays, and outputs the measured distance for each pixel. The distance between the sensor 12 and each point on the object may be measured by, for example, a Light Coding method.

[0035] In the Light Coding method, the sensor 12 irradiates light rays in a random dot pattern to each point on an object present in a shooting area including the target object F. The sensor 12 receives the light rays reflected from each point on the object and measures the distance between the sensor 12 and each point on the object by detecting distortion of the pattern of the reflected light rays. The sensor 12 detects information on the two-dimensional position of each point on the object and information on the distance from the sensor 12 to each point on the object as multiple pixels, and outputs the detected multiple pixels to the control unit 20.

[0036] The control unit 20 is capable of communicating with each of the sensor 12, the display device 15, and the infrared transmission / reception unit 30. The control unit 20 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program, a storage unit including a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output unit, and a driver. Each function of the control unit 20 is realized by operating the input / output unit under the control of the CPU and reading or writing data in the storage unit. There are no particular limitations on the form and location of the control unit 20.

[0037] Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 20. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the control unit 20 has, as functional components, an image output unit 21, an object detection unit 22, a determination unit 23, a signal output unit 24, and a notification unit 25. The image output unit 21 outputs a control signal of image data of an image to be displayed on the display device 15 to the display device 15. The display device 15 is capable of displaying various types of images based on the control signal of the image data from the image output unit 21.

[0038] The object detection unit 22 detects the object F based on the range image data output from the sensor 12. When the object detection unit 22 detects the object F, it outputs position data indicating the position of the object F to the determination unit 23. Based on the position data output from the object detection unit 22, the determination unit 23 determines whether the switch 11 has been pressed by the object F.

[0039] Specifically, the determination unit 23 determines whether or not the distance K between the sensor 12 and the object F is equal to or less than the threshold Y. When the determination unit 23 determines that the distance K is equal to or less than the threshold Y, the determination unit 23 determines that the object F has reached the virtual press determination plane Z and the switch 11 has been pressed. For example, when the determination unit 23 determines that the switch 11 has been pressed, it generates an operation signal indicating that the switch 11 has been operated.

[0040] The press determination surface Z is a virtual surface formed at a location at a constant distance from the sensor 12. For example, the press determination surface Z is provided at a position close to the switch 11. The position of the press determination surface Z may coincide with the position of the switch 11, or may be a position spaced a predetermined distance from the switch 11. In this embodiment, the position of the press determination surface Z coincides with the position of the switch 11.

[0041] The notification unit 25 receives an operation signal from the determination unit 23 when the determination unit 23 determines that the switch 11 has been pressed. The notification unit 25 is a notification means that notifies the operator that the switch 11 has been operated when the determination unit 23 determines that the switch 11 has been operated. The notification unit 25 has, for example, a voice output unit 25b and a color change unit 25c.

[0042] As an example, the audio output unit 25b is a speaker, and outputs audio when an operation signal is received from the determination unit 23. By hearing the audio from the audio output unit 25b, the operator can understand that the switch 11 has been operated. The color change unit 25c generates a color change signal, for example, when an operation signal is received from the determination unit 23. The color change unit 25c outputs the color change signal to the display device 15.

[0043] When the display device 15 receives a color change signal from the color change unit 25c, it changes the color of the switch 11 pressed by the operator, for example. When the operator visually confirms that the color of the switch 11 has been changed, the operator can understand that the switch 11 has been operated. When the display device 15 receives a color change signal from the color change unit 25c, it may change the color of a portion other than the switch 11.

[0044] Providing the above-described notification unit 25 allows the operator to know that the switch 11 has been operated. However, at least one of the audio output unit 25b and the color change unit 25c may be omitted from the notification unit 25. The notification unit 25 may notify the operator that the switch 11 has been operated in a manner other than audio output by the audio output unit 25b or color change by the color change unit 25c.

[0045] When the determination unit 23 determines that the switch 11 has been pressed, the signal output unit 24 generates a control signal based on the pressing operation of the switch 11. The signal output unit 24 transmits the generated control signal to the infrared transmission / reception unit 30. The infrared transmission / reception unit 30 that has received the control signal operates a device external to the aerial display device 1.

[0046] The infrared transmission / reception unit 30 as an example is a device control unit that controls an external device of the aerial display device 1 by transmitting infrared rays S used as data through the retroreflective member 14. The infrared transmission / reception unit 30 may operate, for example, a toilet B with a washlet (see FIG. 1), each part of the washlet, and the washbasin M. As an example, the infrared transmission / reception unit 30 may cause the toilet B to flush when the switch 11 corresponding to the toilet flush is pressed. In this way, in the exemplary aerial display device 1, it is possible to operate each part of the toilet T by operating the switch 11 displayed as a virtual image. Therefore, since there is no need to directly (physically) press a button or the like to operate each part of the toilet T, the operation can be realized hygienically.

[0047] The infrared rays S transmitted by the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 30 are used for data communication. The infrared transmitting / receiving unit 30 is provided, for example, inside the housing 2, on the opposite side of the operator as viewed from the retroreflective member 14. The infrared transmitting / receiving unit 30 irradiates the infrared rays S to the retroreflective member 14 that displays a virtual image. The infrared rays S irradiated to the retroreflective member 14 are retroreflected by the retroreflective member 14.

[0048] For example, the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 30 irradiates infrared rays S in a direction intersecting the light C irradiated by the display device 15. As an example, the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 30 is disposed diagonally below the retroreflective member 14 inside the housing 2. In this case, the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 30 is provided below the display device 15 and irradiates infrared rays S diagonally upward. However, the position of the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 30 and the direction in which the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 30 irradiates infrared rays S are not particularly limited.

[0049] The infrared rays S from the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 30 pass through the retroreflective member 14 in the same manner as the light C from the display device 15. For example, the housing 2 is not provided with a dedicated opening for passing the infrared rays S. That is, in this embodiment, the opening 2g of the housing 2 is used both to pass the infrared rays S and to pass the light C.

[0050] The retroreflective member 14 reflects the infrared ray S from the infrared transmitter / receiver 30 multiple times (for example, twice) inside the retroreflective member 14, and forms an image of the infrared transmitter / receiver X in a space in front of the retroreflective member 14 as seen from the operator. The infrared ray S is, for example, an infrared remote control code (infrared rays for remote control) for operating an external device of the aerial display device 1.

[0051] When the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 30 is disposed on one side (inside the housing 2) as viewed from the retroreflective member 14, the infrared transmitting / receiving unit X is optically disposed in plane symmetry on the other side (outside the housing 2). By pointing this infrared transmitting / receiving unit X toward each part of the toilet T (the toilet bowl B as an example), it becomes possible to irradiate each part of the toilet T with an infrared remote control code.

[0052] Next, the effects of the aerial display device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the aerial display device 1, the display device 15 irradiates the retroreflective member 14 with light C to display a virtual image in the air. The infrared transmitter / receiver 30 transmits and receives infrared rays S used as data via the retroreflective member 14. The display device 15 and the infrared transmitter / receiver 30 are disposed inside the housing 2. The retroreflective member 14 is attached to the opening 2g of the housing 2. Therefore, the retroreflective member 14 attached to the opening 2g of the housing 2 can be shared by the display device 15 that displays information by irradiating light C and the infrared transmitter / receiver 30 that transmits and receives infrared rays S for data communication.

[0053] The retroreflective member 14 can be used both for the display device 15 to display a virtual image and for transmitting and receiving infrared rays S. Therefore, there is no need to form a window in the housing 2 in addition to the opening 2g, and the design of the housing 2 can be simplified to suppress an increase in the cost of manufacturing the housing 2. By providing the display device 15 and the infrared transmitting and receiving unit 30 with a control unit 20 that transmits and receives control signals, the display of a virtual image by the display device 15 and the transmission and reception of data by the infrared transmitting and receiving unit 30 can be linked.

[0054] In the aerial display device 1 according to this embodiment, the retroreflective member 14 displays the display surface 10 with the switch 11 as a virtual image. The aerial display device 1 includes a sensor 12 that detects the position of an object F approaching the switch 11, and a determination unit 23 that determines whether the switch 11 has been operated based on the position of the object F detected by the sensor 12. The display device 15 displays the display surface 10 with the switch 11 as a virtual image, and the sensor 12 detects the position of the object F, such as a finger, approaching the switch 11. Based on the position of the object F, the determination unit 23 determines whether the switch 11 has been operated. Therefore, since it is possible to determine whether the switch 11 has been operated by displaying the switch 11 as a virtual image in the air, the infrared transmission / reception unit 30 can transmit and receive infrared rays S in conjunction with the operation of the switch 11.

[0055] In the aerial display device 1 according to this embodiment, when the determination unit 23 determines that the switch 11 has been operated, the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 30 transmits infrared rays S used as data via the retroreflective member 14. Therefore, since the infrared rays S are transmitted as data when the determination unit 23 determines that the switch 11 has been operated, it is possible to link the operation of the switch 11 with the irradiation of the infrared rays S.

[0056] In the aerial display device 1 according to this embodiment, the infrared transmitter / receiver 30 transmits infrared rays S as an infrared remote control code for operating an external device (each device in a toilet T, as an example) located outside the aerial display device 1. Thus, the display of a virtual image by the display device 15 and the transmission of the infrared remote control code can be linked. The external device can be operated by transmitting the infrared remote control code to a receiver of the external device.

[0057] Next, various modified examples of the aerial display device according to the present disclosure will be described. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the contents of the modified examples described below. Since some of the configurations of the aerial display device according to the various modified examples described below overlap with some of the configurations of the aerial display device 1 described above, the description of the contents that overlap with the aerial display device 1 will be omitted as appropriate below. Note that some of the illustrations are simplified in Figs. 5 to 9 to facilitate understanding.

[0058] 5 includes an infrared transmitter / receiver 35, and the direction in which infrared rays S are irradiated by the infrared transmitter / receiver 35 is different from that of the aerial display device 1. The infrared transmitter / receiver 35 irradiates infrared rays S perpendicularly to the retroreflective member 14. The infrared rays S from the infrared transmitter / receiver 35 pass through the retroreflective member 14 and are transmitted to the outside of the aerial display device 31.

[0059] The retroreflective member 14 transmits infrared rays S as they are without retroreflecting the infrared rays S when the infrared rays S are perpendicularly incident on the retroreflective member 14. In general, infrared rays S have high directivity, so when the infrared rays S are perpendicularly irradiated onto the retroreflective member 14, it is possible for the infrared rays S to transmit through the retroreflective member 14 without being diffused or retroreflected. Therefore, the retroreflective member 14 can be irradiated with infrared rays S having high directivity and whose intensity is concentrated in the perpendicular direction.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 6, an aerial display device 41 according to a modified example includes an infrared transmitter / receiver 45. For example, the infrared transmitter / receiver 45 is disposed in a position adjacent to the display device 15, and irradiates infrared rays S along the light C of the display device 15. The infrared transmitter / receiver 45 irradiates infrared rays S diagonally downward toward the retroreflective member 14, for example. In this case, since the infrared rays S can be irradiated diagonally upward from the retroreflective member 14, it is possible to transmit infrared rays S in the direction of, for example, a ceiling.

[0061] 7, the aerial display device 51 according to the modified example includes an infrared transmitter / receiver 55 and a switching means 56 that switches the direction in which the infrared transmitter / receiver 55 irradiates infrared rays S. As an example, the switching means 56 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 2, and the infrared transmitter / receiver 55 is fixed to the switching means 56 so as to be swingable in the vertical direction.

[0062] As described above, in the aerial display device 51 according to the modified example, the infrared transmitter / receiver 55 irradiates infrared rays S used as data via the retroreflective member 14, and includes a switching means 56 for switching the direction in which the infrared transmitter / receiver 55 irradiates the infrared rays S. Therefore, the direction of the infrared rays S transmitted by the infrared transmitter / receiver 55 can be switched to a desired direction by the switching means 56. As a result, it is possible to switch the position of the transmitted infrared rays S and to realize both retroreflection and transmission of the infrared rays S.

[0063] In the aerial display device 61 shown in Fig. 8, the infrared transmitter / receiver 65 functions as a receiver that receives infrared rays S. As an example, the aerial display device 61 is a digital signage having a housing 62 with an opening 62g. The infrared transmitter / receiver 65 receives infrared rays S from an external device of the aerial display device 61 via the retroreflective member 14. In the aerial display device 61, the infrared rays S are, for example, image data of an image P (virtual image) displayed by the aerial display device 61.

[0064] When the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 65 receives the infrared ray S, image data is output as a control signal from the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 65 to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 outputs the image data as a control signal to the display device 15. The display device 15 irradiates the retroreflective member 14 with light C of the image of the image data, causing the retroreflective member 14 to display the image P of the image data as a virtual image.

[0065] As described above, in the aerial display device 61, the infrared transmitter / receiver 65 receives infrared rays S from an external device via the retroreflective member 14, the control unit 20 outputs image data to the display device 15, and the display device 15 irradiates the retroreflective member 14 with light C of the image P of the image data. Therefore, the image P of the image data can be displayed as a virtual image by the retroreflective member 14. For example, even if the aerial display device 61 is located in a high place that is difficult to reach, the image P can be easily displayed by transmitting infrared rays S to the aerial display device 61 from a remote location.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 9, an aerial display device 71 according to a modified example includes a housing 72 having a shape different from that of the housing 2, a beam splitter 73, a retroreflective member 74, and an infrared transmitter / receiver 75. The housing 72 has an opening 72g to which the beam splitter 73 is attached. The housing 72 has an inclined surface 72b in which the opening 72g is formed, a side surface 72c extending downward from the upper end of the inclined surface 72b, and a bottom surface 72d extending between the side surface 72c and the inclined surface 72b. As an example, in a side cross-sectional view, the housing 72 has a right-angled triangular shape with the inclined surface 72b as the hypotenuse.

[0067] The retroreflective member 74 and the infrared transmitting / receiving unit 75 are disposed inside the housing 72. Light C is irradiated onto the beam splitter 73 from the display device 15. The beam splitter 73 reflects the light C from the display device 15 toward the retroreflective member 74. The retroreflective member 74 receives the light C from the beam splitter 73 and displays a virtual image Q outside the housing 72.

[0068] As in the aerial display device 71, there are cases where a housing 72 having a shape different from that of the housing 2 is used, and the retroreflective member 74 and the infrared transmitter / receiver 75 are disposed inside the housing 72. Even in such a case, infrared rays S are irradiated from the infrared transmitter / receiver 75 upon receiving a control signal from the control unit 20, so that the same action and effect as the aerial display device 1 described above can be obtained.

[0069] The above describes the embodiment and modified examples of the aerial display device according to the present disclosure. However, the aerial display device according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment or modified example. The aerial display device according to the present disclosure may be modified or applied to other things within the scope of not changing the gist described in each claim. The configuration, shape, size, number, material and arrangement of each part of the aerial display device can be appropriately changed within the scope of not changing the gist described above.

[0070] As described above, in the present disclosure, the position of the infrared transmitter / receiver and the direction of infrared radiation are not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate. In Fig. 7, an example is described in which the infrared transmitter / receiver 55 is fixed to the switching means 56 so as to be swingable in the vertical direction. However, in the aerial display device according to the present disclosure, the direction in which the infrared transmitter / receiver swings is not limited to the vertical direction and may be, for example, a 360° direction, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0071] For example, in the above embodiment, the sensor 12 measures the distance between the sensor 12 and each point on the object by the Light Coding method. However, the method of the sensor 12 is not limited to the above method. For example, the sensor 12 may measure the distance between the sensor 12 and each point on the object by the TOF (Time Of Flight) method. In the TOF method, the sensor 12 calculates the flight time (delay time) of a light ray from the reflection at each point on the object until it reaches the sensor 12, and measures the distance between the sensor 12 and each point on the object from the calculated flight time and the speed of light. Even in such a form, the same effect as the above embodiment is achieved. Furthermore, the type of the sensor is not limited to a depth sensor. Instead of the sensor 12 which is a depth sensor, an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, etc. may be provided, and the type of the sensor can be changed as appropriate.

[0072] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a plurality of switches 11 are arranged horizontally at the bottom, and the retroreflective member 14 and the display device 15 display the display surface 10 on which text information 13 is displayed above the switches 11. However, the layout of the switches and the like on the display surface is not limited to the above example and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the aerial display device may be a device other than the operation input device that displays the display surface 10 with the switches 11, and may be the digital signage described above. In this way, the aerial display device according to the present disclosure is applicable to various devices that display virtual images in the air. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1,31,41,51,61,71...Aerial display device, 2,72...Casing, 2b...Front surface, 2c...Side surface, 2d...Top surface, 2f...Bottom surface, 2g...Opening, 2h...First plate part, 2j...Second plate part, 3...Protruding part, 3b...Main surface, 3c...End surface, 3d...Back surface, 10...Display surface, 1 0b...center, 11...switch, 11b...center, 12...sensor, 13...text information, 14,74...retroreflective member, 15...display device, 15b...screen, 20...control unit, 21...image output unit, 22...object detection unit, 23...judgment unit, 24...signal output unit, 2 5...notification unit, 25b...audio output unit, 25c...color changing unit, 30, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75...infrared transmission / reception unit, 56...switching means, 72b...inclined surface, 72c...side, 72d...bottom, 72g...opening, 73...beam splitter, B...toilet bowl, C...light, D1...up and down direction, D2...left and right direction, D3...protrusion direction, E...toilet paper, F...object, K...distance, M...sink, P...image, Q...virtual image, S...infrared, T...toilet, V...reference line, W...wall, X...infrared transmission / reception unit, Y...threshold, Z...press determination surface.

Claims

1. An aerial display device that displays a virtual image in the air, A display device that displays information by emitting light; A retroreflective member that reflects light from the display device multiple times to display a virtual image in the air; an infrared transceiver that transmits and receives infrared rays used as data through the retroreflective member; a control unit that transmits and receives control signals to and from the display device and the infrared transmission / reception unit; a housing that houses the display device and the infrared transmission / reception unit; Equipped with The retroreflective member is attached to an opening formed in the housing, The display device and the infrared transmission / reception unit are disposed inside the housing. Aerial display device.

2. The retroreflective member displays a display surface with a switch as the virtual image, a sensor for detecting a position of an object approaching the switch; a determination unit that determines whether or not the switch has been operated based on the position of the object detected by the sensor; The aerial display device according to claim 1 .

3. The infrared transmitting / receiving unit transmits infrared rays used as data via the retroreflective member when the determination unit determines that the switch has been operated. The aerial display device according to claim 2 .

4. The infrared transmitting / receiving unit irradiates infrared rays used as data through the retroreflective member, The infrared transmission / reception unit includes a switching means for switching the direction in which the infrared light is emitted. The aerial display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The infrared transmitter and receiver transmits infrared rays as an infrared remote control code to operate an external device located outside the aerial display device. The aerial display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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