Airborne display device

Abstract

An aerial display apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: a display apparatus 40 that emits light to display information; and an aerial image forming device that reflects light from the display apparatus 40 multiple times to display a screen including information as an aerial image. The display apparatus 40 has a light source 41 that emits light, and a panel member 45 including a transmission portion 45b that transmits the light from the light source 41, and a non-transmission portion that does not transmit the light from the light source 41. The panel member 45 has a planar portion 45s, and a recessed portion 45t that is recessed in a direction away from the aerial image forming device with respect to the planar portion 45s. The transmission portion 45b is formed in the recessed portion 45t.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerial display device that displays a screen as an aerial image. This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2022-010903 filed on January 27, 2022, and incorporates all the descriptions described in the Japanese application.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3229335 describes an elevator control device provided with optical imaging means for displaying a real image of an operation switch in the air at a predetermined position. This control device includes a control box having an opening, a flat image display unit disposed inside the control box for displaying an image of an elevator operation switch, and optical imaging means for displaying the image of the image display unit as a real image of the operation switch at a position protruding from the opening of the control box.

[0003] Outside the opening of the control box, first detection means and second detection means for detecting the position of a finger that has operated the real image of the operation switch are provided. When viewing the opening from the front, the first detection means is disposed on the front side and the second detection means is disposed on the back side. Each of the first detection means and the second detection means has a plurality of light emitting units and a plurality of light receiving units, and each light emitting unit is disposed opposite to each light receiving unit. Each light emitting unit irradiates a light beam to each light receiving unit. When the operator presses the operation switch, the operator's finger crosses the above light beam. By the first detection means and the second detection means detecting that the light beam has been crossed, it is detected that the operation switch has been operated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the aforementioned control device, the image display unit is flat. The actual images of the operation switches are displayed planarly at a position protruding from the opening of the control box. Since the user of the control device can only see the planar operation switches, there is room for improvement in terms of image visibility.

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide an aerial display device that can improve the visibility of images. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The aerial display device according to this disclosure is an aerial display device comprising a display device that displays information by irradiating light, and an aerial imaging device that displays a screen containing information as an aerial image by reflecting light from the display device multiple times. The display device has a light source that irradiates light, and a panel member that includes a transmissive portion that transmits light from the light source and an opaque portion that does not transmit light from the light source. The panel member has a flat portion and a recess that is recessed in a direction away from the aerial imaging device relative to the flat portion. A transmissive portion is formed in the recess.

[0008] In this aerial display device, an aerial imaging device reflects light from the display device multiple times to display an aerial image on the screen. The display device comprises a light source and a panel member, the panel member having a transmissive portion that transmits light from the light source and an opaque portion that does not transmit light from the light source. Furthermore, the panel member has a flat portion and a recess that is indented from the flat portion in the direction away from the aerial imaging device, with a transmissive portion formed in the recess. When viewed by a user viewing the screen in the air, the image produced by the light transmitted through the transmissive portion formed in the recess appears to be displayed closer to the user. Because the image is displayed three-dimensionally by the image produced by the light transmitted through the transmissive portion in the recess, the visibility of the image can be improved.

[0009] The panel member has a ridge extending from the flat surface to the bottom of the recess, and a transparent portion may be formed on the ridge. In this case, the image produced by light passing through the transparent portion formed on the ridge appears to protrude towards the viewer as it moves from the flat surface to the bottom of the recess. By forming a transparent portion on the ridge extending from the flat surface to the bottom of the recess, the image can be displayed more three-dimensionally, thereby improving the visibility of the image.

[0010] The aerial display device may include a first display unit having a transparent portion formed in a recess and a second display unit having a transparent portion formed in a flat portion. In this case, the image produced by light passing through the transparent portion of the first display unit will appear to float in front of the image produced by light passing through the transparent portion of the second display unit. By providing a first display unit with a recess and a second display unit with a flat portion, an even more three-dimensional image can be displayed in mid-air.

[0011] The first and second display units may be adjacent to each other. In this case, the image produced by light passing through the transparent portion of the first display unit and the image produced by light passing through the transparent portion of the second display unit are displayed in adjacent positions. Therefore, an even more three-dimensional image can be displayed in mid-air. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, the visibility of images can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an elevator system, which is an example of equipment operated by an aerial display device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing an aerial display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an aerial display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows the display device located inside the aerial display device shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the display device. [Figure 6] (a) is a diagram showing an example of a display device of an aerial display device in an elevator landing. (b) is a diagram showing an example of a display device of an aerial display device in an elevator landing different from that in Fig. 6(a). [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing the peripheral structure of a cooling fan arranged inside the aerial display device of Fig. 3. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing an aerial display device arranged inside an elevator car. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view showing a state where the top plate of the aerial display device of Fig. 8 is removed. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing a speaker and a human sensor of an aerial display device arranged in an elevator landing. [Figure 11] It is a functional block diagram of an aerial display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram schematically showing a panel member of a display device and an aerial imaging device in an aerial display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing an aerial display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] It is an enlarged view of a part of a display panel of the aerial display device of Fig. 13. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of an aerial display device according to a modification.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of an 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 denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The drawings may be drawn with some parts simplified or exaggerated for easy understanding, and dimensional ratios and the like are not limited to those described in the drawings. In the following embodiments, an example in which the aerial display device according to the present disclosure is an operation input device for operating a device will be described.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an elevator system 1, which is an example of equipment to which the operation input device according to this embodiment is applied. As shown in Figure 1, the elevator system 1 is installed inside a building S having floors U and walls V. The elevator system 1 comprises an elevator car 2 in which the user M of the elevator system 1 rides, a wire rope 3 that suspends the elevator car 2, and elevator doors 4 provided on each floor of the building S.

[0016] The elevator system 1 has landings 5 ​​located on each floor of the building S, and a space 6 in which the elevator car 2 is located. As viewed from the elevator door 4, space 6 is located on the opposite side from the landings 5. The elevator car 2 moves up and down in space 6 by winding up and down the wire rope 3.

[0017] For example, the control input device 10A is installed in the internal space 2b of the elevator car 2, and the control input device 10B is installed at the landing 5. Some of the components of the control input device 10A are the same as some of the components of the control input device 10B. In the following, when describing the common components of the control input device 10A and the control input device 10B, the control input device 10A and the control input device 10B will be described together as the control input device 10.

[0018] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the operation input device 10. As shown in Figure 2, the operation input device 10 has a columnar shape extending in the vertical direction D1. The operation input device 10 comprises a columnar portion 11 extending in the vertical direction D1 and a support portion 12 that supports the columnar portion 11 at its lower end. The support portion 12 extends outward from the lower end of the columnar portion 11. The support portion 12 has, for example, a plate shape. This support portion 12 makes it possible to stably erect the operation input device 10.

[0019] The columnar portion 11 is, for example, pentagonal. More specifically, the columnar portion 11 has a rectangular columnar portion 11A and a triangular columnar portion 11B. The operation input device 10 (operation input device 10A) is positioned such that the corner portion 11b of the triangular columnar portion 11B, which is located at a distance from the rectangular columnar portion 11A, faces the corner portion 2c of the internal space 2b of the elevator car 2. This allows the operation input device 10 to be neatly positioned within the internal space 2b of the elevator car 2.

[0020] The columnar section 11 has a front section 13 facing the user M who has entered the internal space 2b of the elevator car 2, a side section 14 facing in a direction intersecting the front section 13, and a top section 15 facing upward. The front section 13 extends in a vertical direction D1 and a first direction D2 intersecting the vertical direction D1. The side section 14 extends in a second direction D3 intersecting both the vertical direction D1 and the first direction D2, and in the vertical direction D1. For example, the operation input device 10 has a ventilation hole 17 communicating with the interior of the columnar section 11 and a speaker 18 that outputs sound. The ventilation hole 17 is provided in the side section 14, and the speaker 18 is provided in the front section 13. The ventilation hole 17 and speaker 18 will be described in detail later.

[0021] The top surface 15 is angled upward towards the user M facing the operation input device 10 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "front side"). This makes it possible to make the top surface 15 easily visible to the user M. The top surface 15 has a rectangular portion 15A and a triangular portion 15B, and the corner 15b of the triangular portion 15B, located at a position separated from the rectangular portion 15A, faces the corner 2c of the internal space 2b.

[0022] For example, the operation input device 10 includes a plate-shaped member 16 attached to the top surface 15 by mounting members 19. As an example, the plate-shaped member 16 is a transparent plate with text on it. For example, the plate-shaped member 16 displays directions for each floor of the building S. The mounting members 19 are, for example, pins that are fixed to the plate-shaped member 16 and screwed into the top surface 15. The operation input device 10 includes, for example, a plurality of mounting members 19 arranged at the corners of the plate-shaped member 16.

[0023] The operation input device 10 has an aerial imaging device 31 that displays an operation screen 20 containing numbers 21 in the space in front of the operation input device 10. User M specifies the destination floor of the elevator car 2 by pressing the numbers 21 on the operation screen 20 displayed in space. For example, in addition to multiple numbers 21, the operation screen 20 displays buttons such as an open button to maintain the open state of the elevator door 4, a close button to close the elevator door 4, and an emergency button to notify the control room of the elevator system 1 that an emergency has occurred. However, the illustration of these buttons is omitted in Figure 2.

[0024] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the operation input device 10, showing the internal structure of the operation input device 10 including the aerial imaging device 31. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the operation input device 10 comprises an aerial imaging device 31 that displays an operation screen 20 with numbers 21, a sensor 32 that detects an object M1 such as the user M's finger approaching the numbers 21, a display device 40 located inside the columnar part 11, and a control unit 50. The control unit 50 is, for example, a control board that controls the operation of the operation input device 10.

[0025] The aerial imaging device 31 and the display device 40 correspond to the aerial image display unit that displays the operation screen 20 as an aerial image. For example, each of the aerial imaging device 31 and the display device 40 is plate-shaped. The aerial imaging device 31 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction D1 so as it extends downwards toward the front. The display device 40 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction D1 so as it extends upwards toward the front. The upper ends of the aerial imaging device 31 and the upper ends of the display device 40 are, for example, close to each other.

[0026] The aerial imaging device 31 is, for example, a retroreflective member (retroreflective mirror) positioned inside the opening 13b formed in the front surface 13 of the columnar portion 11. The aerial imaging device 31 is positioned diagonally so that it moves towards the back (towards the back from the perspective of the user M facing the operation input device 10; hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "the back") as it moves upward from the lower end of the opening 13b.

[0027] The sensor 32 is, for example, mounted on the upper part of the aerial imaging device 31. The sensor 32 is fixed to the lower part of the top surface 15. The sensor 32 is, for example, an area sensor. In this case, the sensor 32 has a two-dimensional detection area 32b corresponding to the operation screen 20, and detects that an operation has been performed on the operation screen 20 when the object M1 reaches the detection area 32b.

[0028] The operation screen 20 includes a numeric keypad with single-digit numbers 21 from "1" to "9". Each number 21 is displayed, for example, enclosed by a frame 22. The detection area 32b has a detection area corresponding to each of the numbers 21 from "1" to "9". As an example, the detection area 32b is provided parallel to the operation screen 20. For example, the detection area 32b is provided in front of the operation screen 20, and the detection area 32b includes a detection area corresponding to each number 21 and each button. By providing the detection area 32b in front of the operation screen 20 in this way, the operability of the operation screen 20 can be improved.

[0029] For example, the detection area corresponding to the number "K" 21 (where K is a natural number between 1 and 9) on the operation screen 20 is located in front of the number "K" displayed as an aerial image. The sensor 32 detects that the number "K" 21 has been pressed when an object M1 approaching the number "K" 21 reaches the detection area.

[0030] The operation input device 10 includes, for example, a housing 35 into which an aerial imaging device 31, a sensor 32, and a display device 40 are incorporated. The housing 35 holds the aerial imaging device 31, the sensor 32, and the display device 40 while maintaining the relative positions of the aerial imaging device 31, the sensor 32, and the display device 40. The housing 35, which holds the aerial imaging device 31, the sensor 32, and the display device 40, is incorporated inside the opening 13b of the columnar portion 11. For example, in a side view (when viewed from the first direction D2), the housing 35 has a triangular shape.

[0031] The control unit 50 is positioned, for example, below the aerial imaging device 31 and the display device 40. A space 36 is formed between the housing 35 and the control unit 50. The control unit 50 is positioned, for example, to extend in a first direction D2 and a second direction D3.

[0032] The control unit 50 is a circuit board equipped with a circuit that controls the operation of the display device 40. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the sensor 32 and receives an operation signal from the sensor 32 indicating that the operation screen 20 has been operated. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the display device 40 and controls the screen display by the display device 40 by outputting a display control signal to the display device 40.

[0033] A space 37 is formed between the display device 40 and the top surface 15. The operation input device 10 has a space 37 located above the display device 40 and below the top surface 15, which allows the space 37 to be effectively utilized as a space for heat dissipation from the display device 40. The space 37 is defined by the top surface 15, the display device 40, and a pair of side surfaces 14. Multiple ventilation holes 17 penetrating in the first direction D2 are formed in the portion of each side surface 14 that defines the space 37. This space 37 and the multiple ventilation holes 17 allow heat from the display device 40 to escape to the outside of the operation input device 10.

[0034] Figure 4 shows the display device 40 of the operation input device 10A installed in the internal space 2b of the elevator car 2. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the display device 40. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the display device 40 includes, for example, a light source 41, a substrate 42, a panel base 43, a diffusion sheet 44, a panel member 45, an anti-peeping sheet 46, and a retaining member 47. The light source 41 is mounted on the substrate 42. The substrate 42, panel base 43, diffusion sheet 44, panel member 45, anti-peeping sheet 46, and retaining member 47 are stacked in this order.

[0035] The light source 41 is, for example, an LED light source. For example, the display device 40 has multiple light sources 41, and a light source 41 is provided for each number 21 displayed in the air. In this embodiment, a numeric keypad with numbers 21 from "1" to "9" is displayed as the operation screen 20, so nine light sources 41 are mounted on the circuit board 42.

[0036] The substrate 42 is, for example, rectangular in shape. Three light sources 41 are arranged along one side of the substrate 42, and three more light sources 41 are arranged along another side of the substrate 42 perpendicular to that side. The substrate 42 contains, for example, aluminum. As an example, the substrate 42 is an aluminum substrate. In this case, the heat dissipation from the light sources 41 mounted on the substrate 42 can be improved.

[0037] The panel base 43 is interposed between the substrate 42 and the diffusion sheet 44. For example, the substrate 42 is fixed to the panel base 43 by screws 42b. The panel base 43 is provided to focus the light from each light source 41 and suppress the leakage of said light. The panel base 43 is constructed, for example, by covering a resin layer with an aluminum layer. That is, the panel base 43 is constructed by aluminum plating on resin. Therefore, the light from the light source 41 can be efficiently reflected by the panel base 43.

[0038] The panel base 43, for example, has a plate-like shape overall. The panel base 43 may, as an example, have a rectangular shape. The panel base 43 has recesses 43b that are recessed in the thickness direction of the panel base 43. The panel base 43 has a plurality of recesses 43b that are recessed from the surface 43c facing the opposite side from the substrate 42 (the diffusion sheet 44 side).

[0039] The recesses 43b are provided, for example, for each number 21 displayed in the air. The panel base 43, like the light source 41, has nine recesses 43b. Three recesses 43b are arranged along one side of the panel base 43, and three recesses 43b are arranged along the other side perpendicular to that side.

[0040] When viewed from the thickness direction of the panel base 43, the area of ​​the recess 43b decreases as it moves away from the surface 43c. When the panel base 43 is cut along the in-plane direction of the surface 43c, the cross-sectional area of ​​the recess 43b narrows as it moves away from the surface 43c.

[0041] The diffusion sheet 44 is interposed between the panel base 43 and the panel member 45. The diffusion sheet 44 diffuses the light emitted from the light source 41 through the panel base 43. By providing the diffusion sheet 44, even if the light source 41 is an LED light source and the directionality of the light from the light source 41 is strong, this directionality can be mitigated.

[0042] The panel member 45 is interposed between the diffusion sheet 44 and the privacy sheet 46. The panel member 45 shapes the light transmitted through the diffusion sheet 44 into the shape of the number 21. The panel member 45 has a transparent portion 45b that transmits light from the light source 41 and an opaque portion 45c that does not transmit light from the light source 41.

[0043] The transparent portion 45b includes a number portion 45d for displaying the number 21 and a frame portion 45f surrounding the number portion 45d. The frame portion 45f has, for example, a first frame portion 45g surrounding the number portion 45d and a second frame portion 45h surrounding the first frame portion 45g. Each of the first frame portion 45g and the second frame portion 45h is, for example, rectangular in shape. As an example, the frame portion 45f has a diagonal line portion 45j extending from the corner of the first frame portion 45g to the corner of the second frame portion 45h. The transparent portion 45b includes a plurality of number portions 45d and a plurality of frame portions 45f.

[0044] The number section 45d and the frame section 45f are provided for each number 21 and frame section 22 displayed in the air. The portion of the panel member 45 that consists of the number section 45d and the frame section 45f is a transparent portion 45b, while the portion of the panel member 45 other than the number section 45d or the frame section 45f is an opaque portion 45c. Because the portion of the number section 45d and the frame section 45f is a transparent portion 45b, the number 21 and the frame section 22 are displayed as if floating in front of the aerial imaging device 31.

[0045] The panel member 45 is manufactured, for example, by irradiating a portion of a transparent panel that has been painted black with laser light. The portion of the panel member 45 that is irradiated with laser light is the transparent portion 45b, and the portion of the panel member 45 that is not irradiated with laser light is the non-transparent portion 45c.

[0046] The privacy sheet 46 is interposed between the panel member 45 and the retaining member 47. The privacy sheet 46 is provided to prevent peeping by narrowing the area illuminated by light from the panel member 45. The privacy sheet 46 has a configuration in which, for example, light-transmitting portions that transmit light from the panel member 45 and a plurality of wall portions that are opaque to light from the panel member 45 are arranged alternately.

[0047] For example, the privacy screen 46 is a blind. For instance, the display device 40 has two privacy screens 46. In this case, the height (thickness) of the walls of the privacy screen 46 can be ensured, so the light from the panel member 45 can be more reliably narrowed.

[0048] The retaining member 47 is provided on the side opposite to the panel member 45 when viewed from the privacy sheet 46. The retaining member 47, for example, sandwiches the diffusion sheet 44, the panel member 45, and the privacy sheet 46 together with the panel base 43. The retaining member 47 has a plate-like portion 47c in which a plurality of openings 47b that transmit light from the privacy sheet 46 are formed, and a plurality of side portions 47f that protrude from the outer edge of the plate-like portion 47c in the thickness direction of the plate-like portion 47c.

[0049] The anti-peeping sheet 46, panel member 45, diffusion sheet 44, and a portion of the panel base 43 fit into the area of ​​the retaining member 47 defined by the plate-shaped portion 47c and the multiple side portions 47f. The retaining member 47 has a protruding portion 47g that projects from the side portion 47f in the thickness direction of the plate-shaped portion 47c, and a hole 47h that penetrates the protruding portion 47g.

[0050] For example, a screw hole 43f is formed on the side surface 43d of the panel base 43. The retaining member 47 is fixed to the panel base 43 by tightening screws into the hole 47h of the retaining member 47, which houses the privacy sheet 46, the panel member 45, and the diffusion sheet 44, and into the screw hole 43f of the panel base 43.

[0051] The display device 40 of the operation input device 10A, which is installed in the internal space 2b of the elevator car 2, has been described above. Some of the configurations of the display device in the operation input device 10B installed in the landing 5 are the same as some of the configurations of the display device 40 in the operation input device 10A. As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), for example, the display devices 40A and 40B of the operation input device 10B have different panel members and retaining members than the panel member 45 and retaining member 47.

[0052] As an example, Figure 6(a) shows the display device 40A of the operation input device 10B located at landing 5 on the first floor of building S, and Figure 6(b) shows the display device 40A of the operation input device 10B located at landing 5 on a floor other than the first floor of building S. The display device 40A has a panel member 45A that is different from the panel member 45, and a retaining member 47A that is different from the retaining member 47.

[0053] The panel member 45A directs the light transmitted through the diffusion sheet 44 into the shape of an upward-pointing arrow 45k. In the panel member 45A, the transmissive portion 45b has an arrow 45k for displaying an upward-pointing arrow as an operation screen 20, and a frame portion 45p surrounding the arrow 45k. Because the portion of the arrow 45k and the frame portion 45p is the transmissive portion 45b, the upward-pointing arrow is displayed as if it is floating in front of the aerial imaging device 31. The retaining member 47A has a plate-like portion 47k and a side portion 47f, both of which have an opening 47j formed therein that transmits light from the privacy sheet 46. The opening 47j, for example, takes the shape of a vertically elongated rectangle in the region including the center of the plate-like portion 47k.

[0054] In the display device 40B, the transparent portion 45b has an arrow 45k for displaying an upward-pointing arrow as an operation screen 20, a frame portion 45p surrounding the arrow 45k, an arrow 45q for displaying a downward-pointing arrow as an operation screen 20, and a frame portion 45r surrounding the arrow 45q. In the case of the panel member 45B, the upward-pointing arrow and the downward-pointing arrow are displayed as if floating in front of the aerial imaging device 31. The retaining member 47B has a plate-like portion 47q and a side portion 47f, both of which have two openings 47p that transmit light from the privacy sheet 46. The two openings 47p are formed to be aligned vertically in the plate-like portion 47k.

[0055] As mentioned above, a space 37 is formed between the display device 40 and the top surface 15, and a cooling fan 60 is arranged in the space 37. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the part of the space 37 in which the cooling fan 60 is arranged. Note that the illustration of the cooling fan 60 in Figure 7 is simplified. For example, the operation input device 10 includes a rear part 61 facing the opposite side of the front part 13, and a fan mounting part 62 extending towards the front from the end of the rear part 61 in the first direction D2.

[0056] The operation input device 10 is equipped with a pair of fan mounting sections 62 aligned along the first direction D2, and each fan mounting section 62 is provided inside each ventilation hole 17 (see Figure 2). A cooling fan 60 can be attached to the fan mounting section 62, for example, by screws. By attaching the cooling fan 60 in this way, heat from the display device 40 (substrate 42) can be efficiently dissipated by the cooling fan 60 to the outside of the operation input device 10 in the first direction D2.

[0057] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the plate-shaped member 16 and top surface 15 of the operation input device 10A located in the internal space 2b of the elevator car 2. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the operation input device 10A with the plate-shaped member 16 and top surface 15 removed. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the operation input device 10A is equipped with an illuminance sensor 70.

[0058] The top surface 15 of the operation input device 10A has an opening 15c through which the illuminance sensor 70 is exposed. The opening 15c is formed, for example, in the triangular portion 15B of the top surface 15. The illuminance sensor 70 includes a sensor body 71 that detects the illuminance in the internal space 2b of the elevator car 2, a substrate 72 on which the sensor body 71 is mounted, a substrate fixing portion 73 provided inside the triangular prism portion 11B of the columnar portion 11, and a fixing member 74 that fixes the substrate 72 to the substrate fixing portion 73.

[0059] The substrate 72 has, for example, a through hole 72b, and the substrate fixing part 73 has a screw hole 73b. The fixing member 74 is, for example, a screw that is inserted through the through hole 72b and screwed into the screw hole 73b. As an example, a harness (not shown) extends downward from the substrate 72, and the substrate fixing part 73 has a recess 73c into which the harness fits. The sensor body 71 and the substrate 72 are electrically connected to the control unit 50 via the harness.

[0060] The illuminance sensor 70 (sensor body 71) detects the illuminance in the interior space 2b of the elevator car 2 and outputs an illuminance signal indicating the detected illuminance to the control unit 50. Upon receiving the illuminance signal, the control unit 50 determines whether the illuminance in the interior space 2b is above a certain value. If the illuminance in the interior space 2b is above a certain value, the control unit 50 outputs a display control signal to the display device 40, which then displays the operation screen 20 in the air via the aerial imaging device 31. On the other hand, if the illuminance in the interior space 2b is not above a certain value, the control unit 50 switches the operation input device 10A to energy-saving mode. This reduces the power consumption of the operation input device 10A.

[0061] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the speaker 18 located on the front section 13. As shown in Figure 10, the speaker 18 comprises a cone 18b, an annular stopper 18c, an annular cushion sponge 18d, a screw 18f, a plate 18g, and a bracket 18h located inside the front section 13. The cone 18b, stopper 18c, and cushion sponge 18d are stacked in this order, and the cone 18b fits into a hole 18j formed in the bracket 18h.

[0062] The stopper 18c has a through hole 18k through which a screw 18f is inserted, and the bracket 18h has a screw hole 18p into which the screw 18f is screwed. The screw 18f is inserted through the cushion sponge 18d and the through hole 18k and screwed into the screw hole 18p, thereby fixing the stopper 18c and the cushion sponge 18d to the bracket 18h. The plate 18g has multiple through holes 18q. The operation input device 10 is capable of communicating with external equipment, and can output audio input from such equipment through the through holes 18q of the plate 18g of the speaker 18.

[0063] For example, the operation input device 10B located at boarding area 5 is equipped with a human presence sensor 80. The human presence sensor 80 is provided, for example, on the front section 13. As an example, the human presence sensor 80 is located above the speaker 18. The human presence sensor 80 detects a person by, for example, emitting infrared light and reflecting the infrared light from the person to whom it is emitted.

[0064] The motion sensor 80 is electrically connected to the control unit 50. The motion sensor 80 detects a person at the landing 5 and outputs a person detection signal to the control unit 50 indicating that a person has been detected. When the control unit 50 receives the person detection signal, it outputs a display control signal to the display device 40, which then displays the operation screen 20 in the air via the aerial imaging device 31. As a result, when a person approaches the landing 5, the aerial display of the operation screen 20 can be shown to that person, making the operation input device 10B even more user-friendly.

[0065] Next, the functions of the control unit 50 will be described. Figure 11 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 50. The control unit 50 is capable of communicating with both the sensor 32 and the display device 40. The control unit 50 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program implemented in the operation input device 10, a storage unit including ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output unit, and a driver. Each function of the control unit 50 is realized by operating the input / output unit under the control of the CPU and reading or writing data to the storage unit.

[0066] The control unit 50 has a recognition unit 51 and a signal output unit 52 as functional components. For example, when the sensor 32 detects an object M1, it outputs position data indicating the position of the object M1 to the recognition unit 51. Based on the position data output from the sensor 32, the recognition unit 51 recognizes that the operation screen 20 has been pressed by the object M1.

[0067] The recognition unit 51 recognizes which number 21 was pressed, which button (e.g., open button, close button, or emergency button) was pressed, or which arrow (e.g., up arrow or down arrow) was pressed, based on the position of the object M1 in the detection area 32b of the sensor 32. The signal output unit 52 generates a control signal according to the recognition result of the recognition unit 51 and outputs the generated control signal to an external device of the operation input device 10. In this embodiment, the signal output unit 52 outputs the generated control signal to the elevator system 1.

[0068] For example, when the recognition unit 51 recognizes that the destination floor number 21 has been pressed, the signal output unit 52 outputs a control signal corresponding to that number 21 to the elevator system 1. Upon receiving the control signal, the elevator system 1 moves the elevator car 2 to the destination floor indicated by the number 21.

[0069] For example, the signal output unit 52 outputs a control signal to the elevator system 1 corresponding to the button pressed when the recognition unit 51 recognizes that a button such as the open button, close button, or emergency button on the operation screen 20 has been pressed. When the elevator system 1 receives the control signal, it performs the action indicated by the button. Specifically, when the elevator system 1 receives a control signal indicating that the open button has been pressed, it maintains the open state of the elevator door 4, and when it receives a control signal indicating that the close button has been pressed, it controls the elevator door 4 to close. When the elevator system 1 receives a control signal indicating that the emergency button has been pressed, it notifies the control room of the elevator system 1 that an emergency has occurred.

[0070] As shown in Figures 2 and 11, the operation screen 20 displays multiple single-digit numbers 21. The recognition unit 51 recognizes that the number X (where X is a single-digit natural number) has been input when the pressed number is X. At this time, the signal output unit 52 outputs a control signal corresponding to the number X 21 to the elevator system 1. The elevator system 1 moves the elevator car 2 to the Xth floor of building S.

[0071] The operation input device 10 allows the number 21 to be pressed multiple times. The recognition unit 51 recognizes that the number 10 × X + Y has been input when the first number 21 pressed is X and the second number 21 pressed is Y (where Y is a single-digit natural number). At this time, the signal output unit 52 outputs a control signal corresponding to the number 10 × X + Y to the elevator system 1. The elevator system 1 moves the elevator car 2 to the 10 × X + Y floor of building S.

[0072] The recognition unit 51 recognizes that the input number is 100×X+10×Y+W when the first number pressed is X, the second number pressed is Y, and the third number pressed is W (W is a single-digit natural number). At this time, the signal output unit 52 outputs a control signal corresponding to the number 100×X+10×Y+W to the elevator system 1. The elevator system 1 moves the elevator car 2 to the 100×X+10×Y+W floor of building S.

[0073] As described above, the control unit 50 outputs a display control signal to the display device 40, which then displays the operation screen 20 in the air via the aerial imaging device 31. For example, the numbers 21 on the operation screen 20 are displayed to appear to float further forward. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the panel member 45 for making the numbers 21 appear to float further forward. Figure 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the display device 40.

[0074] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the panel member 45 has a flat portion 45s and a recess 45t that is recessed relative to the flat portion 45s in a direction away from the aerial imaging device 31. The recess 45t is defined by an inclined surface 45v that extends diagonally with respect to the flat portion 45s and a bottom surface 45w.

[0075] The transparent portion 45b is formed on the bottom surface 45w. Figure 14 shows examples of the configuration of the transparent portion 45b and the non-transparent portion 45c in the flat portion 45s and the recessed portion 45t. As shown in Figures 13 to 15, for example, the number portion 45d and the first frame portion 45g are formed as the transparent portion 45b on the bottom surface 45w.

[0076] The panel member 45 has a ridge line 45x that extends from the flat portion 45s to the bottom surface 45w of the recess 45t. The ridge line 45x corresponds to the aforementioned shaded portion 45j (see Figure 5), and a transparent portion 45b is formed on the ridge line 45x. The second frame portion 45h is formed on the flat portion 45s as the transparent portion 45b.

[0077] Next, the effects and advantages obtained from the operation input device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. In the operation input device 10, the aerial imaging device 31 reflects light from the display device 40 multiple times to display the screen (for example, the operation screen 20) as an aerial image. The display device 40 comprises a light source 41 and a panel member 45, and the panel member 45 has a transmissive portion 45b that transmits light from the light source 41 and an opaque portion 45c that does not transmit light from the light source 41.

[0078] The panel member 45 has a flat portion 45s and a recess 45t that is recessed from the flat portion 45s in a direction away from the aerial imaging device 31, and a transparent portion 45b is formed in the recess 45t. When viewed by a user M who is viewing the screen in the air, the image produced by light that has passed through the transparent portion 45b formed in the recess 45t appears to be displayed closer to the viewer.

[0079] Since the image can be displayed three-dimensionally by the image produced by light transmitted through the transparent portion 45b of the recess 45t, the visibility of the image can be improved. In this embodiment, the number portion 45d corresponding to the number 21 on the operation screen 20 is formed in the recess 45t as the transparent portion 45b, so that the number 21 can be displayed closer to the viewer (for example, closer to the viewer than the second frame portion 45h). Therefore, the number 21 can be displayed more clearly on the operation screen 20.

[0080] In this embodiment, the panel member 45 has a ridge line 45x extending from the flat portion 45s to the bottom surface 45w of the recess 45t, and a transparent portion 45b is formed on the ridge line 45x. The image produced by light transmitted through the transparent portion 45b formed on the ridge line 45x appears to protrude towards the viewer as it moves from the flat portion 45s towards the bottom surface 45w of the recess 45t. The transparent portion 45b is formed on the ridge line 45x extending from the flat portion 45s to the bottom surface 45w of the recess 45t. This allows for a more three-dimensional display of the image, thereby improving the visibility of the image. In this embodiment, the frame portion 22 and the numbers 21 on the operation screen 20 can be displayed as if they are floating towards the viewer.

[0081] Next, a modified example of the aerial display device (operation input device) according to this disclosure will be described. Figure 15 shows a panel member 95 of the operation input device according to the modified example. The operation input device according to the modified example includes a panel member 95 that is different from the panel member 45, instead of the panel member 45. Some of the configuration of the operation input device according to the modified example is the same as some of the configuration of the operation input device 10 described above. Therefore, in the following, the explanation of parts that overlap with the configuration of the operation input device 10 will be appropriately omitted by using the same reference numerals.

[0082] The black area shown in Figure 15 represents the transparent portion 45b. The panel member 95 comprises a first display section 96 in which a transparent portion 45b is formed in a recess 45t, and a second display section 97 in which a transparent portion 45b is formed in a flat section 45s. For example, the first display section 96 and the second display section 97 are adjacent to each other.

[0083] The configuration of the first display unit 96 is the same as that of the transparent portion 45b and the non-transparent portion 45c in the flat portion 45s and recessed portion 45t shown in Figure 14. That is, the first display unit 96 has the aforementioned recessed portion 45t, and the digit portion 45d is formed as a transparent portion 45b on the bottom surface 45w of the recessed portion 45t. On the other hand, the second display unit 97 does not have a recessed portion 45t, and the digit portion 45d is formed as a transparent portion 45b on the flat portion 45s. In the example of Figure 15, the first display unit 96 and the second display unit 97 are arranged alternately in multiple digit portions 45d.

[0084] For example, the panel member 95 has an open button display section 95b, a close button display section 95c, and an emergency button display section 95d. In the open button display section 95b, the word "Open" and the frame surrounding it are formed as a transparent section 45b, and in the close button display section 95c, the word "Closed" and the frame surrounding it are formed as a transparent section 45b. In the emergency button display section 95d, the word "Emergency" and the frame surrounding it are formed as a transparent section 45b.

[0085] As a result, the operation screen 20 displays multiple numbers 21, as well as buttons such as an open button to maintain the open state of the elevator door 4, a close button to close the elevator door 4, and an emergency button to notify the control room of the elevator system 1 of an emergency. For example, the open button display section 95b and the close button display section 95c are second display sections 97, and the emergency button display section 95d is the first display section 96. Therefore, the word "emergency" on the emergency button display section 95d is formed on the bottom surface 45w of the recess 45t, and the word "open" on the open button display section 95b and the word "close" on the close button display section 95c are formed on the flat surface 45s. Thus, the emergency button can be displayed to appear more prominently in front of the user than the open and close buttons.

[0086] As described above, the modified operation input device includes a first display unit 96 in which a transparent portion 45b is formed in a recess 45t, and a second display unit 97 in which a transparent portion 45b is formed in a flat portion 45s. The image produced by light passing through the transparent portion 45b of the first display unit 96 is displayed as if it is floating in front of the image produced by light passing through the transparent portion 45b of the second display unit 97. By providing the first display unit 96 with a recess 45t and the second display unit 97 with a flat portion 45s, an even more three-dimensional image can be displayed in mid-air.

[0087] In the modified operation input device, the first display unit 96 and the second display unit 97 are adjacent to each other. The image produced by light passing through the transparent portion 45b of the first display unit 96 and the image produced by light passing through the transparent portion 45b of the second display unit 97 are displayed in adjacent positions. Therefore, an even more three-dimensional image can be displayed in mid-air.

[0088] The embodiments and modifications of the aerial display device according to this disclosure have been described above. However, the aerial display device according to this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or modifications described above, and may be modified or applied to other devices without changing the gist of each claim. That is, the configuration, shape, size, number, material and arrangement of each part of the aerial display device can be changed as appropriate without changing the gist of the disclosure described above.

[0089] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an operation input device 10 provided in the elevator system 1 was illustrated. However, the external equipment of the aerial display device that is the target of operation of the aerial display device according to this disclosure may be something other than the elevator system 1. For example, the external equipment of the aerial display device may be a multi-story parking garage. In this case as well, the same effects as in the above-described embodiment and modified example can be obtained, as the number 21 can be specified on the operation screen 20 displayed in the air.

[0090] The devices that can be operated by the aerial display device may be installed in kitchens, toilets, bathrooms, hospitals, public institutions, train stations, or airports. For example, in an aerial display device installed in a kitchen, a display screen with numbers is displayed as an aerial image, allowing users to input numbers in a cooking app without directly touching the display with fingers that may have food residue on them. Conventionally, users had to wash their hands before touching the display of a mobile device or similar device to input numbers in a cooking app. In contrast, with the aerial display device according to this disclosure, the operation screen with numbers is displayed as an aerial image, allowing users to operate the cooking app by manipulating the numbers in the air. Therefore, since users can operate the cooking app without having to wash their hands, the aerial display device can be made highly user-friendly.

[0091] For example, in aerial display devices installed at ATMs, hospitals, public institutions, train stations, or airports, the operation screen with numbers is displayed as an aerial image. This makes it possible to input numbers into ATMs, hospital or airport reception machines, etc., without directly touching a shared display. Since it eliminates the need for finger contact with a shared display, it allows for hygienic operation.

[0092] In the embodiments and modifications described above, an example was given in which the aerial display device is an operation input device for operating equipment outside the aerial display device. However, the aerial display device according to this disclosure may be a device other than an operation input device for operating equipment, for example, a digital signage device. Thus, the aerial display device according to this disclosure is applicable to various devices that display images in the air. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1...Elevator system, 2...Elevator car, 2b...Internal space, 2c...Corner, 3...Wire rope, 4...Elevator door, 5...Landing, 6...Space, 10, 10A, 10B...Operation input device, 11...Columnar part, 11A...Rectangular columnar part, 11B...Triangular columnar part, 11b...Corner, 12...Support part, 13...Front part, 13b...Opening, 14...Side part, 15...Top part, 15A...Rectangular part, 15B...Triangular part, 15b...Corner, 15c...Opening, 16...Plate-shaped member, 17...Ventilation hole, 18...Speaker, 18b...Cone, 18c...Stopper, 1 8d...Cushion sponge, 18f...Screw, 18g...Plate, 18h...Bracket, 18j...Hole, 18k...Through hole, 18p...Screw hole, 18q...Through hole, 19...Mounting member, 20...Operation screen, 21...Numbers, 22...Frame, 31...Air imaging device, 32...Sensor, 32b...Detection area, 35...Housing, 36,37...Space, 40,40A,40B...Display device, 41...Light source, 42...Substrate, 42b...Screw, 43...Panel base, 43b...Recess, 43c...Surface, 43d...Side, 43f...Screw hole, 44...Diffusion sheet, 45,4 5A, 45B, 95…Panel member, 45b…Transparent part, 45c…Opaque part, 45d…Number part, 45f…Frame part, 45g…First frame part, 45h…Second frame part, 45j…Shaded part, 45k…Arrow, 45p…Frame part, 45q…Arrow, 45r…Frame part, 45s…Flat part, 45t…Recess, 45v…Inclined surface, 45w…Bottom surface, 45x…Ridge line, 46…Privacy sheet, 47, 47A, 47B…Pressing member, 47b…Opening, 47c…Plate-like part, 47f…Side part, 47g…Protruding part, 47h…Hole, 47j…Opening, 47k…Plate-like part, 47p…Opening ,47q...plate-shaped part, 50...control unit, 51...recognition unit, 52...signal output unit, 60...cooling fan, 61...back part, 62...fan mounting part, 70...illuminance sensor, 72...circuit board, 72b...through hole, 73...circuit board fixing part, 73b...screw hole, 73c...recess, 74...fixing member, 80...human presence sensor, 95b...open button display unit, 95c...close button display unit, 95d...emergency button display unit, 96...first display unit, 97...second display unit, D1...vertical direction, D2...first direction, D3...second direction, M...user, M1...object, S...building, U...floor, V...wall.

Claims

1. A display device that emits light to display information, An aerial imaging device that reflects light from the display device multiple times to display a screen containing the information as an aerial image, an aerial display device equipped with, The aforementioned display device is A light source that emits the aforementioned light, The panel member includes a transparent portion that transmits light from the light source and an opaque portion that does not transmit light from the light source, The panel member has a flat portion and a recess that is recessed in a direction away from the aerial imaging device relative to the flat portion. The permeable portion is formed in the recess. Aerial display device.

2. The panel member has a ridge extending from the flat portion to the bottom surface of the recess, The transparent portion is formed on the aforementioned ridge. The aerial display device according to claim 1.

3. The first display unit, in which the transparent portion is formed in the recess, The system comprises a second display unit having the transparent portion formed on the planar portion, The aerial display device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first display unit and the second display unit are adjacent to each other. The aerial display device according to claim 3.

5. The recess is defined by an inclined surface extending diagonally with respect to the flat surface and a bottom surface. The aerial display device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The permeable portion is formed on the bottom surface of the recess. The aerial display device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The display device has a diffusion sheet, The panel member converts the light transmitted through the diffusion sheet into the shape of a number. The aerial display device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The transparent portion includes a number portion for displaying numbers and a frame portion surrounding the number portion. The frame portion has a first frame portion surrounding the number portion and a second frame portion surrounding the first frame portion. The aerial display device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The frame portion has a diagonal line portion extending from the corner of the first frame portion to the corner of the second frame portion. The aerial display device according to claim 8.

10. The numerical portion and the first frame portion are formed as the transparent portion on the bottom surface of the recess. The aerial display device according to claim 8.

11. The second frame portion is formed as the transparent portion on the flat portion. The aerial display device according to claim 8.

Images