Portable aerial video display apparatus

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a portable aerial video display apparatus which can realize a clear aerial video by eliminating the influence of external light and can be folded compactly so as to be freely carried.　The portable aerial video display apparatus comprises: a housing; an optical plate pivotally supported on the housing; and a display device mounted to the housing. The optical plate can pivotally move from a portable position parallel to the display device to a motion position held at a prescribed angle with respect to the display device. When the optical plate is at the motion position, a video displayed on the display device is formed as an aerial video on a side opposite to the optical plate. A light shielding member is provided so as to enclose a space between the optical plate and the housing. In association with extension and contraction of the space due to rotation of the optical plate with respect to the housing, the light shielding member is extended and contracted in accordance with the fluctuation of the gap between the housing and the optical plate.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention is a compact device capable of displaying aerial images. Sky This relates to a medium-sized image display device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, interest in aerial video displays has been growing. The recent pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus has reminded people of how vulnerable society is to infectious diseases in the 21st century, an era of increasing population density and high-speed mass transportation. In such circumstances, everything around us seems like a source of infection, making life extremely difficult. In fact, as the infection spreads, it is necessary to be suspicious of everything.

[0003] It is important to take measures such as wearing a mask, maintaining a sufficient distance from others, and avoiding crowded places, but in order to lead a necessary social life, it is unavoidable to minimize contact with infection routes. Minimizing this risk as much as possible is essential to preventing infection.

[0004] For example, at bank ATMs, supermarket self-checkouts, corporate reception areas, and hotel check-ins, an unspecified number of users operate the same touch panel. Such touch panels can be potential infection routes. To avoid this risk, it is necessary to disinfect the touch panel every time a user changes, but such a procedure is quite time-consuming and difficult to carry out adequately.

[0005] In recent years, a technology that uses special optical elements to enable non-contact pointing of mid-air images has been attracting attention in this situation. This technology can realize a completely contactless interface with the same ease of use as conventional touch panels.

[0006] For example, in Patent Document 1, since it is hygienic for the surgeon to touch a pointing device such as a computer mouse during surgery, the surgeon operates a mouse on a non-contact remote pointer control device displayed using aerial imaging technology. An example of such a special optical element is the optical imaging device described in Patent Document 2. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-147054 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2009 / 131128 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The way images float in empty space using aerial imaging technology is impactful in itself and helps create a futuristic atmosphere. Furthermore, when displayed as aerial images, they appear to float above their surroundings, creating a sense of three-dimensionality. For this reason, many applications beyond infection prevention measures are conceivable. For example, if applied to digital signage, it can attract more attention. It has also been suggested that it could be used in games and other entertainment applications.

[0009] As the places where it can be used become more diverse, there is also a demand for the device to be able to be moved to various locations. However, the current mainstream floating image display devices are stationary, meaning that they are basically installed in a specific location and do not move afterwards. In this case, it is not possible to carry the device in a bag and use it to make contactless online payments at a visitor's location, for example.

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a portable device that can be folded up small and carried around freely. Sky The object of the present invention is to provide a medium-sized image display device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides Sky The image display device includes a support, an optical plate pivotally supported by the support, and a Established and a display device Sky A medium image display device, wherein the optical plate is pivotable from a portable position in which the optical plate is substantially parallel to the support to an operating position in which the optical plate is held at a predetermined angle relative to the support, and when the optical plate is in the operating position, an image displayed on the display device is imaged as an aerial image on the opposite side of the optical plate; The support is provided with a mechanism for adjusting the position of the display device, and the relative position between the optical plate and the display device is variable. It is characterized by:

[0012] Also, in one embodiment, The support supports the display device so that the display device can slide in the front-rear direction of the aerial image display device. It is characterized by:

[0013] Furthermore, in one embodiment, Light from the display device is incident on the optical plate, reflected twice inside the optical plate, and emitted on the opposite side to form an image, thereby displaying a real aerial image. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The present invention Sky The medium-sized image display device eliminates the influence of external light to produce clear aerial images, and at the same time, it can be folded up small and easily carried around. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an aerial image display device 1 in use according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIGS. 1 and 3, showing the aerial image display device 1 in use according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the aerial image display device 1 in use according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the aerial image display device 1 in use according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the aerial image display device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 in a folded state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing another mode of use of the aerial image display device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example in which a free stop function is implemented to hold lid portion 22 of aerial image display device 1 at any angle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Sky An embodiment of the medium-sized image display device will now be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an aerial image display device 1 in use according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIGS. 1 and 3 showing the aerial image display device 1 in use according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the aerial image display device 1 in use according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the aerial image display device 1 in use according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the aerial image display device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 in a folded state. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the aerial image display device 1 in another use state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] 1 to 3, the aerial image display device 1 includes, as essential components, a liquid crystal display 10 and an optical plate 20. The aerial image display device 1 also includes an information processing device 30 that controls the liquid crystal display 10, a speaker 40, a woofer 42, etc. The liquid crystal display 10, the speaker 40, and the woofer 42 are housed inside a housing 50, and are each connected to the information processing device 30 via signal lines (not shown).

[0018] The information processing device 30 is essentially a small computer and is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage device for storing various programs and data, an input / output interface, etc. Examples of input / output interfaces include a USB port and a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi. The information processing device 30 outputs a video signal to the liquid crystal display 10 to display the aerial image. The information processing device 30 also outputs an audio signal to the speaker 40 and the woofer 42 to generate voice guidance, sound effects, etc. This information processing device 30 can also be a commercially available general-purpose small personal computer or a general-purpose tablet.

[0019] The liquid crystal display 10 is housed in a housing member 12 that is rectangular in plan view and has an open top, and is supported substantially horizontally with the display screen facing upward. The housing member 12 is provided with a pair of protruding rims 14 at the upper edges of its left and right sides (FIG. 3). In addition, a pair of rims 54 with engagement grooves 52 are also provided on the inside of the housing 50 at the upper edges of its left and right sides. The rims 14 of the housing member 12 engage with the engagement grooves 52 on the inside of the housing 50, so that the housing member 12 is supported inside the housing 50 so as to be slidable in the front-to-rear direction.

[0020] Furthermore, a tail section 18 with a rack gear 16 provided on its underside extends from the rear of the storage member 12, which is slidably supported inside the housing 50. Meanwhile, a pinion 56 that engages with the rack gear 16 is pivotally supported on a support beam 55 that extends from the inside rear of the housing 50. A certain torque is set for the rotation of the pinion 56, which allows the storage member 12 (and the liquid crystal display 10 stored therein) to be manually slid in the forward and backward directions of the aerial image display device 1, and can also be stopped (held) at any position.

[0021] The optical plate 20 is fitted into the lid portion 22 so that the incident surface 21 faces downward and obliquely faces the display screen of the liquid crystal display 10. The lid portion 22 is pivotally supported on the upper front edge of the housing 50, which serves as a support for the optical plate 20, so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 26. The movable range here is such that the angle of the lid portion 22 (optical plate 20) relative to the display screen of the liquid crystal display 10 is from 0 degrees (horizontal) to 45 degrees.

[0022] An example of such an optical plate 20 is the optical imaging element (two-sided orthogonal reflector) described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2011-175297. This optical imaging element is realized by arranging a large number of mutually orthogonal planar light reflecting portions at a fixed pitch. Alternatively, a structure such as a two-sided corner reflector, in which reflective surfaces are formed on the side surfaces of a square hole, as described in Japanese Patent No. 4900618, may also be used.

[0023] Furthermore, a torque hinge is used for the pivoting portion (rotation shaft 26) of the lid portion 22, and a free stop function is implemented that allows the lid portion 22 and optical plate 20 to be held at any angle relative to the housing 50. Here, the assumed angle of the optical plate 20 relative to the liquid crystal display 10 in a suitable state of use is, for example, approximately 45 degrees. As will be described later, this angle can be adjusted as needed depending on the user's eye height, the installation location of the aerial image display device 1, the mode of use, etc.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, light from the display screen of liquid crystal display 10 enters optical plate 20, reflects twice inside optical plate 20, and exits on the opposite side. As a result, aerial image G is displayed as a real image in space on the opposite side of the symmetrical axis of optical plate 20. In this case, to achieve a clearer aerial image G, it is desirable that external light not be added to the light from liquid crystal display 10.

[0025] Therefore, in the aerial image display device 1 according to the present invention, a flexible resin light-shielding member consisting of light-shielding plates 58-1, 58-2, and 58-3 is provided to block the gap between the optical plate 20 and the housing 50 (liquid crystal display 10). Each of the light-shielding plates 58-1, 58-2, and 58-3 is made up of a pair of left and right fan sections F and a back section B that forms part of a cylindrical surface that connects the pair of fan sections F continuously.

[0026] Similarly to the cover 22, each of the light blocking plates 58-1, 58-2, 58-3 is pivotally supported on the housing 50 so as to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 26. These light blocking plates 58-1, 58-2, 58-3 slidably overlap each other in the pivot direction of the cover 22, and surround the space between the cover 22 and the housing 50.

[0027] That is, the light blocking plates 58-1, 58-2, and 58-3 are similar in shape to one another, but the light blocking plate 58-1 is larger than the light blocking plate 58-2 by approximately its thickness so that it can be stored by being stacked on top of the light blocking plate 58-2. Similarly, the light blocking plate 58-2 is larger than the light blocking plate 58-3 by approximately its thickness so that it can be stored by being stacked on top of the light blocking plate 58-3. Furthermore, when the light blocking plates 58-1 and 58-2 are stacked on top of the light blocking plate 58-3 to form a single unit, as shown in FIG. 5, the light blocking plate 58-3 is sized to fit within the side of the housing 50.

[0028] The light shielding plate 58-1 is fixed integrally to the rear surface of the cover portion 22, the light shielding plate 58-2 is connected to the light shielding plate 58-1, and the light shielding plate 58-3 is connected to the light shielding plate 58-2. That is, an inward protrusion 58-1q is provided at the lower end of the light shielding plate 58-1, which is adapted to engage with an outward protrusion 58-2p provided at the upper end of the light shielding plate 58-2 in the fully opened state as shown in FIG. 2. Similarly, in the fully opened state as shown in FIG. 2, the inward protrusion 58-2q provided at the lower end of the light shielding plate 58-2 is adapted to engage with an outward protrusion 58-3p provided at the upper end of the light shielding plate 58-3. Furthermore, the inward protrusion 58-3q provided at the lower end of the light shielding plate 58-3 is adapted to engage with an outward protrusion 50p provided at the upper end of the housing 50. As a result, the light blocking plates 58-1, 58-2, and 58-3, which are the elements of the light blocking member, are connected to each other without being separated.

[0029] When the aerial image display device 1 is manually rotated from the open state shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 in the direction of closing the lid 22, i.e., clockwise in FIG. 2 around the rotation axis 26, the aerial image display device 1 can be folded compactly. When the lid 22 is in a horizontal position (closed state), the aerial image display device 1 is folded most compactly, as shown in FIG. 5. This state is convenient for portability, saves space, and is suitable for storage. In the open state shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the aerial image G is formed, so the optical plate 20 is in the operating position. In the closed state shown in FIG. 5, the aerial image G is not formed but the optical plate 20 is suitable for portability, so the optical plate 20 is in the transportable position.

[0030] Furthermore, because lid 22 is pivotally supported on housing 50 by a torque hinge, it can be held and stopped at any angle between the 45-degree tilted state shown in Fig. 2 and the horizontal state shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 shows lid 22 stopped at 30 degrees, which is the midpoint between the operating position and the portable position. In this state, aerial image G is displayed at a 60-degree tilt from the horizontal, allowing it to be viewed from slightly above.

[0031] As described above, the aerial image display device 1 according to the present invention can freely open and close the optical plate 20 equipped with the optical plate 20, and is equipped with extendable light-shielding members (light-shielding plates 58-1, 58-2, 58-3). Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the influence of external light, realize clear aerial images, and fold it up small for easy portability. At the same time, the aerial image display device 1 according to the present invention also has the advantage that the optical plate 20 equipped with the optical plate 20 can be used at an angle intermediate between the open and closed states, without the need for any special additional components.

[0032] Furthermore, an infrared LED 72 and a pair of infrared cameras 74 are provided on the front side of housing 50. These infrared LEDs 72 and infrared cameras 74 constitute an operation detection unit that detects operations performed by the user on aerial image G. The detection range of the operation detection unit is defined by the emission angle of infrared LEDs 72 and the angle of view of infrared camera 74.

[0033] By displaying a non-contact interface screen as the aerial image G, users can operate the non-contact interface screen using gestures such as touching it with their fingers. This operation is detected by an operation detection unit consisting of an infrared LED 72 and an infrared camera 74, and a corresponding operation signal is sent to information processing device 30, where it undergoes predetermined processing. The operation interface includes controls such as buttons, check boxes, and drop-down menus. This makes it possible to realize a completely non-contact interface with the same ease of use as a conventional touch panel. [Industrial Applicability]

[0034] The present invention Sky The medium-sized image display device eliminates the influence of external light to produce clear aerial images, and at the same time, it can be folded up small and easily carried around.

[0035] The above relates to the present invention. SkyAlthough the medium-sized image display device has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention, and if possible, the techniques described in each embodiment may be combined, or publicly known techniques may be combined.

[0036] Here, light-shielding plates 58-1, 58-2, and 58-3 pivotally supported on housing 50 so as to be rotatable about pivot shaft 26 are provided between lid 22 and housing 50 as the expandable light-shielding member. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a bellows made of a material such as paper, plastic, or cloth with a repeated mountain fold and valley fold structure (accordion shape) may be provided between lid 22 and housing 50 as the expandable light-shielding member.

[0037] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, torque hinges are used to implement a free stop function that holds the lid 22 and optical plate 20 at any angle relative to the housing 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a pair of telescopic rods 80 may be provided on the left and right between the housing 50 and the lid 22 to implement the free stop function. For example, a gas spring structure that can be rigidly or elastically locked at any position can be used as such telescopic rods 80.

[0038] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information processing device 30 is mounted on the aerial image display device 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 30 may be omitted, and the aerial image display device 1 may be provided with an external input terminal for inputting a video signal to the liquid crystal display 10 and an external audio input terminal for inputting an audio signal to a speaker or a woofer, and the necessary video and audio signals may be supplied from an external computer or the like.

[0039] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the optical plate 20 is rotatable to allow the angle to be adjusted, but the liquid crystal display 10 is fixed in a predetermined position. Therefore, adjusting the angle of the optical plate 20 necessarily changes the angle between the optical plate 20 and the aerial image G. To adjust the angle of the optical plate 20 without changing the angle between the optical plate 20 and the aerial image G, the angle between the liquid crystal display 10 and the optical plate 20 can be fixed. In other words, the liquid crystal display 10 is also pivoted integrally with the optical plate 20 by a hinge so that when the angle of the optical plate 20 is reduced, the liquid crystal display 10 rotates by the same angle and sinks downward. In this way, it is possible to adjust the angle of the optical plate 20 without changing the angle between the optical plate 20 and the aerial image G.

[0040] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the liquid crystal display 10 (housing member 12) can be manually slid in the forward and backward directions of the aerial image display device 1, but the liquid crystal display 10 may also be manually raised and lowered in the vertical direction of the aerial image display device 1. Alternatively, the liquid crystal display 10 may be adjustable in both the forward and backward directions and the vertical direction. When the liquid crystal display 10 is moved in the forward and backward directions, the aerial image G moves in the vertical direction. Also, when the liquid crystal display 10 is moved in the vertical direction, the aerial image G moves in the forward and backward directions. In this way, the user can adjust the aerial image G to the position that is most convenient for use.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the operation detection unit is made up of the infrared LED 72 and the infrared camera 74, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation detection unit may be made up of a plurality of visible light cameras.

[0042] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the liquid crystal display 10 (housing member 12) can be manually slid in the forward and backward directions of the aerial image display device 1, but a lifting mechanism may be provided so that the liquid crystal display 10 can be moved in the up and down directions of the aerial image display device 1. Alternatively, the position of the liquid crystal display 10 may be movable in both the forward and backward directions and the up and down directions of the aerial image display device 1. When the liquid crystal display 10 is moved in the forward and backward directions, the aerial image G moves in the up and down directions. Also, when the liquid crystal display 10 is moved in the up and down directions, the aerial image G moves in the forward and backward directions. In this way, the user can adjust the aerial image G to the position that is most convenient for use.

[0043] Furthermore, although a liquid crystal display is used in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and an organic EL display, electronic paper with a backlight, or the like may also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1. Aerial image display device 10 LCD display 12. Storage member 14 rims 16 Rack gear 18 Tail 20 Optical Plate 21 Entrance plane 22 Lid 26 Rotating shaft 30 Information processing equipment 40 speakers 42 Woofer 50 cabinets 52 engagement groove 54 rims 55 Support beam 56 Pinion 58-1, 58-2, 58-3 Shade 58-2p, 58-3p, 50p extrinsic process 58-1q, 58-2q, 58-3q inward process 72 infrared LEDs 74 Infrared Camera 80 Telescopic Rod

Claims

1. An aerial image display device comprising a support, an optical plate pivotally supported on the support, and a display device mounted on the support, wherein the optical plate is pivotable from a portable position in which it is substantially parallel to the support to an operating position in which it is held at a predetermined angle relative to the support, and when the optical plate is in the operating position, an image displayed on the display device is projected as an aerial image on the opposite side of the optical plate, and the support is provided with a mechanism for adjusting the position of the display device, making it possible to change the relative position between the optical plate and the display device.

2. An aerial video display device as described in Claim 1, characterized in that the support supports the display device so that it can slide in the forward and backward directions of the aerial video display device.

3. An aerial image display device as described in Claim 1, characterized in that light from the display device enters the optical plate, is reflected twice inside the optical plate, and is emitted to the opposite side and imaged, thereby displaying an aerial image as a real image.