JP2021026313A - Noncontact input device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a noncontact input device that can widen a visible range.SOLUTION: A noncontact input device 100 comprises: a display part 110 for displaying an image; a space projector 130 for spatially projecting a real image 180 of the image; a distance sensor 140 that sets a measurement range including a region in which the real image 180 is formed, and measures a distance from an object such as a finger existing in the measurement range; and a mirror 200 in which a plate-like half mirror 210 is formed with the display part 110, the space projector 130 and the distance sensor 140 arranged on the rear side thereof. The space projector 130 is arranged at an edge of the mirror 200, which is a background surface of the real image 180, and is tilted with respect to the mirror 200 so that the real image 180 is projected toward the center of the mirror 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a non-contact input device that detects an operation on a spatially projected image.

Conventionally, as an operation input device for inputting various operations for operating a target device, an input device that displays a real image that emerges and is visually observed as an operation target and realizes a non-contact operation with respect to the operation target has been known. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-4476

In this type of input device, it is desired to widen the visible range of the real image to be visually recognized. However, in order to widen the viewing range, it is necessary to increase the distance between the spatial projector and the real image, and as a result, the depth of the device increases.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a non-contact input device capable of widening the viewing range.

In the invention made to solve the above problems, a measurement range is set so as to include a display unit for displaying an image, a spatial projector for spatially projecting a real image of the image, and a region where the real image is formed. A distance sensor for measuring a distance to an object existing within the measurement range is provided, and the space projector comprises the real image toward the edge of the background member serving as the background surface of the real image and the center of the background member. Is a non-contact input device characterized in that the background member is tilted with respect to the background member so as to be projected.

Further, the display unit, the space projector, and a plate-shaped light transmitting member on which the distance sensor is arranged on the back side are provided, and the distance sensor is arranged at an angle with respect to the light transmitting member. Can be characterized.

Further, it may be further provided with an operation response unit that performs a response operation according to the measurement result of the distance sensor.

According to the present invention, since the spatial projector is arranged at the edge of the light transmitting member and the light beam from the spatial projector toward the real image intersects the light transmitting member at an angle, the viewing range without increasing the depth of the device. Can be widened.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the non-contact input device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a partial cross-sectional view of the space projector shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed the optical path when the microlens array is a spherical lens. It is explanatory drawing which showed the optical path when the microlens array is an aspherical lens. This is a specific example of a lens of a microlens array constituting the spatial projector shown in FIG. It is a partial cross-sectional view of a microlens array in which a light-shielding portion was formed. It is a partial front view of the microlens array shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing that light which forms a separate image is transmitted when a light-shielding part is not formed. It is explanatory drawing of the division structure of the microlens array shown in FIG. It is a partial front view of the divided structure of the microlens array shown in FIG.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a non-contact input device 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the non-contact input device 100 includes a display unit 110, a light emitting unit 120, a spatial projector 130, a distance sensor 140, and an operation response unit 150.

The display unit 110 displays an image formed as an image. The display unit 110 may perform static display such as a slide, or may perform dynamic display such as a liquid crystal display device. The light emitting unit 120 is a light source for projecting an image of the display unit 110, and an LED or the like can be used. The light emitting unit 120 may be omitted when the display unit 110 is sufficiently irradiated with external light or the like, or when the display unit 110 itself emits light.

The spatial projector 130 is a device that images an incident image in the air. As shown in FIG. 1, the space projector 130 is arranged at the lower edge of the back side of the mirror 200 as a background member serving as a background surface, which will be described later, at an angle with respect to the mirror 200 toward the upper side of the mirror 200. .. Although the space projector 130 is arranged at the lower edge in FIG. 1, it may be the upper edge, the left edge, or the right edge. If it is placed on the upper edge, it is tilted downward, if it is placed on the left edge, it is tilted toward the right side, and if it is placed on the right edge, it is tilted toward the left side. That is, the spatial projector 130 is arranged at an angle with respect to the mirror 200 so that the real image 180 is projected toward the edge of the mirror 200 which is the background surface of the real image 180 and the center of the mirror 200. Further, the direction toward the central portion is not limited to the direction toward the center point of the mirror 200, and includes those toward the inner side from the upper, lower, right, and left equal edges as described above.

Further, the space projector 130 is composed of a microlens array unit as shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the microlens array unit constituting the space projector 130. The microlens array unit is composed of microlens arrays 131 and 132. The microlens array 131 and the microlens array 132 are arranged so that the convex lens of the microlens array 131 and the convex lens of the microlens array 132 are coaxial with each other.

The microlens arrays 131 and 132 are composed of a plurality of microlenses. Convex lenses 131a and 131b are formed on both sides of the microlens array 131 as microlenses. The convex lens 131a and the convex lens 131b are arranged so that their optical axes are coaxial, and are arranged two-dimensionally to form a microlens array.

Convex lenses 132a and 132b are formed on both sides of the microlens array 132 as microlenses. The convex lens 132a and the convex lens 132b are arranged so that their optical axes are coaxial, and are arranged in a two-dimensional manner to form a microlens array.

Each convex lens 131a, 131b, 132a, 132b is an aspherical lens. The aspherical surface is such that the light incident on the edge of the lens is refracted smaller. Here, a comparison between a spherical lens and an aspherical lens will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 shows a case where the microlens array unit is configured with a spherical lens. The arrow in FIG. 3 is the optical path L. When the angle (incident angle) θ of the light ray L incident on the microlens array unit is large, the light ray L is incident on the lens A of the microlens array 131 and then on the adjacent (coaxial) lens B of the microlens array 132. Therefore, the image is not formed at the plane-symmetrical position of the lens array unit, and the real image 180 cannot be seen. When a microlens array is formed with a general spherical lens, the real image 180 cannot be seen when the incident angle θ is larger than 10 ° to 15 °.

FIG. 4 shows a case where the lens array unit is configured with an aspherical lens. The arrow in FIG. 4 is the optical path L. When an aspherical lens is used and the light incident on the edge of the lens is refracted smaller, the incident angle θ on the microlens array unit is so large that the real image cannot be seen with a spherical lens. Also, after the light beam L is incident on the lens A of the microlens array 131, it is incident on the adjacent (coaxial) lens B of the microlens array 132. Therefore, the image is formed at a plane-symmetrical position with respect to the lens array unit, and the real image 180 can be seen.

That is, in the convex lenses 131a, 131b, 132a, 132b, the light incident on the edge of the lens is refracted to be small, so that the light ray L is emitted even when the incident angle θ is large as shown in FIG. After incident on the lens A of the microlens array 131, it can be incident on the adjacent lens B of the microlens array 132.

The curved surface shape of the convex lenses 131a, 131b, 132a, 132b shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 is optimized according to the equipment to be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the incident angle θ ₁ can be 0 ° to 24 °, and the shape can have the largest number of good light rays. A good ray is a ray that falls within _{an angle θ 2} of, for example, ± 0.1 ° with respect to a ray that is plane-symmetrical.

Examples of the aspherical shape of the convex lenses 131a, 131b, 132a, and 132b include those having an elliptical cross section and a parabola. FIG. 5 is a specific example in which the cross section has an elliptical shape. FIG. 5 shows the convex lens 131a, but the same applies to the convex lenses 131b, 132a, and 132b.

As is clear from the above description, the microlens array 131 functions as the first lens array, and the microlens array 132 functions as the second lens array.

Further, the convex lenses 131a, 131b, 132a and 132b are not limited to the same shape. The convex lens 131a and the convex lens 132b may have the same shape, and the convex lens 131b and the convex lens 132a may have the same shape. Further, the convex lens 131a and the convex lens 131b do not have to have the same shape, and the convex lens 132a and the convex lens 132b do not have to have the same shape.

Further, the microlens arrays 131 and 132 may be configured as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the microlens arrays 131 and 132, and FIG. 7 is a front view of the microlens array 131 (the same applies to the microlens array 132). In the microlens array 131, a light-shielding portion 131c is formed around the convex lens 131a, and a light-shielding portion 131d is formed around the convex lens 131b. The light-shielding portions 131c and 131d are subjected to a light-shielding treatment such as black printing, and the light incident on the light-shielding portion 131c and the light to be emitted are shielded (the same applies to the light-shielding portion 131d). That is, the light-shielding portions 131c and 131d function as a light amount reducing portion that reduces the amount of transmitted light.

In the microlens array 132, a light-shielding portion 132c is formed around the convex lens 132a, and a light-shielding portion 132d is formed around the convex lens 132b. The light-shielding portions 132c and 132d are subjected to a light-shielding treatment such as black printing, and the light incident on the light-shielding portion 132c and the light to be emitted are shielded (the same applies to the light-shielding portion 132d). In FIG. 6, the light ray L2 incident on the light-shielding portion 132c is shielded from light.

When the light-shielding portion 131c or the like is not provided, as shown in FIG. 8, when the angle of incidence θ on the microlens array 131 is large, another image due to the non-plane symmetric light ray L3 is generated. Therefore, by providing the light-shielding portion 131c or the like, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the above-mentioned separate image.

As shown in FIG. 9, the microlens array 131 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is formed by dividing the light-shielding portions 131c and 131d and joining the microlens array 131 with an adhesive or the like. The 131 can be formed into a predetermined size. This can be formed as, for example, a strip-shaped microlens array plate 1310 as shown in FIG. 10, and a plurality of strip-shaped microlens array plates 131 can be joined to form the microlens array 131. Of course, the microlens array plate 1310 is divided by the light-shielding portions 131c and 131d. The same applies to the microlens array 132.

Further, in the microlens array 131 shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the joint surface may be subjected to a light shielding treatment. By applying a light-shielding treatment to the joint surface, it is possible to more reliably block light.

Further, the light-shielding portion 131c or the like is not limited to light-shielding, and the incident light may be scattered by roughening the surface by a roughening treatment such as embossing. That is, it may be a light amount reducing portion that reduces the light amount of the light ray L2 of FIG.

Further, the above-mentioned light intensity reducing portion is not limited to the case where the convex lens 131a or the like is composed of an aspherical lens, but may be formed when the convex lens 131a or the like is composed of a spherical lens.

Further, as the spatial projector 130, the above-mentioned microlens array unit is suitable, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a large number of first and second microreflective surfaces intersecting in a plan view are erected on the same plane. A device can be used in which the first reflected light from each first micro-reflecting surface is received by the corresponding second micro-reflecting surface to be the second reflected light.

The light rays emitted by the image displayed on the display unit 110 are formed at plane-symmetrical positions by the spatial projector 130 to form a real image 180 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, by determining the positions and tilts of the display unit 110 and the spatial projector 130, the imaging position of the real image 180 is uniquely determined.

The distance sensor 140 has a measurement range set so as to include a region where the real image 180 is formed, and measures the distance to an object existing within the measurement range. In the present embodiment, the distance sensor 140 is set so that the measurement range extends in the oblique direction. That is, the distance sensor 140 is arranged at an angle with respect to the mirror 200. The measurement method of the distance sensor 140 is not limited, and for example, an infrared method can be used.

The operation response unit 150 performs a response operation according to the measurement result of the distance sensor 140. The operation response unit 150 can be, for example, a lighting device. In this case, the lighting can be switched on and off according to the measurement result of the distance sensor 140. The operation response unit 150 may change the display content of the display unit 110 according to the measurement result of the distance sensor 140.

The distance l between the distance sensor 140 and the real image 180 is known, and the measurement range of the distance sensor 140 includes the region where the real image 180 is formed. Therefore, if the distance to the measured object is close to the distance l, the real image It can be detected that the operation is for 180. In this case, since the detection target is not limited to the touch operation on the 180th surface of the real image, the variety of detectable non-contact operations can be increased without using a complicated configuration.

For example, by displaying the image of the switch button on the display unit 110, the switch button is spatially projected as a real image 180. At this time, by detecting a pressing operation or the like on the real image 180 of the operator, the operation response unit 150 can perform a response operation for switching the on / off of the switch button.

Further, since the distance sensor 140 is used, the operation in the depth direction with respect to the real image 180 can be detected, and for example, the pressing and lowering of the switch button can be identified in a plurality of stages. Therefore, the operation response unit 150 may change the response control depending on whether the switch button is pressed deeply or lightly. For example, a switch button can be used as a switch button for lighting, and when pressed deeply, it can be brightly illuminated, and when pressed lightly, it can be dimly illuminated. This makes it possible to further increase the variety of detectable non-contact operations.

Alternatively, it is possible to perform a response operation such that the illumination becomes brighter as the hand approaches the real image 180 and the illumination becomes darker as the hand moves away from the real image 180.

Further, by expanding the measurement range of the distance sensor 140 to a long distance, it is detected that the operator is approaching from a distance, and when the operator approaches a predetermined distance, the display unit 110 displays the real image 180 to display the real image. The operation on 180 may be detected.

Further, after receiving an operation on the real image 180 of a certain image, the display unit 110 of another image for accepting the next operation may be displayed, or the operation may be displayed to indicate that the operation has been accepted. You may want to change the image. For example, when the real image 180 of the image showing the off state accepts the operation, the real image 180 of the image showing the on state is switched to.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 1, the non-contact input device 100 of the present embodiment is arranged on the back surface side of the mirror 200. Here, the mirror 200 is configured by forming a reflective film 202 on one surface of a transparent plate 201 such as glass and further forming an opaque protective film 203, and sees the transparent plate 201 side, that is, a mirror image. The side that can be used is the surface. Then, the real image 180 is formed on the surface side of the mirror 200. The mirror 200 is provided on the front surface of the main body 300 such as a housing or a case.

At this time, in order to transmit the light from the spatial projector 130, the output signal of the distance sensor 140, and the reflected signal from the object, a part of the mirror 200 is a half mirror 210 lacking the opaque protective film 203. .. The region of the half mirror 210 is preferably the minimum size necessary for transmitting the light from the spatial projector 130, the output signal of the distance sensor 140, and the reflected signal from the object. A transparent protective film may be formed in a region lacking the opaque protective film 203. In FIG. 1, since the non-contact input device 100 is arranged on the back surface of the mirror 200, it is a half mirror, but it does not have to be the mirror 200. For example, glass, smoked glass, or the like may be used, and any light transmitting member capable of transmitting light from the spatial projector 130, an emission signal of the distance sensor 140, and a reflected signal from an object may be used.

According to the present embodiment, the space projector 130 configured as a microlens array unit has a microlens array 131 in which a plurality of convex lenses 131a and 131b are arranged on both sides, and a plurality of convex lenses 132a and 132b arranged on both sides. The microlens array 132 is provided. The convex lenses 131a and 131b of the microlens array 131 and the convex lenses 132a and 132b of the microlens array 132 are arranged so as to be coaxial with each other. The convex lenses 131a, 131b, 132a, 132b are composed of aspherical lenses. By doing so, even when the angle of the light rays incident on the microlens array 131 from the display unit 110 is large, the light rays are incident on the convex lens whose optical axis of the adjacent microlens array 132 is coaxial. An image can be formed at the target position. Therefore, the viewing angle can be increased.

Further, the convex lens 131a and the convex lens 132b are formed in the same curved surface shape. By doing so, the real image 180 can be formed at a position symmetrical with respect to the microlens array unit by the light rays incident from the display unit 110.

Further, light-shielding portions 131c and 131d are formed around the convex lenses 131a and 131b of the microlens array 131 as light amount reducing portions for reducing the transmitted light amount. By doing so, it is possible to block light rays that are not plane-symmetrical and prevent the display of a separate image that is not plane-symmetrical.

Further, the microlens array 131 is joined by light-shielding portions 131c and 131d. By doing so, it is possible to divide and form the portion where the light is not emitted, so that it is possible to prevent streaks from entering the real image 180. Further, by dividing, it is sufficient to change the number of joints when changing the size of the microlens array 131, and it is not necessary to change the mold. Further, since a plurality of microlens array plates 1310 can be manufactured at the same time, the manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

Further, the non-contact input device 100 sets a measurement range so as to include a display unit 110 for displaying an image, a spatial projector 130 for spatially projecting a real image 180 of the image, and a region where the real image 180 is formed, and measures the measurement. A mirror 200 formed by a distance sensor 140 that measures the distance to an object such as a finger existing within the range, and a plate-shaped half mirror 210 in which the display unit 110, the spatial projector 130, and the distance sensor 140 are arranged on the back side. And have. Then, it is arranged at an angle with respect to the mirror 200 so that the real image 200 is projected toward the edge of the mirror 200 which is the background surface of the real image 180 and the center of the mirror 200. By doing so, it is possible to expand the viewing range without increasing the depth of the non-contact input device 100.

Further, the distance sensor 140 is arranged at an angle with respect to the mirror 200 with respect to the mirror 200. Infrared light or the like emitted from the distance sensor 140 produces light reflected by the half mirror 210 of the mirror 200. By arranging the distance sensor 140 at an angle as described above, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection caused by the light reflected by the half mirror 210 incident on the distance sensor 140.

Further, it is provided with an operation response unit that performs a response operation according to the measurement result of the distance sensor 140. By doing so, it becomes possible to detect an operation by the distance sensor and perform a response operation for switching on / off of the switch button.

In the above-described embodiment, the mirror 200 is installed on the back side, but the mirror 200 may be installed separately from the mirror 200. Even in that case, the space projector 130 is provided at the edge of the mirror 200 and is tilted with respect to the mirror 200 so that the real image 180 is projected toward the center of the mirror 200 which is the background surface of the real image 180. It may be provided so as to be arranged. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the mirror 200 has been described as the background member, but the mirror is not limited to the mirror and may be glass, smoked glass, or the like. Alternatively, as long as it is an object that is the background of the real image 180, it does not have to be flat, such as a painting or an exhibit.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. That is, those skilled in the art can carry out various modifications according to conventionally known knowledge within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. As long as the non-contact input device of the present invention is still provided by such a modification, it is, of course, included in the category of the present invention.

100 Non-contact input device 110 Display unit 130 Spatial projector (lens array unit)
131 Microlens Array (1st Lens Array)
131a, 131b Convex lens 131c, 131d Light-shielding part (light intensity reduction part)
132 Microlens Array (2nd Lens Array)
132a, 132b Convex lens 132c, 132d Light-shielding part (light intensity reduction part)
140 Distance sensor 150 Operation response part 200 Mirror 210 Half mirror (light transmitting member)

Claims (3)

A display unit that displays images and
A spatial projector that spatially projects the real image of the image,
A distance sensor that measures the distance to an object that exists within the measurement range and a measurement range that includes the area where the real image is formed.
With
The spatial projector is arranged at an angle with respect to the background member so that the real image is projected toward the edge of the background member serving as the background surface of the real image and toward the center of the background member.
A non-contact input device characterized by that. The display unit, the space projector, and a plate-shaped light transmitting member on which the distance sensor is arranged on the back side are provided.
The non-contact input device according to claim 1, wherein the distance sensor is arranged at an angle with respect to the light transmitting member. The non-contact input device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an operation response unit that performs a response operation according to the measurement result of the distance sensor.

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