JP3195249B2 - Image floating display device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image display device including an erecting equal-magnification real image optical system including lens plates arranged in a three-dimensional manner and an image display element having a planar image display surface located at an object-side focal plane. More specifically, the present invention includes a background color uniforming means colored similar to the background color by the image display element, and sets the image-side focal plane as an empty area to set the image (e.g., character or Symbols, pictures, figures, etc.)
Is imaged as an aerial image by the erecting 1 × real image optical system,
The present invention relates to an image floating display device which is configured so that the aerial image rises from the background due to parallax of both eyes and is viewed. This device is useful for, for example, an image display device of a game machine or a product display, or an image display device for a touchless data input device instead of a touch panel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A technique for transmitting two-dimensional display image information of an image display device by an optical system using a lens having a spatial image-forming action is conventionally known. In this case, since a single optical system has a problem of increasing in size in terms of structure, a lens plate in which a large number of microlenses are arranged so that the optical axes of the microlenses are parallel to each other is used. . In an optical system using such a lens plate, since the entire image on the object surface is integrated with the imaging of each minute lens body and synthesized as a reproduced image on the image surface of the lens plate without contradiction, It is necessary to use a real-magnification real image optical system.

As an example of a lens plate, a large number of spherical columnar lenses are arranged so that their optical axes are parallel to each other, and a light blocking means for preventing stray light between them is provided between the spherical columnar lenses. The configuration provided is, for example, JP-A-55-90908 or JP-A-1-124.
No. 801. The light blocking means has a function of supporting a large number of spherical columnar lenses in addition to a function of preventing stray light. In addition, examples of lens plates in which a large number of microlenses having a convex or concave shape are formed on a flat plate so that their optical axes are parallel to each other are disclosed in, for example, JP-A-55-90908 and JP-A-64. -88
No. 502, Japanese Patent Publication No. 49-8893,
1-1183601 and JP-A-60-29703
No. 6,086,045.

Further, the refractive index of the microlens body is not defined by the geometrical shape, and the refractive index gradually changes from the optical axis of each microlens body toward the periphery and from the lens plate surface toward the inside in the optical axis direction. An example of a refractive index distribution type lens plate which is integrally formed on a flat plate so that the optical axes of the microlenses are parallel to each other is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-5 / 1982.
3702, and JP-A-60-29703. Further, as another example of a refractive index distribution type lens plate, the fact that the refractive index of an optical fiber changes in a parabolic manner from the central axis toward the outer peripheral surface has the same spatial imaging action as a normal lens. There is a gradient index rod lens plate which is made into a flat plate by bundling and integrating a number of rod-shaped gradient index optical fibers, and cutting the bundle perpendicularly to the axial direction.

In any case, these spatial image forming type image display devices have a configuration in which a screen or a light scattering plate such as frosted glass is disposed at the position of the image-side focal plane, and an image of the image display element is projected on the light scattering plate. Has been adopted. Therefore, the viewer views the display image on the light scattering plate in the same manner as a normal CRT or liquid crystal display screen.

[0006] By the way, although not directly related to these,
As a conventional technique, there is a data input device of a touch panel type. This is a device that displays necessary information on a panel surface, turns on / off a switch by touching a finger on the panel surface, and allows necessary information to be selected and input to a device. It is used for automatic payment machines. This switch mechanism forms a touch electrode by depositing a metal such as indium on a glass surface for displaying an image, connects an electronic circuit to the touch electrode, and touches the touch electrode with a human finger. Is given a state change, and the change is detected. Therefore, the conventional image display device can be used as a touch panel type data input device if a touch electrode is formed on the light scattering plate.

[0007]

According to the conventional image display technique, an image can be formed at a position distant from the image display element as described above, but the two-dimensional image formed on the light scattering plate is observed as it is. Therefore, the planar image can be viewed only in a planar manner. On the other hand, various types of three-dimensional image display devices for making a three-dimensional image appear have been developed, but require a sophisticated and complicated mechanism and are expensive. However, even if it is a two-dimensional image, if a simple system that can emphasize and display the image more impressively so as to draw the attention of the viewer can be developed, for example, various types of amusement machines and advertisements It is considered to have many uses in fields such as advertising and display for display.

[0008] By the way, if it becomes possible to input data without touching the screen panel instead of the touch panel type, anyone can use data input devices such as cash dispensers and various ticket vending machines used by an unspecified number of people. You can operate without feeling dirty. In addition, contamination due to contact with objects (screen panels) does not occur, preventing hospital-acquired infections in hospitals, etc., and increasing the spread of contamination through panels and keys in various clean rooms (for example, bio-research clean rooms). Prevention and other effects are expected, and the range of use is expanded to key input devices, data input devices, and the like used therewith. For that purpose, even if a conventional screen display device is used, if a configuration is adopted in which the switch sensor position and the screen display position are shifted to form a separate plane, it is not impossible to configure a data input device, In such a device configuration, it is necessary to consciously operate the position indicated by the finger with respect to the display position of the image, so that data input becomes confusing, and it may not be a device that can withstand practical use at all. Absent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image floating display device capable of displaying an image (for example, a character, a symbol, a picture, a graphic, or the like) emphasized with respect to a background so as to appear to be raised. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image floating device that can be viewed as if an aerial image is raised without providing a light scattering plate such as a screen at an image forming position so as to be applied to a touchless data input device. It is to provide a display device.

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image floating display apparatus comprising a lens plate in which a large number of microlenses are two-dimensionally arranged such that the optical axes of the microlenses are parallel to each other. An erect real-magnification real image optical system and an image display element having a planar image display surface located at the object-side focal plane of the erect real-magnification real image optical system are provided. In the present invention, the erecting equal-magnification real image optical system has an image-side focal length of 5 to 5.
In the vicinity of the lens plate, the portion facing each microlens body is colorless and transparent, and the remaining portion is colored similar to the background color by the image display element. Background color equalizing means. Here, the background color of the image display device refers to the color of the background portion of characters, symbols, pictures, figures, and the like displayed by the image display device. The image-side focal plane of the erecting unit-magnification real image optical system is an empty area, and the entire side surface is surrounded by a light-shielding hood so as to include at least the position of the image-side focal plane.

The image of the image display element is formed as an aerial image on the image-side focal plane position, which is an empty area, by the erecting equal-magnification real image optical system. In the prior art, a light scattering plate was arranged at that position, and an image reflected on the plate was viewed. Therefore, the background color was also reflected on the light scattering plate, and only a flat image with little change was visible. However, the present inventor has completed the present invention by focusing on the fact that, without a light scattering plate, an aerial image appears to rise from the background by utilizing the parallax of both eyes.

The lens plate is formed, for example, by forming a large number of minute lens bodies each having a convex or concave surface of a spherical or aspherical shape on a flat plate such that the optical axes of the respective minute lens bodies are parallel to each other. Can be manufactured integrally with the flat plate portion. Since such a lens plate can manufacture a small resin lens by molding,
It is realistic and preferable in terms of cost. The erecting equal-magnification real image optical system can be configured by arranging a plurality of such lens plates in series in the optical axis direction. In addition, the erecting equal-magnification real image optical system may be constituted by a single lens plate two-dimensionally arranged so as to bundle a large number of micro rod lenses having a refractive index distribution in the radial direction. The use of the micro rod lens is advantageous in that the image forming position can be adjusted according to the length of the rod because the optical axis adjustment is not required because the refractive index distribution is in the radial direction. The lens material may be glass or plastic.

The background color uniforming means is a so-called solid color in which the background is uniformly arranged in substantially the same color by setting the background of light passing through the microlens body and the background of the portion without the microlens body to have similar colors. (Patternless) state, which makes it difficult for the consciousness of the viewer to go to the background, and conversely makes the image clearly visible. Specifically, for example, there is a plate-shaped member in which a portion facing each microlens body is an opening or a colorless transparent body, and the remaining portion is colored in a similar color to the background color of the image display element. A film or sheet may be used instead of the plate member. In some cases, a configuration in which the lens plate is directly colored with paint is also possible. In the case of a lens plate that bundles rod-shaped microlenses, it is also possible to color the resin that couples the microlenses to a color similar to the background color of the image display element to provide a background color uniforming means. . In a use state where almost no light enters from outside, the background color uniforming means is a colored transparent body, and a part of light from the image display element is transmitted to create a background color. In a usage state where light enters from the outside to some extent, the background color uniforming means is an opaque body (mask)
May be.

The light-shielding hood blocks the spatial image forming space from the surrounding environment, and prevents external light from entering from the side.
The attention of the viewer is directed to the space image as much as possible, and for that purpose, it is desirable that the inner surface of the light-shielding hood is black. In the present invention, it is also effective to provide a dark transparent filter means on the image-side surface of the lens plate to make the outline of each microlens body difficult to see. When the background color uniforming means is provided on the image plane side of the lens plate, the dark color transparent filter means is further provided on the image plane side than the background color uniforming means. As the dark color transparent filter means, for example, a smoke filter plate is suitable. This dark-colored transparent filter means fulfills the function of making the outline of the microlens body difficult to see and the focus of both eyes on the aerial image instead of the lens plate surface, thereby making it easier to see the aerial image. is there. Therefore, in addition to the above-described smoke filter plate, the surface of the lens plate may be formed by dyeing or coating the surface of the lens plate with a black pigment, or a configuration in which a dark film is attached. As the image display element used in the present invention, for example, a liquid crystal display element is preferable, but a flat plasma display panel or the like may be used. In the present invention, the image includes not only a still image but also a moving image, and it is needless to say that not only a monochrome image but also a color image is included.

[0015]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the basic structure of an image floating display device according to the present invention. This image floating display device includes an erecting equal-magnification real image optical system 12 including a lens plate 10 and a liquid crystal display element having a planar image display surface positioned on the object-side focal plane of the erecting equal-magnification real image optical system 12. The image display device 14 is provided. Here, the lens plate 10 has a configuration in which a large number of minute lens bodies 16 are two-dimensionally arranged so that the optical axes of the minute lens bodies are parallel to each other. Erecting real image optical system 12 is formed by combining two sided lens plate, the image-side focal length L ₁ is set to 20 to 30 mm. Here, a perforated color plate 18 serving as a background color equalizing means is provided between the two lens plates 10. This perforated collar plate 18
Is a plate-shaped member in which a portion of the lens plate 10 facing each microlens body 16 is an opening, and the remaining portion is colored in a similar color to the background color of the image display element 14. Further, unlike the prior art, the image-side focal plane of the erecting unit-magnification real image optical system 12 is an empty area without any light scattering plate such as a screen, and the entire side surface is included so as to include at least the position of the image-side focal plane. Are surrounded by a light-shielding hood 20. The light-shielding hood 20 is attached to the device case 22 so as to be able to expand and contract, and the inner surfaces of the light-shielding hood 20 and the device case 22 are made of a black material or a black paint is applied.

The background color of the image display element 14 is predetermined when the device is designed.
The perforated color plate 18 that is colored according to the color is used. For example, if the background color of the image display element is black, the perforated color plate is also colored black. If the background color of the image display device is white, blue, or green, the perforated color plate is also colored such as white, blue, or green. In a use state where light enters from the outside, the perforated color plate 18 may be an opaque body (that is, a mask). When the perforated collar plate 18 provided between the lens plates 10 is an opaque body, a function of preventing stray light between the micro optical systems can also be achieved. In a use state in which light does not enter from the outside, the perforated color plate 18 is made of a colored transparent body, and a predetermined background color is created using light from the image display element 14. Note that a structure in which a colorless transparent body exists instead of the opening may be used. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which a paint is applied to the surface of the colorless and transparent glass plate or plastic plate except for the portion facing the microlens body, or a color film is attached. The background color uniforming means sets the background color of the portion having no minute lens body as the same color as the background color of the image display element 14 projected by the minute lens body 16, so that the entire background is uniformly colored substantially the same. In other words, a so-called plain (pattern) state is created to form a dim background as a whole. Further, a smoke filter plate 24 is provided on the image side of the lens plate 10 as a dark-colored transparent filter means to blur the outline of each minute lens body 16. Here, from the object side, one lens plate 1
0, perforated collar plate 18, the other lens plate 10,
The smoke filter plates 24 are arranged in the order, and assembled with a spacer 26 interposed therebetween.

Here, the lens plate 10 has a structure as shown in FIGS. FIG. 2 shows a cross section, and FIG. 3 shows a plane. A lens plate 10 is formed by regularly arranging a large number of convex-shaped microlenses 16 on both sides of a transparent flat plate 28, and arranging them regularly in a vertical and horizontal square lattice so that their optical axes are perpendicular to the transparent flat plate 28. . Such a lens plate can be manufactured, for example, by the following method. First, a substantially parallel and flat glass substrate is prepared, and an acrylic resin is spherically formed on one main surface of the glass substrate by using a plurality of spherical molds. The spherical shape is arranged at the same pitch in a vertical and horizontal square lattice. Next, an acrylic resin is spherically formed on the other main surface of the glass substrate in accordance with the alignment mark added to the molding die. Thus, the centers of the spherical lenses formed on the front and back surfaces of the glass substrate can be aligned on the same axis. Alternatively, a method in which the transparent flat plate portion and the lens portion are integrally formed of an acrylic resin may be used.

In order to obtain an erect real image, at least three or more spherical surfaces must exist on the optical axis.
As shown in (2), another lens plate that is the same as or similar to the above is prepared. For example, two first lens surfaces having a first radius of curvature or a first aspherical surface coefficient and two second lens surfaces having a second radius of curvature or a second aspherical surface coefficient are prepared, and the first lens surface and The second lens surfaces are alternately arranged, or the same lens surfaces are arranged to face each other. Here, the radius of curvature or aspheric coefficient of each spherical surface is determined by the object-side focal position and the image-side focal position. In the present invention, the object-side focal position and the image-side focal position are particularly set to 20 to 20 from the viewpoint of the visibility of the floating image.
It is good to be about 30 mm.

FIG. 4 shows the operation principle of the image floating display device according to the present invention. An image by the image display element placed at the object-side focal plane position of the erecting unit-magnification real image optical system 12 (a position separated from the lens plate by the object-side focal length L ₀ ) is output by the erecting unit-magnification real image optical system 12. An erect ₁ : ₁ spatial image is formed at the image-side focal plane position (a position separated from the lens plate by the image-side focal length L1 = 20 to 30 mm). Therefore, if there is a light scattering plate at the aerial image formation position (image-side focal plane position),
Naturally, an image is projected, but since the background color is also projected on the same plane, the image to be viewed is merely a flat two-dimensional image. However, if there is no light scattering plate and it is just a vacant area (space), if the focus of both eyes can be adjusted to the imaging position (if the focus of both eyes is at the imaging position), the optical path to the right eye and the left eye Because the light path to reach is different,
Due to the parallax, the aerial image is viewed as being located on the image-side focal plane. The image of the image display element is transmitted as it is at the portion of the minute lens body involved in the image formation.
On the other hand, non-lens part (part without minute lens body)
Is a perforated color plate 18, but is colored in a similar color to the background color of the image display element, so that the background as a whole is in a plain state in which the colors are uniformly arranged in substantially the same color, and a blurred background is formed as a whole. Is done. For this reason, both eyes are focused on the aerial image located on the image-side focal plane, and the image is emphasized against the blurred background, so that the image appears to clearly stand out. This is the principle of image floating display.

By the way, since the human eye tends to focus on an object, the surface of the lens plate is usually focused, and it is difficult to visually see the aerial image as it is if it is not used. However, as shown in FIG. 1, the image-side focal length L1 is ₅ to 100 mm, especially 20 to 3 mm.
If the distance is set to 0 mm and the background color uniforming means and the light shielding hood are provided, anyone can easily focus on the aerial image. The reason why the image-side focal length L1 is preferably set to ₅ to 100 mm, particularly 20 to 30 mm is that if it is too short, it is easy to focus on the lens plate, making it difficult to see the aerial image. This is because it is difficult to focus on the image. As described above, the background color uniforming means makes the background more blurred by making the entire background a uniform color arrangement, making it difficult for the viewer to pay attention (consciousness), and enhancing the image to make it easier to see the aerial image. Furthermore, the shading hood serves to isolate the aerial image from the surrounding environment, making it more visible. Also, if a dark-colored transparent filter means such as a smoke filter plate is provided, the outline of each microlens body is hidden and unclear, so that the lens plate itself is more difficult for the viewer to be conscious and the spatial image is focused. It will be easier to fit.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of an image floating display device using a lens plate using a minute rod lens.
This image levitation display device is a liquid crystal display having an erect real-magnification real image optical system including a single lens plate 30 and a planar image display surface positioned at the object-side focal plane of the erect real-magnification real image optical system. An image display element 34 such as an element is provided. Here, the lens plate 30 has a configuration in which a large number of rod-shaped microlenses 36 having a refractive index distribution in the radial direction are two-dimensionally arranged so that the optical axes of the microlenses are parallel to each other. That is, the configuration is such that a large number of micro rod lenses are arranged in a plate shape so as to be bundled. The erecting 1 × real image optical system
And sets the image-side focal length L ₁ in the 20 to 30 mm.
A perforated color plate 38 is provided on the image side of the lens plate 10 as background color uniforming means, and a smoke filter plate 44 is provided on the image side as dark color transparent filter means. The image-side focal plane of the erecting equal-magnification real image optical system is an empty area without a light scattering plate such as a screen, and the entire side surface is surrounded by a light-shielding hood 40 so as to include at least the position of the image-side focal plane. ing. The light-shielding hood 40 has a black inner surface and is extendable and retractable with respect to the device case 42.

This image floating display device also has the same principle as that described with reference to FIG. 4 except that the configuration of the lens plate used in the erecting equal-magnification real image optical system is different. An image from the image display element placed at the object-side focal plane position of the erecting unit-magnification real image optical system (a position separated from the lens plate by the object-side focal length L ₀ ) is imaged by the erecting unit-magnification real image optical system 32. connecting the aerial image of the erect side focal plane position (lens plate image-side focal length L ₁ = 20 to 30 mm apart position from). When the focus of both eyes is adjusted to the image forming position, the optical path to the right eye and the optical path to the left eye are different, so that the spatial image is visually recognized as being located on the image side focal plane by the parallax, and the background color uniforming means ( Here, the image is emphasized with respect to the blurred background due to the perforated color plate 38), and the image appears to be raised.

When the adhesive (resin) for bonding the rod-shaped microlenses is colorless and transparent, or when there is a gap between the microlenses to be bundled by means other than the adhesive, As shown in FIG. 5, it is necessary to provide a background color uniforming means on the image side surface of the lens plate. However, if a colored resin similar in color to the background color of the image display element is used as the adhesive (resin), the filled portion of the colored resin can also function as a background color uniforming means. If external light can be used, an opaque colored resin may be used,
When external light cannot be used, a transparent colored resin is used to form a background using a part of light from the image display element. The background color uniforming means may have a configuration in which a sheet or a film having a perforated or colorless transparent portion is attached to the surface of the lens plate, or a configuration in which the paint is applied directly to the non-lens portion.

In the image floating display device of the present invention, when the light emitted from the image display device enters the lens plate, the incident angle is within a certain angle (for example, within ± 45 degrees) with respect to the optical axis of the minute lens body. ) Is desirable. This may use the properties of the image display element itself (for example, the liquid crystal display element has an emission angle of ± 45 degrees or less), or may additionally include an incident light limiting means. This can reduce or prevent stray light between the lenses. It is also desirable to limit the exit angle of the lens plate itself to an arbitrary angle within a certain angle (for example, within ± 25 degrees). This can be done by designing the lens plate. If the emission angle of the lens plate itself is limited, the viewing angle range in which the formed aerial image can be viewed can be limited, and the lens plate is suitable for use in a place where security is a problem when viewed from the side by others.

Since the image floating display device according to the present invention can have a hermetically sealed structure by a lens plate, a smoke filter plate, or the like, it is possible to display an image floating outside the device case for waterproofing or dustproofing. In this case, a light-shielding hood may be provided by extending the front end of the device case to a position equal to or higher than the image-side focal plane position. However, it is preferable to provide a separate light-shielding hood so as to cover the front end portion of the device case. If the light-shielding hood is made detachable or expandable and contractable, the device can be kept compact when it is not needed, so that a more preferable configuration is obtained.

[0026]

FIG. 6 and Table 1 show an example of the design of an erecting unit-magnification real image optical system.
Shown in Here, the configuration of the erecting equal-magnification real image optical system is such that two identical lens plates are symmetrically arranged. Both lens plates are obtained by integrally molding a flat plate portion and spherical lens portions on both main surfaces thereof with a colorless and transparent acrylic resin using a molding die. In FIG. 6, r ₁ ~r ₄ is the radius of curvature of each four minute lens body, in order from the object side,
r ₁ , r ₂ , r ₃ , r ₄ . When the radius of curvature is negative, it means that the spherical surface is convex on the image side. Because of the symmetrical arrangement, the radius of curvature of the microlens body is r ₁ = −r
₄ , r ₂ = −r ₃ . n is the refractive index of the acrylic resin constituting the lens plate. L ₀ is the distance between the object side focal point and the lens surface of the microlens body closest to the object side, L
₁ is the distance between the image-side focal point and the lens surface of the microlens body closest to the image side, and L2 is the distance between the _two lens plates facing each other. d ₁ and d ₂ are the thickness of the lens plate, and φ ₁ and φ ₂ are the apertures of the respective minute lens bodies. Where L ₀ , L ₁ ,
L ₂ , d ₁ , and d ₂ are all lengths on the optical axis.
Note that the units of these lengths are all mm.

Table 1 shows the dimensions of the optical system and the lens, the degree of overlap m of the aerial image (m = image height / 2 × lens radius),
The spatial frequency w (Lp / mm / 20%) is listed for nine configuration examples. The degree of overlap m is defined by the radius of the field of view of an image formed by the lens with respect to the lens diameter, and is a value indicating the degree of overlap when forming a composite image. In order to form a reproduced image by integrating the images of the respective micro optical systems, the degree of overlap m needs to be 1 or more. Spatial frequency w
Is a numerical value corresponding to the resolution, and the larger the value is, the higher the quality is. However, there is no particular numerical limitation, and the value is designed to have an appropriate value according to the application.

[0028]

[Table 1]

[0029] The lens plates fabricated on the basis of such specific values, the image-side focal length L ₁ is 20-3
A 0 mm erect, equal-magnification real image optical system can be configured, and thereby the image floating display device of the present invention can be configured. The viewing angle of the aerial image can be arbitrarily selected depending on the lens design.

Although different from Table 1, even if two lens plates are arranged in the same direction (that is, r ₁ = r ₃ , r ₂ =
r ₄ ), an erect real-size real image optical system having an image-side focal length L ₁ of 20 to 30 mm can be formed. When such a lens plate arrangement can be made different from the image side focal length L ₁ object-side focal distance L _0, advantage constraints of the mounting position is eliminated occurs.

When a lens plate made of a rod-shaped microlens of a radial refractive index distribution type is used, an erecting equal-magnification real image optical system can be constituted by one lens plate.
When the focal length (the distance from the lens end surface to the image plane side focal plane) is 20 mm, the lens diameter is preferably about 0.05 to 1.0 mm, more preferably about 0.1 to 0.6 mm. When the focal length is 30 mm, the lens diameter is set to 0.05 to 1.
The thickness is preferably 2 mm, more preferably about 0.1 to 0.8 mm. This is because, when the lens diameter increases, the outline of the minute lens body becomes clear, and conversely, the aerial image becomes difficult to see.

FIG. 7 shows an application example of such an image floating display device to a touchless switch. Since the basic configuration of the image floating display device may be the same as that of FIG. 1, corresponding members are denoted by the same reference numerals for the sake of simplicity. This device comprises an erecting equal-magnification real image optical system 12 using two lens plates 10 and a liquid crystal display element 1 provided at an object-side focal position.
4 is provided. Here, the lens plate 10 is shown in FIG.
Also, a glass substrate as described in FIG. 3 may be formed by molding a large number of spherical lenses with acrylic resin on both sides, or a flat plate portion and a lens portion may be integrally molded with acrylic resin. Between the two lens plates 10, there is provided a perforated color plate 18 in which a portion facing each microlens body 16 is an opening 17 and the remaining portion is colored similar to the background color of the image display element 14. On the image side of the erecting equal-magnification real image optical system 12, there is provided a smoke filter plate 24 (partially cut away for easy understanding of the drawing) as a dark color transparent filter means. An image-side focal plane (a spatial image forming plane) above such an image floating display device.
A switch sensor is provided on the peripheral side of the position. This switch sensor includes a light emitting unit 5 in which a plurality of light emitting elements 50 are arranged.
2, and a light receiving section 56 in which a plurality of light receiving elements 54 are arranged are provided so as to face each other in a vertical direction (Y direction) and a horizontal direction (X direction). The light from each light emitting element is received by a light receiving element facing the light emitting element. The light emitting element and the light receiving element are located at the level of the image-side focal plane in the vertical direction, and are provided so as to correspond to each aerial image in the horizontal direction. In FIG. 7, one of the light emitting unit and one of the light receiving unit are omitted for the sake of illustration.
Actually, it is installed so as to face the illustrated light receiving unit and light emitting unit. These light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit can be assembled by using, for example, a light-shielding hood and attaching it to the inner wall surface thereof.

An image of the liquid crystal display element 14 forms a spatial image 58 by the erect real-size real image optical system 12. Due to the parallax between the two eyes, the aerial image 58 is emphasized from a blurry background and appears as if it were raised. Light rays pass from the light emitting element to the light receiving element along the image-side focal plane on which the aerial image is formed (the light rays are indicated by broken lines). Therefore, when the finger 59 is inserted at the position of the target aerial image,
The light is blocked by the finger 59, and the fact that the light is blocked is sensed by the corresponding light receiving element. The position (XY coordinates) of the inserted finger can be detected by the change in the light receiving state of the light receiving element row in the X direction and the light receiving element row in the Y direction, and the switch is operated as an image at that position. Since the switch is activated by blocking the light beam, it is not a finger but another object (for example, a writing instrument shaft)
Will operate as a switch similarly.

FIG. 8 shows another application example of the image floating display device according to the present invention to a touchless switch. Since the basic configuration of the image floating display device is the same as that of FIG. 5, corresponding members are denoted by the same reference numerals for simplification of description. This device comprises an erecting equal-magnification real image optical system comprising a single lens plate 30 and a liquid crystal display element 3 provided at an object-side focal position.
4 is provided. Here, the lens plate 30 has a configuration in which a large number of radial index distribution type rod lenses are two-dimensionally arranged, and the minute lens bodies are connected to each other with a resin (adhesive). A perforated color plate 38 as a background color uniforming means is provided on the image side surface, and a smoke filter plate 44 as a dark color transparent filter means is provided on the image side surface.
A switch sensor is provided on a peripheral side surface near the image plane side focal plane above such an image floating display device. This switch sensor is the same as that of the above-described embodiment (FIG. 7), and includes a light emitting unit 62 in which a plurality of light emitting elements 60 are arranged on opposite sides of a side surface.
And a light receiving unit 66 in which a plurality of light receiving elements 64 are arranged in pairs in the vertical direction (Y direction) and the horizontal direction (X direction). Although not shown in FIG. 8, a light emitting unit is also provided on the near side.

The image on the liquid crystal display element 34 forms an aerial image at the position of the switch sensor by the erect real-size real image optical system using the lens plate 30. Due to the parallax between the two eyes, the aerial image appears to be clearly recognized and emerged from the hazy solid background by the background color equalizing means. Therefore, when an object (for example, a finger) is inserted into the position of the target aerial image, the light beam from the light emitting element is blocked thereby, and is sensed by the light receiving element. A change in the light receiving state of the light receiving elements arranged in the X direction and the light receiving element arranged in the Y direction allows detection of the inserted position (XY coordinate), and the switch is operated as an image at that position is indicated. I do.

The configuration of the switch sensor is not limited to the above example. Any object can be used as long as the position of the object (finger) placed in the space can be quickly specified with a certain degree of accuracy.

[0037]

As described above, the present invention comprises an erecting equal-magnification real image optical system comprising a lens plate and an image display element having a flat image display surface located at the object side focal plane. Although the side focal length is set to 5 to 100 mm, the device has a background color uniforming means, and the image-side focal plane is an image floating display device having an empty area, it has a simple configuration. An image such as a pictogram of an image display element can be emphasized with respect to a plain background in which colors are uniformly arranged, and can be visualized as a floating spatial image. As a result, an impressive image display that draws the attention of the viewer can be performed on various types of amusement machines, advertisements, or displays for display.

Also, since there is no light scattering plate and the like, and the spatial image is viewed by utilizing the parallax of both eyes, limiting the exit angle of the lens plate can limit the viewing angle range in which the spatial image can be viewed, and can be viewed by others. This eliminates the risk of being peeped at from the outside, and is particularly effective for displaying images in places where security is a problem.

Further, the image floating display device according to the present invention is combined with a sensor for detecting the presence / absence of an object because the image appears floating as described above. Useful for equipment.
That is, since the non-contact switch sensor position and the screen display position can be configured to be on the same plane, the display space of the image may be indicated by a finger, and data input is not confused. This makes it possible to input data without touching the screen panel, so data input devices such as cash dispensers and various ticket vending machines used by an unspecified number of people,
Anyone can operate without feeling dirty. In addition, since contamination due to contact with objects (screen panels, etc.) does not occur, prevention of hospital-acquired infections in hospitals, etc., and the spread of contamination via panels and keys in various clean rooms (eg, bio-research clean rooms, etc.) It is possible to expect effects such as prevention and the like, and the use range is expanded to key input devices and data input devices used therewith.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of an image floating display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a lens plate incorporated therein.

FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the lens plate.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation principle of the image floating display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the image floating display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an optical system of a lens plate and dimensions of a lens.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view showing one embodiment of a touchless switch device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the touchless switch device to which the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 lens plate 12 erecting equal-magnification real image optical system 14 image display element 16 minute lens body 18 perforated color plate 20 light shielding hood 22 housing case 24 smoke filter plate 26 spacer

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. An erecting equal-magnification real image optical system comprising a lens plate in which a large number of minute lens bodies are two-dimensionally arranged such that the optical axes of the respective minute lens bodies are parallel to each other, and the erecting equal-magnification real image. An image display device having an image display element having a planar image display surface located on the object-side focal plane of the optical system, wherein the erecting unit-magnification real image optical system has an image-side focal length of 5 to 5. 1
In the vicinity of the lens plate, there is provided a background color uniforming means near the lens plate, in which a portion facing each minute lens body is colorless and transparent, and a remaining portion is colored in a similar color to the background color by the image display element. The image-side focal plane is an empty area, and the entire side surface is surrounded by a light-shielding hood so as to include at least the position of the image-side focal plane. An image floating display device, wherein an image is formed as an aerial image at an image-side focal plane position which is an empty area by an optical system. 2. An erecting equal-magnification real image optical system includes a plurality of minute lens bodies each having a spherical or aspherical convex or concave surface arranged two-dimensionally such that the optical axes of the respective minute lens bodies are parallel to each other. A plurality of lens plates having a structure in which a plurality of lens plates are arranged in series, and the background color uniforming means is configured such that a portion facing each minute lens body is an opening or a colorless transparent body, and the remaining portion is a background by an image display element. 2. The image floating display device according to claim 1, wherein the plate-like member is colored in a similar color to the color, and the background color uniforming means is incorporated between the lens plates. 3. An erecting equal-magnification real image optical system comprising a plurality of microlenses having a refractive index distribution in a radial direction arranged two-dimensionally such that the optical axes of the microlenses are parallel to each other. 2. The image floating display device according to claim 1, wherein the background color uniforming means is provided on the image plane side of the lens plate. 4. A positive lens comprising a single lens plate in which a plurality of rod-shaped microlenses having a refractive index distribution in a radial direction are two-dimensionally arranged so that the optical axes of the microlenses are parallel to each other. An image display apparatus comprising: an erect real-magnification real image optical system; and an image display element having a planar image display surface positioned at an object-side focal plane of the erect real-magnification real image optical system; The double real image optical system has an image-side focal length of 5-1.
00 mm, the colored resin filled portion also serves as a background color uniforming means by using a colored resin colored in a similar color to the background color by the image display element for coupling the respective microlenses.
The image-side focal plane is an empty area, and the entire side surface is surrounded by a light-shielding hood so as to include at least the position of the image-side focal plane. An image floating display device, which forms an aerial image at an image-side focal plane position, which is an empty region of the image. 5. The image floating display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a dark-colored transparent filter means on the image side of the lens plate for making the outline of each minute lens body of the lens plate difficult to see. 6. The image floating display device according to claim 1, wherein an emission angle of the lens plate is limited to within ± 25 degrees, and a viewing angle range in which a formed aerial image can be viewed is limited.