JP7356535B1 - image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an image display device that can bring an aerial image and a display image closer to each other so that they can be viewed simultaneously. SOLUTION: An image display device 10 includes a first display 30, a beam splitter 40, a retroreflective member 60, and a second display 70. The second display 70 transmits at least a portion of the first light that is retroreflected by the retroreflective member 60 and passes through the beam splitter 40 , and the second display 70 transmits at least a portion of the first light that is retroreflected by the retroreflective member 60 and passes through the beam splitter 40 . The second light is emitted from the front surface in the traveling direction. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an image display device.

In recent years, image display devices that display an aerial image by forming an image from a display in the air have become popular. Patent Document 1 listed below discloses an image display device installed in a reception/payment machine for hospitals. The reception and payment machine allows the user, the patient, to select the medical department to be examined and process the reception process, and to pay the consultation fee, confirms the consultation fee and inserts cash corresponding to the payment amount to process the payment. It is a device. Such a reception and payment machine is equipped with an information presentation display that displays images showing various information necessary for reception processing and payment processing. The image display device in the reception/payment machine displays buttons for "reception" and "payment" as an aerial image. Since the image display device is provided away from the display for information presentation and to the side of the display, the button as an aerial image is displayed away from the image of the display for information presentation and to the side of the image. . The image display device also includes a reflected light distance sensor, which detects the movement of the patient's hand over the "reception" and "payment" buttons. In such a reception/payment machine, a patient confirms an image on a display for presenting information, and then places his/her hand over a button as an aerial image to perform reception processing and payment processing.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-7868

In the image display device of Patent Document 1, the aerial image is displayed on the side of the image away from the image on the display for presenting information, but it is desirable to bring the aerial image and the image closer to each other so that they can be easily viewed at the same time. There is a request.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image display device that can bring an aerial image and a display image closer to each other so that they can be viewed simultaneously.

In order to achieve the above object, the image display device of the present invention includes a first display that emits first light constituting a first image, and a first display that reflects a part of the first light that is emitted from the first display. a beam splitter, a retroreflective member that retroreflects the first light reflected by the beam splitter, and a light-transmissive second light that emits a second light constituting a second image and transmits the first light. a display, the beam splitter transmits a portion of the first light that is retroreflected by the retroreflective member, and the second display transmits a portion of the first light that is retroreflected by the retroreflective member and passes through the beam splitter. The device is characterized in that at least a portion of the first light transmitted therethrough is transmitted, and the second light is emitted from a surface on the front side in the traveling direction of the first light transmitted through the second display.

In this image display device, the first light travels toward the beam splitter while spreading from the first display, and a portion of the first light is reflected by the beam splitter toward the retroreflective member. The first light traveling to the retroreflective member is retroreflected by the retroreflector, and a portion of the retroreflected first light passes through the beam splitter. The first light travels toward the second display while being converged by retroreflection, at least a portion of the traveling first light passes through the second display, and a first image is formed at a predetermined position in the air. and an aerial image is displayed. This aerial image is an image that is approximately plane symmetrical to the first image displayed on the first display with respect to the surface including the reflective surface of the beam splitter, and is approximately symmetrical to the first image displayed on the first display. Located in a symmetrical position. The second display emits second light constituting the second image from a surface on the front side in the traveling direction of the first light that passes through the second display. In this way, the first light and the second light are emitted from the second display. Therefore, according to this image display device, the first light passes through the side of the second display without passing through the second display, and the aerial image is separated from the second image on the second display and is moved to the side of the second image. Compared to the case where the aerial image and the second image on the second display are displayed closer to each other, it is possible to make it easier to view each at the same time.

Alternatively, the image display device of the present invention includes: a first display that emits first light constituting a first image; a beam splitter that transmits a part of the first light emitted from the first display; comprising a retroreflective member that retroreflects the first light transmitted through the beam splitter, and a light-transmissive second display that emits second light constituting a second image and transmits the first light, The beam splitter reflects a portion of the first light retroreflected by the retroreflective member toward the second display, and the second display reflects a portion of the first light retroreflected by the retroreflective member to the beam splitter. The display is characterized in that at least a portion of the first light reflected by the display is transmitted through the display, and the second light is emitted from a surface on the front side in the traveling direction of the first light that is transmitted through the second display.

In this image display device, the first light travels toward the beam splitter while spreading from the first display, and a portion of the first light passes through the beam splitter and travels to the retroreflective member. The first light that travels to the retroreflective member is retroreflected by the retroreflector, and travels to the beam splitter while being converged by the retroreflection. A portion of the first light is reflected toward the second display by the beam splitter, at least a portion of the reflected first light is transmitted through the second display, and a first image is formed at a predetermined position in the air; An aerial image is displayed. This aerial image is an image that is approximately plane symmetrical to the first image displayed on the first display with respect to the surface including the reflective surface of the beam splitter, and is approximately symmetrical to the first image displayed on the first display. Located in a symmetrical position. The second display emits second light constituting the second image from a surface on the front side in the traveling direction of the first light that passes through the second display. In this way, the first light and the second light are emitted from the second display. Therefore, according to this image display device, the first light passes through the side of the second display without passing through the second display, and the aerial image is separated from the second image on the second display and is moved to the side of the second image. Compared to the case where the aerial image and the second image on the second display are displayed closer to each other, it is possible to make it easier to view each at the same time.

Further, the luminous intensity of the first light emitted from the first display may be higher than the luminous intensity of the second light emitted from the second display.

According to this configuration, compared to a case where the luminous intensity of the first light emitted from the first display is equal to or less than the luminous intensity of the second light emitted from the second display, the aerial image is prevented from becoming darker than the second image. This can prevent the aerial image from becoming difficult to see.

Moreover, the luminous intensity of the first light emitted from the first display may be greater than or equal to 2 times and less than or equal to 20 times the luminous intensity of the second light emitted from the second display.

The display device may further include a detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object between the imaging position of the first light transmitted through the second display and the second display.

For example, if the object is a hand or fingers, the detection sensor detects the hand or fingers that are between the imaging position and the second display. As a result, the first image of the first light transmitted through the second display can be used as if it were a button, and the detection sensor can detect the depression operation of the button.

Further, when the second display is viewed from the front, the second display emits the second light from at least a portion of the second display outside the projection area of the first image.

In this image display device, the user of the image display device 10 often views the second display from the front. When viewing the second display from the front, if the second light is emitted from the projection area of the first image, the second light overlaps the aerial image, making the aerial image difficult to see depending on the content and color of the second image. There is. According to this configuration, compared to the case where the second light is emitted from the projection area of the first image, the second light can be suppressed from overlapping the aerial image, and the aerial image can be prevented from becoming difficult to see due to the second light. Can be suppressed.

Furthermore, when the beam splitter reflects a portion of the first light emitted from the first display, the beam splitter may be provided between the second display and the retroreflective member.

Furthermore, when the beam splitter reflects a portion of the first light emitted from the first display, the beam splitter may be placed on the second display.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image display device that brings an aerial image and a display image close to each other so that they can be easily viewed simultaneously.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of an image display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows roughly the cross section of the image display apparatus in the modification of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of an image display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image display device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments illustrated below are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to be interpreted as limiting the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented by appropriately combining constituent elements in the embodiments illustrated below. Note that in the drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each member may be shown with different dimensions to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, in the drawings, for ease of viewing, only some of the similar components are given reference numerals, and some of the reference numerals may be omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of an image display device of this embodiment. The image display device 10 is used, for example, as a touch panel in a billboard, a reception/payment machine for hospitals, an automatic teller machine, or the like. The image display device 10 includes a housing 20, a first display 30, a beam splitter 40, a λ/4 wavelength plate 50, a retroreflective member 60, a second display 70, and a detection sensor 80.

The housing 20 of this embodiment is configured in a box shape with an opening at the front, and a plate-shaped second display 70 is fixed to the housing 20 so as to close the opening. In this way, an internal space surrounded by the housing 20 and the second display 70 is formed, and the first display 30, the beam splitter 40, the λ/4 wavelength plate 50, and the retroreflective member 60 are housed in the internal space. The detection sensor 80 is arranged outside the internal space and fixed to the housing 20.

The first display 30 includes a display surface 30S that emits first light constituting the first image F1 toward the beam splitter 40. In FIG. 1, the first image F1 is virtually shown by a broken line. The first image F1 may be a still image or a moving image. The first light of this embodiment is the first linearly polarized light L1a whose trajectory in a plane perpendicular to the traveling direction of the light is approximately a straight line. The first display 30 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is fixed to the first pedestal plate 21, and the first pedestal plate 21 is fixed to the upper wall and side wall of the housing 20 in a bracing manner. The first display 30 is arranged such that the first linearly polarized light L1a obliquely enters the surface of the beam splitter 40 on the first display 30 side.

Beam splitter 40 is a plate-like member. The beam splitter 40 of this embodiment is provided between the second display 70 and the retroreflective member 60. Specifically, the beam splitter 40 is arranged on the back surface of the second display 70 on the retroreflective member 60 side. Beam splitter 40 reflects a portion of the first light from first display 30 . Since the first light in this embodiment is the first linearly polarized light L1a, the beam splitter 40 reflects a part of the first linearly polarized light L1a from the first display 30. Furthermore, the beam splitter 40 transmits the second linearly polarized light L1c whose polarization direction is different from the polarization direction of the first linearly polarized light L1a and is substantially perpendicular. Such a beam splitter 40 includes an absorptive polarizing plate 41 disposed on the back surface of the second display 70 on the retroreflective member 60 side, and a reflective polarizing plate 43 disposed on the absorptive polarizing plate 41. . The absorption type polarizing plate 41 is composed of, for example, a film made of polyvinyl alcohol dyed with iodine, and a protective film made of triacetylcellulose laminated on both or one side of the film. The reflective polarizing plate 43 is composed of, for example, a multilayer laminate or a wire grid polarizing plate represented by DBEF and APF manufactured by 3M Company. The polarization axis of the reflective polarizing plate 43 is approximately parallel to the polarization axis of the absorptive polarizing plate 41, and along the polarization direction of the first linearly polarized light L1a. The reflective polarizing plate 43 reflects a portion of the first linearly polarized light L1a toward the λ/4 wavelength plate 50 and transmits the second linearly polarized light L1c. The absorption type polarizing plate 41 transmits the second linearly polarized light L1c.

The λ/4 wavelength plate 50 is a plate-like member, and is arranged between the beam splitter 40 and the retroreflective member 60. The λ/4 wavelength plate 50 of this embodiment is fixed and integrated with the surface of the retroreflective member 60 on the beam splitter 40 side. The λ/4 wavelength plate 50 transmits the first linearly polarized light L1a reflected by the beam splitter 40, and the trajectory of the first linearly polarized light L1a in a plane perpendicular to the traveling direction of the light is approximately The light is converted into circularly polarized light L1b. Note that the circularly polarized light L1b may be elliptically polarized light whose trajectory in a plane perpendicular to the traveling direction of the light is approximately elliptical. The λ/4 wavelength plate 50 of this embodiment is preferably arranged so that the first linearly polarized light L1a is approximately perpendicularly incident on the surface on the beam splitter 40 side.

The retroreflective member 60 is a plate-like member, and is fixed to the second pedestal plate 23, and the second pedestal plate 23 is fixed to the lower wall and side wall of the housing 20 in a bracing manner. Such a retroreflective member 60 is arranged so that light from the beam splitter 40 side enters the retroreflective member 60 perpendicularly. The retroreflective member 60 reflects the light incident on the retroreflective member 60 in a direction opposite to the incident direction of the light. Examples of such a retroreflective member 60 include a corner cube type and a spherical type retroreflective member. Since the λ/4 wavelength plate 50 is disposed on the retroreflective member 60 as described above, the retroreflective member 60 absorbs light traveling from the beam splitter 40 to the retroreflective member 60 via the λ/4 wavelength plate 50. is retroreflected toward the beam splitter 40 via the λ/4 wavelength plate 50. The retroreflection member 60 of this embodiment retroreflects the circularly polarized light L1b converted by the λ/4 wavelength plate 50. Although details will be described later, the retroreflected circularly polarized light L1b passes through the λ/4 wavelength plate 50 again, is converted into the second linearly polarized light L1c, and proceeds to the beam splitter 40. The beam splitter 40 transmits a part of the second linearly polarized light L1c, which is the first light that has been retroreflected by the retroreflection member 60, and at least the second linearly polarized light L1c, which is the first light that has passed through the beam splitter 40. A portion proceeds to the second display 70.

The second display 70 emits second light L2 that forms a second image. The second image may be a still image or a moving image. The second display 70 of this embodiment includes, for example, a first transparent substrate made of glass, a first transparent electrode, an OLED layer made of an OLED element, a second transparent electrode, a second transparent substrate having the same structure as the first transparent substrate, etc. It is an OLED panel equipped with. A plurality of first transparent electrodes are provided on the transparent substrate at intervals in the plane direction of the first transparent substrate, the OLED layer is individually arranged on the plurality of first transparent electrodes, and the second transparent electrode is formed on the OLED layer. Each is placed separately on the top. The second transparent substrate is placed on the second transparent electrode, and the beam splitter 40 is placed on the opposite side of the second transparent substrate from the second transparent electrode. In this way, the beam splitter 40 is arranged on the second display 70, and the second display 70 is arranged on the opposite side to the retroreflective member 60 side with respect to the beam splitter 40. The second display 70 is larger than the first display 30.

In the second display 70, the second light L2 is emitted from the OLED layer by applying a voltage between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode. The second light L2 passes through each of the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode, and is emitted from both sides of the second display 70. That is, the second display 70 emits the second light L2 toward the air in front of the second display 70 and toward the inner space of the housing 20. In FIG. 1, illustration of the second light L2 emitted toward the internal space of the housing 20 is omitted for clarity of illustration.

Further, the second display 70 is also a light-transmissive display that transmits at least a portion of the second linearly polarized light L1c, which is the first light that is retroreflected by the retroreflection member 60 and transmitted through the beam splitter 40. The second linearly polarized light L1c transmitted through the second display 70 travels into the air in front of the second display 70. Then, the first image F1 is formed at a predetermined position in the air, and the first image F2 is displayed as an aerial image. In addition, in FIG. 1, the first image F2 as an aerial image is virtually shown by a broken line. As described above, the second display 70 emits the second light L2 to the air in front of the second display 70, and for the second light L2, a second linearly polarized light is transmitted through the second display 70. The second light L2 is emitted from the front surface of L1c in the traveling direction. Further, when the second display 70 is viewed from the front, the second display 70 emits the second light L2 from at least a part of the outside of the projection area AR of the first image F2 of the second display 70, and The second light L2 is not emitted from the projection area AR of the display 70. The second image formed by the second light L2 emitted in this way is displayed as a background image for the first image F2 as an aerial image.

Comparing the luminous intensity of the second light L2 emitted from the second display 70 and the luminous intensity of the first light emitted from the first display 30, the luminous intensity of the first light is made higher than the luminous intensity of the second light L2. For example, the luminous intensity of the first light is preferably 2 times or more and 20 times or less than the luminous intensity of the second light L2, and more preferably 5 times or more and 10 times or less than the luminous intensity of the second light L2.

The detection sensor 80 is disposed outside the second display 70 when the second display 70 is viewed from the front, and FIG. 1 shows an example in which the detection sensor 80 is disposed below the second display 70.

The detection sensor 80 detects an area parallel to the second display 70 including a part of the first image F2 displayed by imaging the first light transmitted through the second display 70 and which is farthest from the second display 70. The presence or absence of an object to be detected in the area between the two displays 70 is detected. That is, the detection sensor 80 detects the presence or absence of an object in the area between the second display 70 and the imaging position of the first light transmitted through the second display 70 . The detection sensor 80 of this embodiment includes a plurality of reflected light distance sensors. Each reflected light distance sensor is a distance sensor that includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element and can detect the distance to an object located in the optical axis direction of the light emitting element and the light receiving element. The light emitting element is, for example, an infrared light emitting element. In FIG. 1, in the light emitted from each light emitting element, an area parallel to the second display 70 including a part of the first image F2 that is farthest from the second display 70 and the second display 70, respectively. The closest light is indicated by an arrow. In this embodiment, light is also emitted between the two arrows indicating light in FIG. 1, but for clarity of illustration, the arrow indicating light between the two arrows is omitted. There is. The plurality of reflected light distance sensors are arranged in a line along the direction perpendicular to the second display 70.

Next, image formation by the image display device 10 of this embodiment will be described.

The first linearly polarized light L1a travels from the first display 30 toward the beam splitter 40 while spreading, and a portion of the first linearly polarized light L1a is directed toward the λ/4 wavelength plate 50 by the reflective polarizing plate 43 of the beam splitter 40. reflected. Note that in FIG. 1, illustration of the spread of the first linearly polarized light L1a is omitted for clarity of illustration. The reflected first linearly polarized light L1a passes through the λ/4 wavelength plate 50 and is converted into circularly polarized light L1b. This circularly polarized light L1b is, for example, right-handed circularly polarized light whose trajectory in a plane perpendicular to the direction of travel of the light is a clockwise circular trajectory when viewed from the direction of travel of the light.

The circularly polarized light L1b, which is right-handed circularly polarized light, is retroreflected by the retroreflection member 60 and travels while converging due to the retroreflection. Note that in FIG. 1, illustration of the convergence of the circularly polarized light L1b is omitted for clarity of illustration. Due to retroreflection, the circularly polarized light L1b becomes left-handed circularly polarized light whose trajectory in a plane perpendicular to the direction of travel of the light is a counterclockwise circular trajectory when viewed from the direction of travel of the light. The circularly polarized light L1b, which is the left-handed circularly polarized light, passes through the λ/4 wavelength plate 50 and is converted into the second linearly polarized light L1c. A portion of the second linearly polarized light L1c passes through the reflective polarizing plate 43 and the absorption polarizing plate 41 of the beam splitter 40. At least a portion of the second linearly polarized light L1c that has passed through the beam splitter 40 also passes through the second display 70. The second linearly polarized light L1c transmitted through the second display 70 travels into the air in front of the second display 70. Then, the first image F1 is formed at a predetermined position in the air, and the first image F2 is displayed as an aerial image. This aerial image is an image that is approximately plane symmetrical to the first image F1 displayed on the first display 30 with respect to the surface including the reflective surface of the reflective polarizing plate 43 of the beam splitter 40, and It is located at a position that is approximately plane symmetrical to the first image F1 displayed at 30. This aerial image is used as a button as described later.

Further, a part of the second light L2 emitted from the second display 70 is emitted from the front surface on the front side in the traveling direction of the second linearly polarized light L1c, which is the first light that passes through the second display 70.

When viewing the second display 70 from the front, the second display 70 emits the second light L2 from at least a part of the outside of the projection area AR of the first image F2 of the second display 70, and from the projection area AR. does not emit the second light L2. In this image display device 10, a user of the image display device 10 often views the second display 70 from the front. When the second display 70 is viewed from the front, when the second light L2 is emitted from the projection area AR of the first image F2, the second light L2 overlaps the first image F2 as an aerial image, and the content of the second image is Aerial images may be difficult to see depending on the color, etc. According to this configuration, compared to the case where the second light L2 is emitted from the projection area AR of the first image F2, the second light L2 can be suppressed from overlapping the aerial image, and the aerial image is It can be prevented from becoming difficult to see.

By the way, although explanations using illustrations are omitted, the other part of the second light L2 emitted from the second display 70 passes through the second transparent electrode and the second transparent substrate from the OLED layer, and enters the housing 20. Proceed towards the interior space. The first linearly polarized light of this second light L2 is absorbed by the absorption polarizing plate 41. On the other hand, the second linearly polarized light of the second light L2 is transmitted through the absorption polarizing plate 41. This second linearly polarized light further passes through the reflective polarizing plate 43 and proceeds to the λ/4 wavelength plate 50. The second linearly polarized light passes through the λ/4 wavelength plate 50 and is converted into circularly polarized light. This circularly polarized light is, for example, right-handed circularly polarized light. This right-handed circularly polarized light is retroreflected by the retroreflection member 60 and becomes left-handed circularly polarized light. This circularly polarized light, which is left-handed circularly polarized light, is transmitted through the λ/4 wavelength plate 50 and converted into first linearly polarized light. The first linearly polarized light is reflected by the reflective polarizing plate 43 and is suppressed from being emitted from the second display 70 into the air.

The detection sensor 80 inputs and outputs light in an area between the second display 70 and an area parallel to the second display 70 including the part of the first image F2 that is farthest from the second display 70 . Then, the detection sensor 80 can acquire distance information between the detection sensor 80 and the object when the object is present in the area between the above-described parallel area and the second display 70. Therefore, when the object is the hand or fingers of the user of the image display device 10, the detection sensor 80 detects the hand or fingers located in the area between the parallel area and the second display 70. and obtains distance information to hands and fingers. Thereby, the first image F2 of the first light transmitted through the second display 70 can be used as if it were a button, and the detection sensor 80 can detect the depression operation of the button.

As described above, in the image display device 10 of this embodiment, the beam splitter 40 transmits a portion of the first light retroreflected by the retroreflection member 60. Further, the second display 70 transmits at least a portion of the first light that is retroreflected by the retroreflection member 60 and passes through the beam splitter 40, and the second display 70 transmits at least a portion of the first light that is retroreflected by the retroreflection member 60 and passes through the beam splitter 40, and the second display 70 transmits at least a portion of the first light that is retroreflected by the retroreflection member 60 and passes through the beam splitter 40. The second light L2 is emitted from the surface.

In this image display device 10, the first light travels toward the beam splitter 40 while spreading from the first display 30, and a portion of the first light is reflected by the beam splitter 40 toward the retroreflective member 60. The first light traveling to the retroreflective member 60 is retroreflected by the retroreflector 60, and a portion of the retroreflected first light is transmitted through the beam splitter 40. Such first light travels toward the second display 70 while being converged by retroreflection, and at least a portion of the traveling first light passes through the second display 70, and a first image F1 is placed at a predetermined position in the air. is imaged, and an aerial image is displayed as the first image F2. This aerial image is an image having a shape that is approximately plane symmetrical to the first image displayed on the first display 30 with respect to the surface including the reflective surface of the beam splitter 40, and the first image displayed on the first display 30 It is located in a position that is approximately symmetrical to the image. The second display 70 emits the second light L2 constituting the second image from the front surface in the traveling direction of the first light that passes through the second display 70. In this way, the first light and the second light L2 are emitted from the second display 70. Therefore, according to this image display device 10, the first light passes through the sides of the second display 70 without passing through the second display 70, and the aerial image is separated from the second image on the second display 70. Compared to the case where the two images are displayed on the sides, the aerial image and the second image on the second display 70 can be brought closer to each other, making it easier to view each at the same time.

Further, in this image display device 10, the luminous intensity of the first light emitted from the first display 30 is higher than the luminous intensity of the second light L2 emitted from the second display 70. According to this configuration, the aerial image becomes darker than the second image compared to a case where the luminous intensity of the first light emitted from the first display 30 is less than or equal to the luminous intensity of the second light L2 emitted from the second display 70. This can prevent the aerial image from becoming difficult to see. Note that the luminous intensity of the first light emitted from the first display 30 does not need to be higher than the luminous intensity of the second light L2 emitted from the second display 70. Further, the luminous intensity of the first light emitted from the first display 30 is greater than or equal to twice the luminous intensity of the second light L2 emitted from the second display 70 and less than or equal to 20 times, but does not need to be limited thereto.

Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of the image display device 10 of this modification. The image display device 10 of this modification differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of each component of the image display device 10, and the different points will be described below.

In this modification, the first display 30 is fixed to the bottom wall of the housing 20 extending generally horizontally, and the retroreflective member 60 to which the λ/4 wavelength plate 50 is attached extends generally vertically. It is fixed to the side wall of the housing 20.

The beam splitter 40 is arranged above the display surface 30S of the first display 30 and is inclined with respect to the display surface 30S. The angle θ1 between the outer surface of the beam splitter 40 on the side opposite to the display surface 30S and the display surface 30S, and the angle θ2 between the outer surface and the upper wall of the housing 20 are approximately 45 degrees. The outer surface only needs to be inclined with respect to the display surface 30S, and the angles θ1 and θ2 are not particularly limited. A support portion 21A is integrally provided on the bottom wall of the casing 20, and a support portion 23A is integrally provided on the top wall of the casing 20. An end of the beam splitter 40 on the bottom wall side of the casing 20 is fixed to the support portion 21A, and an end of the beam splitter 40 on the top wall side of the casing 20 is fixed to the support portion 23A.

The second display 70 of this modification is located away from the beam splitter 40 and on the opposite side of the retroreflective member 60 with respect to the beam splitter 40.

Further, the detection sensor 80 of this modification is a capacitive proximity sensor, unlike the first embodiment. Examples of the capacitive proximity type sensor include a surface type capacitive type sensor and a projected type capacitive type sensor. A surface-type capacitive sensor includes a transparent substrate made of glass, a transparent electrode film disposed on the transparent substrate, and a transparent protective cover covering the transparent electrode film. A projected capacitive sensor includes a transparent substrate, an electrode pattern layer in which a plurality of transparent electrode layers arranged on the transparent substrate are arranged in a specific pattern, and a transparent protective cover that covers the electrode pattern layer. The detection sensor 80 detects the imaging position of the first light that has passed through the second display 70 and the second display 70 when an object such as the user's hand or finger, which is a conductor, passes through the second display 70 as described in the first embodiment. , the object is detected based on the change in capacitance between the object and the transparent electrode film or transparent electrode pattern layer. Detection sensor 80 is arranged on the back surface of second display 70. Further, the detection sensor 80 overlaps the entire projection area AR, but may overlap at least a portion of the projection area AR. Note that the detection sensor 80 may be arranged over the entire back surface of the second display 70 and may also be located outside the projection area AR.

The first light and the second light L2 in this modification proceed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and therefore their description will be omitted. Even with the image display device 10 having such a configuration, the same effects as the image display device 10 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Note that components that are the same or equivalent to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted, unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of the image display device 10 of this embodiment. The image display device 10 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of each component of the image display device 10, and the different points will be described below. In this embodiment, the first display 30 and the retroreflective member 60 to which the λ/4 wavelength plate 50 is attached are placed on opposite sides of the beam splitter 40, and the beam splitter 40 is spaced apart from the second display 70. It is located. Further, the first display 30, the beam splitter 40, the λ/4 wavelength plate 50, and the retroreflective member 60 are not arranged in the internal space of the housing 20. Furthermore, the configuration of the beam splitter 40 is different as will be described later.

The first light emitted by the first display 30 of this embodiment is the second linearly polarized light L1c. In this embodiment, the first display 30 is fixed to a plate-shaped first pedestal plate 21 that extends generally in the horizontal direction. The first pedestal plate 21 is provided with a support portion 21A integrally with the first pedestal plate 21. The beam splitter 40 is arranged above the first pedestal plate 21 and the first display 30, and is inclined with respect to the display surface 30S of the first display 30. An end of the beam splitter 40 on the first pedestal plate 21 side is fixed to the support portion 21A.

On the side opposite to the first display 30 with respect to the beam splitter 40, a plate-shaped second pedestal plate 23 that is inclined with respect to the beam splitter 40 is arranged. The second pedestal plate 23 is disposed above the beam splitter 40 and extends generally horizontally. The retroreflective member 60 is fixed to the second pedestal plate 23. A support portion 23A is provided integrally with the second pedestal plate 23, and an end portion of the beam splitter 40 on the second pedestal plate 23 side is fixed to the support portion 23A.

The second pedestal plate 23 to which the retroreflective member 60 is attached in this manner is supported by the beam splitter 40, and this beam splitter 40 is also supported by the first pedestal plate 21. Therefore, the beam splitter 40 of this embodiment has a strength capable of supporting the second pedestal plate 23.

Furthermore, the beam splitter 40 of this embodiment does not include the absorption type polarizing plate 41 like the first embodiment, but includes a reflective polarizing plate 43. The reflective polarizing plate 43 of this embodiment transmits the second linearly polarized light L1c emitted from the first display 30 and reflects the first linearly polarized light L1a on the outer surface on the opposite side to the first display 30 side.

The display surface 30S of the first display 30 faces the retroreflective member 60, and the angle θ1 between the outer surface of the beam splitter 40 on the retroreflective member 60 side and the display surface 30S, and the angle θ1 between the surface of the retroreflective member 60 and the outer surface. The angle θ2 is approximately 45 degrees. Note that the display surface 30S of the first display 30 may be inclined with respect to the retroreflective member 60. Further, the outer surface only needs to be inclined with respect to the display surface 30S, and the angles θ1 and θ2 are not particularly limited.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first pedestal plate 21 and the second pedestal plate 23 are separated by a predetermined interval, and the first pedestal plate 21 and the second pedestal plate 23 on the first display 30 side with respect to the beam splitter 40 are separated from each other by a predetermined interval. An opening 25 is formed between the two pedestal plates 23. On the other hand, an opening is formed between the first pedestal plate 21 and the second pedestal plate 23 on the retroreflective member 60 side with respect to the beam splitter 40, and the opening is covered by the second display 70.

In the image display device 10 of this embodiment, the second linearly polarized light L1c travels from the first display 30 toward the beam splitter 40 while spreading. In addition, in FIG. 3, for clarity of illustration, illustration of the spread of the second linearly polarized light L1c is omitted, and the first image F1 is virtually shown with a broken line. A portion of the second linearly polarized light L1c passes through the beam splitter 40 and the λ/4 wavelength plate 50, and is converted into the circularly polarized light L1b, which is right-handed circularly polarized light, when passing through the λ/4 wavelength plate 50. The circularly polarized light L1b, which is right-handed circularly polarized light, is retroreflected by the retroreflective member 60, travels while converging due to the retroreflection, and becomes left-handed circularly polarized light by the retroreflection. Note that in FIG. 3, illustration of the convergence of the circularly polarized light L1b is omitted for clarity of illustration. The circularly polarized light L1b, which is left-handed circularly polarized light, passes through the λ/4 wavelength plate 50 and is converted into the first linearly polarized light L1a. The first linearly polarized light L1a travels to the beam splitter 40, and a portion of the first linearly polarized light L1a that travels to the beam splitter 40 is reflected by the reflective polarizing plate 43 of the beam splitter 40. At least a portion of the first linearly polarized light L1a reflected by the beam splitter 40 passes through the second display 70 and travels into the air in front of the second display 70. Then, the first image F1 is formed at a predetermined position in the air, and the first image F2 is displayed as an aerial image. In addition, in FIG. 3, the first image F2 as an aerial image is virtually shown by a broken line.

Similar to the first embodiment, a part of the second light L2 emitted from the second display 70 is transmitted from the front surface on the front side in the traveling direction of the first linearly polarized light L1a, which is the first light that passes through the second display 70. Emits light. Also in this embodiment, when the first image F2 formed by the first linearly polarized light L1a, which is the first light transmitted through the second display 70, is viewed from the front, the second display 70 is one of the second displays 70. The second light L2 is emitted from outside the projection area AR of the first image F2. Also in this embodiment, the second display 70 does not emit the second light L2 from the projection area AR of the first image F2.

Further, although explanation with illustrations is omitted, another part of the second light L2 emitted from the second display 70 travels from the second display 70 toward the beam splitter 40. The first linearly polarized light of this second light L2 is reflected by the reflective polarizing plate 43 and proceeds to the λ/4 wavelength plate 50. The first linearly polarized light passes through the λ/4 wavelength plate 50 and is converted into circularly polarized light, which is, for example, right-handed circularly polarized light. This right-handed circularly polarized light is retroreflected by the retroreflection member 60 and becomes left-handed circularly polarized light. This left-handed circularly polarized light passes through the λ/4 wavelength plate 50 and is converted into second linearly polarized light. The second linearly polarized light passes through the beam splitter 40 and proceeds to the first display 30, and is suppressed from being emitted into the air from the second display 70. The second linearly polarized light of the second light L2 traveling from the second display 70 toward the beam splitter 40 is transmitted through the reflective polarizing plate 43 of the beam splitter 40, passes through the aperture 25, and passes through the second display 70. Emission into the air is suppressed.

As described above, in the image display device 10 of this embodiment, the beam splitter 40 reflects a portion of the first light retroreflected by the retroreflection member 60 toward the second display. Further, the second display 70 transmits at least a portion of the first light that is retroreflected by the retroreflection member 60 and reflected by the beam splitter 40, and is located at the front side in the traveling direction of the first light that is transmitted through the second display 70. The second light L2 is emitted from the surface. Even with the image display device 10 having such a configuration, the same effects as the image display device 10 of the first embodiment can be obtained. In other words, according to this image display device 10, the first light passes through the side of the second display 70 without passing through the second display 70, and the aerial image is separated from the second image on the second display 70 and Compared to the case where the two images are displayed on the sides, the aerial image and the second image on the second display 70 can be brought closer to each other, making it easier to view each at the same time.

Although the present invention has been described above using the above embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited thereto.

In the first embodiment and the modified examples, the housing 20 may be of any type as long as it can accommodate the first display 30, the beam splitter 40, the λ/4 wavelength plate 50, and the retroreflective member 60 in its internal space. The opening of the housing 20 does not need to be provided at the front of the housing 20. Moreover, the beam splitter 40 may close the opening of the housing 20.

In the first embodiment and the modified example, the absorption type polarizing plate 41 is not provided in the beam splitter 40, and the first straight line of the second light L2 emitted from the second display 70 toward the beam splitter 40 The polarized light may be reflected by the reflective polarizing plate 43.

In the first embodiment and the modified example, the absorptive polarizing plate 41 and the reflective polarizing plate 43 may be arranged apart from each other, and the absorptive polarizing plate 41 is located between the second display 70 and the reflective polarizing plate 43. It suffices if it is placed in

In the first embodiment, the beam splitter 40 may be placed away from the back surface of the second display 70. Alternatively, the beam splitter 40 may be arranged, for example, on the surface of the second display 70 opposite to the retroreflective member 60. Alternatively, the beam splitter 40 may be placed in front of the second display 70 in the traveling direction of the first light, and may be placed further away from the retroreflective member 60 than the second display 70 is.

The detection sensor 80 of the modification of the first embodiment may be placed on the front surface of the second display 70, or may be placed on either the front side or the back side of the second display 70. It may also be provided apart from the display 70. The detection sensor 80 of the modification may be provided in place of the detection sensor 80 including the reflected light distance sensor in the image display device 10 of the first embodiment or the second embodiment. Alternatively, in the image display device 10 of the modification, a detection sensor 80 including the reflected light distance sensor of the first embodiment may be provided instead of the detection sensor 80 of the modification.

In the second embodiment, an absorption type polarizing plate may be provided on the surface of the reflective polarizing plate 43 on the first display 30 side. In this case, for example, when the first display 30 emits the first light including the first linearly polarized light L1a and the second linearly polarized light L1c, the second linearly polarized light L1c passes through the absorption polarizing plate and the reflective polarizing plate 43. However, the first linearly polarized light L1a is absorbed by the absorption type polarizing plate. Therefore, the contrast of the aerial image may be high.

Further, in the second embodiment, the absorption type polarizing plate may be provided on the back surface of the second display 70 or on the back surface side of the second display 70 away from the back surface. In this case, this absorption type polarizing plate transmits the first linearly polarized light L1a reflected by the beam splitter 40 and absorbs light other than the first linearly polarized light L1a.

For example, the beam splitter 40 may be a half mirror. In this case, the first light does not need to be the first linearly polarized light L1a, and may be light polarized in all directions, for example, and if the first light is such light, the λ/4 wavelength plate 50 is not provided. It's okay.

The λ/4 wavelength plate 50 may be disposed between the beam splitter 40 and the retroreflective member 60.

The first display 30 may emit first light including first linearly polarized light L1a and second linearly polarized light L1c. Note that in the first embodiment, the second linearly polarized light L1c passes through the beam splitter 40 and the second display 70, but it may be wasted because it does not constitute the first image F2. Therefore, it is preferable that the first display 30 emits the first linearly polarized light L1a as in the first embodiment. Further, in the second embodiment, the first linearly polarized light L1a is reflected by the reflective polarizing plate 43 of the beam splitter 40 toward the opening 25 on the opposite side to the second display 70, and does not constitute the first image F2. , it may be wasted. Therefore, it is preferable that the first display 30 emits the second linearly polarized light L1c as in the second embodiment. Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, if a λ/2 wavelength plate is disposed on the first display 30, the first display 30 may emit circularly polarized first light.

In the second display 70, a reflective electrode may be provided instead of the second transparent electrode. The reflective electrode reflects the second light L2 from the OLED layer toward the first transparent electrode. In this way, in the second display 70, the second light L2 does not have to be emitted from the second display 70 toward the beam splitter 40 side. In this case, at least a portion of the first light from the beam splitter 40 side passes through gaps between adjacent first transparent electrodes, gaps between adjacent OLED layers, and gaps between adjacent reflective electrodes. The first light that has passed through these gaps passes through the first transparent substrate and travels into the air in front of the second display 70 . Further, the configuration of the second display 70 is not particularly limited as long as it is a light-transmissive display that allows the first light to pass therethrough as described above. Further, the second display 70 may be a reflective liquid crystal display having a transmissive area through which a backlight passes. In this case, the aerial image is formed by the first light passing through the transmission region. An example of such a second display 70 is a display using an advanced TFT (Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal) liquid crystal manufactured by Sharp Corporation.

The first display 30 only needs to emit the first light from at least a portion of the display surface 30S, and the first image F1 may be displayed on at least a portion of the front surface of the first display 30. Although the second display 70 does not emit the second light L2 from the projection area AR, it may further emit the second light L2 from at least a part of the projection area AR. Therefore, it is sufficient that the second display 70 emits the second light L2 from at least a portion of the front surface of the second display 70, and that the second image is displayed on at least a portion of the front surface of the second display 70. It is preferable that the second light L2 emitted from the projection area AR has a single color. The luminous intensity of the second light L2 emitted from the projection area AR may be higher than the luminous intensity of the second light L2 emitted from outside the projection area AR, or may be lower than the luminous intensity. The brightness of the first image F2 formed by the first light transmitted through the second display 70 is preferably higher than the brightness of the second image, but may be lower than the brightness of the second image. In other words, it is preferable that the first image F2 is visually brighter than the second image, but even if the first image F2 has the same brightness as the second image, it is visually darker than the second image. It's okay.

The detection sensor 80 may not be provided.

According to the present invention, there is provided an image display device that can bring an aerial image and a display image closer to each other so that they can be easily viewed at the same time, and can be used for billboards and the like.

10... Image display device 30... First display 40... Beam splitter 50... λ/4 wavelength plate 60... Retroreflective member 70... Second display

Claims (8)

a first display that emits first light constituting a first image;
a beam splitter that reflects a portion of the first light emitted from the first display;
a retroreflective member that retroreflects the first light reflected by the beam splitter;
a light-transmissive second display that emits second light constituting a second image and transmits the first light;
Equipped with
The beam splitter transmits a portion of the first light retroreflected by the retroreflection member,
The second display transmits at least a portion of the first light that is retroreflected by the retroreflective member and passes through the beam splitter, and the second display has a front surface in the traveling direction of the first light that is transmitted through the second display. emitting the second light from;
The image display device is characterized in that a beam splitter is arranged on a surface of the second display on the side of the retroreflective member. a first display that emits first light including first linearly polarized light constituting a first image;
a beam splitter that reflects the first linearly polarized light emitted from the first display;
a quarter-wave plate that transmits the first linearly polarized light reflected by the beam splitter and converts it into circularly polarized light;
a retroreflective member that retroreflects the circularly polarized light transmitted through the quarter-wave plate and converted to the circularly polarized light;
a light-transmissive second display that emits second light constituting a second image and transmits second linearly polarized light that is different from the polarization direction of the first linearly polarized light;
Equipped with
The quarter-wave plate transmits the circularly polarized light reflected by the retroreflective member and converts it into the second linearly polarized light,
The beam splitter transmits the second linearly polarized light that has been transmitted through the quarter-wave plate and converted to the second linearly polarized light,
The second display transmits the second linearly polarized light that has passed through the beam splitter, and emits the second light from a surface on the front side in the traveling direction of the second linearly polarized light that passes through the second display,
The beam splitter is arranged between a reflective polarizing plate that transmits the second linearly polarized light and reflects the first linearly polarized light, and the reflective polarizing plate and the second display, and transmits the second linearly polarized light. an absorption type polarizing plate that transmits the first linearly polarized light and absorbs the first linearly polarized light. a first display that emits first light including second linearly polarized light constituting a first image;
a beam splitter that transmits the second linearly polarized light emitted from the first display;
a quarter-wave plate that transmits the second linearly polarized light that has passed through the beam splitter and converts it into circularly polarized light;
a retroreflective member that retroreflects the circularly polarized light transmitted through the quarter-wave plate and converted to the circularly polarized light;
a light-transmissive second display that emits second light constituting a second image and transmits first linearly polarized light that is different from the polarization direction of the second linearly polarized light;
Equipped with
The quarter-wave plate transmits the circularly polarized light reflected by the retroreflective member and converts it into the first linearly polarized light,
The beam splitter includes a reflective polarizing plate that transmits the second linearly polarized light and reflects the first linearly polarized light, and is arranged on a surface of the reflective polarizing plate on the first display side, an absorption type polarizing plate that transmits polarized light and absorbs the first linearly polarized light;
The reflective polarizing plate reflects the first linearly polarized light transmitted through the quarter-wave plate and converted into the first linearly polarized light toward the second display,
The second display transmits the first linearly polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing plate, and emits the second light from a surface on the front side in the traveling direction of the first linearly polarized light transmitted through the second display. An image display device characterized by: a first display that emits first light including second linearly polarized light constituting a first image;
a beam splitter that transmits the second linearly polarized light emitted from the first display;
a quarter-wave plate that transmits the second linearly polarized light that has passed through the beam splitter and converts it into circularly polarized light;
a retroreflective member that retroreflects the circularly polarized light transmitted through the quarter-wave plate and converted to the circularly polarized light;
an absorption type polarizing plate that transmits first linearly polarized light that is different from the polarization direction of the second linearly polarized light and absorbs light other than the first linearly polarized light ;
a light-transmissive second display that emits second light constituting a second image and transmits the first linearly polarized light;
Equipped with
The quarter-wave plate transmits the circularly polarized light reflected by the retroreflective member and converts it into the first linearly polarized light,
The beam splitter is made of a reflective polarizing plate that transmits the second linearly polarized light and reflects the first linearly polarized light,
The reflective polarizing plate reflects the first linearly polarized light transmitted through the quarter-wave plate and converted into the first linearly polarized light toward the second display,
The absorptive polarizing plate is disposed on or apart from the surface of the second display on the reflective polarizing plate side, and transmits the first linearly polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing plate,
The second display transmits the first linearly polarized light that has passed through the absorption polarizing plate, and emits the second light from a surface on the front side in the traveling direction of the first linearly polarized light that passes through the second display. An image display device characterized by: The image according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the luminous intensity of the first light emitted from the first display is higher than the luminous intensity of the second light emitted from the second display. Display device. The image display according to claim 5, wherein the luminous intensity of the first light emitted from the first display is 2 times or more and 20 times or less the luminous intensity of the second light emitted from the second display. Device. 5. Any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object between the imaging position of the first light transmitted through the second display and the second display. The image display device described in . When the first image formed by the first light transmitted through the second display is viewed from the front, the second display emits the second light from at least a portion outside the projection area of the first image. The image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image display device emits light.

Images