JP7480491B2 - Display device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a display device and device.

A conventional display device discloses a half mirror section and a liquid crystal display (display section) (see Patent Document 1). In this display device, a part of the mirror section is composed of a half mirror section. That is, the mirror section is composed of a mirror section and a half mirror section. The liquid crystal display is disposed behind the half mirror section and in close contact with the half mirror section. With this configuration, the user can view the information displayed on the liquid crystal display from the front of the mirror section through the half mirror section.

JP 2008-206831 A

In conventional display devices, a half-mirror section is used in the mirror section to allow the user to view the information on the liquid crystal display from in front of the mirror section. However, in this case, the reflectance (transmittance) of the mirror section and the reflectance (transmittance) of the half-mirror section are different, so there is a problem that the boundary between the mirror section and the half-mirror section is visible to the user. In other words, there is a problem that both the object reflected in the mirror section and the above-mentioned boundary line are visible to the user.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a display device and device that can optimally display an object on a reflective portion.

The display device according to one embodiment includes a reflector, a display, and a sensor. The reflector has a mirror and a half mirror having a transmittance greater than that of the mirror. The display is arranged side by side with the half mirror. The display has a light source and a light guide configured to display a predetermined pattern by reflecting light from the light source. The sensor detects an object approaching the predetermined pattern using light of an infrared wavelength. Here, the half mirror has a first reflectance of 95% or less at visible light wavelengths.

In the display device according to this aspect, the half mirror portion has a first reflectance in the range of 95% or less for visible light wavelengths, so that the difference between the reflectance of the mirror portion and the reflectance of the half mirror portion can be reduced.

As a result, even if the reflecting section has a mirror section and a half mirror section, the user can easily see the object reflected in the reflecting section without being able to see the boundary between the mirror section and the half mirror section. In other words, the object can be easily displayed on the reflecting section.

The first reflectance may be in the range of 75% or more and 95% or less for visible light wavelengths. This allows the object to be displayed more optimally on the reflective portion.

The half mirror portion may further have a second reflectance of 70% or less at infrared wavelengths. By setting the second reflectance in this manner, infrared light from the sensor portion is more likely to pass through the half mirror portion. This allows the sensor portion to easily detect an object approaching the specified pattern.

The half mirror section may be configured integrally with the mirror section. This allows the object to be displayed more appropriately on the reflective section.

The half mirror section may be constructed separately from the mirror section. This allows the two sections with different characteristics, i.e. the mirror section and the half mirror section, to be manufactured separately, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the display device.

The half mirror section may be integrally formed with the light guide plate by evaporating a reflective material onto the light guide plate. In this way, by integrally forming the half mirror section with the light guide plate, the number of parts can be reduced. In other words, the manufacturing costs of the display device can be reduced. In addition, by using the light guide plate as the base material of the half mirror section, the thickness of the half mirror section can be reduced.

The light guide plate may be disposed between the half mirror section and the sensor section. In this case, the components of the display device are arranged in the following order: mirror section, half mirror section, light guide plate, and sensor section. Therefore, the size of the half mirror section can be made smaller than when the light guide plate and sensor section are arranged along the mirror section. In other words, the manufacturing cost of the display device can be reduced.

The first reflectance may have a reference reflectance at a visible light wavelength and an RGB reflectance at RGB wavelengths within the visible light wavelength that is less than the reference reflectance.

Here, if only the reference reflectance is used as the first reflectance to reduce the difference between the reflectance of the mirror section and the reflectance of the half mirror section, there is a risk that the brightness of the predetermined pattern, for example the brightness of the image displayed by the display section, will decrease. However, in the display device according to this embodiment, the first reflectance has not only the reference reflectance but also the above-mentioned RGB reflectances, so that the predetermined pattern can be displayed favorably.

The first reflectance at the boundary between the half mirror section and the mirror section may be smaller than the first reflectance at the center of the half mirror section.

This allows the user to see only the object in the reflective area, without the user being able to see the boundary between the mirror and half-mirror sections. Also, a predetermined pattern can be displayed optimally in the center of the half-mirror section.

The light guide plate may have multiple light guide sections. In this case, the light from the light source reflected by the multiple light guide sections converges at multiple fixed points corresponding to the multiple light guide sections. A predetermined pattern is imaged in space by the collection of light converging at the multiple fixed points. This allows the predetermined pattern to be displayed in an optimal manner.

The display device according to one embodiment includes a reflector, a display, and a sensor. The reflector has a mirror and a half mirror having a transmittance greater than that of the mirror. The display is arranged alongside the half mirror. The display has a light source and a light guide configured to display a predetermined pattern by reflecting light from the light source. The sensor detects an object approaching the predetermined pattern using light of an infrared wavelength. Here, in the half mirror, a first reflectance at a visible light wavelength is different from a second reflectance at an infrared wavelength.

In the display device according to this aspect, the first reflectance is different from the second reflectance in the half mirror portion, so that the light guide plate cannot be seen by the user when the light source is turned off.

The first reflectance may be greater than the second reflectance. This makes it possible to effectively prevent the light guide plate from being visible to the user when the light source is turned off.

The difference between the first reflectance and the second reflectance may be set to a range of 5% or more and less than 95%. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the light guide plate from being visible to the user when the light source is turned off.

The device according to one embodiment includes the display device described above. By using the display device in the device in this manner, the device can achieve the same effects as those described above.

The device may be a washbasin or a vanity. In this case, the device has a main body and a mirror part. The mirror part is attached to the main body. The mirror part has a display device. This allows the washbasin or vanity to achieve the same effect as described above by the display device of the mirror part.

The device may be a home appliance. In this case, the device has a housing and a display device. The display device is provided in the housing. This allows the home appliance to obtain the same effect as described above by the display device of the housing.

According to the present invention, objects can be displayed on the reflective portion of display devices and devices in an optimal manner.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an apparatus according to a first embodiment. 2 is a schematic diagram of the display device taken along line II-II in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a light guide plate. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display device. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the setting of a sensor voltage. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a light guide plate for explaining the shape of a prism. FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining the shape of a prism. FIG. FIG. FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram illustrating the reflection characteristics of a reflecting portion. FIG. 11 is a characteristic diagram for explaining the reflection characteristics of a reflector in the device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a display device in an apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a display device in an apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a display device in an apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a display device in an apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a characteristic diagram for explaining the reflection characteristics of a reflector in the device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an apparatus according to another embodiment.

First Embodiment
The display device 102 according to the first embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an appliance 100 to which the display device 102 is applied. The appliance 100 is, for example, a washbasin. As shown in Fig. 1, the appliance 100 has a main body 101 and a display device 102.

(Main body)
1, the main body 101 has a first main body 101a and a second main body 101b. The first main body 101a is placed on a floor surface. The second main body 101b is provided on the upper part of the first main body 101a. The second main body 101b may be formed integrally with the first main body 101a or may be formed separately from the first main body 101a.

(Display Device)
As shown in Fig. 1, the display device 102 is provided in the main body unit 101. For example, the display device 102 is attached to the second main body unit 101b. The display device 102 displays information related to the device 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the display device 102 includes a light guide plate display 1 (an example of a display unit), a sensor unit 2, and a reflector 3.

- Light guide plate display -
2, the light guide plate display 1 is arranged next to the reflecting section 3. For example, the light guide plate display 1 is arranged next to the half mirror section 32 (described later). More specifically, the light guide plate display 1 is arranged next to the half mirror section 32 on the first side.

The light guide plate display 1 displays a predetermined pattern 30 on a second side opposite to the first side via the half mirror section 32. The first side corresponds to the rear side of the half mirror section 32 of the reflector 3. The second side corresponds to the front side (forward) of the half mirror section 32 of the reflector 3.

That is, the light guide plate display 1 is arranged next to the half mirror section 32 on the rear side of the half mirror section 32. The light guide plate display 1 displays a predetermined pattern 30 in front of the half mirror section 32 via the half mirror section 32.

As shown in FIG. 3, the light guide plate display 1 has a light guide plate 10 and a light source 11. As shown in FIG. 4A, the light guide plate display 1 further has a controller 13 and a signal output device 14.

The light guide plate 10 is configured to be able to display a predetermined pattern 30 in front of the half mirror portion 32 by reflecting light from the light source 11. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the predetermined pattern 30 has a first pattern 30a and a second pattern 30b.

The first pattern 30a and the second pattern 30b may be displayed as separate patterns, or may be displayed by modifying either the first pattern 30a or the second pattern 30b.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the predetermined pattern 30 has a first pattern 30a and a second pattern 30b, but the number of patterns may be one or three or more.

As shown in FIG. 2, the light guide plate 10 is disposed on the rear side of the half mirror section 32. The light guide plate 10 is formed of a light-transmitting material. The light guide plate 10 is preferably formed of a material such as a transparent resin, for example, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, or cycloolefin polymer, or glass.

As shown in FIG. 3, the light source 11 irradiates light from the end face of the light guide plate 10 toward the inside of the light guide plate 10. The light source 11 is controlled based on a control signal from a controller 13 (described later). The light source 11 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). However, the light source 11 is not limited to an LED, and may be another light source such as an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode).

In detail, in the light guide plate display 1 having the above configuration, the light guide plate 10 guides light from the light source 11 and forms an image of a predetermined pattern 30 in the space in front of the half mirror section 32. In other words, the light guide plate 10 projects the predetermined pattern 30, which is visible to the user, into a space without a screen.

The light guide plate 10 has an exit surface 10a, a back surface 10b, and end surfaces 10c-10f. The exit surface 10a emits light from the light source 11. The back surface 10b is located on the opposite side of the exit surface 10a. Light from the light source 11 is incident on the end surface 10c. The light from the light source 11 may also be incident on the other end surfaces 10d-10f.

The front surface of the emission surface 10a may be coated with a hydrophilic coating or a water-absorbent coating to prevent condensation, etc. The front surface of the emission surface 10a may be heated by a heater (not shown).

Note that FIG. 3 shows an example in which the light guide plate 10 is disposed so that the exit surface 10a is parallel to the vertical direction. However, the light guide plate 10 may be disposed so that the exit surface 10a forms a predetermined angle, not including 0 degrees, with respect to the vertical direction.

The light guide plate 10 has a plurality of prisms 20. As shown in FIG. 5A, the prisms 20 are provided on the back surface 10b of the light guide plate 10. For example, the prisms 20 reflect light from the light source 11 toward the exit surface 10a of the light guide plate 10. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the reflected light reflected by the prisms 20 passes through the half mirror section 32 and converges at a fixed point corresponding to each light guide section 12 (described later). That is, the prisms 20 are arranged on the back surface 10b of the light guide plate 10 so that the reflected light converges at a fixed point corresponding to each light guide section 12.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the prism 20 is formed by a dimple recessed from the rear surface 10b of the light guide plate 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B(a), the prism 20 has a triangular pyramid shape. Also, as shown in FIG. 5B(b), the prism 20 may have a triangular prism shape. Also, as shown in FIG. 5B(c), the prism 20 may have a shape with a curved surface.

As shown in FIG. 3, the light guide plate 10 further includes a plurality of light guide sections 12. Each of the light guide sections 12 is provided to correspond to a plurality of fixed points included in the predetermined pattern 30.

For example, the multiple light guiding sections 12 have a first light guiding section 12a, a second light guiding section 12b, and a third light guiding section 12c. The first light guiding section 12a corresponds to a first fixed point A1 included in the specified pattern 30. The second light guiding section 12b corresponds to a second fixed point A2 included in the specified pattern 30. The third light guiding section 12c corresponds to a third fixed point A3 included in the specified pattern 30.

Light incident on the first light guiding section 12a is reflected by the multiple prisms 20 included in the first light guiding section 12a so as to converge on the first fixed point A1. Light incident on the second light guiding section 12b is reflected by the multiple prisms 20 included in the second light guiding section 12b so as to converge on the second fixed point A2. Light incident on the third light guiding section 12c is reflected by the multiple prisms 20 included in the third light guiding section 12c so as to converge on the third fixed point A3.

As a result, the wavefront of the light from each of the first light-guiding section 12a, the second light-guiding section 12b, and the third light-guiding section 12c becomes the wavefront of the light emanating from each of the first fixed point A1, the second fixed point A2, and the third fixed point A3.

In this way, the light from the light source 11 is reflected by the multiple light guides 12 and converges at multiple fixed points corresponding to each of the multiple light guides 12. This forms a wavefront of light that appears as if the light is emanating from multiple fixed points. A predetermined pattern 30 that can be recognized by the user is imaged in space by the collection of light that converges at these multiple fixed points.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the controller 13 has a processor 51 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory 52 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The memory 52 stores computer instructions executed by the processor 51 and data for controlling the light guide plate display 1. The controller 13 controls the light source 11 and the signal output device 14. The controller 13 receives a detection signal from the sensor unit 2.

The signal output device 14 outputs a signal in response to a command from the controller 13 via a signal line 61. The signal line 61 is connected to an external device. The signal output device 14 includes, for example, an analog output circuit. Note that the signal output device 14 may also include a digital output circuit. The signal from the signal output device 14 has a command value. The command value is, for example, a voltage value. However, the command value may also be a current value.

-Sensor section-
The sensor unit 2 is a proximity sensor that detects an object in a non-contact manner. Here, the sensor unit 2 uses light of an infrared wavelength to detect an object approaching a predetermined pattern 30. For example, the sensor unit 2 detects an object approaching an imaging space of the first and second patterns 30a and 30b in a non-contact manner.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor unit 2 is, for example, a photoelectric sensor. The sensor unit 2 has a light-projecting element 2a and a light-receiving element 2b. The light-projecting element 2a irradiates infrared light toward the half mirror unit 32. The light-receiving element 2b receives the infrared light reflected by an object. The sensor unit 2 outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the controller 13. Note that the light-projecting element 2a and the light-receiving element 2b may be provided as separate units.

In detail, the sensor unit 2 is a limited reflection sensor. The limited reflection sensor detects the presence of an object when the object is located at a predetermined detection position P. The limited reflection sensor may detect the presence of an object when the object is located at at least one of a plurality of predetermined detection positions P. The predetermined detection position P is included within the imaging space of the first pattern 30a and the imaging space of the second pattern 30b.

For example, the predetermined detection position P is included in the button portion of the first pattern 30a. In detail, the predetermined detection position P is included in the button pressing surface (see Figures 3, 6A, and 6B). This allows the sensor unit 2 to detect that the user's finger is at the position of the button portion. In other words, the sensor unit 2 detects the user's input action on the button portion.

The sensor unit 2 is not limited to a limited reflection sensor, but may be other photoelectric sensors such as a time of flight (TOF) type. Alternatively, the sensor unit 2 is not limited to a photoelectric sensor, but may be one that detects objects via other media such as radio waves, magnetic fields, or heat.

Here, when the device 100 is a washbasin, mist, steam, etc. may occur in front of the reflector 3. In this case, the sensor unit 2 may detect the mist, steam, etc. as an object approaching the specified pattern 30. For this reason, it is preferable to set the detection signal, for example the voltage value, that the sensor unit 2 outputs to the controller 13 as follows.

For example, the voltage VS (object detection voltage) at which the sensor unit 2 detects an object is set to a predetermined threshold value or higher. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4B, the object detection voltage VS is set to 1/10 or higher of the maximum voltage V0 (reference voltage) at which the sensor unit 2 detects a standard reflector (white reflector). Here, "V0/10" corresponds to the predetermined threshold value.

In FIG. 4B, the maximum voltage at which the sensor unit 2 detects fog, steam, etc. is shown as foreign object detection voltage V1. The foreign object detection voltage V1 is, for example, less than 1/10 of the reference voltage V0. In this way, by setting the object detection voltage VS to 1/10 or more of the reference voltage V0, it is possible to prevent the sensor unit 2 from detecting fog, steam, etc. In other words, even if fog, steam, etc. occurs in front of the reflector 3, it is possible to cause the sensor unit 2 to detect only objects approaching the sensor unit 2.

In this embodiment, the detection position P of the sensor unit 2 is set to the center of the detection range of the sensor unit 2. By setting the detection position P of the sensor unit 2 in this manner, it is possible to preferably detect an object.

The sensor unit 2 is arranged side by side with the half mirror unit 32 on the rear side of the half mirror unit 32 of the reflector 3. The sensor unit 2 detects an object approaching a predetermined pattern 30 (first pattern 30a or second pattern 30b) displayed in front of the half mirror unit 32 via the half mirror unit 32. The sensor unit 2 and the light guide plate display 1 are also arranged side by side along the half mirror unit 32. In particular, the sensor unit 2 and the light guide plate 10 are arranged side by side along the half mirror unit 32.

In this embodiment, when an object is detected by the sensor unit 2, the controller 13 detects an input action for the predetermined pattern 30. The controller 13 outputs a detection signal from the signal output device 14 in response to the input action corresponding to the predetermined pattern 30. In this way, the controller 13 recognizes the input action by the user based on the detection signal from the sensor unit 2.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the sensor unit 2 recognizes an object while the first pattern 30a is displayed, the controller 13 displays the second pattern 30b (see FIG. 6B). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the sensor unit 2 recognizes an object while the second pattern 30b is displayed, the controller 13 displays the first pattern 30a (see FIG. 6A).

In this way, the controller 13 switches from either the first pattern 30a or the second pattern 30b to the other one of the first pattern 30a and the second pattern 30b in response to the detection signal of the sensor unit 2.

In this embodiment, the first pattern 30a is, for example, an image indicating that the switch of the sink is off. When the first pattern 30a is displayed, for example, the light of the sink (not shown) is turned off. The second pattern 30b is an image indicating that the switch of the sink is on. When the second pattern 30b is displayed, for example, the light of the sink is turned on. This on/off control is executed by the controller 13.

-Reflective part-
As shown in FIG. 2, the reflecting section 3 has a mirror section 31 and a half mirror section 32. The mirror section 31 is formed by overlapping a first reflecting material 31b on a base material 31a. The base material 31a is formed of a light-transmitting material. For example, the base material 31a is formed of a light-transmitting material such as glass and a transparent film. The front surface of the base material 31a may be coated with a hydrophilic coating or a water-absorbent coating to prevent adhesion of water droplets and the like. The front surface of the base material 31a may be heated by a heater (not shown). This prevents the front surface of the base material 31a from fogging. The first reflecting material 31b is formed of a metal material such as silver, for example.

The mirror section 31 is formed from a copper-silver-plated mirror using a silver mirror reaction. In this case, first, a masking process is applied to the base material 31a in the area where the half mirror section 32 is to be formed. The second reflective material 32b (described later) of the half mirror section 32 is overlaid on the masked area of the substrate.

In this state, a surfactant such as a tin solution is sprayed onto the substrate 31a. Next, a reducing agent such as a silver nitrate solution and sodium hydroxide is sprayed onto the substrate 31a. As a result, a silver film is formed on the substrate 31a as the first reflecting material 31b. Finally, after the silver film is formed, a copper solution is sprayed onto the silver film to form a protective film on the silver film. This protective film prevents deterioration of the silver film. Furthermore, a back protective film coating is applied to the protective film.

The mirror section 31 may be formed by vacuum deposition mirror manufacturing using vacuum deposition plating. In this case, first, a masking process is applied to the base material 31a in the area where the half mirror section 32 is to be formed. The second reflective material 32b (described later) of the half mirror section 32 is overlaid on the masked area of the base material 31a.

In this state, the substrate 31a is placed in a vacuum deposition device, and vacuum deposition plating is applied to the substrate 31a. As a result, a silver film serving as the first reflective material 31b is formed on the substrate 31a. Finally, after the silver film has been formed, a protective film is formed using an organic lead-free resin paint such as epoxy-modified amino liquid.

The mirror portion 31 formed in this manner has the following characteristics, for example, by adjusting the thickness of the first reflector 31b.

As shown in FIG. 7, the mirror portion 31 has a first reflectance M1 at visible light wavelengths and a second reflectance M2 at infrared wavelengths. The first reflectance M1 is set, for example, in the range of 80% or more and 90% or less.

In this embodiment, the reflectance M3 of the mirror portion 31 at ultraviolet wavelengths is substantially the same as the first reflectance M1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the half mirror section 32 is integrally formed with the mirror section 31. The half mirror section 32 is formed by overlaying the second reflecting material 32b on the base material 31a.

For example, the masking process is removed from the base material 31a. The second reflective material 32b is formed on the portion of the base material 31a where the masking process has been removed. The second reflective material 32b is formed, for example, by stacking materials having different bending coefficients in layers. The formation form of the half mirror portion 32 is substantially the same as the formation of the mirror portion 31 described above, except for the fact that materials are stacked in layers, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

The half mirror section 32 formed in this manner has the following characteristics, for example, by adjusting the thickness of each layer of the second reflector 32b.

As shown in FIG. 7, the half mirror section 32 has a third reflectance H1 at visible light wavelengths and a fourth reflectance H2 at infrared wavelengths. The third reflectance H1 is different from the fourth reflectance H2. For example, the third reflectance H1 is greater than the fourth reflectance H2. In particular, the difference obtained by subtracting the fourth reflectance H2 from the third reflectance H1 is set in the range of 5% or more and less than 95%.

The third reflectance H1 is set in the range of 75% or more and 95% or less at visible light wavelengths. The fourth reflectance H2 is set in the range of 70% or less at infrared wavelengths. In this embodiment, the reflectance H3 of the half mirror section 32 at ultraviolet wavelengths is substantially the same as the third reflectance H1.

The third reflectance H1 is an example of the first reflectance described in the claims. The fourth reflectance H2 is an example of the second reflectance described in the claims.

The transmittance of the half mirror section 32 is greater than the transmittance of the mirror section 31. In this embodiment, the transmittance of the mirror section 31 is substantially zero. The transmittance of the mirror section 31 may be a value other than zero. The transmittance of the half mirror section 32 may be set to any value as long as it is greater than the transmittance of the mirror section 31.

In the display device 102 having the above configuration, the first reflectance M1 of the mirror section 31 is set in the range of 80% or more and 90% or less for visible light wavelengths. The third reflectance H1 of the half mirror section 32 is set in the range of 75% or more and 95% or less for visible light wavelengths. By setting the first reflectance M1 and the third reflectance H1 in this manner, the difference between the reflectance of the mirror section 31 and the reflectance of the half mirror section 32 can be reduced.

As a result, even if the reflector 3 has a mirror section 31 and a half mirror section 32, the user can only see the object reflected in the reflector 3 without seeing the boundary between the mirror section 31 and the half mirror section 32. In other words, the object can be displayed appropriately on the reflector 3.

The half mirror section 32 is set to a range of 70% or less in the infrared wavelength. This allows the infrared light from the sensor section 2 to easily pass through the half mirror section 32, so that the sensor section 2 can easily detect an object approaching the first pattern 30a and the second pattern 30b. Furthermore, the half mirror section 32 is configured integrally with the mirror section 31, so that the object can be displayed appropriately on the reflector section 3.

Second Embodiment
The configuration of the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, except for the characteristics of the reflecting section 3. Therefore, in the second embodiment, only the configuration different from the first embodiment will be described. Note that the configuration omitted here conforms to the configuration of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reflector 3 has a mirror portion 31 and a half mirror portion 32. The configuration of the mirror portion 31 is the same as in the first embodiment, so a description of the mirror portion 31 will be omitted.

The half mirror section 32 is formed by layering the second reflective material 32b on the base material 31a. For example, by adjusting the thickness of each layer of the second reflective material 32b, the half mirror section 32 is formed to have the following characteristics.

As shown in FIG. 8, the half mirror portion 32 has a fifth reflectance H4 at visible light wavelengths. The fifth reflectance H4 is an example of the first reflectance in the claims.

The fifth reflectance H4 has a reference reflectance H41 and an RGB reflectance H42. RGB stands for the three primary colors (Red, Green, Blue).

The reference reflectance H41 is the reflectance corresponding to the first reflectance M1 in the first embodiment. The RGB reflectance H42 is the reflectance at RGB wavelengths within the visible light wavelength range. The RGB reflectance H42 is set to be smaller than the reference reflectance H41.

For example, the RGB reflectance H42 has an R reflectance H42a, a G reflectance H42b, and a B reflectance H42c. The R reflectance H42a, the G reflectance H42b, and the B reflectance H42c are set in the range of 30% or more and 90% or less at the B wavelength within the visible light wavelengths.

In the display device 102 having the above configuration, the RGB reflectance H42 is set to be smaller than the reference reflectance H41, so even if the difference between the first reflectance M1 of the mirror portion 31 and the reference reflectance H41 of the half mirror portion 32 is made small, the first pattern 30a and the second pattern 30b can be displayed favorably without reducing the brightness of the first pattern 30a and the second pattern 30b.

Third Embodiment
The configuration of the third embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, except for the configuration of the reflector 3. Therefore, in the third embodiment, only the configuration different from the first embodiment will be described. Note that the configuration omitted here conforms to the configuration of the first embodiment.

As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the reflector 3 has a mirror portion 31 and a half mirror portion 32. The configuration of the mirror portion 31 is the same as in the first embodiment, so a description of the mirror portion 31 will be omitted.

The half mirror section 32 is constructed separately from the mirror section 31. The half mirror section 32 is formed by overlaying a second reflecting material 32b on a base material 32a. The base material 32a of the half mirror section 32 is a separate member from the base material 31a of the mirror section 31. The base material 32a of the half mirror section 32 is formed from a light-transmitting material such as glass or a transparent film. The front surface of the base material 32a may be coated with a hydrophilic coating or a water-absorbent coating to prevent adhesion of water droplets and the like. The front surface of the base material 32a may also be heated by a heater (not shown). This prevents fogging of the front surface of the base material 32a.

The half mirror section 32 is formed by subjecting the base material 32a to the same treatment as in the first embodiment, so that a silver film serving as the second reflector 32b is formed on the base material 32a.

The half mirror section 32 is arranged next to the mirror section 31 on the rear side of the mirror section 31. In detail, the half mirror section 32 is arranged on the rear side of the mirror section 31 so as to cover the portion of the base material 31a of the mirror section 31 where the masking process has been removed.

In more detail, when the base material 31a of the half mirror section 32 is thick, for example when the thickness of the base material 32a of the half mirror section 32 is 0.5 mm or more, the second reflector 32b of the half mirror section 32 is disposed on the first reflector 31b side of the mirror section 31, as shown in FIG. 9A.

On the other hand, if the base material 31a of the half mirror section 32 is thin, for example, if the thickness of the base material 32a of the half mirror section 32 is less than 0.5 mm, the base material 32a of the half mirror section 32 is disposed on the first reflecting material 31b side of the mirror section 31, as shown in FIG. 9B.

In the display device 102 having the above configuration, the half mirror section 32 is configured separately from the mirror section 31, so the mirror section 31 and the half mirror section 32 can be manufactured separately. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the display device 102.

In addition, when the base material 32a of the half mirror section 32 is thick, by arranging the second reflecting material 32b of the half mirror section 32 on the first reflecting material 31b side of the mirror section 31, the boundary between the mirror section 31 and the half mirror section 32 becomes less visible to the user. This allows the user to see only the object reflected in the reflecting section 3. In other words, the object can be displayed favorably on the reflecting section 3.

Fourth Embodiment
The configuration of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the third embodiment, except for the configuration of the light guide plate display 1. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, only the configuration different from the third embodiment will be described. Note that the configuration omitted here conforms to the configuration of the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the half mirror section 32 is configured separately from the mirror section 31. The light guide plate display 1 is disposed between the half mirror section 32 and the sensor section 2. For example, the light guide plate 10 is disposed between the half mirror section 32 and the sensor section 2 in a direction away from the half mirror section 32. In this case, the sensor section 2 detects an object approaching the first pattern 30a and the second pattern 30b via the half mirror section 32 and the light guide plate 10.

In detail, the mirror section 31, the half mirror section 32, the light guide plate 10, and the sensor section 2 are arranged in the order of mirror section 31, half mirror section 32, light guide plate 10, and sensor section 2 in the direction away from the half mirror section 32. The infrared rays of the sensor section 2 pass through the half mirror section 32, the light guide plate 10, and the portion of the base material 31a of the mirror section 31 where the masking process has been removed. This allows the sensor section 2 to detect an object approaching the predetermined pattern 30.

In the display device 102 having the above configuration, the region RG where the masking process is removed on the base material 31a of the mirror section 31 can be made smaller than when the sensor section 2 and the light guide plate 10 are arranged side by side along the half mirror section 32 as in the first to third embodiments (see Figures 2, 9A, and 9B). In other words, the size of the half mirror section 32 can be made smaller. In other words, the manufacturing cost of the display device 102 can be reduced.

Fifth Embodiment
The configuration of the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the fourth embodiment, except for the configurations of the reflector 3 and the light guide plate display 1. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, only the configuration different from the fourth embodiment will be described. Note that the configuration omitted here conforms to the configuration of the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, the half mirror section 32 is configured separately from the mirror section 31. The half mirror section 32 is configured integrally with the light guide plate display 1. In detail, the half mirror section 32 is configured integrally with the light guide plate 10. The half mirror section 32 is configured integrally with the light guide plate 10 by forming a second reflecting material 32b on the light guide plate 10. For example, the half mirror section 32 is configured integrally with the light guide plate 10 by evaporating the second reflecting material 32b on the light guide plate 10. The deposition of the second reflecting material 32b on the light guide plate 10 is achieved by the deposition method shown in the first embodiment.

In the display device 102 having the above configuration, the light guide plate 10 functions not only as a member for displaying the first pattern 30a and the second pattern 30b, but also as the base material 32a of the second reflector 32b. This allows the manufacturing cost of the display device 102 to be reduced, and the thickness of the half mirror section 32 to be suitably thin.

Sixth Embodiment
The configuration of the sixth embodiment is applicable to the configurations of the first to fifth embodiments, except for the characteristics of the reflecting section 3. In the sixth embodiment, only the configuration different from the configurations of the first to fifth embodiments will be described. Note that the configurations omitted here are similar to the configurations of the third to fifth embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 12, the half mirror section 32 has a sixth reflectance H5 at visible light wavelengths. The sixth reflectance H5 is an example of the first reflectance in the claims. Note that in this embodiment, an example is described in which the half mirror section 32 is configured separately from the mirror section 31, but the half mirror section 32 may be configured integrally with the mirror section 31.

The sixth reflectance H5 is set so that the reflectance H51 of the half mirror section 32 at the boundary between the mirror section 31 and the half mirror section 32 is smaller than the reflectance H52 at the center of the half mirror section 32. For example, the sixth reflectance H5 is set so that it gradually decreases from the boundary between the mirror section 31 and the half mirror section 32 toward the center of the half mirror section 32.

The characteristics of the sixth reflectance H5 are set by adjusting the thickness of each layer of the second reflector 32b. For example, the sixth reflectance H5 may be changed in a curved or linear manner from the boundary between the mirror section 31 and the half mirror section 32 toward the center of the half mirror section 32. The sixth reflectance H5 may also be changed in a stepwise manner from the boundary between the mirror section 31 and the half mirror section 32 toward the center of the half mirror section 32.

In the display device 102 having the above configuration, the difference between the first reflectance M1 of the mirror section 31 and the sixth reflectance H51 of the half mirror section 32 is small at the boundary between the mirror section 31 and the half mirror section 32, as in the first to fifth embodiments. Therefore, the boundary between the mirror section 31 and the half mirror section 32 is less visible to the user, and the object can be displayed favorably on the reflector 3.

On the other hand, in the center of the half mirror section 32, there is no boundary between the mirror section 31 and the half mirror section 32, so the difference between the first reflectance M1 of the mirror section 31 and the sixth reflectance H52 of the half mirror section 32 can be made large. In other words, the first pattern 30a and the second pattern 30b can be displayed favorably without reducing the brightness of the first pattern 30a and the second pattern 30b.

<Other embodiments>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.

(A) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the display device 102 was applied to a washstand (device 100), but the display device 102 can be applied to various devices other than washstands. For example, the display device 102 may be applied to a dressing table. In this way, even if the display device 102 is applied to a dressing table, the display device 102 can provide the same effects as those described above.

(B) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the display device 102 was applied to a washbasin (device 100), but the display device 102 can be applied to various devices other than washbasins. For example, the display device 102 may be applied to home appliances.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the display device 102 is applied to an appliance 200 such as a washing machine, the appliance 200 has a housing 200a, a door portion 200b, and the display device 102 of the above embodiment. In this case, the display device 102 functions as, for example, an operation panel. The display device 102 may also be applied to an operation panel of an appliance 200 such as an audio appliance. Even with this configuration, the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

(C) The configuration of the display device 102 is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be changed to another configuration. For example, the shape of the prism in the light guide plate display 1 is not limited to the shape of the above embodiment, and may be another shape. In addition, the arrangement of the multiple light sources is not limited to the above-mentioned arrangement, and may be changed to another arrangement.

(D) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the light guide plate display 1 has a light guide plate 10 and a light source 11, but the light guide plate display 1 may further have a collimating lens that collimates the light from the light source in a predetermined direction.

(E) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the first pattern 30a and/or the second pattern 30b is displayed in front of the half mirror unit 32, but the first pattern 30a and/or the second pattern 30b may be displayed on the surface of the half mirror unit 32. In addition, the first pattern 30a and/or the second pattern 30b may be displayed between the surface of the half mirror unit 32 and the light guide plate 10 (prism 20).

(F) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the display device 102 has a light guide plate display 1 as an example of a display unit, but instead of the light guide plate display 1, an LCD display, an organic EL display, or the like may be used. In this case, the first pattern 30a and/or the second pattern 30b are displayed on the surface of the LCD display and the organic EL display.

(G) In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which a predetermined pattern 30 is imaged in space by accumulating point-like light at a predetermined position using the light guide plate 10. The configuration of the light guide plate 10 for imaging the predetermined pattern 30 in space is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be configured in any way. For example, the light guide plate 10 may image the predetermined pattern 30 in space by accumulating linear or planar light at a predetermined position.

According to the present invention, the display device 102 and the devices 100 and 200 can display the object on the reflector 3 in an optimal manner.

100, 200 Equipment 102 Display device 3 Reflector 1 Light guide plate display 2 Sensor unit 2
31 mirror portion 32 half mirror portion 30, 30a, 30b predetermined pattern H1 third reflectance H4 fifth reflectance H5, H51, H52 sixth reflectance

Claims (16)

A reflecting section having a mirror section and a half mirror section having a transmittance larger than that of the mirror section;
A display unit including a light source and a light guide plate configured to display a predetermined pattern by reflecting light from the light source;
a sensor unit that detects an object approaching the predetermined pattern using light of an infrared wavelength;
Equipped with
The mirror portion has a mirror reflectance in a range of 90% or less at visible light wavelengths,
the half mirror portion is provided on either the mirror portion or the light guide plate, and has a first reflectance at the visible light wavelength that is smaller than the mirror reflectance;
Display device. The first reflectance is in the range of 75% or more and 95% or less at the visible light wavelength.
The display device according to claim 1 . The half mirror portion further has a second reflectance in a range of 70% or less at the infrared wavelength.
The display device according to claim 1 . The half mirror portion is integrally formed with the mirror portion.
The display device according to claim 1 . The half mirror portion is configured separately from the mirror portion.
The display device according to claim 1 . The half mirror portion is formed integrally with the light guide plate by evaporating a reflective material onto the light guide plate.
The display device according to claim 5 . the light guide plate is disposed between the half mirror portion and the sensor portion;
The display device according to claim 1 . the first reflectance has a predetermined reference reflectance of 95% or less at the visible light wavelength and an RGB reflectance of an RGB wavelength included in the visible light wavelength,
The RGB reflectance is less than the reference reflectance.
The display device according to claim 1 . the first reflectance at a boundary between the half mirror portion and the mirror portion is greater than the first reflectance at a central portion of the half mirror portion;
The display device according to claim 1 . The light guide plate has a plurality of light guide portions,
the light from the light source reflected by the plurality of light guiding sections converges at a plurality of fixed points corresponding to the plurality of light guiding sections,
A predetermined pattern is imaged in space by a collection of light converged at a plurality of the fixed points.
The display device according to claim 1 . A reflecting section having a mirror section and a half mirror section having a transmittance larger than that of the mirror section;
A display unit including a light source and a light guide plate configured to display a predetermined pattern by reflecting light from the light source;
a sensor unit that detects an object approaching the predetermined pattern using light of an infrared wavelength;
Equipped with
the half mirror portion is provided on either the mirror portion or the light guide plate,
a first reflectance of the half mirror portion at a visible light wavelength is different from a second reflectance of the half mirror portion at an infrared wavelength,
the second reflectance is greater than the reflectance of the mirror portion at the infrared wavelength;
Display device. The first reflectance is greater than the second reflectance.
The display device according to claim 11. A difference obtained by subtracting the second reflectance from the first reflectance is set in a range of 5% or more and less than 95%.
The display device according to claim 12. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
Equipment comprising: The appliance is a washstand or a dressing table,
The device has a main body and a mirror surface attached to the main body and having the display device.
15. The device of claim 14. The device is a home appliance,
The device includes a housing and the display device provided in the housing.
15. The device of claim 14.

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