JPH10123974A - Change-over display device, and virtual switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display two or more kinds of image information and also to drastically reduce the cost by simplifying the structure. SOLUTION: This change-over display device is provided with (1st and 2nd) surface light sources 3, 4 which are arranged on the bottom side 2a of a case 2 with one open end and of which light emitting surfaces are orthogonal to each other, image plates (1st and 2nd light transmissive image plates) 4, 6 arranged in the neighborhood of each light emitting surface 3a, 5a, a half mirror 7 which not only transmits the light which is emitted from the surface light source 3 and passes through the image plate 4 but also reflects the light which is emitted from the surface light source 5 and passes through the image plate 6, a lens unit 8 which image-forms each image information drawn on the image plates 4, 6 as erecting image A, B on an upper opening of the case 2, a photo-electric switch 9 arranged in the opening of the case 2, and a flip-flop circuit as a change-over means for changing over ON-state of each surface light source 3, 5 according to the detected signal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an image display device which forms at least two types of image information drawn on a translucent image plate as an erect real image and displays each image. It relates to a possible switching display and a virtual switch.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A so-called virtual switch capable of displaying image information such as characters and figures drawn on a translucent image plate as an erect real image at a position away from the image plate has been developed by the present applicant. Have been.

A virtual switch is different from a conventional mechanical switch in which an operator directly touches a key or a button with a finger, and when a finger approaches an image formed in a space, a sensor is activated. This switch is capable of switching between ON and OFF, and is very hygienic because there is no need to directly touch the equipment. It is used as a switch for medical equipment in hospitals where hospital infection has recently become a problem, or as a public toilet. Very high demand is anticipated as a switch for washing of water, and in various other fields.

FIG. 10 shows an example of such a virtual switch. In the figure, the virtual switch 41
Has a cylindrical housing 42 that opens upward, and a surface light source 43 composed of an LED, an EL, or the like is arranged at the bottom of the housing 42.

Above the surface light source 43, a translucent image plate (inscription plate) 44 on which image information such as characters and figures is drawn is disposed. Further above the name plate 44, a lens unit 45 for forming image information displayed on the name plate 44 as an erect real image A in the upper opening of the housing 42 is provided. The lens unit 45 is configured by closely contacting a large number of gradient index microlens elements with an adhesive.

In the upper opening of the housing 42, a light emitting portion 46a is provided.
There is provided a transmission type photoelectric switch 46 composed of a light-receiving unit 46b and an opposing light-receiving unit 46b. Further, the photoelectric switch 46 is electrically connected to a drive circuit (not shown) for turning on / off the surface light source 43.

In the virtual switch having such a configuration, when the surface light source 43 is in the ON state, light emitted from the surface light source 43 passes through the name plate 44 and irradiates the lens unit 45. The image information on the nameplate 44 is formed as an erect real image A (for example, English character “ON”) in the upper opening of the housing 42.

In this state, when the operator puts a finger into the upper opening of the housing 42 and approaches the erect real image A, the light emitted from the light projecting portion 46a of the photoelectric switch 46 is blocked by the finger. As a result, the surface light source 43 is turned off.

Conversely, when the operator puts a finger into the upper opening of the housing 42 while the surface light source 43 is in the OFF state, the light emitted from the light projecting portion 46a of the photoelectric switch 46 is cut off. Then, the surface light source 43 is turned on, and the erect real image A is displayed again.

[0010]

In the above-mentioned conventional configuration,
Since the image information drawn on the nameplate 44 is a fixed type of information and is of one type, only one type of image information can be displayed as an image. That is, in this case, only the English character "ON" can be displayed. Therefore, if an English character "OFF" is to be displayed in addition to the English character "ON", a virtual switch for displaying the English character "OFF" is required separately. However,
This increases costs and doubles the mounting area.

The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional situation, and has a switching display device and a virtual display device capable of displaying two or more types of image information, simplifying the structure, and greatly reducing the cost. It is intended to provide a switch.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switching display device, comprising: a housing having one end opened; a first surface light source disposed at a bottom of the housing; A second surface light source whose light emitting surface is disposed at a position orthogonal to the light emitting surface of the first surface light source, and a light emitting surface disposed near each of the light emitting surfaces of the first and second surface light sources. Translucent first,
A second image plate and light transmitted from the first surface light source and passed through the first image plate are transmitted, and light emitted from the second surface light source and passed through the second image plate. A half mirror that reflects the reflected light, and while the transmitted light or the reflected light from the half mirror is irradiated, the first and second image information drawn on the first and second image plates, respectively, A lens unit for forming an image as an erect real image in the vicinity of the opening of the housing, and a switching unit for switching the ON state of the first and second surface light sources are provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the switching display device according to the first aspect, the first and second image information form images at different positions having a height difference in the vicinity of the opening of the housing. It is characterized by that.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a virtual switch, wherein a housing having one end opened, a first surface light source disposed on a bottom of the housing, and the first surface on a side of the housing. A second surface light source having the light emitting surface disposed at a position orthogonal to the light emitting surface of the light source; and a light transmitting surface disposed near each of the light emitting surfaces of the first and second surface light sources. 1, a second image plate and a second image plate emitted from the first surface light source and transmitting light passing through the first image plate, and emitted from the second surface light source. A half mirror for reflecting light passing therethrough, and irradiating transmitted light or reflected light from the half mirror, and first and second drawn on the first and second image plates, respectively.
A lens unit for forming an image as an erect real image in the vicinity of the opening of the housing, a photoelectric switch disposed in the opening of the housing, and a detection signal of the photoelectric switch. Switching means for switching between the ON states of the first and second surface light sources.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a virtual switch, wherein a housing having one end opened, a first surface light source disposed on a bottom of the housing, and the first surface on a side of the housing. A second surface light source having the light emitting surface disposed at a position orthogonal to the light emitting surface of the light source; and a light transmitting surface disposed near each of the light emitting surfaces of the first and second surface light sources. 1, a second image plate and a second image plate emitted from the first surface light source and transmitting light passing through the first image plate, and emitted from the second surface light source. A half mirror for reflecting light passing therethrough, and irradiating transmitted light or reflected light from the half mirror, and first and second drawn on the first and second image plates, respectively.
A lens unit for forming an image as an erect real image in the vicinity of the opening of the housing, a light-transmitting push button disposed in the opening of the housing, A switch unit for detecting an operation and outputting a detection signal, and a switching unit for switching an ON state of the first and second surface light sources based on the detection signal of the switch unit. .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the virtual switch according to the third or fourth aspect, the first and second image information are imaged at different positions having a height difference near an opening of the housing. It is characterized by being adapted to.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the operator operates the switching means to turn on the first surface light source,
Light emitted from the first surface light source passes through the first image plate, passes through the half mirror, and is irradiated on the lens unit. Then, the first image information of the first image plate is formed as an erect real image near the opening of the housing by the lens unit.

Next, when the operator operates the switching means to turn on the second surface light source, the light emitted from the second surface light source passes through the second image plate. After being reflected by the half mirror, the light is irradiated to the lens unit. Then, the second unit of the second image plate is
Is formed as an erect real image near the opening of the housing.

In this manner, two types of image information can be displayed. Moreover, in this case, an inexpensive and simple image plate is used, and the first and second surface light sources and the first and second surface light sources corresponding thereto are used.
Is compactly stored in one housing, so that the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

The two types of image information are CRT and LC.
Although it is possible to display by D, in this case, the CRT or LCD itself is expensive, and when these are used, a CPU is always required, so that the cost is greatly increased. .

Further, by providing the image plates so as to be exchangeable, the switching display device can be applied to various applications only by exchanging the image plates.

Further, the first and second surface light sources and the first and second surface light sources
By providing another combination of the second image plates in the housing, it is possible to display four types of image information, and thus it is possible to display two or more types of image information. become.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first and second image information are condensed at different positions near the opening of the housing by positively utilizing the axial chromatic aberration of the lens unit. The operator,
The display state can be confirmed not only by the difference in the color and form of the displayed image but also by the difference in the image forming position.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the first surface light source is in the ON state, the first unit of the first image plate is moved by the lens unit in the same manner as in the first aspect of the present invention.
Is formed as an erect real image near the opening of the housing.

From this state, when the operator puts a finger into the opening of the housing and brings the finger close to the image of the first image information,
The photoelectric switch is operated, and upon receiving the detection signal of the photoelectric switch, the switching unit turns off the first surface light source,
Turn on the second surface light source.

When the second surface light source is turned on, the second image information of the second image plate is erected near the opening of the housing by the lens unit, as in the first aspect of the invention. The image is formed as a real image.

From this state, when the operator puts a finger into the opening of the housing and brings the finger close to the image of the second image information,
The photoelectric switch is operated, and upon receiving the detection signal of the photoelectric switch, the switching unit turns off the second surface light source,
Turn on the first surface light source. Hereinafter, in the same manner,
The ON state of the second surface light source is switched by the switching means.

In this manner, a virtual switch capable of displaying two types of image information as images can be realized. Moreover, as in the case of the first aspect of the present invention, an image plate having an inexpensive and simple configuration is used,
Since the second surface light source and the first and second image plates are compactly housed in one housing, the structure can be simplified and the cost can be greatly reduced.

Also in this case, by providing another combination of the first and second surface light sources and the first and second image plates in the housing, it is possible to display four types of image information. it can. Further, also in this case, by providing the image plate so as to be replaceable, the virtual switch can be applied to various applications only by replacing the image plate.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the first surface light source is on, the lens unit causes the first image information of the first image plate to be transmitted through the light-transmitting push button at the opening of the housing. Is formed as an image of an erect real image.

In this state, when the operator presses the push button, the operation of the push button is detected by the switch section, and the switch section outputs a detection signal. Then, in response to the detection signal of the switch unit, the switching unit turns off the first surface light source and turns on the second surface light source.

When the second surface light source is on, the lens unit forms the second image information of the second image plate as an erect real image inside the push button at the opening of the housing. You.

In this state, when the operator presses the push button, the operation of the push button is detected by the switch unit, and upon receiving a detection signal from the switch unit, the switching unit turns off the second surface light source. At the same time, the first surface light source is turned on. Hereinafter, similarly, the ON state of the first and second surface light sources is switched by the switching means.

In this way, two types of image information can be displayed. Moreover, also in this case, an image plate having a simple structure at a low cost is used, and the first and second surface light sources and the first and second image plates are compactly stored in one housing. The structure can be simplified, and the cost can be significantly reduced.

Further, as in the case of the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to display four types of image information.
By providing the image plates interchangeably, the virtual switch can be applied to various applications.

In the case of the fourth aspect of the present invention, since a push button for the operator to directly touch the finger is provided, the switch is not a virtual switch in a narrow sense. Since the button operation is performed as if the finger were approaching the image formed inside the translucent push button, the invention of claim 4 can be included in a virtual switch in a broad sense.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first and second image information are condensed at different positions near the opening of the housing by positively utilizing the axial chromatic aberration of the lens unit. The operator,
The ON / OFF state of the switch can be confirmed based on not only the difference in the color and form of the displayed image but also the difference in the image forming position.

[0038]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [ First Embodiment ] FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a switching display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the switching display device 1 has a cylindrical housing 2 that opens upward. On the bottom 2a of the housing 2, a surface light source 3 composed of an LED (light emitting diode), an EL (electroluminescence) or the like is arranged.

Near the light emitting surface 3a of the surface light source 3, a translucent image plate (inscription plate) 4 on which image information such as characters and figures is drawn is arranged. The distance between the surface light source 3 and the nameplate 4 is appropriately determined according to the light source color of the surface light source 3.

Near the bottom 2a of the side portion 2b of the housing 2, a surface light source 5 similarly composed of an LED, an EL or the like is arranged. The light emitting surface 5a of the surface light source 5 is
It is orthogonal to a.

In the vicinity of the side of the light emitting surface 5a of the surface light source 5, a translucent image plate (name plate) 6 on which image information different from the image information drawn on the name plate 4 is arranged. .
Similarly, the distance between the surface light source 5 and the name plate 6 is also appropriately determined according to the light source color of the surface light source 5.

Above the name plate 4 (ie, on the side of the name plate 6), the light L emitted from the surface light source 3 and passing through the name plate 4
1, a half mirror 7 for reflecting light L2 emitted from the surface light source 5 and passing through the name plate 6 is provided.

Above the half mirror 7, the transmitted light or the reflected light from the half mirror 7 is irradiated, and each image information drawn on the nameplates 4 and 6 is slightly shifted from the upper opening of the housing 2. A lens unit 8 for forming images as erect real images A and B is provided at an upper position S.

The lens unit 8 is constituted by closely contacting a large number of refractive index distribution type micro lens elements with an adhesive. In addition, as the lens unit 8, a sheet lens in which a large number of plano-convex microlens elements or biconvex microlens elements are combined in a sheet shape is prepared, and these are arranged so as to face each other at a predetermined interval. It may be.

Although not shown, a switching unit is provided outside the switching display device 1 so that an operator can switch the ON / OFF state of each of the surface light sources 3 and 5 from outside.

Next, the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described. First, the operator operates the switching unit to operate the surface light source 3.
Is turned on, the light L1 emitted from the surface light source 3 and passing through the nameplate 4 passes through the half mirror 7,
The light is applied to the lens unit 8. The lens unit 8 causes the image information on the nameplate 3 to be displayed at the position S above the opening of the housing 2 as an erect real image A (for example, the English character “O”).
N ").

Next, when the operator operates the switching unit to turn on the surface light source 5, the light L 2 emitted from the surface light source 5 and passing through the name plate 6 is reflected by the half mirror 7. Thereafter, the light is irradiated to the lens unit 8. Then, the lens unit 8 forms the image information on the name plate 6 at the position S above the opening of the housing 2 as an erect real image image B (for example, English character “OFF”).

Thus, two types of image information are displayed. Moreover, in this case, the nameplates 4 and 6 having an inexpensive and simple configuration are used, and the surface light sources 3 and 5 and the nameplates 4 and 6 are compactly housed in one housing 2. Can be simplified and costs can be reduced.

In particular, when compared with CRTs and LCDs, the CRTs and LCDs themselves are expensive, and when they are used, a CPU is always required, so that the cost can be greatly reduced. .

Further, if both or one of the nameplates 4 and 6 is provided so as to be replaceable with respect to the housing 2, the switching display device 1 can be variously changed only by replacing the nameplates 4 and 6. Be able to apply to applications.

[ Second Embodiment ] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a virtual switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a drive system thereof. 2, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a side portion 2b of the housing 2 is extended upward and a transmission type photoelectric switch 9 is provided on an extension of the side portion 2b. It is a point provided.

The photoelectric switch 9 includes a light projecting portion 9a for emitting light such as infrared rays, and a light receiving portion 9b disposed opposite to the light projecting portion 9a for receiving the light emitted from the light projecting portion 9a. The light emitting circuit and the light receiving circuit of the photoelectric switch 9 are incorporated in the drive system of the virtual switch 1 'as described later. When the light emitted from 9a is cut off, it can be switched so that one of the surface light sources 3 and 5 is turned on.

Next, the drive system of the virtual switch 1 'will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, a timing generation circuit 10 for outputting a clock signal is provided. The clock signal output from the timing generation circuit 10 is input to the light emitting circuit 11 including the light emitting section 9a of the photoelectric switch 9 and the light receiving circuit 12 including the light receiving section 9b. Further, light is always emitted from the light emitting unit 9a of the light emitting circuit 11, and the emitted light is transmitted to the light receiving unit 9b of the light receiving circuit 12.
Is received.

An input judging circuit 13 is connected to the output side of the light receiving circuit 12. The input determination circuit 13 is for determining whether or not the light emitted from the light projecting circuit 11 is received by the light receiving circuit 12. Light emitting circuit 11
As a result of the light emitted by the operator being blocked by the operator's finger, if the emitted light is not received by the light receiving circuit 12, the input determination circuit 13 outputs a trigger signal D as a determination output.

The output side of the input determination circuit 13 is connected to a flip-flop circuit 14 as switching means.
Similarly, the clock signal CLK from the timing generation circuit 10 is input to the flip-flop circuit 14.

The buffer circuit 15 and the display A driving circuit 16 are connected to the signal Q output side of the flip-flop circuit 14. The output A related to the video A is output from the buffer circuit 15 as a switch output. For example, when the English character "START" is displayed as the image A, the output A is input as a start signal to the input circuit of the device to which the virtual switch 1 'is connected. The display A drive circuit 16 is a circuit for displaying the image A, and is a circuit for turning on the surface light source 3.

A buffer circuit 1 is provided on the output side of the signal Q '(inverted signal of the signal Q) of the flip-flop circuit 14.
7 and the display B drive circuit 18 are connected. From the buffer circuit 17, an output B related to the video B is output as a switch output. For example, when the English character “STOP” is displayed as the image B, the output B
Is input to the input circuit of the device to which the virtual switch 1 'is connected as a stop signal. The display B drive circuit 1
Reference numeral 8 denotes a circuit for displaying the image B, which is a circuit for turning on the surface light source 5.

Next, the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described. First, when the surface light source 3 is ON and the surface light source 5 is OFF, the light L1 emitted from the surface light source 3 and passing through the name plate 4 is transmitted through the half mirror 7 and then radiated to the lens unit 8. And, by the lens unit 8,
The image information on the nameplate 4 is formed as an erect real image A (for example, English character “START”) at the position S in the opening of the housing 2.

At this time, the flip-flop circuit 1
4 outputs a signal Q which is an ON signal and a signal Q 'of an OFF signal which is an inverted signal thereof. The signal Q is input to the buffer circuit 15 and the display A driving circuit 16, and the signal Q' is input to the buffer circuit. 17 and the display B drive circuit 18.

The output A is output as a switch output from the buffer circuit 15 to which the signal Q is input. This output A is input as a start signal to an input circuit of a device to which the virtual switch 1 'is connected, whereby the device is driven. The display A drive circuit 16 is activated by the input of the signal Q, whereby the surface light source 3
It is in the N state.

On the other hand, no switch output is output from the buffer circuit 17 to which the signal Q 'has been input, and the display B drive circuit 18 has stopped operating due to the input of the signal Q'. Is in the OFF state.

Next, when the operator puts a finger into the upper opening of the housing 2 and approaches the image A, the light emitted from the light projecting portion 9a of the photoelectric switch 9 is blocked by the finger. Thereby, the input determination circuit 13 outputs the trigger signal D.

The trigger signal D output from the input determination circuit 13 is input to the flip-flop circuit 14. Then, the flip-flop circuit 14 outputs a signal Q which is an OFF signal and a signal Q 'of an ON signal which is an inverted signal thereof.

The switch output is not output from the buffer circuit 15 to which the signal Q is input.
Stops operating in response to the input of the signal Q, whereby the surface light source 3 is turned off.

On the other hand, from the buffer circuit 17 to which the signal Q 'has been input, an output B is output as a switch output.
The output B is input as a stop signal to an input circuit of a device to which the virtual switch 1 'is connected, and
The device is stopped. The display B driving circuit 18
Are activated by the input of the signal Q ', and this
Is turned on.

As described above, when the surface light source 5 is ON and the surface light source 3 is OFF, the light L2 emitted from the surface light source 5 and passing through the name plate 6 is reflected by the half mirror 7,
The light is applied to the lens unit 8. The lens unit 8 causes the image information on the name plate 6 to be displayed at the position S in the opening of the housing 2 as an image B of an erect real image (for example, the English character “ST”).
OP ").

In this state, when the operator puts a finger into the upper opening of the housing 2 and brings the finger close to the image B, the light emitted from the light projecting portion 9a of the photoelectric switch 9 is blocked, and the input is determined. The circuit 13 outputs the trigger signal D again.

The trigger signal D is supplied to the flip-flop circuit 1
4, the flip-flop circuit 14 outputs a signal Q which is an ON signal and a signal Q 'of an OFF signal which is an inverted signal thereof. Thereby, the surface light source 5 is turned off again.
At the same time, the surface light source 3 is turned on.

In the same manner, the ON state of the surface light sources 3 and 5 is alternately switched every time the operator puts a finger into the upper opening of the housing 2 and approaches the image A or B. ,
When the surface light source 3 is ON, the image information on the nameplate 4
When the surface light source 5 is in the ON state, the image information of the name plate 6 is displayed as an image.

Thus, a virtual switch capable of displaying two types of image information can be realized. Moreover, in this case, as in the case of the first embodiment, the inexpensive and simple nameplates 4 and 6 are used, and the surface light sources 3 and 5 and the nameplates 4 and 6 are connected to one casing 2.
Because it is stored compactly inside, the structure can be simplified,
Costs can be significantly reduced.

As in the case of the first embodiment, both or one of the nameplates 4 and 6 is connected to the housing 2.
In this case, the virtual switch 1 ′ can be applied to various applications only by replacing the nameplates 4 and 6.

[ Third Embodiment ] In the second embodiment, a so-called two-screen display virtual switch capable of displaying two types of image information as images has been described as an example. The same can be applied to a four-screen display virtual switch as shown in FIG. 2, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

In FIG. 4, on one side (right side in the figure) of the center line L _C of the housing 2, the surface light sources 3 and 5 and the name plates 4 and 6, which are configured in the same manner as in the second embodiment, are provided. And a half mirror 7 are arranged, and on the other side (left side in the figure) of the center line L _C , a surface light source 3 ′ is arranged symmetrically with the first optical system. , 5 'and nameplate 4',
A second optical system composed of 6 'and a half mirror 7' is arranged. The way of image formation by these first and second optical systems is the same as in the case of the above-described embodiment, and the description is omitted here.

FIG. 5 shows this virtual switch 1 '.
5A is a plan view of the upper opening space 20 in which images A and B of the first optical system are displayed in the right half of the upper opening space 20, and images A 'and B of the second optical system are displayed in the left half. 'Will be displayed respectively. In FIG. 5,
The two-dot chain line in the center is added for convenience of explanation, and is a virtual line indicating the boundary of the screen.

In this way, four types of image information A, B, A ', and B' can be displayed as images, and so-called four-screen display can be performed.

Various arrangements of the optical system can be considered in addition to the arrangement shown in FIG. For example, as shown in the plan view of FIG.
b, 7c, 7d are arranged adjacent to each other so as to form the side surface of the quadrangular pyramid, and the nameplates 4a, 6a; 4b, 6b; 4c, 6c;
d and 6d may be provided. In this case, eight types of image information can be displayed as images. In FIG. 6, the light source is omitted.

In FIG. 4, half mirrors 7, 7 '
Are arranged continuously in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface (the end faces are adjacent to each other), and the number of the nameplates 4, 6, 4 ', 6' corresponding to each half mirror can be increased, so that image information that can be displayed on a video can be increased.

By employing such various optical systems, a virtual switch capable of displaying two or more kinds of image information can be realized.

Also, in the third embodiment, the inscription plates 4, 4 ', 6, 6' having an inexpensive and simple configuration are used, and these inscription plates and the surface light sources 3, 3 ',
Since 5, 5 'is compactly stored in one housing 2, the structure can be simplified and the cost can be greatly reduced.

[ Fourth Embodiment ] In the second and third embodiments, an example is shown in which a transmissive photoelectric switch 9 is used. However, the present invention provides a virtual switch using a reflective photoelectric switch. The same applies to switches.

FIG. 7 shows such a virtual switch 1 '.
b, and the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 indicate the same or corresponding parts. In the figure, reference numeral 25 denotes a reflection type photoelectric switch provided in the housing 2, and this reflection type photoelectric switch 25 is a light projecting unit 25a for emitting light such as infrared rays.
And a light receiving unit 25b that receives the reflected light of the light emitted from the light projecting unit 25a.

In the fourth embodiment, the image A or B of the real erect image formed at the position S above the opening of the housing 2.
When the operator approaches the finger F, the light emitted from the light projecting unit 25a of the photoelectric switch 25 is reflected on the operator's finger F, and the reflected light is received by the light receiving unit 25b. As a result, the photoelectric switch 25 is operated, and the surface light sources 3 and 5 are turned on.
A state switch is performed.

Note that, in this case, the images A and B are
Although the image is formed at the position of S above the opening, the image may be formed within the opening of the housing 2.

[ Fifth Embodiment ] In the second to fourth embodiments, a so-called virtual switch in a narrow sense, in which a finger is brought close to a space area where an image is formed to perform switching display of the image. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be similarly applied to a virtual switch in a broad sense having push buttons as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 denote the same or corresponding parts, and the difference between the virtual switch 1'c shown in this embodiment and those shown in the second to fourth embodiments is that The translucent push button 30 is the housing 2
Is provided in the upper opening.

Although not shown, a micro switch (switch section) for detecting the operation of the push button 30 and outputting a detection signal is provided inside the housing 2.
A driving system for the virtual switch 1'c includes a flip-flop similar to the flip-flop circuit 14 in the second embodiment for switching the ON state of the surface light sources 3 and 5 based on the detection signal of the microswitch. A circuit (not shown) is provided.

In the fifth embodiment, the images A and A displayed when the surface light sources 3 and 5 are ON, respectively.
B is formed inside the translucent push button 30 as an image of an erect real image.

Therefore, when the operator presses the push button 30 from the state in which the images A and B are formed, the operator applies the images A and B formed inside or on the upper surface of the push button 30. Button operation is performed as if touching.

When the operator depresses the push button 30 while the image A is displayed, the operation of the push button 30 is detected by the microswitch, and the microswitch outputs a detection signal. Upon receiving the detection signal from the microswitch, the flip-flop circuit turns on the surface light source 5.
State and the surface light source 3 is turned off. As a result, the image formed in the push button 30 is switched from the image A to the image B.

Next, when the operator presses the push button 30 from the state where the image B is formed, the operation of the push button 30 is similarly detected by the micro switch, and the micro switch outputs a detection signal. In response to the detection signal from the microswitch, the flip-flop circuit turns on the surface light source 3 and turns off the surface light source 5.
As a result, the image formed in the push button 30 becomes the image B
Is switched to the image A.

Similarly, each time the push button 30 is pressed, the ON state of the surface light sources 3 and 5 is alternately switched, and images A and B are formed alternately.

In the fifth embodiment, the operation of the push button 30 is detected by the micro switch. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation of the push button 30 may be detected by the photoelectric switch. .

Further, a diffusion film may be attached to the surface of the push button 30, and in this case, it is possible to display an image more clearly.

[ Sixth Embodiment ] In the first to fifth embodiments, the light source color of each surface light source and the distance from each surface light source to the half mirror are appropriately set, so that each name plate can be displayed. Although an example has been described in which all image information is formed at the same image forming position (the position of S near the upper opening of the housing 2), the application of the present invention is not limited to this. .

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a virtual switch according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 2, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 indicate the same or corresponding parts. A drive system similar to the drive system shown in FIG. 3 is electrically connected to this virtual switch.

In the virtual switch 1'd shown in FIG. 9, the axial chromatic aberration of the lens unit 8 (the phenomenon that the image point differs on the optical axis of the lens due to the difference in the color of light, ie, the difference in wavelength) is actively used. By doing so, the image information on the nameplate 4 is imaged at the position of S1 in the upper opening of the housing 2,
The image information on the nameplate 6 is formed into an image at the position of S2 in the upper opening of the housing 2. Here, each image plane S
The distance Δ between S1 and S2 may be any distance at which the operator can visually recognize the height difference, and is preferably set to about 10 mm.

As the surface light source 3, a light source having a long wavelength, for example, red or orange, is used. As the surface light source 5, a light source, for example, blue or green having a shorter wavelength than red or orange is used. It should be noted that other color light combinations are of course also possible.

Further, a fluorescent plate made of a fluorescent material may be provided between the surface light source 3 and the nameplate 4 or between the surface light source 5 and the nameplate 6. For example,
When a fluorescent plate is installed between the surface light source 3 emitting red light and the nameplate 4, when the red light emitted from the surface light source 3 enters the fluorescent plate, the fluorescent plate emits red light and yellow light having a shorter wavelength than this, for example. Emit. As a result, the light emitted from the fluorescent screen
It becomes light close to white, which is a composite color of red and yellow. Therefore, in this case, a combination of near-white light on the surface light source 3 side and blue light or green light on the surface light source 5 side is obtained.

Similarly, for example, a surface light source 5 emitting blue light
In the case where a fluorescent plate is installed between the label plate 6 and the name plate 6, when blue light emitted from the surface light source 5 enters the fluorescent plate, the fluorescent plate emits blue light and yellow light having a longer wavelength than this. As a result, the light emitted from the fluorescent plate becomes light close to white, which is a composite color of blue and yellow. Therefore, in this case, a combination of red light or orange light on the surface light source 3 side and light close to white on the surface light source 5 side is obtained.

In this embodiment, first, the surface light source 3
Is turned on and the surface light source 5 is off, the red light L1 emitted from the surface light source 3 and passed through the nameplate 4, for example,
Is transmitted to the lens unit 8 after passing through the half mirror 7. Then, the lens unit 8 causes the image information on the nameplate 4 to be displayed at the position S1 in the opening of the housing 2 as a red image A of an erect real image (for example, English characters “START”).
The image is formed as

In this state, when the operator puts a finger into the upper opening of the housing 2 and approaches the image A, the light emitted from the light projecting portion 9a of the photoelectric switch 9 is blocked by the finger. . Then, as described in the second embodiment, the surface light source 3 is turned off and the surface light source 5 is turned on by the operation of the drive system.

As described above, when the surface light source 5 is in the ON state,
Is OFF, the blue light L2 emitted from the surface light source 5 and having passed through the nameplate 6, for example, blue light L2 is reflected by the half mirror 7 and then radiated to the lens unit 8. And
By the lens unit 8, the image information on the name plate 6 is placed at the position S 2 in the opening of the housing 2, and the blue image B
(For example, English characters "STOP").

In this state, when the operator again puts a finger into the upper opening of the housing 2 and brings the finger close to the image B, the light emitted from the light projecting portion 9a of the photoelectric switch 9 is blocked, and The light source 3 is turned on again, and the surface light source 5
The state is set to the FF state.

Thereafter, in the same manner, the ON state of the surface light sources 3 and 5 is alternately switched every time the operator puts a finger into the upper opening of the housing 2 and approaches the image A or B. ,
When the surface light source 3 is ON, image information on the nameplate 4 is displayed, and when the surface light source 5 is ON, image information on the nameplate 6 is displayed.

In this way, as in the first to fifth embodiments, a compact and inexpensive virtual switch capable of displaying two types of image information can be realized.

Moreover, in this case, the two image forming surfaces S
Since the height difference Δ is provided between S1 and S2, the red image A from the surface light source 3 is formed at a position near the opening in the opening of the housing 2 (a raised position on the near side when viewed from the operator). Then, the blue image B by the surface light source 5 is imaged at a position slightly deeper in the opening of the housing 2 (a position sunk away from the operator).

As described above, by providing a height difference between the image forming positions of the two kinds of images, the operator can obtain the same operational feeling as operating the push button.

Although FIG. 9 shows an example in which only one photoelectric switch 9 is provided at the position of the imaging surface S1, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. Imaging surface S2
May be provided with a photoelectric switch 9 'including a light projecting portion 9'a and a light receiving portion 9'b. At this time,
The photoelectric switch 9 is operable only when the image A is displayed, and the photoelectric switch 9 'is operable only when the image B is displayed.

In this case, when the image A is displayed, when the operator brings his / her finger close to the image A, the photoelectric switch 9 is operated and the image is switched from A to B.
Conversely, when the image B is imaged, when the operator brings his / her finger close to the image B, the photoelectric switch 9 'is operated, and the image is switched from B to A.

The photoelectric switch provided in the opening of the housing 2 is not limited to the transmission type as shown in FIG. 9, but may be a reflection type as shown in the fourth embodiment.

Further, the arrangement of the optical system is not limited to that shown in FIG. 9, and various optical systems as shown in the third embodiment can be employed.

The present embodiment may be applied to a virtual switch with a push button as shown in the fifth embodiment.

[0114]

As described above, according to the present invention, two or more types of image information can be displayed,
This has the effect of realizing a switching display device and a virtual switch that can simplify the structure and can greatly reduce the cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a longitudinal section of a switching display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vertical cross section of a virtual switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a drive system of the virtual switch (FIG. 2).

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vertical cross section of a virtual switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the virtual switch (FIG. 4) as viewed from an upper opening side.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a modification of the arrangement of the optical system in the virtual switch (FIG. 4).

FIG. 7 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a virtual switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a virtual switch with a push button according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vertical cross section of a virtual switch according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a conventional virtual switch, which corresponds to FIG. 2 of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Switching display device 1 ', 1'a, 1'b Virtual switch 1'c, 1'd Virtual switch 2 Housing 2a Bottom 2b Side 3,3' (1st) surface light source 3a, 3'a Light emission Surfaces 4, 4 ', 4a Inscription plate (first image plate) 4b, 4c, 4d Inscription plate (first image plate) 5, 5' (Second) surface light source 5a, 5'a Light emitting surface 6, 6 ', 6a Inscription plate (second image plate) 6b, 6c, 6d Inscription plate (second image plate) 7, 7', 7a Half mirror 7b, 7c, 7d Half mirror 8 Lens unit 9, 9 ', 25 Photoelectric switch 9a, 25a, 9'a Light emitting unit 9b, 25b, 9'b Light receiving unit 18 Flip-flop circuit (switching means) 30 Push button S, S1, S2 Image forming position A, B, A ', B' Video

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Hiromasa Hasegawa 1-7-131 Nishimiyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi Inside Izumi Electric Co., Ltd. Inside the corporation

Claims (5)

[Claims] A housing having one end open; a first surface light source disposed at a bottom of the housing; and a side surface of the housing at a position orthogonal to a light emitting surface of the first surface light source. A second surface light source on which the light emitting surface is disposed, and a first and second translucent image plate disposed near each light emitting surface of the first and second surface light sources, respectively; A half mirror that emits light from the first surface light source and passes through the first image plate, and reflects light emitted from the second surface light source and passes through the second image plate. And the transmitted light or reflected light from the half mirror is irradiated, and the first and second image information respectively drawn on the first and second image plates are placed near the opening of the housing. A lens unit for forming an image as an erect real image, 2. A switching display device comprising: switching means for switching the on state of the surface light source of No. 2. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second image information form images at different positions having a height difference near an opening of the housing. Switching display device. 3. A housing having one end opened, a first surface light source disposed at a bottom of the housing, and a position orthogonal to a light emitting surface of the first surface light source on a side of the housing. A second surface light source on which the light emitting surface is disposed, and a first and second translucent image plate disposed near each light emitting surface of the first and second surface light sources, respectively; A half mirror that emits light from the first surface light source and passes through the first image plate, and reflects light emitted from the second surface light source and passes through the second image plate. And the transmitted light or reflected light from the half mirror is irradiated, and the first and second image information respectively drawn on the first and second image plates are placed near the opening of the housing. A lens unit for forming an image as an erect real image, and an opening of the housing. A photoelectric switch disposed in the mouth, and the first and second photoelectric switches based on a detection signal of the photoelectric switch.
Switching means for switching the on state of the surface light source. 4. A housing having an open end, a first surface light source disposed at a bottom of the housing, and a side surface of the housing at a position orthogonal to a light emitting surface of the first surface light source. A second surface light source on which the light emitting surface is disposed, and a first and second translucent image plate disposed near each light emitting surface of the first and second surface light sources, respectively; A half mirror that emits light from the first surface light source and passes through the first image plate, and reflects light emitted from the second surface light source and passes through the second image plate. And the transmitted light or reflected light from the half mirror is irradiated, and the first and second image information respectively drawn on the first and second image plates are placed near the opening of the housing. A lens unit for forming an image as an erect real image, and an opening of the housing. A light-transmissive push button disposed at the mouth, a switch unit that detects an operation of the push button and outputs a detection signal, and the first and second surfaces based on the detection signal of the switch unit A switching means for switching an ON state of the light source. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first and second image information form images at different positions having a height difference near an opening of the housing. 4. The virtual switch according to 4.