Information display device and information terminal equipped with same

The information display device comprises a substrate portion, a light emitter, a housing, a display sheet, and a light guide region. The light emitter is disposed on the substrate portion and emits light. The housing is disposed so as to cover the substrate. The display sheet is attached to the housing, has a display surface on which various kinds of information are displayed by light emitted from the light emitter, and whose display surface is deformable. The light guide region is a space formed by the inner wall surface of the housing and the display sheet, and guides the light emitted from the light emitter to the display sheet. The housing has a deformable portion that is provided to at least the portion in contact with the display sheet, and that is more readily deformable than the substrate portion in a direction intersecting the surface of the display sheet. The housing and the display sheet deform along the wall surface with which the display sheet comes into contact.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an information display device that displays various types of information, and to an information terminal equipped with the same.

Description of the Related Art

So-called stealth displays have been used in recent years, in which, in a non-display state, the normal wall surface is displayed on a wall surface near the seats of an aircraft, but in a display state, a video or an image in a specific shape is displayed for a user (such as the passengers of the aircraft).

SUMMARY

Problem to be Solved by the Disclosure

However, with a conventional display device used as a stealth display, a space may end up being created between the wall and the display device, resulting in blurring of the image and an inability to display a clear image. In particular, when the wall surface is a curved surface, a problem is that the image is more likely to be blurry because a space is more likely to be formed.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an information display device with which a clear image can be displayed regardless of the state of the wall surface with a display device installed in the wall surface near the seats of an aircraft, as well as an information terminal equipped with this information display device.

Means for Solving Problem

The information display device according to the present disclosure comprises a substrate portion, a light emitter, a housing, a display sheet, and a light guide region. The light emitter is disposed on the substrate portion and emits light. The housing is disposed so as to cover the substrate portion. The display sheet is attached to the housing, has a display surface on which various kinds of information are displayed by light emitted from the light emitter, and whose display surface is deformable. The light guide region is a space formed by the inner wall surface of the housing and the display sheet, and guides the light emitted from the light emitter to the display sheet. The housing has a deformable portion that is provided to at least the portion in contact with the display sheet, and that is more readily deformable than the substrate portion in a direction intersecting the surface of the display sheet. The housing and the display sheet deform along the wall surface with which the display sheet comes into contact.

Effects

With the information display device according to the present disclosure, a clear image can be displayed by a display device installed in the wall surface near the seats of an aircraft, regardless of the state of the wall surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings as needed. However, some unnecessarily detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already known facts or redundant description of components that are substantially the same may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary repetition in the following description, and facilitate an understanding on the part of a person skilled in the art.

The applicant has provided the appended drawings and the following description so that a person skilled in the art might fully understand this disclosure, but does not intend for these to limit what is discussed in the patent claims.

An information terminal10comprising an information display device20according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference toFIGS.1to14.

The information terminal10of this embodiment comprises a plurality of information display devices20as so-called stealth displays, with which the wall surface of an aircraft or the like, for example, looks like a normal wall in a non-display state, but in a display state, a video or an image of a specific shape is displayed for a user (such as passengers). The information terminal10will be described below by giving an example in which the information terminal10is installed on a wall surface provided near the seats of an aircraft having a specific rate of transmittance.

The information terminal10in this embodiment is installed, for example, inside a wall surface near the seats of the aircraft, and is provided in a state in which a plurality of information display devices20for displaying information to passengers of the aircraft are linked together.

As shown inFIG.1, the plurality of information display devices20included in the information terminal10are provided with display sheets24that display a power button, a light, a call button, a play/stop button, a plus button, and a minus button on the display side surface, in that order starting from the right side in the drawing.

The display given by the display sheet24is achieved by emitting light from the light emitter22included in each information display device20. That is, the information display devices20perform the desired display on a wall surface30(seeFIG.10, etc.) through the display sheets24when light is emitted from the light emitters22, but when no light is being emitted from the light emitters22, nothing is displayed on the wall surface30, the state of which is the same as that of the surrounding wall surfaces30.

FIG.2shows a side view of the information terminal10according to this Embodiment 1.

The information terminal10comprises the plurality of information display devices20(first housing23a, second housing (deformable portion)23b, display sheet24, etc.), a control board21c, and a case23e.

The number of information display devices20included in the information terminal10is not limited to six as shown inFIG.1, and may be any number, as shown inFIG.2.

The control board21cis provided in the case23e, and a flexible board (substrate portion)21athat is continuous from the inside of the case23eto the plurality of information display devices20is built in.

The first housings23aare substantially box-shaped and are connected to each other so that a plurality of information display devices20are linked. The first housings23aeach have a light emitter22, etc. (discussed below) installed in its inner space. Also, a plurality of grooves (first grooves)23cand grooves (second grooves)23dare formed in the connecting portions between the first housings23aof adjacent information display devices20. Consequently, the connecting portions between the first housings23aand the connecting portions between a first housing23aand a case23ecan be bent in a direction intersecting the surface of the display sheet24.

The second housing23bis formed from an elastic material that is softer than the first housing23a, and is disposed on the display-side surface of the first housing23a.

Consequently, when the display sheet24is installed inside a curved wall surface, for example, the second housing23bdeforms so that the display sheet24(discussed below) can be brought into snug contact with the curved wall surface.

The display sheet24is attached to the second housing23b, and has a display surface for displaying various information (power button, light, call, play/stop, plus and minus marks, etc.) with light emitted from the light emitter22, and the display surface is deformable.

As shown inFIG.2, the distance from the flexible substrate (substrate portion)21ato the display sheet24in a direction intersecting the surface of the display sheet24is preferably greater than the distance from the flexible substrate (substrate portion)21ato the end part of the light emitter22. This prevents contact between the display sheet24and the light emitter22and reduces wear of the display sheet24when the display sheet24is brought into close contact with the curved wall surface.

The control board21chas the function of controlling the light emitters22(such as LEDs (light emitting diodes)) mounted on the flexible substrate21aor the control board21c, sensors, and so on. These functions are not limited to the control board21c, and may instead be provided on the flexible substrate21a, or outside the information terminal10.

FIG.3shows the configuration of the information terminal10ofFIG.2as seen from above.

Each information display device20is provided with a light emitter22(display sheet24). When the light emitter22emits light, the emitted light passes through the wall surface30(seeFIG.10, etc.), which has a specific transmittance, and the image drawn on the display sheet24is projected onto the wall surface30.

The light emitters22do not need to be provided to all the information display devices20, and may be provided only to some of the plurality of information display devices20.

FIG.4shows the flexible substrate21abuilt into the information terminal10.

LEDs or other such light emitters22are provided at positions corresponding to the various information display devices20on the flexible substrate21a. Light emitted from the light emitters22passes through the display sheet24to display the pattern drawn on the display sheet24. The light emitters22need not be provided to every one of the first housings23aof the information display devices20, and may be provided only to some of them.

FIG.5shows a detail side view of the connecting portion between the case23eand the first housing23aof the information display device20disposed adjacent to the case23e.

In the connecting portions of the first housing23aof an information display device20, grooves23care provided to the surface on the display side, and grooves23dare provided on the inner surface of the wall surface. Consequently, the first housing23aaround the grooves23cand23ddeforms more easily than the information display device20, so just the connecting portions can be bent.

The grooves23cand23dare provided on the display side of the connecting portion and on the opposite side from the display side, respectively, which allows bending with the flexible substrate21aas the center of that bending.

The grooves23cand23dare not limited in number or position, so long as they are disposed around the connecting portion. The number and position of the grooves23cand23dprovided to the connecting portion may be different from one first housing23ato the next.

However, as shown inFIG.5, if the grooves23cand23dare disposed at positions that are offset from each other on the display-side surface and the inner surface of the wall surface when viewed from the side, this avoids a decrease in strength by eliminating places where the first housing23ais substantially thinner.

FIG.6shows a detail side view of the connecting portion between two first housings23a.

The grooves23cand23dare provided to the connecting portions of first housings23aand23athat are adjacent to each other. This allows the first housing23aaround the grooves23cand23dto deform more easily than the information display device20, and allows just the connecting portion to be bent.

Also, because the grooves23cand23dare provided on the display side of the connecting portion and on the inner side of the wall surface, respectively, bending is possible with the flexible substrate21aserving as the center of the bending. When the information terminal10is installed on a curved wall surface30(discussed below), the first housing23aportions can also be bent to conform to the curved wall surface30.

Just as with the connecting portion between the case23eand the first housing23a, the grooves23cand23dare not limited in number or position, so long as they are disposed around the connecting portion.

However, as shown inFIG.6, if the grooves23cand23dare disposed at positions that are offset from each other on the display-side surface and on the inner surface of the wall surface when viewed from the side, this avoids a decrease in strength by eliminating places where the first housing23ais substantially thinner.

As discussed above, with the information terminal10in this embodiment, the grooves23cand23dare provided to the first housing23aat the connecting portions between the information display devices20.

Consequently, the mechanical strength is decreased, and the connecting portion can be made more flexible than at least other portions of the first housing23a. This means that when a force is exerted on the information terminal10, only the connecting portion will be deformed.

Also, as shown inFIG.6, the grooves23cand23dare provided on the display side and on the inside of the wall surface with respect to the flexible substrate21ain the first housing23a.

As a result, the information terminal10can be deformed with the flexible substrate21aserving as the center of this deformation.

The number of grooves23cand23dmay be at least one on the display side and at least one on the inner side of the wall surface with respect to the flexible substrate21a. Also, the grooves23con the display side and the grooves23don the inner side of the wall surface are preferably disposed at positions that are offset from each other in side view. This avoids the local concentration of force on the first housing23adue to deformation of the information terminal10.

FIGS.7and8show diagrams in which the information terminal10is disposed on the curved wall surface30.

With the information terminal10in this embodiment, as discussed above, the connecting portions between the first housings23aadjacent to each other and between the first housing23aand the case23eare bent, and the display sheet24and the second housings23bare flexible. The flexibility of the flexible substrate21abuilt into the information terminal10allows it also to bend so as to match the bending of the first housing23aand the case23e.

Consequently, as shown inFIGS.7and8, the various information display devices20are disposed so as to conform to the wall surface30without any gaps, which allows a sharp image to be displayed regardless of the state of the wall surface. Also, the curvature of the wall surface30can be set as desired, and the information terminal10will take up less space on the inside of the wall surface30.

FIG.9is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the plurality of information display devices20included in the information terminal10.

As shown inFIG.9, an information display device20includes a flexible substrate21a, a first housing23a, a second housing23b, and a light emitter22disposed on the flexible substrate21ainside the first housing23a, a display sheet24, and a light guide region25.

As shown inFIG.9, the first housing23ahas a substantially box-like shape, and the light emitter22is disposed on the flexible substrate21ain the internal space.

The light emitter22emits light upward in the drawing, thereby displaying the pattern drawn on the display sheet24on the display side through the display sheet24.

As shown inFIG.9, the second housing23bis a cushioning material disposed between the upper end surface of the first housing23aand the display sheet24, and is formed from a material that is softer than the flexible substrate21a. That is, the second housing23bis configured to deform more easily in a direction intersecting the surface of the display sheet24than the flexible substrate21a.

The display sheet24is a sheet-like member whose display surface is deformable, is attached to the display-side surface of the second housing23b, and has a display surface that displays any of various kinds of information by means of the light emitted from the light emitter22.

The light guide region25is a space formed by the inner wall surface of the first housing23aand the display sheet24, and guides the light emitted from the light emitter22to the display sheet24.

FIGS.10and11are cross-sectional views of a state in which the information display device20shown inFIG.9has been disposed inside the curved wall surface30.

The display sheet24and the second housing23b, which are disposed in contact with the curved wall surface30, deform so as to conform to the wall surface30, as shown inFIGS.10and11.

As a result, there is no space between the display surface of the information display device20and the wall surface30, and a sharp image corresponding to the display sheet24can be displayed on the wall surface30.

FIG.12shows the configuration of the display sheet24.

The display sheet24has the desired pattern formed on its surface as mentioned above, and transmits only the light having the shape of the image that is to be displayed on the wall surface30, thereby displaying an image corresponding to the display sheet on the wall surface30.

As shown inFIG.12, the display sheet24has, in the following order starting from the display side, a substrate24athat transmits a specific proportion of light, and a colored layer24bthat displays a color on the substrate24aand transmits a specific proportion of light, a light blocking layer24cthat blocks light in the shape of the image to be displayed on the wall surface30, and a diffusion layer24dthat diffuses light incident on the light blocking layer24cand transmits a specific proportion of light.

It is possible for the substrate24ato be formed from a transparent material, but the substrate24amay be colored so that a specific proportion of light will be transmitted, and as such may serve in place of the colored layer24b.

The colored layer24b, the light blocking layer24c, and the diffusion layer24ddeform so as to conform to the deformation of the substrate24aof the display sheet24. The colored layer24b, the light blocking layer24c, and the diffusion layer24dmay be configured to include a plurality of layers.

It is possible for the light blocking layer24cto be painted black, silver, or a combination of these. It is possible for the diffusion layer24dto be painted white.

If the substrate24ais transparent and there is no colored layer24b, there will be a stark difference in color contrast between the light blocking layer24cand the diffusion layer24d, and it is conceivable that the image shape of the light blocking layer24cwill end up being visible through the wall surface30even when the light emitter22is not emitting any light.

However, in this embodiment, since the display sheet24includes the colored layer24b, the difference in contrast is greatly reduced, and transmission of the image shape of the light blocking layer24cto the wall surface30when the light emitter22is not emitting light can be made less conspicuous.

As shown inFIG.13, the display sheet24may be configured not to comprise the colored layer24b(having only the substrate24a, the light blocking layer24c, and the diffusion layer24d).

Furthermore, as shown inFIG.14, the display sheet24may have a configuration that does not include the colored layer24bor the diffusion layer24d(having only the substrate24aand the light blocking layer24c).

The information display device120according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference toFIGS.15to17.

As shown inFIG.15, the information display device120of this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that the first housing23aand the second housing23bof Embodiment 1 are constituted by a single housing123.

However, the configuration other than the above is basically the same as that of Embodiment 1, so components having the same function and shape as those described in Embodiment 1 shall be numbered the same and shall not be described in detail again.

As shown inFIG.15, the information display device120of this embodiment comprises the flexible substrate21a, the light emitter22, the housing123, the display sheet24, and the light guide region25.

The housing123has a deformable portion123aformed from a material that is softer than at least the flexible substrate21a, in the portion that comes into contact with the display sheet24. That is, the deformable portion123ais configured to deform more readily in a direction intersecting the surface of the display sheet24than does the flexible substrate21a.

The deformable portion123ais a part of the housing123and deforms along with the flexible display sheet24. The deformable portion123aof the housing123is formed thicker than the flexible substrate21a.

FIGS.16and17are cross-sectional views of a state in which the information display device120shown inFIG.15is disposed inside the curved wall surface30.

The display sheet24and the deformable portion123aof the housing123, which are disposed in contact with the curved wall surface30, deform so as to conform to the wall surface30, as shown inFIGS.16and17.

Consequently, just as with the information display device20of Embodiment 1, there is no space between the information display device120and the wall surface30, and a sharp image corresponding to the display sheet24can be displayed on the wall surface30.

That is, forming at least the portion of the single housing123that makes contact with the display sheet24from a material that is softer than the flexible substrate21aprovides the same effect as with the information display device20of Embodiment 1. That is, the portion of the housing123that makes contact with the display sheet24is configured deform more readily in a direction intersecting the surface of the display sheet24than does the flexible substrate21a.

The information display device220according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference toFIG.18.

As shown inFIG.18, the information display device220of this embodiment differs from Embodiment 2 in that a reflective material26is disposed in the light guide region25in the housing123of Embodiment 2.

However, the configuration other than the above is basically the same as that of Embodiments 1 and 2, so components having the same function and shape as those described in Embodiments 1 and 2 shall be numbered the same and shall not be described in detail again.

As shown inFIG.18, the information display device220of this embodiment is provided with a reflective material26that reflects the light emitted from the light emitter22inside the housing123, that is, in the light guide region25.

Here, the reflective material26may be a reflector, or may be a white-painted or white sheet.

Since the reflective material26thus surrounds the outside of the light emitter22, the light is reflected and diffused in the light guide region inside the housing123, and the intensity of the light incident on the display sheet24can be made more uniform.

This allows an image in which the light is very uniform to be displayed on the wall surface.

The diffusion layer24dprovided on the light emitter22side of the display sheet24can also be used as part of the reflective material.

The information display device320according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference toFIG.19.

As shown inFIG.19, the information display device320of this embodiment differs from that of Embodiment 2 in that a sensor27is disposed on the flexible substrate21aof Embodiment 2.

However, the configuration other than the above is basically the same as that of Embodiments 1 and 2, so components having the same function and shape as those described in Embodiments 1 and 2 shall be numbered the same and shall not be described in detail again.

FIG.19shows a layout example of the electrodes of the sensor27disposed on the flexible substrate21a.

As shown inFIG.19, the information display device320of this embodiment is provided with a sensor27that detects that a finger or the like on or near the surface of the display sheet24from changes in capacitance, this sensor being provided at a position facing the light guide region25on the flexible substrate21a.

The electrodes of the sensor27are disposed around the light emitter22, and upon coming into contact with the housing123, detect a change in capacitance around the display sheet24projecting a pattern on the wall surface30through the display sheet24and the housing123.

The sensor27senses, via its electrodes, that the hand of a passenger or the like has moved near the wall surface30on which the display sheet24is disposed. The sensor27can deform along with the display sheet24and the housing123to conform to the wall surface30.

This makes it possible to detect an operation or input by a passenger or other person on the surface of the display sheet24.

As shown inFIG.20, in addition to the configuration shown inFIG.19, a transmissive material28may be disposed in the light guide region25.

FIG.20shows an example in which the transmissive material28is disposed between the flexible substrate21aand the display sheet24of the information display device320.

The electrodes of sensor27are in contact with transmissive material28.

It is possible for the transmissive material28to be made of a transparent material, but may be made of a material that transmits a specific proportion of light.

The transmissive material28has a dielectric constant higher than that of air, and as shown inFIG.20, is disposed so that at least a portion thereof is in contact with the flexible substrate21a. Also, the transmissive material28is disposed so that its upper surface is in contact with the display sheet24.

Thus disposing the transmissive material28in the space extending from the flexible substrate21ato the display sheet24in the light guide region25makes it easier for the transmissive material28to transmit changes in capacitance on the surface of the display sheet24to the sensor27.

Also, the transmissive material28is formed from a transparent material. However, the transmissive material28need not be transparent, so long as it is a material that transmits a specific proportion of light. Also, the transmissive material28is an elastic body, and deforms along with the display sheet24to conform to the curved wall surface30.

The portion of the transmissive material28that comes near the light emitter22may be disposed with a space therebetween, or may be disposed so that the transmissive material28and the light emitter22are in contact with each other. The transmissive material28and the housing123may be disposed with a gap between them, or may be disposed so as to be in contact with each other.

The transmissive material (first transmissive material)128aand the transmissive material (second transmissive material)128bare disposed in two layers (upper and lower) so as to be in contact with each other, and the transmissive material128bis disposed in contact with the flexible substrate21a.

The transmissive material128aand the display sheet24are disposed so as to be in contact with each other in advance, or through deformation of the display sheet24.

Disposing the transmissive material128aand the transmissive material128bin the space between the flexible substrate21aand the display sheet24in the light guide region25allows the transmissive material128aand the transmissive material128bto efficiently transmit changes in capacitance on the surface of the display sheet24to the sensor27.

The transmissive material128aand the transmissive material128bare formed from a transparent material. However, the transmissive materials128aand128bneed not be transparent, so long as they are made of a material that transmits a specific proportion of light.

Also, the transmissive material128ais an elastic body, and deforms along with the display sheet24to conform to the curved wall surface30.

The transmissive materials128aand128bmay entirely be elastic bodies that transmit light. A gap may be formed around the light emitter22in the transmissive material128b, or the transmissive material128band the light emitter22may be disposed so as to be in contact with each other. The transmissive materials128aand128band the housing123may be disposed with a gap between them, or may be disposed so as to be in contact with each other.

The information display device420aaccording to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference toFIG.22.

As shown inFIG.22, the information display device420aof this embodiment differs from Embodiment 2 in that a reinforcing plate (substrate portion)21bis disposed on the lower surface side of the flexible substrate21aof Embodiment 2. That is, in this embodiment, the flexible substrate21aand the reinforcing plate21bconstitute the “substrate portion” of the present disclosure.

However, the configuration other than the above is basically the same as that of Embodiments 1 and 2, so components having the same function and shape as those described in Embodiments 1 and 2 shall be numbered the same and shall not be described in detail again.

As shown inFIG.22, the information display device420aof this embodiment has the reinforcing plate21bdisposed on the lower surface side (inside of the wall surface) of the flexible substrate21a.

As discussed above, the flexible substrate21ais in the form of a sheet, is flexible, and readily deforms. The flexible substrate21ais formed by covering a copper foil with a polyimide sheet, for example.

The reinforcing plate21bis attached to the surface of the flexible substrate21aon the opposite side from the surface on which the light emitter22is disposed.

At least the portion of the housing123in contact with the display sheet24is made of a material that is softer than the flexible substrate21areinforced by the reinforcing plate21b. That is, the portion of the housing123in contact with the display sheet24is configured to deform more readily in a direction intersecting the surface of the display sheet24than the flexible substrate21areinforced by the reinforcing plate21b. For instance, the reinforcing plate21bis molded from an epoxy resin, but is not limited to this configuration and may be molded from a material that is harder than the flexible substrate21a, such as other resins or metals.

Providing the reinforcing plate21bmakes the information display device420aless likely to bend in a direction intersecting the surface of the display sheet24than the connecting portion where adjacent information display devices420aare connected.

Also, providing the reinforcing plate21bincreases the strength of the portion of the flexible substrate21awhere the light emitter22is disposed. Consequently, when the information display device420ais being manufactured, or when it is handled in order to fit it to the wall surface, etc., there will be less deformation around the soldered portion for installing electronic components such as the light emitters22on the reinforcing plate21b. Accordingly, the soldered portion will be subjected to less stress.

As shown inFIG.23, the information display device420bmay be such that the light emitter22is disposed on the lower surface side of the flexible substrate21aand emits light to the display sheet24side via a through-hole formed in the flexible substrate421a, and the reinforcing plate421bis disposed on the upper surface of the flexible substrate421a.

The light emitters22are disposed on the surface of the flexible substrate421aon the opposite side from the display sheet24.

The reinforcing plate421bis attached to the surface of the flexible substrate421aon the opposite side from the surface on which the light emitters22are disposed.

At least the portion of the housing123that is in contact with the display sheet24is softer than the reinforcing plate421b. That is, the portion of the housing123in contact with the display sheet24deforms more readily in a direction intersecting the surface of the display sheet24than does the reinforcing plate421b.

As shown inFIG.23, through-holes that are smaller than the light emitters22are formed in the flexible substrate421aand the reinforcing plate421b, and these through-holes are also included in the light guide region.

The information display device520according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference toFIG.24.

As shown inFIG.24, the information display device520of this embodiment differs from Embodiment 2 in that a light guide body29is disposed in the vicinity of the light emitter22on the flexible substrate21aof Embodiment 2.

However, the configuration other than the above is basically the same as that of Embodiments 1 and 2, so components having the same function and shape as those described in Embodiments 1 and 2 shall be numbered the same and shall not be described in detail again.

As shown inFIG.24, the information display device520of this embodiment has the light guide body29at a position adjacent to the light emitter22on the flexible substrate21a.

The light guide body29diffuses, condenses, or reflects the light emitted from the light emitter22in the desired direction.

More precisely, the light guide body29has an incident surface29aon which the light emitted from the light emitter22is incident, and an exit surface29bfrom which the light incident from the incident surface29ais emitted toward the display sheet24.

The incident surface29ais the end surface of the light guide body29opposite the light emitter22, and the exit surface29bis the surface of the light guide body29opposite the display sheet24.

As a result, the light from the light emitter22is diffused by the light guide body29, so the intensity of the light in the direction of the display sheet24is more uniform. Also, since the light can be condensed in the intended direction by the light guide body29, the intensity of the light can be adjusted.

Also, when the light emitter22emits light substantially parallel to the flexible substrate21a, the light guide body29can reflect that light toward the display sheet24.

The information display device620aaccording to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference toFIG.25.

As shown inFIG.25, the information display device620aof this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that the sensor27is disposed on the flexible substrate21aof Embodiment 1, the reinforcing plate21bis provided on the lower surface side of the flexible substrate21a, and the transmissive material28is provided in the light guide region25.

However, the configuration other than the above is basically the same as that of Embodiment 1, so components having the same function and shape as those described in Embodiment 1 shall be numbered the same and shall not be described in detail again.

In the information display device620aof this embodiment, as shown inFIG.25, the sensor27provided on the flexible substrate21asenses changes in capacitance on the surface of the display sheet24via the transmissive material28, and is thus able to efficiently detect an operation made by the finger of a passenger or other such user.

In the light guide region25, the light emitter22is surrounded by the reflective material26, so the light is reflected and diffused in the light guide region25inside the first housing23aand the second housing23b, which improves uniformity of the intensity of the light that is incident on the display sheet24.

This allows an image with high uniformity of light to be displayed on the wall surface.

Furthermore, the reinforcing plate21bis attached to the surface of the flexible substrate21aon the opposite side from the surface on which the light emitter22is disposed.

Consequently, the strength of the part of the flexible substrate21aon which the light emitter22is disposed can be increased.

As shown inFIG.26, in the configuration shown inFIG.25, the transmissive material28may be divided into transmissive materials128aand128b(information display device620b).

The information terminal710according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference toFIGS.27to30.

As shown inFIGS.27and28, the information terminal710of this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that the case23eand the control board21cof Embodiment 1 are not provided.

However, the configuration other than the above is basically the same as that of Embodiment 1, so components having the same function and shape as those described in Embodiment 1 shall be numbered the same and shall not be described in detail again.

In the information terminal710of this embodiment, a plurality of information display devices720are lined up so that the display sheets24are all facing in the same direction. As shown inFIGS.27and28, just as in the Embodiment 1, the information terminal710has a plurality of information display devices720linked in the first housing23aportion.

The first housing23ais formed from an elastic material, and is softly deformed at the connecting portion between the information display devices720.

Consequently, the information display devices720can bend at the connecting portions. The flexible substrate21acan be used as the substrate of the information terminal710.

Also, the grooves23cand23dare provided to the first housing23a, as discussed above, at the connecting portions of the information display devices720adjacent to each other.

This allows the first housing23ato flexibly deform along the curved wall surface30at the connecting portions of the plurality of information display devices720, as shown inFIGS.29and30.

Appendix

In the configuration of the present disclosure, the display sheet may have a sensor that detects that the display sheet has been touched by the user.

In the configuration of the present disclosure, the light guide may be disposed on the upper surface of the substrate along with the light emitters.

In the configuration of the present disclosure, the light guide may have an incident surface on which light emitted from the light emitters is incident, and an exit surface from which the light incident from the incident surface is emitted toward the display sheet.

In the configuration of the present disclosure, the incident surface may be the end surface of the light guide that is opposite the light emitter, and the exit surface may be the surface of the light guide that is opposite the display sheet.

In the configuration of the present disclosure, the first grooves and the second grooves may be disposed at positions that are offset from each other on the front and back surfaces of the housing.

In the configuration of the present disclosure, the display sheet may have a substrate that transmits light and a light blocking layer that partially transmits light from the light emitter.

In the configuration of the present disclosure, the display sheet may further have a colored layer that is provided between the substrate and the light blocking layer and transmits a specific proportion of light.

In the configuration of the present disclosure, the display sheet may further have a diffusion layer that transmits a specific proportion of light from the light emitter and reflects and diffuses the light from the light emitter into the light guide region.

Other Embodiments

Embodiments were described above as examples of the technology of the present disclosure, but the disclosure is not limited to or by these, and can also be applied to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc., have been made. Also, it is also possible to combine the constituent elements described in the above embodiments to form new embodiments.

For instance,FIG.31shows an example of the shape of the electrodes of the sensors127disposed on the flexible substrate21ain Embodiment 1.

The sensors127are disposed so as to surround the light emitters22on the flexible substrate21a. The sensors127are disposed around the light emitters22corresponding to the various information display devices120on the flexible substrate21a, and sense the change in capacitance accompanying an operation made by a human finger or the like near the surface of the display sheet24.

This makes it possible to effectively detect an operation with a human finger or the like around each display sheet24. The shape of the electrodes of the sensors127may be either hollow in the center or solid, and may be either rectangular or circular.

For example, as shown inFIGS.32and33, the display sheet24may also be provided to the case23e.

In this case, as shown inFIG.34, the light emitters22and the sensors127are provided on the control board21calong with the control circuit221b.

Similarly, as shown inFIG.35, light emitters22and sensors127are provided on flexible substrate21aat positions corresponding to the plurality of information display devices.

This allows the desired pattern to be displayed on the wall surface30via the display sheet24also in the case21econtaining the control board21c.

For example, as shown inFIGS.36and37, mounting holes821dand821efor mounting the information terminal810to the wall surface30or the like may be provided at the two ends (case23e, end821c) in the lengthwise direction.

Consequently, the information terminal810is attached to another structure such as the wall surface30with screws or other such fastening members inserted into the attachment holes821dand821e.

The information terminal810can be attached and fixed by threading male screws into female threads provided on the structure side.

For example, as shown inFIG.38, light emitters22may be provided at positions corresponding to a plurality of information display devices on the flexible substrate921a, and sensors927corresponding to the light emitters22may be provided in a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the flexible substrate921a.

The sensors927are disposed near the display sheet24by being folded back at the connecting portion with the flexible substrate921a(indicated by a one-dot chain line in the drawing) and disposed overlapping the flexible substrate921a. Because the sensors927have a hollow shape, the light emitted from the light emitters22is able to pass through to the display sheet24.

The hollow shape may be rectangular or circular. The sensors927may have a sheet-like shape without any hole, rather than a hollow shape, if a material that transmits a specific proportion of light is used.

For example, as shown inFIG.39, the sensor27may be disposed on the display sheet24included in the information display device.

FIG.39shows a configuration in which a sensor27is disposed as one of the layers constituting the display sheet24of the information terminal10.

Consequently, since there is no space between the wall surface30, the display sheet24, and the sensor27, an operation of a passenger or other person's finger near the surface of the display sheet24can be sensed more accurately.

Also, configuring the sensor27as a part of the display sheet24allows the sensor27to substitute for the display sheet24.

In the above embodiment, as shown inFIG.5, etc., an example was given in which the grooves23cand23dwere provided at positions that were offset from each other on the front and rear surfaces of the connecting portion of the first housing23aof the information display device20. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

For instance, the grooves formed in the first housing may be provided on just the front surface or the rear surface.

Also, the grooves provided on the front and back surfaces may be provided at positions that are opposite each other.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the grooves23cand23dprovided to the connecting portions of the first housing23aconnecting a plurality of information display devices made it easier for the connecting portions to bend along the wall surface. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

For instance, the configuration for making the connecting portions more bendable may be one in which the wall thickness is reduced, one in which the portion is made from a softer material, one in which something other than grooves is used, or a configuration combining these.

Also, the connecting portion may be provided as a separate member rather than being integrated with the housing.

Also, although an example of using a flexible substrate as the substrate portion was given, some other substrate such as a rigid substrate or a metal-based substrate may be used. For example, the configuration may be such that rigid substrates provided to adjacent information display devices are linked by cables provided to the connecting portions. The connecting portions should be configured to bend more easily than the information display devices, and this is not the only example of using a substrate different from a flexible substrate for the substrate portion.