Aerial displays are currently attracting attention as a futuristic display. As the name suggests, an aerial display is a technology that uses the reflection of light to display images in the air. It is also called aerial imaging technology, and allows images to appear in front of the naked eye without the need for special glasses. By adding sensors and tactile sensations, it can also be used as an aerial touch panel, so it is expected to be an evolution of general displays.
The idea of an aerial display itself has been around since 1997, when researcher Makoto Otsubo first disclosed the world's first patent application, "JP Patent Publication No. 09-005503," regarding an optical imaging device. At the time, the function as an imaging optical element was insufficient, but in 2011, with the cooperation of Asukanet Co., Ltd., which was eager to develop new technologies, the aerial display was successfully put into practical use.
In 2020, Parity Innovations began selling the 300mm square Parity Mirror 300. At the time, we were in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there was hope for non-contact touch displays as a new technology that could also reduce the risk of infection, and aerial displays were exhibited at many exhibitions. One of the benefits of introducing aerial displays has been that they can be operated without contact.
Aerial displays can be operated without touching the actual display, so they are thought to be useful in medical settings where hygiene is important. Another benefit in medical settings is that they are contactless, so there is no need to disinfect the parts that come into contact.
In addition, since images can be projected without a screen, there is no need for special equipment or preparation such as gadgets, and it is possible to project the actual object as if it were right in front of you, so it is expected to be useful in situations such as new product launches.
