Aerial image display device and method for displaying 360-degree images

A method for displaying an aerial image with an aerial image display device comprising a computer, an image system controlled by the computer to project an image onto an imaging plane in the air, and a motion sensor that detects coordinates of a user's hand located in the vicinity of the aerial image projected by the image system and transmits the detection result to the computer, the method comprising:

• a step of inputting a 360-degree image into the computer;
• a step of defining a sphere in an area in the air including the imaging plane;
• a step of mapping the 360-degree image onto the surface of the sphere;
• and
• a step of projecting and displaying the surface of the sphere, onto which the 360-degree image is mapped, on the imaging plane;
• wherein the motion sensor detects a hand movement performed by the user, rotation of the sphere is performed according to the detection result, the 360-degree image rotates accordingly, and
• wherein the user can freely rotate the 360-degree image on the surface of the sphere vertically, horizontally, and diagonally by moving their hand vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.

An aerial image display device comprising a computer;

• a visual system controlled by this computer to project images into the air as aerial images;
• and a motion sensor that detects the coordinates of a user's hand performed near the projected aerial image and transmits the detection results to the computer, the computer configured to perform:
• a step of inputting a 360-degree image into the computer;
• a step of defining a sphere in an area in the air including the imaging plane;
• a step of mapping the 360-degree image onto the surface of the sphere;
• and
• a step of projecting and displaying the surface of the sphere, onto which the 360-degree image is mapped, on the imaging plane;
• wherein the motion sensor detects a hand movement performed by the user, rotation of the sphere is performed according to the detection result, the 360-degree image rotates accordingly, and
• wherein the user can freely rotate the 360-degree image on the surface of the sphere vertically, horizontally, and diagonally by moving their hand vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.