Display switching device, button device for game machine, and switch

Abstract

A display switching device, a button device and a switch for a game machine, which suppress the display screen of a display layer from appearing whitish by allowing the user to visually identify the reflected light of interference light reflected in a pixel area. The display switching device (10) switches the display image by switching the irradiation of light from multiple light source positions (7). The display switching device includes: a lens array (6) arranged with multiple lenses that allow light emitted from multiple light source positions to pass through respectively; a display layer (4) that includes a pixel area through which light focused by each lens of the lens array passes; and a diffusion layer (3) that is located on the opposite side of the light source position relative to the lens array and diffuses the transmitted light. The diffusion layer is optically bonded to a layer located on the light source position side of the diffusion layer, or is made of the same material as a layer located on the light source side of the diffusion layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display switching device, a button device and a switch for a game machine equipped with the display switching device. Background Art

[0002] Disclosed is a display switching device that allows light from a plurality of light sources to pass through a lens array composed of a plurality of micro lenses, converges (focuses) the light on a display layer, and diffuses the light through a diffusion layer.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a backlight display device for automatic visual viewing of a lenticular image card, which includes an illumination source designed to selectively illuminate each image formed on a lenticular medium. In the backlight display device, the illumination source of the display guides light through the microlens side of the lenticular image card in order to illuminate each image in sequence and continuously and adapt to the visual distance of the card and the selected viewing angle.

[0004] Specifically, in Patent Document 1, the position of light focused by a lenticular lens is changed by switching the light source, thereby selectively illuminating an image on a display layer.

[0005] Specifically, a backlight display device in the related art includes at least a lenticular lens composed of a plurality of microlenses, a plurality of light sources for irradiating light toward the lenticular lens, and a display layer including a plurality of images.

[0006] Then, by switching on and off the plurality of light sources, the focusing position of the light focused by the lenticular lens is changed, thereby selectively illuminating an image on the display layer.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-195216

[0010] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, since disturbance light around the backlight display device is diffused by Fresnel reflection on the back side of the diffusion layer on the surface and enters from the front direction on the visual recognition side, there is a problem that the surface of the screen looks whitish. Summary of the invention

[0011] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to prevent disturbance light from being Fresnel reflected at the boundary between the back surface of the diffusion layer and the display layer, thereby suppressing the display layer from appearing whitish due to the user's visual recognition of the disturbance light reflected by the Fresnel.

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a display switching device of one embodiment of the present invention is a display switching device that switches the display image by switching the irradiation of light from multiple light source positions, and is characterized in that it comprises: a lens array, which is arranged with multiple lenses that allow light emitted from multiple light source positions to pass through respectively; a display layer, which includes a pixel area for allowing light converged by each of the lenses of the lens array to pass through; a diffusion layer, which is located on the opposite side of the light source position relative to the lens array and diffuses the transmitted light, and the diffusion layer is optically bonded to the layer located on the light source position side of the diffusion layer, or is made of the same material as the layer located on the light source side of the diffusion layer.

[0013] According to the above structure, the diffusion layer and the display layer are optically bonded, or the diffusion layer and the display layer are integrally formed of the same material, so that Fresnel reflection caused by interference light at the boundary between the back side of the diffusion layer and the display layer can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the surface of the display screen from appearing white.

[0014] In addition, the display switching device of the above aspect may be arranged in the order of a lens array, a diffusion layer, and a display layer from the light source position side.

[0015] According to the above configuration, since the outermost side of the visual recognition side is the display layer, reflection of disturbance light from the visual recognition side is suppressed by the display layer of the display switching device, thereby suppressing the surface of the display layer from appearing whitish due to reflection of disturbance light.

[0016] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, when the haze of the diffusion layer is 98% or less, the thickness of the diffusion layer may be 0.3 times or less of the lens pitch of the lenses constituting the lens array.

[0017] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the light from the light source from diffusing in the display layer and causing crosstalk to disturb the image.

[0018] In addition, in the display switching device of the above-mentioned aspect, if θ1 is the incident angle when the light emitted from the light source position is incident on the outermost lens arranged in the lens array, θ2 is the angle at which the amount of light becomes half of the amount of central light when parallel light is incident on the lens in the lens array, and θ3 is the angle at which the intensity becomes 10% of the intensity when the emission angle becomes 0 degrees in the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion layer, then θ3 ≥ θ1 - θ2.

[0019] According to the above configuration, since the light transmitted through the lens array is incident on the user from the front side, the user's visibility from the front side can be ensured.

[0020] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, when the refractive index of the diffusion layer is n1 and the refractive index of the lens array is n2, n1 and n2 may satisfy the following relationship.

[0021] n2-0.2≤n1≤n2+0.2

[0022] According to the above configuration, since the difference between the refractive index n1 of the diffusion layer and the refractive index n2 of the lens array is small, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of Fresnel reflection at the boundary between the lens array and the diffusion layer.

[0023] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, the diffusion layer may be formed as a single layer using a material having a diffusion function and a bonding function with the lens array.

[0024] According to the above structure, since there is no boundary line between the diffusion layer and the lens array located below the diffusion layer when observed from the visual recognition side, and they are formed of the same material, it is possible to prevent Fresnel reflection generated at the boundary between the diffusion layer and the lens array, and prevent the surface of the display layer from appearing whitish.

[0025] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, a diffusion shape for diffusing light transmitted through the lens array may be formed on the display layer side of the lens array.

[0026] According to the above structure, by forming a diffusion shape on the lens array, it is possible to prevent Fresnel reflection of the interference light irradiated from the visual recognition side, and it is possible to prevent the surface of the display layer from looking whitish. In addition, since the lens array and the diffusion layer are integrated, it is not necessary to form a diffusion layer, which can suppress manufacturing costs.

[0027] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, the diffusion shape of the lens array may be formed by a plurality of lens shapes, and a height of the diffusion shape may be less than or equal to 0.3 times a lens pitch of the lenses constituting the lens array.

[0028] According to the above structure, it is possible to prevent the light from the light source from diffusing in the diffusion layer and causing image crosstalk in the display layer. Here, the so-called "crosstalk" refers to the light from a certain light source entering the image illuminated by a different light source adjacent to the image of the display layer illuminated by the light source, thereby disturbing the image in the display layer.

[0029] In addition, in the display switching device of the above aspect, the diffusion shape of the lens array may be formed by a plurality of lens shapes, and the maximum inclination angle ( Fig.16 θ) is less than 60 degrees.

[0030] According to the above structure, the angle at which the light from the light source is diffused by the diffusion shape becomes larger, so even at a position on the lens array where the angle of the light from the light source incident on the lens array becomes shallower, the light can be emitted in the front direction. Therefore, for the user, the visual recognition from the front can be improved.

[0031] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, the diffusion shape of the lens array may be formed by a plurality of unit shapes, the plurality of unit shapes may include two or more shapes, and the respective shapes may be dispersedly arranged.

[0032] According to the above configuration, by dispersing the diffusion shapes of different shapes, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of moire fringes due to the positional relationship with each lens of the lens array when the diffusion shapes of the same shape are arranged in parallel.

[0033] In addition, in the display switching device of the above aspect, the lens array may also include lenses of the following shape, that is, the focus of the light from the light source position when it is converged through the lens is located at the boundary between the diffusion layer and the display layer or farther away from the light source position than the boundary.

[0034] According to the above configuration, the size of the spot formed by the light from the light source at the boundary between the diffusion layer and the display layer can be suppressed, and thus the occurrence of image crosstalk in the display layer can be suppressed.

[0035] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, the lens array may include lenses of a shape such that a focal point when light from the light source position is converged by the lenses is located farther from the light source position than a boundary between the lenses and the diffusion layer.

[0036] According to the above configuration, the size of the spot formed by the light from the light source position at the boundary between the diffusion layer and the display layer can be suppressed, and thus the occurrence of image crosstalk in the display layer can be suppressed.

[0037] In addition, the display switching device according to the above aspect may include a pixel peripheral region that is located around the pixel region and suppresses reflection or transmission of light from the light source side or the side opposite to the light source.

[0038] According to the above configuration, the reflection of disturbance light or the transmission of light from the light source is suppressed by the area surrounding the pixel, so that the display layer can be suppressed from looking whitish.

[0039] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, the reflectivity of the pixel peripheral area with respect to light from the side opposite to the position of the light source may be 50% or less.

[0040] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress reflection of disturbance light emitted from the viewing side, thereby suppressing the display layer from looking whitish.

[0041] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, the transmittance of the pixel peripheral area to light from a light source position may be 50% or less.

[0042] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the display layer from appearing whitish due to the transmission of light from the light source position.

[0043] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, a colored portion corresponding to a pattern that can be visually recognized by light from a side opposite to the position of the light source may be formed in a region surrounding the pixel.

[0044] According to the above configuration, whitening in the display layer can be prevented by the pixel peripheral area, and a pattern can be displayed when the light is turned off.

[0045] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, the pixel peripheral region may be located at least on the diffusion layer side in the thickness direction of the display layer.

[0046] In addition, in the display switching device of the above aspect, when the display layer has the diffusion layer on the side opposite to the light source position, the thickness of the diffusion layer in the area connected to the pixel area may be thicker than the thickness of the diffusion layer in the area connected to the pixel surrounding area.

[0047] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the diffusion of reflected disturbance light while maintaining the diffusibility of the light from the light source.

[0048] Furthermore, in the button device for a gaming machine having the display switching device according to the above aspect, it is also possible to have a button body and the display switching device described above, and to have a structure in which the button body is pressed relative to a housing of the gaming machine.

[0049] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a button device for a gaming machine in which the surface of the display layer can be prevented from appearing whitish.

[0050] Furthermore, the switch according to the above aspect may include the display switching device described above, and detect an operation of the display switching device by a user.

[0051] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a switch capable of suppressing the surface of the display layer from appearing whitish.

[0052] Effects of the Invention

[0053] According to the above configuration, the reflection of disturbance light emitted from the viewing side is suppressed by the pixel peripheral area, so that the display layer can be suppressed from appearing whitish. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display switching device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display switching device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the thickness of the diffusion layer and the crosstalk in the display switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining the occurrence of crosstalk in the display layer due to the thickness of the diffusion layer in the display switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the degree of diffusion of the diffusion layer and the spread of light when parallel light enters the diffusion layer in the display switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the relationship between the thickness of the diffusion layer / the lens pitch and the spread of light in the display layer / the lens pitch in the display switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the angle of the path of light from a light source in the display switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion layer in the display switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the schematic configuration of the display switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining the difference in refractive index between the diffusion layer and the lens array in the display switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the difference in refractive index, the total reflection angle, and the diffusivity reduction rate in the display switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Fig.12(a) to (c) are diagrams showing the focal position of light from a light source in a display switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display switching device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the diffusion shape and the occurrence of moire fringes in the display switching device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the thickness of the diffusion shape formed in the lens array and the lens pitch in the display switching device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing the maximum inclination angle of the diffusion shape formed in the lens array in the display switching device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Fig.17 : is a graph showing the relationship between the maximum inclination angle of the diffusion shape and the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion layer in the display switching device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Fig.18 This is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display switching device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Fig.19 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the schematic configuration of the display switching device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Fig. 20 It is a diagram showing the reflectance in the display switching device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Fig.21 This is a diagram showing reflectance in another example of the display switching device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Fig. 22 This is a diagram for explaining how crosstalk is suppressed by the pixel peripheral area in the display switching device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Fig.23 This is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display switching device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Fig.24 This is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of another example of the display switching device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Fig.25A diagram for explaining how crosstalk is prevented in the display switching device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Fig.26 This is a diagram for explaining how crosstalk is prevented in another example of the display switching device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Fig. 27 This is a diagram for explaining the difference in thickness of a local diffusion layer and the effect of diffusing light from a light source and suppressing reflection of disturbance light in the display switching device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Fig.28 It is a schematic diagram showing a basic structure of a display switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Fig.29 It is a schematic diagram showing the details of the basic structure of the display switching device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Fig.30 The drawings show a structural example of a microlens array of a display switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a plan view, (b) is a partial stereoscopic view, and (c) is a partial cross-sectional view.

[0084] Fig.31 It is a diagram showing a change in the arrangement of lenses in the lens array according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Fig.32 It is a diagram showing an example of a converging state (light-collecting state) of a microlens array of a display switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Fig.33 (a) to (d) are diagrams showing examples of switching display of display layers of the display switching device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Fig.34 The diagram shows the correspondence relationship among the display layer, the lenses constituting the microlens array, and the light source of the display switching device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Fig.35 (a) is a plan view showing a display layer of a display switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is an enlarged view showing a part of the display layer.

[0089] Fig.36 This is a schematic perspective view of a gaming machine including a display switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Fig.37 It is a top view of the stop button unit of the above-mentioned gaming machine.

[0091] Description of Reference Numerals

[0092] 1: Game console

[0093] 1a: Front door

[0094] 1b: Shell

[0095] 3: Diffusion layer

[0096] 4: Display layer (image layer)

[0097] 5: Adhesive layer

[0098] 6: Lens array

[0099] 7: Light source

[0100] 8: Substrate

[0101] 9: Shell

[0102] 10: Display switching device

[0103] 45: Display unit

[0104] 45a: Pixel area

[0105] 45b: Area around the pixel

[0106] 45c: Coloring

[0107] 61: Diffuse Shape

[0108] 100: Push button device

[0109] 101: Button body

[0110] 102: Display unit

[0111] 103: Coin button

[0112] 104: Game coin input port

[0113] 105: Start Pole

[0114] 106: Stop button unit

[0115] 107: Game currency payment port

[0116] 121: Left reel

[0117] 122: Middle reel

[0118] 123: Right reel

[0119] 160: Decorative panels

[0120] 161: Left reel stop button

[0121] 162: Middle reel stop button

[0122] 163: Right reel stop button

[0123] P3: Third Image

[0124] P4: Fourth Image

[0125] P5: The fifth image

[0126] P6: Sixth Image DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0127] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0128] (Basic structure of display switching device)

[0129] Before describing one embodiment of the present invention in detail, Fig.28 and Fig.29 A basic structure that is a premise of this embodiment will be described.

[0130] Fig.28 is a schematic diagram showing a basic structure of a display switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.29 This is a diagram showing its detailed structure.

[0131] like Fig.28 and Fig.29 As shown, the display switching device 10 includes, in order from top to bottom in the figure: a diffusion layer 3, a display layer 4, a lens array 6, a plurality of light sources 7, and a substrate 8. An adhesive layer 5 is provided between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4.

[0132] The diffusion layer 3 is, for example, square in plan view. In addition, there are a plurality of light sources 7, preferably RGB LEDs. However, the light source 7 may not be included as required. In this case, the user prepares the light source.

[0133] The diffusion layer 3 preferably has a thickness of 0.1 mm and a haze value of 90%.

[0134] The display layer 4 is also called an image layer, and its thickness is 0.1 mm. The display layer 4, for example, includes a pixel area 45a (also called an opening, the same below) and a pixel surrounding area 45b (also called a mask, the same below) as an area outside the pixel area 45a. In addition, the "pixel surrounding area 45b" mentioned here refers to an area with a certain transmittance located around each pixel area 45a. In addition, the pixel surrounding area 45b blocks the light from the light source side, that is, the light from the side where the lens array 6 is configured.

[0135] like Fig.29As shown, the lens array 6 provided below the display layer 4 converges the light emitted from the plurality of light sources 7 mounted on the substrate 8. The thickness thereof is, for example, 0.4 mm. The lens array 6 is formed by arranging a plurality of lenses.

[0136] The display layer 4 includes a plurality of pixel regions 45 a arranged to include regions through which light emitted from the positions of the plurality of light sources 7 and focused by the lenses of the lens array 6 passes, and the transmittance in each pixel region 45 a is set corresponding to a predetermined static pattern.

[0137] The diffusion layer 3, the display layer 4 and the lens array 6 are supported by a housing 9. Furthermore, by mounting the housing 9 on the substrate 8 on which the plurality of light sources 7 are mounted, the basic structure of the display switching device 10 is formed. In addition, the display switching device 10 may also include a protective layer above the diffusion layer 3 for preventing damage.

[0138] In addition, Fig.29 In the embodiment, the distance h from the upper end of the light source 7 to the lower end of the lens array 6 is, for example, 20 mm.

[0139] In the display switching device 10 configured as above, the display image P displayed on the display layer 4 is switched by switching the irradiation of light from the positions of the plurality of light sources 7. In addition, the switching of the light source 7 between on and off is performed by a light source control unit (not shown). The light source control unit is composed of, for example, an IC chip provided on a substrate, and performs light source control.

[0140] (Configuration Example of Lens Array)

[0141] Next, refer to Fig.30 etc. describe structural examples of lens arrays.

[0142] Fig.30 (a), (b) and (c) represent Fig.28 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the lens array 6. Fig.30 As shown in (a) of FIG. 8 , the lens array 6 is formed by arranging a plurality of lenses in a two-dimensional matrix.

[0143] Fig.30 (b) is a perspective view showing a part of the lens array 6 in an enlarged manner. Fig.30 (c) is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the lens array 6.

[0144] Fig.31 It is a diagram showing a change in the arrangement of lenses in the lens array according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] Fig.31 (a) to (c) are diagrams showing changes in the arrangement of the pixel regions 45a of the display layer 4. Fig.31In (a), the lenses of the lens array 6 are arranged one-dimensionally. Fig.31 In (b), the pixel region 45a and the lenses of the lens array 6 are arranged two-dimensionally in a honeycomb shape. Fig.31 In (c), the pixel region 45a and the lenses of the lens array 6 are two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix.

[0146] like Fig.31 As shown in (b) and (c), when the pixel area 45a is configured two-dimensionally, the pixels composed of multiple pixel areas 45a are also arranged two-dimensionally, and each lens of the lens array 6 is configured corresponding to each pixel. In each pixel, the number of pixel areas 45a corresponding to the number of light sources to be switched is configured.

[0147] Fig.31 The example shown in (a) shows that the lens array 6 is a structure in which a plurality of cylindrical lenses are arranged in one direction, such as in the conventional biconvex lens array. In this case, the pixel area 45a is divided into an arbitrary number along the long side direction of the cylindrical lenses and is arranged at an arbitrary position. Thus, even if the lens array 6 is a structure in which a plurality of cylindrical lenses are arranged in one direction, it is possible to switch and display images of various patterns.

[0148] Fig.32 : is a figure which shows an example of the convergence state of the lens array 6. As shown in this figure, it can be confirmed that the convergence position changes by changing the position of the light source.

[0149] When the display switching device 10 is applied to the key top of a keyboard, as an example of the size of the multiple lenses constituting the lens array 6, the distance L between adjacent lenses is set to approximately 200 μm, the radius of curvature R of the protruding portion of each lens is set to approximately 150 μm, the maximum thickness H of each lens in the light emission direction is set to approximately 400 μm, and the refractive index n of the lens is set to 1.5.

[0150] Fig.33 (a) to (d) are diagrams showing switching display examples of the display layer 4, respectively. Fig.33 (a) is a display example displayed on the display layer (also called image layer) 4, (b) is an example of a displayed pattern, (c) is an enlarged view of part A of (a), and (d) is an enlarged view of part B of (c).

[0151] exist Fig.33 In the display example shown, for example, a third image P3 (illustrated as hiragana "き"), a fourth image P4 (illustrated as a pattern "△"), a fifth image P5 (illustrated as a capital letter "G"), and a sixth image P6 (illustrated as a number "6") can be switched and displayed on the same image layer.

[0152] like Fig.33As shown in (d), as an example, the entire display layer 4 can be divided into a plurality of regions (a plurality of pixels) to switch the display so that a maximum of four pixel regions 45a are included in one region.

[0153] Here, as an example, the pitch between adjacent regions is about 200 μm, the distance between adjacent pixel regions 45a in the same region is about 100 μm, and the diameter of the plurality of pixel regions 45a is 30 to 80 μm. Fig.33 As shown in (d), the area other than the pixel area 45a of the display unit 45 becomes the pixel surrounding area 45b.

[0154] Fig.34 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the correspondence relationship among the display layer 4 (display unit 45 ), the lenses constituting the lens array 6 , and the light source 7 . Fig.34 The light sources 7a to 7d shown are light sources that emit white light, green light, red light, and blue light, respectively, for example.

[0155] exist Fig.34 In FIG. 4 , two pixels are illustrated, and the light from each of the above light sources is condensed on the lens array 6 and emitted from the corresponding pixel area 45a. Each pixel is divided into a pixel area 45a and a pixel surrounding area 45b.

[0156] Fig.35 (a) shows a plan view of the display layer 4, and (b) of the same figure shows an enlarged view of a part of the display layer 4. As shown in (b), an image is previously formed on the pixel peripheral region 45b by printing or the like.

[0157] That is, the color or reflectance of disturbance light irradiated from the side opposite to the side where the lens array 6 is arranged with respect to the display layer 4 differs depending on the location of the pixel surrounding region 45 b .

[0158] According to the above structure, the color or reflectivity of the disturbance light varies depending on the location of the pixel surrounding area 45b, so that the user can visually recognize the prescribed pattern even in a state where no light is irradiated from the light source 7. Thus, the image of the pixel area 45a in a state where the light source 7 is not emitting light can be made less noticeable.

[0159] The basic structure of the display switching device has been described above. The structures of the display switching device in various embodiments will be described below.

[0160] (Implementation Method 1)

[0161] like Figure 1As shown, the display switching device 10 of the first embodiment is a display switching device that switches the display image by switching the irradiation of light from the positions of multiple light sources 7, and includes: a lens array 6, which is arranged with multiple lenses that transmit the light emitted from the multiple light source positions; a display layer 4, which includes a pixel area 45a that transmits the light focused by each lens of the lens array 6; and a diffusion layer 3, which is located on the opposite side of the light source position relative to the lens array 6 and diffuses the transmitted light. The diffusion layer 3 is optically bonded to the layer located on the light source position side of the diffusion layer 3, or is composed of the same material as the layer located on the light source 7 side of the diffusion layer 3 (display layer 4 in this embodiment).

[0162] For example, in the display switching device 10, from the light source 7 side ( Figure 1 The lens array 6, the display layer 4, the adhesive layer 5, and the diffusion layer 3 are sequentially arranged from the lower side in the image display (in the image display). The light from the light source 7 is converged by the lenses constituting the lens array 6 and irradiated to the display layer 4. The light that passes through the pixel area 45a of the light irradiated to the display layer 4 is diffused in the diffusion layer 3, thereby expanding the viewing angle and emitting to the outside. The display layer 4 and the diffusion layer 3 are optically bonded by the adhesive layer 5.

[0163] In the display switching device 10, instead of providing the adhesive layer 5, the diffusion layer 3 itself may have an adhesive function with the display layer 4. For example, as the diffusion layer 3, a material in which particles are dispersed in a transparent adhesive may be used.

[0164] When the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 is optically bonded by the adhesive layer 5 as in the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to suppress the interference light irradiated to the diffusion layer 3 from the visual recognition side (the upper side in the figure, i.e., the diffusion layer 3 side) from causing Fresnel reflection on the back side of the diffusion layer 3, i.e., the boundary between the display layer 4 and the diffusion layer 3, thereby reducing the situation where the display screen appears whitish.

[0165] (Implementation Method 2)

[0166] As in the first embodiment, in order to prevent the light from the light source position from diffusing between the display layer 4 and the lens array 6 and thus worsening the crosstalk, the diffusion layer 3 is arranged on the display layer 4 (on the visual recognition side). In this regard, the inventors of the present application have found that the diffusion layer 3 can be arranged between the display layer 4 and the lens array 6 by adopting the structure shown in the following embodiment.

[0167] like Figure 2 As shown, the display switching device 10 of the second embodiment can also be arranged in the order of the lens array 6, the diffusion layer 3, and the display layer 4 from the light source position side. Figure 2The lens array 6, the diffusion layer 3, and the display layer 4 are arranged in this order from the side below the diffusion layer 3, and the diffusion layer 3 and the lens array 6 are optically bonded via the bonding layer 5. In addition, instead of providing the bonding layer 5 between the diffusion layer 3 and the lens array 6, the diffusion layer 3 may have a bonding function with the lens array 6.

[0168] According to the above structure, when viewed from the visual recognition side, the diffusion layer 3 is located below the display layer 4, so it is possible to reduce the reflection of the interfering light irradiated from the visual recognition side to the display layer 4, which makes the surface of the display layer 4 look white. In addition, since the diffusion layer 3 and the lens array 6 are optically bonded, it is possible to reduce the reflection of interfering light on the back side of the diffusion layer 3, that is, the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the lens array 6. In addition, by bonding the diffusion layer 3 and the lens array 6, the lens array 6 and the display layer 4 can be aligned.

[0169] When the haze in the diffusion layer 3 is 98% or less, the thickness of the diffusion layer 3 may be 0.3 times or less of the lens pitch of the lenses constituting the lens array 6. By limiting the thickness of the diffusion layer 3 to this range, it is possible to suppress the diffusion of light from the light source 7 in the diffusion layer 3 to generate image crosstalk (a phenomenon in which light from the light source 7 enters the plurality of openings provided in the display layer 4, i.e., adjacent pixel areas 45a in the pixel area 45a, causing image disturbance).

[0170] The following uses Figure 4 and Figure 6 State the reason.

[0171] like Figure 4 As shown on the left, light from the light source 7 is converged by the lenses constituting the lens array 6, passes through the diffusion layer 3, and forms an image at the boundary with the display layer 4. At this time, the thicker the diffusion layer 3 is, the greater the diffusion of light at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4, and the greater the expansion of light passing through the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4. Figure 4 The right side of the figure shows the intensity distribution of light at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4. If the expansion of light at the boundary with the display layer 4 exceeds 0.5 times the lens pitch, the light will enter the adjacent pixel area 45a in the display layer 4, causing crosstalk. Therefore, in order to prevent crosstalk, it is necessary to suppress the expansion of light at the boundary with the display layer 4 to be less than 0.5 times the lens pitch.

[0172] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, if the thickness of the diffusion layer 3 is too large, the lights from at least two light sources are mixed with each other, thereby increasing crosstalk and making it impossible to switch the lights from the light sources.

[0173] Figure 6 Graph showing the relationship between the thickness of the diffusion layer 3 / lens pitch and the spread of light in the display layer 4 / lens pitch. Figure 6As shown, in order to suppress the spread of light at the boundary with the display layer 4 to be 0.5 times or less of the lens pitch, the thickness of the diffusion layer 3 needs to be 0.3 times or less of the lens pitch.

[0174] Figure 5 1 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the diffusion degree of the diffusion layer 3 and the spread of light when parallel light enters the diffusion layer 3 in the display switching device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Regarding the diffusion degree of the diffusion layer 3, it is assumed that the spread of light when parallel light enters the diffusion layer 3 is as follows: Figure 5 As shown in the graph. Usually, the haze, which is an indicator of diffusivity, is around 98%, which is quite high. Figure 5 In the case of the diffusion layer 3 having the characteristics shown in FIG. 1 , the thickness is preferably 0.3 times or less of the lens pitch of the lenses constituting the lens array 6 .

[0175] The diffusion layer 3 is a material that is a matrix and contains microparticles, which diffuse light. The matrix is ​​made of resins such as acrylic, polycarbonate, or PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), and beads or fillers used as microparticles are made of materials such as silicon or polyurethane that have a different refractive index from the matrix. The size of the microparticles mixed in the matrix is ​​about several μm to several tens of μm.

[0176] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the angle of the path of light from a light source in the display switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0177] exist Figure 7 In the figure, if θ1 is the incident angle of light emitted from the light source position when it is incident on the outermost lens in the lens array, θ2 is the angle at which the parallel light becomes half the central light when it is incident on the lens in the lens array, and θ3 is the angle at which the emission angle becomes 10% of the intensity of 0 degrees in the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion layer, then θ3 ≥ θ1 - θ2.

[0178] Figure 8 Graph showing the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion layer in the display switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 The relationship between the angle at which light from the light source enters the diffusion layer 3 (the angle at right angle is 0 degrees) and the intensity of the light is shown. Figure 8It can be seen that the light intensity is the strongest when the incident angle is 0 degrees, but as the angle increases, the light intensity gradually weakens. Therefore, the light entering from the front of the user is visible to the user, but the light entering obliquely is not visible. Therefore, it is necessary to make the light from the light source position enter from the front of the user. The front direction of the end of the lens array 6 becomes dark and the visibility decreases, but if the intensity of the diffusion characteristic becomes θ3 of 10% (about 60 degrees in Figure 8 is larger than θ1 - θ2, it can be visually recognized without problem from the front direction. If the display switching device 10 is designed as described above, when observed from the visual recognition side, the light passing through the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 enters from the front of the user.

[0179] In addition, when the refractive index of the diffusion layer 3 is set to n1 and the refractive index of the lens array 6 is set to n2, the following formula can also be satisfied.

[0180] (n2 - 0.2) ≤ n1 ≤ (n2 + 0.2)

[0181] Generally, the larger the refractive index n1 of the diffusion layer 3 is, the more the reflection of the interfering light from the visual recognition side can be suppressed. If the refractive index n1 is large, the diffusion effect becomes small, but if the difference is 0.2 or less, the diffusion effect is reduced by about 10%, so there is no problem. In addition, if the difference between the refractive index n1 of the diffusion layer 3 and the refractive index n2 of the lens array 6 is 0.2 or less, total reflection is suppressed and the diffusion effect becomes large. Therefore, it is preferable that the refractive index n1 of the diffusion layer 3 is in the range of n2 - 0.2 < n1 < n2 + 0.2.

[0182] In addition, even if an adhesive layer is not provided between the diffusion layer 3 and the lens array 6, the diffusion layer 3 can be formed of a single layer made of a material having a diffusion function and an adhesive function with the lens array 6. For example, as the diffusion layer 3, a material in which particles are dispersed in a transparent adhesive (diffusion transparent ink, etc.) can also be used.

[0183] In addition, the lens array 6 can also include lenses having the following shape, that is, the focal point when the light from the light source position is converged by the lens is located at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 or farther from the light source position than the boundary. The smaller the spot size of the light formed at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 by the light from the light source 7 is, the more the crosstalk of the image in the display layer 4 can be suppressed.

[0184] Fig.12 Represents the expansion of the light when the light from the light source is incident on the lens array 6 in a perpendicular direction. As shown in Fig.12 (a) of, when the light from the light source position passes through the lens array 6 and is focused at a position farther from the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4, the spot size of the light at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 becomes larger. In addition, as shown in Fig.12As shown in (c), when the light from the light source position passes through the lens array 6 and is focused at a position closer to the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4, the spot size of the light at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 also becomes larger. Fig.12 As shown in (b), when the focus of the lens array 6 is located at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4, the spot size of the light at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 is the smallest, which can effectively suppress the crosstalk of the image. In addition, "the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4" refers to the vicinity of the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4. At the location where the light from the light source is obliquely incident with respect to the lens array 6, the focus is closer to the light source than the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4. Therefore, the lens array 6 may include a lens of a shape that causes the focus of the light from the light source position when it is converged by the lens to be located at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 or farther away from the light source position than the boundary.

[0185] The lens array 6 may include lenses of a shape that focuses the light from the light source position when the lens is condensed at a position farther from the light source position than the boundary between the lens array 6 and the diffusion layer 3. With such a configuration, image crosstalk can be effectively suppressed.

[0186] (Implementation method 3)

[0187] The display switching device 10 may also form a diffusion shape 61 on the display layer 4 side of the lens array 6 to diffuse the light passing through the lens array 6. For example, Fig.13 As shown, the display layer 4 and the lens array 6 may be arranged in this order from the visual recognition side, and the diffusion shape 61 may be formed on the display layer 4 side of the lens array 6 .

[0188] According to such a configuration, since the diffusion layer and the lens array 6 are integrally formed, it is possible to suppress the Fresnel reflection caused by the disturbance light from the visual recognition side. In addition, since the diffusion layer need not be provided, the manufacturing cost of the display switching device 10 can be suppressed.

[0189] In the display switching device 10, the diffusion shape 61 of the lens array 6 is formed by a plurality of lens shapes. In this structure, the height ( Fig.15 l2) in the figure may also be the lens pitch of the lenses constituting the lens array 6 ( Fig.15 less than 0.3 times of l1).

[0190] For the same reason as that described for the thickness of the diffusion layer 3 in the second embodiment, by limiting the height of the diffusion shape 61 to within this range, the occurrence of crosstalk of images in the display layer 4 due to the diffusion shape 61 can be suppressed.

[0191] Alternatively, the diffusion shape 61 of the lens array 6 may be formed of a plurality of lens shapes, wherein the maximum inclination angle of the tangent line at each cross-sectional end of the lens shape with respect to the interface with the display layer 4 is 60 degrees or less.

[0192] Fig.17 Graph showing the relationship between the maximum inclination angle (θ) of the diffusion shape 61 and the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion layer 3 in the display switching device 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig.17 As shown in the graph of FIG. 1 , if the maximum inclination angle of the diffusion shape 61 formed in the lens array 6 increases, Figure 8 As shown, the larger the incident angle of light, the more it deviates from the trend of the light intensity becoming weaker, and as the angle becomes larger, a part where the light intensity becomes stronger is generated again. Therefore, a part where the light intensity becomes stronger is generated at an undesirable position on the surface of the diffusion layer 3. That is, the diffusion directivity spread becomes larger. However, if the diffusion directivity spread is smaller than (lens spacing × 0.5) described in Implementation 2, there is no problem, as long as the maximum inclination angle of the diffusion shape 61 is less than 60 degrees, the condition is satisfied. As a result, when observed from the visual recognition side, visual recognition from the front of the user can be ensured.

[0193] Furthermore, the diffusion shape 61 of the lens array 6 may be formed by a plurality of unit shapes including two or more shapes, each of which is dispersedly arranged.

[0194] like Fig.14 As shown in the upper part, if the same shape is arranged as the diffusion shape 61, Moire fringes (fringe patterns caused by interference) are easily generated in the period of the lens array 6 and the period of the diffusion shape 61 according to the positional relationship with each lens of the lens array 6. Fig.14 As shown in the lower part, when the lens array 6 includes a plurality of different diffusion shapes 61, it is difficult to generate moire fringes because the period of the lens array 6 and the period of the diffusion shape 61 vary depending on the location. Therefore, in order to improve the moire fringes, it is preferred to disperse and configure at least two different unit shapes.

[0195] For example, by distributing lens shapes having different diameters, it is possible to provide a diffusion shape 61 in which at least two unit diffusion shapes having different shapes are distributed.

[0196] (Implementation method 5)

[0197] The display switching device 10 may also include a pixel surrounding area 45b that is located around the pixel area 45a and suppresses reflection or transmission of light from the light source 7 side or the side opposite to the light source 7. Fig.18As shown, the lens array 6, the display layer 4, and the diffusion layer 3 may be arranged in this order from the light source 7 side, and a pixel surrounding area 45b may be provided on the side of the display layer 4 adjacent to the diffusion layer 3. Thus, in the pixel surrounding area 45b, the reflection of the disturbance light from the visual recognition side can be suppressed. Fig.19 As shown, the lens array 6, the diffusion layer 3, and the display layer 4 may be arranged in this order from the light source 7 side, and a pixel surrounding area 45b may be provided on the side of the display layer 4 adjacent to the diffusion layer 3. Thus, in the pixel surrounding area 45b, the reflection of the disturbance light from the visual recognition side can be suppressed. Fig.18 as well as Fig.19 The structure shown can suppress the reflection of interfering light and reduce the whiteness that appears on the display layer.

[0198] Here, if Fig. 20 or Fig.21 As shown, the reflectivity of the pixel surrounding area 45 b with respect to light from the side opposite to the position of the light source 7 (ie, the visual side) may be 50% or less.

[0199] In addition, the transmittance of the pixel surrounding area with respect to the light from the light source position may be 50% or less. According to the above structure, by suppressing the light reflected by the diffusion layer 3 in the display layer 4 to be 50% or less, it is possible to suppress the surface of the screen from appearing whitish due to the reflection of the disturbance light on the surface of the visual recognition side (diffusion layer 3 or display layer 4). In addition, by suppressing the transmission of light from the light source side, it is possible to suppress the surface of the screen from appearing whitish.

[0200] Fig. 22 4 is a diagram for explaining how crosstalk is suppressed by the pixel surrounding area 45b in the display switching device 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 22 The display switching device 10 shown is sequentially provided with a lens array 6, a diffusion layer 3, and a display layer 4 from the light source side. The light from the light source 7 is converged by the lens array 6, but is diffused again by the diffusion layer 3. However, the diffused light passes through the pixel surrounding area 45b with low transmittance, thereby preventing the light from passing through the display layer 4 and passing through to the visual recognition side. Thus, it is possible to prevent the display layer from looking whitish.

[0201] In addition, if Fig.23 and Fig.24 As shown, the display switching device 10 may form a colored portion 45C corresponding to a pattern that can be visually recognized by light from the side opposite to the position of the light source 7 (the visual recognition side) in the pixel surrounding area 45 b.

[0202] According to the above configuration, a display different from the display based on the light from the light source 7 can be performed which is visible under ambient light. That is, the display screen can be reduced from looking whitish due to reflection of ambient light, and a pattern can be displayed on the display screen even when the light source 7 is off.

[0203] In addition, the pixel peripheral region 45b of the display switching device 10 may be located at least on the diffusion layer 3 side in the thickness direction of the display layer 4. Fig.25 As shown, the lens array 6, the display layer 4 and the diffusion layer 3 may be sequentially arranged from the light source 7 side, and in the display layer 4, a pixel surrounding area 45b is provided on the diffusion layer 3 side (opposite to the light source 7). Fig.26 As shown, the lens array 6, the diffusion layer 3, and the display layer 4 may be arranged in this order from the light source 7 side, and the display layer 4 may include a pixel surrounding area 45b on the diffusion layer 3 side (light source 7 side).

[0204] According to the above structure, crosstalk in the display layer 4 can be suppressed.

[0205] In addition, if Fig. 27 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the diffusion layer 3 is provided on the side of the display layer 4 opposite to the light source position, the thickness of the diffusion layer 3 in the area connected to the pixel area 45a is thicker than the thickness of the diffusion layer 3 in the area connected to the pixel surrounding area 45b. According to such a configuration, the diffusion property of light in the pixel area 45a can be improved and the diffusion of the reflection of the disturbance light can be suppressed. Fig. 27 As shown, the pixel region 45 a in the display layer 4 may also be entirely composed of the diffusion layer 3 .

[0206] (Application Example of Display Switching Device 10)

[0207] The display switching device 10 described above can be applied to various purposes. For example, in addition to the key tops of keyboards for text input and switches for detecting user operations on the display switching device 10, such as switches as the key tops of keyboards, it can also be applied to switches such as switches of game machines, switches of elevators, switches of home appliances, switches on vehicles, and can also be applied to guides and advertisements on vehicle displays, etc. The following describes the case where the display switching device of this embodiment is applied to a push-button device for game machines.

[0208] The push button device for a gaming machine includes a button body and the display switching device 10 described above, and has a structure in which the button body is pressed against a housing of the gaming machine.

[0209] First, refer to Fig.36 , for the push button device of this embodiment (refer to Figures 36 to 28) is described with reference to a schematic structure of a gaming machine (rotating-type gaming machine) 1 which is an example of an applicable object of the present invention. Fig.36 It is a schematic perspective view of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0210] like Fig.36 As shown, the gaming machine 1 is composed of a front door 1a facing the players, etc., and a housing 1b installed in a box-shaped shape so that the front door 1a can be opened and closed. The gaming machine 1 also includes a reel unit 102, a coin button 103, a coin insertion port 104, a start lever 105, a stop button unit 106, and a coin payout port 107. In the following, in the gaming machine 1, the side where the front door 1a is located is referred to as the front, the opposite side thereof is referred to as the rear, the left side facing the front is referred to as the left, and the right side is referred to as the right.

[0211] The reel unit 102 is provided at the position of the display window provided in the center of the front door 1a in the vertical direction in the housing 1b. The reel unit 2 has three cylindrical reels 121 to 123 (left reel 121, middle reel 122, right reel 123) arranged in the left-right direction. The reels 121 to 123 rotate and stop according to the operation of the player. The player can receive a reward according to the award determined by the arrangement of the patterns when all the reels 121 to 123 stop.

[0212] The coin button 103 is arranged at the approximate center of the horizontal plane of the operating table formed on the lower side of the display window in the front door 1a. In addition, the game coin insertion port 104 is arranged on the right side of the horizontal plane of the operating table in the front door 1a. The coin button 103 is a button switch for prompting the player to follow up the number of game coins (coin number) for one game of the game machine 1 from the game coins inserted from the game coin insertion port 104. The player is prompted with the number of coins corresponding to the number of times the coin button 103 is pressed, for example.

[0213] The start lever 105 is provided on the left side of the front surface of the operation table in the front door 1a. By operating the start lever 105, the rotation operation of the reels 121 to 123 starts.

[0214] The stop button unit 106 is disposed at a position approximately in the center of the front surface of the operating table inside the front door 1a. The stop button unit 106 is fixed to the front surface of the operating table through the decorative panel (front panel) 60. In addition, the stop button unit 106 has three stop buttons 161 to 163 (left reel stop button 161, middle reel stop button 162, right reel stop button 163) arranged in a row in the left-right direction. By pressing the stop buttons 161 to 163, the rotation of the corresponding reels 121 to 123 is stopped. This will be referred to later. Fig.37 The detailed structure of the stop button unit 106 is described.

[0215] A coin payout port 107 is provided at a lower portion of the front door 1 a , and the gaming machine 1 discharges coins from the coin payout port 107 .

[0216] In addition, each of the stop buttons 161 to 163 includes a plurality of light sources.

[0217] The reel rotation control unit inputs a start instruction of the rotation of the reels 121 to 123 by operating the start lever 105. At this time, the reel rotation control unit outputs a drive pulse to the reel drive control unit to rotate the reels 121 to 123 at a predetermined rotation speed. The reel drive control unit rotates the reels 121 to 123 based on the drive pulse input to itself.

[0218] The reel rotation control unit inputs a signal indicating that the stop buttons 161 to 163 are pressed from the photoelectric micro switches of the stop buttons 161 to 163. At this time, the reel rotation control unit outputs a drive pulse to the reel drive control unit to stop the reels 121 to 123. The reel drive control unit stops the reels 121 to 123 based on the drive pulse input to itself.

[0219] Furthermore, the lighting control unit controls which of the plurality of light sources of the stop buttons 161 to 163 is to be lit or which is to be turned off.

[0220] (Schematic Structure of Stop Button Unit 106)

[0221] Next, a schematic structure of the stop button unit 106 mounted on the gaming machine 1 will be described. Fig.37 It is a schematic plan view of the stop button unit 106 .

[0222] like Fig.36 As shown, the stop button unit 106 includes a decorative panel 160 and three push button devices 100 as stop buttons 161 to 163. That is, the stop buttons 161 to 163 are structures in which three push button devices 100 are respectively provided on the stop button unit 106. The following description of the push button device 100 is applicable to all the stop buttons 161 to 163.

[0223] like Fig.36 and Fig.37 As shown, the decorative panel 160 has holes at respective positions where three push button devices 100 are provided. The push button device 100 includes a button body (button top) 101 whose surface is pressed by a finger of a player or the like. In addition, the push button device 100 includes a display unit (display switching sheet) 102 capable of displaying a predetermined display image on the back of the button body 101.

[0224] Fig.37 Reference numeral 103A indicates a state where the display unit 102 is not displaying a display image. Fig.37 Reference numeral 103B indicates a state in which the display unit 102 displays the pressing order of the stop buttons 161 to 163 as an example of a display image. In this way, the display unit 102 can display a predetermined display image to the player through the hole of the decorative panel 160 .

[0225] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope indicated by the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display switching device that switches a display image by switching the illumination of light from a plurality of light source positions, characterized in that: have: a lens array having a plurality of lenses arranged to transmit light emitted from a plurality of light source positions; A display layer including a pixel area through which light focused by each of the lenses of the lens array passes; A diffusion layer, which is located on the opposite side of the lens array from the light source and diffuses the transmitted light; a pixel surrounding area, which is located around the pixel area and suppresses reflection or transmission of light from the light source side or the side opposite to the light source; The diffusion layer is optically bonded to a layer located on the light source position side of the diffusion layer, or is made of the same material as a layer located on the light source side of the diffusion layer. When the display layer includes the diffusion layer on the side opposite to the light source position, the diffusion layer is thicker in a region in contact with the pixel region than in a region in contact with the pixel surrounding region.

2. The display switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that: From the light source position side, the lens array, the diffusion layer, and the display layer are arranged in this order.

3. The display switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the haze of the diffusion layer is 98% or less, the thickness of the diffusion layer is 0.3 times or less of the lens pitch of the lenses constituting the lens array.

4. The display switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that: If θ1 is the incident angle of light emitted from the light source position when entering the outermost lens in the lens array, θ2 is the angle at which the amount of light becomes half of the amount of light at the center when parallel light enters the lens in the lens array, and θ3 is the angle at which the intensity becomes 10% of the intensity when the emission angle becomes 0 degrees in the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion layer, then θ3 ≥ θ1 - θ2.

5. The display switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the refractive index of the diffusion layer is n1 and the refractive index of the lens array is n2, n1 and n2 satisfy the following relationship: n2-0.2≤n1≤n2+0.

2.

6. The display switching device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The diffusion layer is formed as a single layer of a material having a diffusion function and a bonding function with the lens array.

7. The display switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A diffusion shape for diffusing light transmitted through the lens array is formed on the display layer side of the lens array.

8. The display switching device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The diffusion shape of the lens array is formed of a plurality of lens shapes, and a height of the diffusion shape is less than or equal to 0.3 times a lens pitch of the lenses constituting the lens array.

9. The display switching device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The diffusion shape of the lens array is formed by a plurality of lens shapes, and a maximum inclination angle of a tangent line at an end portion of each cross section of the lens shape with respect to a boundary surface with the display layer is 60 degrees or less.

10. The display switching device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: The diffusion shape of the lens array is formed by a plurality of unit shapes, the plurality of unit shapes include two or more shapes, and the respective shapes are respectively dispersedly arranged.

11. The display switching device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The lens array includes lenses having a shape such that when light from the light source position is converged by the lenses, the focal point is located at a boundary between the diffusion layer and the display layer or farther from the light source position than the boundary.

12. The display switching device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The lens array includes lenses having a shape such that, when light from the light source position is condensed by the lenses, a focal point is located farther from the light source position than a boundary between the lenses and the diffusion layer.

13. The display switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reflectivity of the pixel surrounding area with respect to light from the side opposite to the light source position is 50% or less.

14. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein: The transmittance of the pixel surrounding area to the light from the light source position is 50% or less.

15. The display switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A colored portion is formed in the pixel surrounding region, the colored portion corresponding to a pattern that can be visually recognized by light from a side opposite to the position of the light source.

16. The display switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pixel peripheral region is located at least on the diffusion layer side in the thickness direction of the display layer.

17. A button device for a game machine, characterized in that: have: Button body; The display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, The button body is configured to be pressed relative to the housing of the gaming machine.

18. A switch, characterized in that: A display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 is provided, wherein an operation of the display switching device by a user is detected.

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