Display switching device, information display device, game display device, and switch

Abstract

The present application realizes a display switching device with improved expressiveness. The display switching device (10) is provided with a lens array (4) in which a plurality of lenses (41) are arranged, and a display portion (3). Light emitted from a plurality of light source positions is condensed by each lens, so as to pass through different positions on the display portion. The transmittance of the light passing through the display portion is different according to the position on the display portion. The types of the values of the transmittance at the plurality of positions on the display portion are three or more.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display switching device capable of switching the displayed image, as well as an information display device, a game display device and a switch having the display switching device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a backlight display device for automatic viewing of a biconvex image card, which includes an illumination source that selectively illuminates each image formed on a biconvex medium by design. In this backlight display device, the illumination source of the display guides the light through the microlens side of the biconvex image card according to the viewing distance of the card and the selected viewing angle in order to sequentially and continuously illuminate each image.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-195216 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the illuminated image is a binary image. Therefore, there is a problem of low expressiveness.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention aims to realize a display switching device or the like that improves expressiveness.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0010] To address the aforementioned problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a display switching device that switches displayed images by switching illumination from multiple light source positions. The device includes a lens array consisting of multiple lenses arranged together and a display unit. Light emitted from the multiple light source positions is focused by each lens of the lens array to pass through different positions on the display unit. The transmittance of the light through the display unit corresponds to a predetermined static pattern and varies depending on the position on the display unit. The transmittance values ​​at the multiple positions on the display unit are of three or more types.

[0011] Based on the above structure, in the display switching device, a static pattern is displayed by light emitted from multiple light source positions passing through different locations on the display unit. Because there are three or more types of transmittance values ​​at the multiple locations on the display unit, the static pattern is represented by three or more values. Therefore, the performance of the display switching device is improved.

[0012] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that there are multiple predetermined static patterns corresponding to the multiple light source positions, the types of transmittance values ​​correspond to at least one predetermined static pattern, and the positions on the display unit through which the light passes are three or more.

[0013] Based on the above structure, at least one of the multiple static patterns that the display switching device can display is represented by three or more values. Therefore, the expressive power of the display switching device is improved.

[0014] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the display unit includes: a plurality of pixel regions, which are configured to pass through areas through which light emitted from the plurality of light source positions is focused by the lenses of the respective lens array; and a pixel peripheral region disposed around each of the pixel regions, wherein the transmittance of each of the pixel regions is set corresponding to the predetermined static pattern.

[0015] Based on the above structure, by setting the transmittance of the pixel region, the transmittance of light passing through the region containing that pixel region can be determined.

[0016] Furthermore, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, it is preferable that the transmittance of the region surrounding the pixel is constant regardless of its position on the display unit.

[0017] Based on the structure described above, the influence of light passing through the area surrounding the pixel does not need to be considered regarding its position on the display unit. Therefore, the design of the display unit becomes simple.

[0018] Furthermore, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, it is preferable that the total area of ​​the pixel region on the display unit is 60% or less of the total area of ​​the pixel region and the pixel surrounding region.

[0019] According to the above structure, it is possible to suppress the problem that other patterns appear dim due to stray light leaking from pixel areas corresponding to patterns other than those displayed by the display switching device.

[0020] Alternatively, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, the pixel region may be configured to pass through a region containing light emitted from one of the light sources and focused by one of the lenses in the lens array, and a pixel periphery region configured around the pixel region, and the area of ​​a pixel constituting the static pattern is taken as a unit image region, and the area ratio of the pixel region to the area of ​​the unit image region may be three or more types.

[0021] Based on the above structure, the transmittance of a unit image region can be one of three or more types corresponding to the area ratio of a pixel region to the area of ​​that unit image region. Therefore, the expressiveness of static patterns is improved.

[0022] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the intermediate area ratio other than the maximum and minimum values ​​among the types of area ratios is more than 10% of the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​relative to the maximum and minimum values.

[0023] Based on the above structure, the transmittance of a unit image region that is an intermediate value other than the maximum and minimum values ​​is more than 10% of the difference between the maximum and minimum values. Therefore, the difference in transmittance per pixel in a static pattern caused by the difference in transmittance per unit image region becomes clear.

[0024] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the area ratio varies due to the change in the length of the pixel region in a predetermined first direction parallel to the surface of the display unit.

[0025] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the unit image region, the pixel region, has a shape with the longest length in a predetermined second direction parallel to the surface of the display unit and the shortest length in a predetermined third direction parallel to the surface of the display unit and orthogonal to the second direction.

[0026] Based on the structure described above, by changing the size in the second direction, a significantly varying length can be achieved even when the same area of ​​the pixel region is changed. Therefore, the manufacturing of the display section becomes easier.

[0027] In addition, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, it is preferable that a plurality of light-emitting elements constituting a light source are arranged in a predetermined direction at the light source position, and the direction in which the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged is consistent with the second direction.

[0028] Based on the above structure, compared with the case where the orientation of multiple light emitters is inconsistent with the second direction, the variation in transmittance of light emitters in each unit image area can be reduced.

[0029] Furthermore, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, it is preferable that the unit image area is arranged along a predetermined fourth direction and a fifth direction that are parallel to and orthogonal to the surface of the display unit, wherein the second direction is a direction different from the fourth direction and the fifth direction, and the third direction is a direction different from the fourth direction and the fifth direction.

[0030] Based on the above structure, the pixel area can be increased, and the spacing between pixel areas can be expanded in the display unit as a whole.

[0031] Alternatively, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, the pixel region in the unit image region may be a plurality of mutually separated partial pixel regions.

[0032] Based on the above structure, the area ratio of pixel regions within a unit image region can be varied by differentiating the number of partial pixel regions. Therefore, the design of the display unit becomes easier.

[0033] Furthermore, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, it is preferable to set a predetermined reference distance between the center of the display unit and the center of the unit image area, wherein the maximum value of the area ratio in the unit image area at a distance greater than or equal to the reference distance is greater than the maximum value of the area ratio in the unit image area at a distance less than the reference distance.

[0034] Based on the above structure, the variation in transmittance caused by the position of a unit image area on the display unit becomes smaller.

[0035] Alternatively, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, the pixel region may be configured to pass through a region containing light emitted from one of the light sources and focused by one of the lenses in the lens array, and a pixel periphery region configured around the pixel region, and the region of a pixel constituting the static pattern may be used as a unit image region, wherein the types of positions of the pixel region in the unit image region are three or more.

[0036] Based on the above structure, since there are three or more types of pixel area ratios in the region where light is incident on a unit image region, there are three or more types of transmittance in the unit image region. Therefore, the expressiveness of the static pattern is improved.

[0037] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the distance between the centroids of the pixel regions of two adjacent unit image regions is 10% or more of the maximum value.

[0038] Based on the structure described above, the difference in pixel density of a static pattern caused by the difference in transmittance becomes clear.

[0039] Alternatively, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, the combination of the position of the pixel region and the area ratio of the pixel region in the unit image region may be of three or more types.

[0040] Based on the above structure, the expressiveness of static patterns is also improved.

[0041] Furthermore, preferably, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, the change in the position of the pixel region is less than half of the change in the size of the pixel region in the direction of the change in the position of the pixel region.

[0042] Based on the above structure, the possibility of crosstalk is reduced.

[0043] Furthermore, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, it is preferable that the distance between one or more of the plurality of lenses and the display unit is different from the focal length of the lens.

[0044] Based on the above structure, the size of the light spot focused on the display unit is larger than when the distance between the lens and the display unit is equal to the focal length. Therefore, the transmittance can be varied by changing the area ratio of the pixel regions in the light spot.

[0045] Furthermore, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, it is preferable that one or more of the plurality of lenses are disposed at a position where the distance between the lens and the display unit is shorter than the focal length of the lens.

[0046] Based on the above structure, the possibility of the light spot size being too large when focused on the display is reduced.

[0047] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the lens array includes a portion in which the average value of the radius of curvature of the lenses varies depending on the distance from a predetermined lens reference position on the lens array surface on which the lenses are arranged.

[0048] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the lens array includes a portion in which the average value of the radius of curvature of the lens increases as the distance from the lens reference position on the lens array surface increases.

[0049] According to the above structure, the difference in the size of the light spot on the display unit caused by the light focused by the lenses contained in the lens array becomes smaller.

[0050] Furthermore, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, it is preferable that the light spot focused by the lens has a shape in which the length in a predetermined sixth direction parallel to the surface of the display unit is longer than the length in a predetermined seventh direction parallel to the surface of the display unit and perpendicular to the sixth direction.

[0051] Alternatively, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, the lens array may include an anisotropic lens with a focal length in a predetermined sixth direction parallel to the surface of the display unit and a focal length in a predetermined seventh direction parallel to and perpendicular to the sixth direction.

[0052] In addition, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that a plurality of light-emitting elements constituting a light source are arranged in a predetermined direction at the light source position, and the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged along the sixth direction.

[0053] Based on the above structure, compared with the case where multiple light emitters are not arranged along the sixth direction, the variation of transmittance per unit image area for each light emitter can be reduced.

[0054] Furthermore, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, it is preferable that the lens comprises a plurality of sub-lenses.

[0055] Alternatively, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, the plurality of sub-lenses may be formed in a planar region corresponding to the lens.

[0056] Alternatively, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, the plurality of sub-lenses may have a structure formed on a lens surface corresponding to the lens.

[0057] Based on the above structure, the light spot on the display can be set to any shape.

[0058] In addition, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, it is preferable that an optical component is provided on the path of the light incident from the light source position onto the lens array.

[0059] Based on the above structure, the shape of the light spot on the display unit caused by the light focused by the lens can be changed.

[0060] Alternatively, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, the optical component may be a diffuser plate that diffuses the light.

[0061] Based on the above structure, the light spot on the display unit can be increased by focusing the light through the lens.

[0062] Alternatively, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, the optical component may be a slit that allows only a portion of the light to pass through.

[0063] Based on the above structure, the light spot on the display unit caused by the light focused by the lens can be reduced.

[0064] Alternatively, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, the transmittance of the material constituting the pixel area may be of three or more types.

[0065] Based on the above structure, the transmittance of the pixel region becomes three or more types corresponding to the material. Therefore, the expressiveness of the pattern is improved.

[0066] Alternatively, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, the wavelength distribution of the transmittance of the material constituting the pixel region may be different for each other.

[0067] Based on the above structure, it is possible to make each pixel in the pattern a different color, thereby improving the expressiveness of the pattern.

[0068] Alternatively, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, the directionality of the transmitted light through each of the pixel regions corresponding to the positions of the plurality of light sources may be different depending on the position on the display unit.

[0069] Alternatively, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, the diffuseness of the transmitted light in each of the pixel regions corresponding to the positions of the plurality of light sources may be different depending on their positions on the display unit.

[0070] Alternatively, in one aspect of the display switching device of the present invention, the direction of the intensity peak of the transmitted light in each pixel region corresponding to the positions of the plurality of light sources may be different depending on the position on the display unit.

[0071] Based on the structure described above, the transmittance of light through the pixel area appears to differ depending on its position on the display. Therefore, the expressiveness of the pattern can be improved.

[0072] In addition, one aspect of the present invention provides an information display device comprising: a display switching device according to any of the above; a plurality of light sources disposed at the positions of the light sources; and a light emission control unit that performs light emission control of the light sources.

[0073] Based on the above structure, the expressiveness of patterns displayed on information display devices can be improved.

[0074] In addition, one aspect of the present invention provides a game display device comprising: an information display device; and a display control unit that performs display control in the information display device according to the progress of the game.

[0075] Based on the above structure, the expressiveness of the patterns displayed on the game display device can be improved.

[0076] In addition, one aspect of the present invention provides a switch having a display switching device and detecting user operation on the display switching device.

[0077] Based on the above structure, the expressiveness of the pattern switching based on the user's operation detected by the switch can be improved.

[0078] Invention Effects

[0079] The display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention can improve the expressiveness of the displayed image. Attached Figure Description

[0080] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the basic structure of a switch equipped with the display switching device of Embodiment 1.

[0081] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the display switching device according to Embodiment 1.

[0082] Figure 3 It means and Figure 2 A diagram showing the detailed structure of different display switching devices.

[0083] Figure 4 It means and Figure 2 and Figure 3 A diagram showing the detailed structure of different display switching devices.

[0084] Figure 5 It is a diagram used to explain the display of a specified static pattern on the display unit.

[0085] Figure 6 It is a diagram representing a portion of an image displayed by a display switching device.

[0086] Figure 7 This is a top view of the unit image area in Implementation Method 1.

[0087] Figure 8 This is a top view of the unit image area in Implementation Method 1.

[0088] Figure 9 This is a top view representing another example of a unit image area.

[0089] Figure 10 This is a top view representing another example of a unit image area.

[0090] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the arrangement of unit image areas in an example of a display unit.

[0091] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the configuration of LED chips when the light source is an RGB LED.

[0092] Figure 13 It is a diagram used to illustrate the difference in the maximum value of the area ratio of the pixel region in a unit image area at each position on the display.

[0093] Figure 14 This is a top view of the unit image area in Implementation Method 2.

[0094] Figure 15 It is a diagram used to illustrate the distance between centers of gravity.

[0095] Figure 16 This is a top view of another unit image area in Implementation Method 2.

[0096] Figure 17 This diagram illustrates an example of the positional relationship between the lens and the display unit in a display switching device.

[0097] Figure 18 It is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the lens, the display unit, and the focal point of the lens.

[0098] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing a specific example of a lens.

[0099] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing another example of a lens.

[0100] Figure 21 This is a diagram showing the configuration of LED chips when the light source is an RGB LED.

[0101] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing another example of a lens.

[0102] Figure 23 This is a diagram showing another example of a lens.

[0103] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the display switching device according to Embodiment 7.

[0104] Figure 25 This is a diagram showing another example of the display switching device according to Embodiment 7.

[0105] Figure 26 This is a diagram showing an example of the display section in Embodiment 8.

[0106] Figure 27 This is a diagram showing another example of the display section in embodiment 8.

[0107] Figure 28 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit where the directionality of transmitted light varies depending on its position.

[0108] Figure 29This is a schematic perspective view of the game display device according to embodiment 10.

[0109] Figure 30 This is a top-down view of the stop button unit.

[0110] Figure 31 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of lenses in a lens array. Detailed Implementation

[0111] [Implementation Method 1]

[0112] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0113] (The basic structure of the display switching device 10)

[0114] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the basic structure of the switch of the display switching device 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the display switching device 10. (See diagram for example.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the display switching device 10 includes a diffusion layer 2, a display unit 3, a lens array 4, multiple light sources 7, and a substrate 8 in the order from top to bottom as shown in the attached figure.

[0115] The substrate 8 is a component for mounting multiple light sources 7. The light sources 7 are preferably RGB LEDs. The light sources 7 are positioned at predetermined locations. The distance D between adjacent light sources 7 is, for example, 8 mm. However, the display switching device 10 may, if necessary, not include light sources 7. In this case, the user prepares the light sources.

[0116] The lens array 4 focuses the light emitted from multiple light sources 7 mounted on the substrate 8. The thickness of the lens array 4 is, for example, 0.5 mm. The lens array 4 is constructed by arranging multiple lenses 41. The spacing between the lenses 41 is, for example, 0.25 mm. The distance H from the light source 7 to the lens 41 is, for example, 20 mm.

[0117] Display unit 3 displays a predetermined static pattern by allowing light focused by lens array 4 to pass through it. The display of the pattern performed by display unit 3 will be described later. The thickness of display unit 3 is preferably less than 0.1 mm.

[0118] The diffusion layer 2 diffuses the light transmitted through the display section 3. The thickness of the diffusion layer 2 is preferably less than 0.1 mm. The haze value of the diffusion layer 2 is preferably 90%.

[0119] In addition, the display switching device 10 also includes a diffuser layer 2, a display section 3, and a frame 9 supporting the lens array 4. The basic structure of the display switching device 10 is formed by mounting the frame 9 on a substrate 8 on which multiple light sources 7 are mounted. The frame 9 may have, for example, a square shape when viewed from above, but is not limited thereto. The length W of one side of the frame 9 is, for example, 12 mm.

[0120] Figure 31 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of lens 41 in lens array 4. Figure 31 In the text, different examples of the configuration of lens 41 are indicated by reference numerals 3101, 3102, and 3103. For simplicity, reference numerals 3102 and 3103 only mark a portion of the lens 41.

[0121] Lens 41 can be arranged in one dimension as shown by reference numeral 3101. In this case, lens 41 is a cylindrical lens. Lens 41 can also be arranged in two dimensions as shown by reference numerals 3102 and 3103. Specifically, lens 41 can be arranged in a honeycomb pattern as shown by reference numeral 3102, or in a matrix pattern as shown by reference numeral 3103.

[0122] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the display switching device 10A, which is different from the display switching device 10. (See diagram for details.) Figure 3 As shown, the display switching device 10A differs in that the diffusion layer 2 is not located above the display unit 3, but rather between the display unit 3 and the lens array 4. Such a display switching device 10A is also included in this embodiment.

[0123] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the display switching device 10B, which is different from the display switching device 10. (See diagram for details.) Figure 4 As shown, the display switching device 10B differs from the display switching device 10 in that it lacks the diffusion layer 2 and instead uses a lens array 4A instead of the lens array 4. The lens array 4A has a diffusion structure 42 formed on the surface opposite the display unit 3 to diffuse light. Therefore, the lens array 4A performs the functions of both the lens array 4 and the diffusion layer 2. Such a display switching device 10B is also included in this embodiment.

[0124] Figure 1 The switch shown detects user operations on the display switching device 10. For example, it can have the following structure: when the user presses the display switching device 10, the illumination of the light source 7 is switched, the switch detects the operation, and the pattern displayed by the display switching device 10 is switched.

[0125] (The pattern is displayed by display unit 3)

[0126] Figure 5This diagram illustrates the display of a specified static pattern on display unit 3. (Example) Figure 5 As shown, the display switching device 10 includes light sources 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d, which serve as light sources 7. Light emitted from light sources 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d is focused by lenses 41 of the lens array 4 and passes through different positions on the display unit 3. Specifically, the display unit 3 has multiple unit image areas 35. Each unit image area 35 is composed of multiple pixel areas 31, including areas through which light focused by lenses 41 passes, and pixel periphery areas 32 disposed around each pixel area 31. The transmittance of light passing through the display unit 3 corresponds to a predetermined static pattern and varies depending on the position on the display unit 3. Specifically, the transmittance of each pixel area 31 is set corresponding to the first to fourth patterns. Therefore, by switching the light-emitting light source 7, any pattern among the first to fourth patterns can be displayed. That is, multiple predetermined static patterns exist corresponding to the positions of light sources 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d. Therefore, according to the display switching device 10, by switching the illumination of light from light sources 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d, the display image can be switched to the first to fourth static patterns. The transmittance values ​​at multiple locations on display unit 3 are of three or more types. Therefore, compared to the case where there are only two types of transmittance values, the pattern's expressiveness is improved. However, Figure 5 The display unit 3 shown is an example and may not necessarily have multiple unit image areas 35.

[0127] Furthermore, in the display switching device 10, by simultaneously emitting different colors from different light sources corresponding to different images, images of different colors can be displayed in an overlapping manner. Because the unit image area is sufficiently reduced, or the user is sufficiently far away from the display switching device 10 to identify the image, adjacent unit image areas of different colors are mixed. As a result, the image displayed by the display switching device 10 is perceived visually with (n^2 - 1) colors relative to the number of different color light sources n. In addition, by setting the transmittance of the unit image area to three or more, the combination of mixed colors is increased, further increasing the number of colors in the appearance, thus further improving the expressiveness. For example, by emitting red, green, and blue light from three light sources, the types of transmittance in the images corresponding to them are increased and overlapped, thereby enabling near-full-color image display.

[0128] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a portion of the image displayed by the display switching device 10. Figure 6 The image shows a portion of the pixels contained in four distinct images: PIC1, PIC2, ​​PIC3, and PIC4. Figure 6 In the diagram, white, black, and gray are used to represent the color difference of pixels caused by the difference in transmittance in display unit 3.

[0129] existFigure 6 In the image PIC3, the pixels contain white, black, and gray. That is, at the position on the display unit 3 that transmits light corresponding to the image PIC3, there are three types of transmittance. Thus, in the display switching device 10, at multiple positions on the display unit 3 that transmit light corresponding to at least one of the first to fourth patterns described above, it is preferable that there are three or more types of transmittance values. In this case, the pattern with three or more types of transmittance values ​​at the corresponding positions on the display unit 3 improves the expressiveness.

[0130] The transmittance of light in the pixel periphery region 32 is constant regardless of its position on the display unit 3. Therefore, the influence of light transmitted through the pixel periphery region 32 on the light transmitted through the display unit 3 does not need to be considered based on its position on the display unit 3. As a result, the design of the display unit 3 becomes simple.

[0131] Furthermore, in the display section 3 of the display switching device 10, the total area of ​​the pixel region 31 is less than 60% of the total area of ​​the pixel peripheral region 32 and the pixel region 31. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the problem that stray light leaks from the pixel region 31 corresponding to a pattern other than the pattern displayed by the display switching device 10, causing that other pattern to appear dim.

[0132] Figure 7 This is a top view of the unit image regions 35a, 35b, and 35c of Embodiment 1. Unit image regions 35a, 35b, and 35c are examples of unit image regions 35 with different light transmittances. Unit image region 35a is composed of a pixel region 31a and a pixel periphery region 32a. Unit image region 35b is composed of a pixel region 31b and a pixel periphery region 32b. Unit image region 35c is composed of a pixel periphery region 32c. Furthermore, unit image region 35c... Figure 7 It is not shown in the figure, but has a pixel region 31 with an area of ​​0.

[0133] The area ratios of pixel region 31a to unit image region 35a, pixel region 31b to unit image region 35b, and pixel region 31 to unit image region 35c are all different. Specifically, the area ratio of pixel region 31a to unit image region 35a is the largest. The area ratio of pixel region 31b to unit image region 35b is smaller than the area ratio of pixel region 31a to unit image region 35a. The area ratio of pixel region 31 to unit image region 35c is 0. In the following description, the area ratio of pixel region 31 to unit image region 35 is sometimes simply referred to as the area ratio of pixel region 31.

[0134] The display unit 3 may also include, in addition to the unit image regions 35a, 35b, and 35c, another unit image region 35 with a further different area ratio of the pixel region 31. That is, the area ratio of the pixel region 31 to the unit image region 35 can be three or more types. As a result, the expressiveness of the pattern displayed by the display switching device 10 is improved.

[0135] The shape of pixel region 31 is not limited to the examples described above and those described later. Pixel region 31 preferably has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a predetermined number of points within the unit image region 35. By having such a shape, the intensity of light passing through pixel region 31 becomes uniform, and the design of pixel region 31 becomes easier.

[0136] Preferably, the intermediate area ratios other than the maximum and minimum values ​​among the various types of area ratios in the unit image area 35 of the display unit 3 are at least 10% greater than the difference between the maximum and minimum values. For example, when the maximum area ratio is 60% and the minimum area ratio is 0%, the difference between the maximum and minimum area ratios is 60%. In this case, the intermediate area ratios are acceptable if they are in the range of 6% or more and 54% or less. This allows for a clear identification of the differences in transmittance of the unit image area 35. Furthermore, by making the intermediate area ratios at least 20%, 30%, or 40% greater than the difference between the maximum and minimum area ratios, the differences in transmittance of the unit image area 35 can be identified even more clearly. In addition, the minimum area ratio can also be greater than 0%. That is, in the display unit 3, all unit image areas 35 can also have pixel areas 31 with an area greater than 0.

[0137] Figure 8 This is a top view of the unit image regions 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g, and 35h in Embodiment 1. Unit image regions 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g, and 35h, like unit image regions 35a, 35b, and 35c, are examples of unit image regions 35 with different area ratios of pixel regions 31.

[0138] like Figure 8 As shown, the unit image region 35d is composed of a portion of pixel region 33 and a pixel peripheral region 32d. The unit image region 35e is composed of a portion of pixel region 33 and a pixel peripheral region 32e. The unit image region 35f is composed of a portion of pixel region 33 and a pixel peripheral region 32f. The unit image region 35g is composed of a portion of pixel region 33 and a pixel peripheral region 32g. The unit image region 35h is composed of a portion of pixel region 33 and a pixel peripheral region 32h.

[0139] The number of partial pixel regions 33 in unit image regions 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g, and 35h are all different. The collection of partial pixel regions 33 in unit image regions 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g, and 35h constitutes a pixel region 31. Thus, in a unit image region 35, the pixel region 31 can be multiple separate partial pixel regions 33. In this case, the area ratio of the pixel region 31 as a whole in the unit image region 35 can be varied by making the number of partial pixel regions 33 different. Therefore, the design of the display unit 3 becomes easier compared to the case where the shape of the pixel region 31 is designed for each type of area ratio of the pixel region 31.

[0140] Figure 9 This is a top view showing unit image region 35i, another example of unit image region 35. For comparison, in Figure 9 It is shown again in the middle Figure 7 The unit image region 35a is shown. The unit image region 35i is composed of pixel region 31i and pixel periphery region 32i. The area ratio of pixel regions 31a and 31i in the unit image regions 35a and 35i varies due to the change in length of pixel regions 31a and 31i in a predetermined first direction parallel to the surface of the display unit 3. Figure 9 In the diagram, the first direction is the left-right direction shown in the attached image.

[0141] Figure 10 This is a top view showing unit image regions 35j and 35k, which are another example of unit image region 35. Unit image region 35j is composed of pixel region 31j and pixel periphery region 32j. Unit image region 35k is composed of pixel region 31k and pixel periphery region 32k. Figure 10 As shown, the unit image regions 35j and 35k have a shape with the longest length in a predetermined second direction parallel to the surface of the display unit 3 and the shortest length in a predetermined third direction parallel to the surface of the display unit 3 and orthogonal to the second direction. Furthermore, the area ratio of the pixel regions 31j and 31k within the unit image regions 35j and 35k varies due to the change in length in the second direction where the pixel regions 31j and 31k are longest. That is, referring to… Figure 9 The first direction of explanation and Figure 10 The second direction is consistent. Figure 10 In the diagram, the second direction is the vertical direction, and the third direction is the horizontal direction. In this case, by changing the size in the second direction, a large change in length can be achieved even when changing the area of ​​pixel regions 31j and 31k by the same amount. Therefore, the processing of the display section becomes easier.

[0142] Figure 11This diagram illustrates the arrangement of unit image regions 35m and 35n in display units 3M and 3N, which are examples of display units 3. In display unit 3M, the unit image region 35m is composed of a pixel region 31m and a pixel periphery region 32m. In display unit 3N, the unit image region 35n is composed of a pixel region 31n and a pixel periphery region 32n. The shapes of the pixel regions 31m and 31n are similar to... Figure 10 The pixel region 31j shown is roughly the same.

[0143] The unit image regions 35m and 35n are arranged along a predetermined fourth and fifth direction, which are parallel to and orthogonal to the surface of the display unit 3. At this time, as... Figure 11 As shown, the second direction in pixel regions 31m and 31n is preferably a direction different from the fourth and fifth directions. Furthermore, the third direction in pixel regions 31m and 31n is preferably a direction different from the fourth and fifth directions. For example, if the shape of the unit image region 35 is rectangular, the direction along the diagonal of the rectangle can be set as the second direction. In this case, the pixel region 31 can be increased in the first direction, and the spacing of the pixel regions 31 can be expanded throughout the display unit 3.

[0144] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the configuration of LED chips (light emitters) when the light source 7 is an RGB LED. In the case of an RGB LED light source 7, the light source 7 includes multiple LED chips 7r, 7g, and 7b. When the display switching device 10 includes a display unit 3M, it is preferable that the direction in which the LED chips 7r, 7g, and 7b are arranged is consistent with the second direction described above. In this case, compared to the case where the direction of the multiple light emitters is inconsistent with the first direction, the shift in the position of the light spot emitted by the light emitters on the display unit 3 due to the difference in the positions of the multiple light emitters is smaller. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the variation in the transmittance of the light emitters in each unit image area.

[0145] Figure 13 This diagram illustrates the difference in the maximum area ratio of pixel regions 31 in a unit image region 35 at each location on the display unit 3. The further the unit image region 35 is from the center of the display unit 3, the larger the size of the light spot in the unit image region 35. In other words, the further the unit image region 35 is from the center of the display unit 3, the lower the intensity of light per unit area incident on that unit image region 35. Therefore, when the area ratio of the pixel regions 31 is constant, the further the unit image region 35 is from the center of the display unit 3, the lower the transmittance.

[0146] To minimize this reduction in transmittance, the maximum area ratio of the pixel regions 31 within the unit image region 35 can vary depending on the position of the unit image region 35 on the display unit 3. For example, a predetermined reference distance is set between the center of the display unit 3 and the center of the unit image region 35. The maximum area ratio of the pixel regions 31 within the unit image region 35 where the center-to-center distance is greater than or equal to the reference distance is greater than the maximum area ratio of the pixel regions 31 within the unit image region 35 where the center-to-center distance is less than the reference distance.

[0147] exist Figure 13 In the above, a unit image region 35o is an example where the area ratio of pixel regions 31 reaches its maximum value when the center-to-center distance is less than a reference distance. The unit image region 35o consists of pixel regions 31o and pixel peripheral regions 32o. A unit image region 35p is an example where the area ratio of pixel regions 31 reaches its maximum value when the center-to-center distance is greater than the reference distance. The unit image region 35p consists of pixel regions 31p and pixel peripheral regions 32p.

[0148] The area ratio of pixel region 31p in unit image region 35p is greater than the area ratio of pixel region 31o in unit image region 35o. By determining the area ratio of pixel region 31 in unit image region 35 in this way, the variation in transmittance caused by the position of unit image region 35 on display unit 3 is reduced.

[0149] [Implementation Method 2]

[0150] Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0151] Figure 14 This is a top view of the unit image region 35q in Embodiment 2. For comparison, [the following is used] Figure 7 The unit image region 35a and unit image region 35q are shown together. Unit image region 35q is composed of pixel region 31q and pixel periphery region 32q. The position of pixel region 31q in unit image region 35q is different from the position of pixel region 31a in unit image region 35a.

[0152] In addition, the display unit 3 in embodiment 2 also includes Figure 7The unit image region 35c is shown. Pixel region 31 does not exist in unit image region 35c. Therefore, it can be said that the position of pixel region 31 in unit image region 35c is different from the position of pixel region 31q in unit image region 35q and the position of pixel region 31a in unit image region 35a. That is, in the display unit 3 of Embodiment 2, the types of positions of pixel region 31 in unit image region 35 are three or more.

[0153] exist Figure 14 The image also shows the light spot SP focused by lens 41. (For example...) Figure 14 As shown, in unit image region 35a, the entire pixel region 31a is contained within the light spot SP. Conversely, in unit image region 35q, a portion of the pixel region 31q detaches from the light spot SP. Therefore, the light transmittance of unit image regions 35a and 35q is different from each other. Furthermore, the light transmittance of unit image region 35c is different from that of unit image regions 35a and 35q. Therefore, even when the display switching device 10 is equipped with the display unit 3 of Embodiment 2, the expressiveness of the pattern can be improved. Moreover, compared to cases where the size or shape of the pixel region 31 is changed, the labor and time required for manufacturing are reduced.

[0154] Figure 15 This is a diagram used to illustrate the distance between centers of gravity. In Figure 15 The image shows multiple adjacent pixel regions 31. When the position of each pixel region 31 changes within the unit image region 35, it changes only in one direction from a predetermined reference position. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the distance between the centroids of two adjacent pixel regions 31 is sequentially set as the centroid distance Lk (k = 1, 2, ..., n). In this case, the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the centroid distance Lk is preferably 10% or more of the maximum value. By taking such a value for the centroid distance Lk, the difference in transmittance of a unit image region 35 caused by the different positions of the pixel regions 31 can be clearly identified. Furthermore, by setting the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the centroid distance Lk to 20%, 30%, or 40% or more of the maximum value, the difference in transmittance of a unit image region 35 can be identified even more clearly.

[0155] Figure 16This is a top view of the unit image region 35r, which is different from the unit image region 35q in Embodiment 2. The unit image region 35r is composed of pixel regions 31r and pixel periphery regions 32r. In the unit image region 35r, the position of the pixel regions 31r is different from the position of the pixel regions 31a in the unit image region 35a. Moreover, the area ratio of the pixel regions 31r in the unit image region 35r is different from the area ratio of the pixel regions 31a in the unit image region 35a. Thus, in the display unit 3, there can be more than three combinations of the area ratio and position of the pixel regions 31 in the unit image region 35.

[0156] When the area ratio and position of pixel region 31 differ at each location within a unit image region 35, the change in position of pixel region 31 is preferably less than half the change in size of pixel region 31 in the direction of position change. This ensures that the pixel region 31 after position change is included within the range of the pixel region 31 with the largest area ratio. Therefore, the possibility of crosstalk, where unexpected patterns are detected due to light leakage from adjacent pixel regions 31, is reduced. Furthermore, for... Figure 15 The distance Lk between the centroids shown is similar to the case where only the position of pixel region 31 is changed, and the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​is preferably more than 10% of the maximum value.

[0157] [Implementation Method 3]

[0158] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the lens 41 and the display unit 3 in the display switching device 10. Figure 17 Mark 1701 is a diagram showing the case where the distance between lens 41 and display unit 3 is equal to the focal length of lens 41. Mark 1702 is a diagram showing the case where the distance between lens 41 and display unit 3 is different from the focal length of lens 41.

[0159] As indicated by reference numeral 1701, when the distance between lens 41 and display unit 3 is equal to the focal length of lens 41, the focal point FP is located on display unit 3. In this case, because the size of the light spot on display unit 3 is small, even if the area ratio or position of the pixel regions 31 in the unit image region 35 is different, it is difficult for the types of transmittance to be more than three.

[0160] Therefore, in the display switching device 10, as indicated by reference numeral 1702, the distance between the lens 41 and the display unit 3 is preferably different from the focal length of the lens 41. Thus, by making the area ratio or position of the pixel regions 31 in the unit image region 35 different, it is possible to set three or more types of transmittance.

[0161] However, the distance between the lens 41 and the focal point FP in the direction parallel to the optical axis is not constant depending on the direction of light, and becomes shorter than the focal length as it separates from the optical axis of the lens 41. Therefore, when the distance between the lens 41 and the display unit 3 is longer than the focal length of the lens 41, the size of the light spot SP sometimes becomes too large because the distance between the display unit 3 and the focal point FP is further increased in the direction away from the optical axis of the lens 41.

[0162] Therefore, as indicated by reference numeral 1702, it is preferable that one or more of the lenses 41 are positioned at a distance from the display unit 3 that is shorter than the focal length of the lens 41. By arranging the lenses 41 in this way, the likelihood of the light spot SP becoming too large is reduced compared to the case where the distance between the lens 41 and the display unit 3 is longer than the focal length of the lens 41.

[0163] [Implementation Method 4]

[0164] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between lens 41, display unit 3, and the focal point FP of lens 41. Marker 1801 is a diagram showing the position of the focal point FP along the optical axis of lens 41. As explained in Embodiment 3, the distance between lens 41 and display unit 3 is shorter than the focal length of lens 41. Therefore, the light spot SP on display unit 3 has a constant size along the optical axis of lens 41.

[0165] Marker 1802 is a diagram showing the position of the focal point FP in a direction different from the optical axis of lens 41. The lens 41 in the diagram shown by mark 1802 is different from the lens 41 in the diagram shown by mark 1801, but for simplicity, the same mark is used. Furthermore, as explained in Embodiment 3, the distance between lens 41 and the focal point FP in a direction parallel to the optical axis of lens 41 is shorter than the focal length as it separates from the optical axis of lens 41. Therefore, when the radius of curvature of lens 41 is constant regardless of its position in the lens array 4, the focal point FP is located on the display unit 3, as shown by mark 1802, depending on the position of lens 41, i.e., the direction in which light is incident on lens 41. In this case, the size of the light spot SP becomes smaller, making it difficult to differentiate the transmittance through the size or position of the pixel region 31. Therefore, the lens array 4 preferably includes a portion where the average value of the radius of curvature of lens 41 varies depending on the distance from a predetermined lens reference position on the lens array surface formed by arranging the lenses 41. The reference position is, for example, the centroid of the lens array 4.

[0166] Marker 1803 is a diagram showing the position of the focal point FP in a direction different from the optical axis of lens 41 when the lens array 4 includes portions with different average values ​​of the radius of curvature of lens 41. In this case, as indicated by mark 1803, the focal point FP also becomes a position farther away from the display unit 3 in a direction different from the optical axis of lens 41. Therefore, the light spot SP on the display unit 3 has a constant size.

[0167] Figure 19 This diagram shows lenses 4S and 4L as specific examples of lens 41. Lens 4S is an example of lens 41 located near the optical axis of lens 41 in lens array 4. Lens 4L is an example of lens 41 located separately from the optical axis of lens 41 in lens array 4. The radius of curvature R1 of lens 4S is smaller than the radius of curvature R2 of lens 4L. Therefore, lens array 4 includes a portion where the average value of the radius of curvature of lens 41 increases with the distance from the lens reference position on the lens array surface.

[0168] Because lens 41 has such a radius of curvature, the difference in the size of the light spot SP on display unit 3 caused by the light focused by lens 41 is reduced. Therefore, the deviation in transmittance caused by this difference is reduced.

[0169] [Implementation Method 5]

[0170] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing lens 43, another example of lens 41. (See diagram below.) Figure 20 As shown, lens 43 is an anisotropic lens. An anisotropic lens is a lens with different focal lengths in two mutually orthogonal directions perpendicular to the optical axis. Figure 20 Marker 2001 is a top view of lens 43. Marker 2001 also shows the light spot SP of light focused from lens 43 onto display unit 3. The light spot SP has a shape in which its length along the direction of dashed line LN12 (sixth direction) is longer than its length along the direction of dashed line LN11 (seventh direction).

[0171] Marker 2002 is a diagram showing the focal point FP along the direction of the dashed line LN11 (seventh direction) of mark 2001. Marker 2003 is a diagram showing the focal point FP along the direction of the dashed line LN12 (sixth direction) of mark 2001. As shown by marks 2002 and 2003, the focal length along the direction of the dashed line LN12 is longer than the focal length along the direction of the dashed line LN11. That is, when the lens array 4 has an anisotropic lens, the anisotropic lens is configured such that the focal length in the predetermined sixth direction, which is parallel to the surface of the display unit 3, is longer than the focal length in the predetermined seventh direction, which is parallel to the surface of the display unit 3 and perpendicular to the sixth direction.

[0172] Figure 21This diagram illustrates the configuration of the LED chips (light emitters) when light source 7 is an RGB LED. In the case of light source 7 being an RGB LED, compared with the reference... Figure 12 Similarly, in the example described, LED chips 7r, 7g, and 7b are arranged in a predetermined direction at the position of light source 7. LED chips 7r, 7g, and 7b are arranged along the aforementioned sixth direction, which is the direction in which the focal length of the anisotropic lens increases. In this case, compared to the case where the arrangement direction of LED chips 7r, 7g, and 7b is inconsistent with the sixth direction, the variation in transmittance per unit image area 35 of each LED chip 7r, 7g, and 7b can be reduced.

[0173] [Implementation Method 6]

[0174] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing lens 44, another example of lens 41. (See diagram below.) Figure 22 As shown, lens 44 includes multiple sub-lenses 44a, 44b, and 44c. Sub-lenses 44a to 44c are formed in a planar region corresponding to lens 44.

[0175] Figure 22 Marker 2201 is a top view of lens 44. The light spot SP of light focused from lens 44 onto display unit 3 is also shown on mark 2201. As indicated by mark 2201, according to embodiment 6, lens 44 has light spots SP corresponding to sublenses 44a to 44c respectively.

[0176] Figure 22 Mark 2202 is a diagram showing the focal point FP along the direction of the dashed line LN21 of mark 2201. Mark 2203 is a diagram showing the focal point FP along the direction of the dashed line LN22 of mark 2201. Sublenses 44a to 44c are arranged along the direction of the dashed line LN22. Therefore, as shown by mark 2202, the focal point FP is singular along the direction of the dashed line LN21. On the other hand, as shown by mark 2203, there are focal points FP corresponding to sublenses 44a to 44c respectively along the direction of the dashed line LN22.

[0177] Figure 23 This is a diagram showing lens 45, another example of lens 41. (See diagram below.) Figure 23 As shown, lens 45 includes a plurality of sub-lenses 45b. The plurality of sub-lenses 45b have a structure formed on a lens surface 45a corresponding to lens 45. Lens surface 45a is a lens surface that is cut into the shape of a circular lens such as a spherical lens. Sub-lenses 45b are shaped to include cylindrical concave lenses that follow the shape of lens surface 45a.

[0178] Figure 23Label 2302 is a diagram showing the focal point FP along the direction of the dashed line LN31 of label 2301. Label 2303 is a diagram showing the focal point FP along the direction of the dashed line LN32 of label 2301. As shown by label 2302, in the direction along the dashed line LN31, the light incident on lens 45 is focused by lens surface 45a. As shown by label 2303, in the direction along the dashed line LN32, the light incident on lens 45 is focused by each of the plurality of sub-lenses 45b. Therefore, anisotropy can be imparted to lens 45.

[0179] [Implementation Method 7]

[0180] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the display switching device according to Embodiment 7. Figure 25 This is a diagram illustrating another example of the display switching device according to Embodiment 7. (As shown...) Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, in addition to the structure of the display switching device 10, the display switching device of Embodiment 7 also includes a diffuser plate 71 or a slit 72 as an optical component. The optical component is disposed on the path in which light enters from the position of the light source 7 and the lens array 4. The optical component changes the shape of the light spot SP on the display unit 3.

[0181] exist Figure 24 In the example shown, the optical component is a diffuser plate 71 that diffuses light. Figure 24 In the diagram, 2401 is a diagram showing the shape of the light spot SP formed by lens 41. 2402 is a diagram showing the light spot SP along the direction of the dotted line LN41 of 2401. 2403 is a diagram showing the light spot SP along the direction of the dotted line LN42 of 2401.

[0182] As indicated by reference numerals 2402 and 2403, the diffuser plate 71 has a shape in which its length along the direction of the dashed line LN41 is shorter than its length along the direction of the dashed line LN42. Therefore, as indicated by reference numeral 2401, the light spot SP also has a shape in which its length along the direction of the dashed line LN41 is shorter than its length along the direction of the dashed line LN42. In this way, the shape of the light spot SP can be changed according to the shape of the diffuser plate 71.

[0183] exist Figure 25 In the example shown, the optical component is, for example, a slit 72 that allows only a portion of the light to pass through. Figure 25 In the diagram, 2501 is a diagram showing the shape of the light spot SP formed by lens 41. 2502 is a diagram showing the light spot SP along the direction of the dotted line LN51 of 2501. 2503 is a diagram showing the light spot SP along the direction of the dotted line LN52 of 2501.

[0184] As indicated by reference numerals 2502 and 2503, the opening 72a of the slit 72 has a shape in which the length along the direction of the dashed line LN51 is shorter than the length along the direction of the dashed line LN52. Therefore, as indicated by reference numeral 2501, the light spot SP also has a shape in which the length along the direction of the dashed line LN51 is shorter than the length along the direction of the dashed line LN52. In this way, the shape of the light spot SP can be varied according to the shape of the opening 72a of the slit 72.

[0185] [Implementation Method 8]

[0186] Figure 26 This refers to the display unit 3 of embodiment 8 (see reference). Figure 1 A diagram of one example (etc.). For simplicity, in Figure 26 In the diagram, only pixel areas 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d are shown for the display unit 3. Lens 41 is also shown.

[0187] exist Figure 26 In the display unit 3, pixel regions 34a to 34d are made of materials with different light transmittances. Figure 26 As shown, the transmittance of the material constituting pixel regions 34a to 34d can be three or more types. For example, for each of pixel regions 34a to 34d, by combining light-absorbing materials such as smoked components, polarizing materials such as polarizers, or reflective materials such as semi-transparent mirrors according to the desired transmittance, three or more types of transmittance can be set. By having a display switching device 10 with such pixel regions 34a to 34d in the display unit 3, the performance can also be improved.

[0188] Figure 27 This refers to the display unit 3 of embodiment 8 (see reference). Figure 1 Another example of (etc.) is shown in the figure. For simplicity, in Figure 27 In the diagram, only pixel areas 34e, 34f, 34g, and 34h are shown for the display unit 3. Lens 41 is also shown.

[0189] exist Figure 27 In the display unit 3, pixel areas 34e to 34h are composed of materials with different wavelength distributions of light transmittance. Figure 27As shown, the wavelength distribution of the transmittance of the materials constituting pixel regions 34e to 34h can also be different for each of them. Specifically, in pixel region 34e, the transmittance of red light wavelength is high; in pixel region 34f, the transmittance of green light wavelength is high; and in pixel region 34g, the transmittance of blue light wavelength is high. Furthermore, in pixel region 34h, the transmittance of all wavelengths can be high. For example, for each of pixel regions 34e to 34h, the wavelength distribution can be made different by combining colored resin or colored ink according to the desired wavelength distribution. According to the display switching device 10 having such pixel regions 34e to 34h in the display unit 3, the color of the light transmitted through the pixel region 31 varies depending on the material constituting the pixel region 31. Therefore, it is possible to make the color different for each pixel in the pattern, thus improving the expressiveness.

[0190] [Implementation Method 9]

[0191] In the embodiments described above, the directionality of light passing through the pixel region 31 is the same regardless of its position on the display unit 3. However, in the display switching device 10, the directionality of light passing through the pixel region 31 can vary depending on its position on the display unit 3.

[0192] Figure 28 This diagram illustrates an example of display unit 3, where the directionality of transmitted light varies depending on its position. Figure 28 In this diagram, the directionality of transmitted light is indicated by a circle and an arrow. Figure 28 In the example shown by reference numeral 2801, a diffuser plate 3a is provided on a portion of the side of the display unit 3 on which light is transmitted. Figure 28 In the example shown by reference numeral 2802, a diffusion structure 3b is formed on a portion of the side of the display section 3 through which light is transmitted.

[0193] The diffuser plate 3a and the diffuser structure 3b change the diffuser properties of light transmitted through the display section 3. Figure 28 In the example shown by reference numeral 2801, in the area where the diffuser plate 3a is provided, the intensity of transmitted light in the direction perpendicular to the display unit 3 is reduced compared to the area where the diffuser plate 3a is not provided, while the intensity of transmitted light in other directions is increased. The same is true in the example shown by reference numeral 2802. In this way, the diffuseness of light passing through the pixel area 31 can vary depending on its position on the display unit 3.

[0194] exist Figure 28 In the example shown by reference numeral 2803, a direction-changing structure 3c is formed on a portion of the side of the display unit 3 through which light passes. The direction-changing structure 3c changes the directionality of the light passing through the display unit 3. Figure 28In the example shown by reference numeral 2803, the direction of the intensity peak of the transmitted light differs in the region where the directional change structure 3c is formed compared to the region where the directional change structure 3c is not formed. Thus, the direction of the intensity peak of the transmitted light can also vary depending on its position on the display unit 3.

[0195] As described above, by making the directionality of the light passing through the pixel regions 31 different in the display switching device 10, the transmittance of the light passing through the pixel regions 31 appears different when the display switching device 10 is identified from a specific direction. With such a display switching device 10, the expressiveness of the pattern can also be improved.

[0196] [Implementation Method 10]

[0197] Figure 29 This is a schematic perspective view showing the game display device 100 of embodiment 10. (See diagram below.) Figure 29 As shown, the game display device 100 consists of a front door 101a facing the player and a frame 101b in an openable and closable box shape that mounts the front door 101a. The game display device 100 also includes a reel unit 102, a betting button 103, a coin insertion slot 104, a start lever 105, a stop button unit 106, and a coin payment slot 107. Hereinafter, in the game display device 100, the side where the front door 101a is located will be designated as the front, the opposite side as the rear, the left side facing forward as the left, and the right side as the right.

[0198] The scroll unit 102 is disposed within the frame 101b at the position of the display window located in the vertical center of the front door 101a. The scroll unit 102 comprises three cylindrical scrolls 121-123 (left scroll 121, middle scroll 122, and right scroll 123) arranged in a horizontal direction. The scrolls 121-123 rotate and stop based on the player's input. The player can receive a reward based on a specific task determined by the arrangement of patterns when all the scrolls 121-123 stop.

[0199] The betting button 103 is located on the front door 101a, approximately at the center of the horizontal plane of the control panel formed below the display window. Additionally, the coin slot 104 is located on the front door 101a, on the right side of the horizontal plane of the control panel. The betting button 103 is a switch that indicates to the player the number of coins (bets) placed on the game display device 100 for one game from the coins inserted through the coin slot 104. The player is prompted, for example, only the betting amount corresponding to the number of times the betting button 103 is pressed.

[0200] The start lever 105 is located on the left side of the front surface of the control panel on the front door 101a. By operating the start lever 105, the rotation of the drums 121 to 123 begins.

[0201] The stop button unit 106 is located approximately at the center of the front surface of the control panel inside the front door 101a. The stop button unit 106 is fixed to the front surface of the control panel via a decorative panel (front panel) 160. Furthermore, the stop button unit 106 includes three stop buttons 161-163 (left drum stop button 161, middle drum stop button 162, and right drum stop button 163) arranged in a left-right direction. Pressing the stop buttons 161-163 stops the rotation of the corresponding drums 121-123. (See reference...) Figure 30 The detailed structure of the stop button unit 106 will be described later.

[0202] The game coin payment slot 107 is located at the lower part of the front door 101a. The game display device 100 dispenses game coins from the game coin payment slot 107.

[0203] In addition, the stop buttons 161 to 163 each have multiple light sources.

[0204] The drum rotation control unit receives a start instruction for the rotation of drums 121-123 via the operation of the start lever 105. At this time, the drum rotation control unit outputs a drive pulse to the drum drive control unit, causing drums 121-123 to rotate at a predetermined speed. The drum drive control unit rotates drums 121-123 based on the drive pulse input to it.

[0205] Additionally, the drum rotation control unit receives a signal from the photoelectric microswitches of stop buttons 161-163 indicating that stop buttons 161-163 have been pressed. At this time, the drum rotation control unit outputs a drive pulse to the drum drive control unit to stop drums 121-123. The drum drive control unit stops drums 121-123 based on the drive pulse input to it.

[0206] Furthermore, the lighting control unit controls which of the multiple light sources of the stop buttons 161-163 is lit or turned off.

[0207] (Simplified structure of stop button unit 106)

[0208] Figure 30 This is a schematic top view of the stop button unit 106. Next, the schematic structure of the stop button unit 106 mounted on the game display device 100 will be described.

[0209] like Figure 30As shown, the stop button unit 106 includes a decorative panel 160 and three push-button devices 200 as stop buttons 161 to 163. That is, the stop buttons 161 to 163 are three push-button devices 200 respectively provided in the stop button unit 106. The following description of the push-button devices 200 applies to all stop buttons 161 to 163.

[0210] like Figure 29 and Figure 30 As shown, the decorative panel 160 has holes at each of the locations where the three push-button devices 200 are installed. Each push-button device 200 has a button body (button top) 201 whose surface is pressed by the fingers of a player or the like. In addition, the push-button device 200 has a display section (display switch) 202 on the back of the button body 201, which can display a specified display image.

[0211] Figure 30 The mark 103A indicates that the display unit 202 is not displaying an image. Figure 30 Figure 30 The designation 103B indicates that the display unit 202 displays an image as an example of the sequence in which the stop buttons 161-163 are pressed. In this way, the display unit 202 can display a specified image to the player through the hole in the decorative panel 160.

[0212] Such a stop button unit 106 is, for example, an information display device that includes the aforementioned display switching device 10, a light source 7, and a light emission control unit for controlling the light emission of the light source 7. Additionally, the game display device 100 includes the stop button unit 106 and a display control unit that performs display control in the stop button unit 106 according to the progress of the game. With such a stop button unit 106 and the game display device 100, it is possible to provide users with prompts using highly expressive graphics.

[0213] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical solutions shown. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical solutions disclosed in different embodiments are also included within the technical scope of this invention.

[0214] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0215] 10, 10A, 10B Display switching devices; 4, 4A Lens arrays; 41, 43, 44, 45, 4L, 4S Lenses; 44a~44c, 45b Sub-lenses; 7r, 7g, 7b LED chips (light emitters); 3, 3M, 3M, 3N, 3N, 202 Display units; 31, 31a, 31b, 31i~31k, 31m~31r, 34a~34h Pixel areas; 32, 32a~32k, 32m~32r Pixel peripheral areas; 35, 35a~35k, 35m~35r Unit image areas.

Claims

1. A display switching device that switches displayed images by switching illumination from multiple light source positions, wherein, have: A lens array consisting of multiple lenses arranged in a specific order, and Display section, Light emitted from the plurality of light source positions is focused by the lenses of each of the lens arrays, so that it passes through different positions on the display unit. The transmittance of light passing through the display unit corresponds to a predetermined static pattern and varies depending on the position on the display unit. The transmittance values ​​at multiple locations on the display unit are of three or more types. The display unit includes: Multiple pixel regions, each comprising a region through which light emitted from the multiple light source locations passes, is concentrated by the respective lenses of the lens array; A pixel periphery region, which is disposed around the periphery of each pixel region. The transmittance of each pixel region is set in correspondence with the defined static pattern. In a pixel region comprised of a region through which light emitted from one of the light sources passes and focused by one of the lenses in the lens array passes, and a pixel periphery region disposed around the pixel region, and where the region of one pixel constituting the static pattern is taken as the unit image region. The transmittance values ​​in the unit image region are of three or more types.

2. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein, The specified static pattern corresponds to multiple positions of the multiple light sources. The types of transmittance values ​​correspond to at least one of the specified static patterns, and the positions on the display section through which the light passes are three or more.

3. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein, The transmittance of the region surrounding the pixel is constant, regardless of its position on the display unit.

4. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein, The total area of ​​the pixel region on the display unit is less than 60% of the total area of ​​the pixel region and the surrounding area of ​​the pixel.

5. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein, The area ratio of the pixel region to the area of ​​the unit image region has three or more types.

6. The display switching device according to claim 5, wherein, Among the types of area ratios, the intermediate area ratios other than the maximum and minimum values ​​are more than 10% of the difference between the maximum and minimum values.

7. The display switching device according to claim 5, wherein, The area ratio varies due to the change in the length of the pixel region in a predetermined first direction parallel to the surface of the display unit.

8. The display switching device according to claim 5, wherein, In the unit image area, the pixel area has a shape that is longest in a predetermined second direction parallel to the surface of the display unit and shortest in a predetermined third direction that is parallel to the surface of the display unit and orthogonal to the second direction.

9. The display switching device according to claim 8, wherein, At the location of the light source, multiple light-emitting elements constituting a light source are arranged in a predetermined direction. The direction in which the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged is consistent with the second direction.

10. The display switching device according to claim 9, wherein, The unit image regions are arranged along a predetermined fourth and fifth direction that are parallel to and orthogonal to the surface of the display unit. The second direction is different from the fourth and fifth directions. The third direction is a direction different from the fourth and fifth directions.

11. The display switching device according to claim 5, wherein, In the unit image region, the pixel region is a plurality of separate partial pixel regions.

12. The display switching device according to claim 5, wherein, A predetermined reference distance is set between the center of the display unit and the center of the unit image area. The maximum value of the area ratio in the unit image region at a distance greater than the reference distance is greater than the maximum value of the area ratio in the unit image region at a distance less than the reference distance.

13. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein, The pixel regions within the unit image region can be of three or more types in terms of location.

14. The display switching device according to claim 13, wherein, The difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the distance between the centroids of the pixel regions of two adjacent unit image regions is greater than 10% of the maximum value.

15. The display switching device according to claim 13, wherein, There are three or more combinations of the position of the pixel region and the area ratio of the pixel region in the unit image region.

16. The display switching device according to claim 15, wherein, The change in the position of the pixel region is less than half of the change in the size of the pixel region in the direction of the change in the position of the pixel region.

17. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between one or more of the plurality of lenses and the display unit is different from the focal length of that lens.

18. The display switching device according to claim 17, wherein, One or more of the plurality of lenses are disposed at a position where the distance between them and the display unit is shorter than the focal length of the lens.

19. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein, The lens array includes a portion of the average radius of curvature of the lenses that varies depending on the distance from a predetermined lens reference position on the lens array surface on which the lenses are arranged.

20. The display switching device according to claim 19, wherein, The lens array includes the portion where the average radius of curvature of the lens increases with increasing distance from the reference position of the lens on the surface of the lens array.

21. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein, The light spot focused by the lens has a shape in which the length in a predetermined sixth direction parallel to the surface of the display unit is longer than the length in a predetermined seventh direction parallel to the surface of the display unit and perpendicular to the sixth direction.

22. The display switching device according to claim 21, wherein, The lens array includes anisotropic lenses whose focal length in the sixth direction is longer than that in the seventh direction.

23. The display switching device according to claim 22, wherein, At the location of the light source, multiple light-emitting elements constituting a light source are arranged in a predetermined direction. The plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged along the sixth direction.

24. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein, The lens comprises multiple sub-lenses.

25. The display switching device according to claim 24, wherein, The plurality of sub-lenses are formed in a planar region corresponding to the lens.

26. The display switching device according to claim 24, wherein, The plurality of sub-lenses have a structure formed on a lens surface corresponding to the lens.

27. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein, Optical components are provided along the path of the light incident from the light source position onto the lens array.

28. The display switching device according to claim 27, wherein, The optical component is a diffuser plate that diffuses the light.

29. The display switching device according to claim 27, wherein, The optical component is a slit that allows only a portion of the light to pass through.

30. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein, The material constituting the pixel region has three or more types of transmittance.

31. The display switching device according to claim 30, wherein, The wavelength distribution of the transmittance of the materials constituting the pixel region is different for each other.

32. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein, The directionality of the transmitted light through each pixel region corresponding to the positions of the plurality of light sources is different depending on the position on the display unit.

33. The display switching device according to claim 32, wherein, The diffusion of transmitted light in each of the pixel regions corresponding to the plurality of light source positions is different depending on their positions on the display unit.

34. The display switching device according to claim 32, wherein, The direction of the peak value of the transmitted light intensity in each of the pixel regions corresponding to the plurality of light source positions is different depending on the position on the display unit.

35. An information display device comprising: The display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 34; Multiple light sources are configured at the locations of the light sources; The light emission control unit controls the light emission of the light source.

36. A game display device, comprising: The information display device according to claim 35; The display control unit controls the display on the information display device according to the progress of the game.

37. A switch comprising a display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 34, and detecting user operation on the display switching device.

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