Display switching device, display switching system, switch, and electrical device

Abstract

To provide a display switcher with improved display uniformity of a pixel region.SOLUTION: A display switcher 10 comprises: a plurality of light source groups including a plurality of light sources 1A, 1B, 2A; a lens array 3 in which a plurality of lenses L0 to L7 are arrayed; and a display unit that includes a plurality of pixel regions 4A, 4B, 4A' arranged so as to include a light passage region in which light emitted from the plurality of light source groups is condensed by the respective lenses L0 to L7 of the lens array 3. In at least one pixel region 4A, 4A', light from the plurality of light sources 1A, 2A included in the predetermined light source group is condensed by different microlenses L1 to L4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display switching device. [Background technology]

[0002] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional display switching device described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. 36, a display unit 100 has a plurality of pixels, and each pixel has two pixel regions (△ and ○). Light 103 emitted from one light source 102 is made incident on each of seven pixels in the vertical direction through a lenticular lens 101 consisting of a plurality of microlenses. The angle of incidence of the light 103 from the light source 102 with respect to the lenticular lens 101 is changed, and the focusing position of the light focused by the lenticular lens 101 is changed, so that the pixel region (△ and ○) to be displayed can be selected. That is, when a plurality of pixel regions △ are selected, a first pattern is displayed, and when a plurality of pixel regions ○ are selected, a second pattern is displayed. The light source 102 is movable in the C direction in the figure.

[0003] 37 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional display switching device 200 including a substrate 202, a first light source 201A for displaying a first pattern on a display unit 204, a second light source 201B for displaying a second pattern on the display unit 204, a lens array 203 including a plurality of lenses L0 to L7, and a display unit 204. The display switching device 200 is capable of switching between displaying the first pattern and displaying the second pattern on the display unit 204 by turning on the first light source 201A or the second light source 201B. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-195216 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the case of the conventional display switching device described in Patent Document 1, since light 103 emitted from one light source 102 is incident on seven vertical pixels via lenticular lens 101, there is a problem that it is difficult to ensure uniformity in display of pixel regions (△ and ○) in each of the seven vertical pixels. In particular, there is a problem that the intensity of light in the front direction is reduced in the pixels arranged at the top and bottom ends of the seven vertical pixels, i.e., the pixels where the incident angle of light 103 to lenticular lens 101 is wide, so that the uniformity of display of the pixel regions (△ and ○) is particularly poor. This problem cannot be improved by moving light source 102 in the C direction in the figure.

[0006] 37, light emitted from one first light source 201A is incident on the first pixel regions 205A-205A' of the display unit 204 via the lens array 203, and light emitted from one second light source 201B is incident on the second pixel region 205B of the display unit 204 via the lens array 203, so that it is difficult to ensure uniformity in the display of the first pixel regions 205A-205A' and the second pixel region 205B. In particular, in the case of the first pixel region 205A', the angle of incidence of the light from the first light source 201A with respect to the lens array 203 is wide, so that the light component HA' after passing through the first pixel region 205A' has a lower intensity in the front direction than the light component HA after passing through the first pixel region 205A and the light component HB after passing through the second pixel region 205B, so that the uniformity of the display of the first pixel region 205A' is particularly poor.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a display switching device that improves the uniformity of display in a pixel region. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, a display switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: A display switching device that switches a display image by switching irradiation of light from a plurality of light source groups including a plurality of light sources for each of the light source groups, A lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged; a display unit including a plurality of pixel regions arranged including an area through which light emitted from each of the plurality of light source groups passes and is focused by each of the lenses of the lens array; The transmittance in each of the pixel regions is set in accordance with a predetermined still pattern, Light from a plurality of the light sources included in a predetermined light source group is collected by different lenses onto at least one of the pixel regions.

[0009] According to the above configuration, since the light from the plurality of light sources included in the predetermined light source group is condensed by the different lenses in at least one of the pixel regions, it is possible to realize a display switching device with improved display uniformity in the pixel region, and therefore it is possible to make the display switching device larger and thinner.

[0010] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, The light source group includes at least a first light source group and a second light source group, the plurality of pixel regions include at least a first pixel region group and a second pixel region group, a 1-1 pixel region included in the first pixel region group is irradiated with light emitted from a 1-1 light source included in the first light source group after being collected by a first lens of the lens array, and is irradiated with light emitted from a 1-2 light source included in the first light source group after being collected by a second lens of the lens array; A 2-1 pixel region included in the second pixel region group is irradiated with light emitted from a 2-1 light source included in the second light source group after being collected by the first lens, and is also irradiated with light emitted from a 2-2 light source included in the second light source group after being collected by the second lens.

[0011] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a display switching device that improves the uniformity of the display in the 1-1 pixel region and the 2-1 pixel region, and therefore it is possible to make the display switching device larger and thinner.

[0012] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, The 1-1 light source and the 2-1 light source are arranged in a first arrangement area, and the 1-2 light source and the 2-2 light source are arranged in a second arrangement area, and the first arrangement area and the second arrangement area are adjacent to each other.

[0013] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a display switching device that improves the uniformity of the display in the 1-1 pixel region and the 2-1 pixel region, and therefore it is possible to make the display switching device larger and thinner.

[0014] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, the first lens and the second lens are adjacent to each other.

[0015] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a display switching device that improves the uniformity of the display in the 1-1 pixel region and the 2-1 pixel region, and therefore it is possible to make the display switching device larger and thinner.

[0016] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, The lens array has a structure in which the lenses are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, At least one of the pixel regions is illuminated with light collected by four of the lenses adjacent to each other.

[0017] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a display switching device that improves the uniformity of the display in the pixel area by using a plurality of relatively compact optical systems.

[0018] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, the area of ​​the lens array is larger than the area of ​​the region in which the light source is disposed.

[0019] According to the above configuration, a plurality of display switching devices can be connected without an extra bezel (bezel-less), so that the display switching device can be made larger without a bezel.

[0020] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, the plurality of light sources include a virtual light source generated by a mirror or a lens from a portion of light from a real light source that actually emits light.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the number of actual light sources can be reduced, and an energy-saving display switching device can be realized.

[0022] The display switching device according to the above aspect further includes a light blocking section that blocks a part of an emission angle region of the light emitted from the light source.

[0023] According to the above configuration, since the light blocking portion can block wide-angle light, it is possible to realize a display switching device in which degradation of image quality due to aberration is suppressed.

[0024] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, the light sources included in a given light source group have intensities different from one another.

[0025] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a display switching device that further improves the uniformity of the display in the pixel area.

[0026] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, the light sources included in a given light source group have different emission colors.

[0027] According to the above configuration, since the pixel area can be expressed in a plurality of colors, a display switching device capable of producing a new appearance can be realized.

[0028] In the display switching device according to the above aspect, the light irradiated to the lens is collimated light.

[0029] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a display switching device that can suppress degradation of image quality due to aberration and further improves the uniformity of display in the pixel area.

[0030] Further, the display switching system according to the one aspect includes a plurality of the display switching devices, The display sections of the display switching devices are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0031] According to the above configuration, a display switching system capable of displaying a large image or an image of any shape can be realized.

[0032] The switch according to the aspect includes the display switching device and detects a user's operation on the display switching device.

[0033] According to the above-mentioned configuration, a switch with improved uniformity in the pixel area can be realized.

[0034] Moreover, the electrical device according to the one aspect includes the switch, and is operated by the switch.

[0035] According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to realize an electrical device having a switch with improved uniformity of display in the pixel region. Effect of the Invention

[0036] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a display switching device that improves the uniformity of display in a pixel region. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display switching device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display unit provided in the display switching device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a switching display example of the display unit provided in the display switching device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a display unit and a lens array that can be provided in the display switching device of the first embodiment, and a light source. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the optical effect of the display switching device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a state of light passing through the display unit of the display switching device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the uniformity of display on the display unit when light passing through a pixel region of the display switching device of the first embodiment is light from one light source. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the uniformity of display on the display unit when light passing through the pixel region of the display switching device of the first embodiment is light from two light sources. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a modification of the display switching device of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a lens array provided in the display switching device of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an example of another lens array that can be used in the display switching device of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another modified example of the display switching device of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of still another modified example of the display switching device of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an example of still another lens array provided in the display switching device of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of another light source that can be used in the display switching device of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of still another light source that can be used in the display switching device of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a lens array provided in the display switching device of the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display switching device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a pixel region that can be produced when a plurality of light sources that emit light of different colors are used in the display switching device of the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the uniformity of display in a pixel region when a plurality of light sources emitting light with the same intensity are used in the display switching device of the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the uniformity of display in a pixel region when a plurality of light sources emitting light with different intensities are used in the display switching device of the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first modified example of the display switching device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second modified example of the display switching device of the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a third modified example of the display switching device of the second embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fourth modified example of the display switching device of the second embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fifth modified example of the display switching device of the second embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display switching device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of another light-shielding wall that can be used in the display switching device of the third embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display switching system according to the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a modification of the display switching system of the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another modified example of the display switching system of the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 32]FIG. 32 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a bezel-less display switching system. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the bezel-less display switching system shown in FIG. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a display switching system having a bezel. [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a switch according to a fifth embodiment including a display switching device. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional display switching device described in Patent Document 1. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional display switching device 200. As shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 35. For the sake of convenience, components having the same functions as those described in a specific embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0039] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display switching device 10 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the display switching device 10 includes, from bottom to top in the drawing, a substrate 9, a plurality of light sources 1A, 1B, and 2A, a lens array 3 including a plurality of microlenses L0 to L7, a display unit 4 including a plurality of pixel regions 4A and 4A' for displaying a first pattern and a plurality of pixel regions 4B for displaying a second pattern, and a light diffusion member 5. The lens array 3, the display unit 4, and the light diffusion member 5 are supported by a housing 6, and the display switching device 10 is formed by attaching the housing 6 to the substrate 9 on which the plurality of light sources 1A, 1B, and 2A are attached. The display switching device 10 may further include a protective layer above the light diffusion member 5 to prevent damage.

[0040] At least one of the housing 6 and the substrate 9 is preferably made of a light absorbing material. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent light reflected by the lens array 3 or the display unit 4 from passing through the lens array 3 and the display unit 4 again and being viewed by the user. It is also possible to prevent the image generated by the pixel regions 4A, 4A', and 4B of the display unit 4 from appearing faint due to internal reflection of disturbance light when the multiple light sources 1A, 1B, and 2A are not emitting light.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the display switching device 10 is described as having LEDs (e.g., RGB LEDs) as point light sources as the light sources 1A, 1B, and 2A, but is not limited thereto. The light sources 1A, 1B, and 2A may be rod-shaped light guide bars or light guide bodies that emit light only in a predetermined area as described below. Furthermore, laser light may be used as the light source. An RGB LED is a light source in which an LED that emits red light, an LED that emits green light, and an LED that emits blue light are packaged as one light source, and the brightness of each color of LED can be controlled individually. In the present embodiment, the display switching device 10 is described as having four light sources belonging to a first light source group including the light source 1A and the light source 2A, and four light sources belonging to a second light source group including the light source 1B, but is not limited thereto. The number of light sources, the distance between the light sources, the size of the light sources, and the like can be appropriately set as necessary.

[0042] In this embodiment, the lens pitch LP of the microlenses L0-L7 in the lens array 3 is 0.25 mm, the thickness of the lens array 3 including the microlenses L0-L7 is 0.5 mm at its thickest point, the refractive index of the lens array 3 is 1.5, and the shortest distance LD between the light sources 1A, 1B, and 2A and the microlenses L0-L7 is 30 mm, but this is not limited to the above. The number of microlenses in the lens array 3, the lens pitch LP of the microlenses, the thickness of the lens array 3, the refractive index of the lens array 3, the shortest distance LD between the light source and the microlenses, etc. can be set appropriately as necessary.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the display unit 4 provided in the display switching device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of switching display on the display unit 4 provided in the display switching device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 2, the display unit 4 alternately displays predetermined patterns such as a first pattern and a second pattern. Fig. 2 includes an enlarged view of part A of the display unit 4 and an enlarged view of part B of the enlarged view of part A of the display unit 4. The display unit 4 is composed of a plurality of pixel regions 4A-4A' for displaying a first pattern P1 (hiragana character "ki" in the example) shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of pixel regions 4B for displaying a second pattern P2 (pattern "△" in the example) shown in Fig. 3, and a portion 4S other than the pixel regions 4A-4A'-4B. The plurality of pixel regions 4A-4A'-4B are openings for transmitting light from the light sources 1A-1B-2A and displaying the first pattern P1 or the second pattern P2. The portion 4S other than the pixel regions 4A, 4A', and 4B serves as a mask that reduces the transmittance of light from the light sources 1A, 1B, and 2A compared to the pixel regions 4A, 4A', and 4B. The portion 4S other than the pixel regions 4A, 4A', and 4B is preferably formed of, for example, a black matrix with high light-shielding properties, but is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that can reduce the transmittance of light from the light sources 1A, 1B, and 2A compared to the pixel regions 4A, 4A', and 4B. The display unit 4 may be provided on a substrate that transmits visible light. In the present embodiment, the display unit 4 is formed of one layer, for example, a black matrix, but is not limited to this. For example, the display unit 4 may be formed of two layers. In this case, the first layer disposed as the lower layer close to the light sources 1A, 1B, and 2A may be formed of a layer in which a plurality of openings for passing light to the pixel regions 4A, 4A', and 4B included in the second layer, which is the upper layer, and a transmission region having a predetermined transmittance are formed. A second layer, disposed as an upper layer remote from the light sources 1A, 1B, and 2A, includes pixel regions 4A, 4A', and 4B.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a display unit and a lens array that can be provided in the display switching device of the first embodiment, and a light source.

[0047] As described above, in the present embodiment, the first pattern P1 shown in Fig. 3 is displayed by a plurality of pixel regions 4A-4A', and the second pattern P2 shown in Fig. 3 is displayed by a plurality of pixel regions 4B. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 4, when a light source 1C belonging to a third light source group and a light source 1D belonging to a fourth light source group are further provided in addition to the light source 1A and the light source 2A belonging to the first light source group and the light source 1B belonging to the second light source group, it is possible to switch the display including the third pattern P3 and the fourth pattern P4 in addition to the first pattern P1 and the second pattern P2 shown in Fig. 3.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the optical effect of the display switching device 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0049] The display switching device 10 switches the display image by switching between irradiation of light from a first light source group including light source 1A and light source 2A and irradiation of light from a second light source group including multiple light sources such as light source 1B for each light source group.

[0050] In the display switching device 10, light from the light source 1A belonging to the first light source group is collected by the microlens L1 of the lens array 3 and passes through the pixel region 4A (first pixel region) of the display unit 4, and is also collected by the microlens L3 of the lens array 3 and passes through the pixel region 4A' (first pixel region) of the display unit 4. Light from the light source 2A belonging to the first light source group is collected by the microlens L2 of the lens array 3 and passes through the pixel region 4A (first pixel region) of the display unit 4, and is also collected by the microlens L4 of the lens array 3 and passes through the pixel region 4A' (first pixel region) of the display unit 4. On the other hand, light from the light source 1B belonging to the second light source group is collected by the microlens L1 of the lens array 3 and passes through the pixel region 4B (second pixel region) of the display unit 4.

[0051] As described above, in the display switching device 10, the light from the light source 1A and the light source 2A belonging to the first light source group is collected by different microlenses in each of the pixel region 4A (first pixel region) and the pixel region 4A' (first pixel region). Therefore, the display uniformity of each of the pixel region 4A (first pixel region) and the pixel region 4A' (first pixel region) is improved. Furthermore, the luminance uniformity between the pixel region 4A (first pixel region) and the pixel region 4A' (first pixel region) can also be improved. Therefore, the display switching device 10 can be made larger and thinner.

[0052] 5, in the case of pixel region 4A, the angle of incidence of light from light source 2A belonging to the first light source group with respect to microlens L2 of lens array 3 is wide, so that the light component 2HA' after passing through pixel region 4A has reduced light intensity in the front direction, resulting in poor display uniformity. Therefore, in display switching device 10, light from light source 1A belonging to the first light source group is also collected in pixel region 4A by microlens L1 of lens array 3. The light component 1HA after passing through pixel region 4A has a relatively strong light intensity in the front direction, improving the display uniformity of pixel region 4A.

[0053] 5, in the case of pixel region 4A', the angle of incidence of light from light source 1A belonging to the first light source group with respect to microlens L3 of lens array 3 becomes wide, so that the light component 1HA' after passing through pixel region 4A' has reduced light intensity in the front direction, resulting in poor display uniformity. Therefore, in display switching device 10, light from light source 2A belonging to the first light source group is also condensed in pixel region 4A' by microlens L4 of lens array 3. The light component 2HA after passing through pixel region 4A' has a relatively strong light intensity in the front direction, improving the display uniformity of pixel region 4A'.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the state of light passing through the display unit 4 of the display switching device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 4 of the display switching device 10 is configured to display images by illuminating each of the multiple pixel regions 4A-4A' with multiple light sources belonging to the first light source group, thereby improving the display uniformity of the pixel regions 4A-4A'.

[0056] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the display uniformity of the display unit 4 when the light passing through the pixel regions 4A-4A' of the display switching device 10 is light from one light source 1A, and Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the display uniformity of the display unit 4 when the light passing through the pixel regions 4A-4A' of the display switching device 10 is light from two light sources 1A-2A. Comparing the circled X portion in Fig. 7 with the circled Y portion in Fig. 8, it can be seen that the display uniformity of the display unit 4 when the light passing through the pixel regions 4A-4A' is light from two light sources 1A-2A, as in the display switching device 10, i.e., the uniformity of the luminance of the display unit 4, is significantly improved.

[0057] 5, in the pixel region 4B (second pixel region), light from the light source 1B belonging to the second light source group is collected by the microlens L1 of the lens array 3. The light component 1HB after passing through the pixel region 4B has a relatively strong light intensity in the front direction. This is not limited to the above, and as described later, light from two light sources may be collected by different microlenses of the lens array 3 in the pixel region 4B (second pixel region) as in the above-mentioned pixel region 4A (first pixel region) and pixel region 4A' (first pixel region).

[0058] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a modification of the display switching device of the first embodiment.

[0059] 9 further includes a collimating lens 8 between the light sources 1A, 1B, and 2A and the lens array 3. The collimating lens 8 collimates the light from the light sources 1A, 1B, and 2A and allows the light to be incident on the microlenses L0 to L7 of the lens array 3.

[0060] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a display switching device 10a that can suppress degradation of image quality due to aberration and further improves the uniformity of the display in the pixel regions 4A and 4A'.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the display switching device 10a is described as being equipped with the collimating lens 8 as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the collimating lens 8, for example, a Fresnel lens, a collimating mirror, a Fresnel mirror, a light guide plate, or the like may be used as long as it can collimate the light from the light sources 1A, 1B, and 2A.

[0062] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the lens array 3 provided in the display switching devices 10 and 10a.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 10, the lens array 3 provided in the display switching devices 10 and 10a includes one-dimensional (1D) cylindrical lenses as the microlenses L0 to L4. The microlenses adjacent to the microlens L2 are the microlenses L1 and L3 in the adjacent region RR. In the display switching devices 10 and 10a, for example, the light from the light source 1A and the light from the light source 2A may be condensed in the pixel region 4A or the pixel region 4A' using the microlenses L1 and L2 adjacent to each other or the microlenses L2 and L3 adjacent to each other, and the light from the light source 1A and the light from the light source 2A may be condensed in the pixel region 4A or the pixel region 4A' using the microlenses L1 to L3 adjacent to each other.

[0064] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an example of another lens array 3a that can be used in the display switching devices 10 and 10a of the first embodiment.

[0065] 11, the lens array 3a includes microlenses L1 to L7 in a two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb shape. The microlens adjacent to the microlens L1 is at least one of the microlenses L2 to L7 in the adjacent region RR. In the display switching devices 10 and 10a, for example, the light from the light source 1A and the light from the light source 2A may be focused on the pixel region 4A or the pixel region 4A' by using the microlens L1 and at least one of the microlenses L2 to L7 adjacent to each other.

[0066] Another lens array that can be used in the display switching devices 10 and 10a is a lens array that includes microlenses in a two-dimensional (2D) matrix configuration, which will be described in the second embodiment.

[0067] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another modified example of the display switching device of the first embodiment.

[0068] 12 includes light sources 1A-7A belonging to a first light source group and light sources 1B-7B belonging to a second light source group. Moreover, display switching device 11 includes, as pixel regions, a first pixel region group including pixel region 4A (first pixel region) and a second pixel region group including pixel region 4B (second pixel region).

[0069] In a pixel region 4A (1-1 pixel region) included in the first pixel region group of the display switching device 11 shown in FIG. 12, light emitted from a light source 1A (1-1 light source) belonging to the first light source group is condensed by a microlens L0 (first lens) of the lens array 3 and then irradiated, light emitted from a light source 2A (1-2 light source) belonging to the first light source group is condensed by a microlens L1 (second lens) of the lens array 3 and then irradiated, light emitted from a light source 3A (1-3 light source) belonging to the first light source group is condensed by a microlens L2 (third lens) of the lens array 3 and then irradiated, and light source 4A (1-1 pixel region) belonging to the first light source group is condensed by a microlens L3 (third lens) of the lens array 3 and then irradiated. A light emitted from A (1-4th light source) belonging to the first light source group is condensed by a microlens L3 (4th lens) of the lens array 3 and then irradiated, a light emitted from a light source 5A (1-5th light source) belonging to the first light source group is condensed by a microlens L4 (5th lens) of the lens array 3 and then irradiated, a light emitted from a light source 6A (1-6th light source) belonging to the first light source group is condensed by a microlens L5 (6th lens) of the lens array 3 and then irradiated, and a light emitted from a light source 7A (1-7th light source) belonging to the first light source group is condensed by a microlens L6 (7th lens) of the lens array 3 and then irradiated. In the present embodiment, a case where light from seven different light sources 1A to 7A is irradiated to the pixel region 4A via different microlenses L0 to L6 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0070] Similarly, in a pixel region 4B (2-1 pixel region) included in the second pixel region group of the display switching device 11 shown in FIG. 12, light emitted from a light source 1B (2-1 light source) belonging to the second light source group is condensed by a microlens L0 (first lens) of the lens array 3 and then irradiated, light emitted from a light source 2B (2-2 light source) belonging to the second light source group is condensed by a microlens L1 (second lens) of the lens array 3 and then irradiated, light emitted from a light source 3B (2-3 light source) belonging to the second light source group is condensed by a microlens L2 (third lens) of the lens array 3 and then irradiated, and light belonging to the second light source group is condensed by a microlens L3 (third lens) of the lens array 3 and then irradiated. The light emitted from the light source 4B (2-4th light source) is irradiated after being collected by the microlens L3 (4th lens) of the lens array 3, the light emitted from the light source 5B (2-5th light source) belonging to the second light source group is irradiated after being collected by the microlens L4 (5th lens) of the lens array 3, the light emitted from the light source 6B (2-6th light source) belonging to the second light source group is irradiated after being collected by the microlens L5 (6th lens) of the lens array 3, and the light emitted from the light source 7B (2-7th light source) belonging to the second light source group is irradiated after being collected by the microlens L6 (7th lens) of the lens array 3. In the present embodiment, the case where the light from seven different light sources 1B to 7B is irradiated to the pixel region 4B through different microlenses L0 to L6 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. According to the display switching device 11, the uniformity of the display of each of the pixel region 4A (first pixel region) and the pixel region 4B (second pixel region) can be improved. Furthermore, the uniformity of the luminance between the pixel region 4A (first pixel region) and the pixel region 4B (second pixel region) can be improved, and therefore the display switching device 11 can be made larger and thinner.

[0071] 12, the light source 1A (1-1 light source) belonging to the first light source group and the light source 1B (2-1 light source) belonging to the second light source group are arranged in a first arrangement area, and the light source 2A (1-2 light source) belonging to the second light source group and the light source 2B (2-2 light source) belonging to the second light source group are arranged in a second arrangement area, and the first arrangement area and the second arrangement area are adjacent to each other. The same applies to the light sources 3A to 7A belonging to the first light source group and the light sources 3B to 7B belonging to the second light source group.

[0072] In the display switching device 11, for example, only the light sources 6A-7A belonging to the first light source group and the light sources 6B-7B belonging to the second light source group, or the light sources 1A-2A belonging to the first light source group and the light sources 1B-2B belonging to the second light source group may be turned on so as to appear bright from a specific angle. Furthermore, for example, only the light sources 6A-7A belonging to the first light source group and the light sources 6B-7B belonging to the second light source group, or the light sources 1A-2A belonging to the first light source group and the light sources 1B-2B belonging to the second light source group may be provided on the substrate 9 so as to appear bright from a specific angle.

[0073] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of still another modified example of the display switching device of the first embodiment.

[0074] In the display switching device 12 shown in FIG. 13, the display unit 4 (display unit 4 in FIG. 6) is divided into sections, and the light sources 1A and 2A belonging to the first light source group irradiate the sections. In the case of the display switching device 12, the display unit 4 is divided into, for example, five sections and irradiated. The light from the two light sources 1A and 2A is concentrated near the center CL of the display unit 4, the light from only the light source 1A is concentrated to the left of the center CL of the display unit 4, and the light from only the light source 2A is concentrated to the right of the center CL of the display unit 4. In the display switching device 12 shown in FIG. 13, a case in which the light from the light source 1A and the light from the light source 2A are concentrated at one place will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the light from the light source 1A and the light from the light source 2A may be concentrated at multiple places. 13 has been described as an example in which light from two light sources 1A and 2A is focused near the center CL of the display unit 4, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the point at which light from light sources 1A and 2A is focused does not have to be near the center CL of the display unit 4, and may be on a dividing line that arbitrarily divides the display unit 4. Furthermore, microlens L3 of lens array 3 provided in display switching device 12 shown in FIG. 13, which is near the point at which light from light sources 1A and 2A is focused, may not be provided, and further, microlens L3 may have a light-shielding material printed thereon, and a light-shielding wall or the like may be formed below microlens L3.

[0075] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an example of still another lens array 3' provided in the display switching device of the first embodiment.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 14, the lens array 3' may be formed in a circular shape. In addition, the area of ​​the lens array 3' is preferably larger than the area of ​​the region in which the multiple light sources G are arranged.

[0077] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of another light source that can be used in the display switching device of the first embodiment.

[0078] 15 includes a light source 52, a light source 53, and a light guide plate 51. The light guide plate 51 is provided with a reflective structure 51A for emitting light from the light source 52, and a reflective structure 51B for emitting light from the light source 53. That is, in the light guide 50, the light source 52 and the light source 53, whose respective reflective structures 51A and 51B serve as virtual light sources, may be light sources that emit the same color or light sources that emit different colors. In the above-mentioned display switching devices 10, 10a, 11, and 12, the light guide 50 can be used in place of the light source and the substrate.

[0079] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of still another light source that can be used in the display switching device of the first embodiment.

[0080] In display switching device 13 shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of light sources including light source 1A include virtual light sources 1A' and 1A'' that are generated from a portion of light from a real light source (light source 1A) that actually emits light, using lens M including microlenses L1' and microlenses L2'. With the above configuration, the number of real light sources can be reduced. Also, an energy-saving display switching device 13 can be realized.

[0081] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which virtual light sources 1A' and 1A'' are generated from a portion of the light from a real light source (light source 1A) that actually emits light, using lens M. However, this is not limited to this, and a virtual light source may be generated from a portion of the light from a real light source that actually emits light, using mirror M', as in embodiment 2 described later.

[0082] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 17 to Fig. 26. The display switching devices 14, 14a, 15 to 18 of this embodiment differ from the first embodiment described above in that they include a lens array 3b including microlenses in a two-dimensional (2D) matrix shape. The rest is as described in the first embodiment. For ease of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their explanation will be omitted.

[0083] FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a lens array 3b provided in the display switching device of the second embodiment.

[0084] 17, the lens array 3b includes microlenses in a two-dimensional (2D) matrix. The microlens adjacent to the microlens L1 is at least one of the microlenses L2 to L9 in the adjacent region RR. In the display switching devices 14, 14a, 15 to 18 described later, for example, the microlens L1 and at least one of the microlenses L2 to L9 adjacent to each other may be used to collect light from a plurality of light sources G1C to G9C, G1D to G9D, G1E to G9E, and G1F to G9F onto the pixel regions 4C to 4F.

[0085] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display switching device 14 according to the second embodiment.

[0086] The display switching device 14 shown in Figure 18 has a total of 36 light sources: nine light sources G1C to G9C belonging to the first light source group, nine light sources G1D to G9D belonging to the second light source group, nine light sources G1E to G9E belonging to the third light source group, and nine light sources G1F to G9F belonging to the fourth light source group.

[0087] Each of the light from the nine light sources G1C to G9C belonging to the first light source group is condensed to the pixel region 4C (first pixel region) through a different microlens (shown by circles 1 to 9 in the figure). Each of the light from the nine light sources G1D to G9D belonging to the second light source group is condensed to the pixel region 4D (second pixel region) through a different microlens (shown by circles 1 to 9 in the figure). Each of the light from the nine light sources G1E to G9E belonging to the third light source group is condensed to the pixel region 4E (third pixel region) through a different microlens (shown by circles 1 to 9 in the figure). Also, each of the light from the nine light sources G1F to G9F belonging to the fourth light source group is condensed to the pixel region 4F (fourth pixel region) through a different microlens (shown by circles 1 to 9 in the figure).

[0088] 18, for example, the positions of nine light sources G1C to G9C belonging to the first light source group are on an extension line of the intersection between the pixel region 4C and the center of each microlens (shown by circles 1 to 9 in the figure). The positions of nine light sources G1D to G9D belonging to the second light source group are on an extension line of the intersection between the pixel region 4D and the center of each microlens (shown by circles 1 to 9 in the figure), the positions of nine light sources G1E to G9E belonging to the third light source group are on an extension line of the intersection between the pixel region 4E and the center of each microlens (shown by circles 1 to 9 in the figure), and the positions of nine light sources G1F to G9F belonging to the fourth light source group are on an extension line of the intersection between the pixel region 4F and the center of each microlens (shown by circles 1 to 9 in the figure).

[0089] According to the display switching device 14, it is possible to display four types of still patterns (pixel regions 4C to 4F) using 36 light sources by using the microlenses L1 to L9 provided in the lens array 3b shown in Fig. 17. In other words, nine light sources are used to display one still pattern.

[0090] According to the above configuration, the uniformity of the display of each of the pixel regions 4C to 4F can be improved. Furthermore, the uniformity of the luminance of each of the pixel regions 4C to 4F can also be improved. Therefore, the display switching device 14 can be made larger and thinner.

[0091] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a pixel region that can be produced when a plurality of light sources that emit light of different colors are used in the display switching device of the second embodiment.

[0092] By changing the color of the multiple light sources arranged in the upper part of the figure from that arranged in the lower part, it is possible to display a color gradation in the vertical direction. The figure shows a flame-like pattern, and it is possible to display a design in which the color changes from the bottom to the top of the flame.

[0093] In the display switching device 14 shown in FIG. 18, for example, when the emission colors of at least some of the nine light sources G1C to G9C belonging to the first light source group are different from each other, the color of the light focused on the pixel region 4C is different, thereby producing a new appearance.

[0094] FIG. 19 illustrates a case where the still pattern in pixel region 4C is a flame.

[0095] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the uniformity of display in a pixel region when multiple light sources emitting light at the same intensity are used in a display switching device of embodiment 2, and FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the uniformity of display in a pixel region when multiple light sources emitting light at different intensities are used in a display switching device of embodiment 2.

[0096] In the display switching device 14 shown in FIG. 18, for example, when the intensities (light emission intensities) of at least some of the nine light sources G1C to G9C belonging to the first light source group are controlled to be different from each other, the display uniformity of the pixel region 4C can be further improved as shown in FIG. 21, compared to the X' portion in FIG. 20.

[0097] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first modified example of the display switching device according to the second embodiment.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 22, the display switching device 14a uses only 16 light sources in the use area UR, and therefore utilizes light collected by four adjacent microlenses. In the display switching device 14a shown in FIG. 22, a case where 16 light sources are used out of 36 light sources will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only 16 light sources may be used. The number of light sources used is not limited to 16, and can be determined appropriately. The light from the four light sources G2C, G3C, G5C, and G6C belonging to the first light source group in the use area UR is collected on the pixel area 4C via adjacent and different microlenses (shown by circles 2, 3, 5, and 6 in the figure). The light from the four light sources G1D, G2D, G4D, and G5D belonging to the second light source group in the use area UR is collected on the pixel area 4D via adjacent and different microlenses (shown by circles 1, 2, 4, and 5 in the figure). Light from four light sources G4E, G5E, G7E, and G8E belonging to the third light source group in the usage area UR is adjacent to each other and is collected on the pixel area 4E via different microlenses (shown by circles 4, 5, 7, and 8 in the figure). Light from four light sources G5F, G6F, G8F, and G9F belonging to the fourth light source group in the usage area UR is adjacent to each other and is collected on the pixel area 4F via different microlenses (shown by circles 5, 6, 8, and 9 in the figure).

[0099] According to the display switching device 14a, it is possible to improve the uniformity of the display in the pixel area by using a plurality of relatively compact optical systems.

[0100] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second modified example of the display switching device of the second embodiment.

[0101] The display switching device 15 shown in Figure 23 differs from the display switching device 14a shown in Figure 22 in that it only has 16 light sources within the usage area UR shown in Figure 22, but is otherwise the same as the display switching device 14a shown in Figure 22.

[0102] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a third modified example of the display switching device of the second embodiment.

[0103] In the display switching device 16 shown in Fig. 24, the number of light sources is further reduced to eight. Each of the lights from two light sources G3C and G5C belonging to the first light source group is condensed on the pixel region 4C via different microlenses (shown by circles 3 and 5 in the figure), each of the lights from two light sources G1D and G5D belonging to the second light source group is condensed on the pixel region 4D via different microlenses (shown by circles 1 and 5 in the figure), each of the lights from two light sources G5E and G7E belonging to the third light source group is condensed on the pixel region 4E via different microlenses (shown by circles 5 and 7 in the figure), and each of the lights from two light sources G5F and G9F belonging to the fourth light source group is condensed on the pixel region 4F via different microlenses (shown by circles 5 and 9 in the figure).

[0104] According to the display switching device 16, it is possible to improve the display uniformity in the pixel area by using a plurality of relatively compact optical systems, and further, it is possible to reduce the number of light sources used.

[0105] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fourth modified example of the display switching device of the second embodiment.

[0106] Display switching device 17 shown in Fig. 25 uses mirror M' to generate a virtual light source from a portion of light from a real light source that actually emits light. As shown in Fig. 25, mirror M' generates light sources G1C', G4F', G4C', and G7F', which are virtual light sources, from a portion of light from light sources G2C, G5F, G5C, and G8F, which are real light sources that actually emit light.

[0107] According to the above configuration, the number of actual light sources can be reduced, and an energy-saving display switching device 17 can be realized.

[0108] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fifth modified example of the display switching device of the second embodiment.

[0109] Display switching device 18 shown in FIG. 26 uses a frame-shaped mirror M'' to generate a virtual light source from a portion of light from a real light source that actually emits light. As shown in FIG. 26, mirror M'' generates light sources G1F', G2F', G2E', G3E', G4F', G4C', G6E', G6D', G7C', G8C', G8D', and G9D', which are virtual light sources, from a portion of light from light sources G5C, G5D, G5E, and G5F, which are real light sources that actually emit light.

[0110] According to the above configuration, the number of actual light sources can be reduced, and an energy-saving display switching device 18 can be realized.

[0111] [Embodiment 3] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 27 and 28. The display switching device 19 of this embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments described above in that it includes a light-shielding wall BA. The rest is as described in the first and second embodiments. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals are used for members having the same functions as the members shown in the drawings of the first and second embodiments, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0112] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display switching device 19 according to the third embodiment.

[0113] The display switching device 19 shown in FIG. 27 further includes a light blocking portion BA that blocks a part of the emission angle region of the light emitted from the light source 2A.

[0114] According to the above configuration, the light shielding portion BA can shield wide-angle light, so that the display switching device 19 can be realized in which degradation of image quality due to aberration is suppressed.

[0115] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of another light-shielding wall BA' that can be used in the display switching device of the third embodiment.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 28, the light-shielding wall BA' is formed so as to surround the light source 2A, and an opening is provided in the light emission angle region.

[0117] [Embodiment 4] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 29 to Fig. 34. Display switching systems 60, 60a, 60b, and 60c of the present embodiment include a plurality of the display switching devices according to the above-mentioned first to third embodiments. For ease of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanation will be omitted.

[0118] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display switching system 60 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0119] In a display switching system 60 shown in FIG. 29, a plurality of display switching devices 10 are connected in the left-right or top-bottom direction, and the display units of the display switching devices 10 are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0120] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a modification of the display switching system of the fourth embodiment.

[0121] In a display switching system 60a shown in FIG. 30, a plurality of display switching devices 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e are two-dimensionally linked, and the display units of the respective display switching devices are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0122] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another modified example of the display switching system of the fourth embodiment.

[0123] In a display switching system 60b shown in FIG. 31, a plurality of display switching devices 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i, and 10j are connected in an arbitrary shape, and the display units of the display switching devices are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0124] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize the display switching systems 60, 60a, 60b that are capable of large displays and displays of any shape.

[0125] FIG. 32 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a bezel-less display switching system 60c, and FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the bezel-less display switching system 60c shown in FIG.

[0126] 32 and 33 includes a plurality of display switching devices, and in each of the display switching devices, the area of ​​the lens array 3 is larger than the area of ​​a region in which the plurality of light sources G are arranged. According to the above configuration, the plurality of display switching devices can be connected without an extra bezel (bezel-less), thereby realizing the bezel-less display switching system 60c.

[0127] FIG. 34 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a display switching system having a bezel.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 34, when the area of ​​the lens array 3 is smaller than the area of ​​the region in which the multiple light sources G are arranged, a bezel V must be provided separately, making it impossible to realize a bezel-less display switching system.

[0129] [Embodiment 5] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 35. In this embodiment, a switch 70 equipped with a display switching device 10 will be described. For ease of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of the first to fourth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0130] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a switch 70 of the fifth embodiment including the display switching device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0131] 35, the switch 70 may further include a light absorbing member 72 that absorbs external light. The light absorbing member 72 is provided so as to overlap with the area other than the pixel area of ​​the display unit 4 of the display switching device 10 in a plan view.

[0132] Although not shown in the figure, a display switching device or display switching system that includes ON and OFF as still images can be used as a switch by being equipped with a function to detect user operation of the display switching device or display switching system.

[0133] According to the above-mentioned configuration, a switch with improved uniformity in the pixel area can be realized.

[0134] Furthermore, an electrical device having the above-mentioned switch is operated by the switch.

[0135] According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to improve the uniformity of the display on the surface of various switches or buttons in an electric device, and to improve the uniformity of the display on a display screen of the electric device, etc. Examples of the electric device include, but are not limited to, game machines, in-vehicle devices, home electric appliances, and elevators.

[0136] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 1A~7A, 1B~7B, G light source 3, 3a, 3b Lens array 4 Display section 4A, 4B, 4A' pixel area 5 Light diffusing materials 6. Chassis 9 Substrate 10, 10a, 11-14, 14a, 15-19 Display switching device 60, 60a, 60b, 60c Display switching system 70 Switch L0~L7 Micro Lenses M Lens M', M'' Mirror BA, BA' Shading wall

Claims

1. A display switching device that switches a display image by switching irradiation of light from a plurality of light source groups including a plurality of light sources for each of the light source groups, A lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged; a display unit including a plurality of pixel regions arranged including an area through which light emitted from each of the plurality of light source groups passes and is focused by each of the lenses of the lens array; The transmittance in each of the pixel regions is set in accordance with a predetermined still pattern, light from a plurality of the light sources included in a predetermined light source group is collected by different lenses in at least one of the pixel regions; The lens array has a structure in which the lenses are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, A display switching device in which light focused by four of the lenses adjacent to each other is irradiated onto at least one of the pixel regions.

2. The light source group includes at least a first light source group and a second light source group, the plurality of pixel regions include at least a first pixel region group and a second pixel region group, A 1-1 pixel region included in the first pixel region group is irradiated with light emitted from a 1-1 light source included in the first light source group after being collected by a first lens of the lens array, and is irradiated with light emitted from a 1-2 light source included in the first light source group after being collected by a second lens of the lens array; A display switching device as described in claim 1, wherein a 2-1 pixel region included in the second pixel region group is irradiated with light emitted from a 2-1 light source included in the second light source group after being collected by the first lens, and light emitted from a 2-2 light source included in the second light source group is irradiated with light after being collected by the second lens.

3. The display switching device of claim 2, wherein the 1-1 light source and the 2-1 light source are arranged in a first arrangement area, and the 1-2 light source and the 2-2 light source are arranged in a second arrangement area, and the first arrangement area and the second arrangement area are adjacent to each other.

4. The display switching device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first lens and the second lens are adjacent to each other.

5. The display switching device according to claim 1 , wherein an area of ​​the lens array is larger than an area of ​​a region in which the light sources are arranged.

6. A display switching device that switches a display image by switching irradiation of light from a plurality of light source groups including a plurality of light sources for each of the light source groups, A lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged; a display unit including a plurality of pixel regions arranged including an area through which light emitted from each of the plurality of light source groups passes and is focused by each of the lenses of the lens array; The transmittance in each of the pixel regions is set in accordance with a predetermined still pattern, light from a plurality of the light sources included in a predetermined light source group is collected by different lenses in at least one of the pixel regions; A display switching device in which the multiple light sources include a virtual light source generated from a portion of light from a real light source that actually emits light by a mirror or a lens.

7. A display switching device that switches a display image by switching irradiation of light from a plurality of light source groups including a plurality of light sources for each of the light source groups, A lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged; a display unit including a plurality of pixel regions arranged including an area through which light emitted from each of the plurality of light source groups passes and is focused by each of the lenses of the lens array; The transmittance in each of the pixel regions is set in accordance with a predetermined still pattern, light from a plurality of the light sources included in a predetermined light source group is collected by different lenses in at least one of the pixel regions; The display switching device further includes a light blocking section that blocks a part of an emission angle range of the light emitted from the light source.

8. The display switching device according to claim 1 , wherein the light sources included in the predetermined light source group have intensities different from one another.

9. The display switching device according to claim 1 , wherein the light sources included in the predetermined light source group have emission colors different from each other.

10. 10. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein the light irradiated to the lens is collimated light.

11. A display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A display switching system in which the display sections of the display switching devices are arranged adjacent to each other.

12. A switch comprising the display switching device according to claim 1 , the switch detecting a user's operation on the display switching device.

13. An electrical device comprising the switch according to claim 12, wherein an operation is performed by the switch.

Images