A changeover device, a button device for a gaming machine, and a switch

Abstract

To inhibit a display screen of a display layer from looking whitish when a user views a reflection light of a disturbance light in a pixel area.SOLUTION: A display switching device (10) switches display images when radiation of light from a plurality of light source positions (7) is switched. The display switching device includes a lens array (6) in which a plurality of lenses through which respective lights emitted from the plurality of light source positions pass are arrayed, a display layer (4) including a pixel area through which the light condensed by the respective lenses of the lens array passes, and a diffusion layer (3) positioned on a side opposite to the light source position with respect to the lens array for diffusing transmitted light. The diffusion layer is optically bonded to a layer positioned on a light source position side of the diffusion layer, or is composed of the same material as a material of a layer positioned on a light source side of the diffusion layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display switching device, a button device for a gaming machine including the display switching device, and a switch.

Background Art

[0002] A display switching device is disclosed in which light from a plurality of light sources is transmitted through a lens array composed of a plurality of micro lenses, condensed on a display layer, and diffused by a diffusion layer.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a backlight display device for automatic visual inspection of a lenticular image card including an illumination source that selectively illuminates individual images formed on a lenticular medium by design. In the backlight display device, the illumination source of the display is adapted to the viewing distance of the card and the selected viewing angle and directs light through the micro lens side of the lenticular image card in order to illuminate each image sequentially and continuously.

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

[0005] Specifically, the backlight display device in the prior art includes at least a lenticular lens composed of a plurality of micro lenses, a plurality of light sources that irradiate light toward the lenticular lens, and a display layer including a plurality of images.

[0006] Then, by switching the lighting and extinguishing of the plurality of light sources, the condensing position of the light condensed by the lenticular lens is changed, thereby selectively illuminating the image on the display layer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, in the prior art as described above, due to ambient light around the backlight display device, the light that undergoes Fresnel reflection on the back surface of the surface diffusion layer diffuses and enters from the front direction on the viewing side, so there is a problem that the surface of the screen appears whitish.

[0009] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to prevent ambient light from undergoing Fresnel reflection at the boundary between the back surface of the diffusion layer and the display layer, and to suppress the whitish appearance of the screen of the display layer when the user visually recognizes the ambient light that has undergone Fresnel reflection.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention is a display switching device that switches a display image by switching the irradiation of light from a plurality of light source positions, and includes a lens array in which a plurality of lenses through which light emitted from the plurality of light source positions respectively passes are arranged, a display layer including a pixel region through which the light condensed by each of the lenses of the lens array passes, and a diffusion layer that is located on the side opposite to the light source position with respect to the lens array and diffuses the transmitted light. The diffusion layer is optically adhered to the layer located on the light source position side of the diffusion layer or is made of the same material as the layer located on the light source side of the diffusion layer.

[0011] According to the above configuration, since the diffusion layer and the display layer are optically adhered or the diffusion layer and the display layer are integrally formed of the same material, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of Fresnel reflection of ambient light at the boundary between the back surface of the diffusion layer and the display layer. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the whitish appearance of the surface of the display screen.

[0012] Further, the display switching device according to the above aspect may be arranged in the order of a lens array, a diffusion layer, and a display layer from the light source position side. According to the above configuration, since the outermost layer on the viewing side is the display layer, reflection of external light from the viewing side is suppressed by the display layer of the display switching device, so it is possible to suppress the surface of the display layer from appearing whitish due to reflection of external light.

[0013] Further, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, when the haze of the diffusion layer is 98% or less, the thickness of the diffusion layer may be 0.3 times or less of the lens pitch of the lens constituting the lens array.

[0014] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent light from the light source from spreading in the display layer, causing crosstalk, and disturbing the image.

[0015] Further, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, θ1 is the incident angle when the light emitted from the light source position is incident on the outermost lens arranged in the lens array, θ2 is the angle at which the light amount becomes half of the central light amount when parallel light is incident on the lens in the lens array, and θ3 is the angle at which the intensity becomes 10% of the intensity with an emission angle of 0 degrees in the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion layer. Then, θ3 ≧ θ1 - θ2 may be satisfied.

[0016] According to the above configuration, since the light transmitted through the lens array is incident from the front of the user, it is possible to ensure visibility from the front for the user.

[0017] Further, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, when the refractive index of the diffusion layer is n1 and the refractive index of the lens array is n2, n1 and n2 may be in a relationship that satisfies the following formula. n2 - 0.2 ≦ n1 ≦ n2 + 0.2 According to the above configuration, since the difference in the refractive index n1 of the diffusion layer and the refractive index n2 of the lens array is small, Fresnel reflection at the boundary between the lens array and the diffusion layer can be suppressed.

[0018] Further, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, the diffusion layer may be configured as a single layer by a material having a diffusion function and an adhesion function with the lens array. According to the above configuration, when viewed from the viewing side, since there is no boundary between the diffusion layer and the lens array located below the diffusion layer and they are made of the same material, Fresnel reflection occurring at the boundary between the diffusion layer and the lens array can be prevented, and the surface of the display layer can be prevented from looking whitish.

[0019] Further, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, a diffusion shape for diffusing light transmitted through the lens array may be formed on the display layer side of the lens array.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the diffusion shape formed on the lens array can prevent Fresnel reflection of external light irradiated from the viewing side, and the surface of the display layer can be prevented from looking whitish. Also, since the lens array and the diffusion layer are integrated, there is no need to form a diffusion layer, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

[0021] Further, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, the diffusion shape of the lens array is formed by a plurality of lens shapes, and the height of the diffusion shape may be 0.3 times or less of the lens pitch of the lens constituting the lens array.

[0022] According to the above configuration, light from the light source can be spread in the diffusion layer, and crosstalk of an image in the display layer can be prevented. Here, "crosstalk" means that light from a certain light source enters an image irradiated by a different light source adjacent to the image of the display layer irradiated by that light source, causing the image in the display layer to be disturbed.

[0023] In addition, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, the diffusion shape of the lens array is formed by a plurality of lens shapes, and the tangent line at each cross-sectional end of the lens shape may have a maximum inclination angle (θ in FIG. 16) of 60 degrees or less with respect to the boundary surface with the display layer.

[0024] According to the above configuration, since the angle at which the light from the light source is diffused by the diffusion shape becomes wider, even at a position on the lens array where the angle at which the light from the light source enters the lens array becomes shallow, light can be emitted in the front direction. Therefore, for the user, the visibility from the front can be improved.

[0025] In addition, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, the diffusion shape of the lens array is formed by a plurality of unit shapes, and the plurality of unit shapes may include two or more types of shapes, and each shape may be arranged dispersedly.

[0026] According to the above configuration, by dispersing the diffusion shapes of different shapes, it is possible to prevent moire from occurring due to the positional relationship between each lens of the lens array when the diffusion shapes of the same shape are arranged in alignment.

[0027] In addition, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, the lens array may include a lens having a shape such that the focal point when the light from the light source position is condensed by the lens is located at the boundary between the diffusion layer and the display layer or farther from the light source position than the boundary.

[0028] According to the above configuration, since the size of the spot formed by the light from the light source at the boundary between the diffusion layer and the display layer can be suppressed, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of image crosstalk in the display layer.

[0029] In addition, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, the lens array may include a lens having a shape such that a focal point when light from the light source position is focused by the lens is located farther from the light source position than a boundary portion between the lens and the diffusion layer.

[0030] According to the above configuration, since the size of the spot formed at the boundary between the diffusion layer and the display layer by the light from the light source position can be suppressed, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of crosstalk in the image in the display layer.

[0031] In addition, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, a pixel peripheral region may be provided around the pixel region to suppress reflection or transmission of light from the light source side or the side opposite to the light source.

[0032] According to the above configuration, since the reflection of external light or the transmission of light from the light source is suppressed by the pixel peripheral region, it is possible to suppress the display layer from appearing whitish.

[0033] In addition, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, the reflectance of the pixel peripheral region with respect to light from the side opposite to the light source position may be 50% or less.

[0034] According to the above configuration, the reflection of external light irradiated from the viewing side can be suppressed, and it is possible to suppress the display layer from appearing whitish.

[0035] In addition, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, the transmittance of the pixel peripheral region with respect to light from the light source position may be 50% or less.

[0036] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the display layer from appearing whitish due to the transmission of light from the light source position.

[0037] In addition, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, a colored portion corresponding to a pattern visible by light from the side opposite to the light source position may be formed in the pixel peripheral region.

[0038] According to the above configuration, the pixel surrounding area can prevent the appearance of whiteness in the display layer and can display the pattern when the light is turned off.

[0039] Further, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, the pixel surrounding area may be at least on the diffusion layer side in the thickness direction of the display layer.

[0040] Further, in the display switching device according to the above aspect, when the diffusion layer is on the side opposite to the light source position of the display layer, the thickness of the diffusion layer in the region in contact with the pixel region is greater than the thickness of the diffusion layer in the region in contact with the pixel surrounding area.

[0041] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the diffusion of external light reflection while maintaining the light diffusibility of the light source.

[0042] Further, in a button device for a gaming machine including the display switching device according to the above aspect, the button device may include a button body and the display switching device described above, and the button body may be structured to be pressed against the housing of the gaming machine.

[0043] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a button device for a gaming machine that can suppress the appearance of the surface of the display layer looking whitish.

[0044] Further, in the switch according to the above aspect, the switch may include the display switching device described above and may detect a user operation on the display switching device.

[0045] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a switch that can suppress the appearance of the surface of the display layer looking whitish.

Effects of the Invention

[0046] According to the above configuration, since the reflection of disturbing light irradiated from the viewing side is suppressed by the pixel surrounding area, it is possible to suppress the appearance of the display layer looking whitish.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0047]

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[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0049] (Basic Configuration of Display Switching Device) Before giving a specific description of one embodiment of the present invention, the basic configuration that is the premise of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29.

[0050] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing the basic configuration of a display switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 29 is a diagram showing its detailed configuration.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the display switching device 10 includes, in order from top to bottom in the drawing, a diffusion layer 3, a display layer 4, a lens array 6, a plurality of light sources 7, and a substrate 8. An adhesive layer 5 is provided between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4.

[0052] The diffusion layer 3 is, for example, square in a top view. Also, there are a plurality of light sources 7, and it is preferable that they are RGB LEDs. However, the light sources 7 may not be included if necessary. In this case, the user will prepare the light sources.

[0053] The diffusion layer 3 preferably has a thickness of 0.1 mm and a haze value of 90%.

[0054] The display layer 4 is also called an image layer and has a thickness of 0.1 mm. The display layer 4 includes, for example, a pixel region 45a (also called an aperture, the same applies hereinafter) and a pixel peripheral region 45b (also called a mask, the same applies hereinafter) that is a region other than the pixel region 45a. Here, the "pixel peripheral region 45b" refers to a region that is around each of the pixel regions 45a and has a constant transmittance. Also, the pixel peripheral region 45b blocks the light from the light source side, that is, the light from the side where the lens array 6 is arranged.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 29, the lens array 6 provided below the display layer 4 condenses the light emitted from the plurality of light sources 7 attached to the substrate 8. Its thickness is, for example, 0.4 mm. The lens array 6 is configured by arranging a plurality of lenses.

[0056] The display layer 4 includes a plurality of pixel regions 45a arranged to include regions through which light emitted from the positions of the plurality of light sources 7 and condensed by the respective lenses of the lens array 6 passes, and the transmittance in each of the pixel regions 45a is set corresponding to a predetermined still pattern.

[0057] The diffusion layer 3, the display layer 4, and the lens array 6 are supported by the housing 9. Further, the basic configuration of the display switching device 10 is formed by attaching the housing 9 to the substrate 8 to which the plurality of light sources 7 are attached. Also, the display switching device 10 may include a protective layer for preventing damage above the diffusion layer 3.

[0058] Also, in FIG. 29, the distance h from the upper end of the light source 7 to the lower end of the lens array 6 is, for example, 20 mm.

[0059] In the display switching device 10 configured as described above, the display image P displayed on the display layer 4 is switched by switching the irradiation of light from the positions of the plurality of light sources 7. Note that the switching of the lighting and extinguishing of the light source 7 is performed by a light source control unit (not shown). The light source control unit is configured by, for example, an IC chip provided on the substrate, and light source control is performed.

[0060] (Configuration example of lens array) Next, a configuration example of the lens array will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 and below.

[0061] FIGS. 30(a), (b), and (c) are diagrams showing configuration examples of the lens array 6 in FIG. 28. For example, as shown in FIG. 30(a), the lens array 6 is configured by arranging a plurality of lenses in a two-dimensional matrix.

[0062] FIG. 30(b) is a perspective view showing an enlarged part of the lens array 6, and FIG. 30(c) is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of the lens array 6. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing variations in the arrangement of the lenses in the lens array according to the embodiment of the present invention. (a) to (c) of FIG. 31 are diagrams showing variations in the arrangement of pixel regions 45a of the display layer 4. In FIG. 31(a), each lens of the lens array 6 is arranged one-dimensionally. In FIG. 31(b), each lens of the pixel region 45a and the lens array 6 is arranged two-dimensionally in a honeycomb pattern. In FIG. 31(c), each lens of the pixel region 45a and the lens array 6 is arranged two-dimensionally in a matrix pattern.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 31(b) and (c), when the pixel region 45a is arranged two-dimensionally, pixels composed of a plurality of pixel regions 45a are also arranged two-dimensionally, and each lens of the lens array 6 is arranged corresponding to each pixel. The number of pixel regions 45a corresponding to the number of switchable light sources is arranged in each pixel.

[0064] The example shown in FIG. 31(a) shows a case where the lens array 6 has a structure in which a plurality of cylindrical lenses are arranged in one direction, like a conventional lenticular lens array. In this case, along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical lens, the pixel region 45a is divided into an arbitrary number and arranged at an arbitrary position. Thereby, even when the lens array 6 has a structure in which a plurality of cylindrical lenses are arranged in one direction, images of various patterns can be switched and displayed.

[0065] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of the light condensing state by the lens array 6. As shown in the figure, it can be confirmed that the light condensing point changes by changing the position of the light source.

[0066] When the display switching device 10 is applied to the key top of a keyboard, as an example of the dimensions of the plurality of lenses constituting the lens array 6, the distance L between adjacent lenses is about 200 μm, the radius of curvature R of the protruding portion of each lens is about 150 μm, the maximum thickness H in the light emitting direction of each lens is about 400 μm, and the refractive index n of the lens is 1.5.

[0067] Figs. 33(a) to (d) are diagrams showing examples of the switching display of the display layer 4. Fig. 33(a) is an example of the display shown on the display layer (also referred to as the image layer) 4, (b) is an illustration of an example of the symbol to be displayed, (c) is an enlarged view of part A in (a), and (d) is an enlarged view of part B in (c).

[0068] In the display example shown in Fig. 33, for example, the third image P3 (in the example, the hiragana character "き"), the fourth image P4 (in the example, the symbol "△"), the fifth image P5 (in the example, the capital letter "G"), and the sixth image P6 (in the example, the number "6") can be switched and displayed on the same image layer.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 33(d), as an example, it is possible to switch the display by dividing the entire display layer 4 into a plurality of areas (a plurality of pixels) so that each area contains a maximum of four pixel regions 45a in one area.

[0070] Here, as an example, the pitch of adjacent areas is about 200 μm, the distance between adjacent pixel regions 45a within the same area is about 100 μm, and the diameters of the plurality of pixel regions 45a are 30 to 80 μm. Also, as shown in Fig. 33(d), the area other than the pixel region 45a of the display unit 45 is the pixel peripheral region 45b.

[0071] Fig. 34 is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the display layer 4 (display unit 45), the lenses constituting the lens array 6, and the light sources 7. The light sources 7a to 7d shown in Fig. 34 are, for example, light sources that emit white light, green light, red light, and blue light, respectively.

[0072] In Fig. 34, two pixels are illustrated, and the light from each of the light sources is condensed by the lens array 6 and emitted from the corresponding pixel region 45a. Each pixel is divided into a pixel region 45a and a pixel peripheral region 45b, respectively.

[0073] Fig. 35(a) shows a plan view of the display layer 4, and Fig. 35(b) shows an enlarged view of a part of the display layer 4. As shown in (b), an image is pre-formed in the pixel peripheral region 45b by printing or the like.

[0074] That is, the color or reflectance due to the disturbing light irradiated from the side opposite to the side where the lens array 6 is disposed with respect to the display layer 4 varies depending on the location of the pixel peripheral region 45b.

[0075] According to the above configuration, since the color or reflectance due to the disturbing light varies depending on the location of the pixel peripheral region 45b, it is possible to allow the user to visually recognize a predetermined pattern even in a state where the light from the light source 7 is not irradiated. Therefore, the image formed by the pixel region 45a in a state where the light source 7 is not emitting light can be made inconspicuous.

[0076] The basic configuration of the display switching device has been described above. Hereinafter, the configuration of the display switching device in various embodiments will be described.

[0077] 〔Embodiment 1〕 As shown in FIG. 1, a display switching device 10 according to Embodiment 1 is a display switching device that switches a display image by switching the irradiation of light from the positions of a plurality of light sources 7, and includes a lens array 6 in which a plurality of lenses through which the light emitted from the plurality of light source positions respectively passes are arranged, a display layer 4 including a pixel region 45a through which the light condensed by each lens of the lens array 6 passes, and a diffusion layer 3 located on the side opposite to the light source position with respect to the lens array 6 and diffusing the transmitted light. The diffusion layer 3 is optically adhered to the layer located on the light source position side of the diffusion layer 3 or is made of the same material as the layer (the display layer 4 in this embodiment) located on the light source 7 side of the diffusion layer 3.

[0078] For example, in the display switching device 10, the lens array 6, the display layer 4, the adhesive layer 5, and the diffusion layer 3 are arranged in this order from the side of the light source 7 (the lower side in FIG. 1). The light from the light source 7 is condensed by the lenses constituting the lens array 6 and irradiated onto the display layer 4. The light that has passed through the pixel region 45a among the light irradiated onto the display layer 4 is diffused by the diffusion layer 3 to widen the viewing angle and is emitted to the outside. The display layer 4 and the diffusion layer 3 are optically adhered by the adhesive layer 5.

[0079] In the above display switching device 10, instead of providing the adhesive layer 5, the diffusion layer 3 itself may have an adhesive function with the display layer 4. For example, as the diffusion layer 3, a material in which particles are dispersed in a transparent adhesive may be used.

[0080] When the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 is optically adhered by the adhesive layer 5 as in the above configuration, external light irradiated on the diffusion layer 3 from the viewing side (the upper side in the figure, i.e., the diffusion layer 3 side) can be suppressed from causing Fresnel reflection at the back surface of the diffusion layer 3, that is, at the boundary between the display layer 4 and the diffusion layer 3, and it is possible to reduce the appearance of the display screen being whitish.

[0081] 〔Embodiment 2〕 As in the above-described Embodiment 1, conventionally, in order to prevent light from the light source position from diffusing between the display layer 4 and the lens array 6 and deteriorating crosstalk, the diffusion layer 3 was arranged above (the viewing side) the display layer 4. On the other hand, the inventor of the present application has discovered that by adopting a configuration as shown in the following embodiment, the diffusion layer 3 can be arranged between the display layer 4 and the lens array 6.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 2, the display switching device 10 according to Embodiment 2 may be arranged in the order of the lens array 6, the diffusion layer 3, and the display layer 4 from the light source position side. For example, it is arranged in the order of the lens array 6, the diffusion layer 3, and the display layer 4 from the side of the light source 7 (below in FIG. 2), and the diffusion layer 3 and the lens array 6 are optically adhered via the adhesive layer 5. Note that instead of providing the adhesive layer 5 between the diffusion layer 3 and the lens array 6, the diffusion layer 3 may have an adhesive function with the lens array 6.

[0083] With the above configuration, since the diffusion layer 3 is located below the display layer 4 when viewed from the viewing side, it is possible to reduce the reflection of the disturbing light irradiated onto the display layer 4 from the viewing side and prevent the surface of the display layer 4 from appearing whitish. Further, since the diffusion layer 3 and the lens array 6 are optically adhered, it is possible to reduce the reflection of the disturbing light at the back surface of the diffusion layer 3, that is, at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the lens array 6. Further, by adhering the diffusion layer 3 and the lens array 6, it is possible to align the lens array 6 and the display layer 4.

[0084] The thickness of the diffusion layer 3 may be 0.3 times or less of the lens pitch of the lenses constituting the lens array 6 when the haze in the diffusion layer 3 is 98% or less. By limiting the thickness of the diffusion layer 3 within this range, the light from the light source 7 diffuses in the diffusion layer 3, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of crosstalk in the image (a phenomenon in which light from the light source 7 enters adjacent pixel regions 45a among the plurality of openings provided in the display layer 4, that is, the pixel regions 45a, and the image is disturbed).

[0085] The reason will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6.

[0086] As shown on the left side of FIG. 4, the light from the light source 7 is condensed by the lenses constituting the lens array 6, passes through the diffusion layer 3, and forms an image at the boundary with the display layer 4. At this time, the larger the thickness of the diffusion layer 3, the greater the light diffusion at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4, and the greater the spread of the light passing through the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4. The right side of FIG. 4 shows the light intensity distribution at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4. When the spread of the light at the boundary with the display layer 4 exceeds 0.5 times the lens pitch, light enters the adjacent pixel region 45a in the display layer 4, and crosstalk occurs. Therefore, in order to prevent crosstalk, it is necessary to suppress the spread of the light at the boundary with the display layer 4 to 0.5 times or less of the lens pitch.

[0087] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, if the thickness of the diffusion layer 3 is too large, light from at least two light sources will mix with each other, increasing crosstalk and preventing the light from the light sources from being switched.

[0088] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the thickness of the diffusion layer 3 / lens pitch and the spread of light in the display layer 4 / lens pitch. As shown in FIG. 6, in order to suppress the spread of light at the boundary with the display layer 4 to 0.5 times or less of the lens pitch, it is necessary to make the thickness of the diffusion layer 3 0.3 times or less of the lens pitch.

[0089] FIG. 5 is a graph for explaining the relationship between the degree of diffusion of the diffusion layer 3 and the spread of light when parallel light is incident on the diffusion layer 3 in the display switching device 10 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The degree of diffusion of the diffusion layer 3 assumes a case where the spread of light when parallel light is incident on the diffusion layer 3 is as shown in the graph of FIG. 5. Generally, the haze, which is an index representing diffusibility, is about 98%, and the diffusibility is quite high. When the diffusion layer 3 having the characteristics shown in FIG. 5 is used, it is preferably 0.3 times or less of the lens pitch of the lenses constituting the lens array 6.

[0090] The diffusion layer 3 has fine particles mixed in the base material, and the light is diffused by the particles. The base material is a resin such as acrylic, polycarbonate, or PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), and the beads and fillers used as the fine particles have a refractive index different from that of the base substrate such as silicon or urethane. The size of the fine particles mixed in the base is about several μm to several tens of μm.

[0091] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the angle of the light path from the light source in the display switching device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 7, θ1 is the incident angle when the light emitted from the light source position enters the outermost lens in the lens array, θ2 is the angle at which the light quantity becomes half of the central light quantity when parallel light is incident on the lens in the lens array, and θ3 is the angle at which the intensity becomes 10% of the intensity with an emission angle of 0 degrees in the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion layer. Then, θ3≧θ1−θ2 may hold.

[0092] FIG. 8 is a graph for explaining the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion layer in the display switching device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. That is, FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the angle (the angle when incident perpendicularly is set to 0 degrees) when the light from the light source enters the diffusion layer 3 and the intensity of the light. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the light incident at an angle of 0 degrees has the highest intensity, but as the angle increases, the intensity of the light gradually decreases. Therefore, the light entering from the front of the user can be seen by the user, but the light entering obliquely cannot be seen. For this reason, it is necessary to make the light from the light source position enter from the front of the user. Although the front direction becomes dark at the edge of the lens array 6 and the visibility decreases, if θ3 (about 60 degrees in FIG. 8) at which the intensity of the diffusion characteristics becomes 10% is larger than θ1−θ2, it can be visually recognized without problems from the front direction. If the display switching device 10 is designed as described above, the light transmitted through the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 enters from the front of the user as viewed from the viewing side.

[0093] Further, when the refractive index of the diffusion layer 3 is n1 and the refractive index of the lens array 6 is n2, the following formula may be satisfied. (n2 - 0.2)≦n1≦(n2 + 0.2) Normally, the larger the refractive index n1 of the diffusion layer 3, the more the reflection of external light from the viewing side can be suppressed. If the refractive index n1 is larger, the diffusion effect becomes smaller, but if the difference is up to 0.2, the decrease in the diffusion effect is about 10%, so there is no problem. Also, if the difference between the refractive index n1 of the diffusion layer 3 and the refractive index n2 of the lens array 6 is up to 0.2, total reflection can be suppressed and the diffusion effect becomes larger. Therefore, it is preferable that the refractive index n1 of the diffusion layer 3 is in the range of n2 - 0.2 < n1 < n2 + 0.2.

[0094] Further, even if an adhesive layer is not provided between the diffusion layer 3 and the lens array 6, the diffusion layer 3 may be configured as a single layer with a material having a diffusion function and an adhesive function with the lens array 6. For example, as the diffusion layer 3, a material in which particles are dispersed in a transparent adhesive (such as diffusion transparent ink) may be used.

[0095] Further, the lens array 6 may include a lens having a shape such that the focal point when the light from the light source position is focused by the lens is located at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 or farther from the light source position than the boundary. The smaller the spot size of the light formed at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 from the light from the light source 7, the more effectively the cross-talk of the image can be suppressed in the display layer 4.

[0096] FIG. 12 shows the spread of light when the light from the light source is incident on the lens array 6 in a direction perpendicular thereto. As shown in FIG. 12(a), when the light from the light source position passes through the lens array 6 and then forms a focal point farther from the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4, the spot size of the light at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 becomes large. Also, as shown in FIG. 12(c), when the light from the light source position passes through the lens array 6 and then forms a focal point closer than the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4, the spot size of the light at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 also becomes large. As shown in FIG. 12(b), when the focal point of the lens array 6 is located at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4, the spot size of the light at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 becomes the smallest, and the cross-talk of the image can be effectively suppressed. Note that the "boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4" indicates the vicinity of the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4. At the location where the light from the light source is obliquely incident on the lens array 6, the focal point is closer to the light source than the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4. Therefore, the lens array 6 may include a lens having a shape such that the focal point when the light from the light source position is focused by the lens is located at the boundary between the diffusion layer 3 and the display layer 4 or farther from the light source position than the boundary.

[0097] Further, the lens array 6 may include a lens shaped such that the focal point when the light from the light source position is focused by the lens is located farther from the light source position than the boundary between the lens array 6 and the diffusion layer 3. With such a configuration, crosstalk in the image can be effectively suppressed.

[0098] 〔Embodiment 3〕 On the display layer 4 side of the lens array 6 of the display switching device 10, a diffusion shape 61 for diffusing the light transmitted through the lens array 6 may be formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the display layer 4 and the lens array 6 may be arranged in this order from the viewing side, and the diffusion shape 61 may be formed on the display layer 4 side of the lens array 6.

[0099] According to such a configuration, since the diffusion layer and the lens array 6 are integrally configured, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of Fresnel reflection of external light from the viewing side. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a diffusion layer, the manufacturing cost of the display switching device 10 can be suppressed.

[0100] In the display switching device 10 described above, the diffusion shape 61 of the lens array 6 is formed by a plurality of lens shapes. In this configuration, the height (l2 in FIG. 15) of the diffusion shape 61 of the lens array 6 may be 0.3 times or less of the lens pitch (l1 in FIG. 15) of the lens constituting the lens array 6. For the same reason as described for the thickness of the diffusion layer 3 in the above Embodiment 2, by limiting the height of the diffusion shape 61 within this range, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of crosstalk in the image on the display layer 4 due to the diffusion shape 61.

[0101] Further, the diffusion shape 61 of the lens array 6 is formed by a plurality of lens shapes, and the tangent line at each cross-sectional end of the lens shape may have a maximum inclination angle of 60 degrees or less with respect to the boundary surface with the display layer 4. FIG. 17 is a graph showing the relationship between the maximum tilt angle (θ) of the diffusion shape 61 in the display switching device 10 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention and the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion layer 3. As shown in the graph of FIG. 17, when the maximum tilt angle of the diffusion shape 61 formed in the lens array 6 increases, as the incident angle of light increases as shown in FIG. 8, the light intensity deviates from the tendency of decreasing, and a portion where the light intensity increases again as the angle increases occurs. Therefore, a portion where the light intensity becomes strong is generated at an unintended position on the surface of the diffusion layer 3. That is, the diffusion directivity spread becomes large. However, if the diffusion directivity spread is smaller than (lens pitch × 0.5) described in Embodiment 2, there is no problem, and it can be seen that this is satisfied if the maximum tilt angle of the diffusion shape 61 is 60 degrees or less. Thereby, the visibility from the front of the user can be ensured when viewed from the viewing side.

[0102] Further, the diffusion shape 61 of the lens array 6 is formed by a plurality of unit shapes, and the plurality of unit shapes include two or more types of shapes, and each shape may be arranged dispersedly.

[0103] As shown in the upper part of FIG. 14, when the same shapes are arranged in alignment as the diffusion shape 61, moire (striped pattern due to interference) is likely to occur due to the positional relationship between each lens of the lens array 6 and the period of the lens array 6 and the period of the diffusion shape 61. On the other hand, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 14, when the lens array 6 includes a plurality of different diffusion shapes 61, moire is less likely to occur because the period of the lens array 6 and the period of the diffusion shape 61 change depending on the location. Therefore, in order to improve moire, it is preferable to arrange at least two different types of unit shapes dispersedly.

[0104] For example, by arranging lens shapes with different diameters dispersedly, a diffusion shape 61 in which at least two different types of unit diffusion shapes are arranged dispersedly can be provided.

[0105] 〔Embodiment 5〕 The display switching device 10 may be located around the pixel region 45a and include a pixel peripheral region 45b that suppresses reflection or transmission of light from the light source 7 side or the side opposite to the light source 7. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the lens array 6, the display layer 4, and the diffusion layer 3 may be arranged in this order from the side of the light source 7, and the pixel peripheral region 45b may be provided on the side adjacent to the diffusion layer 3 of the display layer 4. Thereby, in the pixel peripheral region 45b, reflection of external light from the viewing side can be suppressed. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the lens array 6, the diffusion layer 3, and the display layer 4 may be arranged in this order from the side of the light source 7, and the pixel peripheral region 45b may be provided on the side adjacent to the diffusion layer 3 of the display layer 4. Thereby, in the pixel peripheral region 45b, reflection of external light from the viewing side can be suppressed. According to the configurations shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, reflection of external light can be suppressed, and the appearance of the display layer looking whitish can be reduced.

[0106] Here, as shown in FIG. 20 or FIG. 21, the reflectance of the pixel peripheral region 45b with respect to light from the side opposite to the position of the light source 7 (i.e., the viewing side) may be 50% or less. Also, the transmittance of the pixel peripheral region with respect to light from the light source position may be 50% or less. According to the above configuration, by suppressing the light reflected by the diffusion layer 3 to 50% or less in the display layer 4, it is possible to suppress the appearance of the surface of the viewing side (diffusion layer 3 or display layer 4) looking whitish due to reflection of external light. Or, by suppressing the transmission of light from the light source side, it is possible to suppress the appearance of the surface of the screen looking whitish.

[0107] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining how crosstalk is suppressed by the pixel peripheral region 45b in the display switching device 10 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the display switching device 10 shown in FIG. 22, the lens array 6, the diffusion layer 3, and the display layer 4 are arranged in this order from the light source side. The light from the light source 7 is condensed by the lens array 6 but diffused again by the diffusion layer 3. However, the diffused light is suppressed from passing through the display layer 4 and transmitting to the viewing side by passing through the pixel peripheral region 45b with a low transmittance. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the display layer from looking whitish.

[0108] Further, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the display switching device 10 may have a colored portion 45C corresponding to a pattern visible by light from the side opposite to the position of the light source 7 (the viewing side) formed in the pixel peripheral region 45b.

[0109] According to the above configuration, a display different from the display by the light from the light source 7 that can be seen by ambient light can be achieved. That is, while reducing the appearance of the display screen looking whitish due to the reflection of ambient light, a pattern can be displayed on the display screen even when the light source 7 is turned off.

[0110] Further, the pixel peripheral region 45b of the display switching device 10 may be at least on the diffusion layer 3 side in the thickness direction of the display layer 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the lens array 6, the display layer 4, and the diffusion layer 3 may be arranged in this order from the light source 7 side, and in the display layer 4, the pixel peripheral region 45b may be provided on the diffusion layer 3 side (opposite to the light source 7). Alternatively, for example, as shown in FIG. 26, the lens array 6, the diffusion layer 3, and the display layer 4 may be arranged in this order from the light source 7 side, and in the display layer 4, the pixel peripheral region 45b may be provided on the diffusion layer 3 side (light source 7 side). According to the above configuration, crosstalk in the display layer 4 can be suppressed.

[0111] Further, as shown in FIG. 27, when the diffusion layer 3 is on the side opposite to the light source position of the display layer 4, the thickness of the diffusion layer 3 in the region in contact with the pixel region 45a may be greater than the thickness of the diffusion layer 3 in the region in contact with the pixel peripheral region 45b. According to such a configuration, the light diffusibility in the pixel region 45a can be increased and the diffusion of external light reflection can be suppressed. As shown in FIG. 27, all of the pixel regions 45a in the display layer 4 may be formed of the diffusion layer 3.

[0112] (Application Example of Display Switching Device 10) The display switching device 10 described above can be applied to various applications. For example, it can be applied to the key tops of a keyboard for character input, a switch that detects a user's operation on the display switching device 10, such as a switch as a key top of a keyboard, in addition to switches of gaming machines, elevators, home appliances, in-vehicle switches, etc., or it can also be applied to guidance / advertising such as in-vehicle displays. Hereinafter, the case where the display switching device according to the present embodiment is applied to a button device for a gaming machine will be described. The button device for a gaming machine includes a button body and the display switching device 10 described above, and has a structure in which the button body is pressed against the housing of the gaming machine.

[0113] First, with reference to FIG. 36, a schematic configuration of a gaming machine (rotary gaming machine) 1, which is an example of an application target of the push button device (see FIGS. 36 to 28) according to the present embodiment, will be described. FIG. 36 is a schematic perspective view of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 36, the gaming machine 1 is composed of a front door 1a facing a player or the like, and a box-shaped housing 1b to which the front door 1a is attached so as to be openable and closable. The gaming machine 1 also includes a reel unit 102, a bet button 103, a medal insertion port 104, a start lever 105, a stop button unit 106, and a medal payout port 107. Hereinafter, the side where the front door 1a is located in the gaming machine 1 will be described as the front, the opposite side as the rear, the left side as the leftward direction, and the right side as the rightward direction when facing the front.

[0115] The reel unit 102 is provided in the housing 1b at the position of a display window provided at the vertical center of the front door 1a. The reel unit 2 includes three cylindrical reels 121 to 123 (left reel 121, middle reel 122, right reel 123) arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The reels 121 to 123 perform rotation and stop operations based on the operation of the player. The player can receive a prize according to the combination of symbols when all the reels 121 to 123 stop.

[0116] The bet button 103 is provided at approximately the center of the horizontal plane of the operation table formed below the display window in the front door 1a. Also, the medal insertion slot 104 is provided on the right side of the horizontal plane of the operation table in the front door 1a. The bet button 103 is a button switch for presenting the number of medals (betting number) bet in one game of the gaming machine 1 out of the medals inserted by the player from the medal insertion slot 104. For example, the player presents the betting number by the number of times the bet button 103 is pressed.

[0117] The start lever 105 is provided on the left side of the front surface of the operation table in the front door 1a. By operating the start lever 105, the rotation operations of the reels 121 to 123 are started.

[0118] The stop button unit 106 is provided at a position approximately in the center of the front surface of the operation table inside the front door 1a. The stop button unit 106 is fixed to the front surface of the operation table by the decorative panel (front panel) 60. Also, the stop button unit 106 includes three stop buttons 161 to 163 (left reel stop button 161, middle reel stop button 162, right reel stop button 163) arranged side by side in the left - right direction. By pressing the stop buttons 161 to 163, the rotation operations of the corresponding reels 121 to 123 are stopped. For the detailed configuration of the stop button unit 106, refer to FIG. 37 and it will be described later.

[0119] The medal payout port 107 is provided at the lower part of the front door 1a. The gaming machine 1 discharges medals from the medal payout port 107.

[0120] Also, the stop buttons 161 to 163 each include a plurality of light sources.

[0121] The reel rotation control unit receives an instruction to start the rotation operation of reels 121 to 123 by operating the start lever 105. At this time, the reel rotation control unit outputs drive pulses to the reel drive control unit so that reels 121 to 123 rotate at a predetermined rotation speed. The reel drive control unit rotates reels 121 to 123 based on the drive pulses input thereto.

[0122] Also, the reel rotation control unit receives a signal indicating that stop buttons 161 to 163 have been pressed from the photo micro switches of stop buttons 161 to 163. At this time, the reel rotation control unit outputs drive pulses to the reel drive control unit to stop reels 121 to 123. The reel drive control unit stops reels 121 to 123 based on the drive pulses input thereto.

[0123] Furthermore, the lighting control unit controls which of the plurality of light sources of stop buttons 161 to 163 are to be lit and which are to be turned off.

[0124] (Schematic Configuration of Stop Button Unit 106) Next, the schematic configuration of stop button unit 106 mounted on the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 37 is a schematic top view of stop button unit 106.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 36, stop button unit 106 includes a decorative panel 160 and three push button devices 100 as stop buttons 161 to 163. That is, stop buttons 161 to 163 are configured such that three push button devices 100 are respectively provided in stop button unit 106. Hereinafter, the description of push button device 100 can be applied to all of stop buttons 161 to 163.

[0126] As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the decorative panel 160 is provided with holes at respective positions where three push-button devices 100 are provided. The push-button device 100 includes a button body (button top) 101 whose surface is pressed by a finger of a player or the like. The push-button device 100 also includes a display unit (display switching sheet) 102 capable of displaying a predetermined display image on the back surface of the button body 101.

[0127] Reference numeral 103A in FIG. 37 indicates a state where the display unit 102 is not displaying a display image. Reference numeral 103B in FIG. 37 indicates a state where the display unit 102 is displaying, as an example of a display image, the pressing order of the stop buttons 161 to 163. Thus, the display unit 102 can display a predetermined display image to the player through the holes of the decorative panel 160. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0128] 1 Gaming machine 1a Front door 1b Housing 3 Diffusion layer 4 Display layer (image layer) 5 Adhesive layer 6 Lens array 7 Light source 8 Substrate 9 Housing 10 Display switching device 45 Display unit 45a Pixel region 45b Pixel peripheral region 45c Coloring portion 61 Diffusion shape 100 Push-button device 101 Button body 102 Display unit 103 Bet button 104 Medal insertion port 105 Start lever 106 Stop Button Unit 107 Medal Payout Outlet 121 Left Reel 122 Middle Reel 123 Right Reel 160 Decorative Panel 161 Left Reel Stop Button 162 Middle Reel Stop Button 163 Right Reel Stop Button P3 Third Image P4 Fourth Image P5 Fifth Image P6 Sixth Image

Claims

1. A display switching device that switches a display image by switching the irradiation of light from a plurality of light source positions, a lens array in which a plurality of lenses through which light emitted from the plurality of light source positions respectively passes are arranged, a display layer including a pixel region through which light condensed by each of the lenses of the lens array passes, a diffusion layer located on the side opposite to the light source position with respect to the lens array and diffusing the transmitted light, comprising: the diffusion layer is optically adhered to a layer located on the light source position side of the diffusion layer or is made of the same material as a layer located on the light source side of the diffusion layer, arranged in the order of the lens array, the diffusion layer, and the display layer from the light source position side display switching device.

2. When the haze of the diffusion layer is 98% or less, the thickness of the diffusion layer is 0.3 times or less of the lens pitch of the lens constituting the lens array, The display switching device according to claim 1.

3. θ1 is the incident angle when the light emitted from the light source position enters the outermost lens arranged in the lens array, θ2 is the light amount when parallel light is incident on the lens in the lens array and the emission angle from the lens is 0°, and θ3 is the angle at which the light amount is 10% of the light amount with an emission angle of 0° in the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion layer. Then, θ3 ≧ θ1 - θ2 The display switching device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the refractive index of the diffusion layer is n1 and the refractive index of the lens array is n2, n1 and n2 are in a relationship satisfying the following formula The display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. n2 - 0.2 ≦ n1 ≦ n2 + 0.2

5. The diffusion layer is configured as a single layer by a material having a diffusion function and an adhesion function with the lens array The display switching device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. A display switching device that switches a display image by switching the irradiation of light from a plurality of light source positions, a lens array in which a plurality of lenses through which light emitted from the plurality of light source positions respectively passes are arranged, a display layer including a pixel region through which light condensed by each of the lenses of the lens array passes, a diffusion layer located on the side opposite to the light source position with respect to the lens array and diffusing the transmitted light, comprising: The diffusion layer is optically adhered to the layer located on the light source position side of the diffusion layer or is composed of the same material as the layer located on the light source side of the diffusion layer. The diffusion layer has a diffusion shape formed on the display layer side of the lens array. Display switching device.

7. The diffusion shape of the lens array is formed by a plurality of lens shapes, and the height of the diffusion shape is 0.3 times or less of the lens pitch of the lens constituting the lens array. The display switching device according to claim 6.

8. The diffusion shape of the lens array is formed by a plurality of lens shapes, and the maximum inclination angle of the tangent line at each cross-sectional end of the lens shape with respect to the boundary surface with the display layer is 60 degrees or less. The display switching device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The diffusion shape of the lens array is formed by a plurality of unit shapes, the plurality of unit shapes include two or more types of shapes, and each shape is arranged in a dispersed manner. The display switching device according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. The lens array includes a lens having a shape such that the focal point when the light from the light source position is condensed by the lens is located at the boundary between the diffusion layer and the display layer or farther from the light source position than the boundary. The display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. The lens array includes a lens having a shape such that the focal point when the light from the light source position is condensed by the lens is located farther from the light source position than the boundary between the lens and the diffusion layer. The display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. It includes a pixel peripheral region located around the pixel region and suppressing reflection or transmission of light from the light source side or the side opposite to the light source. The display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The reflectance of the pixel peripheral region with respect to the light from the side opposite to the light source position is 50% or less. The display switching device according to claim 12.

14. The transmittance of the pixel peripheral region with respect to the light from the light source position is 50% or less. The display switching device according to claim 12 or 13.

15. A colored portion corresponding to a pattern visible by the light from the side opposite to the light source position is formed in the pixel peripheral region. The display switching device according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. The pixel surrounding region is at least on the side of the diffusion layer in the thickness direction of the display layer. The display switching device according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

17. A display switching device that switches a display image by switching the irradiation of light from a plurality of light source positions, A lens array in which a plurality of lenses through which light emitted from the plurality of light source positions passes are arranged, A display layer including a pixel region through which light condensed by each of the lenses of the lens array passes, A diffusion layer that is located on the side opposite to the light source position with respect to the lens array and diffuses the transmitted light, Comprising: The diffusion layer is optically adhered to a layer located on the light source position side of the diffusion layer or is made of the same material as a layer located on the light source side of the diffusion layer, A pixel surrounding region that is located around the pixel region and suppresses reflection or transmission of light from the light source side or the side opposite to the light source, When the diffusion layer is on the side opposite to the light source position of the display layer, the thickness of the diffusion layer in the region in contact with the pixel region is thicker than the thickness of the diffusion layer in the region in contact with the pixel surrounding region. Display switching device.

18. A button body, The display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising: The button body has a structure that is pressed against the housing of the gaming machine. A button device for a gaming machine.

19. A switch that includes the display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and detects a user's operation on the display switching device.

Images