Indicates a switching device

Abstract

To provide a display switching device (10) which alleviates image quality deterioration due to image crosstalk.SOLUTION: A lens array (3) of a display switching device (10) disclosed herein includes a portion in which an average curvature radius of microlenses increases with a distance from a predefined lens reference position (microlens L2) in a lens array plane where the microlenses (L0-L4) are arrayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional display switching device described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. 33, a display unit 100 includes a plurality of pixels, and each pixel includes two pixel regions (△ and ○). Light 103 emitted from one light source 102 is incident on each of the seven pixels in the vertical direction through a lenticular lens 101 composed of a plurality of micro lenses. Then, by changing the incident angle of the light 103 from the light source 102 with respect to the lenticular lens 101 and changing the condensing position of the light condensed by the lenticular lens 101, the pixel regions (△ 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. Note that the light source 102 is movable in the C direction in the figure.

[0003] FIG. 34 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, and the display unit 204. The display switching device 200 can switch between the display of the first pattern and the display of 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

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the case of the conventional display switching device described in Patent Document 1, since the light 103 emitted from one light source 102 is incident on seven pixels in the vertical direction through the lenticular lens 101, as the incident angle of the light 103 with respect to the lenticular lens 101 becomes wide-angle, there is a problem that the condensing property deteriorates due to the influence of aberration and crosstalk of the image occurs. In particular, the crosstalk of the image between the pixel regions (△) and the pixel regions (○) in the pixels arranged at the upper end and the lower end among the seven pixels in the vertical direction is particularly severe. Here, crosstalk means that when the pixel region (△) is displayed, the pixel region (○) is displayed, or when the pixel region (○) is displayed, the pixel region (△) is displayed, resulting in a deterioration of the image quality. Such a problem cannot be improved even if the light source 102 is moved in the C direction in the figure.

[0006] In the case of the conventional display switching device 200 shown in FIG. 34 as well, similarly, the light emitted from one first light source 201A is incident on the first pixel regions 205A and 205A' of the display unit 204 via the lens array 203, and the light emitted from one second light source 201B is incident on the second pixel regions 205B and 205B' of the display unit 204 via the lens array 203. In the case of the second pixel region 205B, since the incident angle of the light from the second light source 201B with respect to the lens array 203 is narrow, the light condensing property is good, and it condenses on the upper surface (S1 in the figure) of the display unit 204, so the problem of image crosstalk does not occur. Also in the case of the first pixel region 205A, since the incident angle of the light from the first light source 201A with respect to the lens array 203 is narrow, the light condensing property is good, and it condenses on the upper surface (S2 in the figure) of the display unit 204, so the problem of image crosstalk does not occur. Further, in the case of the second pixel region 205B', since the incident angle of the light from the second light source 201B with respect to the lens array 203 is relatively narrow, the light condensing property is good, and it condenses near the boundary between the lens array 203 and the display unit 204 (S3 in the figure), so the problem of significant image crosstalk does not occur. On the other hand, in the case of the first pixel region 205A', since the incident angle of the light from the first light source 201A with respect to the lens array 203 is wide, the light condensing property is poor, and it condenses at a position of the lens array 203 far from the display unit 204 (S4 in the figure), so the image crosstalk becomes a problem. Here, crosstalk means that when the first pixel regions 205A and 205A' are being displayed, the second pixel regions 205B and 205B' are displayed, or when the second pixel regions 205B and 205B' are being displayed, the first pixel regions 205A and 205A' are displayed, resulting in a deterioration of the image quality.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a display switching device that improves the deterioration of image quality due to image crosstalk.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a display switching device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is A display switching device that switches a displayed image by switching the irradiation of light from a plurality of light sources, a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged, and a display unit, wherein the display unit includes a plurality of pixel regions arranged to include a region through which light emitted from each of the plurality of light source groups and condensed by each of the lenses of the lens array passes, and the transmittance in each of the pixel regions is set corresponding to a predetermined still pattern, the lens is a spherical lens, the lens array includes a portion where the average value of the radius of curvature of the lens increases as the distance from a predetermined lens reference position on the lens array surface where the lenses are arranged increases.

[0009] According to the above configuration, a display switching device that improves the deterioration of image quality due to crosstalk of an image can be realized.

[0010] Also, in the display switching device according to the one aspect, a predetermined position on a light source plane where a plurality of the light sources are arranged is defined as a light source reference position, an angle θ formed by a straight line connecting the light source reference position and the center of the sphere formed by the spherical surface of the lens and a direction perpendicular to the light source plane, a distance L between the light source reference position and the lens array, a refractive index n of a material constituting the lens array, when the thickness of the lens array is T, the radius of curvature is a value of R or more that satisfies the equation cosθ / L + ncosθ / (T - R(1 - cosθ)) = (n - 1) / R.

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, a display switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a display switching device that switches a displayed image by switching the irradiation of light from a plurality of light sources,​ a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged, and a display unit, wherein the display unit includes a plurality of pixel regions arranged to include a region through which light emitted from each of the plurality of light source groups and condensed by each of the lenses of the lens array passes, and the transmittance of each of the pixel regions is set corresponding to a predetermined still pattern, and the lens includes an aspherical lens.

[0012] According to the above configuration, a display switching device that improves the deterioration of image quality due to crosstalk of an image can be realized.

[0013] Further, in the display switching device according to one aspect, the lens array includes a portion where the average value of the focal length of the aspherical lens becomes longer as the distance from a predetermined lens reference position on the lens array surface where the lenses are arranged increases.

[0014] Further, in the display switching device according to one aspect, the lens array includes a portion where the average value of the deviation from the spherical shape of the aspherical lens becomes larger as the distance from a predetermined lens reference position on the lens array surface where the lenses are arranged increases.

[0015] Further, in the display switching device according to one aspect, assuming a predetermined position on the light source plane where a plurality of the light sources are arranged as a light source reference position, the shape of the aspherical lens includes a line-symmetric curved surface centered on a straight line connecting the light source reference position and a predetermined position of the aspherical lens.

[0016] Further, in the display switching device according to one aspect, the line-symmetric curved surface is a surface of a rotational ellipsoid.

[0017] Also, in the display switching device related to the one side surface, the lens reference position is the position of the center of gravity of the lens array.

[0018] Also, in the display switching device related to the one side surface, the lens reference position is the intersection point of the perpendicular line dropped from the position of the center of gravity of the plurality of light sources to the lens array surface and the lens array surface.

[0019] Also, in the display switching device related to the one side surface, the light source reference position is the position of the center of gravity of the plurality of light sources.

[0020] Also, in the display switching device related to the one side surface, the light source reference position corresponding to each of the lenses is the position of the light source that is at the farthest position from the lens.

[0021] Also, in the display switching device related to the one side surface, the thickness of the lens array is constant.

[0022] In order to solve the above problems, a display switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a display switching device that switches a display image by switching irradiation of light from a plurality of light sources, a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged, and a display unit, wherein the display unit includes a plurality of pixel regions arranged to include a region through which light condensed by each of the lenses of the lens array passes, where each of the lights emitted from the plurality of light source groups passes through the corresponding lens of the lens array, and the transmittance of each of the pixel regions is set corresponding to a predetermined still pattern, and the lens array includes a portion where the thickness of the lens becomes smaller as the distance from a predetermined lens reference position on the lens array surface where the lenses are arranged increases.

[0023] According to the above configuration, a display switching device can be realized that improves the deterioration of image quality due to crosstalk of an image.

[0024] Also, in the display switching device related to the one side surface, the surface of the lens array farther from the plurality of light sources is a flat surface.

[0025] Also, in the display switching device related to the one side surface, the vertices of the plurality of lenses are on the same plane.

[0026] Also, the display switching system related to the one side surface includes a plurality of the display switching devices, and the display units of the display switching devices are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0027] According to the above configuration, a display switching system capable of large displays and displays of arbitrary shapes can be realized.

[0028] Also, the switch related to the one side surface includes the display switching device and detects a user operation on the display switching device.

[0029] According to the above configuration, a switch that improves the degradation of image quality due to crosstalk of images can be realized.

[0030] Also, the electric device related to the one side surface includes the switch, and the operation is performed by the switch.

[0031] According to the above configuration, an electric device including a switch that improves the degradation of image quality due to crosstalk of images can be realized.

Effect of the Invention

[0032] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a display switching device that improves the degradation of image quality due to crosstalk of images can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described as follows with reference to FIGS. 1 to 32. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, configurations having the same functions as those described in a specific embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0035] 〔Embodiment 1〕 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the display switching device 10 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the display switching device 10 includes, in order from the bottom to the top in the drawing, a substrate 9, a plurality of light sources 1A and 1B, a lens array 3 including a plurality of microlenses L0 to L4, a display unit 4 including a plurality of pixel regions 4A, 4A', 4A'' for displaying a first symbol (still symbol) and a plurality of pixel regions 4B, 4B', 4B'' for displaying a second symbol (still symbol), and a light diffusing member 5. The lens array 3, the display unit 4, and the light diffusing 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 to which the plurality of light sources 1A and 1B are attached. The display switching device 10 may further include a protective layer for preventing damage above the light diffusing member 5.

[0036] At least one of the housing 6 and the substrate 9 is preferably formed of a light-absorbing material. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the 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 visually recognized by the user. In addition, it is possible to suppress the image formed by the pixel regions 4A, 4A', 4A'', 4B, 4B', 4B'' of the display unit 4 from being faintly visible due to internal reflection of external light when the plurality of light sources 1A and 1B are not emitting light.

[0037] In this embodiment, as an example, a case will be described where the display switching device 10 includes LEDs (for example, RGB LEDs) which are point light sources as the light sources 1A and 1B. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as the light sources 1A and 1B, a rod-shaped light guide rod or a light guide body that emits light only in a predetermined region as described later may be used. Further, a laser beam may be used as the light source. Note that 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 LED can be individually controlled. Further, in this embodiment, as an example, a case will be described where the display switching device 10 includes four light sources belonging to the first light source group including the light source 1A and four light sources belonging to the second light source group including the light source 1B. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of light sources, the distance between light sources, the size of light sources, etc. can be appropriately set as needed.

[0038] In this embodiment, the lens pitch LP of the plurality of microlenses L0 to L4 included in the lens array 3 is not constant because the curvature radii of the microlenses L0 to L4 are different. Further, the thickness of the lens array 3 including the plurality of microlenses L0 to L4 is set such that the thickest portion T in each of the plurality of microlenses L0 to L4 is constant (for example, 0.5 mm). Further, the refractive index of the lens array 3 is set to 1.5, and the shortest distance LD between the light sources 1A and 1B and the microlenses L0 to L4 is set to 30 mm. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of microlenses provided 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 microlens, etc. can be appropriately set as needed. Note that the light diffusion member 5 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the display unit 4 provided in the display switching device 10.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of switched display of the display unit 4 provided in the display switching device 10.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, predetermined symbols such as a first symbol and a second symbol are displayed on the display unit 4 while being switched. Note that 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 includes a plurality of pixel regions 4A, 4A', 4A'' for displaying the first symbol P1 (in the example, the hiragana character "ki") shown in FIG. 3, and a plurality of pixel regions 4B, 4B', 4B'' for displaying the second symbol P2 (in the example, the symbol "△") shown in FIG. 3, and a portion 4S other than the pixel regions 4A, 4A', 4A'', 4B, 4B', 4B''. The plurality of pixel regions 4A, 4A', 4A'', 4B, 4B', 4B'' are openings for passing light from the light sources 1A and 1B and displaying the first symbol P1 or the second symbol P2. The portion 4S other than the pixel regions 4A, 4A', 4A'', 4B, 4B', 4B'' serves as a mask that makes the transmittance of light from the light sources 1A and 1B lower than that of the pixel regions 4A, 4A', 4A'', 4B, 4B', 4B''. The portion 4S other than the pixel regions 4A, 4A', 4A'', 4B, 4B', 4B'' is preferably formed of, for example, a highly light-shielding black matrix, but is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that can make the transmittance of light from the light sources 1A and 1B lower than that of the pixel regions 4A, 4A', 4A'', 4B, 4B', 4B''. The display unit 4 may be provided on a substrate that transmits visible light. In the present embodiment, the case where the display unit 4 is formed of a single layer, for example, a black matrix, is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the display unit 4 may be formed of two layers. In this case, the first layer disposed as the lower layer closer to the light sources 1A and 1B can be configured by a layer in which a plurality of openings for passing light to the pixel regions 4A, 4A', 4A'', 4B, 4B', 4B'' included in the second layer, which is the upper layer, and a transmission region having a predetermined transmittance are formed. The second layer disposed as the upper layer farther from the light sources 1A and 1B includes the pixel regions 4A, 4A', 4A'', 4B, 4B', 4B''.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the display unit and the lens array that can be provided in the display switching device of Embodiment 1, and the light sources.

[0043] As described above, in this embodiment, a case where the first symbol P1 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed by a plurality of pixel regions 4A, 4A', 4A'', and the second symbol P2 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed by a plurality of pixel regions 4B, 4B', 4B'' has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 4, in addition to the light source 1A belonging to the first light source group and the light source 1B belonging to the second light source group, the light source 1C belonging to the third light source group and the light source 1D belonging to the fourth light source group are further provided, and when there are pixel regions irradiated with light from the light source 1C belonging to the third light source group and pixel regions irradiated with light from the light source 1D belonging to the fourth light source group, in addition to the first symbol P1 and the second symbol P2 shown in FIG. 3, the display can be switched including the third symbol P3 and the fourth symbol P4.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the optical effect of the display switching device 10 of Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0045] The display switching device 10 switches the display image by switching the irradiation of light from the first light source group including the light source 1A and the irradiation of light from the second light source group including the light source 1B for each light source group.

[0046] In the case of the display switching device 10 shown in FIG. 5, the light emitted from the light source 1A enters the first pixel regions 4A, 4A', 4A'' of the display unit 4 through the microlenses L2 to L4 of the lens array 3, and the light emitted from the light source 1B enters the second pixel regions 4B, 4B', 4B'' of the display unit 4 through the microlenses L2 to L4 of the lens array 3.

[0047] In the case of the first pixel region 4A, the incident angle of the light from the light source 1A with respect to the lens array 3 is a narrow angle. In the case of the first pixel region 4A', the incident angle of the light from the light source 1A with respect to the lens array 3 is a medium angle. In the case of the first pixel region 4A'', the incident angle of the light from the light source 1A with respect to the lens array 3 is a wide angle. Therefore, when a conventional lens array is used, the condensing points where the light is condensed are closer to the substrate 9 in the order of the first pixel region 4A, the first pixel region 4A', and the first pixel region 4A''. Thus, when a conventional lens array is used, in the first pixel region 4A' and the first pixel region 4A'', the problem of image crosstalk may occur. Therefore, the display switching device 10 includes a lens array 3 including microlenses L0 to L4, and each of the microlenses L0 to L4 is a spherical lens. And the lens array 3 includes a portion where the average value of the curvature radius of the microlenses increases as the distance from a predetermined lens reference position (here, the microlens L2 which is the lens reference position is the position of the center of gravity of the lens array 3) on the lens array surface where the microlenses L0 to L4 are arranged increases. With the above configuration, the condensing points S2, S4, and S6 of the light from the light source 1A can be aligned with the lower surface of the display unit 4 respectively. Therefore, the problem of image crosstalk in the first pixel regions 4A, 4A', and 4A'' does not occur, and the display switching device 10 that improves the deterioration of the image quality due to image crosstalk can be realized.

[0048] In the case of the second pixel region 4B, the incident angle of the light from the light source 1B with respect to the lens array 3 is narrow. In the case of the second pixel region 4B', the incident angle of the light from the light source 1B with respect to the lens array 3 is narrow. In the case of the second pixel region 4B'', the incident angle of the light from the light source 1B with respect to the lens array 3 is wide. Therefore, when a conventional lens array is used, the condensing point where the light is condensed is closer to the substrate 9 in the case of the second pixel region 4B'' than in the cases of the second pixel region 4B and the second pixel region 4B'. Accordingly, when a conventional lens array is used, in the second pixel region 4B'', the problem of image crosstalk may occur. Thus, the lens array 3 provided in the display switching device 10 includes a portion where the average value of the curvature radius of the microlenses increases as the distance from a predetermined lens reference position (here, the microlens L2) on the lens array surface where the microlenses L0 to L4 are arranged increases. With the above configuration, the condensing points S1, S3, and S5 of the light from the light source 1B can be aligned with the lower surface of the display unit 4, respectively. Therefore, the problem of image crosstalk in the second pixel regions 4B, 4B', and 4B'' does not occur, and a display switching device 10 that improves the deterioration of image quality due to image crosstalk can be realized.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the lens array 3 provided in the display switching device 10 of Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0050] Here, based on FIG. 6, the meaning of the increase in the average value of the radius of curvature of the microlenses as the distance from a predetermined lens reference position (microlens r0 in FIG. 6) increases will be described. Here, as an example, the average value of the radius of curvature of the microlenses is assumed to be the average value of the radii of curvature of three adjacent microlenses, but it is not limited thereto, and the average value of the radius of curvature of the microlenses may be the average value of the radii of curvature of two or more adjacent microlenses. For example, R(-2) is the average value of the radii of curvature of three adjacent microlenses r(-3)·r(-2)·r(-1), R(-1) is the average value of the radii of curvature of three adjacent microlenses r(-2)·r(-1)·r0, R0 is the average value of the radii of curvature of three adjacent microlenses r(-1)·r0·r1, R1 is the average value of the radii of curvature of three adjacent microlenses r0·r1·r2, and R2 is the average value of the radii of curvature of three adjacent microlenses r1·r2·r3. As the distance from the predetermined lens reference position (microlens r0 in FIG. 6) increases, the average value of the radius of curvature of the microlenses increases, so R0 < R1 < R2 < ··· Rn-1 < Rn is satisfied, and R0 < R(-1) < R(-2) < ··· R(-n) is satisfied.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the characteristics of the lens array 3 provided in the display switching device 10 of Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, in the case of the lens array 3 provided in the display switching device 10, as the distance from the predetermined lens reference position (microlens r0) increases, the average value of the radius of curvature of the microlenses (the average value of the radii of curvature of three adjacent microlenses) increases. That is, the average value of the radius of curvature of the microlenses of the lens array 3 increases as it approaches the outer peripheral portion. By adopting such a configuration, a display switching device 10 that improves the deterioration of image quality due to crosstalk of an image can be realized.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the features of another lens array 3a that can be provided in the display switching device 10 of Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 8, in the case of the lens array 3a that can be provided in the display switching device 10, as the distance from a predetermined lens reference position (microlens r0) increases, the average value of the curvature radii of the microlenses (the average value of the curvature radii of three adjacent microlenses) increases. That is, the average value of the curvature radii of the microlenses of the lens array 3a is constant near the center, but increases as it approaches the outer peripheral portion. By adopting such a configuration, a display switching device 10 can be realized that improves the deterioration of image quality due to crosstalk of an image.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a method for determining the curvature radius R of the microlens Ln of the lens array 3 provided in the display switching device 10 of Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 9, the surface (upper surface) of the substrate 9 on which a plurality of light sources 1A and 1B are arranged, that is, a predetermined position on the light source plane is defined as the light source reference position C. When the angle formed by the straight line connecting the light source reference position C and the center of the sphere formed by the spherical surface of the microlens Ln and the direction perpendicular to the light source plane is θ, the distance between the light source reference position C and the lens array 3 is L, the refractive index of the material constituting the lens array 3 is n, and the thickness of the lens array 3 is T, the curvature radius R is preferably a value equal to or greater than R that satisfies the equation cosθ / L + ncosθ / (T - R(1 - cosθ)) = (n - 1) / R.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a method for determining the curvature radius R of the microlens Ln of the lens array 3 provided in the display switching device 10 of Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 10, on the surface (upper surface) of the substrate 9 on which a plurality of light sources 1A and 1B are arranged, that is, the position where the distances from the light source 1A and the light source 1B in the light source plane are the same is defined as the light source reference position C. When the angle formed by the straight line connecting the light source reference position C and the center of the sphere formed by the spherical surface of the microlens Ln and the direction perpendicular to the light source plane is θ, the distance between the light source reference position C and the lens array 3 is L, the refractive index of the material constituting the lens array 3 is n, and the thickness of the lens array 3 is T, the radius of curvature R is preferably a value equal to or greater than R that satisfies the equation cosθ / L + ncosθ / (T - R(1 - cosθ)) = (n - 1) / R.

[0059] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing still another example of a method for determining the radius of curvature R of the microlens Ln of the lens array 3 provided in the display switching device 10 of Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 11, on the surface (upper surface) of the substrate 9 on which a plurality of light sources 1A and 1B are arranged, that is, the center position of the light source 1A, which is the farther one from the microlens Ln among the light sources 1A and 1B in the light source plane, is defined as the light source reference position C. When the angle formed by the straight line connecting the light source reference position C and the center of the sphere formed by the spherical surface of the microlens Ln and the direction perpendicular to the light source plane is θ, the distance between the light source reference position C and the lens array 3 is L, the refractive index of the material constituting the lens array 3 is n, and the thickness of the lens array 3 is T, the radius of curvature R is preferably a value equal to or greater than R that satisfies the equation cosθ / L + ncosθ / (T - R(1 - cosθ)) = (n - 1) / R.

[0061] 〔Embodiment 2〕 Next, based on FIGS. 12 to 28, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. The display switching device of the present embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 described above in that it includes an aspherical lens as the microlens of the lens array. Other aspects are the same as those described in Embodiment 1. For the sake of convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as the members shown in the drawings of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0062] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a lens array 3b including an aspherical lens provided in the display switching device according to Embodiment 2.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 12, in the lens array 3b, the micro-lenses L3 to L5 in the central portion with less aberration are spherical lenses, and the micro-lenses L0 to L2 and L6 to L8 in the peripheral portion with larger aberration are aspherical lenses.

[0064] Furthermore, in the lens array 3b, it is preferable that as the distance from a predetermined lens reference position (here, the micro-lens L4) on the lens array surface where the micro-lenses L0 to L8 are arranged increases, it includes a portion where the average value of the focal lengths of the aspherical lenses becomes longer.

[0065] With the above configuration, a display switching device that improves the degradation of image quality due to crosstalk of an image can be realized.

[0066] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of an aspherical lens in the lens array provided in the display switching device according to Embodiment 2.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 13, the shape of the micro-lens Ln which is an aspherical lens in the lens array 3b may be a shape including a line-symmetric curved surface centered on a straight line connecting a predetermined position of the micro-lens Ln which is the aspherical lens and a light source reference position C on the surface (upper surface) of the substrate 9 on which a plurality of light sources 1A and 1B are arranged, that is, the light source plane.

[0068] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a lens array 3b' including an elliptical aspherical lens that can be provided in the display switching device according to Embodiment 2.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 14, the display switching device may include a lens array 3b' including micro-lenses Ln-1 to Ln+1 which are elliptical aspherical lenses. The elliptical aspherical lens has a line-symmetric curved surface that is a surface of a rotational ellipsoid.

[0070] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a method for determining the shape of the elliptical aspherical lens illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 15, the shape of the microlens Ln, which is an elliptical aspherical lens in the lens array 3b', is a shape including a line-symmetric curved surface centered on a straight line connecting the light source reference position C and a predetermined position of the microlens Ln, which is the elliptical aspherical lens. Here, the light source reference position C is a position on the surface (upper surface) of the substrate 9 on which the plurality of light sources 1A and 1B are arranged, that is, a position where the distance from the light source 1A in the light source plane is the same as the distance from the light source 1B.

[0072] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of a method for determining the shape of the elliptical aspherical lens illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 16, the shape of the microlens Ln, which is an elliptical aspherical lens in the lens array 3b', is a shape including a line-symmetric curved surface centered on a straight line connecting the light source reference position C and a predetermined position of the microlens Ln, which is the elliptical aspherical lens. Here, the light source reference position C is the center position of the light source 1A, which is the farther one from the microlens Ln among the light sources 1A and 1B in the light source plane on the surface (upper surface) of the substrate 9 on which the plurality of light sources 1A and 1B are arranged.

[0074] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the improvement effect of crosstalk of images for each shape of the aspherical lens.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 17, for Sample 1, the shape of the microlens Ln, which is an aspherical lens, has a shape that bulges with respect to the spherical surface by an amount of + from the spherical surface (shown by the dotted line in the figure) closer to the light source, and has a spherical shape on the side farther from the light source. For Sample 2, the shape of the microlens Ln, which is an aspherical lens, has a shape that is concave with respect to the spherical surface by an amount of - from the spherical surface (shown by the dotted line in the figure) closer to the light source, and has a spherical shape on the side farther from the light source. Sample 3 is a spherical lens as a reference example. For Sample 4, the shape of the microlens Ln, which is an aspherical lens, has a spherical shape on the side closer to the light source, and has a shape that bulges with respect to the spherical surface by an amount of + from the spherical surface (shown by the dotted line in the figure) on the side farther from the light source. For Sample 5, the shape of the microlens Ln, which is an aspherical lens, has a spherical shape on the side closer to the light source, and has a shape that is concave with respect to the spherical surface by an amount of - from the spherical surface (shown by the dotted line in the figure) on the side farther from the light source.

[0076] In Samples 1 and 5, the improvement effect on the crosstalk of the image was not obtained and deteriorated, but in Samples 2 and 4, the improvement effect on the crosstalk of the image was obtained.

[0077] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a lens array 3c including other aspherical lenses that can be provided in the display switching device of Embodiment 2.

[0078] In the case of the lens array 3c including the aspherical lens shown in FIG. 18, the side closer to the light source has a shape that is concave with respect to the spherical surface by an amount of - from the spherical surface (shown by the dotted line in the figure), and the side farther from the light source has a shape that bulges with respect to the spherical surface by an amount of + from the spherical surface (shown by the dotted line in the figure). In the case of the lens array 3c including an aspherical lens having such a shape, as can be predicted from the results of FIG. 17, a greater improvement effect on the crosstalk of the image can be obtained.

[0079] Note that it is preferable that the lens array including the aspherical lens includes a portion where the average value of the deviation from the spherical shape of the aspherical lens increases as the distance from a predetermined lens reference position on the lens array surface where the microlenses are arranged increases.

[0080] FIG. 19 is a plan view showing a lens array that can be used in the display switching devices of Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 19, the lens array 3 may include 1-dimensional (1D) cylindrical lenses as microlenses L0 to L4.

[0082] FIG. 20 is a plan view showing an example of another lens array that can be used in the display switching devices of Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 20, the lens array 3d may include 2-dimensional (2D) honeycomb-shaped microlenses L1 to L7.

[0084] FIG. 21 is a plan view showing an example of still another lens array that can be used in the display switching devices of Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 21, the lens array 3a may include 2-dimensional (2D) matrix-shaped microlenses L1 to L9.

[0086] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a method for determining a light source reference position C in a lens array 3f provided in the display switching devices of Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 22, the light source reference position C may be the position of the center of gravity of a plurality of light sources G1 to G4, and the lens reference position may be the intersection of the perpendicular line dropped from the position of the center of gravity of the plurality of light sources G1 to G4 (light source reference position C) to the lens array surface and the lens array surface. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the light source reference position C corresponding to each microlens Ln may be the position of the light source that is farthest from the microlens Ln.

[0088] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another example of a method for determining a light source reference position C in a lens array 3g provided in the display switching devices of Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 23, the light source reference position C may be the position of the center of gravity of the plurality of light sources G1 to G8, and the lens reference position may be the intersection of the perpendicular line dropped from the position of the center of gravity of the plurality of light sources G1 to G8 (light source reference position C) to the lens array surface and the lens array surface. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the light source reference position C corresponding to each microlens Ln may be the position of the light source at the farthest position from the microlens Ln.

[0090] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing still another example of a method for determining the light source reference position C in the lens array 3h provided in the display switching devices of Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 24, the light source reference position C may be the position of the center of gravity of the plurality of light sources G1 to G9, and the lens reference position may be the intersection of the perpendicular line dropped from the position of the center of gravity of the plurality of light sources G1 to G9 (light source reference position C) to the lens array surface and the lens array surface. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the light source reference position C corresponding to each microlens Ln may be the position of the light source at the farthest position from the microlens Ln.

[0092] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the lens array that can be used in the display switching devices of Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0093] The lens array 3i shown in FIG. 25 includes a portion where the thickness of the microlenses decreases as the distance from a predetermined lens reference position (here, microlens L2) on the lens array surface where the microlenses L0 to L4 are arranged increases.

[0094] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the lens array that can be used in the display switching devices of Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0095] The lens array 3j shown in FIG. 26 includes a portion where the thickness of the microlenses decreases as the distance from a predetermined lens reference position (here, the microlens L0) on the lens array surface where the microlenses L0 to L4 are arranged increases.

[0096] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a third modified example of the lens array that can be used in the display switching devices of Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0097] In the lens array 3k shown in FIG. 27, the surface farther from a plurality of light sources (not shown) is a flat surface.

[0098] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth modified example of the lens array that can be used in the display switching devices of Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0099] In the lens array 3l shown in FIG. 28, the vertices of the plurality of microlenses L0 to L4 are on the same plane.

[0100] [Embodiment 3] Next, based on FIGS. 29 to 31, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. The display switching systems 60, 60a, and 60b of the present embodiment include a plurality of the display switching devices in Embodiments 1 to 3 described above. For the sake of convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as the members shown in the drawings of Embodiments 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0101] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the display switching system 60 of Embodiment 3.

[0102] In the display switching system 60 shown in FIG. 29, a plurality of display switching devices 10 are connected in the left - right direction or the up - down direction, and the display portions of the display switching devices 10 are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0103] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a modified example of the display switching system of Embodiment 3.

[0104] In the display switching system 60a shown in FIG. 30, a plurality of display switching devices 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e are two-dimensionally connected, and the display units of the respective display switching devices are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0105] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another modification of the display switching system according to Embodiment 4.

[0106] In the display switching system 60b shown in FIG. 31, a plurality of display switching devices 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i, 10j are connected in an arbitrary shape, and the display units of the respective display switching devices are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0107] According to the above configuration, display switching systems 60, 60a, 60b capable of large displays or displays of arbitrary shapes can be realized.

[0108] [Embodiment 4] Next, Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 32. In the present embodiment, a switch 70 including a display switching device 10 will be described. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as the members shown in the drawings of Embodiments 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0109] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the switch 70 according to Embodiment 4 including the display switching device 10.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 32, the switch 70 may further include a light absorption member 72 that absorbs external light. The light absorption member 72 is provided so as to overlap, in a plan view, an area other than the pixel area of the display unit 4 of the display switching device 10.

[0111] Although not shown, a display switching device or a display switching system including ON and OFF as still images can be used as a switch by providing a function of detecting a user operation on the display switching device or the display switching system.

[0112] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a switch that improves the deterioration of image quality due to crosstalk of an image.

[0113] Furthermore, an electric device provided with the above-described switch is operated by the switch.

[0114] According to the above configuration, it is possible to improve the deterioration of image quality due to crosstalk of an image on the surface of various switches or buttons in an electric device, and to improve the deterioration of image quality due to crosstalk of an image on a display screen or the like provided in the electric device. Examples of the electric device include, but are not limited to, a gaming machine, an in-vehicle device, a household electric appliance, an elevator, and the like.

[0115] 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

[0116] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, G Light sources 3, 3a, 3b, 3b’, 3c to 3l Lens arrays 4 Display unit 4A, 4B, 4A’, 4B’, 4A’’, 4B’’ Pixel regions 5 Light diffusion member 6 Housing 9 Substrate 10, 10a, 11 to 14, 14a, 15 to 19 Display switching devices 60, 60a, 60b Display switching systems 70 Switch L0 to L4, Ln Microlenses

Claims

1. A display switching device that switches a displayed image by switching the irradiation of light from a plurality of light sources, comprising: a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged; a display unit, wherein the display unit includes a plurality of pixel regions arranged to include a region through which light condensed by each of the lenses of the lens array passes for each of the lights emitted from the plurality of light source groups; and the transmittance in each of the pixel regions is set corresponding to a predetermined still pattern, the lens is a spherical lens, the lens array includes a portion where the average value of the radius of curvature of the lens increases as the distance from a predetermined lens reference position on the lens array surface where the lenses are arranged increases, a predetermined position on the light source plane where the plurality of light sources are arranged is defined as the light source reference position, an angle θ formed by a straight line connecting the light source reference position and the center of the sphere formed by the spherical surface of the lens and a direction perpendicular to the light source plane, a distance L between the light source reference position and the lens array, a refractive index n of the material constituting the lens array, when the thickness of the lens array is T, the radius of curvature is a value of R that satisfies the equation cosθ / L + ncosθ / (T - R(1 - cosθ)) = (n - 1) / R and the lens reference position is the position of the center of gravity of the lens array, the average value is the average value of the radii of curvature of two or more adjacent lenses. A display switching device.

2. A display switching device that switches a displayed image by switching the irradiation of light from a plurality of light sources, comprising: a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged; a display unit, wherein the display unit includes a plurality of pixel regions arranged to include a region through which light condensed by each of the lenses of the lens array passes for each of the lights emitted from the plurality of light source groups; and the transmittance in each of the pixel regions is set corresponding to a predetermined still pattern, the lens is a spherical lens, the lens array includes a portion where the average value of the radius of curvature of the lens increases as the distance from a predetermined lens reference position on the lens array surface where the lenses are arranged increases, a predetermined position on the light source plane where the plurality of light sources are arranged is defined as the light source reference position, an angle θ formed by a straight line connecting the light source reference position and the center of the sphere formed by the spherical surface of the lens and a direction perpendicular to the light source plane, The distance between the light source reference position and the lens array is L, The refractive index of the material constituting the lens array is n, When the thickness of the lens array is T, The radius of curvature is, The value of R that satisfies the equation cosθ / L + ncosθ / (T - R(1 - cosθ)) = (n - 1) / R, The lens reference position is the intersection of the perpendicular line dropped from the position of the center of gravity of the plurality of light sources to the lens array surface and the lens array surface, The average value is the average value of the radii of curvature of two or more adjacent lenses. A display switching device.

3. The display switching device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source reference position is the position of the center of gravity of the plurality of light sources.

4. The display switching device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the light source reference position corresponding to each lens is the position of the light source that is farthest from the lens.

5. The display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the thickness of the thickest portion in each of the lens arrays is constant.

6. A display switching system including a plurality of the display switching devices according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display portions of the display switching devices are arranged adjacent to each other.

7. A switch that includes the display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and detects a user operation on the display switching device.

8. An electrical device that includes the switch according to claim 7 and operates by the switch. ​

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