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

Abstract

To realize a display switching device expression power of which is improved.SOLUTION: A display switching device (10) comprises a lens array (4) in which a plurality of lenses (41) is arrayed, and a display unit (3). Each of rays of light emitted from a plurality of light source positions is condensed by the respective lenses so as to pass through mutually different positions on the display unit, transmissivity of light transmitting the display unit being different with a position on the display unit and there being three or more kinds of value of transmissivity at a plurality of positions on the display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display switching device capable of switching an image to be displayed, and to an information display device, a game display device, and a switch that include the display switching device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a backlit display device for automated viewing of a lenticular image card, which includes an illumination source that selectively illuminates individual images formed on a lenticular medium by design. In this backlit display device, the display illumination source directs light through the microlens side of the lenticular image card in accordance with the viewing distance and selected viewing angle of the card to sequentially illuminate each image in sequence. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-195216 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the illuminated image is a binary image, which poses a problem of low expressiveness.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to realize a display switching device or the like with improved expressive power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, 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 is equipped with a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged, and a display unit, wherein each of the lights emitted from the plurality of light source positions is focused by each lens of the lens array so that it passes through a mutually different position on the display unit, the transmittance of the light passing through the display unit varies depending on the position on the display unit in response to a predetermined still pattern, and the types of transmittance values ​​at the plurality of positions on the display unit are three or more.

[0007] According to the above configuration, in the display switching device, the still pattern is displayed by transmitting light emitted from the multiple light source positions through different positions on the display unit. Since there are three or more types of transmittance values ​​at the multiple positions on the display unit, the still pattern is expressed using three or more values. Therefore, the expressive power of the display switching device is improved.

[0008] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that there are a plurality of the predetermined still patterns corresponding to the plurality of light source positions, and that the types of transmittance values ​​are three or more at the position on the display unit through which the light passes corresponding to at least one of the predetermined still patterns.

[0009] According to the above configuration, at least one of the plurality of still symbols that can be displayed by the display switching device is expressed using three or more values, thereby improving the expressive power of the display switching device.

[0010] Furthermore, in a display switching device relating to one aspect of the present invention, the display unit preferably comprises a plurality of pixel regions arranged including areas through which light emitted from each of the plurality of light source positions passes and is focused by each of the lenses of the lens array, and pixel peripheral regions arranged around each of the pixel regions, and the transmittance in each of the pixel regions is preferably set to correspond to the predetermined still pattern.

[0011] According to the above configuration, by setting the transmittance in a pixel region, it is possible to determine the transmittance of light that passes through a region including the pixel region.

[0012] In the display switching device according to the aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the transmittance in the pixel peripheral region is constant regardless of the position on the display unit.

[0013] According to the above configuration, it is not necessary to consider the position on the display unit with respect to the influence of light passing through the pixel peripheral region, which makes it easier to design the display unit.

[0014] In the display switching device according to the aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the total area of ​​the pixel regions in the display section is 60% or less of the total area of ​​the sum of the pixel regions and the pixel peripheral regions.

[0015] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the problem that other patterns appear faint due to stray light leaking from pixel areas corresponding to patterns other than the pattern displayed by the display switching device.

[0016] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, the device comprises a pixel area that is arranged to include an area through which the light emitted from one of the light source positions and focused by one of the lenses in the lens array passes, and a pixel peripheral area that is arranged around the pixel area, and when the area that constitutes one pixel of the still pattern is defined as a unit image area, the number of types of area ratios of the pixel area to the area of ​​the unit image area may be three or more.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the number of transmittance types in the unit image area is three or more, depending on the area ratio of the pixel area to the area of ​​the unit image area, thereby improving the expressiveness of still patterns.

[0018] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that, among the types of area ratios, intermediate area ratios other than the maximum and minimum values ​​differ from the maximum and minimum values ​​by 10% or more of the difference between the maximum and minimum values.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the transmittance of a unit image area whose transmittance is an intermediate value other than the maximum and minimum values ​​differs from the maximum and minimum values ​​by 10% or more of the difference between the maximum and minimum values, thereby making clear the difference between pixels in the still pattern caused by the difference in transmittance of the unit image area.

[0020] In the display switching device according to the aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the area ratio varies by changing a length of the pixel region in a predetermined first direction parallel to a surface of the display unit.

[0021] Furthermore, in the unit image region of a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the pixel region has a shape in which the length in a predetermined second direction parallel to the surface of the display unit is longest, and the length in a predetermined third direction parallel to the surface of the display unit and perpendicular to the second direction is shortest.

[0022] According to the above configuration, by changing the size in the second direction, the length of change can be made large even when the area of ​​the pixel region is changed to the same value, which makes it easier to process the display section.

[0023] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that a plurality of light-emitting elements constituting one light source are arranged in a predetermined direction at the light source position, and that the direction in which the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged coincides with the second direction.

[0024] According to the above configuration, the variation in transmittance for each unit image area light-emitting element can be reduced compared to when the direction in which the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged does not coincide with the second direction.

[0025] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the unit image areas are arranged along predetermined fourth and fifth directions that are parallel to the surface of the display unit and perpendicular to each other, the second direction is a direction different from the fourth and fifth directions, and the third direction is a direction different from the fourth and fifth directions.

[0026] According to the above configuration, the pixel regions can be made larger, and the intervals between the pixel regions can be made wider across the entire display section.

[0027] In the display switching device according to the aspect of the present invention, the pixel region in the unit image region may be a plurality of partial pixel regions spaced apart from each other.

[0028] According to the above configuration, the area ratio of the pixel regions in the unit image region can be changed by varying the number of partial pixel regions, which makes it easier to design the display unit.

[0029] Furthermore, in a display switching device relating to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that a predetermined reference distance is set for the distance between the center of the display unit and the center of the unit image area, and the maximum value of the area ratio in the unit image area where the distance is equal to or greater than the reference distance is greater than the maximum value of the area ratio in the unit image area where the distance is less than the reference distance.

[0030] According to the above configuration, the variation in transmittance caused by the position of the unit image region on the display unit is reduced.

[0031] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, the device comprises a pixel area that is arranged to include an area through which the light emitted from one of the light source positions and focused by one of the lenses in the lens array passes, and a pixel peripheral area that is arranged around the pixel area, and when the area that constitutes one pixel of the still pattern is defined as a unit image area, there may be three or more types of positions of the pixel area in the unit image area.

[0032] According to the above configuration, the number of types of area ratios of pixel regions in the region where light enters the unit image region is three or more, and therefore the number of types of transmittance in the unit image region is three or more. Therefore, the expressiveness of still patterns is improved.

[0033] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the distance between the centers of gravity of the pixel areas of two adjacent unit image areas is 10% or more of the maximum value.

[0034] According to the above configuration, the difference in pixels of the still pattern caused by the difference in transmittance becomes clear.

[0035] In the display switching device according to the aspect of the present invention, there may be three or more combinations of the positions of the pixel regions and the area ratios of the pixel regions in the unit image regions.

[0036] The above configuration also improves the expressiveness of still patterns.

[0037] In the display switching device according to the aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the amount of change in the position of the pixel region is equal to or less than half the amount of change in the size of the pixel region in the direction in which the position of the pixel region changes.

[0038] According to the above configuration, the possibility of crosstalk occurring is reduced.

[0039] In the display switching device according to the aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the distance between one or more of the plurality of lenses and the display unit is different from the focal length of the lens.

[0040] With this configuration, the size of the spot of light focused on the display unit is larger than when the distance between the lens and the display unit is equal to the focal length, and therefore it is possible to vary the transmittance by varying the area ratio of the pixel area in the spot.

[0041] In the display switching device according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that one or more of the plurality of lenses are disposed at a position where the distance from the display unit is shorter than the focal length of the lens.

[0042] According to the above configuration, the possibility that the size of the spot of light focused on the display unit will become excessively large is reduced.

[0043] In addition, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the lens array includes a portion in which the average value of the radius of curvature of the lenses varies depending on the distance from a predetermined lens reference position on the lens array surface on which the lenses are arranged.

[0044] In addition, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the lens array includes a portion in which the average value of the radius of curvature of the lenses increases as the distance from the lens reference position on the lens array surface increases.

[0045] According to the above configuration, the difference in spot size on the display unit of the light condensed by the lenses included in the lens array is reduced.

[0046] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the spot of light focused by the lens has a shape in which its length in a predetermined sixth direction parallel to the surface of the display unit is longer than its length in a predetermined seventh direction parallel to the surface of the display unit and perpendicular to the sixth direction.

[0047] In addition, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, the lens array may include an anisotropic lens whose focal length in a predetermined sixth direction parallel to the surface of the display unit is longer than its focal length in a predetermined seventh direction parallel to the surface of the display unit and perpendicular to the sixth direction.

[0048] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that a plurality of light-emitting elements constituting one light source are arranged in a predetermined direction at the light source position, and that the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged along the sixth direction.

[0049] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the variation in transmittance for each light emitter in the unit image region, compared to when the plurality of light emitters are not arranged along the sixth direction.

[0050] In addition, in the display switching device according to the aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the lens includes a plurality of sub-lenses.

[0051] In the display switching device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of sub-lenses may be formed in planar regions corresponding to the lenses.

[0052] In the display switching device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of sub-lenses may have a structure formed on a lens surface corresponding to the lens.

[0053] According to the above configuration, the light spot on the display unit can be formed in any shape.

[0054] In the display switching device according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that an optical member is disposed on a path along which the light is incident from the light source position to the lens array.

[0055] According to the above configuration, the shape of the spot of light focused by the lens on the display unit can be changed.

[0056] In the display switching device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the optical member may be a diffusion plate that diffuses the light.

[0057] According to the above configuration, the spot of light condensed by the lens on the display unit can be made larger.

[0058] In the display switching device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the optical member may be a slit that allows only a part of the light to pass through.

[0059] According to the above configuration, the spot of light condensed by the lens on the display unit can be made smaller.

[0060] In the display switching device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the pixel regions may be made of materials with three or more types of transmittance.

[0061] According to the above configuration, the number of transmittance types in the pixel area is three or more depending on the material, thereby improving the expressiveness of the design.

[0062] In the display switching device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the wavelength distributions of the transmittances of the materials constituting the pixel regions may be different from each other.

[0063] According to the above configuration, it is possible to make the color different for each pixel in the pattern, thereby improving the expressiveness of the pattern.

[0064] In the display switching device according to the aspect of the present invention, directivities of transmitted light passing through the pixel regions corresponding to the plurality of light source positions may differ depending on the position on the display unit.

[0065] In the display switching device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the diffusion properties of the transmitted light in the pixel regions corresponding to the plurality of light source positions may differ depending on the position on the display unit.

[0066] In addition, in the display switching device according to one aspect of the present invention, the directions in which the intensity of the transmitted light in each of the pixel regions corresponding to the multiple light source positions shows a peak may differ depending on the position on the display unit.

[0067] According to the above configuration, the transmittance of light passing through the pixel region appears to differ depending on the position on the display unit, thereby improving the expressiveness of the design.

[0068] An information display device according to one aspect of the present invention includes any one of the display switching devices described above, a plurality of light sources arranged at the light source positions, and a light emission control unit that controls light emission of the light sources.

[0069] According to the above configuration, it is possible to improve the expressiveness of the designs displayed on the information display device.

[0070] A game display device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an information display device and a display control unit that controls display on the information display device in accordance with the progress of a game.

[0071] According to the above configuration, it is possible to improve the expressiveness of the symbols displayed on the game display device.

[0072] A switch according to an aspect of the present invention includes a display switching device, and detects a user's operation on the display switching device.

[0073] According to the above configuration, it is possible to improve the expressiveness of the design that changes in response to the user's operation detected by the switch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0074] According to a display switching device and the like according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the expressiveness of a displayed image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0075] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the basic configuration of a switch equipped with a display switching device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the display switching device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a display switching device different from that shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a display switching device different from those shown in FIGS. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the display of a predetermined still pattern by the display unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of an image displayed by the display switching device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a unit image region according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a unit image region according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing another example of a unit image area. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing another example of a unit image area. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an arrangement of unit image regions in an example of a display unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the arrangement of LED chips when the light source is an RGB LED. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining differences in the maximum area ratio of pixel regions in a unit image region for each position on the display unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a unit image region according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the distance between the centers of gravity. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view of another unit image area according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the lens and the display unit in the display switching device. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the lens and the display unit and the focal point of the lens. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a specific example of a lens. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of a lens. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the arrangement of LED chips when the light source is an RGB LED. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another example of a lens. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another example of a lens. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display switching device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another example of the display switching device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing another example of the display unit according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a display unit in which the directivity of transmitted light varies depending on the position. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing an outline of a game display device according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a schematic top view of the stop button unit. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of lenses in a lens array. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0076] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0077] (Basic configuration of display switching device 10) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the basic configuration of a switch including a display switching device 10 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the display switching device 10. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the display switching device 10 includes, from top to bottom in the drawings, a diffusion layer 2, a display unit 3, a lens array 4, a plurality of light sources 7, and a substrate 8.

[0078] The substrate 8 is a member on which a plurality of light sources 7 are attached. The light sources 7 are preferably RGB LEDs. The light sources 7 are arranged at predetermined light source positions. The distance D between adjacent light sources 7 is, for example, 8 mm. However, the display switching device 10 may not include the light sources 7 as necessary. In this case, the user will provide the light sources.

[0079] The lens array 4 condenses light emitted from a plurality of light sources 7 attached to a substrate 8. The thickness of the lens array 4 is, for example, 0.5 mm. The lens array 4 is configured by arranging a plurality of lenses 41. The pitch of the lenses 41 is, for example, 0.25 mm. The distance H to the lens 41 is, for example, 20 mm.

[0080] The display unit 3 displays a predetermined still pattern by transmitting light collected by the lens array 4. The display of patterns by the display unit 3 will be described later. The thickness of the display unit 3 is preferably less than 0.1 mm.

[0081] The diffusion layer 2 diffuses light that has passed through the display unit 3. The thickness of the diffusion layer 2 is preferably less than 0.1 mm. The haze value of the diffusion layer 2 is preferably 90%.

[0082] The display switching device 10 further includes a housing 9 that supports the diffusion layer 2, the display unit 3, and the lens array 4. The basic configuration of the display switching device 10 is achieved by attaching the housing 9 to a substrate 8 on which a plurality of light sources 7 are attached. The housing 9 has, for example, a square shape in a plan view, but is not limited to this. The length W of one side of the housing 9 is, for example, 12 mm.

[0083] Fig. 31 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of lenses 41 in the lens array 4. In Fig. 31, different examples of the arrangement of lenses 41 are indicated by reference numerals 3101, 3102, and 3103. For simplicity, reference numerals 3102 and 3103 are assigned to only some of the lenses 41.

[0084] The lenses 41 may be arranged one-dimensionally as indicated by reference numeral 3101. In this case, the lenses 41 are cylindrical lenses. The lenses 41 may also be arranged two-dimensionally as indicated by reference numerals 3102 and 3103. Specifically, the lenses 41 may be arranged in a honeycomb pattern as indicated by reference numeral 3102, or may be arranged in a matrix pattern as indicated by reference numeral 3103.

[0085] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of a display switching device 10A, which is different from the display switching device 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the display switching device 10A differs in that the diffusion layer 2 is located not above the display unit 3 but between the display unit 3 and the lens array 4. Such a display switching device 10A is also included in this embodiment.

[0086] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of a display switching device 10B, which is different from the display switching device 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the display switching device 10B differs from the display switching device 10 in that it does not include the diffusion layer 2 and includes a lens array 4A instead of the lens array 4. The lens array 4A has a diffusion structure 42 that diffuses light formed on the surface facing the display unit 3. Therefore, the lens array 4A fulfills the functions of both the lens array 4 and the diffusion layer 2. Such a display switching device 10B is also included in this embodiment.

[0087] 1 detects a user operation on the display switching device 10. For example, when a user presses the display switching device 10, the switch may be provided with a mechanism that detects the operation and switches on or off the light source 7 so as to switch the design displayed by the display switching device 10.

[0088] (Display of the design by the display unit 3) FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the display of a predetermined still image by the display unit 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the display switching device 10 includes light sources 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d as the light source 7. Light emitted from the light sources 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d is focused by the lenses 41 of the lens array 4 so that the light passes through different positions on the display unit 3. Specifically, the display unit 3 has a plurality of unit image regions 35. Each unit image region 35 includes a plurality of pixel regions 31 formed including regions through which the light focused by the lenses 41 passes, and pixel peripheral regions 32 disposed around each pixel region 31. The transmittance of light transmitted through the display unit 3 varies depending on the position on the display unit 3 in accordance with the predetermined still image. Specifically, the transmittance of each pixel region 31 is set to correspond to the first to fourth images. Therefore, by switching the light source 7 to emit light, any one of the first to fourth images can be displayed. That is, there are a plurality of predetermined still patterns corresponding to the positions of the light sources 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d. Therefore, the display switching device 10 can switch the displayed image among the first to fourth still patterns by switching the light emitted from the light sources 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d. There are three or more types of transmittance values ​​at multiple positions on the display unit 3. Therefore, the expressiveness of the patterns is improved compared to when there are only two types of transmittance values. However, the display unit 3 shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and does not necessarily have a plurality of unit image areas 35.

[0089] Furthermore, the display switching device 10 can simultaneously emit different light sources corresponding to different images in different colors, thereby enabling overlapping display of images of different colors. By making the unit image area sufficiently small or by viewing the image from a sufficient distance from the display switching device 10, adjacent unit image areas of different colors will blend together. As a result, the image displayed by the display switching device 10 appears to have (n^2-1) colors, where n is the number of light sources of different colors. Additionally, by setting the transmittance of the unit image area to 3 or more, the number of blended colors can be increased, further increasing the number of apparent colors, thereby further improving the expressive power. For example, by emitting red, green, and blue light from three light sources and increasing the transmittance of the corresponding images and overlapping them, it becomes possible to express an image close to a full-color image.

[0090] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a portion of an image displayed by the display switching device 10. Fig. 6 shows a portion of pixels contained in four different types of images PIC1, PIC2, ​​PIC3, and PIC4. In Fig. 6, differences in pixel color due to differences in transmittance in the display unit 3 are shown as white, black, and gray.

[0091] 6, the pixels included in image PIC3 are white, black, and gray. That is, there are three types of transmittance at the positions on display unit 3 where light is transmitted corresponding to image PIC3. In this way, in display switching device 10, it is preferable that there are three or more types of transmittance values ​​at multiple positions on display unit 3 where light is transmitted corresponding to at least one of the first to fourth patterns described above. In this case, the expressiveness of the patterns at the corresponding positions on display unit 3 where there are three or more types of transmittance values ​​is improved.

[0092] The light transmittance in the pixel peripheral region 32 is constant regardless of the position on the display unit 3. Therefore, it is not necessary to consider the position on the display unit 3 when determining the effect of light passing through the pixel peripheral region 32 on light passing through the display unit 3. This makes it easier to design the display unit 3.

[0093] Furthermore, in the display unit 3 of the display switching device 10, the total area of ​​the pixel regions 31 is 60% or less of the total area of ​​the pixel peripheral regions 32 and the pixel regions 31. This makes it possible to prevent the problem of stray light leaking from pixel regions 31 corresponding to patterns other than the pattern displayed by the display switching device 10, causing the other patterns to appear faint.

[0094] 7 is a plan view of unit image regions 35a, 35b, and 35c according to the first embodiment. The unit image regions 35a, 35b, and 35c are examples of unit image regions 35 having different light transmittances. The unit image region 35a is made up of a pixel region 31a and a pixel peripheral region 32a. The unit image region 35b is made up of a pixel region 31b and a pixel peripheral region 32b. The unit image region 35c is made up of a pixel peripheral region 32c. Although not shown in FIG. 7, the unit image region 35c also has a pixel region 31 whose area is zero.

[0095] The area ratio of pixel region 31a to unit image region 35a, the area ratio of pixel region 31b to unit image region 35b, and the area ratio of pixel region 31 to unit image region 35c are all different. Specifically, the area ratio of pixel region 31a to unit image region 35a is the largest. The area ratio of pixel region 31b to unit image region 35b is smaller than the area ratio of pixel region 31a to unit image region 35a. The area ratio of pixel region 31 to unit image region 35c is 0. In the following description, the area ratio of pixel region 31 to unit image region 35 may be simply referred to as the area ratio of pixel region 31.

[0096] In addition to the unit image areas 35a, 35b, and 35c, the display unit 3 may also include other unit image areas having different area ratios of the pixel areas 31. That is, it is sufficient that there are three or more types of area ratios of the pixel areas 31 to the area of ​​the unit image areas 35. This improves the expressive power of the display switching device 10 in terms of patterns.

[0097] The shape of the pixel region 31 is not limited to the above example or the example described later. It is preferable that the pixel region 31 has a shape that is point-symmetric with respect to a predetermined point in the unit image region 35. When the pixel region 31 has such a shape, the intensity of light passing through the pixel region 31 becomes uniform, and the design of the pixel region 31 becomes easier.

[0098] Among the types of area ratios in the unit image regions 35 of the display unit 3, it is preferable that intermediate area ratios other than the maximum and minimum values ​​differ from the maximum and minimum values ​​by 10% or more of the difference between the maximum and minimum values. For example, if the maximum area ratio is 60% and the minimum area ratio is 0%, the difference between the maximum and minimum area ratios is 60%. In this case, the intermediate area ratio may be within a range of 6% to 54%. This allows the difference in transmittance of the unit image regions 35 to be clearly visible. Furthermore, by setting the intermediate area ratio to be 20% or more, 30% or more, or 40% or more of the difference between the maximum and minimum area ratios, the difference in transmittance of the unit image regions 35 can be more clearly visible. Note that the minimum area ratio may be greater than 0%. That is, in the display unit 3, all unit image regions 35 may have pixel regions 31 whose area is greater than 0.

[0099] 8 is a plan view of unit image regions 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g, and 35h according to embodiment 1. Like unit image regions 35a, 35b, and 35c, unit image regions 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g, and 35h are examples of unit image regions 35 having different area ratios of pixel regions 31.

[0100] As shown in Fig. 8, unit image region 35d consists of partial pixel region 33 and pixel peripheral region 32d. Unit image region 35e consists of partial pixel region 33 and pixel peripheral region 32e. Unit image region 35f consists of partial pixel region 33 and pixel peripheral region 32f. Unit image region 35g consists of partial pixel region 33 and pixel peripheral region 32g. Unit image region 35h consists of partial pixel region 33 and pixel peripheral region 32h.

[0101] The number of partial pixel regions 33 in unit image regions 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g, and 35h is different from one another. In unit image regions 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g, and 35h, a collection of partial pixel regions 33 forms pixel region 31. Thus, in unit image region 35, pixel region 31 may be a plurality of partial pixel regions 33 that are spaced apart from one another. In this case, the area ratio of pixel regions 31 in the entire unit image region 35 can be varied by varying the number of partial pixel regions 33. This makes it easier to design the display unit 3 compared to designing the shape of pixel region 31 for each type of area ratio of pixel region 31.

[0102] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a unit image region 35i as another example of the unit image region 35. For comparison, FIG. 9 also shows the unit image region 35a shown in FIG. 7 again. The unit image region 35i is made up of a pixel region 31i and a pixel peripheral region 32i. The area ratio of the pixel regions 31a to 31i in the unit image regions 35a to 35i varies depending on the length of the pixel regions 31a to 31i in a predetermined first direction parallel to the surface of the display unit 3. In FIG. 9, the first direction is the left-right direction in the drawing.

[0103] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing unit image regions 35j and 35k as another example of unit image region 35. Unit image region 35j consists of pixel region 31j and pixel peripheral region 32j. Unit image region 35k consists of pixel region 31k and pixel peripheral region 32k. As shown in FIG. 10, unit image regions 35j and 35k have a shape in which their length is longest in a predetermined second direction parallel to the surface of display unit 3 and their length is shortest in a predetermined third direction parallel to the surface of display unit 3 and perpendicular to the second direction. The area ratio of pixel regions 31j and 31k in unit image regions 35j and 35k varies depending on the length of pixel regions 31j and 31k in the second direction, in which they are longest. That is, the first direction described with reference to FIG. 9 corresponds to the second direction in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, the second direction is the up-down direction in the drawing, and the third direction is the left-right direction in the drawing. In this case, by changing the size in the second direction, the length of change can be made larger even when the area of ​​pixel regions 31j and 31k is changed to the same value, which makes it easier to process the display section.

[0104] 11 is a diagram showing the arrangement of unit image regions 35m-35n in display units 3M-3N as examples of display unit 3. In display unit 3M, unit image region 35m consists of pixel region 31m and pixel peripheral region 32m. In display unit 3N, unit image region 35n consists of pixel region 31n and pixel peripheral region 32n. The shapes of pixel regions 31m-31n are substantially the same as pixel region 31j shown in FIG. 10.

[0105] The unit image regions 35m-35n are arranged along predetermined fourth and fifth directions that are parallel to the surface of the display unit 3 and perpendicular to each other. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11 , the second direction in the pixel regions 31m-31n is preferably different from the fourth and fifth directions. Furthermore, the third direction in the pixel regions 31m-31n is preferably different from the fourth and fifth directions. For example, if the shape of the unit image region 35 is rectangular, the second direction may be a diagonal line of the rectangle. In this case, the pixel regions 31 can be enlarged in the first direction, and the spacing between the pixel regions 31 can be increased throughout the display unit 3.

[0106] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the arrangement of LED chips (light emitters) when the light source 7 is an RGB LED. When the light source 7 is an RGB LED, the light source 7 includes multiple LED chips 7r, 7g, and 7b. When the display switching device 10 includes a display unit 3M, it is preferable that the arrangement direction of the LED chips 7r, 7g, and 7b coincide with the second direction described above. In this case, the deviation in the position of the spot of light emitted by the light emitters on the display unit 3 due to differences in the positions of the multiple light emitters is reduced compared to when the arrangement direction of the multiple light emitters does not coincide with the first direction. Therefore, the variation in transmittance for each light emitter in a unit image area can be reduced.

[0107] 13 is a diagram illustrating differences in the maximum area ratio of pixel regions 31 in unit image regions 35 for each position on the display unit 3. The spot size in the unit image region 35 increases as the unit image region 35 moves farther from the center of the display unit 3. In other words, the intensity per unit area of ​​light incident on the unit image region 35 decreases as the unit image region 35 moves farther from the center of the display unit 3. For this reason, when the area ratio of pixel regions 31 is constant, the transmittance decreases as the unit image region 35 moves farther from the center of the display unit 3.

[0108] To reduce such a decrease in transmittance, the maximum value of the area ratio of the pixel regions 31 in the unit image region 35 may vary depending on the position of the unit image region 35 on the display unit 3. For example, a predetermined reference distance is set for the center-to-center distance between the center of the display unit 3 and the center of the unit image region 35. The maximum value of the area ratio of the pixel regions 31 in the unit image regions 35 whose center-to-center distance is equal to or greater than the reference distance is greater than the maximum value of the area ratio of the pixel regions 31 in the unit image regions 35 whose center-to-center distance is less than the reference distance.

[0109] 13, unit image region 35o is an example of a unit image region 35 in which the area ratio of pixel region 31 is maximum when the center-to-center distance is less than the reference distance. Unit image region 35o is made up of pixel region 31o and pixel peripheral region 32o. Unit image region 35p is an example of a unit image region 35 in which the area ratio of pixel region 31 is maximum when the center-to-center distance is equal to or greater than the reference distance. Unit image region 35p is made up of pixel region 31p and pixel peripheral region 32p.

[0110] The area ratio of pixel region 31p in unit image region 35p is larger than the area ratio of pixel region 31o in unit image region 35o. By determining the area ratio of pixel region 31 in unit image region 35 in this manner, fluctuations in transmittance due to the position of unit image region 35 on the display unit 3 are reduced.

[0111] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0112] 14 is a plan view of a unit image region 35q according to the second embodiment. For comparison, the unit image region 35a shown in FIG. 7 is also shown together with the unit image region 35q. The unit image region 35q is made up of a pixel region 31q and a pixel peripheral region 32q. The position of the pixel region 31q in the unit image region 35q is different from the position of the pixel region 31a in the unit image region 35a.

[0113] The display unit 3 according to the second embodiment further includes a unit image region 35c shown in Fig. 7. The unit image region 35c does not include a pixel region 31. Therefore, the position of the pixel region 31 in the unit image region 35c is different from both the position of the pixel region 31q in the unit image region 35q and the position of the pixel region 31a in the unit image region 35a. That is, in the display unit 3 according to the second embodiment, there are three or more types of positions of the pixel regions 31 in the unit image region 35.

[0114] FIG. 14 also shows a spot SP of light condensed by the lens 41. As shown in FIG. 14, in the unit image region 35a, the entire pixel region 31a is included in the spot SP. In contrast, in the unit image region 35q, a portion of the pixel region 31q extends outside the spot SP. This results in different light transmittances in the unit image regions 35a and 35q. Furthermore, the light transmittance in the unit image region 35c is different from the light transmittance in the unit image regions 35a and 35q. Therefore, even when the display switching device 10 includes the display unit 3 according to the second embodiment, the expressiveness of the image can be improved. Furthermore, the manufacturing effort is reduced compared to when the size or shape of the pixel region 31 is varied.

[0115] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the inter-center distance. FIG. 15 shows a plurality of pixel regions 31 adjacent to each other. When the position of each pixel region 31 in the unit image region 35 is changed, the position is changed only in one direction from a predetermined reference position. As shown in FIG. 15, the distance between the centers of gravity of two adjacent pixel regions 31 is successively defined as the inter-center distance Lk (k=1, 2, . . . , n). Here, it is preferable that the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the inter-center distance Lk is 10% or more of the maximum value. By setting the inter-center distance Lk to such a value, the difference in transmittance of the unit image region 35 resulting from the difference in the positions of the pixel regions 31 can be clearly perceived. Furthermore, by setting the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the inter-center distance Lk to 20% or more, 30% or more, or 40% or more of the maximum value, the difference in transmittance of the unit image region 35 can be more clearly perceived.

[0116] 16 is a plan view of a unit image region 35r according to the second embodiment, which is different from the unit image region 35q. The unit image region 35r is composed of a pixel region 31r and a pixel peripheral region 32r. In the unit image region 35r, the position of the pixel region 31r is different from the position of the pixel region 31a in the unit image region 35a. Furthermore, the area ratio of the pixel region 31r in the unit image region 35r is different from the area ratio of the pixel region 31a in the unit image region 35a. Thus, in the display unit 3, there may be three or more combinations of the area ratios and positions of the pixel regions 31 in the unit image region 35.

[0117] When both the area ratio and the position of the pixel region 31 are changed for each position of the unit image region 35, it is preferable that the amount of change in the position of the pixel region 31 be less than half the amount of change in the size of the pixel region 31 in the direction in which the position of the pixel region 31 changes. This ensures that the pixel region 31 whose position has changed falls within the range of the pixel region 31 when the area ratio of the pixel region 31 is maximum. This reduces the possibility of so-called crosstalk, in which unintended patterns are visible due to leakage of light concentrated into adjacent pixel regions 31. Furthermore, with regard to the center-of-gravity distance Lk shown in FIG. 15, it is preferable that the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​be 10% or more of the maximum value, as in the case in which only the positions of the pixel regions 31 are changed.

[0118] [Embodiment 3] 17 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the lens 41 and the display unit 3 in the display switching device 10. Reference numeral 1701 in FIG. 17 shows a case where the distance between the lens 41 and the display unit 3 is equal to the focal length of the lens 41. Reference numeral 1702 shows a case where the distance between the lens 41 and the display unit 3 is different from the focal length of the lens 41.

[0119] As indicated by reference numeral 1701, when the distance between the lens 41 and the display unit 3 is equal to the focal length of the lens 41, the focal point FP is located on the display unit 3. In this case, since the size of the spot on the display unit 3 is small, it is unlikely that the number of transmittance types will be three or more even if the area ratio or position of the pixel regions 31 in the unit image region 35 is changed.

[0120] For this reason, in the display switching device 10, it is preferable that the distance between the lens 41 and the display unit 3 is different from the focal length of the lens 41, as indicated by reference numeral 1702. This makes it possible to provide three or more types of transmittance by varying the area ratio or position of the pixel regions 31 in the unit image region 35.

[0121] Incidentally, the distance between lens 41 and focal point FP in the direction parallel to the optical axis is not constant depending on the direction of light, but becomes shorter than the focal length as it moves away from the optical axis of lens 41. For this reason, if the distance between lens 41 and display unit 3 is longer than the focal length of lens 41, the distance between display unit 3 and focal point FP becomes even wider in the direction away from the optical axis of lens 41, which may cause the size of spot SP to become excessively large.

[0122] For this reason, as indicated by reference numeral 1702, it is preferable that one or more of the lenses 41 be disposed at a position where the distance from the display unit 3 is shorter than the focal length of the lens 41. By disposing the lens 41 in this manner, the possibility that the size of the spot SP will become excessively large is reduced compared to when the distance between the lens 41 and the display unit 3 is longer than the focal length of the lens 41.

[0123] [Embodiment 4] 18 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the lens 41, the display unit 3, and the focal point FP of the lens 41. Reference numeral 1801 shows the position of the focal point FP in the optical axis direction of the lens 41. As described in the third embodiment, the distance between the lens 41 and the display unit 3 is shorter than the focal length of the lens 41. Therefore, the spot SP on the display unit 3 has a constant size in the optical axis direction of the lens 41.

[0124] Reference numeral 1802 illustrates the position of the focal point FP in a direction different from the optical axis direction of the lens 41. The lens 41 in the diagram indicated by reference numeral 1802 is not identical to the lens 41 in the diagram indicated by reference numeral 1801, but for simplicity's sake, the same reference numeral is used. As described in the third embodiment, the distance between the lens 41 and the focal point FP in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens 41 becomes shorter than the focal length as the distance from the optical axis of the lens 41 increases. Therefore, if the radius of curvature of the lens 41 is constant regardless of its position on the lens array 4, the focal point FP will be located on the display unit 3, as indicated by reference numeral 1802, depending on the position of the lens 41, i.e., the direction of light incident on the lens 41. In this case, the size of the spot SP becomes smaller, making it difficult to vary the transmittance depending on the size or position of the pixel region 31. Therefore, it is preferable that the lens array 4 include a portion where the average radius of curvature of the lenses 41 varies depending on the distance from a predetermined lens reference position on the lens array surface on which the lenses 41 are arranged. The reference position is, for example, the center of gravity of the lens array 4.

[0125] Reference numeral 1803 illustrates the position of the focal point FP in a direction different from the optical axis direction of the lens 41 when the lens array 4 includes portions where the average value of the radius of curvature of the lenses 41 is different. In this case, as shown by reference numeral 1803, the focal point FP is located at a position farther away from the display unit 3 even in the direction different from the optical axis direction of the lens 41. Therefore, the spot SP on the display unit 3 has a constant size.

[0126] 19 is a diagram showing lenses 4S and 4L as specific examples of lens 41. Lens 4S is an example of lens 41 located near lens 41 in the optical axis direction in lens array 4. Lens 4L is an example of lens 41 located away from lens 41 in the optical axis direction in lens array 4. The radius of curvature R1 of lens 4S is smaller than the radius of curvature R2 of lens 4L. Therefore, lens array 4 includes a portion where the average value of the radius of curvature of lenses 41 increases as the distance from the lens reference position on the lens array surface increases.

[0127] When the lens 41 has such a radius of curvature, the difference in size of the spot SP on the display unit 3 of the light collected by the lens 41 becomes small. Therefore, the variation in transmittance caused by this difference becomes small.

[0128] [Embodiment 5] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing lens 43, another example of lens 41. As shown in FIG. 20, lens 43 is an anisotropic lens. An anisotropic lens is a lens whose focal length differs in two mutually orthogonal directions perpendicular to the optical axis direction. Reference numeral 2001 in FIG. 20 is a plan view of lens 43. Reference numeral 2001 also shows a spot SP of light focused on the display unit 3 by lens 43. The spot SP has a shape in which the length in the direction along dashed dotted line LN12 (sixth direction) is longer than the length in the direction along dashed dotted line LN11 (seventh direction).

[0129] Reference numeral 2002 illustrates the focal point FP in the direction (seventh direction) along the dashed-dotted line LN11 of reference numeral 2001. Reference numeral 2003 illustrates the focal point FP in the direction (sixth direction) along the dashed-dotted line LN12 of reference numeral 2001. As indicated by reference numerals 2002 and 2003, the focal length in the direction along the dashed-dotted line LN12 is longer than the focal length in the direction along the dashed-dotted line LN11. In other words, when the lens array 4 includes an anisotropic lens, the anisotropic lens is arranged so that the focal length in a predetermined sixth direction parallel to the surface of the display unit 3 is longer than the focal length in a predetermined seventh direction parallel to the surface of the display unit 3 and perpendicular to the sixth direction.

[0130] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the arrangement of LED chips (light emitters) when the light source 7 is an RGB LED. When the light source 7 is an RGB LED, as in the example described with reference to FIG. 12, LED chips 7r, 7g, and 7b are arranged in a predetermined direction at the position of the light source 7. The LED chips 7r, 7g, and 7b are arranged along the sixth direction, i.e., the direction in which the focal length of the anisotropic lens becomes longer. In this case, the variation in transmittance for each LED chip 7r, 7g, and 7b in the unit image area 35 can be reduced compared to when the direction in which the LED chips 7r, 7g, and 7b are arranged does not coincide with the sixth direction.

[0131] [Embodiment 6] 22 is a diagram showing a lens 44 as another example of the lens 41. As shown in Fig. 22, the lens 44 includes a plurality of sub-lenses 44a, 44b, and 44c. The sub-lenses 44a to 44c are formed in a planar region corresponding to the lens 44.

[0132] 22, reference numeral 2201 denotes a plan view of the lens 44. Reference numeral 2201 also denotes spots SP of light focused on the display unit 3 by the lens 44. As indicated by reference numeral 2201, according to the lens 44 of the sixth embodiment, there are spots SP corresponding to the sub-lenses 44a to 44c, respectively.

[0133] Reference numeral 2202 in FIG. 22 illustrates the focal point FP in the direction along the dash-dotted line LN21 of reference numeral 2201. Reference numeral 2203 illustrates the focal point FP in the direction along the dash-dotted line LN22 of reference numeral 2201. The sub-lenses 44a to 44c are arranged in the direction along the dash-dotted line LN22. Therefore, as indicated by reference numeral 2202, there is a single focal point FP in the direction along the dash-dotted line LN21. On the other hand, as indicated by reference numeral 2203, there are focal points FP corresponding to each of the sub-lenses 44a to 44c in the direction along the dash-dotted line LN22.

[0134] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a lens 45 as another example of the lens 41. As shown in FIG. 23, the lens 45 includes a plurality of sub-lenses 45b. The plurality of sub-lenses 45b have a structure formed on a lens surface 45a corresponding to the lens 45. The lens surface 45a is a lens surface shaped like a cut-away portion of a circular lens such as a spherical lens. The sub-lens 45b has a shape that includes a cylindrical concave lens aligned along the lens surface 45a.

[0135] Reference numeral 2302 in FIG. 23 illustrates the focal point FP in the direction along the dash-dotted line LN31 of reference numeral 2301. Reference numeral 2303 illustrates the focal point FP in the direction along the dash-dotted line LN32 of reference numeral 2301. As indicated by reference numeral 2302, in the direction along the dash-dotted line LN31, light incident on the lens 45 is focused by the lens surface 45a. As indicated by reference numeral 2303, in the direction along the dash-dotted line LN32, light incident on the lens 45 is focused by each of the multiple sub-lenses 45b. Therefore, anisotropy can be imparted to the lens 45.

[0136] [Embodiment 7] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a display switching device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another example of a display switching device according to the seventh embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the display switching device according to the seventh embodiment includes, in addition to the configuration of the display switching device 10, a diffuser plate 71 or a slit 72, which is an optical member. The optical member is disposed on a path of light incident from the position of the light source 7 to the lens array 4. The optical member changes the shape of the spot SP on the display unit 3.

[0137] In the example shown in Fig. 24, the optical member is a diffuser plate 71 that diffuses light. In Fig. 24, reference numeral 2401 illustrates the shape of the spot SP formed by the lens 41. Reference numeral 2402 illustrates the spot SP in a direction along the dashed dotted line LN41 of reference numeral 2401. Reference numeral 2403 illustrates the spot SP in a direction along the dashed dotted line LN42 of reference numeral 2401.

[0138] As indicated by reference numerals 2402 and 2403, the diffuser 71 has a shape in which the length in the direction along the dashed-dotted line LN41 is shorter than the length in the direction along the dashed-dotted line LN42. Therefore, as indicated by reference numeral 2401, the spot SP also has a shape in which the length in the direction along the dashed-dotted line LN41 is shorter than the length in the direction along the dashed-dotted line LN42. In this way, the shape of the spot SP can be changed depending on the shape of the diffuser 71.

[0139] In the example shown in Fig. 25, the optical member is, for example, a slit 72 that passes only a part of the light. In Fig. 25, reference numeral 2501 shows the shape of the spot SP formed by the lens 41. Reference numeral 2502 shows the spot SP in the direction along the dashed line LN51 of reference numeral 2501. Reference numeral 2503 shows the shape of the spot SP in the direction along the dashed line LN51 of reference numeral 2501. 5 1 is a diagram showing the spot SP in the direction along the dashed dotted line LN52 of FIG. 01.

[0140] As indicated by reference numerals 2502 and 2503, the opening 72a of the slit 72 has a shape in which the length in the direction along the dashed-dotted line LN51 is shorter than the length in the direction along the dashed-dotted line LN52. Therefore, as indicated by reference numeral 2501, the spot SP also has a shape in which the length in the direction along the dashed-dotted line LN51 is shorter than the length in the direction along the dashed-dotted line LN52. In this way, the shape of the spot SP can be changed depending on the shape of the opening 72a of the slit 72.

[0141] [Embodiment 8] Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a display unit 3 (see Fig. 1 etc.) according to embodiment 8. For simplicity, Fig. 26 shows only pixel regions 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d of the display unit 3. Lenses 41 are also shown.

[0142] 26, the pixel regions 34a to 34d are made of materials with different light transmittances. In the display unit 3, as shown in FIG. 26, the materials making up the pixel regions 34a to 34d may have three or more different transmittances. For example, by combining a light-absorbing material such as smoke, a polarizing material such as a polarizing plate, or a reflective material such as a half mirror in each of the pixel regions 34a to 34d according to the desired transmittance, three or more different transmittances can be achieved. The display switching device 10 in which the display unit 3 has such pixel regions 34a to 34d can also improve the expressiveness.

[0143] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing another example of the display unit 3 (see Fig. 1 etc.) according to embodiment 8. For simplicity, Fig. 27 shows only pixel regions 34e, 34f, 34g, and 34h of the display unit 3. Lenses 41 are also shown.

[0144] In FIG. 27, the pixel regions 34e to 34h are made of materials with different wavelength distributions of light transmittance. In the display unit 3, as shown in FIG. 27, the transmittance wavelength distributions of the materials constituting the pixel regions 34e to 34h may differ from one another. Specifically, the pixel region 34e may have a high transmittance for red wavelengths, the pixel region 34f may have a high transmittance for green wavelengths, and the pixel region 34g may have a high transmittance for blue wavelengths. Alternatively, the pixel region 34h may have a high transmittance for all wavelengths. For example, the wavelength distributions can be made different by combining colored resins or colored inks, etc., with each of the pixel regions 34e to 34h according to the desired wavelength distribution. In a display switching device 10 in which the display unit 3 includes such pixel regions 34e to 34h, the color of light passing through the pixel region 31 varies depending on the material constituting the pixel region 31. This allows different colors for each pixel in a design, improving expressiveness.

[0145] [Embodiment 9] In each of the above-described embodiments, the directivity of light passing through pixel region 31 is the same regardless of the position of the pixel region on the display unit 3. However, in the display switching device 10, the directivity of light passing through pixel region 31 may differ depending on the position on the display unit 3.

[0146] Fig. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a display unit 3 in which the directivity of transmitted light varies depending on the position. In Fig. 28, the directivity of transmitted light is indicated by circles and arrows. In the example shown by reference numeral 2801 in Fig. 28, a diffusion plate 3a is disposed on a portion of the light-transmitting side of the display unit 3. In the example shown by reference numeral 2802 in Fig. 28, a diffusion structure 3b is formed on a portion of the light-transmitting side of the display unit 3.

[0147] The diffuser 3a and the diffuser structure 3b change the diffusivity of light passing through the display unit 3. In the example shown by reference numeral 2801 in FIG. 28, in the region where the diffuser 3a is arranged, the intensity of transmitted light in the direction perpendicular to the display unit 3 is reduced and the intensity of transmitted light in other directions is increased, compared to the region where the diffuser 3a is not arranged. The same is true for the example shown by reference numeral 2802. In this way, the diffusivity of light passing through the pixel region 31 may differ depending on the position on the display unit 3.

[0148] In the example shown by reference numeral 2803 in FIG. 28, a directivity changing structure 3c is formed on a part of the light transmitting side of the display unit 3. The directivity changing structure 3c changes the directivity of light that passes through the display unit 3. In the example shown by reference numeral 2803 in FIG. 28, Directional change structure 3c is formed In the areas where Directional change structure 3c is formed In this way, the direction in which the intensity of transmitted light peaks may differ depending on the position on the display unit 3.

[0149] As described above, by varying the directivity of light passing through pixel regions 31 in display switching device 10, the transmittance of light passing through pixel regions 31 appears to be different when display switching device 10 is viewed from a specific direction. This type of display switching device 10 can also improve the expressiveness of patterns.

[0150] [Embodiment 10] FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing an outline of a game display device 100 according to a tenth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 29, the game display device 100 is composed of a front door 101a facing a player and a box-shaped housing 101b to which the front door 101a is attached so as to be able to open and close. The game display device 100 also includes a reel unit 102, bet buttons 103, a medal insertion slot 104, a start lever 105, a stop button unit 106, and a medal payout outlet 107. In the following description, the side of the game display device 100 on which the front door 101a is located will be referred to as the front, the opposite side as the rear, the left side as viewed from the front as the left side, and the right side as the right side.

[0151] The reel unit 102 is provided in the cabinet 101b at the position of a display window provided in the vertical center of the front door 101a. The reel unit 102 has three cylindrical reels 121 to 123 (left reel 121, center reel 122, and right reel 123) arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The reels 121 to 123 spin and stop based on the player's operation. The player can receive a prize according to the combination determined by the arrangement of symbols when all the reels 121 to 123 stop.

[0152] The bet button 103 is provided in the front door 101a, approximately in the center of the horizontal surface of the operation table formed below the display window. The medal insertion slot 104 is provided in the front door 101a on the right side of the horizontal surface of the operation table. The bet button 103 is a button switch for indicating the number of medals (number of bets) that a player will bet on one game of the game display device 100 from the medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 104. The player indicates the number of bets by pressing the bet button 103, for example.

[0153] The start lever 105 is provided on the front door 101a on the left side of the front of the console. When the start lever 105 is operated, the reels 121 to 123 start to rotate.

[0154] The stop button unit 106 is provided inside the front door 101a at a position approximately in the center of the front of the operation console. 1 60, and is fixed to the front surface of the operation console. The stop button unit 106 also includes three stop buttons 161 to 163 (left reel stop button 161, center reel stop button 162, and right reel stop button 163) arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Pressing any of the stop buttons 161 to 163 stops the rotation of the corresponding reels 121 to 123. The detailed configuration of the stop button unit 106 will be described later with reference to FIG. 30.

[0155] The medal payout outlet 107 is provided at the bottom of the front door 101a. The game display device 100 dispenses medals from the medal payout outlet 107.

[0156] In addition, each of the stop buttons 161 to 163 is provided with a plurality of light sources.

[0157] An instruction to start the rotation of the reels 121 to 123 is input to the reel rotation control unit by operating the start lever 105. At this time, the reel rotation control unit outputs a drive pulse to the reel drive control unit so that the reels 121 to 123 rotate at a predetermined rotation speed. The reel drive control unit rotates the reels 121 to 123 based on the drive pulse input thereto.

[0158] Furthermore, the reel rotation control unit receives a signal from the photomicroswitch of the stop button 161-163 indicating that the stop button 161-163 has been pressed. At this time, the reel rotation control unit outputs a drive pulse to the reel drive control unit to stop the reels 121-123. The reel drive control unit stops the reels 121-123 based on the drive pulse input thereto.

[0159] Furthermore, the lighting control unit controls which of the plurality of light sources of the stop buttons 161 to 163 is turned on and which is turned off.

[0160] (Schematic configuration of the stop button unit 106) 30 is a schematic top view of the stop button unit 106. Next, the schematic configuration of the stop button unit 106 mounted on the game display device 100 will be described.

[0161] 30, the stop button unit 106 includes a decorative panel 160 and three push button devices 200 as stop buttons 161 to 163. That is, the stop buttons 161 to 163 are configured such that the three push button devices 200 are respectively provided on the stop button unit 106. The following description of the push button device 200 can be applied to all of the stop buttons 161 to 163.

[0162] 29 and 30, the decorative panel 160 has holes at the positions where the three push button devices 200 are to be provided. Each push button device 200 has a button main body (button top) 201 whose surface is pressed by the finger of a player or the like. Furthermore, the push button device 200 has a display section (display switching sheet) 202 on the back surface of the button main body 201 that can display a predetermined display image.

[0163] Reference numeral 103A in Fig. 30 indicates a state in which the display unit 202 is not displaying a display image. Reference numeral 103B in Fig. 30 indicates a state in which the display unit 202 is displaying the order in which the stop buttons 161 to 163 are pressed as an example of a display image. In this way, the display unit 202 can display a predetermined display image to the player through the hole in the decorative panel 160.

[0164] Such a stop button unit 106 is an information display device that includes, for example, the above-mentioned display switching device 10, a light source 7, and a light emission control unit that controls the light emission of the light source 7. The game display device 100 also includes the stop button unit 106 and a display control unit that controls the display on the stop button unit 106 in accordance with the progress of the game. With such a stop button unit 106 and game display device 100, information can be presented to the user using highly expressive designs.

[0165] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 10, 10A, 10B Display switching device 4, 4A Lens Array 41, 43, 44, 45, 4L, 4S lenses 44a~44c, 45b sub-lens 7r·7g·7b LED chip (light emitter) 3, 3M, 3M·3N, 3N, 202 indication part 31, 31a, 31b, 31i~31k, 31m~31r, 34a~34h pixel area 32, 32a~32k, 32m~32r pixel surrounding area 35, 35a~35k, 35m~35r single image field

Claims

1. A display switching device that switches a display image by switching the illumination of light from a plurality of light source positions, a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged; a display unit, the light beams emitted from the plurality of light source positions are condensed by the lenses of the lens array so as to pass through different positions on the display unit; a transmittance of the light transmitted through the display unit varies depending on a position on the display unit in response to a predetermined still image; the number of types of transmittance values ​​at the plurality of positions on the display unit is three or more; The display unit a plurality of pixel regions arranged including regions through which light emitted from the plurality of light source positions passes and is collected by each of the lenses of the lens array; a pixel peripheral region disposed around each of the pixel regions, the transmittance in each of the pixel regions is set corresponding to the predetermined still pattern, A display switching device comprising a pixel area that is arranged to include an area through which the light emitted from one of the light source positions and focused by one of the lenses in the lens array passes, and a pixel peripheral area that is arranged around the pixel area, and when the area that constitutes one pixel of the still pattern is considered to be a unit image area, the number of types of transmittance values ​​in the unit image area is three or more.

2. a plurality of the predetermined still patterns are present corresponding to the plurality of light source positions; The display switching device according to claim 1 , wherein the number of types of transmittance values ​​is three or more at the position on the display unit through which the light passes, corresponding to at least one of the predetermined still patterns.

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

4. 4. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein the total area of ​​the pixel regions in the display section is 60% or less of the total area of ​​the sum of the pixel regions and the pixel peripheral regions.

5. A display switching device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the types of area ratios of the pixel area to the area of ​​the unit image area are 3 or more.

6. 6. The display switching device according to claim 5, wherein an intermediate area ratio other than the maximum value and the minimum value among the types of area ratios differs from the maximum value and the minimum value by 10% or more of the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value.

7. The display switching device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the area ratio varies as a length of the pixel region in a predetermined first direction parallel to a surface of the display unit changes.

8. A display switching device described in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein in the unit image area, the pixel area has a shape in which the length in a predetermined second direction parallel to the surface of the display unit is longest and the length in a predetermined third direction parallel to the surface of the display unit and perpendicular to the second direction is shortest.

9. At the light source position, a plurality of light emitters constituting one light source are arranged in a predetermined direction, The display switching device according to claim 8 , wherein the direction in which the plurality of light emitters are arranged coincides with the second direction.

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

11. 7. The display switching device according to claim 5, wherein the pixel region in the unit image region is a plurality of partial pixel regions spaced apart from each other.

12. a predetermined reference distance is set between the center of the display unit and the center of the unit image area; A display switching device described in any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the maximum value of the area ratio in the unit image area where the distance is equal to or greater than the reference distance is greater than the maximum value of the area ratio in the unit image area where the distance is less than the reference distance.

13. A display switching device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the number of types of positions of the pixel areas in the unit image area is three or more.

14. 14. The display switching device according to claim 13, wherein a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of a distance between centers of gravity of the pixel areas of two adjacent unit image areas is 10% or more of the maximum value.

15. 15. The display switching device according to claim 13, wherein there are three or more combinations of the positions of the pixel regions and the area ratios of the pixel regions in the unit image regions.

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

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

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

19. The display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the lens array includes a portion in which the average value of the radius of curvature of the lenses varies depending on the distance from a predetermined lens reference position on the lens array surface on which the lenses are arranged.

20. The display switching device according to claim 19 , wherein the lens array includes a portion in which an average value of the radius of curvature of the lenses increases as the distance from the lens reference position on the lens array surface increases.

21. A display switching device described in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the spot of light focused by the lens has a shape in which its length in a predetermined sixth direction parallel to the surface of the display unit is longer than its length in a predetermined seventh direction parallel to the surface of the display unit and perpendicular to the sixth direction.

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

23. At the light source position, a plurality of light emitters constituting one light source are arranged in a predetermined direction, The display switching device according to claim 22 , wherein the plurality of light emitters are arranged along the sixth direction.

24. The display switching device according to claim 1 , wherein the lens includes a plurality of sub-lenses.

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

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

27. The display switching device according to claim 1 , further comprising an optical member disposed on a path along which the light is incident from the light source position to the lens array.

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

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

30. 5. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein the pixel regions are made of materials with three or more types of transmittance.

31. The display switching device according to claim 30, wherein the wavelength distributions of the transmittances of the materials constituting the pixel regions are different from each other.

32. The display switching device according to claim 1 , wherein directivities of light transmitted through the pixel regions corresponding to the plurality of light source positions differ from one another depending on the position on the display unit.

33. The display switching device according to claim 32 , wherein the diffusibility of the transmitted light in each of the pixel regions corresponding to the plurality of light source positions differs depending on the position on the display unit.

34. The display switching device according to claim 32 , wherein directions in which the intensity of the transmitted light in each of the pixel regions corresponding to the plurality of light source positions shows a peak differ from one another depending on the position on the display unit.

35. A display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 34; a plurality of light sources arranged at the light source positions; a light emission control unit that controls the light emission of the light source; An information display device comprising:

36. an information display device according to claim 35; a display control unit that controls display on the information display device in accordance with the progress of a game; A game display device comprising:

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

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