Display devices and showcases

Abstract

To provide a display device, etc. to be installed in a showcase to enhance customer attraction.SOLUTION: A display device (4) is provided, comprising display units (40) with light guide plates, each display unit being installed at a corner of two faces of a storage unit (8), and a light source for supplying light to be incident into the light guide plates. The light guide plate is configured separately from members constituting the two faces of the storage unit (8) and has a rugged pattern for reflectively outputting the incident light directed thereinto.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a display device installed in a showcase or the like.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique for attracting customers by using lighting to draw the attention of people around. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a prize-winning game device that aims to attract the attention of potential players around the device to the prizes in the storage space and arouse their desire to play. <00​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0008] In one example of the present disclosure, the display device has at least one light guide plate and comprises a display unit installed in the corners of two transparent surfaces of a showcase, and a light source unit that supplies light to be incident on the inside of the light guide plate, wherein the light guide plate is configured separately from the members that form the two transparent surfaces, and the light guide plate has a pattern of irregularities formed on it that reflects incident light incident on the inside of the light guide plate and emits it out of the light guide plate.

[0009] According to the above configuration, by using light emitted from the light guide plate according to the pattern of indentations and recesses, a pattern corresponding to the pattern of indentations and recesses can be displayed. For example, the pattern may be a pattern corresponding to the exhibits in the showcase, a pattern corresponding to a seasonal theme, etc. With such a configuration, the pattern can be used to arouse the interest of people around the exhibits in the showcase. Therefore, a display device with a high effect in attracting customers can be realized when installed in a showcase. Furthermore, the display unit is installed in the corners of the two transparent sides of the showcase. Therefore, it is possible to display a pattern without obstructing the visibility of the exhibits in the showcase on the two transparent sides, and while ensuring a certain degree of visibility of the exhibits in the showcase even in the corners. In other words, a display device with a high effect in attracting customers can be realized while maintaining high visibility of the exhibits in the showcase.

[0010] Furthermore, the light guide plate, which has a pattern of bumps and dips formed on it, is configured separately from the member that forms the surface of the showcase. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the member that forms the surface of the showcase and the light guide plate are integrated, the light guide plate is easier to handle. Thus, the pattern of bumps and dips on the light guide plate can be easily formed.

[0011] In the aforementioned example of the present disclosure, the display device is formed by a plurality of prisms having reflective surfaces that reflect the incident light, and the reflective surfaces of the plurality of prisms may be oriented to face the incident light originating from the light supplied by the light source.

[0012] For example, each prism may reflect the incident light from the light guide plate so that it is approximately perpendicular to the incident light originating from the light source. On the other hand, incident light that comes from a different direction than the incident light from the light source (e.g., stray light) may be reflected by the prism or emitted from the light guide plate's output surface at a relatively large angle with respect to the prism's output surface. With this configuration, reflected light originating from incident light that comes from a different direction than the light source is difficult to observe from an observer positioned directly facing the display unit. Therefore, the display device can show the observer a pattern corresponding to the relief pattern only while the light source is supplying light.

[0013] In the aforementioned example of the present disclosure, the display device may have the light guide plate detachably mounted to the showcase.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the light guide plate provided in the display unit 40 can be replaced with a light guide plate having a different pattern of bumps and depressions formed thereon. Therefore, by replacing the light guide plate, the pattern displayed by the light guide plate can be changed.

[0015] In the aforementioned example of the present disclosure, the display device may comprise a plurality of light guide plates.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the display device is equipped with multiple light guide plates, and therefore can display multiple types of patterns corresponding to each light guide plate.

[0017] In the aforementioned example of the present disclosure, the display unit may include a transparent support column for supporting the light guide plate.

[0018] According to the above configuration, it is possible to increase the strength of the display unit while maintaining good visibility inside the showcase.

[0019] In the aforementioned example of the present disclosure, the display unit may include a transparent protective cover for protecting the light guide plate.

[0020] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the light guide plate while maintaining a good view inside the showcase.

[0021] In an example of the present disclosure, the showcase may include the display device of the above example of the present disclosure.

[0022] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a showcase including the display device of the above example.

Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a display device or the like having a high customer attraction effect installed in a showcase.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram of an example of the display device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of a game device including the display device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing an example of a part of the configuration included in the display device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a part of the configuration included in the display device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing an example of a part of the configuration included in the display device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of a game device including the display device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] It is a plan view showing an example of the light guide plate according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] It is a plan view showing another example of the light guide plate according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] It is an enlarged plan view showing a part of an example of the arrangement of the first prism and the first pattern according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10]This is an enlarged plan view showing a part of an example of the arrangement of the second prism and the second pattern according to this embodiment 1. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged plan view showing an example of an overlapping region where the first pattern and the second pattern according to this embodiment 1 overlap. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of a game device equipped with a display device according to this second embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing an example of some of the configurations of the display device according to this second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a part of the configuration of the display device according to this second embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view showing an example of a part of the configuration of the display device according to this second embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a light guide plate according to a modified example of this embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment relating to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "this embodiment") will be described based on the drawings.

[0026] [Embodiment 1] One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0027] §1 Examples of Application Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a game device 1 equipped with a display device 4 according to this embodiment. An overview of the display device 4 according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the game device 1 is equipped with a display device 4 will be described. Note that the display device 4 may be applied to devices other than game devices, and the display device 4 can be applied to showcases for displaying exhibits in general.

[0028] Game device 1 is a device that performs a prize-winning game in which, for example, a player operates a crane or the like to win prizes placed in the storage space 80 within the storage unit (showcase) 8. As shown in Figure 2, game device 1 comprises a game function unit 100 and a storage unit 8.

[0029] The game function unit 100 is located at the bottom of the game device 1. The game function unit 100 is the part that houses various electronic devices for operating the game device 1. The game function unit 100 is equipped with an operation reception unit 101, etc., for receiving player input. In this specification, the side on which the operation reception unit 101 is provided is referred to as the front of the game device 1 or the storage unit 8. The side opposite the front is referred to as the back of the game device 1 or the storage unit 8. The front and back of the storage unit 8 may also be simply referred to as the front and back, respectively. The direction from the front to the back is referred to as the depth direction. The horizontal direction perpendicular to the depth direction is referred to as the width direction. The direction from the bottom to the top of the storage unit 8 is referred to as the height direction. For example, in Figure 2, the Z direction indicates the depth direction, the X direction indicates the width direction, and the Y direction indicates the height direction.

[0030] The storage unit 8 comprises two side panels 2 that form the sides of the storage unit 8, a front panel 3 that forms the front of the storage unit 8, a top panel 5 that forms the top of the storage unit 8, and a back panel 9 that forms the back of the storage unit 8. The bottom of the storage unit 8 is formed by the housing of the game function unit 100. The storage unit 8 forms a storage space 80 with the side panels 2, the front panel 3, the top panel 5, and the housing of the game function unit 100.

[0031] The side panels 2 and front panel 3 are made from transparent, plate-shaped components. For example, the side panels 2 and front panel 3 may be formed by molding transparent materials such as acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, cycloolefin polymer, or glass.

[0032] Furthermore, the storage unit 8 is equipped with two display devices 4.

[0033] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a display device 4. As shown in Figure 1, the display device 4 comprises a display unit 40, a light source (light source unit) 6, and a control unit 10. The display unit 40 includes at least one light guide plate 41. Also, as shown in Figure 2, the display unit 40 is installed at the corner of two transparent surfaces of the storage unit 8. Here, the two transparent surfaces of the storage unit 8 are the side surface of the storage unit 8 formed by the side panel 2 and the front surface of the storage unit 8 formed by the front panel 3. In other words, the display unit 40 is installed at the corner formed by the side surface and the front surface of the storage unit 8.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the light source 6 supplies light to be incident inside the light guide plate 41. Also, as shown in Figure 1, the display device 4 may have multiple light sources 6. The control unit 10 controls the on and off of the light sources 6. The control unit 10 includes, for example, a processor, a memory circuit, and a drive circuit for each light source. The control unit 10 may control the on and off of the light sources 6 in response to control signals from a higher-level control device (not shown).

[0035] The light guide plate 41 is configured separately from the members that form the two transparent surfaces of the storage compartment 8. In other words, the light guide plate 41 is provided separately from the side plate 2 or the front plate 3.

[0036] Figure 7 is a plan view showing an example of the light guide plate 41.

[0037] As shown in Figure 7, the light guide plate 41 has a pattern 410 of irregularities that reflects incident light that enters the interior of the light guide plate 41 and causes it to exit the light guide plate 41. The light guide plate 41 may be formed by molding a material that is transparent to visible light, such as a resin such as acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, or cycloolefin polymer, or glass.

[0038] According to the above configuration, the light emitted from the light guide plate 41 by the uneven pattern 410 can be used to display a pattern corresponding to the uneven pattern 410. For example, the pattern may be a pattern corresponding to the exhibits in the storage section 8, a pattern corresponding to a seasonal theme, etc. The pattern may include illustrations, text, etc. With such a configuration, the pattern can be used to arouse the interest of people around the exhibits in the storage section 8. Therefore, a display device 4 with a high effect in attracting customers can be realized when installed in the storage section 8, etc. Furthermore, the display unit 40 is installed in the corners of the two transparent sides of the storage section 8. Therefore, it is possible to display a pattern without obstructing the visibility of the exhibits in the storage section 8 on the two transparent sides, and while ensuring a certain degree of visibility of the exhibits in the showcase even in the corners. In other words, a display device with a high effect in attracting customers can be realized while maintaining high visibility of the exhibits in the showcase.

[0039] The aforementioned uneven pattern 410 may be a pattern that simply illuminates the light guide plate 41 without displaying a specific design on it. For example, the uneven pattern 410 may be formed on the light guide plate 41 so that the entire light guide plate 41 illuminates.

[0040] Furthermore, the light guide plate 41, which has a pattern of indentations and recesses, is configured separately from the member that forms the surface of the storage section 8. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the member that forms the surface of the storage section 8 and the light guide plate 41 are integrated, the handling of the light guide plate 41 becomes easier. Thus, the formation of the indentation and recess pattern on the light guide plate 41 can be easily performed.

[0041] §2 Example Configuration (Configuration of display device 4) Next, an example of the configuration of the display device 4 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0042] <Configuration of display unit 40> As described above, the display device 4 includes a display unit 40.

[0043] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the display unit 40 of the display device 4. As shown in Figure 3, the display unit 40 includes a light guide plate 41, a support column 42, and a protective cover 43. The display device 4 according to this embodiment includes one light guide plate 41.

[0044] The support column 42 is a transparent support column that supports the light guide plate 41. The support column 42 is positioned so as to be in contact with a part of the light guide plate 41. In the storage section 8, the support column 42 is located inside the light guide plate 41.

[0045] According to the above configuration, the strength of the light guide plate 41 can be increased while maintaining good visibility inside the storage compartment 8.

[0046] The protective cover 43 is a transparent protective cover that protects the light guide plate 41. The protective cover 43 is provided so as to be in contact with the light guide plate 41. In the storage section 8, the protective cover 43 is provided on the outside of the light guide plate 41.

[0047] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the light guide plate 41 while maintaining good visibility inside the storage compartment 8.

[0048] The support column 42 and protective cover 43 may be formed by molding a material that is transparent to visible light, such as acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, cycloolefin polymer, or glass.

[0049] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of some of the components of the display device 4.

[0050] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an example of some of the components of the display device 4.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the light guide plate 41 and the side plate 2 are installed so that the end of the light guide plate 41 and the end of the side plate 2 are in contact. More specifically, the side plate 2 is in contact with the end of the light guide plate 41 at its front end. The light guide plate 41 and the side plate 2 are also installed so that the in-plane direction of the side plate 2 and the in-plane direction of the light guide plate 41 form a predetermined angle A. For example, if the shape of the storage compartment 8 is approximately a cube, the predetermined angle A may be 135 degrees. A light source 6 is installed at the rear end of the side plate 2.

[0052] Figure 4 shows the optical path of light emitted from the light source 6. As shown in Figure 4, the light emitted from the light source 6 is incident on the side plate 2. The incident light that enters the side plate 2 travels in the direction L1 from the back side to the front side. The incident light that enters the side plate 2 is emitted from the side plate 2 at the front end of the side plate 2 and enters the light guide plate 41.

[0053] The incident light that enters the light guide plate 41 travels along the in-plane direction L2 of the light guide plate 41 from the back side to the front side. The incident light that enters the light guide plate 41 is reflected by the uneven pattern formed on the light guide plate 41 (see Figures 7 to 11) and is emitted from the emission surface P of the light guide plate 41. The direction L3 shown in Figure 4 indicates the direction of the light emitted from the emission surface P.

[0054] The uneven pattern formed on the light guide plate 41 may be formed by a plurality of prisms, each having a reflective surface that reflects the incident light incident on the light guide plate 41. For example, the reflective surfaces of the plurality of prisms may be oriented to face directly with the incident light originating from the light supplied by the light source 6.

[0055] For example, the reflective surface of the prism may be oriented to reflect incident light originating from the light source 6 in a vertical direction and directly facing the display unit 40. On the other hand, incident light that comes from a direction different from the incident light originating from the light source (e.g., stray light) may be reflected by the prism or emitted from the light guide plate's output surface at a relatively large angle with respect to the prism's output surface. With this configuration, reflected light originating from incident light that comes from a direction different from the light source is difficult to observe from an observer positioned directly facing the display unit 40. Therefore, the display device 4 can show the observer a pattern corresponding to the unevenness pattern only while the light source 6 is supplying light. Details of the unevenness pattern and the prism will be described later.

[0056] Furthermore, the above example described a case in which light emitted from the light source 6 is incident on the light guide plate 41 via the side plate 2. On the other hand, the light emitted from the light source 6 may be incident directly on the light guide plate 41. For example, the light source 6 may be provided adjacent to the upper end, lower end, or front end of the light guide plate 41.

[0057] Furthermore, the side panel 2 may have a pattern of irregularities that reflects the incident light and causes it to exit from the side panel 2.

[0058] <Replacing the light guide plate 41> The light guide plate 41 may be detachably installed in the storage unit 8.

[0059] According to the above configuration, the light guide plate 41 provided in the display unit 40 can be replaced with a light guide plate 41 having a different pattern of bumps and grooves formed thereon. Therefore, the pattern displayed by the display unit 40 can be changed.

[0060] An example of the configuration of the storage unit 8 that allows the light guide plate 41 to be attached and detached will be described.

[0061] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of a game device 1 equipped with a display device 4. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the top panel 5 that forms the top surface of the storage compartment 8 may be equipped with a lid 5a. The lid 5a is detachably installed from the top panel 5. When the lid 5a is attached to the top panel 5, the lid 5a is positioned to cover the upper part of the display unit 40. That is, the upper part of the display unit 40 can be opened and closed by attaching or detaching the lid 5a to the top panel 5.

[0062] As an example of the configuration of the storage section 8, the light guide plate 41 may be removed from the storage section 8 by pulling up the light guide plate 41 when the lid 5a is detached from the top panel 5. Alternatively, as an example of the configuration of the storage section 8, after removing the light guide plate 41 from the storage section 8, another light guide plate 41 may be inserted from above.

[0063] Furthermore, the housing of the game function unit 100, which forms the bottom surface of the storage unit 8, may have a groove formed therein into which the lower end of the light guide plate 41 can be inserted.

[0064] (Examples of the pattern of irregularities on the light guide plate 41 and the configuration of the prism) Figure 7 is a plan view showing an example of a light guide plate 41. L2 in Figure 7 shows an example of the optical path of light incident on the light guide plate 41. As shown in Figure 7, the light guide plate 41 has an incident surface formed on one side wall where light enters. The light guide plate 41 also has a pattern of irregularities 410. The pattern of irregularities 410 is formed by a plurality of prisms 411. The prisms 411 are formed on the diffusing surface located on the inside (storage space 80 side) of the light guide plate 41. Light that has propagated inside the light guide plate 41 is reflected by the plurality of prisms 411 inside the light guide plate 41. The reflected light is then emitted from the exit surface of the light guide plate 41 that is opposite to the diffusing surface.

[0065] For example, the uneven pattern and prisms of the light guide plate 41 may be applied to a configuration in which light is directly incident on the light guide plate 41 from the light source 6. In such a configuration, each of the multiple prisms 411 is positioned so that its reflective surface faces the light source 6 on a plane parallel to the diffusion surface. That is, the reflective surface of a prism 411 located at a predetermined distance from the light source 6 is oriented to be approximately parallel to the circumference of a circle centered on the light source 6 and with a radius of that predetermined distance.

[0066] With the arrangement of the multiple prisms 411 in this manner, each prism 411 can reflect the light from the light source 6, which is incident from the incident surface, so that it is approximately perpendicular to the output surface. On the other hand, light from sources other than the light source 6, such as stray light, even if reflected by the prisms 411, will still exit the output surface at a relatively large angle to the output surface. Therefore, the emitted light is difficult to observe from an observer positioned in front of the light guide plate 41. As a result, when the light source 6 is not lit, the display unit 40 can be kept transparent to the observer.

[0067] Furthermore, by arranging the reflective surface of the prism to face the incident light, the example of the pattern of irregularities and the configuration of the prism may be applied to a configuration in which light emitted from the light source 6 is incident on the light guide plate 41 via the side plate 2.

[0068] (Other examples of the pattern of irregularities on the light guide plate 41 and the configuration of the prism) The following examples of the pattern of irregularities and prism configuration of the light guide plate 41 describe a configuration in which light is directly incident on the light guide plate 41 from two light sources (a first light source 6a and a second light source 6b). On the other hand, the same examples of the pattern of irregularities and prism configuration may also be applied to a configuration in which light emitted from two (or more) light sources is incident on the light guide plate 41 via the side plate 2.

[0069] Figure 8 is a plan view showing an example of a light guide plate 41. As shown in Figure 8, an incident surface 4100 facing the first light source 6a and the second light source 6b is formed on one side surface of the side wall of the light guide plate 41. Light from the first light source 6a enters the interior of the light guide plate 41 from the incident surface 4100.

[0070] Light propagating through the inside of the light guide plate 41 is totally reflected by a plurality of first prisms 411a formed on the diffusing surface located on the inside (storage space 80 side) of the light guide plate 41. The reflected incident light is then emitted from the exit surface of the light guide plate 41 opposite the diffusing surface. The plurality of first prisms 411a are arranged along the first pattern 410a to form the first pattern 410a. Therefore, while the first light source 6a is lit, the observer can observe the first pattern 410a that appears to emit light on the surface of the light guide plate 41. Note that in Figure 8, the sizes of the first prism 411a and the second prism 411b are exaggerated for improved clarity.

[0071] Similarly, light from the second light source 6b enters the interior of the light guide plate 41 from the incident surface 4100. The light propagating inside the light guide plate 41 is totally reflected by a plurality of second prisms 411b formed on the diffusion surface and then exits from the exit surface. The plurality of second prisms 411b are arranged along the second pattern 410b to form a second pattern 410b. Therefore, while the second light source 6b is lit, the observer can observe the second 410b appearing to emit light on the surface of the light guide plate 41.

[0072] Each of the multiple first prisms 411a is formed, for example, as a substantially triangular groove of a predetermined length on the diffusion surface. Each of the multiple first prisms 411a has a reflective surface 412a that forms a predetermined angle with respect to the diffusion surface. Similarly, each of the multiple second prisms 411b is formed, for example, as a substantially triangular groove of a predetermined length on the diffusion surface. Each of the multiple second prisms 411b has a reflective surface 412b that forms a predetermined angle with respect to the diffusion surface. The predetermined angle is set to the angle at which the light from the first light source 6a or the second light source 6b incident on the light guide plate 41 is totally reflected and directed toward the exit surface, for example, to form an angle of 40° to 50° with respect to the diffusion surface. The predetermined length is set to a length sufficient to arrange multiple prisms within the first pattern 410a and the second pattern 410b, for example, to about 100 μm to several millimeters.

[0073] Figure 9 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the first pattern 410a showing the arrangement of the first prism 411a. The multiple first prisms 411a are arranged in a staggered pattern within the first pattern 410a. That is, the multiple first prisms 411a are arranged at a predetermined pitch on a line perpendicular to the incident surface 4100 (for convenience, referred to as the Y1 direction), which is arranged at equal intervals along the direction parallel to the incident surface 4100 of the light guide plate 41 (for convenience, referred to as the X1 direction). Furthermore, between adjacent lines, the positions of two adjacent first prisms 411a in the Y1 direction are shifted by half the pitch. In addition, each of the multiple first prisms 411a is positioned such that its reflective surface 412a faces the first light source 6a in a plane parallel to the diffusion surface. In other words, in this example, the reflective surface 412a of the first prism 411a, which is located at a predetermined distance from the first light source 6a, is oriented so as to be approximately parallel to the circumference of a circle that is centered on the first light source 6a and has a radius of the predetermined distance from it.

[0074] With each of the multiple first prisms 411a arranged in this manner, each first prism 411a can reflect the light from the first light source 6a, which is incident from the incident surface 4100, so that it is approximately perpendicular to the output surface. On the other hand, light from sources other than the first light source 6a, such as light from the second light source 6b or stray light, which is incident from the incident surface 4100, will still exit the output surface at a relatively large angle to the output surface, even if it is reflected by the first prisms 411a. Therefore, the emitted light is difficult to observe from an observer positioned in front of the light guide plate 41. For this reason, the display device 4 can show the first pattern 410a to the observer only while the first light source 6a is lit.

[0075] Figure 10 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the second pattern 410b, showing the arrangement of the second prism 411b. Similar to the first prism 411a, the multiple second prisms 411b are arranged in a staggered pattern within the second pattern 410b. Furthermore, each of the multiple second prisms 411b is positioned such that its reflective surface 412b faces the second light source 6b in a plane parallel to the diffusion surface. Therefore, in this example, the reflective surface 412b of the second prism 411b located at a predetermined distance from the second light source 6b is oriented to be approximately parallel to the circumference of a circle centered on the second light source 6b and with a radius of that predetermined distance. Thus, similar to the first pattern 410a, the display device 4 can show the second pattern 410b to the observer only while the second light source 6b is lit.

[0076] Figure 11 is an enlarged plan view of the overlapping region where the first pattern 410a and the second pattern 410b overlap, showing the arrangement of each prism in that overlapping region. In this example, both the first prism 411a and the second prism 411b are arranged in a staggered pattern. Therefore, in the region where the first pattern 410a and the second pattern 410b overlap, the first prism 411a and the second prism 411b are arranged alternately. Consequently, even in the region where the first pattern 410a and the second pattern 410b overlap, when the first light source 6a is lit, the first prism 411a guides the light from the first light source 6a toward the output surface. Also, when the second light source 6b is lit, the second prism 411b guides the light from the second light source 6b toward the output surface. Thus, the pattern corresponding to the lit light source is displayed. Furthermore, by arranging the first prism 411a and the second prism 411b as described above, it becomes easy to make the first pattern 410a and the second pattern 410b into any shape. In addition, by arranging the first prism 411a and the second prism 411b as described above, the appearance of the boundary between each pattern and other areas can be improved when the boundary is formed on a straight line.

[0077] The first prism 411a and the second prism 411b may each be arranged in a grid pattern. In addition, in the region where the first pattern 410a and the second pattern 410b overlap, the prisms may be arranged such that the lines in the Y1 direction where the first prism 411a is placed and the lines in the Y1 direction where the second prism 411b is placed alternate.

[0078] As explained above, even when multiple light sources 6 can only be arranged so that they face each other on one side of the light guide plate 41, the display device 4 uses a prism that forms a pattern corresponding to the lit light source 6 to emit light from the light guide plate. Therefore, the display pattern can be switched by switching which light sources are lit.

[0079] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention are described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0080] (Overview of display device 4a) Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a game device 1a equipped with a display device 4a according to this embodiment. First, an overview of the display device 4a according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 12, the storage unit 8a of the game device 1a includes two display devices 4a instead of the two display devices 4 provided in the storage unit 8 of Embodiment 1.

[0081] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the display unit 40a of the display device 4a. As shown in Figure 13, the display unit 40a includes a light guide plate 41a and a light guide plate 41b. In other words, the display device 4a includes a plurality of light guide plates.

[0082] According to the above configuration, the display device 4a is equipped with light guide plates 41a and 41b, and can display multiple types of patterns corresponding to light guide plates 41a and 41b. <Configuration of display unit 40a> Next, an example of the configuration of the display unit 40a according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 13, the display unit 40a includes a light guide plate 41a, a light guide plate 41b, a support column 42a, and a protective cover 43a.

[0083] The support column 42a is a transparent support column that supports the light guide plates 41a and 41b. The support column 42a is positioned so as to be in contact with a portion of the light guide plates 41a and 41b. In the storage section 8a, the support column 42a is positioned inside the light guide plates 41a and 41b.

[0084] According to the above configuration, the strength of the light guide plates 41a and 41b can be increased while maintaining good visibility inside the storage compartment 8a.

[0085] The protective cover 43a is a transparent protective cover that protects the light guide plates 41a and 41b. The protective cover 43a is provided so as to be in contact with the light guide plates 41a and 41b. In the storage section 8a, the protective cover 43a is provided on the outside of the light guide plates 41a and 41b.

[0086] According to the above configuration, it is possible to maintain good visibility inside the storage compartment 8a while suppressing deterioration of the light guide plates 41a and 41b.

[0087] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of some of the components of the display device 4a.

[0088] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing an example of some of the components of the display device 4a.

[0089] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the light guide plate 41a and the side plate 2 are installed so that the end of the light guide plate 41a and the end of the side plate 2 are in contact. More specifically, the side plate 2 is in contact with the rear end of the light guide plate 41a at its front end. The light source 6 is installed at the rear end of the side plate 2. Furthermore, the side plate 2 and the light guide plate 41a are installed so that the in-plane direction of the side plate 2 and the in-plane direction of the light guide plate 41a are the same.

[0090] Furthermore, the light guide plates 41a and 41b are installed so that the front end of light guide plate 41a and the end of light guide plate 41b are in contact with each other. More specifically, the light guide plates 41a and 41b are installed so that the in-plane direction of light guide plate 41a and the in-plane direction of light guide plate 41b are perpendicular to each other. In addition, a light source 6 is installed at the rear end of the side plate 2.

[0091] Figure 14 shows the optical path of the light emitted by the light source 6. As shown in Figure 14, the light emitted by the light source 6 is incident on the side plate 2. The incident light that enters the side plate 2 travels in the direction L1 from the back side to the front side. The incident light that enters the side plate 2 is emitted from the side plate 2 at the front end of the side plate 2 and enters the light guide plate 41a.

[0092] The incident light that enters the light guide plate 41a travels along the in-plane direction L4 of the light guide plate 41a from the back side to the front side. The incident light that enters the light guide plate 41a is reflected by the uneven pattern formed on the light guide plate 41a (see Figures 7 to 11) and is emitted from the emission surface PA of the light guide plate 41a. The direction L5 shown in Figure 14 indicates the direction of the light emitted from the emission surface PA.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the front end of the light guide plate 41a is inclined with respect to the direction from the back to the front. The inclined end of the light guide plate 41a reflects the incident light in the direction in which the light guide plate 41b is located, causing the incident light to exit from the light guide plate 41a. The light that exits from the light guide plate 41a enters the light guide plate 41b. The incident light that enters the light guide plate 41b travels along the in-plane direction L6 of the light guide plate 41b. The incident light that enters the light guide plate 41b is reflected by the uneven pattern formed on the light guide plate 41b (see Figures 7 to 11) and exits from the exit surface PB of the light guide plate 41b. The direction L7 shown in Figure 14 indicates the direction of the light that exits from the exit surface PB.

[0094] <Replacement of light guide plates 41a and 41b> An example of the configuration of the storage section 8a that allows at least one of the light guide plates 41a and 41b to be attached or detached will be described.

[0095] As shown in Figure 12, the top panel 5b that forms the top surface of the storage section 8a may be equipped with a lid 5c. The lid 5c is detachably installed from the top panel 5b. When the lid 5c is attached to the top panel 5b, the lid 5c is positioned to cover the upper part of the display section 40a. That is, the upper part of the display section 40a can be opened and closed by attaching and detaching the lid 5c to the top panel 5b. Details of replacing the light guide plates 41a and 41b are the same as those for replacing the light guide plate 41 described in "Replacing the light guide plate 41" of Embodiment 1, so the explanation will not be repeated.

[0096] (modified version) Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of light guide plates 41c and 41d according to a modified example of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 16, the light guide plates 41c and 41d are installed so that the front end of light guide plate 41c and the end of light guide plate 41d are in contact. Unlike the light guide plate 41a described above, the front end of light guide plate 41c that is in contact with light guide plate 41d is not inclined. On the other hand, the end of light guide plate 41d that is in contact with light guide plate 41c is inclined. The inclined end of light guide plate 41d reflects the incident light that enters the light guide plate 41d in the in-plane direction of the light guide plate 41d.

[0097] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, 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]

[0098] 2. Side panels (2 transparent sides) 3. Front panel (2 transparent sides) 4, 4a display device 6 Light source (light source part) 6a First light source (light source unit) 6b Second light source (light source unit) 8, 8a Storage section (showcase) 40, 40a Display section 41, 41a-41d light guide plate 42, 42a post 43, 43a Protective cover 410 Pattern of unevenness 410a First pattern (recessed pattern) 410b Second pattern (concave and convex pattern)

Claims

1. A display unit having at least one light guide plate and installed in the transparent corners of two sides of a showcase, The system includes a light source unit that supplies light to be incident inside the light guide plate, The light guide plate is configured separately from the member that forms the two transparent surfaces. Furthermore, the light guide plate is installed in an area of ​​the showcase that does not overlap with the two transparent surfaces. The light guide plate has a pattern of irregularities formed on it that reflects incident light that enters the interior of the light guide plate and causes it to exit the light guide plate. The display unit comprises a plurality of light guide plates, including a first light guide plate and a second light guide plate. The first light guide plate and the second light guide plate are installed such that the in-plane direction of the first light guide plate and the in-plane direction of the second light guide plate intersect. The end of the first light guide plate is inclined in the direction from the back side to the front side of the first light guide plate. A display device wherein the end of the first light guide plate having the said inclination reflects the incident light in the direction in which the second light guide plate is located, causing it to enter the second light guide plate.

2. The aforementioned uneven pattern is formed by a plurality of prisms, each having a reflective surface that reflects the incident light. The reflective surfaces of the multiple prisms are oriented to face the incident light originating from the light source. The display device according to claim 1.

3. The light guide plate is detachably installed on the showcase. The display device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The display unit includes a transparent support column that supports the light guide plate. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The display unit is equipped with a transparent protective cover that protects the light guide plate. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The aforementioned display unit is installed in the corners of two transparent surfaces of the showcase.

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