JP6939232B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a display device capable of switching the displayed pattern.

Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which a light guide plate formed in a plate shape and having light transmission is provided, and a pattern corresponding to the direction of light incident on the light guide plate is displayed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

For example, the light guide plate display device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a light guide plate, a plurality of light source devices provided along each end surface of the light guide plate, and a plurality of prisms formed inside the light guide plate. Each prism has a plurality of side surfaces facing each light source device, and each side surface is irradiated from a transmission slope that transmits light emitted from the light source device and a light source device in the thickness direction of the light guide plate. The reflection slope that reflects light and emits it onto the display surface of the light guide plate is inclined in at least two steps. Further, a plurality of patterns are provided on the light guide plate. Then, for each of the plurality of patterns, each prism is formed so that the area of the reflection slope on the side facing the corresponding light source device in each prism included in the pattern is large and the area of the reflection slope on the other side is small. Will be done.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-53605

In the light guide plate display device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the light reflected by each prism arranged in a pattern corresponding to the light source device that emits light is reflected by each prism arranged in another pattern. More than. Therefore, the displayed pattern can be switched by switching the light source device that lights up. However, in this light guide plate display device, since each prism also reflects a part of the light from the light source device different from the light source device corresponding to the prism toward the display surface side, one of the light source devices is turned on. Then, although it is darker than the pattern corresponding to the light source device, the pattern corresponding to another light source device may also be displayed.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a display device capable of reducing the visibility of patterns other than the pattern corresponding to the light source that emits light among a plurality of patterns.

A gaming machine is provided as one embodiment of the present invention. This gaming machine includes a gaming machine main body, a display device provided on a surface of the gaming machine main body facing the player, and a control circuit that outputs control information according to the state of the game to the display device. The display device is formed of a transparent member, is capable of displaying a plurality of patterns, and has a light source plate having at least one incident surface and a plurality of arranged so as to face any of the at least one incident surface. It has a light source and a control unit that controls turning on and off of a plurality of light sources according to control information. The light guide plate is arranged on one surface of the light guide plate along the pattern for each of the plurality of patterns, and is emitted from the light source corresponding to the pattern among the plurality of light sources and is emitted from the incident surface into the light guide plate. It has a plurality of prisms that reflect incident visible light toward a direction within a predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the other surface of the light guide plate, and each of the plurality of prisms is one of the light guide plates. A triangular pyramid-shaped groove is formed on the surface, and one slope of the triangular pyramid-shaped groove emits light emitted from a light source corresponding to a pattern in which the prisms of a plurality of patterns are arranged and incident on the light guide plate. It is formed as a reflecting surface that reflects in a direction within a predetermined angle range.

In the display device of this gaming machine, each of the plurality of prisms emits from a light source in which the other slope of the triangular pyramid-shaped groove is different from the light source corresponding to the pattern in which the prisms are arranged among the plurality of patterns. It is preferable that the light incident on the light guide plate is formed as a diffusion surface that reflects light in a direction outside a predetermined angle range.

Further, in the display device of this game machine, at least one incident surface of the light guide plate is formed on a first incident surface formed on one side surface of the light guide plate and a side surface of the light guide plate on the opposite side of the first incident surface. It has a second incident surface to be formed, and the plurality of light sources are arranged so as to face the first incident surface and the second incident surface. It has a second light source, and the plurality of patterns include a first pattern displayed when the first light source is turned on and a second pattern displayed when the second light source is turned on. It is preferable to have. In this case, among the plurality of prisms, each prism arranged along the first pattern is arranged at a position where the angle formed by the diffusion surface and one surface of the light guide plate is separated from the first light source. It is preferable that the prism is formed so as to be larger.

Further, in this case, among the plurality of prisms formed on the light guide plate, each prism arranged along the first pattern is formed by a diffusion surface and a second incident surface on one surface of the light guide plate. It is preferable that the angle is formed so as to be smaller as the prism is arranged at a position farther from the first light source.

Alternatively, in the display device of this game machine, at least one incident surface of the light guide plate is a first incident surface formed on one side surface of the light guide plate and a side surface of the light guide plate on the opposite side of the first incident surface. The plurality of light sources are arranged so as to face the first light source and the second light source, which have a second light source formed on the surface of the light source. It is preferable to have a second light source. Then, it is preferable that a layer that suppresses the reflection of the light propagating in the light guide plate is formed in the region of the first incident surface where the light from the first light source does not pass.

Alternatively, in the display device of this game machine, at least one incident surface of the light guide plate is a light guide plate on the opposite side of the first incident surface and the first incident surface formed on one side surface of the light guide plate. It has a second incident surface formed on the side surface, and the plurality of light sources are arranged so as to face the first incident surface and the first light source arranged so as to face the first incident surface. It is preferable to have a second light source to be used. The region of the first incident surface on which the light from the first light source does not pass is preferably formed in a tapered shape with respect to one surface or the other surface of the light guide plate.

Alternatively, in the display device of this game machine, at least one incident surface of the light guide plate is a light guide plate on the opposite side of the first incident surface and the first incident surface formed on one side surface of the light guide plate. It has a second incident surface formed on the side surface, and the plurality of light sources are arranged so as to face the first incident surface and the first light source arranged so as to face the first incident surface. It is preferable to have a second light source to be used. The display device further provides a first collimator lens between the first light source and the first incident surface that parallelizes the light emitted from the first light source in at least the longitudinal direction of the first incident surface. The first collimeter lens is arranged so that the optical axis of the first collimeter lens faces an oblique direction with respect to the normal direction of the first incident surface, and the first light source is the first light source. It is preferable to have a light emitting element arranged on the optical axis of the collimator lens.

The gaming machine according to the present invention has an effect that, among a plurality of patterns, the visibility of patterns other than the pattern corresponding to the light source that emits light can be reduced.

It is a schematic block diagram of the display device mounted on the gaming machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic front view of the light guide plate which a display device has. It is a schematic side sectional view of the light guide plate in the line indicated by the arrow AA'in FIG. (A) is a schematic front view of the prism, (b) is a schematic perspective view of the prism, (c) is a schematic side view of the prism, and (d) is a line BB in (a). It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a prism along the'. It is a schematic front view of the light guide plate by a modification. It is a schematic front view of the display device by a modification. It is a figure which shows an example of the shape of a prism by a modification. It is a figure explaining an example which the stray light reflected by a prism is reflected by another prism and is emitted toward an observer. FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example in which light reflected by an incident surface provided on the side opposite to the incident surface is reflected by a prism and emitted toward an observer. (B) is a schematic front view of a modified example of the display device shown in FIG. (A) and (b) are schematic front views of the light guide plate according to still another modification. It is a schematic front view of the prism formed in the light guide plate by still another modification. (A) is a schematic front view of a prism formed on a light guide plate according to still another modification, and (b) is a schematic side view of a prism according to this modification. It is a schematic front view of the display device by still another modification. It is a schematic front view of the display device by still another modification. It is a figure which shows an example of the mirror used instead of a collimating lens. It is the schematic perspective view of the ball game machine which looked at the ball game machine which has the display device by the above-described embodiment or modification from the player side.

Hereinafter, the display device mounted on the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This display device has a light guide plate formed of a material transparent to light emitted by a plurality of light sources in a plate shape, and one surface of the light guide plate is an observer (hereinafter, simply referred to as an observer). It is formed as an exit surface facing (sometimes called). Further, at least one of the peripheral side surfaces surrounding the exit surface of the light guide plate is formed as an incident surface facing a plurality of light sources. Then, on the other surface of the light guide plate facing the exit surface, a plurality of prisms are formed that emit light from any of the plurality of light sources and reflect the light incident on the light guide plate toward the exit surface. Each of the plurality of prisms is included in any of the groups corresponding to any of the plurality of light sources, and the prisms of each group are arranged according to the shape of the pattern displayed by the display device. Further, the prisms of each group are formed in a triangular pyramid shape, one of the three side surfaces other than the bottom surface serves as a reflecting surface, and the reflecting surface is arranged so as to face the light source corresponding to the group. .. As a result, the prisms of each group reflect the light from the light source other than the light source corresponding to the group on the side surface other than the reflection surface, and the direction is different from the direction toward the observer at the position facing the exit surface. Turn in the direction. As a result, the display device reduces the visibility of the patterns other than the pattern corresponding to the light source that emits light among the plurality of patterns.
In the following, for convenience of explanation, the side facing the observer is the front side, and the opposite side is the back side.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The display device 1 includes a light guide plate 2, two light sources 3-1 and 3-2, collimating lenses 4-1 and 4-2, a storage unit 5, and a control unit 6.

The light guide plate 2 is a member formed in a plate shape that is transparent to the light emitted from each of the light sources 3-1 and 3-2. The light guide plate 2 is formed by molding a resin that is transparent to visible light, such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, and cycloolefin polymer. The light guide plate 2 is provided with two patterns 21 and 22 that can be displayed by lighting the light sources 3-1 and 3-2. That is, the light guide plate 2 propagates the light from the light source 3-1 inside the light source 3-1 while the light source 3-1 is lit, and corresponds to the light source 3-1 formed on the back side, and the pattern 21 The observer is reflected by a plurality of prisms (details will be described later) arranged so as to form an observer located within a predetermined angle range based on the normal direction of the exit surface on the front side. Makes the pattern 21 that emits light visible. Similarly, the light guide plate 2 propagates the light from the light source 3-2 inside the light source 3-2 while the light source 3-2 is lit, and corresponds to the light source 3-2 formed on the back side, and has a pattern. A pattern in which an observer emits light by reflecting light toward an observer located within a predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the exit surface on the front side by a plurality of prisms arranged so as to form 22. Make 22 visible.
The details of the light guide plate 2 will be described later.

Each of the plurality of light sources 3-1 and 3-2 has at least one light emitting element that emits visible light. In the present embodiment, the light source 3-1 and the light source 3-2 are arranged so as to face each other with the light guide plate 2 interposed therebetween. Each light emitting element of the light source 3-1 has its light emitting surface facing the incident surface 2a-1 which is one of the side surfaces of the light guide plate 2 and along the longitudinal direction of the incident surface 2a-1. Arranged in a row. On the other hand, each light emitting element included in the light source 3-2 has an incident surface 2a- whose light emitting surface is one of the other side surfaces of the light guide plate 2 and which is a side surface opposite to the incident surface 2a-1. They are arranged so as to face 2 and line up along the longitudinal direction of the incident surface 2a-2.

The light sources 3-1 and 3-2 are turned on or off according to the control signal from the control unit 6, respectively. Then, while the control unit 6 is turning on the light source 3-1 the light emitted from the light source 3-1 is collimated by the collimated lens 4-1 and then passed through the incident surface 2a-1 to the light guide plate 2. Incident inside. After propagating in the light guide plate 2, the incident light is reflected by a plurality of prisms forming the pattern 21 provided on the diffusion surface 2b on the back surface side of the light guide plate 2 and emitted from the emission surface 2c on the front side. Similarly, while the control unit 6 lights the light source 3-2, the light emitted from the light source 3-2 is collimated by the collimated lens 4-2 and then guided through the incident surface 2a-2. It is incident inside the light plate 2. After propagating in the light guide plate 2, the incident light is reflected by a plurality of prisms forming the pattern 22 provided on the diffusion surface 2b on the back surface side of the light guide plate 2 and emitted from the emission surface 2c on the front side.

The light emitting elements included in the light sources 3-1 and 3-2 are, for example, a light emitting diode, an incandescent lamp, or a fluorescent lamp. The emission color of the light source 3-1 and the emission color of the light source 3-2 may be the same or different from each other. Further, the emission brightness of the light source 3-1 and the emission brightness of the light source 3-2 may be the same or different.

The collimating lens 4-1 is arranged between the light source 3-1 and the incident surface 2a-1, and parallelizes the light emitted from each light emitting element of the light source 3-1. When the light source 3-1 has a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the incident surface 2a-1, the collimating lens 4-1 also has the longitudinal direction of the incident surface 2a-1. A plurality of lenses may be formed as a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged in a row. Each of the plurality of lenses is provided so as to have a one-to-one correspondence with any of the plurality of light emitting elements, and the light emitted from the corresponding light emitting elements is made into parallel light to be perpendicular to the incident surface 2a-1. Make it incident.

Similarly, the collimating lens 4-2 is arranged between the light source 3-2 and the incident surface 2a-2, and parallelizes the light emitted from each light emitting element of the light source 3-2. When the light source 3-2 has a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the incident surface 2a-2, the collimating lens 4-2 also has the longitudinal direction of the incident surface 2a-2. A plurality of lenses may be formed as a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged in a row. Each of the plurality of lenses is provided so as to have a one-to-one correspondence with any of the plurality of light emitting elements, and the light emitted from the corresponding light emitting elements is made into parallel light to be perpendicular to the incident surface 2a-2. Make it incident.

The collimating lenses 4-1 and 4-2 may be configured as a refracting lens or as a diffractive lens such as a Fresnel zone plate. Further, the collimating lenses 4-1 and 4-2 may be cylindrical lenses that collimate the light from the corresponding light source only in the longitudinal direction of the incident surfaces 2a-1 and 2a-2, respectively.

The storage unit 5 has, for example, a volatile or non-volatile memory circuit. Then, the storage unit 5 stores lighting control information indicating the lighting order of the light sources 3-1 and 3-2 or the timing of lighting and extinguishing.

The control unit 6 includes, for example, a processor and drive circuits for light sources 3-1 and 3-2. Then, the control unit 6 controls lighting and extinguishing of the light sources 3-1 and 3-2 according to the lighting order information.

For example, when the control unit 6 makes only the pattern 21 visible to an observer located within a predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the exit surface of the light guide plate 2 on the front side of the light guide plate 2. Turns on the light source 3-1 while turning off the light source 3-2. Further, when making only the pattern 22 visible to the observer, the control unit 6 turns off the light source 3-1 and turns on the light source 3-2. If both the pattern 21 and the pattern 22 are visible to the observer at the same time, the control unit 6 may turn on the light sources 3-1 and 3-2 at the same time.

The timing for turning on or off the light sources 3-1 and 3-2 is specified by the lighting control information. The lighting control information can be, for example, simply data representing an identification number that identifies the light source to be lit according to the lighting order of the light sources 3-1 and 3-2. For example, assume that the identification number of the light source 3-1 is '1' and the identification number of the light source 3-2 is '2'. As for each light source, one light source is turned on in the order of light source 3-1 → light source 3-2 at a preset period, and each light source is repeatedly turned on at regular intervals. In this case, the lighting control information may be represented by an identification number in the order of '1' and '2'.

Hereinafter, the details of the light guide plate 2 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the light guide plate 2. Further, FIG. 3 is a schematic side sectional view of the light guide plate 2 in the line indicated by the arrow AA'in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one of the side surfaces of the light guide plate 2 is formed as an incident surface 2a-1 facing the light source 3-1. As described above, the light emitted from the light source 3-1 is incident on the inside of the light guide plate 2 from the incident surface 2a-1. The light from the light source 3-1 propagating inside the light guide plate 2 is arranged along the pattern 21 among the plurality of prisms 11 formed on the diffusion surface 2b located on the back surface side of the light guide plate 2. After total reflection by each prism, the light is emitted from the emission surface 2c located on the front side of the light guide plate 2 and facing the diffusion surface 2b. At that time, each prism arranged along the pattern 21 reflects the light from the light source 3-1 toward a direction within a predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2. do. Therefore, the observer can observe the pattern 21 that appears to emit light on the surface of the light guide plate 2 while the light source 3-1 is lit. It should be noted that in FIGS. 2 and 3, the size of each prism and the thickness of the light guide plate 2 are exaggerated in order to improve the visibility of the drawings.

Further, the side surface of the light guide plate 2 on the opposite side of the incident surface 2a-1 is formed as an incident surface 2a-2 facing the light source 3-2. Then, the light from the light source 3-2, which is incident on the inside of the light guide plate 2 from the incident surface 2a-2 and propagates inside the light guide plate 2, is applied to the pattern 22 among the plurality of prisms formed on the diffusion surface 2b. After total reflection by each prism arranged along the line, the light is emitted from the exit surface 2c. At that time, each prism arranged along the pattern 22 reflects the light from the light source 3-2 toward a direction within a predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2. do. Therefore, the observer can observe the pattern 22 that appears to emit light on the surface of the light guide plate 2 while the light source 3-2 is lit.

Among the plurality of prisms 11, each prism forming the pattern 21 is arranged in a staggered pattern or a grid pattern in the pattern 21 or randomly arranged so that the arrangement density of the prisms is constant in the pattern 21. Similarly, among the plurality of prisms 11, each prism forming the pattern 22 is arranged in a staggered pattern or a grid pattern in the pattern 22 or randomly arranged so that the arrangement density of the prisms 11 is constant in the pattern 22. ..
In the region where the pattern 21 and the pattern 22 overlap, both the prism forming the pattern 21 and the prism forming the pattern 22 may be arranged.

The prism 11 forming the pattern 21 and the prism 11 forming the pattern 22 can have the same configuration except that the orientation and arrangement are different.

FIG. 4A is a schematic front view of the prism 11, and FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view of the prism 11. FIG. 4C is a schematic side view of the prism 11. Further, FIG. 4D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the prism 11 along the line BB'in FIG. 4A. The prism 11 is formed as, for example, a triangular pyramid-shaped groove having a diffusion surface 2b as a bottom surface. Then, one of the three slopes of the prism 11 is formed as a reflecting surface 11a forming a predetermined angle with respect to the diffusion surface 2b. The predetermined angle is the normal direction of the exit surface 2c by totally reflecting the light from the corresponding light source (for example, the light source 3-1 in the case of the prism forming the pattern 21) incident on the light guide plate 2. It is set to point in a direction within a predetermined angle range with respect to. Further, on the other two of the three slopes of the prism 11, the observer can visually recognize the light from other than the corresponding light source (for example, in the case of the prism forming the pattern 21, the light from the light source 3-2). It is formed as diffusion surfaces 11b and 11c that reflect light in a direction outside a predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the exit surface 2c so as not to be possible.

Referring to FIG. 2 again, among the plurality of prisms 11, each prism forming the pattern 21 has a reflecting surface 11a facing any light emitting element of the light source 3-1, that is, parallel to the diffusion surface 2b. The incident surface 2a-1 and the reflecting surface 11a are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other. Similarly, among the plurality of prisms 11, each prism forming the pattern 22 is incident so that the reflecting surface 11a faces any light emitting element of the light source 3-2, that is, on a surface parallel to the diffusion surface 2b. The surfaces 2a-2 and the reflecting surface 11a are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other.

As a result, the light emitted from the light source 3-1 and incident on the light guide plate 2 and directed to any prism forming the pattern 21 is reflected by the reflecting surface 11a of the prism and is located on the front side of the light guide plate 2. The light guide plate 2 is emitted from the exit surface 2c toward the observer. On the other hand, the light emitted from the light source 3-2, incident on the light guide plate 2, and directed to any prism forming the pattern 21 is guided by the diffusion surface 11b or 11c of the prism so as not to be visually recognized by the observer. The light is reflected in a direction outside a predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light plate 2.

Here, the direction in which the light emitted from the light source 3-2 and incident on the light guide plate 2 is reflected by the diffusion surface 11b or 11c of the prism is a direction orthogonal to the propagation direction of the light from the light source 3-2, that is, , The angle formed by the direction parallel to the incident surface 2a-2 and the diffusion surface 11b or 11c of the prism (hereinafter, referred to as a rotation angle for convenience) θ, the diffusion surface 2b of the light guide plate 2 and the diffusion surface 11b or 11c of the prism. It is determined by the combination of the angle between the two (hereinafter referred to as the tilt angle for convenience) α. Further, the angle formed by the reflected light with respect to the normal direction of the exit surface 2c when emitted from the light guide plate 2 is affected by the refractive index of the material forming the light guide plate 2.

For example, it is assumed that the direction in which the observer is located, that is, the predetermined angle range based on the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2 is within 30 ° from the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2. .. In this case, when the light guide plate 2 is made of polycarbonate (refractive index 1.59) or PMMA (refractive index 1.49), the light emitted from the light source 3-2 and reflected by the prism 11 does not go toward the observer. In order to direct the reflected light to a direction outside the predetermined angle range, the rotation angle θ should be within the range of 25 ° to 90 ° and the inclination angle α should be within the range of 25 ° to 55 °. Each prism 11 is preferably formed.

Further, it is assumed that the predetermined angle range based on the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2 is within 45 ° from the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2. In this case, when the light guide plate 2 is made of polycarbonate or PMMA, the rotation angle θ is 35 in order to direct the light emitted from the light source 3-2 and reflected by the prism 11 in a direction outside the predetermined angle range. It is preferable that each prism 11 is formed so as to be within the range of ° to 90 ° and the inclination angle α to be within the range of 25 ° to 55 °.

Further, it is assumed that a predetermined angle range based on the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2 is within 60 ° from the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2. In this case, when the light guide plate 2 is made of polycarbonate or PMMA, the rotation angle θ is 40 in order to direct the light emitted from the light source 3-2 and reflected by the prism 11 in a direction outside the predetermined angle range. It is preferable that each prism 11 is formed so as to be within the range of ° to 90 ° and the inclination angle α to be within the range of 25 ° to 55 °.

The rotation angle and inclination angle of each diffusion surface of each prism 11 in the pattern 22 may be set in the same manner.

As described above, in this display device, a plurality of prisms are arranged along each of the plurality of patterns displayed on the light guide plate. Each prism is formed in a triangular pyramid shape, and one of the three slopes reflects the light emitted from the corresponding light source and propagating in the light guide plate toward the observer located on the front side of the light guide plate. Formed as a reflective surface, the remaining two slopes reflect light from other light sources in a direction different from the direction in which the observer is located. Therefore, this display device can reduce the visibility of patterns other than the pattern to be displayed, which correspond to the light source that emits light, among the plurality of patterns. In particular, this display device can reduce the visibility of patterns other than the pattern to be displayed even if a plurality of patterns are closely arranged or arranged so as to overlap each other.

According to the modified example, the collimator lens may be omitted.
FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the light guide plate 2 according to this modification. In this modification, the light source 3-1 and the light source 3-2 each have one light emitting element. Then, the light emitted from the light source 3-1 is incident on the light guide plate 2 via the incident surface 2a-1. The incident light spreads in a direction parallel to the incident surface 2a-1 as it propagates in the light guide plate 2. Similarly, the light emitted from the light source 3-2 is incident on the light guide plate 2 via the incident surface 2a-2. The incident light spreads in a direction parallel to the incident surface 2a-2 as it propagates in the light guide plate 2.

In this modification, each prism 11 forming the pattern 21 is centered on the light source 3-1 so that the reflection surface 11a faces the light source 3-1, that is, on a surface parallel to the diffusion surface 2b of the light guide plate 2. It is preferable that the reflecting surface 11a is formed so as to be positioned along the arc. As a result, each prism 11 emits light emitted from the light source 3-1 and incident on the light guide plate 2 regardless of the position in the pattern 21 so that the light emitted into the light guide plate 2 is directed to the normal direction of the emission surface 2c on the front side of the light guide plate 2. It can be reflected toward an observer located within a predetermined angle range as a reference. On the other hand, the light emitted from the light source 3-2 and incident on the light guide plate 2 is reflected by the diffusion surface 11b or 11c of each prism 11, and is reflected in a direction different from the direction in which the observer is located, that is, on the emission surface 2c. It is directed in a direction outside the predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction.

The prisms 11 forming the pattern 22 may be arranged in the same manner as the prisms 11 forming the pattern 21. That is, each prism 11 forming the pattern 22 has an arc centered on the light source 3-2 so that the reflection surface 11a faces the light source 3-2, that is, on a surface parallel to the diffusion surface 2b of the light guide plate 2. It is preferable that the reflecting surface 11a is formed so as to be located along the above.

Further, according to another modification, two adjacent side surfaces of the light guide plate may be formed as incident surfaces, respectively. Then, for each of the two incident surfaces, a light source may be provided so as to face the incident surface.

Further, the number of incident surfaces and the number of light sources provided on the light guide plate are not limited to two.
FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the display device 51 according to this modification. Note that in FIG. 6, the storage unit and the control unit are not shown. The display device 51 according to this modification is a device for the structure of the light guide plate and the number and arrangement of the light source and the collimating lens as compared with the display device 1 according to the above embodiment. Therefore, the light guide plate, the light source, and the collimating lens will be described below.

In this modification, each side surface of the light guide plate 2 of the display device 51 is formed as an incident surface 2a-1 to 2a-4, respectively. The display device 51 also has four light sources 3-1 to 3-4 and four collimating lenses 4-1 to 4-4. The light source 3-1 is arranged so as to face the incident surface 2a-1. The light emitted from the light source 3-1 is collimated by the collimated lens 4-1 arranged between the light source 3-1 and the incident surface 2a-1, and then from the incident surface 2a-1 into the light guide plate 2. Incident.

Similarly, the light source 3-2 is arranged so as to face the incident surface 2a-2 formed on the opposite side of the incident surface 2a-1. The light emitted from the light source 3-2 is collimated by the collimated lens 4-2 arranged between the light source 3-2 and the incident surface 2a-2, and then from the incident surface 2a-2 into the light guide plate 2. Incident. Further, the light source 3-3 is arranged so as to face the incident surface 2a-3 formed on the side surface adjacent to the incident surface 2a-1 and the incident surface 2a-2. The light emitted from the light source 3-3 is collimated by the collimated lens 4-3 arranged between the light source 3-3 and the incident surface 2a-3, and then from the incident surface 2a-3 into the light guide plate 2. Incident. Further, the light source 3-4 is arranged so as to face the incident surface 2a-4 formed on the opposite side of the incident surface 2a-3. The light emitted from the light source 3-4 is collimated by the collimated lens 4-4 arranged between the light source 3-4 and the incident surface 2a-4, and then from the incident surface 2a-4 into the light guide plate 2. Incident.

In this modification, four patterns 21 to 24 are formed on the light guide plate 2. Then, in each pattern, a plurality of prisms 11 are arranged in the pattern. In FIG. 6, for simplification, only one prism 11 is shown for each pattern. Each prism 11 is formed in a triangular pyramid shape as in the above embodiment. The pattern 21 corresponds to the light source 3-1 and each prism 11 arranged in the pattern 21 is formed so that its reflection surface 11a faces the light source 3-1. Similarly, the pattern 22 corresponds to the light source 3-2, and each prism 11 arranged in the pattern 22 is formed so that its reflection surface 11a faces the light source 3-2. Further, the pattern 23 corresponds to the light source 3-3, and each prism 11 arranged in the pattern 23 is formed so that its reflection surface 11a faces the light source 3-3. The pattern 24 corresponds to the light source 3-4, and each prism 11 arranged in the pattern 24 is formed so that its reflection surface 11a faces the light source 3-4.

Therefore, when the light source 3-1 is turned on, the light emitted from the light source 3-1 and incident on the light guide plate 2 is reflected by the reflection surface 11a of each prism 11 arranged in the pattern 21 and is reflected by the light guide plate. It emits light from the exit surface 2c of 2. On the other hand, each prism 11 of the patterns 22 to 24 directs the light emitted from the light source 3-1 on the diffusion surface 11b or 11c to a direction outside a predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the emission surface 2c. Reflect to point. Therefore, when the light source 3-1 is turned on, the pattern 21 becomes visible to the observer located on the front side of the light guide plate 2. On the other hand, patterns 22 to 24 are not visible to the observer.

Similarly, when the light source 3-2 is turned on, the light emitted from the light source 3-2 and incident on the light guide plate 2 is reflected and guided by the reflecting surface 11a of each prism 11 arranged in the pattern 22. It emits light from the exit surface 2c of the light plate 2. On the other hand, each prism 11 of the patterns 21, 23 and 24 emits light emitted from the light source 3-2 on the diffusion surface 11b or 11c outside the predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the emission surface 2c. Reflects in the direction. Therefore, when the light source 3-2 is turned on, only the pattern 22 out of the patterns 21 to 24 can be visually recognized from the observer located on the front side of the light guide plate 2.

Further, when the light source 3-3 is turned on, the light emitted from the light source 3-3 and incident on the light guide plate 2 is reflected by the reflection surface 11a of each prism 11 arranged in the pattern 23 and is reflected by the light guide plate. It emits light from the exit surface 2c of 2. On the other hand, each prism 11 of the patterns 21, 22 and 24 emits light emitted from the light source 3-3 on the diffusion surface 11b or 11c outside the predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the emission surface 2c. Reflects in the direction. Therefore, when the light source 3-3 is turned on, only the pattern 23 out of the patterns 21 to 24 can be visually recognized from the observer located on the front side of the light guide plate 2.

Further, when the light source 3-4 is turned on, the light emitted from the light source 3-4 and incident on the light guide plate 2 is reflected by the reflection surface 11a of each prism 11 arranged in the pattern 24 and is reflected by the light guide plate. It emits light from the exit surface 2c of 2. On the other hand, each prism 11 of the patterns 21 to 23 directs the light emitted from the light source 3-4 on the diffusion surface 11b or 11c to a direction outside a predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the emission surface 2c. Reflect to point. Therefore, when the light source 3-4 is turned on, only the pattern 24 out of the patterns 21 to 24 can be visually recognized from the observer located on the front side of the light guide plate 2.

In addition, also in this modification, in order to display two or more patterns of patterns 21 to 24 at the same time, the control unit 6 corresponds to the pattern to be displayed among the light sources 3-1 to 3-4. The above light sources may be turned on at the same time.

In this modification, for example, it is assumed that a predetermined angle range based on the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2 is within 30 ° from the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2. In this case, when the light guide plate 2 is made of polycarbonate (refractive index 1.59) or PMMA (refractive index 1.49), light emitted from a light source other than the corresponding light source and reflected by the diffusion surface 11b or 11c of each prism 11. In order to direct the reflected light to a direction outside the predetermined angle range so that the light does not face the observer, the rotation angles θ of the diffusion surfaces 11b and 11c are within the range of 25 ° to 65 °, and the diffusion surface is in the range of 25 ° to 65 °. It is preferable that each prism 11 is formed so that the inclination angles α of 11b and 11c are in the range of 25 ° to 55 °.

Further, it is assumed that the predetermined angle range based on the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2 is within 45 ° from the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2. In this case, when the light guide plate 2 is made of polycarbonate or PMMA, the light emitted from a light source other than the corresponding light source and reflected by the diffusion surface 11b or 11c of each prism 11 is directed to a direction outside the predetermined angle range. Therefore, it is preferable that each prism 11 is formed so that the rotation angle θ is in the range of 35 ° to 55 ° and the inclination angle α is in the range of 25 ° to 55 °.

Further, it is assumed that a predetermined angle range based on the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2 is within 60 ° from the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2. In this case, when the light guide plate 2 is made of polycarbonate or PMMA, the light emitted from a light source other than the corresponding light source and reflected by the diffusion surface 11b or 11c of each prism 11 is directed to a direction outside the predetermined angle range. Therefore, it is preferable that each prism 11 is formed so that the rotation angle θ is within the range of 40 ° to 50 ° and the inclination angle α is within the range of 25 ° to 55 °.

Similar to the display device according to the above embodiment, the display device according to this modification can also reduce the visibility of patterns other than the pattern corresponding to the light source that emits light among the plurality of patterns.

For prisms placed in a region where two patterns corresponding to light from two directions, which are incident from two incident surfaces orthogonal to each other, overlap, the slopes facing the two directions are reflected respectively. It may be formed so as to be a surface. Similarly, for prisms arranged in a region where four patterns corresponding to light from four directions overlap, they are formed in a quadrangular pyramid shape, and each slope is formed as a reflecting surface. May be good.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the prism according to this modification. In this example, similarly to the display device 51 shown in FIG. 6, each side surface of the light guide plate 2 is formed as an incident surface 2a-1 to 2a-4, respectively. The four light sources 3-1 to 3-4 are arranged so as to face the incident surfaces 2a-1 to 2a-4 via the collimating lenses 4-1 to 4-4, respectively.

The prism arranged in the region where the pattern 21 and the pattern 23 overlap is emitted from the light source 3-1 corresponding to the pattern 21 and incident on the light guide plate 2 and from the light source 3-3 corresponding to the pattern 23. It is preferable that each of the light incident on the light guide plate 2 is reflected toward the observer located within a predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the exit surface 2c on the front side of the light guide plate 2. Therefore, in the region where the pattern 21 and the pattern 23 overlap, the prism 11 formed so that the light source 3-1 and the reflecting surface 11a face each other, and the light source 3-3 and the reflecting surface 11a are formed so as to face each other. Instead of the prism 11, a prism 12 formed in a triangular pyramid shape and two of the three slopes are formed as reflecting surfaces 12a and 12b may be used. In this example, the reflecting surface 12a of the prism 12 is formed so as to face the light source 3-1 and the reflecting surface 12b is formed so as to face the light source 3-3. Therefore, on the diffusion surface 2b of the light guide plate 2, the reflection surface 12a and the reflection surface 12b are orthogonal to each other. Further, the remaining one of the three slopes of the prism 12 is a diffusion surface 12c, which is oblique to each of the light propagation direction from the light source 3-2 and the light propagation direction from the light source 3-4. It is formed to face. As a result, the prism 12 reflects the light emitted from the light source 3-1 and incident on the light guide plate 2 toward the observer located on the front side of the light guide plate 2 by the reflecting surface 12a, and the light source 3- The light emitted from 3 and incident on the light guide plate 2 is reflected by the reflecting surface 12b toward the observer located on the front side of the light guide plate 2. On the other hand, the light emitted from the light source 3-2 or the light source 3-4 and incident on the light guide plate 2 is directed by the diffusion surface 12c to a direction outside the predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the emission surface 2c. Be reflected.

Further, the prism arranged in the region where all of the patterns 21 to 24 overlaps emits the light emitted from the light source corresponding to each of the patterns 21 to 24 and incident on the light guide plate 2 on the front side of the light guide plate 2. It is preferable to reflect toward an observer located within a predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of 2c. Therefore, in the region where all of the patterns 21 to 24 overlap, instead of the four prisms 11 formed so that each of the light sources 3-1 to 3-4 and the reflecting surface 11a face each other, they are formed in a quadrangular pyramid shape. A prism 13 may be used in which each of the four slopes is formed as a reflecting surface 13a to 13d. The prism 13 is formed so that each of the reflecting surfaces 13a to 13d faces the light sources 3-1 to 3-4. Therefore, the light emitted from each of the light sources 3-1 to 3-4 and incident on the light guide plate 2 is reflected by the prism 13 and heads toward the observer located on the front side of the light guide plate 2.

According to this modification, the display device can reduce the number of prisms arranged in the region where the plurality of patterns overlap. Therefore, the light guide plate can be easily processed. Further, in the region where a plurality of patterns overlap, the decrease in the number of prisms can suppress the decrease in the density of the reflecting surface of the prisms per the light source, so that the brightness of the region where the plurality of patterns overlap decreases. Can be suppressed.

Further, when a plurality of patterns are formed on the light guide plate as in the above embodiment or a modification, the prism forming any of the patterns diffuses the light from a light source other than the light source corresponding to the pattern. When reflected by the light source, the reflected light may become stray light and propagate in the light guide plate. In such a case, the stray light may be reflected by another prism and emitted toward the observer.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which stray light reflected by a prism is reflected by another prism and emitted toward an observer. In this example, as shown by arrow 801 the diffuse surface of the prism 11-1 forming the pattern displayed by the light source 3-1 reflects the light emitted from the light source 3-2 and incident on the light guide plate 2. It becomes a stray light. Then, the stray light propagates in the light guide plate 2 and is reflected again by the diffusion surface of the prism 11-2 forming the pattern displayed by the light source 3-3, and is directed from the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2 toward the observer side. And emit.

In order to suppress the occurrence of such stray light, it is preferable that the light reflected by the diffusion surface of the prism does not propagate in the light guide plate 2 as much as possible and is immediately emitted from the light guide plate 2. Therefore, for example, a prism farther from the corresponding light source, that is, a prism closer to the light source arranged on the opposite side of the corresponding light source, is formed so that the inclination angle α is larger or the rotation angle θ is smaller. Is preferable. For example, in the pattern displayed by the light source 3-1 as shown by the prisms 11-3 and 11-4, the closer the prism is to the light source 3-2 (that is, the incident surface 2a-2), the larger the inclination angle α is. Alternatively, it is preferably formed so that the rotation angle θ becomes small.

The larger the tilt angle α (however, within the range of the tilt angle in which the light reflected by the diffusion surface of the prism goes out of the predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the exit surface 2c), the prism. The angle formed by the light reflected by the diffusing surface and the emitting surface 2c becomes large, and the reflected light is not totally reflected by the emitting surface 2c. Therefore, it is suppressed that the light reflected by the diffusion surface of the prism becomes stray light. Further, as the rotation angle θ is smaller, the light reflected by the diffusion surface of the prism is reflected in a direction closer to the incident surface on which the reflected light is incident. Therefore, the rotation angle θ becomes smaller as the prism is closer to the light source arranged on the opposite side of the corresponding light source, so that the light reflected by the diffusion surface of the prism does not go toward the center side of the light guide plate 2.

Further, a part of the light that is incident on the light guide plate from any of the incident surfaces and is not reflected by the prism may be reflected on the incident surface of the light guide plate on the opposite side of the incident surface. In such a case, the reflected light may be reflected by a prism forming a pattern displayed by light from another light source incident from the incident surface opposite to the incident surface, and head toward the observer. be.

FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example in which the light reflected by the incident surface provided on the side opposite to the incident surface is reflected by the prism and emitted toward the observer. In this example, as shown by arrow 901, a part of the light emitted from the light source 3-3 and incident on the light guide plate 2 from the incident surface 2a-3 is provided on the opposite side of the incident surface 2a-3. It is reflected by the surfaces 2a-4. Then, the reflected light is reflected by the prism 11-5 of the pattern displayed by the light source 3-4 arranged so as to face the incident surface 2a-4, and the reflected light is directed from the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2 toward the observer side. And emit.

FIG. 9B is a schematic front view of a modified example of the display device shown in FIG. 6 for suppressing such reflected light from emitting the light guide plate toward the observer. In FIG. 9B, the storage unit and the control unit are not shown. According to this modification, each of the collimating lenses 4-1 to 4-4 is arranged so that its optical axis OA is tilted with respect to the normal direction of the corresponding incident surface. It is preferable that the two collimating lenses facing each other with the light guide plate 2 interposed therebetween are tilted in the same direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the corresponding incident surfaces. Further, each light emitting element of the light sources 3-1 to 3-4 is arranged on the optical axis OA of the corresponding collimating lens. Further, each prism 11 is also arranged so that the reflection surface 11a of the prism 11 is orthogonal to the optical axis OA on a surface parallel to the diffusion surface 2b of the light guide plate 2 so as to face the corresponding light source.

Therefore, the light emitted from each light source and parallelized by the corresponding collimated lens is incident along the direction parallel to the optical axis OA, that is, at an angle to the incident surface. For example, as shown by arrow 911, the light emitted from the light source 3-1 is made parallel by the collimated lens 4-1 and then obliquely incident on the incident surface 2a-1. Therefore, even if the incident light is reflected by the incident surface 2a-2 on the opposite side of the incident surface 2a-1, the optical axis OA and the incident surface 2a-1 with respect to the normal direction of the incident surface 2a-2. Head in a direction that is tilted by the same angle as the angle that the light makes. Then, the reflected light has an angle formed by the normal direction and the reflected light with respect to the reflecting surface of the prism 11-6 of the pattern displayed by the light source 3-2, and the optical axis OA and the incident surface 2a-1 are at an angle. It is incident so that it is twice the angle of formation. Therefore, the reflected light is emitted in a direction outside the predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2, and is not visible to the observer.

10 (a) and 10 (b) are schematic front views of the light guide plate according to still another modification. In the modified example shown in FIG. 10A, an absorption layer coated with a material that absorbs light is formed on the incident surface 2a-1 of the light guide plate 2 in a range 1001 in which the light from the light source 3-1 is not incident. Will be done. Similarly, on the incident surface 2a-2 of the light guide plate 2, an absorption layer coated with a material that absorbs light is formed in a range 1002 where the light from the light source 3-2 is not incident. These absorption layers are an example of a layer that suppresses reflection of light propagating in the light guide plate 2. Therefore, the light emitted from the light source 3-1 and propagating in the light guide plate 2 and reaching the range 1002 of the incident surface 2a-2 is absorbed by the absorption layer. Similarly, the light emitted from the light source 3-2, propagating in the light guide plate 2, and reaching the range 1001 of the incident surface 2a-1 is absorbed by the absorption layer. Therefore, it is suppressed that the light from the light source is reflected by the incident surface opposite to the incident surface incident on the light guide plate 2 and then reflected by any prism toward the observer.

In addition, in the range 1001 of the incident surface 2a-1 and the range 1002 of the incident surface 2a-2, an antireflection coat layer may be formed instead of applying a material that absorbs light. These antireflection coat layers are another example of a layer that suppresses reflection of light propagating in the light guide plate 2. In this case as well, the light propagating in the light guide plate 2 that has reached the antireflection coat layer is not reflected and is emitted to the outside of the light guide plate 2, so that the same effect can be obtained.

In the modified example shown in FIG. 10B, of the incident surface 2a-1 of the light guide plate 2, the range 1001 in which the light from the light source 3-1 is not incident is directed toward the exit surface 2c side or the diffusion surface 2b side. It is formed in a tapered shape. Similarly, of the incident surface 2a-2 of the light guide plate 2, the range 1002 in which the light from the light source 3-2 is not incident is formed in a tapered shape toward the exit surface 2c side or the diffusion surface 2b side. Therefore, the light emitted from the light source 3-1 and propagating in the light guide plate 2 and reaching the range 1002 of the incident surface 2a-2 is reflected by the incident surface 2a-2 and then on the back side or the front surface of the light guide plate 2. It emits toward the side. Similarly, the light emitted from the light source 3-2 and propagating in the light guide plate 2 and reaching the range 1001 of the incident surface 2a-1 is reflected by the incident surface 2a-1 and then on the back side of the light guide plate 2. It emits toward the front side. Therefore, it is suppressed that the light from the light source is reflected by the incident surface opposite to the incident surface incident on the light guide plate 2 and then reflected by any prism toward the observer.

FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a prism formed on the light guide plate according to still another modification. The prism 14 according to this modification is different from the prism 11 according to the above embodiment in that the reflecting surface 14a of the prism 14 is formed into a curved surface having a convex surface. As a result, the reflection direction changes depending on the position where the light emitted from the light source and propagating in the light guide plate is incident on the reflection surface 14a, so that the range in which the observer can visually recognize the light emitted from the light guide plate 2 is widened. Therefore, the viewing angle at which the pattern corresponding to the lit light source can be visually recognized becomes wide.
Further, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 5, the collimating lens is omitted, and even when each light source has one light emitting element, the reflecting surface 14a is prevented from appearing to shine in a dot shape.

FIG. 12A is a schematic front view of the prism formed on the light guide plate according to still another modification, and FIG. 12B is a schematic side view of the prism according to this modification. In this modification, the prism 15 is formed as a triangular columnar groove on the diffusion surface 2b of the light guide plate. Then, one of the two slopes of the prism 15 is formed as a reflecting surface 15a that reflects the light from the corresponding light source toward a direction outside a predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the exit surface, and is formed as a reflecting surface 15a of the two slopes. The other is formed as a diffusion surface 15b that reflects light from another light source in a direction different from the direction in which the observer is located. In this modification, the prism 15 is formed so that the inclination angle of the diffusion surface 15b is smaller than the inclination angle of the reflection surface 15a. Therefore, the angle formed by the direction of the light reflected by the diffusing surface 15b and the normal direction of the light emitting surface 2c of the light guide plate 2 is the direction of the light reflected by the reflecting surface 15a and the light emitting surface 2c of the light guide plate 2. It is larger than the angle formed by the normal direction of. Therefore, the light reflected by the diffusion surface 15b is not visible to the observer located on the front side of the light guide plate 2, or is totally reflected by the exit surface 2c of the light guide plate 2 and is not emitted from the light guide plate 2. ..
Therefore, even when the prism according to this modification is used, the display device can reduce the visibility of a pattern other than the pattern corresponding to the light source that emits light among the plurality of patterns.

According to still another modification, the size of the reflective surface of each prism may be changed locally in order to change the brightness of the pattern for each region and display the pattern having gradation. For example, each prism may be formed so that the brighter the prism is arranged in the pattern, the larger the reflecting surface becomes.

Alternatively, the arrangement density of the prisms may be changed locally in order to display a pattern having gradation. For example, each prism may be arranged so that the brighter the portion of the pattern, the higher the arrangement density of the prisms in that portion.

FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of the display device according to still another modification. Note that in FIG. 13, the storage unit and the control unit are not shown. In this modification, the display device 61 includes incident surfaces 2a-1 to 2a-3 formed on each of the three side surfaces of the light guide plate 2 and collimating lenses 4-1 to 4-3. It has three light sources 3-1 to 3-3 arranged so as to sandwich and face each other. Then, the light emitted from the light sources 3-1 to 3-3 is collimated by the collimated lenses 4-1 to 4-3, and then passed through the incident surfaces 2a-1 to 2a-3 in the light guide plate 2. Incident on.

In this modification, the colors of the light emitted by the light sources 3-1 to 3-3 are different from each other. For example, the light source 3-1 emits red light, the light source 3-2 emits blue light, and the light source 3-3 emits green light. Then, for example, the control unit 6 turns on all the light sources 3-1 to 3-3 at the same time. The area for displaying the pattern of the light guide plate 2 is divided into a plurality of blocks 30-1 to 30-n (n is an integer of 2 or more). In the illustrated example, each block is rectangular, but the shape of each block is not limited to a rectangle, and can be any shape such as a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a circle, or a fan. Further, the shapes and sizes of the individual blocks may be the same, or may be different from each other.

Each of the blocks 30-1 to 30-n can be regarded as one pixel that constitutes a pattern and is an adjustment unit of the emission color, and one of the light sources 3-1 to 3-3 is contained in each block. A plurality of prisms 11 arranged so that the reflecting surfaces face each other with respect to one or more are arranged. Then, the arrangement density of the prism having the reflecting surface facing each light source or the size of the reflecting surface is adjusted according to the emission color of each block. For example, it is assumed that the emission color of block 30-1 is an emission color (for example, pink or orange) having a relatively large amount of red component and a relatively small amount of blue component and green component. In this case, among the plurality of prisms 11 arranged in the block 30-1, the number of prisms arranged so that the reflecting surface faces the light source 3-1 is relatively large, or the reflecting surface of the prism is growing. On the other hand, the number of prisms arranged so that the reflecting surface faces the light source 3-2 or the light source 3-3 is relatively small, or the reflecting surface of the prism becomes small. Further, it is assumed that the emission color of the block 30-2 is an emission color (for example, purple) having a relatively large amount of blue component and a relatively small amount of red component and green component. In this case, among the plurality of prisms 11 arranged in the block 30-2, the number of prisms arranged so that the reflecting surface faces the light source 3-2 is relatively large, or the reflecting surface of the prism is growing. On the other hand, the number of prisms arranged so that the reflecting surface faces the light source 3-1 or the light source 3-3 is relatively small, or the reflecting surface of the prism becomes small.

Further, it is assumed that the emission color of the block 30-3 is white and the brightness of the block 30-3 is darker than that of the blocks 30-1 and the block 30-2. In this case, in blocks 30-3, for each of the light sources 3-1 to 3, the number of prisms arranged so that the reflecting surfaces face the light source or the size of the reflecting surfaces of the prisms is equal to each other. However, the number of prisms 11 arranged in the block 30-3 is smaller than that of the blocks 30-1 and the block 30-2, or the reflecting surface of each prism 11 arranged in the block 30-3. The size of is small.

According to this modification, the display device 61 can change the emission color for each block, so that a full-color pattern can be displayed.

According to yet another modification, the angle formed by the direction facing the light source and the reflecting surface is randomly changed for each prism within a predetermined angle range in order to express a so-called glittering feeling in the displayed pattern. Each prism may be arranged as such. At that time, the prism may be rotated together with the prism, or the prism may be formed so as to rotate only the reflecting surface. The predetermined angle range may be set according to the angle range in which the observer can see the pattern with reference to the normal direction of the exit surface of the light guide plate. For example, about ± 5 ° to ± 10 °. It may be set to.

FIG. 14 is a schematic front view of the display device 71 according to still another modification. Note that in FIG. 14, the storage unit and the control unit are not shown. The display device 71 according to this modification and the display device 1 shown in FIG. 1 differ in the shape of the light guide plate. In the display device 71, one of the side surfaces of the light guide plate 2 is formed as an incident surface 2a. Then, three light sources 3-1 to 3-3 are arranged side by side in a row along the longitudinal direction of the incident surface 2a. Further, the collimating lens 4 is arranged between the light sources 3-1 to 3-3 and the incident surface 2a. Therefore, the light emitted from each of the light sources 3-1 to 3-3 is collimated by the collimated lens 4, and the parallelized light is incident on the light guide plate 2 via the incident surface 2a.

Further, in this modification, the light guide plate 2 is formed in a trapezoidal shape, and the incident surface 2a is formed on a side surface corresponding to the bottom surface of the trapezoidal shape. Further, the two side surfaces 2d and 2e of the light guide plate 2 adjacent to the incident surface 2a, which correspond to the trapezoidal slope, are formed as reflective surfaces, respectively. Then, the reflecting surface 2d totally reflects the light from the light source 3-1 propagating in the light guide plate 2 and changes the propagating direction of the light. For example, if the angle formed by the incident surface 2a and the reflecting surface 2d is 45 °, the light from the light source 3-1 totally reflected by the reflecting surface 2d propagates in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the incident surface 2a. do. Therefore, each prism 11 forming the pattern displayed by the light source 3-1 may be formed so that the reflecting surface faces the reflecting surface 2d side.

Similarly, the reflecting surface 2e totally reflects the light from the light source 3-3 propagating in the light guide plate 2 and changes the propagating direction of the light. For example, if the angle formed by the incident surface 2a and the reflecting surface 2e is 45 °, the light from the light source 3-3 totally reflected by the reflecting surface 2e propagates in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the incident surface 2a. do. Therefore, each prism 11 forming the pattern displayed by the light source 3-3 may be formed so that the reflecting surface faces the reflecting surface 2e side.

Therefore, even if the patterns corresponding to the light sources 3-1 to 3-3 overlap each other, the display device 71 displays the pattern corresponding to the light source to be lit by switching the light source to be lit by the control unit 6. be able to. Further, according to this modification, even if the space for arranging the light source can be secured only on one side surface side of the light guide plate, the display device can switch the display of a plurality of patterns and the pattern not to be displayed. Visibility can be reduced.

In the display device according to the above embodiment or modification, a mirror that parallelizes the light emitted from the light source may be used instead of the collimating lens. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of such a mirror.

The mirror 41 is formed, for example, in a parabolic shape, and a light source 3-i (i = 1, 2, ...) Is arranged at the focal point of the mirror 41. As a result, the light emitted from the light source 3-i is reflected by the mirror 41 to become parallel light, and is incident on the light guide plate 2 from the incident surface 2-i of the light guide plate 2.
According to this modification, the mirror 41 can reduce the aberration superimposed on the light that is collimated as compared with the collimated lens, so that the light that is collimated and incident on the light guide plate 2 is incident surface 2. It is possible to further suppress the spread along the longitudinal direction of −i.

The display device according to the above embodiment or modification is mounted on a gaming machine such as a ball gaming machine or a rotating body gaming machine.
FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of the ball gaming machine as viewed from the player side, which has a display device according to the above embodiment or a modification. As shown in FIG. 16, the ball game machine 100 is provided in most of the area from the upper part to the central part, and is a game board 101 which is a game machine main body and a ball receiving portion arranged below the game board 101. It has a 102, an operation unit 103 provided with a handle, a liquid crystal display 104 provided substantially in the center of the game board 101, and a display device 105 arranged in front of the liquid crystal display 104.

Further, the ball game machine 100 has an accessory 106 arranged below the game board 101 or around the display device 105 in front of the game board 101 for the purpose of producing a game. Further, a rail 107 is arranged on the side of the game board 101. Further, a large number of obstacle nails (not shown) and at least one winning device 108 are provided on the game board 101.

The operation unit 103 launches a game ball with a predetermined force from a launching device (not shown) according to the amount of rotation of the handle operated by the player. The launched game ball moves upward along the rail 107 and falls between a large number of obstacle nails. When it is detected by a sensor (not shown) that the game ball has entered any of the winning devices 108, the main control circuit (not shown) provided on the back surface of the game board 101 is connected to the winning device 108 containing the game ball. A predetermined number of game balls according to the above are paid out to the ball receiving portion 102 via a ball payout device (not shown). Further, the main control circuit drives the liquid crystal display 104 and the display device 105 via an effect CPU (not shown) provided on the back surface of the game board 101. Then, the effect CPU transmits a control signal including lighting control information according to the state of the game to the display device 105.

The display device 105 is an example of a display device according to the above embodiment or a modification, and is attached to the game board 101 so that the exit surface of the light guide plate faces the player. Then, the control unit of the display device 105 sequentially changes the light source to be turned on according to the lighting control information included in the control signal from the effect CPU, so that the player can turn on the light source together with the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 104. Make it possible to visually recognize a pattern that changes dynamically according to. Alternatively, the control unit may turn off all the light sources so that the player can observe only the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 104 via the light guide plate.

As described above, a person skilled in the art can make various changes within the scope of the present invention according to the embodiment.

1, 51, 61, 71 Display device 2 Light guide plate 2a, 2a-1 to 2a-4 Incident surface 2b Diffusion surface 2c Emission surface 2d, 2e Reflection surface 3-1 to 3-4 Light source 11, 11-1 to 11- 6, 12 to 15 Prism 11a, 12a, 12b, 13a to 13d, 14a, 15a Reflective surface 11b, 11c, 12c, 14b, 15b Diffusion surface 21 to 24 pattern 30-1 to 30-n block 4, 4-1 to 1 4-4 Collimating lens 5 Storage unit 6 Control unit 100 Bullet game machine 101 Game board 102 Ball receiving unit 103 Operation unit 104 Liquid crystal display 105 Display device 106 Characters 107 Rail 108 Winning device

Claims (5)

The main body of the game machine and
A display device provided on the surface of the gaming machine main body facing the player, and
It has a control circuit that outputs control information according to the state of the game to the display device.
The display device is
A light guide plate formed of a transparent member, capable of displaying a plurality of patterns, and having at least one incident surface.
A plurality of light sources arranged so as to face any of the at least one incident surfaces,
A control unit that controls turning on and off of the plurality of light sources according to the control information,
Have,
The light guide plate
Each of the plurality of patterns is arranged along the pattern on one surface of the light guide plate, and among the plurality of light sources, the light source corresponding to the pattern emits light from the incident surface into the light guide plate. It has a plurality of prisms that reflect incident light toward a direction within a predetermined angle range with respect to the normal direction of the other surface of the light guide plate.
Each of the plurality of prisms is formed as a triangular pyramid-shaped groove on one surface of the light guide plate, and one slope of the triangular pyramid-shaped groove is arranged with the prisms of the plurality of patterns. The other slope of the triangular prismatic groove is formed as a reflecting surface that reflects the light emitted from the light source corresponding to the pattern and incident on the light guide plate in the direction within the predetermined angle range. As a diffusion surface that reflects light emitted from a light source different from the light source corresponding to the pattern in which the prisms are arranged among the plurality of patterns and incident on the light guide plate toward the outside of the predetermined angle range. Formed,
The at least one incident surface of the light guide plate is formed on a first incident surface formed on one side surface of the light guide plate and a side surface of the light guide plate opposite to the first incident surface. It has two incident surfaces and
The plurality of light sources include a first light source arranged to face the first incident surface and a second light source arranged to face the second incident surface.
The plurality of patterns have a first pattern displayed when the first light source is turned on and a second pattern displayed when the second light source is turned on.
Among the plurality of prisms, each prism arranged along the first pattern has an angle formed by the diffusion surface and the one surface of the light guide plate at a position separated from the first light source. A gaming machine that is formed so that it becomes larger as the prisms are placed. Among the plurality of prisms, each prism arranged along the first pattern has the first angle formed by the diffusion surface and the second incident surface on the one surface of the light guide plate. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the prism is formed so as to be smaller as the prism is arranged at a position farther from the light source of 1. Before Stories light from the first light source of the first incident plane suppressing layer reflection of light propagating through the light guide plate in an area that does not transmit is formed, the gaming machine according to claim 1 .. Area where no light transmitted from the first light source of the previous SL first incident surface is formed in a tapered shape with respect to the one surface or the other surface of the light guide plate, to claim 1 The described gaming machine. Prior Symbol display device, the parallel light into, in the longitudinal direction of the light emitted from the first light source at least the first entrance surface between said first light source the first incident surface 1 With a collimator lens of
The first collimator lens is arranged so that the optical axis of the first collimator lens faces an oblique direction with respect to the normal direction of the first incident surface, and the first light source is the first light source. It has a light emitting element arranged on the optical axis of the collimator lens of 1.
The gaming machine according to claim 1.

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