Patent Publication Number: US-2023135839-A1

Title: Mask

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-177825 filed on Oct. 29, 2021. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-177825 is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to a mask worn on the front of a user&#39;s face so as to cover at least the nostrils and mouth. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     In recent years, stylish masks have been used that prevent the entry of viruses and pollen, are easy to breathe through, do not become stained with lipstick or the like, do not leave rubber marks on the cheeks, and also serve to retain heat. 
     For example, Patent Literature  1  discloses a fashionable mask whose front material is made of lace or of colored or patterned fabric. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     Patent Literature 1: JP-A 2006-167040 
     SUMMARY 
     Problem to be Solved by the Invention 
     However, the following problems are encountered with the conventional mask mentioned above. 
     Although the mask disclosed in the above publication is fashionable because it includes lace or a colored or a patterned fabric, when a mask printed with colors or patterns ends up having just a single design, which is not as much fun. 
     For example, when players of e-Sports games wear masks to prevent infectiou s diseases, they want a mask that is more fun to wear, as part of how they appear in th e game. 
     It is an object of the present invention is to provide a mask that is more fun to wear. 
     Means for Solving Problem 
     The mask according to the first invention is a mask that is worn so as to cover at least the mouth and nostrils of the user&#39;s face, the mask comprising a main body portion, fixing members, a display panel, a light source, and a display control unit. The main body portion is disposed at a shield position covering the mouth and nostrils of the user. The fixing members fix the main body portion to the face so that the main body portion is held at the shield position. The display panel is provided to the main body portion at a position opposite the front of the user&#39;s face and performs a desired display with light emitted in a specific direction. The light source unit irradiates the display panel with light in the specific direction. The display control unit controls the light source unit so as to perform a desired display on the display panel. 
     Here, a display panel whose display is controlled by the display control unit is attached to the main body portion of the mask, which is worn so as to cover at least the mouth and nostrils of the user&#39;s face. 
     Here, the main body portion is formed of a resin or other such material, for example, and the display panel is attached on the user&#39;s face side or on the opposite side. 
     The fixing members include, for example, stretchable rubber that is provided on both sides of the main body portion and hooked over the user&#39;s ears, a string or cloth that is tied at the back of the user&#39;s head, a stretchable cylindrical material, or the like. 
     The display panel includes, for example, a light guide plate or the like that displays a specific pattern or the like with light that is incident from a specific direction. 
     The light source unit includes, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) that emits light toward the end surface of the display panel. 
     Consequently, the display panel attached to the main body portion of the mask can display patterns, letters, and the like by lighting them with the light emitted from the light source, and this makes the mask more fun to wear. 
     Therefore, for example, when a game player plays a game while wearing a mask at a game event venue or the like, the display of the mask can be used as part of the player&#39;s costume. 
     The mask according to the second invention is the mask according to the first invention, wherein the main body portion has a mounting portion to which the display panel is mounted, and the mask further comprises an attachment mechanism for attaching the display panel to the attachment portion in a detachable state. 
     Consequently, since the display panel is detachably attached to the main body portion, a number of display panels for displaying different patterns can be swapped out, which allows the user to attach the display panel that suits the user&#39;s preference to the main body portion. 
     The mask according to the third invention is the mask according to the second invention, wherein the attachment mechanism includes a magnet that magnetically fixes the display panel to the main body portion. 
     Consequently, the display panel can be easily attached to and detached from the main body portion by taking advantage of the magnetic force of the magnet. 
     The mask according to the fourth invention is the mask according to the second or third invention, wherein the attachment mechanism is provided on the surface of the main body portion that is opposite the face, and the display panel is attached to the surface of the main body portion that is opposite the face. 
     Consequently, the display panel can be attached to the inner surface of the mask (the surface opposite the face), so the display panel can be attached without compromising the aesthetic design of the front of the mask (the surface opposite the face). 
     The mask according to the fifth invention is the mask according to any of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the display panel has a light guide plate having an incident surface on which light emitted from the light source unit is incident, and an exit surface from which light is emitted toward the main body portion. 
     Consequently, a light guide plate that displays a specific pattern or the like by emitting light incident from the incident surface toward the exit surface side can be used as the display panel, which allows a desired pattern or the like to be displayed on the display panel with an inexpensive and simple configuration. 
     The mask according to the sixth invention is the mask according to the fifth invention, wherein the light source unit includes a first light source that is provided to the main body portion at a position opposite the lower end surface of the light guide plate. 
     Consequently, a specific pattern or the like can be displayed on the light guide plate by causing light to be incident from the first light source disposed opposite the lower end surface of the light guide plate. 
     The mask according to the seventh invention is the mask according to the fifth invention, wherein the light source unit includes a second light source provided to the main body portion at a position opposite the side end surface of the light guide plate. 
     Consequently, a specific pattern or the like can be displayed on the light guide plate by causing light to be incident from the second light source disposed opposite at least one of the left and right end surfaces of the light guide plate. 
     The mask according to the eighth invention is the mask according to the fifth invention, wherein the light source unit includes a first light source that is provided to the main body portion at a position opposite the lower end surface of the light guide plate, and a second light source that is provided to the main body portion at a position opposite the side end surface of the light guide plate. 
     Consequently, light from either the first light source or the second light source disposed opposite at least one of the lower end surface and the left and right end surfaces of the light guide plate is made to be incident, which allows the specific pattern or the like displayed on the light guide plate to be switched. 
     The mask according to the ninth invention is the mask according to the fifth invention, wherein the light source unit includes a plurality of first light sources that are provided to the main body portion at positions opposite one end surface of the light guide plate. 
     Consequently, light can be selectively allowed to be incident at the plurality of first light sources disposed opposite one end surface of the light guide plate, which allows the display of the specific pattern or the like to be switched on the light guide plate. 
     The mask according to the tenth invention is the mask according to any of the fifth to ninth inventions, wherein the light guide plate further has, on either the upper surface or the lower surface, a plurality of prisms that are arranged to match the desired display and that reflect the light emitted from the light source unit onto the incident surface in a specific direction. 
     Consequently, the light incident on the incident surface from the light source can be reflected by the prisms inside the light guide plate and emitted from the exit surface, allowing the desired pattern or the like to be displayed on the surface of the main body portion. 
     The mask according to the eleventh invention is the mask according to any of the fifth to tenth inventions, wherein the light guide plate further has a tapered portion that has a substantially rectangular shape, that is provided at a corner portion of this substantially rectangular shape, and that reflects the light emitted from the light source and incident on the incident surface to change the direction of the light. 
     Consequently, the light incident from the incident surface can be reflected by the tapered portions provided at the corners of the light guide plate, thereby changing the direction in which the light is traveling. Therefore, for example, in a configuration in which a plurality of light sources are disposed at positions opposite one end surface of the light guide plate, a light source that emits light toward the tapered portions and a light source that does not emit light toward the tapered portions can be switched on and off, which allows the displayed pattern, etc., to be switched. 
     The mask according to the twelfth invention is the mask according to any of the first to eleventh inventions, wherein the main body portion has a light transmitting portion that transmits light in the portion where the display panel is mounted. 
     Consequently, providing the light transmitting portion that transmits light in the portion of the main body portion of the mask where the display panel is mounted makes it possible for the display on the display panel to be visible from the outside. 
     The mask pertaining to the thirteenth invention is the mask pertaining to any of the first to twelfth inventions, wherein the main body portion has a recess on the surface where the display panel is mounted, to expose at least part of the end surface of the display panel. 
     Consequently, one end surface of the display panel is at least partially exposed on the surface of the main body portion on which the display panel is mounted, which allows the display panel to be removed by placing a finger in the recess. 
     This recess may be provided at a position corresponding to the nose portion of the user&#39;s face. Consequently, the user&#39;s nose will not come into contact with the inner surface of the mask, which avoids discomfort during use. 
     The mask according to the fourteenth invention is the mask according to any of the first to thirteenth inventions, wherein the display control unit controls the light source unit so as to turn the display on and off on the display panel. 
     Consequently, the light source unit can be switched on and off, allowing the display on the display panel, such as the light guide plate, also to be switched on and off. 
     The mask according to the fifteenth invention is the mask according to any of the first to fourteenth inventions, wherein the display control unit switches the light source unit that irradiates the display panel with light, so as to switch the display on the display panel. 
     Consequently, for example, the light source units disposed at positions opposite different end surfaces of the light guide plate or other such display panel can be switched on and off, allowing the pattern, etc., displayed on the display panel to be switched. 
     The mask according to the sixteenth invention is the mask according to any of the first to fifteenth inventions, further comprising a blower fan that is provided to the main body portion and forms an air flow in a gap between the main body portion and the front of the face. 
     Consequently, an air flow is formed by the blower fan in the space between the main body portion of the mask and the user&#39;s face, which prevents the inside of the mask from fogging up during use. Therefore, this avoids problems such as when the display on the display panel becomes blurry. 
     The mask according to the seventeenth invention is the mask according to the sixteenth invention, wherein the blower fans are provided on both sides of the display panel. 
     Consequently, since the blower fans are provided on both sides of the display panel, it is possible to generate an airflow from the left and right sides of the display panel and more effectively prevent the inside of the mask from fogging up. 
     The mask according to the eighteenth invention is the mask according to the sixteenth or seventeenth invention, wherein the blower fan blows air from the gap between the main body portion and the front of the face to the outside of the main body portion. 
     Consequently, moist air in the gap between the mask and the user&#39;s face can be expelled to the outside, preventing the inside of the mask from fogging up during use and avoiding problems such as when the display on the display panel becomes blurry. 
     The mask according to the nineteenth invention is the mask according to any of the sixteenth to eighteenth inventions, wherein the main body portion has a plurality of communication holes that communicate the outside air and the gap between the front of the face on the surface on the opposite side from the side opposite the face. The blower fan blows air to the outside of the main body portion through the plurality of communication holes. 
     Consequently, the outer surface (front) of the mask and the inner surface (back) opposite the user&#39;s face can communicate with each other through these communication holes. Therefore, the blower fan can form an air flow from the inside to the outside of the mask through the communication holes, which avoids problems such as when the inside of the mask fogs up. 
     The mask according to the twentieth invention is the mask according to any of the first to nineteenth inventions, wherein the fixing members are over-the-ear portions that are provided on both the left and right sides of the main body portion and latch to the user&#39;s ears in a stretchable state. 
     Consequently, the over-the-ear portion made of stretchable rubber or the like on both the left and right sides of the main body portion can be hooked on the left and right ears of the user. 
     The mask according to the twenty-first invention is the mask according to any of the first to twentieth inventions, wherein at least the portion of the main body portion to which the display panel is mounted is molded from a resin that is light-transmissive. 
     Consequently, since the portion of the main body portion where the display panel is mounted (mounting portion) is molded from a resin that is light-transmissive, the light for displaying a pattern, etc., on the display panel can be seen through the front side of the mask. 
     Effects 
     The present invention provides a mask that is more fun to wear. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an overall oblique view of the configuration of the mask according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a top view of the mask in  FIG.  1   , and  FIG.  2 B  is a front view of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a side view of the mask in  FIG.  1   , and  FIG.  3 B  is a rear view of the configuration of the back side in  FIG.  3 A ; 
         FIG.  4    is an oblique view of a display panel that can be attached to and detached from the main body portion of the mask in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view along the A-A line in  FIG.  2 B ; 
         FIG.  6    is a control block diagram of the mask in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view along the C-C line in  FIG.  2 B ; 
         FIG.  8    is an oblique view of the configuration of the display panel in  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a front view of the display panel in  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10 A  is a cross-sectional view along the B-B line in  FIG.  9   , and  FIG.  10 B  is a cross-sectional view of the incident surface and the exit surface of the display panel, and internal prisms; 
         FIG.  11 A  is a plan view of the positional relation between the display panel and the light source unit according to another embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG.  11 B  is a side view of  FIG.  11 A ; 
         FIG.  12 A  is a plan view of the positional relation between the display panel and the light source unit according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG.  12 B  is a side view of  FIG.  12 A ; 
         FIG.  13 A  is a plan view of the positional relation between the display panel and the light source unit according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG.  13 B  is a plan view showing the layout of prisms disposed in the pattern of  FIG.  13 A ; and 
         FIG.  14 A  is a plan view of the positional relation between the display panel and the light source unit according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG.  14 B  is a plan view showing the layout of prisms disposed in the pattern of  FIG.  14 A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The mask  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS.  1  to  10 B . 
     In this embodiment, some unnecessarily detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already known facts or redundant description of components that are substantially the same may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary repetition in the following description, and facilitate an understanding on the part of a person skilled in the art. 
     The applicant has provided the appended drawings and the following description so that a person skilled in the art might fully understand this disclosure, but does not intend for these to limit what is discussed in the patent claims. 
     (1) Configuration of Mask  10   
     The mask  10  according to this embodiment is, for example, a mask worn by a game player of an e-Sports or the like while playing a game. On the surface of the main body portion  11  of the mask  10 , the display of a desired pattern P 1  is switched on and off. 
     Here, the desired pattern P 1  is displayed on the display panel  13  (discussed below). For example, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2 B , this can be a design such as lightning bolts, or can be text, graphics, symbols, or any of various other patterns. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the mask  10  comprises the main body portion  11 , fixing members (over-the-ear portions)  12 , a display panel  13 , an LED substrate  14 , a display control unit  15 , a drive control unit  16  (see  FIG.  6   ), blower fans  20 , and a power supply unit  21 , and a switch button  22  (see  FIG.  3 B ). 
     The main body portion  11  is made of a colored polycarbonate (PC) or other such resin, for example, and as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2 A , has a curved shape that matches the shape of the front of the user&#39;s face. The main body portion  11  has a mounting portion (light transmitting portion)  11   a  to which the display panel  13  is detachably mounted, a recess  11   b,  and communication holes  11   c.    
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 A and  3 B , the mounting portion  11   a  is a substantially rectangular recessed portion that is provided on the inner surface of the main body portion  11  of the mask  10  (the surface opposite the front of the user&#39;s face), and the display panel  13  is attached in a detachable state. Also, the mounting portion  11   a  is molded from a resin (PC or the like) that transmits light. 
     Consequently, the pattern P 1  displayed on the display panel  13  attached inside the mask  10  is visible from the front side of the mask  10 . Furthermore, metal plates  32  that constitute an attachment mechanism  30  (discussed below) are embedded in at least the four corners of the approximately rectangular mounting portion  11   a.    
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 B and  3 B , the recess  11   b  is formed as a substantially semicircular recessed portion provided to the upper part of the recessed portion of the substantially rectangular mounting portion  11   a,  at a position that is opposite the user&#39;s nose on the inner surface of the main body portion  11 . When the display panel  13  is mounted to the mounting portion  11   a,  the recess  11   b  forms a state in which the upper end surface of the display panel  13  is exposed. Consequently, when the display panel  13  is to be replaced, etc., the user can remove the display panel  13  from the mounting portion  11   a  by inserting a finger into the recess  11   b,  grasping the upper end surface of the display panel  13 , and pulling this out. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2 B , the communication holes  11   c  are provided on the left and right sides of the mounting portion  11   a  of the main body portion  11 , and allow the inner surface and the outer surface of the mask  10  to communicate. Also, the communication holes  11   c  allow the air flow formed by the blower fans  20  provided on the left and right sides of the mounting portion  11   a  in the main body portion  11  to pass through. 
     The fixing members (over-the-ear portions)  12  are formed, for example, from an elastic elastomer-based resin or rubber-based material, and are attached by being hooked over the user&#39;s ears. Also, as shown in  FIGS.  2 A and  3 A , the fixing members  12  are connected to the left and right ends of the main body portion  11 , which has a curved shape, and are formed so as to extend rearward from the back side of the main body portion  11  (the user&#39;s face side). This allows the main body portion  11  of the mask  10  to be fixed at a shield position that covers the mouth and nostrils of the user&#39;s face. 
     The display panel  13  is constituted by, for example, a substantially rectangular light guide plate made of resin such as acrylic or PC (polycarbonate), and displays the desired pattern P 1  as shown in  FIG.  2 B , etc. As shown in  FIG.  3 B , the display panel  13  is mounted so as to be fitted into the recess of the mounting portion  11   a  of the main body portion  11 . Also, as shown in  FIG.  4   , the display panel  13  is attached to the mounting portion  11   a , which is formed on the inner surface of the mask  10 , in a detachable state via an attachment mechanism  30  (discussed below) (see  FIG.  5   , etc.). The display panel  13  is configured to internally reflect incident light emitted from LEDs  14   a  (discussed below), and to emit the light from the front surface of the mask  10  (exit surface  13   c ). Consequently, the display panel  13  can display the desired pattern P 1  when viewed from the front side of the mask  10 . 
     The detailed configuration of the display panel  13  will be described below. 
     The LED substrate  14  has a plurality of LEDs (light source units)  14   a  disposed on the substrate. As shown in  FIG.  5   , the LED substrate  14  is disposed on the lower part of the mounting portion  11   a  on which is mounted the display panel  13  of the main body portion  11 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , the LEDs  14   a  emit light from the lower part of the mounting portion  11   a  of the main body portion  11  to which the display panel  13  is mounted, toward the lower end surface  13   b  of the display panel  13 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the display control unit  15  is electrically connected to the LED substrate  14 , and controls the on and off switching of the LEDs  14   a  disposed on the LED substrate  14 . 
     This allows the display of the desired pattern P 1  to be switched on and off in a front view of the mask  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the drive control unit  16  is electrically connected to the two blower fans  20 , and performs control so that the rotation shafts of the blower fans  20  are rotated by electric power supplied from the power supply unit  21  to generate an air flow. 
     The drive control unit  16  may perform control such that the rotation shafts of the two blower fans  20  rotate at a constant rotation speed, or such that the rotation speed varies according to the setting. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 B,  3 B , etc., the blower fans  20  are provided on the left and right sides of the mounting portion  11   a  on which the display panel  13  is mounted, in the main body portion  11  of the mask  10 . As shown in  FIG.  7   , the blower fans  20  blow air from the inside to the outside of the mask  10  through the communication holes  11   c  formed on the front and back sides of the main body portion  11  (see the arrows in  FIG.  7   ). 
     Consequently, the air inside the mask  10  is continuously expelled to the outside, so fogging inside the mask  10  can be effectively suppressed. This suppresses the surface of the display panel  13  attached to the inside of the mask  10  from fogging up. 
     The power supply unit  21  is a rechargeable secondary battery, for example, and as shown in  FIG.  3 B , is built into the lower part of one of the blower fans  20  in the main body portion  11 . The power supply unit  21  supplies electric power to the LEDs  14   a , the blower fans  20 , and so forth. 
     The switch button  22  is operated when the desired pattern P 1  is to be displayed on the display panel  13 , and as shown in  FIG.  3 B , is provided on the inner surface of the main body portion  11  of the mask  10  at a position on the opposite side (left and right) from the power supply unit  21 . 
     The switch button  22  not only switches the display of the display panel  13  on and off (whether or not the LEDs  14   a  are lit), but may also be used as an on/off switch for the blower fans  20 , such as by rotating the blower fans  20  when pressed twice. 
     The attachment mechanism  30  is provided in order to attach the display panel  13  to the mounting portion  11   a  of the main body portion  11  in a detachable state. The attachment mechanism  30  has a plurality of magnets  31  provided on the display panel  13  side, and metal plates  32  provided on the mounting portion  11   a  side. 
     The magnets  31  are provided at the four corners of the surface of the substantially rectangular display panel  13  that is opposite the mounting portion  11   a.    
     The metal plates  32  are provided at positions corresponding to the four corners of the display panel  13  on the mounting portion  11   a  of the main body portion  11 , and are attracted by the magnetic force of the magnets  31 . 
     Consequently, when the display panel  13  is mounted to the mounting portion  11   a  of the main body portion  11 , the display panel  13  is held by the magnetic force of the magnets  31  at the positions of the plates  32 . 
     The metal plates  32  may be magnets that attract the magnet  31 . Also, the number of magnets  31  may be more than four or three or less, so long as the magnets are strong enough to hold the display panel  13  detachably. 
     (2) Configuration of Display Panel  13   
     In the mask  10  of this embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  8   , the display panel  13  for displaying the desired pattern P 1  has a main body portion  13   a , lower end surface (incident surface)  13   b , an exit surface  13   c , prisms  13   d  (see  FIG.  10 B ), and a protective panel  13   e.    
     The main body portion  13   a  is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member, and is formed from a transparent resin such as an acrylic resin, as discussed above. As shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , the magnets  31  constituting the attachment mechanism  30  are provided at the four corners of the surface of the substantially rectangular main body portion  13   a  on the side to be mounted to the mounting portion  11   a.  The prisms  13   d  (see  FIG.  10 B ), which are disposed to match the shape of the desired pattern P 1 , are provided inside the main body portion  13   a.    
     The lower end surface (incident surface)  13   b  is disposed at a position opposite the LED substrate  14  when the display panel  13  is mounted to the mounting portion  11   a  of the main body portion  11 . Consequently, the lower end surface  13   b  becomes an incident surface on which the light emitted from the LEDs  14   a  is incident. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  8  and  10 A , the exit surface  13   c  is the surface located on the mounting portion  11   a  side when the display panel  13  is mounted to the mounting portion  11   a  of the main body portion  11 . As shown in  FIG.  10 B , the light incident from the lower end surface  13   b  is reflected by the prisms  13   d  and emitted from the exit surface  13   c . Consequently, as shown in  FIG.  9   , the desired pattern P 1  can be displayed according to the layout of the prisms  13   d.    
     As shown in  FIG.  10 B , the prisms  13   d  are microfabricated on the inside of the main body portion  13   a  (light guide plate), on the opposite side from the mounting side, and as shown in  FIG.  10 A  and  FIG.  10 B , these prisms reflect the light incident from the lower end surface  13   b  in a specific direction. Also, the prisms  13   d  are disposed so as to cover the range of the pattern P 1  displayed when the LEDs  14   a  are lit. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B , the protective panel  13   e  is attached so as to cover the surface of the main body portion  13   a  on the opposite side from the mounting portion  11   a  when the display panel  13  is mounted to the mounting portion  11   a  of the main body portion  11 . Consequently, the main body portion  13   a  is protected in a state in which the surface on the opposite side from the exit surface  13   c  is covered. 
     Main Features 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , etc., the mask  10  of this embodiment comprises the main body portion  11 , the fixing members  12 , the display panel  13 , the LEDs  14   a , and the display control unit  15 . The main body portion  11  is disposed at a shield position that covers the user&#39;s nostrils and mouth. The fixing members  12  fix the main body portion  11  to the face so that the main body portion  11  is held at the shield position. The display panel  13  is provided at a position of the main body portion  11  opposite the front of the user&#39;s face, and performs the desired display with light emitted in a specific direction. The LEDs  14   a  irradiate the display panel  13  with light from a specific direction. The display control unit  15  controls the LEDs  14   a  so as to perform the desired display on the display panel  13 . 
     Consequently, in the display panel  13  attached to the main body portion  11  of the mask  10 , the pattern P 1 , etc., can be displayed by lighting with the light emitted from the LEDs  14   a , which means that the mask  10  will be much more fun to wear. 
     Therefore, when a game player plays a game wearing the mask  10  at a game event site, etc., for example, the display on the mask  10  can be used as a part of the player&#39;s costume. 
     Other Embodiments 
     An embodiment of the present invention was described above, but the present invention is not limited to or by the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention. 
     (A) 
     In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the desired pattern P 1  was displayed on the exit surface  13   c  with light emitted from the LEDs (light source)  14   a  disposed at positions opposite the lower end surface  13   b  of the display panel  13 , toward the lower end surface  13   b . However, the present invention is not limited to this. 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS.  11 A and  11 B , desired patterns P 2   a  (A) and P 3  (C) are displayed on an exit surface  113   c  with light emitted from LEDs (second light source)  114   a  and LEDs (second light source)  114   b  disposed at positions that are opposite side end surfaces  113   b  on the left and right sides of a main body portion  113   a  of a display panel  113 , toward the side end surfaces  113   b.    
     In this case, for example, the display control unit  15  performs control so that light is emitted from either the LEDs (first light source unit)  114   a  or the LEDs (second light source unit)  114   b , thereby changing the prisms  113   d  that reflect the light and allowing switching between the pattern P 2  (A) or the pattern P 3  (C) displayed on the exit surface  113   c.    
     For example, as shown in  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B , desired patterns P 2  (A) and P 3  (C) are displayed on the exit surface  113   c  with the light emitted from the LEDs (second light source)  114   a  and LEDs (first light source)  114   b  disposed at positions that are opposite the side end surface  113   b  and the lower end surface  13   b  of the main body portion  113   a  of the display panel  113 , toward the side end surface  113   b  and the side end surface  113   b.    
     In this case, for example, the display control unit  15  performs control so that light is emitted from either the LEDs (second light source)  114   a  or the LEDs (first light source)  114   b , thereby changing the prisms  113   d  that reflect the light, which allows switching between the pattern P 2  (A) or the pattern P 3  (C) displayed on the exit surface  113   c.    
     For example, as shown in  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B , desired patterns P 4  (downward arrow) and P 5  (upward arrow) are displayed on an exit surface  213   c  with the light emitted from a plurality of LEDs (first light source)  214   a  and LEDs (second light source)  214   b  disposed at positions that are opposite one end surface  213   b  of a main body portion  213   a  of a display panel  213 , toward the one end surface  213   b.    
     In this case, for example, the display control unit  15  performs control so that light is emitted from either the LEDs (first light source)  214   a  or the LED (second light source)  214   b , thereby changing prisms  213   da  and  213   db  that reflect the light, allowing switching between the patterns P 4  (downward arrow) and pattern P 5  (upward arrow) displayed on the exit surface  213   c.    
     For example, as shown in  FIGS.  14 A and  14 B , desired patterns P 6  (rightward arrow), P 7  (leftward arrow), and P 8  (upward arrow) are displayed on an exit surface  313   c  with the light emitted from a plurality of LEDs (first light source)  314   a , LEDs (second light source)  314   b , and LEDs (third light source)  314   c  disposed at positions that are opposite one end surface  313   b  of a main body portion  313   a  of a display panel  313 , toward the one end surface  313   b.    
     In this case, for example, the display control unit  15  performs control so that light is emitted from either the LEDs  314   a ,  314   b , or  314   c , thereby changing the prisms  313   da,    313   db,  and  313   dc  that reflect the light, allowing switching of the patterns P 6  (rightward arrow), P 7  (leftward arrow), and P 8  (upward arrow) displayed on the exit surface  313   c.    
     More precisely, the display control unit  15  performs control so that the light from the LEDs  314   a  irradiates the one end surface  313   b , the result being that the light reflected at tapered portions  313   ea  formed at the upper two corners of the main body portion  313   a  irradiates the prisms  313   da,  and a pattern P 6  (rightward arrow) is displayed. 
     Also, the display control unit  15  performs control so that light from the LEDs  314   b  irradiates the one end surface  313   b , the emitted light directly irradiates the prisms  313   db,  and the pattern P 8  (rightward arrow) is displayed. 
     Furthermore, the display control unit  15  performs control so that light from the LEDs  314   c  irradiates the one end surface  313   b , the light reflected at the tapered portions  313   eb  formed at the upper two corners of the main body portion  313   a  irradiates the prisms  313   dc,  and the pattern P 7  (rightward arrow) is displayed. 
     (B) 
     In the above embodiment, an example was given in which light was emitted from the LEDs  14   a  disposed opposite the lower end surface  13   b  of the display panel  13  to display a desired pattern P 1  on the mask surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this. 
     For example, the position where the light source is disposed may be a position opposite the other end surface as described in (A) above, or may be the rear side, on the opposite side from the exit surface  13   c.    
     (C) 
     In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the display panel  13  was mounted to the main body portion  11  in a detachable state in order to change the type of pattern displayed on the surface of the mask  10 . However, the present invention is not limited to this. 
     For example, the mask may have the display panel fixed to the mask main body in a non-detachable state, with an adhesive, screws, or the like. 
     (D) 
     In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a plurality of magnets were used as the attachment mechanism  30 , which is mounted to the main body portion  11  of the mask  10  in a detachable state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. 
     For example, instead of a plurality of magnets, a mechanism may be employed in which latching portions and latched portions are put together detachably. 
     (E) 
     In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a light guide plate was used as the display panel  13 . However, the present invention is not limited to this. 
     For example, some other display panel, such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel, may be used as the display panel for displaying the desired pattern on the mask surface. 
     (F) 
     In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the portion (mounting portion  11   a ) of the main body portion  11  to which the display panel  13  was mounted was molded from a resin material that transmits light. However, the present invention is not limited to this. 
     For example, the entire main body portion may be molded from a resin that transmits light. 
     (G) 
     In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the blower fans  20  were provided on the left and right sides of the display panel  13  in the main body portion  11  of the mask  10 . However, the present invention is not limited to this. 
     For example, the mask need not have any blower fans. 
     Alternatively, a blower fan may be located at just one place on the lower side of the display panel, instead of on the left and right sides of the display panel. 
     (H) 
     In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the surface of the display panel  13  was prevented from fogging up by sending the air inside the mask  10  to the outside with the blower fans  20 . However, the present invention is not limited to this. 
     For example, the direction of the air blown by the blower fans is not limited to being from the inside to the outside of the mask, and the configuration may be such that the air is blown from the outside to the inside. 
     Also, the configuration may be such that one of the two blower fans provided on the left and right sides of the display panel in the main body portion of the mask blows air from the inside to the outside of the mask, and the other blows air from the outside to the inside of the mask. 
     Consequently, the air inside the mask can be efficiently circulated, so fogging of the display panel disposed inside the mask can be effectively suppressed. 
     (I) 
     In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the mask  10  was fixed to the user&#39;s face with the fixing members (over-the-ear portions)  12  made of an elastic material. However, the present invention is not limited to this. 
     For example, instead of over-the-ear portions molded from an elastic material, a configuration in which the mask is fixed by tying at the back of the user&#39;s head, a configuration in which the mask is fixed with a cylindrical, stretchable material like a neck warmer, or some other such fixing member may be used. 
     (J) 
     In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the main body portion  11  and the fixing members  12  were formed from different materials. However, the present invention is not limited to this. 
     For example, the main body portion and the fixing members may be formed from the same material. 
     (K) 
     In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the user of the mask  10  of the present invention was a game player of an e-Sports player or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this. 
     People who wear a mask that can display a desired pattern at a desired position at a desired timing when viewed from the front are not limited to game players, and also include users who wear masks in a wider range of fields. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The mask of the present invention has the effect of providing a mask that is much more fun to wear, and as such can be widely applied to masks used in various situations. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           10  mask 
           11  main body portion 
           11   a  mounting portion (light transmitting portion) 
           11   b  recess 
           11   c  communication hole 
           12  fixing member (over-the-ear portion) 
           13  display panel (light guide plate) 
           13   a  main body portion 
           13   b  lower end surface (incident surface) 
           13   c  exit surface 
           13   d  prism 
           13   e  protective panel 
           14  LED substrate 
           14   a  LED (light source) 
           15  display control unit 
           16  drive control unit 
           20  blower fan 
           21  power supply unit (battery) 
           22  switch button 
           30  attachment mechanism 
           31  magnet 
           32  plate 
           113  display panel (light guide plate) 
           113   a  main body portion 
           113   b  side end surface (incident surface) 
           113   c  exit surface 
           113   d  prism 
           114   a  LED (second light source) 
           114   b  LED (second light source, first light source) 
           213  display panel (light guide plate) 
           213   a  main body portion 
           213   b  one end surface (incident surface) 
           213   c  exit surface 
           213   da,    213   db  prism 
           214   a  LED (first light source) 
           214   b  LED (first light source) 
           313  display panel (light guide plate) 
           313   a  main body portion 
           313   b  one end surface (incident surface) 
           313   c  exit surface 
           313   da,    313   db,    313   dc  prism 
           313   ea,    313   eb  tapered portion 
           314   a  LED (first light source) 
           314   b  LED (first light source) 
           314   c  LED (first light source) 
         P 1  to P 8  pattern