JP2008228952A - Continuous segment display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a continuous segment display device inexpensively which allows a variety of expressions. <P>SOLUTION: A display pattern of the continuous segment display device 20 is constituted so that two segments excluding one of the pairs of vertical segments out of vertical segments opposing on right and left ends are combined in the vertical direction of a conventional 7 segment display form, three basic display patterns 10 formed into typeface of capital B shapes are horizontally arranged at equal intervals, joint segments 30a, 30b, 30c formed similar to horizontal segments 12a, 12b, 12c and arranged are inserted between the basic display patterns 10, and the horizontal segments 12a, 12b, 12c arranged on the upper, middle, and lower steps in the respective basic display patterns 10 and the joint segments 30a, 30b, 30c form a continuous horizontal straight line on the upper, middle, and lower steps respectively. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a continuous segment display device applied to a gaming machine or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a segment display device that displays characters, numbers, etc. in conjunction with a gaming machine has at least three 7-segment display units that are arranged in the shape of a Japanese character in the horizontal direction. The 7-segment display unit controls the light emission pattern to display characters, numbers, and the like.
No quote

However, in the above-described segment display device, there is a gap between adjacent display devices, which gives the impression that characters displayed on the screen are extended. Moreover, the balance between letters was bad and the appearance was bad.
In recent years, a dot matrix display device in which dot-like display elements are arranged on a display panel has been used. This device increases the number of display elements and solves the limitation of displaying characters and the like.
However, while the dot matrix display device can make various expressions, a large number of display elements must be arranged on the display panel. Therefore, there is a problem that the control circuit and the like are complicated and the cost is increased.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a continuous segment display device that enables various expressions at low cost.

  The continuous segment display device according to claim 1, wherein a display pattern for displaying characters and the like by blinking a segment composed of light emitting display elements is changed from a seven-segment arrangement form for displaying characters and the like in a combination of seven segments, vertically A basic display pattern in the shape of a Japanese character is formed by combining two arrangement forms in which one pair of upper and lower segments facing each other are removed, and a plurality of the basic display patterns are arranged at equal intervals in the horizontal direction. The connected segments formed and arranged in the same manner as the horizontal segments arranged in the upper, middle, and lower stages of the pattern are inserted between the basic display patterns, and the segments arranged in the upper, middle, and lower stages are respectively The display pattern is a continuous horizontal straight line.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the continuous segment display device according to the first aspect, two vertical segments are arranged in the basic display pattern, and the basic display pattern has a square shape. Features.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the continuous segment display device according to the first or second aspect, the segment is formed of an LED.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the continuous segment display device according to the first or second aspect, the segment is made of liquid crystal.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the continuous segment display device according to the first or second aspect, the segment is made of an organic EL.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the continuous segment display device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the segment emits light in combination with red, green, or blue, and the segment emits full color light. It is characterized by doing so.

  According to the continuous segment display device according to claim 1, the display patterns to be blinked are connected by connecting segments between the basic display patterns arranged in the horizontal direction at equal intervals. The horizontal segments arranged in the upper, middle, and lower tiers are configured to continuously form a horizontal straight line. Therefore, characters, numbers, and the like can be displayed using the segments of each basic display pattern and the connected segments connecting the adjacent basic display patterns. Therefore, as compared with the conventional display device in which the 7-segment arrangement form is independent from each other, it is possible to obtain various effects. Further, since the number of segments constituting the display pattern is smaller than that of the dot matrix display device, the display device, the circuit of the display device, and the like can be configured at low cost.

  According to the continuous segment display device of the second aspect, the basic display pattern of the first aspect is a square shape, and the conventional seven-segment display pattern is continuously arranged in the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is possible to display the characters and the like with a small display interval. In addition, by sequentially blinking each segment, it is possible to represent a state in which characters, numbers, and the like shift in the horizontal direction.

  According to the continuous segment display device of the third to fifth aspects, the segment is any one of an LED, a liquid crystal, and an organic EL. As an effect common to these, the power consumption of the continuous segment display device can be suppressed, and the product life of the display device can be extended.

  And when LED is used, since the element itself is manufactured at low cost, the continuous segment display device can be manufactured at low cost. Further, when the liquid crystal is used, the display panel of the continuous segment display device can be integrally formed, so that the assembly of the continuous segment display device can be facilitated. In addition, when an organic EL is used, it is not necessary to convert the power source to direct current when electroluminescence is performed, and each segment can be caused to emit light by an alternating voltage, thus simplifying the structure of the continuous segment display device itself. The continuous segment display device can be manufactured at low cost.

  According to the continuous segment display device of the sixth aspect, since the segment is an RGB color system that emits light in a combination of red, green, or blue, the continuous segment display device can emit light in full color. Therefore, the range of colors that can be expressed can be expanded.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a front view of the basic display pattern 10 constituting the continuous segment display device 20 of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows a front view of the continuous segment display device 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the basic display pattern 10 is a combination of two vertical segments in which the vertical pair of vertical segments is removed from the vertical segments facing the left and right ends of the conventional 7-segment display form. It is configured in the shape of

  In the basic display pattern 10, an upper vertical segment 11a and a lower vertical segment 11b formed in a vertically long substantially hexagonal shape face each other at both left and right ends. And, between the upper vertical segment 11a and the lower vertical segment 11b, horizontal segments 12a and 12a formed in a trapezoidal shape with a long and long upper side are inserted in the upper stage, and formed into a trapezoidal shape with a long and long lower side. The horizontal segments 12b and 12b are inserted in the lower stage, and the horizontal segments 12c and 12c formed in a horizontally long hexagon are inserted in the middle stage. The horizontal segments 12a, 12b, 12c inserted in the upper, middle, and lower stages are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the display pattern of the continuous segment display device 20 includes three basic display patterns 10 arranged at equal intervals in the horizontal direction. Between the basic display patterns 10, horizontal segments 12 a, The connecting segments 30a, 30b, 30c formed in the same shape as 12b, 12c are arranged. Therefore, the horizontal segment 12a, 12b, 12c and the connected segments 30a, 30b, 30c arranged in the upper, middle, and lower tiers of each basic display pattern 10 cause the upper, middle, and lower tiers to be displayed on the horizontal straight line. It is continuous.

  Here, the light emitting element forming each segment is formed of a light emitting diode (LED) having a function of emitting red, green, or blue light. Therefore, each segment can be made to emit light in full color by the RGB color system that represents colors by combining red, green, and blue. Moreover, it can replace with said LED and can also use the liquid crystal, organic EL, etc. which have the same light emission function. Further, a light emission pattern such as blinking, a light emission color, and the like are controlled for each segment by a control device (not shown).

  A method of using the continuous segment display device 20 having the above-described configuration when applied to a display device of a gaming machine will be described below. 3A, 3B, and 3C show examples of display patterns of the continuous segment display device 20. FIG. In the figure, the black-painted segment is actually a portion that is controlled as described above and is colored in full color.

  FIG. 3A shows an example in which the numbers “7”, “2”, and “4” are displayed on the basic display pattern 10 of the continuous segment display device 20 linked with the gaming machine. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the basic display pattern 10 and the gap segments 30a, 30b, and 30c are sequentially flashed in an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage by a pre-programmed flashing light emission pattern. In conjunction with this, light is emitted so that the vertical segments 11a and 11b blink. Then, for example, a mountain pattern and a valley pattern are alternately displayed to express a wave pattern or the like. Further, if the light emitting segments are sequentially blinked in the horizontal direction according to the time series, it can be expressed that characters, numbers, and the like are shifted in the horizontal direction. In this way, the continuous segment display device 20 can dynamically express not only numbers but also displayed characters, numbers, patterns, and the like.

  FIG. 4 shows a second basic display pattern 10A according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 5 shows a continuous segment display device 20A composed of three second basic display patterns 10A.

  10A of 2nd basic display patterns add the upper center vertical segment 13a and the lower center vertical segment 13b to the basic display pattern 10 of 1st Example, and are comprised in the shape of a rice field.

  The display pattern of the continuous segment display device 20A is the same as that of the first embodiment, in which three second basic display patterns 10A arranged in a square shape are arranged at equal intervals, and between the second basic display patterns 10A. In this way, the connection segments 30a, 30b, 30c are arranged.

  In the display pattern of the continuous segment display device 20A, the vertical straight lines formed by the vertical segments 11a and 11b, the upper central vertical segment 13a, and the lower central vertical segment 13b are continuously arranged in the horizontal direction at equal intervals. Therefore, the display pattern is arranged in a lattice pattern by the horizontal segments 12a, 12b, and 12c and the connecting segments 30a, 30b, and 30c forming a horizontal straight line in each of the upper, middle, and lower stages. The other light emitting elements and control devices forming the respective segments are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  A usage method when the continuous segment display device 20A according to the second embodiment having the above-described configuration is applied to a display device of a gaming machine will be described below. FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E show examples of display patterns of the continuous segment display device 20A. As in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the black-painted segment actually emits light.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the continuous segment display device 20A is linked with the gaming machine, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e). Numbers can be displayed.

  Here, the display pattern of the continuous segment display device 20 </ b> A of the present embodiment is configured in a grid pattern by each segment. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6A, three numbers such as the numbers “7”, “2”, and “4” illustrated in the same manner as in the first embodiment are displayed by the second basic display pattern 10A. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, when a conventional method for displaying characters, numbers, etc. in the 7-segment display form is used, five numbers “ “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, and “5” can also be displayed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6C or 6E, the second basic display pattern 10A and the gap segments 30a, 30b, and 30c are sequentially arranged in an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage according to a flashing light emission pattern that is programmed in advance. If blinking is performed and the vertical segments 11a, 11b, 13a, and 13b are sequentially blinked, a mountain pattern and a valley pattern are alternately displayed to express a wave pattern or the like as in the first embodiment. Can be expressed dynamically.

  Further, the display pattern of the continuous segment display device 20A configured in a lattice shape as described above includes a plurality of substantially squares on the display pattern. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6D, in the case of a flashing light emission pattern in which approximately squares are alternately displayed on the upper side and the lower side by the segments 11a, 13a, 12a, and 12c, the displayed substantially squares are sequentially flashed. By doing so, it can be expressed as if the substantial square bounces up and down. Furthermore, by sequentially flashing the light emitting segments in the horizontal direction according to the time series, it is possible to express the characters, numbers, etc. in the horizontal direction.

  And, according to the display pattern of the continuous segment display device 20A configured in a lattice shape, it represents a flashing light emission pattern in which displayed characters, numbers, patterns, etc. are sequentially flashed in either the upper or lower direction and shifted. Can do.

  FIG. 7 shows a third basic display pattern 10B according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 8 shows a continuous segment display device 20B composed of three third basic display patterns 10B.

  The third basic display pattern 10B is configured by replacing the portion constituting the “ten” shape among the segments arranged in the square shape of the segment display portion 20A shown in the second embodiment, A central segment 14 formed in a substantially quadrangular shape is arranged at the intersection of the “ten”, and a pair of upper and lower central vertical segments 15a and 15b formed in a vertically long pentagon are arranged in the vertical direction of the central segment 14, The middle segment 14a, 16b formed in a horizontally long pentagon in the left-right direction of the central segment 14 is arranged in a cross shape.

  As for the display pattern of the continuous segment display device 20B, three third basic display patterns 10B are arranged at equal intervals, and the connecting segments 30a, 30b, 30c are arranged between them in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments. It is configured. Further, like the second embodiment, it is configured in a lattice shape. Here, the light-emitting elements and the control device that form each segment are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  A usage method when the continuous segment display device 20B according to the third embodiment having the above-described configuration is applied to a display device of a gaming machine will be described below. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, and 9E show examples of display patterns of the continuous segment display device 20B. As in the first and second embodiments, it is assumed that the black-painted segment actually emits light.

  In the third embodiment, like the numbers “7”, “2”, “4” shown in FIG. 9A, or “day” characters displayed on the left and right ends of the display pattern example of FIG. Each of the displayed patterns shown in FIG. 3A of the first embodiment or FIG. 6 of the second embodiment is arranged on the horizontal line portion in the middle of the Japanese character of the third basic display pattern 10B by arranging the central segment 14. A notch portion as shown in (a) does not occur. Therefore, the horizontal line portion displayed in the middle of the Japanese character shape can be displayed as a complete straight line.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 9B, in the case of the flashing light emission pattern of “十” or “10” shown in FIG. 9C, the central segment 14 and the middle horizontal segment 14a. 14b and the center vertical segments 15a and 15b, for example, a windmill type with the central segment 14 as an axis and the middle horizontal segments 14a and 14b and the central vertical segments 15a and 15b as feathers. A blinking light emission pattern as if it is rotating can be represented. Also, the blinking light emission pattern as shown in FIGS. 9D and 9E can be expressed in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

It is a front view which shows the basic display pattern of the continuous segment display apparatus which concerns on 1st Example. It is a front view which shows the continuous segment display apparatus which concerns on 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the display pattern of the continuous segment display apparatus which concerns on 1st Example. It is a front view which shows the 2nd basic display pattern of the continuous segment display apparatus which concerns on 2nd Example. It is a front view which shows the continuous segment display apparatus which concerns on 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the display pattern of the continuous segment display apparatus which concerns on 2nd Example. It is a front view which shows the 3rd basic display pattern of the continuous segment display apparatus concerning 3rd Example. It is a front view which shows the continuous segment display apparatus which concerns on 3rd Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the display pattern of the continuous segment display apparatus which concerns on 3rd Example.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... Basic display pattern, 10A ... Second basic display pattern, 10B ... Third basic display pattern, 11a, 11b ... Vertical segment, 12a, 12b, 12c ... Horizontal segment, 13a, 13b ... Vertical added in the second embodiment Segments, 15a, 15b ... center vertical segment, 14 ... center segment, 16a, 16b ... middle horizontal segment,
20, 20A, 20B ... continuous segment display device,
30a, 30b, 30c ... connected segments.

Claims (6)

Display pattern to display characters etc. by blinking segments consisting of light emitting display elements,
A basic display pattern of a Japanese character shape is configured by combining two array forms obtained by removing one pair of upper and lower segments opposed in the vertical direction from a seven-segment array form that displays characters and the like by combining seven segments.
Arranging a plurality of the basic display patterns at equal intervals in the horizontal direction,
Inserting a connecting segment formed and arranged in the same manner as the horizontal segments arranged in the upper, middle, and lower stages of the basic display pattern between the basic display patterns,
A continuous segment display device characterized in that the segments arranged in each of the upper, middle, and lower tiers have a continuous horizontal straight line display pattern.   The continuous segment display device according to claim 1, wherein two basic segments are arranged in the basic display pattern, and the basic display pattern has a square shape.   The continuous segment display device according to claim 1, wherein the segment includes an LED.   The continuous segment display device according to claim 1, wherein the segment is made of liquid crystal.   The continuous segment display device according to claim 1, wherein the segment is made of organic EL.   6. The continuous segment display device according to claim 1, wherein the segment emits light in combination with red, green, or blue so that the segment emits full color.

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