KR20240048720A - Cableless display apparatus and game machine using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A cableless display device for a game machine according to a technical aspect of the present invention is a display device for a game machine that is coupled to a game machine body and displays an image based on an image signal provided from the game machine, and includes a display module including a display panel, and It includes a control board that receives the video signal from the game machine main body, generates a data signal and a control signal based on the video signal, and provides the data signal and control signal to the display module. The control board includes an insertion slot that is physically inserted into the insertion connector of the display module and transmits the data signal and control signal to the display module.

Description

Cableless display apparatus and game machine using the same {Cableless display apparatus and game machine using the same}

The present invention relates to a cableless display device for a game machine and a game machine using the same.

Game machines are designed to provide interest and entertainment to users by running game software such as slot machines. Recently, various technologies have been applied to game machines to improve the quality of game machines and improve interface convenience.

In particular, in the field of gaming machines such as slot machines, not only the main display that displays game content and provides colorful and diverse information, but also includes a topper display to visually display events such as jackpots when they occur. As such, a number of displays are being applied.

The display device applied to such a game machine receives content data from the game machine body and displays it. That is, the display device includes a control board that receives content data from the game machine body and drives the display panel based on the content data.

Meanwhile, in the conventional case, a wide data cable including a plurality of conductive lines was used for communication between the control board and the display module. This means that wide cables are used to increase the number of simultaneously transmitted data.

However, when using a cable connection like this, signal interference and signal loss due to the cable easily occur, which causes the display quality to deteriorate.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0065568

One technical aspect of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art described above.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the output slot included in the control board is directly inserted into contact with the input connector of the display panel, so that the control board can be directly connected to the display panel without a separate cable, and a cableless display device. A game machine using it can be provided.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a cableless display device that can increase data transmission speed and minimize transmission error rate by transmitting signals directly from the control board to the display panel without cables and a game console using the same are provided. You can.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control board of the display device receives power and data from the game machine through one input cable, thereby simplifying the input side cable, and a cableless display device and a game machine using the same. can be provided.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

One technical aspect of the present invention proposes a display device for a game machine. The display device for a game machine is a display device for a game machine that is coupled to a game machine body and displays an image based on an image signal provided from the game machine. The display device includes a display module including a display panel and provides the image signal from the game machine body. It includes a control board that receives and generates data signals and control signals based on the video signals and provides them to the display module. The control board includes an insertion slot that is physically inserted into the insertion connector of the display module and transmits the data signal and control signal to the display module.

In one embodiment, the insertion slot may be formed to protrude from one side of the control board.

In one embodiment, the insertion slot may be formed of a flexible printed circuit board.

In one embodiment, the control board may be located on the back of the display module.

In one embodiment, the control board includes an image processor and a driver that generate the data signal and the control signal from the image signal, and determine driving timing of the display panel based on the control signal provided from the image processor, and determine the data signal. It may include a driving unit that controls driving of the display panel according to signals.

In one embodiment, the control board may further include a receiving connector that receives the video signal from the game machine main body.

In one embodiment, the receiving connector, as a single connector, can receive an input signal including power and the video signal from the game machine main body.

In one embodiment, the control board may include a power-signal separator that separates the power source and the video signal from the input signal input through the receiving connector.

In one embodiment, the control board may further include a driving power transmission unit that receives the power separated by the power-signal separator and provides the power as power used in the display panel.

Another technical aspect of the present invention proposes a gaming machine. The game machine includes a game machine body that controls game operations according to user input and provides a game to the user, and a display device for a game machine that is coupled to the game machine body and displays an image based on an image signal provided from the game machine. It can be included. Here, the display device includes a display module including a display panel and a control board that receives the video signal from the game machine body, generates a data signal and a control signal based on the video signal, and provides them to the display module. Includes. The control board includes an insertion slot that is physically inserted into the insertion connector of the display module and transmits the data signal and control signal to the display module.

In one embodiment, the insertion slot may be formed to protrude from one side of the control board.

In one embodiment, the insertion slot may be formed of a flexible printed circuit board.

In one embodiment, the control board may be located on the back of the display module.

In one embodiment, the control board includes an image processor and a driver that generate the data signal and the control signal from the image signal, and determine driving timing of the display panel based on the control signal provided from the image processor, and determine the data signal. It may include a driving unit that controls driving of the display panel according to signals.

In one embodiment, the control board may further include a receiving connector that receives the video signal from the game machine main body.

In one embodiment, the receiving connector, as a single connector, can receive an input signal including power and the video signal from the game machine main body.

In one embodiment, the control board may include a power-signal separator that separates the power source and the video signal from the input signal input through the receiving connector.

In one embodiment, the control board may further include a driving power transmission unit that receives the power separated by the power-signal separator and provides the power as power used in the display panel.

The means for solving the above problems do not enumerate all the features of the present invention. Various means for solving the problems of the present invention can be understood in more detail by referring to specific embodiments in the detailed description below.

According to the present invention, one or more of the following effects are achieved.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the output slot included in the control board is directly inserted into contact with the input connector of the display panel, allowing the control board to be directly connected to the display panel without a separate cable.

Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by transmitting signals directly from the control board to the display panel without a cable, the data transmission speed can be increased and the transmission error rate can be minimized.

Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control board of the display device can simplify the input cable by receiving both power and data from the game machine through one input cable.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a game machine combined with a cableless display device for a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a cableless display device for a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a diagram explaining the control structure of a cableless display device for a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control board and display panel according to an embodiment shown in FIG. 2.
Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a fastened state of a control board and a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a cableless display device for a game machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control board and a display panel according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart explaining a control method performed on a control board according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

However, the embodiments of the present invention may be modified into various other forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Additionally, the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those with average knowledge in the relevant technical field.

The various embodiments of this document and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various changes, equivalents, or replacements of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numbers may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C” and “A, Each of the phrases such as “at least one of B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as “first”, “second”, or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish one element from another and refer to those elements in other respects (e.g. (importance or order) is not limited. One (e.g., first) component is “coupled” to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively.” When reference is made to “connected” or “connected,” it means that the certain component can be connected to the other component directly or through a third component.

The term “module” used in this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be an integrated part or a minimum unit of the parts or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various flowcharts are disclosed to explain embodiments of the present invention, but these are for convenience of explanation of each step, and each step is not necessarily performed in accordance with the order of the flowchart. That is, each step in the flowchart may be performed simultaneously, in the order according to the flowchart, or in an order opposite to the order in the flowchart.

Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a game machine combined with a cableless display device for a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

12 shows a game machine 10. The game machine 10 includes a main body display 100 and can display game content through the main body display 100 to provide a game to a user.

The main body display 100 is coupled to the main body of the game machine and displays images based on video signals provided from the game machine.

The main body display 100 is a cableless display device for a game machine that is implemented without a cable between the control board and the display panel included therein, that is, in a cableless form.

In other words, the cableless display device 100 for a game machine has the effect of increasing the transmission speed and minimizing the transmission error rate compared to the case where a display cable is present by eliminating or minimizing cables inside.

The game machine 10 is provided with an input device 300 capable of inputting a user's manipulation, and can use this to receive a user's manipulation input. Depending on the embodiment, the game machine 10 may provide a touch function to the main body display 100, thereby providing the user with a touch function. A variety of input/output interfaces can be provided to the user.

The game machine 10 may include a tapper display 400. The topper display 400 can be coupled to the upper part of the game machine body 200 and can display content data provided from the game machine body 200. An example of content data displayed by the tapper display 400 may display content for a game being played or an event such as a jackpot for the game being played. Depending on the embodiment, the topper display 400 may also be implemented as a cableless display device.

Hereinafter, the cableless display device 100 for a game machine will be described in more detail.

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a cableless display device for a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cableless display device 100 for a game machine includes a control board 110 and a display module 120.

The display module 120 includes a display panel and a driver for driving the display panel.

The control board 110 receives video signals from the game machine body, generates data signals and control signals based on the video signals, and provides them to the display module 110.

As an example, the control board 110 may generate a data signal by processing a video signal supplied from the outside of the game machine. Additionally, the control board 110 may generate control signals including a synchronization signal. That is, the control board 110 encompasses the function of generating and providing data signals and control signals for driving the display panel.

The control board 110 and the display module 120 are electrically connected without a cable, that is, in a cableless manner. For example, the control board 110 includes an insertion slot, and the insertion slot can be physically inserted into the insertion connector of the display module 120 to transmit the data signal and control signal to the display module 120. That is, the display module 120 may include an insertion connector, which is a typical cable connector, and the control board 110 may include an insertion slot that can be inserted and connected to such a cable connector, and may be used to directly connect the display module 120 to the display module 120. ) can be connected to. By connecting without cables in this way, external noise interference and signal loss caused by cables can be fundamentally excluded.

The control board 110 may include an image processing unit 111 and a driving unit 112. The image processing unit 111 may generate the data signal and control signal from an image signal. The driving unit 112 may determine the driving timing of the display panel 120 based on the control signal provided from the image processing unit 111 and control the driving of the display panel 120 according to the data signal.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the control structure of a cableless display device for a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image processing unit 111 and the driving unit 112 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3. .

The image processing unit 111 may be implemented as a micro control unit (Micro Controller Unit, MCU). The driver 112 includes a timing control unit (TCN). A gate driver (SDRV), a data driver (DDRV), and a display panel (PNL) are included in the display module 120. Depending on the embodiment, at least some components or functions of the gate driver (SDRV) and the data driver (DDRV) may be implemented as the driver 112, which corresponds to various modified embodiments of the present invention.

The image processing unit (MCU) processes image signals supplied from the outside to generate data signals (DATA), as well as vertical synchronization signals (Vsync), horizontal synchronization signals (Hsync), and data enable signals (Data Enable, DE). , various control signals such as clock signal (CLK) are generated and supplied to the timing control unit (TCN).

The timing control unit (TCN) supplies the vertical synchronization signal (Vsync), horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync), data enable signal (Data Enable, DE), clock signal (CLK), and data signal (DDATA) from the image processing unit (MCU). Receive. The timing control unit (TCN) uses timing signals such as the vertical synchronization signal (Vsync), horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync), data enable signal (Data Enable, DE), and clock signal (CLK) to drive the data driver (DDRV) and gate. Controls the operation timing of the driving unit (SDRV). Since the timing control unit (TCN) can determine the frame period by counting the data enable signal (DE) of one horizontal period, the externally supplied vertical synchronization signal (Vsync) and horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync) can be omitted. Control signals generated in the timing control unit (TCN) include a gate timing control signal (GDC) to control the operation timing of the gate driver (SDRV) and a data timing control signal (DDC) to control the operation timing of the data driver (DDRV). ) may be included. The gate timing control signal (GDC) includes the gate start pulse (GSP), gate shift clock (GSC), and gate output enable signal (GOE). The gate start pulse (GSP) is supplied to the gate drive IC (Integrated Circuit) where the first gate signal is generated. The gate shift clock (GSC) is a clock signal commonly input to gate drive ICs and is a clock signal for shifting the gate start pulse (GSP). The gate output enable signal (GOE) controls the output of gate drive ICs. The data timing control signal (DDC) includes the source start pulse (Source, Start Pulse, SSP), source sampling clock (SSC), and source output enable signal (SourceOutput Enable, SOE). The source start pulse (SSP) controls the data sampling start point of the data driver (DDRV). The source sampling clock (SSC) is a clock signal that controls the sampling operation of data within the data driver (DDRV) based on the rising or falling edge. The source output enable signal (SOE) controls the output of the data driver (DDRV).

Meanwhile, the source start pulse (SSP) supplied to the data driver (DDRV) may be omitted depending on the data transmission method.

The gate driver (SDRV) responds to the gate timing control signal (GDC) supplied from the timing control unit (TCN) with a swing width of the gate driving voltage at which the transistors of the subpixels (SP) included in the panel (PNL) can operate. Gate signals are generated sequentially while shifting the level of . The gate driver (SDRV) supplies the gate signal generated through the gate lines (SL1 to SLm) to the subpixels (SP) included in the panel (PNL). The gate driver (SDRV) is formed directly on the panel (PNL) or outside the panel (PNL) using a gate in panel (GIP) method.

The data driver (DDRV) samples and latches the digital data signal (DDATA) supplied from the timing control unit (TCN) in response to the data timing control signal (DDC) supplied from the timing control unit (TCN), thereby generating data of the parallel data system. Convert to When converting data in a parallel data system, the data driver (DDRV) converts the digital data signal (DDATA) into a gamma reference voltage and converts it into an analog data signal (ADATA). The data driver (DDRV) supplies the converted data signal (ADATA) to the subpixels (SP) included in the panel (PNL) through the data lines (DL1 to DLn).

The panel (PNL) includes subpixels (SP) of red, green, and blue (hereinafter abbreviated as RGB) arranged in a matrix form. The panel (PNL) may be composed of an organic electroluminescent display panel or a liquid crystal display panel. When the panel (PNL) is composed of an organic light emitting display panel, the subpixel may have a circuit configuration as shown in FIG. 2 below. The organic electroluminescent display panel having such a subpixel (SP) structure produces a light emitting layer included in each subpixel according to the gate signal supplied through the gate line (SL1) and the data signal supplied through the data line (DL1). An image can be displayed by emitting light.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control board and display panel according to an embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 4, the display module 120 includes a display panel and an insertion connector 121. As an example, the insertion connector 121 may be a connector into which a typical cable is inserted.

The control board 110 may receive an image signal from the game machine body and generate a data signal and a control signal as shown in FIG. 2 based on the image signal. The control board 110 may provide data signals and control signals to the display module 120 through the insertion slot 113.

The insertion slot 113 can be physically inserted into the insertion connector 121 of the display module to transmit data signals and control signals.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the insertion connector 121 of the display module 120 is provided on one side, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the insertion connector 121 of the display module is formed to protrude from the back of the display module, and the control board 110 inserted into this insertion connector 121 is horizontally (or horizontally) on the back of the display module 120. (similarly) can be fixed.

As an example, the control board 110 may be implemented with a printed circuit board and electronic elements formed on the printed circuit board, and the insertion slot 113 may be a contact terminal that protrudes from one side of the printed circuit board. Although not shown in FIG. 4, electronic elements for implementing the image processing unit 111 and the driving unit 112 are mounted on the control board 110, and the insertion slot 113 is configured to receive the data signal and the data signal provided from the driving unit 112. At least one of the control signals may be provided to the display module 120 in a contact manner.

In this way, since the control board 110 is directly connected to the display module 120 using the insertion slot 113, data can be transmitted faster and without noise than in the conventional case using a cable.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a fastened state of a control board and a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the insertion slot 113 is formed of a flexible circuit board, and the control board 110 may be located on the back of the display module 120, that is, on the rear side of the displayed panel. . In this embodiment, the control board 110 is located on the back of the display module 120, so the overall size of the display device can be miniaturized, and the convenience of fastening can be improved by using a flexible circuit board. there is.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a cableless display device for a game machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 shows an example of a control board and display panel according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 6. This is a drawing.

The example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is an example in which the cableless display device 500 for a game machine further includes a configuration that receives power and data from the game machine body.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the control board 610 of the cableless display device 500 for a game machine includes a receiving connector 611, a power-signal separator 612, a driving power transmission unit 613, and an image processing unit. It may include 614, a driving unit 615, and an insertion slot 616. Since the image processing unit 614, the driving unit 615, and the insertion slot 616 can be easily understood from the description with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, their descriptions are omitted here.

The receiving connector 611 receives video signals from the game machine body. For example, the receiving connector 611 is a single connector that can receive both power and video signals from the game machine body. In this specification, the power and video signals provided from the game machine body are collectively referred to as input signals. For example, the receiving connector 611 may be a connector type (eg, USB C type, etc.) that receives both power and video signals.

The power-signal separator 612 receives the input signal input through the receiving connector 611. The power-signal separator 612 can separate the input signal into power and video signals.

The power-signal separator 612 may provide the separated power to the driving power transmission unit 613 and the separated image signal to the image processing unit 614.

The driving power transmission unit 613 receives the separated power from the power-signal separation unit 612 and provides it to the display panel 620. As an example, the driving power transmission unit 613 may convert the separated power into power used in the display panel 120 and provide it. For example, the driving power transmission unit 613 may be an inverter for converting voltage or current. , may include circuit configurations such as converters.

In one embodiment, as shown in the example shown in FIG. 7, the driving power transmission unit 613 provides power to the display panel 120 using a separate power output cable, and the driving unit 615 is inserted into the insertion slot 616. ), a data signal and/or a control signal generated from the video signal can be provided to the display panel 620.

In another embodiment, the insertion slot 616 may include a power supply slot and a data transmission slot, and the driving power transmission unit 613 provides power to the display panel 120 through the power supply slot of the insertion slot. And, the driver 615 may provide a data signal and/or a control signal generated from the image signal to the display panel 120 through the data transmission slot of the insertion slot 616.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart explaining a control method performed on a control board according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 8, the control board 610 can receive input signals such as power and video signals from the game machine main body (S810), and separate the input signals into power and data signals (S820). Thereafter, the control board 610 may provide power, that is, a power signal, to the display panel 620 through a power output cable (S830). The control board 610 may provide a data signal to the display panel 620 through the insertion slot (S840).

The present invention described above is not limited by the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings, but is limited by the scope of the patent claims described below, and the configuration of the present invention can be varied within the scope without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily see that changes and modifications can be made.

10: Game machine
100: Cableless display device for game consoles
200: Game machine body
300: input device
400: Tapper display
110: control board
120: display module

Claims (18)

A display device for a game machine that is coupled to a game machine body and displays an image based on an image signal provided from the game machine,
A display module including a display panel; and
a control board that receives the video signal from the game machine main body, generates a data signal and a control signal based on the video signal, and provides the data signal and control signal to the display module; Including,
The control board is,
an insertion slot that is physically inserted into the insertion connector of the display module and transmits the data signal and control signal to the display module; Including,
Cableless display device for gaming consoles. The method of claim 1, wherein the insertion slot is
Formed to protrude from one side of the control board,
Cableless display device for gaming consoles. According to paragraph 1,
The insertion slot is formed of a flexible circuit board,
Cableless display device for gaming consoles. According to paragraph 3,
The control board is located on the back of the display module,
Cableless display device for gaming consoles. The method of claim 1, wherein the control board:
an image processing unit generating the data signal and the control signal from the image signal; and
A driving unit that determines a driving timing of the display panel based on a control signal provided from the image processing unit and controls driving of the display panel according to the data signal; Including,
Cableless display device for gaming consoles. The method of claim 5, wherein the control board:
a receiving connector that receives the video signal from the game machine main body; Containing more,
Cableless display device for gaming consoles. The method of claim 6, wherein the receiving connector is:
A connector that receives input signals including power and the video signal from the game machine body,
Cableless display device for gaming consoles. The method of claim 7, wherein the control board:
a power-signal separator that separates the power source and the video signal from the input signal input through the receiving connector; Including,
Cableless display device for gaming consoles. The method of claim 8, wherein the control board is:
a driving power transmission unit that receives the power separated by the power-signal separator and provides it as power used in the display panel; Containing more,
Cableless display device for gaming consoles. A game console main body that provides the game to the user by controlling the operation of the game according to the user's input; and
A display device for a game machine that is coupled to the game machine body and displays an image based on an image signal provided from the game machine;
Including,
The display device is,
A display module including a display panel; and
a control board that receives the video signal from the game machine main body, generates a data signal and a control signal based on the video signal, and provides the data signal and control signal to the display module; Including,
The control board is,
Transmitting the data signal and control signal to the display module through an insertion slot that is physically inserted into the insertion connector of the display module,
Game machine. The method of claim 10, wherein the insertion slot is
Formed to protrude from one side of the control board,
Game machine. According to clause 10,
The insertion slot is formed of a flexible circuit board,
Game machine. According to clause 12,
The control board is located on the back of the display module,
Game machine. The method of claim 10, wherein the control board:
an image processing unit generating the data signal and the control signal from the image signal; and
A driving unit that determines a driving timing of the display panel based on a control signal provided from the image processing unit and controls driving of the display panel according to the data signal; Including,
Game machine. The method of claim 14, wherein the control board:
a receiving connector that receives the video signal from the game machine main body; Containing more,
Game machine. The method of claim 15, wherein the receiving connector is:
A connector that receives input signals including power and the video signal from the game machine body,
Game machine. The method of claim 16, wherein the control board is:
a power-signal separator that separates the power source and the video signal from the input signal input through the receiving connector; Including,
Game machine. The method of claim 17, wherein the control board is:
a driving power transmission unit that receives the power separated by the power-signal separator and provides it as power used in the display panel; Containing more,
Game machine.