Abstract:
Disclosed is an advertisement display device having a 3D sheet. The advertisement display device having the 3D sheet comprises: a substrate; a backlight unit which is provided on the substrate and irradiates light; and a 3D sheet which is provided on the backlight unit to implement a 3D image by the light irradiated from the backlight unit.

Description:
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
       [0001]    The following relates to an advertisement display device having a three-dimensional (3D) sheet, and more particularly, to an advertisement display device having a 3D sheet, which can secure visible and decorative effects by providing a 3D image to a light guide panel of a backlight unit disposed in a gaming machine, thereby enticing a user to the gaming machine 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In general, a slot machine or similar gaming machine for a casino includes an advertisement display device in order to entice a game participant to the gaming machine. To this end, the advertisement display device is disposed at an upper front side of a main body of the gaming machine and has a design and ornamental lettering for informing a game participant of game contents or for arousing the curiosity of the game participant. 
         [0003]    In the advertisement display device, a planar image is printed on a front side of a panel and illuminated by a light source disposed at a rear or lateral side of the panel, thereby producing a two-dimensional (2D) image. 
         [0004]    Existing advertisement display devices can display only 2D images and thus use a sensational design and ornamental lettering so as to excite a game participant&#39;s interest. 
         [0005]    In this regard, one example of the advertisement display devices is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2006-0126342A (published on Dec. 7, 2006) entitled “DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING VARIOUS SHAPES AND GAMING MACHINE WITH THE SAME”. 
       SUMMARY 
     Technical Problem 
       [0006]    It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an advertisement display device having a 3D sheet, in which the 3D sheet is attached to a light guide panel of a backlight unit disposed in a gaming machine and provides a sense of three-dimension to a character or figure, such that the gaming machine can be seen from a distance, thereby enticing a game participant to the gaming machine and attracting maximum attention. 
       Technical Solution 
       [0007]    In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an advertisement display device having a three-dimensional (3D) sheet includes: a substrate; a backlight unit disposed on the substrate and emitting light; and a 3D sheet disposed on the backlight unit to display a 3D image by the light emitted from the backlight unit. 
         [0008]    The substrate may be provided with a plurality of first light sources in an upper peripheral region thereof. 
         [0009]    The first light sources may include monochromatic or three-color light emitting diodes, and may be arranged at regular intervals in the peripheral region of the substrate. 
         [0010]    The backlight unit may include: a light guide panel disposed in a central region of the substrate; a second light source disposed on the substrate and arranged on a circumferential surface of the light guide panel; and a reflective sheet attached to a rear side of the light guide panel such that light emitted from the second light source illuminates the light guide panel in a forward direction. 
         [0011]    The second light source may include a white LED or three-color LEDs. 
         [0012]    The advertisement display device may further include a finishing member surrounding outer edges of the 3D sheet, the backlight unit and the substrate. 
         [0013]    The finishing member may include: a flange latched to an upper corner of the 3D sheet; and a plurality of latch hooks latched to a lower side of the substrate. 
         [0014]    The finishing member may be translucently formed by applying a translucent layer to an outer or inner surface thereof or by adding a translucent material to a transparent resin. 
         [0015]    The advertisement display device may further include: a pop-up member placed in a certain region on the 3D sheet and providing a pop-up image of a character or figure. 
         [0016]    The pop-up member may include a transparent member including a character or figure shape and attached to the 3D sheet; and a two-dimensional (2D) print layer printed on the transparent member. 
         [0017]    The 3D sheet may include a convex lens layer having a pattern of convex lenses formed on a front surface thereof; a transparent layer placed under the convex lens layer and having a thickness corresponding to a focal distance of the convex lens; and an actual image print layer placed under the transparent layer. 
         [0018]    The 3D sheet may include a convex lens layer having a pattern of convex lenses formed on a front surface thereof; a transparent layer placed under the convex lens layer and having a thickness corresponding to a focal distance of the convex lens; an actual image print layer placed on the transparent layer or on the convex lens layer; and a 3D print layer placed under the transparent layer and having the same pattern angle and arrangement as those of the convex lens layer. 
         [0019]    The 3D sheet may include a convex lens layer having a pattern of convex lenses formed on a front surface thereof; a transparent layer placed under the convex lens layer and having a thickness corresponding to a focal distance of the convex lens; a 3D print layer placed under the transparent layer and having the same pattern angle and arrangement as those of the convex lens layer; an auxiliary transparent layer disposed on the convex lens layer; and an actual image print layer placed on or under the auxiliary transparent layer. 
         [0020]    The 3D sheet may include: a complex lens layer having a pattern of convex lenses formed on a front surface thereof and a planar sight window formed in a certain area thereof; a transparent layer placed under the complex lens layer and having a thickness corresponding to a focal distance of the convex lens; and a complex layer placed under the transparent layer, and including a 3D print layer formed corresponding to the convex lens layer and an actual image print layer corresponding to the sight window. 
       Advantageous Effects 
       [0021]    In an advertisement display device having a 3D sheet according to the present invention, the 3D sheet is attached to a light guide panel of a backlight unit disposed in a gaming machine and provides a sense of three-dimension to a character or figure such that the gaming machine can be seen from a distance, thereby enticing a game participant to the gaming machine and attracting maximum attention. 
         [0022]    In addition, according to the present invention, monochromatic or three-color LEDs are arranged on a substrate in a circumferential region of the light guide panel of the backlight unit to realize a color change, thereby creating a pleasant atmosphere for a game participant. 
         [0023]    Further, according to the present invention, a finishing member having a translucent coating layer or including a translucent material is provided to surround outer edges of the 3D sheet, the backlight unit and the substrate, thereby preventing exposure of the substrate while softly diffusing light emitted from the three-color LEDs. 
         [0024]    Further, according to the present invention, a pop-up member is provided to project a character or figure on the 3D sheet, thereby improving a pop-up effect. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a view of a gaming machine with an advertisement display device having a 3D sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention, 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the advertisement display device having the 3D sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention, 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the advertisement display device having the 3D sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention, 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the advertisement display device having the 3D sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention, 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of modification of the advertisement display device having the 3D sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention, 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the 3D sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention, and 
           [0031]      FIGS. 7 to 11  are cross-sectional views of modifications of the 3D sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0033]    It should be noted that the drawings are not to precise scale and may be exaggerated in thickness of lines or size of components for descriptive convenience and clarity. Furthermore, terms used herein are defined by taking functions of the invention into account and can be changed according to the custom or intention of users or operators. Therefore, the definition of the terms should be made according to overall disclosures set forth herein. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  is a view of a gaming machine with an advertisement display device having a 3D sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 2  is a front view of the advertisement display device having the 3D sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the advertisement display device having the 3D sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the advertisement display device having the 3D sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of modification of the advertisement display device having the 3D sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the 3D sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention, and  FIGS. 7 to 11  are cross-sectional views of modifications of the 3D sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 6 , an advertisement display device  1  having a 3D sheet according to one embodiment of the invention includes a substrate  10 , a backlight unit  20 , and a 3D sheet  50 . 
         [0037]    The advertisement display device  1  according to the present invention is disposed at an upper front side of a gaming machine A for a casino, such as a slot machine or the like, and uses the backlight unit and the 3D sheet to display an advertisement character or figure, thereby enticing a game participant. 
         [0038]    The substrate  10  includes a plurality of first light sources  12  in an upper peripheral region thereof. 
         [0039]    The first light sources  12  are monochromatic or three-color (red (R), green (G), and blue (B)) light emitting diodes (LEDs). The first light sources  12  are arranged at regular intervals in the peripheral region of the substrate  10 . 
         [0040]    The first light sources  12  are connected to a circuit pattern of the substrate  10  and controlled by a control unit  14  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0041]    The control unit  14  is connected to the circuit pattern of the substrate  10  through a socket or an electric wire. 
         [0042]    With this configuration, the first light sources  12  provide change in color through the three-color LEDs in the peripheral region of the substrate  10 , that is, in the peripheral region of the advertisement display device  1 , thereby creating a pleasant atmosphere for a game participant. 
         [0043]    An upper surface of the substrate  10  is divided into the peripheral region and a central region. The peripheral region of the substrate  10  forms a ring around the central region. 
         [0044]    The substrate  10  may have one shape selected from among circular, elliptical and polygonal shapes. Among the polygonal shapes, a rectangular shape may be most commonly used. In this embodiment, the substrate  10  has an elliptical shape. 
         [0045]    The backlight unit  20  is disposed in the central region of the substrate  10  inside the peripheral region thereof. 
         [0046]    The backlight unit  20  includes a light guide panel  22  disposed in the central region of the substrate  10 , a second light source  24  disposed on the substrate  10  and arranged on a circumferential surface of the light guide panel  22 , and a reflective sheet  26  attached to a rear side of the light guide panel  22  such that light emitted from the second light source  24  can illuminate the light guide panel  22  in the forward direction. 
         [0047]    The light guide panel  22  is formed with a pattern on an upper and/or lower surface thereof, such that light emitted from the second light source  24  and reflected from the reflective sheet  26  can be evenly diffused in the forward direction. 
         [0048]    The second light source  24  is connected to the circuit pattern on the substrate  10  and controlled by the control unit  14  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0049]    The second light source  24  employs a white LED, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, three-colors LEDs may be applied to the second light source  24 . 
         [0050]    Although not shown, a diffusion sheet and a prism sheet may be disposed above the light guide panel  22 . 
         [0051]    The advertisement display device  1  may be provided with a finishing member  30 , which surrounds outer edges of the 3D sheet  50 , the backlight unit  20  and the substrate  10 . 
         [0052]    The finishing member  30  includes a flange  32  latched to an upper corner of the 3D sheet  50 . 
         [0053]    The finishing member  30  is provided at a lower portion thereof with a plurality of latch hooks  34  to be latched to a lower side of the substrate  10 . 
         [0054]    The finishing member  30  serves as a cover for covering an outer edge of the advertisement display device  1 . 
         [0055]    The finishing member  30  is translucently formed by applying a translucent layer  36  to an outer or inner surface thereof or by adding a translucent material to a transparent resin. In this embodiment, the translucent layer  36  is applied to the inner surface of the finishing member  30 . 
         [0056]    The translucent layer  36  has a dark color such as black or the like such that light from the first light sources  12  can be diffused in the forward direction and softly shines through the 3D sheet. The finishing member  30 , to which the translucent layer  36  is applied, may be formed of a synthetic resin, such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), etc. 
         [0057]    In the advertisement display device  1  according to the present invention, instead of the finishing member  30 , paint may be applied to the substrate  10  or a sheet may be adhered to surround the substrate  10  such that the circuit pattern on the substrate  10  cannot be exposed. 
         [0058]    In some areas on the 3D sheet  50 , pop-up members  40  are provided to show pop-up images of characters or figures, i.e., projecting images. 
         [0059]    Each of the pop-up members  40  includes a transparent member  42  processed to have a character or figure shape and attached to the 3D sheet  50 , and a 2D print layer  44  printed on the transparent member  42 . 
         [0060]    The transparent member  42  is generally formed of an acryl material having a preset thickness and is processed to have a character or figure shape. 
         [0061]    The 2D print layer  44  is formed by printing a desired color on an overall or partial surface of the transparent member  42 . 
         [0062]    With this configuration, the pop-up member  40  realizes a projecting image of a character or figure protruding from the 3D sheet  50 , thereby improving a pop-up effect and more effectively enticing a user to the gaming machine. 
         [0063]    The 3D sheet  50  is disposed on the backlight unit  20  and realizes a 3D image with light emitted from the second light source  24 . 
         [0064]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the 3D sheet  50  includes a convex lens layer  52 , which has a pattern of convex lenses  53  formed on a front surface thereof, a transparent layer  54  placed under the convex lens layer  52  and having a thickness corresponding to a focal distance of the convex lens  53 , and an actual image print layer  56  placed under the transparent layer  54 . 
         [0065]    The convex lens layer  52  is formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and the convex lenses  53  have a semi-spherical shape and are arranged in longitudinal and transverse directions, or in a radial direction. 
         [0066]    The transparent layer  54  may be formed of one selected from among a transparent resin, a transparent film or transparent glass. 
         [0067]    The actual image print layer  56  is formed on a lower surface of the transparent layer  54  by offset printing. The actual image print layer  56  displays a picture relating to a subject, a photo of goods, various patterns, etc. 
         [0068]    The actual image print layer  56  is placed at the focal distance of the convex lens  53 , and provides a sense of depth and a sense of three-dimension by the thickness of the transparent layer  54 . 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a 3D sheet  60  according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a convex lens layer  62  having a pattern of convex lenses  63  formed on a front surface thereof, a transparent layer  64  placed under the convex lens layer  62  and having a thickness corresponding to a focal distance of the convex lens  63 , an actual image print layer  66  placed on the transparent layer  54  or on the convex lens layer  62 , and a 3D print layer  68  placed under the transparent layer  64  and having the same pattern angle and arrangement as those of the convex lens layer  62 . 
         [0070]    The convex lens layer  62  is formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and the convex lenses  63  have a semi-spherical shape and are arranged in longitudinal and transverse directions, or in a radial direction. 
         [0071]    The actual image print layer  66  is formed on an upper surface of the transparent layer  64  by offset printing. The actual image print layer  66  displays a picture relating to a subject, a photo of goods, various patterns, etc. 
         [0072]    In addition, the 3D print layer  68  is formed on a lower surface of the transparent layer  64  and is used in three-dimensional expression of up, down, left and right continuous patterns, special effects, and the like. 
         [0073]    Unlike the 3D sheet  50  of  FIG. 6 , the actual image print layer  66  is placed at a non-focal distance of the convex lens  63  and the 3D print layer  68  is placed at the focal distance of the convex lens  63 . 
         [0074]    The 3D sheet  60  including the 3D print layer  68 , the actual image print layer  66  and the transparent layer  64  simultaneously provides a sense of depth, a sense of three-dimension, and a sense of projection. 
         [0075]    That is, the 3D sheet  60  according to this embodiment provides the sense of three-dimension by providing a three-dimensional image through the 3D print layer  68 , and provides the sense of depth by expressing an image on the 3D print layer  68  and an image on the actual image print layer  66  with a transparent layer  64  interposed therebetween. In addition, the 3D sheet  60  according to this embodiment provides the sense of projection by expressing an image on the actual image print layer  66  to appear to protrude from an image on the 3D print layer  68  by the thickness of the transparent layer  64 . 
         [0076]    At this time, the 3D print layer  68  is printed by a process of printing four primary colors C, M, Y and K, or a spot color printing process, and manufactured by image segmentation of computer graphics. 
         [0077]    Image segmentation provides outputs by performing both image segmentation of left and right lenticular images and image segmentation of up and down lenticular images. That is, the image segmentation is achieved in such a way that images obtained by taking binocular disparity into account are arranged in both directions, that is, in vertical and horizontal directions. 
         [0078]    The convex lens layer  62 , the actual image print layer  66 , the transparent layer  64  and the 3D print layer  68 , which constitute the 3D sheet  60 , are thermally bonded to each other by a laminating operation, or by adhesives. 
         [0079]    Alternatively, the actual image print layer  66  may be disposed on an upper surface of the convex lens layer  62  (see  FIG. 8 ). This case can also provide the same sense of three-dimension as in the case where the actual image print layer  66  is disposed on the upper surface of the transparent layer  64 . 
         [0080]    Further,  FIGS. 9 and 10  show another example of the 3D sheet shown in  FIG. 8 . A 3D sheet  70  shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  includes a convex lens layer  72  having a pattern of convex lenses  73  formed on a front surface thereof, a transparent layer  74  placed under the convex lens layer  72  and having a thickness corresponding to a focal distance of the convex lens  73 , a 3D print layer  78  placed under the transparent layer  74  and having the same pattern angle and arrangement as those of the convex lens layer  72 , an auxiliary transparent layer  79  disposed on the convex lens layer  72 , and an actual image print layer  76  placed on or under the auxiliary transparent layer  79 . 
         [0081]    That is, the 3D sheet  70  according to this embodiment includes the auxiliary transparent layer  79  on the convex lens layer  72  such that the actual image print layer  76  can be easily formed, and the actual image print layer  76  is formed on or under the auxiliary transparent layer  79 , thereby providing a sense of three-dimension. 
         [0082]    In addition, referring to  FIG. 11 , a 3D sheet  80  includes a complex lens layer  82  having a pattern of convex lenses  82   a  formed on a front surface thereof and a planar sight window  82   b  in a certain area, a transparent layer  84  placed under the complex lens layer  82  and having a thickness corresponding to a focal distance of the convex lens  82   a , and a complex layer  86  placed under the transparent layer  84  and including a 3D print layer  88  corresponding to the convex lens layer  82   a  and an actual image print layer  87  corresponding to the sight window  82   b.    
         [0083]    That is, the complex layer  86  includes both the 3D print layer  88  and the actual image print layer  87  to increase printing efficiency while clearly realizing a minute character or figure even in the case where the minute character or figure is included in the actual image print layer  86   b . Thus, it is possible to solve a problem of deterioration in resolution of the actual image print layer  87  by interference due to light refracted by the convex lens  82   a.    
         [0084]    On the other hand, the sight window  82   b  of the combined lens layer  82  may be formed by applying a transparent resin to the convex lens  82   a , followed by curing. Various methods may be selected to form the sight window  82   b , as needed. 
         [0085]    In the advertisement display device  1  according to the present invention, the 3D sheet  50 ;  60 ;  70 ;  80  is attached to the light guide panel  22  of the backlight unit  20  disposed in the gaming machine A and provides a sense of three-dimension to a character or figure such that the gaming machine A can be seen from a distance, thereby enticing a game participant to the gaming machine and attracting maximum attention. 
         [0086]    In addition, according to the present invention, monochromatic or three-color LEDs are arranged on the substrate  10  in the circumferential region of the light guide panel  22  of the backlight unit  20 , thereby creating a pleasant atmosphere for a game participant. 
         [0087]    Although some embodiments have been described herein, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are given by way of illustration only, and that various modifications, variations, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0088]    Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be limited only by the accompanying claims and equivalents thereof.