Display control chip, method of operating the same, and display system including the same

Abstract

The present application relates to a display control chip, an operating method thereof, and a display system including the same. The display control chip includes a first memory and an operation circuit. The first memory is configured to store a plurality of chart templates. The operation circuit is coupled to the first memory, configured to receive first update data, and configured to update original data in a second memory using the first update data. When the operation circuit reads the original data in the second memory, the operation circuit is configured to determine a target chart template from the plurality of chart templates according to the first update data, convert the original data into a chart image according to the target chart template, and output first display data according to the chart image, wherein the first display data is configured to generate a first display screen including the chart image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an on-screen display (OSD) technology, and particularly to a display control chip, operating method, and display system capable of customizing OSD information. Background Technology

[0002] On-screen display (OSD) information is built into the display device's firmware, allowing the device to display OSD information even without a video signal source. OSD information is typically used as a control menu for the display device, allowing users to configure its functions. However, the OSD information of traditional display devices cannot be modified after manufacturing, thus limiting the device's application scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides an operation method applicable to a display control chip. The display control chip includes a first memory for storing multiple chart templates. The operation method includes the following steps: updating original data in a second memory using first update data; determining a target chart template among the multiple chart templates based on the original data; converting the original data into a chart image based on the target chart template; and outputting first display data based on the chart image, wherein the first display data is used to generate a first display screen including the chart image.

[0004] This disclosure provides a display control chip including a first memory and a processing circuit. The first memory stores multiple chart templates. The processing circuit is coupled to the first memory and is used to receive first update data and update original data in a second memory using the first update data. The display control chip is coupled to the second memory and a display circuit and is used to update the original data using the first update data. When the processing circuit reads the original data in the second memory, the processing circuit is used to: determine a target chart template among the multiple chart templates based on the original data; convert the original data into a chart image based on the target chart template; and output first display data based on the chart image, wherein the first display data is used to generate a first display screen including the chart image.

[0005] This disclosure provides a display system including an input device and a display control chip. The input device is used to receive multiple numerical values ​​input by a user and convert the multiple numerical values ​​into first updated data. The display control chip is used to communicate with the input device to receive the first updated data and includes a first memory. The first memory is used to store multiple chart templates. The display system also includes a second memory and display circuitry. The second memory is used to store raw data. When the display control chip reads the raw data from the second memory, the display control chip is used to: determine a target chart template among the multiple chart templates based on the raw data; convert the raw data into a chart image based on the target chart template; and output first display data based on the chart image, wherein the first display data is used to generate a first display screen including the chart image.

[0006] One of the advantages of the aforementioned display control chip, operating method, and display system is that it can store customized information for a long time and display this information repeatedly. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a simplified functional block diagram of a display system according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an operation method according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of image overlay according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a simplified functional block diagram of a display system according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0011] Symbol Explanation

[0012] 100, 400: Display system

[0013] 110: Input device

[0014] 120, 420: Control circuit

[0015] 122: Display control chip

[0016] 124: Operational Circuit

[0017] 126, 128: Memory

[0018] 130: Display circuit

[0019] 200: Operating Instructions

[0020] S210~S280: Steps

[0021] 422: Timing Circuit

[0022] Ct0~Ctn: Chart Templates

[0023] CM: Graphics and Images

[0024] Bm: Background Image

[0025] D_Pic: Display screen

[0026] UDa, UDb: Update data

[0027] DDa: Display data

[0028] VD: Raw Data

[0029] I_OSDa: OSD information Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or method flows.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a simplified functional block diagram of a display system 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The display system 100 includes an input device 110, a control circuit 120, and a display circuit 130. The control circuit 120 is coupled between the input device 110 and the display circuit 130. The input device 110 and the control circuit 120 can be coupled to each other via various suitable wired or wireless transmission methods, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART), wired networks, etc. The control circuit 120 is used to receive update data UDA from the input device 110 and to output display data DDA to the display circuit 130 based on the update data UDA, so as to control the on-screen display (OSD) information of the display circuit 130. In some embodiments, the control circuit 120 can also receive video data from an external video source (not shown, such as a graphics card), and the control circuit 120 is used to generate display data DDA simultaneously based on the update data UDA and the video data.

[0032] In some embodiments, the display circuit 130 includes a display panel, a data driving circuit, a scanning driving circuit, and a timing control circuit. The control circuit 120 and the display circuit 130 may be integrated into the same display device, such as a television, computer screen, or electronic signage.

[0033] The display control chip 122 of the control circuit 120 includes an arithmetic circuit 124 and a memory 126. The arithmetic circuit 124 can access the memory 126, which stores multiple chart templates Ct0 to Ctn. In some embodiments, the chart templates Ct0 to Ctn include different types of templates such as bar charts, histograms, pie charts, and line charts. Each of the chart templates Ct0 to Ctn includes a font style, a color style, and style information. The font style includes a primary font (e.g., a large font for titles) and / or a secondary font (e.g., a small font for axis names or descriptive text). The color style includes the axis color, text color, and / or the color of graphic elements (e.g., points or bars). The style information includes the axis style (e.g., line thickness), the graphic element style (e.g., point size or bar width), the background pattern, and / or the resolution (i.e., the length and width of the chart).

[0034] The arithmetic circuit 124 can also access another memory 128 in the control circuit 120. The memory 128 is used to store raw data VD, which contains multiple values. The arithmetic circuit 124 is used to update the raw data VD using update data UDa. The arithmetic circuit 124 is also used to read the raw data VD and control the OSD information displayed by the display circuit 130 based on the raw data VD. In some embodiments, the memory 128 is a non-volatile memory, such as an electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or flash memory.

[0035] In some embodiments, the display control chip 122 and the memory 128 are different circuits disposed on the same circuit board. In other embodiments, the memory 128 is a pluggable memory device (e.g., a USB flash drive) and is electrically connected to the display control chip 122 in a pluggable manner.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an operation method 200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Operation method 200 is applicable to... Figure 1 The display control chip 122. In step S210, the arithmetic circuit 124 receives multiple first axis (e.g., horizontal axis) values ​​of the updated data UDa from the input device 110. In step S220, the arithmetic circuit 124 uses the multiple first axis values ​​of the updated data UDa to update (e.g., replace) the multiple first axis values ​​of the original data VD.

[0037] In step S230, the calculation circuit 124 determines whether it has received an instruction from the input device 110 to end the transmission of update data UDa. If the determination in step S230 is "yes," it means the user wants to generate a one-dimensional chart (e.g., a pie chart), and the calculation circuit 124 executes step S260. If the determination in step S230 is "no," it means the user wants to generate a two-dimensional chart (e.g., a line chart), and the calculation circuit 124 executes step S240 to receive multiple second-axis (e.g., vertical axis) values ​​from the update data UDa. Then, the calculation circuit 124 executes step S250 to update (e.g., replace) multiple second-axis values ​​of the original data VD using the multiple second-axis values ​​of the update data UDa.

[0038] In some embodiments, the input device 110 may receive multiple numerical values ​​input by a user through an input interface (not shown, such as a keyboard, touchscreen, or microphone) and convert the user-inputted numerical values ​​into updated data UDa. In other embodiments, the input device 110 may not need to include an input interface and may generate the updated data UDa itself. For example, the input device 110 may be a measuring instrument such as a lux meter or decibel meter, and the input device 110 may convert the measured values ​​into updated data UDa.

[0039] In step S260, the calculation circuit 124 determines a target chart template from the chart templates Ct0 to Ctn. This target chart template will be used to convert the original data VD into a chart in subsequent steps. In one embodiment, the user can specify the desired chart type on the input device 110, and the input device 110 records the user-specified chart type in the updated data UDa. The calculation circuit 124 will transfer the chart type information to the original data VD and select a target chart template from the chart templates Ct0 to Ctn based on the chart type information. For example, the chart types of each of the chart templates Ct0 to Ctn may be different, and when the chart type information in the original data VD indicates that the user wants to generate a bar chart, the calculation circuit 124 will select a bar chart template from the chart templates Ct0 to Ctn as the target chart template.

[0040] In another embodiment of the chart templates Ct0 to Ctn, each chart type corresponds to multiple templates. For example, chart templates Ct0 to Ctn may contain X different histogram templates, Y different line chart templates, Z different pie chart templates, etc., where X, Y, and Z are positive integers. The arithmetic circuit 124 determines multiple candidate chart templates from chart templates Ct0 to Ctn that match the chart type information based on the chart type information in the original data VD. For example, when the chart type information in the original data VD indicates that the user wants to generate a histogram, the arithmetic circuit 124 will use all the histogram templates in chart templates Ct0 to Ctn as multiple candidate chart templates. Then, the arithmetic circuit 124 reads the original data VD from the memory 128 and selects the target chart template from the multiple candidate chart templates based on at least one of the following: (1) the number of multiple first axis values ​​of the original data VD and (2) the number of multiple second axis values ​​of the original data VD. In other words, the arithmetic circuit 124 can select a way to clearly present the original data VD based on the number of data points, where one data point represents the intersection of a first axis value and a second axis value of the original data VD.

[0041] For example, when the number of values ​​on the first axis (e.g., the horizontal axis) is greater than the number of values ​​on the second axis (e.g., the vertical axis), the processing circuit 124 may select a target chart template with a higher resolution (i.e., horizontal resolution) on the first axis. As another example, if the number of data points exceeds a certain threshold, the processing circuit 124 may select a target chart template with a smaller coordinate point pattern or a narrower strip.

[0042] Please also refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of image overlay according to an embodiment of this disclosure. In step S270, the processing circuit 124 converts the raw data VD into a chart image CM based on the target chart template. Those skilled in the art will understand how to use organized raw data VD to draw a specified type of chart, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0043] Next, in step S280, the arithmetic circuit 124 outputs display data DDA based on the chart image CM. Specifically, the arithmetic circuit 124 overlays the chart image CM onto the background image Bm and generates display data DDA based on the overlay result. Figure 3 The display screen D_Pic is generated by the display circuit 130 based on the display data DDa, and the content of the display screen D_Pic is the new image generated by superimposing the chart image CM and the background image Bm. In other words, the display screen D_Pic simultaneously contains the chart image CM and the background image Bm, and the chart image CM forms the OSD information I_OSDa in the display screen D_Pic.

[0044] In some embodiments, the processing circuit 124 receives video data from an external video source (not shown, such as a display card) in step S280 and obtains the background image Bm from the video data. In some embodiments without an external video source, the background image Bm may be stored in memory 126 or 128.

[0045] In other embodiments, in step S280, the processing circuit 124 first determines whether video data has been received from an external video source. If yes, the processing circuit 124 obtains the background image Bm from the video data. If no, the processing circuit 124 reads the background image Bm from the memory 126 or 128.

[0046] In some embodiments, during the process of the arithmetic circuit 124 receiving updated data UDa and updating the original data VD (i.e., during the execution of steps S210 to S250), the arithmetic circuit 124 may read a preset image from the memory 126 and generate display data based on the preset image to control the display circuit 130 to provide a display screen containing the preset image. The preset image is used to notify the user that the arithmetic circuit 124 is receiving updated data UDa. For example, the preset image may contain text such as "Value being transmitted". In other embodiments, when the arithmetic circuit 124 completes updating the original data VD (i.e., the determination of executing step S250 or step S230 is "yes"), the arithmetic circuit 124 may read another preset image from the memory 126 and control the display circuit 130 to provide a display screen containing the other preset image. The other preset image is used to notify the user that the arithmetic circuit 124 has completed updating the original data VD. For example, the other preset image may contain text such as "Value modification successful".

[0047] Figure 4 This is a simplified functional block diagram of a display system 400 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The display system 400 includes an input device 110, a control circuit 420, and a display circuit 130. The display system 400 is similar to... Figure 1 The display system 100 is used, so the following description only covers the differences between the two. The control circuit 420 includes a display control chip 122, a memory 128, and a timing circuit 422. The timing circuit 422 calculates the running time information of the display circuit 130 and outputs the running time information as update data UDb to the arithmetic circuit 124. The arithmetic circuit 124 uses the update data UDb to update the original data VD in the memory 128.

[0048] In one embodiment, the runtime information is a statistical summary of the lighting time of the display circuit 130 over a fixed time period (e.g., one day or one week). For example, the display circuit 130 can be recorded as the lighting time per hour over 24 hours. Alternatively, the display circuit 130 can be recorded as the lighting time per day over 7 days. Therefore, the timing circuit 422 can use multiple time points with fixed intervals (i.e., multiple days or multiple hours) as multiple first axis values ​​for the update data UDb, and can use the lighting time as multiple second axis values ​​for the update data UDb. The arithmetic circuit 124 can perform operations similar to those described in steps S210 to S250, updating the original data VD in the memory 128 using the update data UDb; for simplicity, this will not be repeated here.

[0049] As can be seen from the above, Figure 1 The display system 100 and Figure 4 The display system 400 can store customized information for an extended period. Even if the display device, composed of the control circuit 120 (or control circuit 420) and display circuit 130, is powered off, the display device can still display the information previously stored by the user upon the next startup. Therefore, the display systems 100 and 400 offer high flexibility and are suitable for various scenarios requiring modification of OSD information. For example, during pre-shipment testing of the display device, the various optical characteristics measured by the testing personnel can be directly displayed as graphical OSD information on the display device, thereby reducing the number of testing devices required.

[0050] Certain terms are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific elements. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the same element may be referred to by different names. The specification and claims do not distinguish elements by differences in name, but by differences in function. The term "comprising" as used in the specification and claims is an open-ended term and should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to". Furthermore, "coupled" here includes any direct and indirect means of connection. Therefore, if the text describes a first element coupled to a second element, it means that the first element can be directly connected to the second element through electrical connection or signal connection methods such as wireless transmission or optical transmission, or indirectly electrically or signalally connected to the second element through other elements or connection means.

[0051] The use of "and / or" herein includes any combination of one or more of the listed items. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified in the specification, any singular term also includes the plural meaning.

[0052] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this disclosure. Various modifications and equivalent changes can be made to this disclosure without departing from its scope or concept. In summary, all modifications and equivalent changes to this disclosure made within the scope of the following claims are within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An operating method applicable to a display control chip, wherein the display control chip includes a first memory for storing a plurality of chart templates, the operating method comprising: Update original data in a second memory using a first update data; Based on the original data, determine a target chart template from among the multiple chart templates, including: In response to the first updated data including multiple first axis values ​​and multiple second axis values ​​corresponding to a first axis and a second axis respectively, it is determined that the target chart template belongs to a one- or two-dimensional chart template among the multiple chart templates; as well as In response to the fact that the first updated data includes the multiple first axis values ​​corresponding to the first axis but does not include the multiple second axis values, it is determined that the target chart template belongs to the one-dimensional chart template among the multiple chart templates; Based on the target chart template, the original data is converted into a chart image; Based on the chart image, output first display data, wherein the first display data is used to generate a first display screen containing the chart image; In response to receiving the first update data, a preset image is read from the first memory, wherein the preset image is configured to indicate an update status related to the first update data; and A second display data is output based on the preset image, wherein the second display data is used to generate a second display screen containing the preset image.

2. The operating method as described in claim 1, wherein, Based on the original data, the target chart template among the multiple chart templates is determined to include: Based on a chart type information in the original data, the target chart template is selected from the plurality of chart templates, wherein the chart type information is associated with a user-specified chart type.

3. The operation method as described in claim 2, wherein, Selecting the target chart template from the multiple chart templates includes: From the plurality of chart templates, determine multiple candidate chart templates that match the chart type information; and The target chart template is selected from the plurality of candidate chart templates based on at least one of the number of first axis values ​​and the number of second axis values ​​of the original data.

4. The operating method as described in claim 1, wherein, The first display data output based on the chart image includes: The chart image is overlaid onto a background image to generate the first display data, wherein the background image is stored in the first memory.

5. A display control chip, comprising: A first memory for storing multiple chart templates; and An arithmetic circuit, coupled to the first memory, is used to receive first update data and to use the first update data to update original data in a second memory; When the arithmetic circuit reads the original data from the second memory, the arithmetic circuit is used to: Based on the original data, determine one target chart template from among the multiple chart templates; Based on the target chart template, convert the raw data into a chart image; and Based on the chart image, first display data is output, wherein the first display data is used to generate a first display screen containing the chart image. When the arithmetic circuit receives the first update data, the arithmetic circuit is configured as follows: A preset image is read from the first memory, wherein the preset image is configured to indicate an update status related to the first update data; and A second display data is output based on the preset image, wherein the second display data is used to generate a second display screen containing the preset image; Wherein, when the first updated data includes multiple first axis values ​​and multiple second axis values ​​corresponding to a first axis and a second axis respectively, the calculation circuit is configured to determine that the target chart template belongs to a one- or two-dimensional chart template among multiple chart templates; and When the first updated data includes the multiple first axis values ​​corresponding to the first axis but does not include the multiple second axis values, the calculation circuit is configured to determine that the target chart template belongs to a one-dimensional chart template among the multiple chart templates.

6. The display control chip of claim 5, wherein the arithmetic circuitry is configured to select the target chart template from the plurality of chart templates based on chart type information in the raw data, wherein the chart type information is associated with a user-specified chart type.

7. The display control chip as described in claim 6, wherein, The processing circuit is used to first determine multiple candidate chart templates that match the chart type information from the multiple chart templates, and then select the target chart template from the multiple candidate chart templates based on at least one of the number of multiple first axis values ​​and the number of multiple second axis values ​​of the original data.

8. The display control chip as described in claim 5, wherein, The processing circuit is used to receive a background image from an external video source, and the processing circuit is used to overlay the chart image onto the background image to generate the first display data.

9. A display system comprising: An input device for receiving multiple numerical values ​​input by a user and converting the multiple numerical values ​​into a first update data; A display control chip for communicating with the input device to receive the first update data, and includes a first memory for storing multiple chart templates; A second memory for storing original data; and A display circuit; The display control chip is coupled to the second memory and the display circuit, and is used to update the original data using the first update data. When the display control chip reads the original data from the second memory, the display control chip is used to: Based on the original data, determine one target chart template from among the multiple chart templates; Based on the target chart template, convert the raw data into a chart image; and Based on the chart image, first display data is output, wherein the first display data is used to generate a first display screen containing the chart image. When the display control chip receives the first update data, the display control chip is configured as follows: A preset image is read from the first memory, wherein the preset image is configured to indicate an update status related to the first update data; and A second display data is output based on the preset image, wherein the second display data is used to generate a second display screen containing the preset image; Wherein, when the first updated data includes multiple first axis values ​​and multiple second axis values ​​corresponding to a first axis and a second axis respectively, the display control chip is configured to determine that the target chart template belongs to a one- or two-dimensional chart template among multiple chart templates; and When the first updated data includes the multiple first axis values ​​corresponding to the first axis but does not include the multiple second axis values, the display control chip is configured to determine that the target chart template belongs to a one-dimensional chart template among the multiple chart templates.

10. The display system of claim 9, further comprising: A timing circuit is used to calculate the running time information of the display circuit, use the running time information as a second update data, and output the second update data to the display control chip. The display control chip is used to update the original data using the second update data.

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