Automatic module array mapping with intrinsic redundancy

Abstract

There is provided a method for mapping a display wall comprising a plurality of display modules, each display module comprising a controller and a port on each side connected to the controller. Each display module is connected to its directly adjacent at each side port. The method comprises the steps of: energizing the display wall, each display module continuously communicating with a directly adjacent person via each side port by: sending and receiving tiles including coordinate information at least about the display module to a tile packet; defining a reference position in the display wall, wherein the reference position has a reference coordinate; and defining an incremental direction relative to the reference position in the display wall. For each display module, the display module coordinates are continuously updated by comparing their coordinates with the coordinates of each neighbouring following the incremental direction and relative to the reference position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method of mapping an array of display modules, a method of generating an automatic display wall routing plan, and a method of installing a display wall. Background Art

[0002] Large LED displays are usually composed of an array of smaller LED modules and an LED display processor that processes the video input to send a portion of the image to each LED module. Link cables are used to connect the processor to the LED modules and to interconnect different LED modules together.

[0003] However, various challenges arise from this setup:

[0004] - The user needs to follow a (complex) routing scheme that prevents too many tiles from being connected to a single link and requires all tiles to be connected to the processor in a logical way.

[0005] - The processor needs to know the position (X and Y position) of each LED module in the module array in order to perform the correct video mapping on the different LED modules.

[0006] - Different LED modules are usually connected in a daisy chain: if one or more modules or the link cables break, large parts of the display will fail.

[0007] Current solutions in the prior art have developed different solutions for each of the above problems:

[0008] Users or technicians responsible for installing LED displays need to follow a predefined routing scheme. However, it is difficult to detect errors in the routing.

[0009] An array mapping of LED modules can also be provided:

[0010] -User provides manual array mapping to LED display processor. Technician needs to follow the correct array mapping.

[0011] -Automatic array mapping with the aid of auxiliary communication channels (e.g. IR, RFID, etc.). For example, patent application US20130181884 discloses the use of detection means such as LEDs and photoreceptors arranged on the LED modules to detect the presence of adjacent LED modules. A map of the display geometry is generated based on the detection of the presence of adjacent display units.

[0012] Furthermore, to protect against failures in the system, additional links and processors may be provided at the other end of the chain, as shown, for example, in Figure 1. This link redundancy along with processors at both ends of the serpentine wiring allows the display to continue to operate in the event of a link or controller display failure.

[0013] However, if an additional link fails, part of the display will not function.

[0014] US 8,766,880 B2 describes a system and method for pixel modules (each module is a single pixel) to determine their location in a large-scale LED display. The system and method determine the location of the pixel module based on the data received by the module and the identification of the module port through which the data is received. The master module enumeration state machine performs an enumeration process to determine the location of the master LED module within the display panel, and therefore determines the address of the master LED module so that each pixel of the display can be individually addressed to deliver data to it. However, the enumeration message received by the first master module is generated by an external data center. The enumeration message is then forwarded incrementally from the first master LED module to the next LED module.

[0015] Such methods can only start from one location of the display panel and require a data center to trigger the start of the enumeration process.

[0016] Therefore, there is a need to improve the existing technology. Summary of the invention

[0017] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for automatic mapping of a display wall comprising an array of display modules, which method is independent of the processor and wherein the display modules can autonomously update their positions automatically.

[0018] In one aspect, a method for mapping a display wall is provided, the display wall comprising a plurality of display modules, each display module comprising a display module controller and a port on each side of the module connected to the controller, each display module also being connected to at least one directly adjacent display module via a corresponding side port, the display wall having a reference display module having reference coordinates and an incremental direction of the coordinates of the display module, the method comprising the following steps:

[0019] - Powering up the display wall so that all display module controllers are turned on,

[0020] - setting the coordinates of all display modules to an initial setting, wherein all display module coordinates have the same default value coordinates corresponding to the coordinates of said reference display module,

[0021] - each display module continuously communicates with its directly adjacent display modules via the respective side ports by sending tile-to-tile packets including information about at least the coordinates of said display modules and by receiving from each directly adjacent display module tile-to-tile packets including information about at least the coordinates of said directly adjacent display modules,

[0022] - After sending and receiving the tile-to-tile packets, for each display module, continuously update the display module coordinates by comparing its coordinates with the coordinates of each of its neighbors and following the increment direction relative to the coordinates of each of its neighbors.

[0023] This method enables the display modules to automatically generate their coordinates without the use of an external processor. The display wall is self-updating, and even if display modules are added or removed, the coordinates of each display module will be automatically and autonomously updated.

[0024] Furthermore, the method may be implemented over an undefined period of time if desired.

[0025] Preferably, the step of updating the coordinates by comparing the coordinates of two adjacent display modules is as follows: if the coordinates of the first display module among the two adjacent display modules are higher, lower or equal to the coordinates of the second display module among the two adjacent display modules, then according to the coordinates of the second display module and the incremental direction of the display wall, the coordinates of the first display module are increased, decreased or maintained.

[0026] This approach is easy to implement at the level of each module controller.

[0027] Advantageously, the default values ​​of the coordinates of the plurality of display modules are the coordinates of a reference position in the display wall.

[0028] For example, all coordinates may be set to {1; 1}, which may correspond to the coordinates of a reference display module located, for example, in the upper left corner. All other display modules will calculate their coordinates relative to the reference display module.

[0029] The tile-to-tile packet also includes information about the display module unique ID of the display module.

[0030] Advantageously, the step of continuously communicating with the directly adjacent display modules is performed at a bandwidth compatible with the bandwidth of a link cable connecting the two display modules.

[0031] For example, when using the maximum packet length, the bandwidth may be 375,000 times / second, while when using the minimum packet length the bandwidth is a maximum of approximately 4.6 million times / second. When no display wall processor is connected, the minimum packet length may be used because there is less information to transmit. However, for transmitting tile-to-tile packets, a bandwidth lower than that available in the system is possible.

[0032] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of dividing the display wall into at least one block or at least two blocks.

[0033] For larger display walls, it is important to have multiple tiles, since each tile will receive a tile packet containing visual data to be displayed independently from the display wall processor.

[0034] However, the automatic array mapping procedure is independent of the blocks. The blocks are important for sending the information to be displayed. Therefore, in the present invention, each display module knows its position in the display wall, regardless of the blocks, while in prior art solutions, the display module only knows its position within the blocks and does not know its position within the display wall.

[0035] The number of display modules per block depends on the bandwidth of the link and the resolution of the display modules, enabling the display wall to display video data at the required frequency.

[0036] The method may further comprise the step of connecting at least one display module of the tile to a display wall processor.

[0037] Another advantage of the present invention is that the display wall processor can be connected to any display module of the tile. The system will automatically adapt to any configuration selected by the person installing the display wall. This also provides flexibility to the person installing the display wall so that mechanical constraints can be adapted. It also eliminates the possibility of errors when connecting the display modules of the tile to the display wall processor.

[0038] Preferably, for each display module, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0039] - The display module receives a packet from the corresponding display wall processor and selects the port receiving the packet as the upstream port and sets the other ports as the downstream ports,

[0040] - the corresponding display wall processor receives a response packet including information about the display module from the display module, the display module being the connected display module,

[0041] The display wall further includes the following steps:

[0042] - when all display modules of the block are connected to the display wall processor, the display wall processor completes the list of connected display modules with their information,

[0043] - Each of the connected display modules forwards the packet on at least one downstream port when available.

[0044] This method step is feasible in the case of only one or more tiles in the display wall. This enables the display wall to automatically identify the route in order to later send the video packets to all display modules of the tile. The route can change every time the video wall is started again. For example, if the connection between the tiles is defective, the route may even change automatically during use. The user will not even notice.

[0045] Even more preferably, when the display wall has at least two blocks and each block has a corresponding display wall processor, for each display module belonging to the same block, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0046] - the display wall processor of the block receives a packet from the display module including its information to connect, thereby adding the display module to the list of connected display modules of the block,

[0047] - the display wall processor sends a block packet to the display module connected in the block, the block packet including information about the display module and information about other display modules in the block,

[0048] - the display module receives the block packet from the display wall processor and verifies whether its display module information is connected and in the list,

[0049] - if in the list, the display module selects the port of the display module that receives the block packet as the upstream port, and the remaining ports as the downstream ports,

[0050] - the display wall processor receives a response packet including information of the display module and information of adjacent display modules from each connected display module,

[0051] For each block, the following steps are also included:

[0052] - when all display modules are connected, complete the list of connected display modules with their information,

[0053] - Each of the connected display modules forwards the tile packet on at least one downstream port when available.

[0054] Even when multiple blocks are set, automatic routing can be ensured by the above method. The block packet may also include a block number.

[0055] Preferably, the display module information comprises at least the display module coordinates, preferably its unique ID, and preferably the coordinates and / or unique ID of each adjacent display module, and preferably the block number to which the display module belongs when available.

[0056] The display module information ensures that the correct video packets are sent to the correct display module when a display wall is used.

[0057] Advantageously, the step of selecting said upstream port for each display module is based on selecting the port having the highest operable priority.

[0058] Even more preferably, the method further comprises the step of defining, by the display wall processor, the coordinates of the display modules as predefined coordinates.

[0059] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of updating the coordinates of the display modules of the display wall except for the display module having the predefined coordinates relative to the predefined coordinates.

[0060] Defining coordinates to predefined coordinates can be useful when a portion of a wall is started. For example, since the coordinates always start at 1;1, when a portion of a wall is started (for example with the left column still closed), the coordinates will be wrong.

[0061] When the coordinates are wrong, wrong video will be displayed. However, since the display wall processor knows from a previous time what the coordinates should have been, it is possible to force the old "correct" coordinates to ensure that the video is correct.

[0062] An advantage is that when a current upstream port of a display module fails, the display module autonomously selects a new upstream port.

[0063] The method may further comprise the step of connecting the same display wall processor or a second display wall processor to the first display module or the second display module of the at least one tile.

[0064] Having redundant cables between the display wall processor and the display modules ensures that even if there is a defect in the connection, the display wall will remain operational during use.

[0065] The display modules are at least one of rectangular and hexagonal, and wherein the display wall accordingly follows a matrix arrangement, a honeycomb arrangement, or the like.

[0066] The present invention can realize any geometric shape.

[0067] The display module may also be provided by LED, OLED, Micro-LED, LCD, e-Ink, display module, (rear) projection display or any other visualization technology.

[0068] Each display module includes a controller and ports located on each side of the module, each port including a port ID that specifies the location of the port on the display module.

[0069] The method advantageously further comprises the step of detecting a miswired connection using the port ID.

[0070] For example, if the top of a display module is connected to the left side of an adjacent module, rather than the bottom of the adjacent display module, the method can identify incorrect wiring that will result in incorrect coordinates.

[0071] In another aspect, there is also provided a method for installing a display wall comprising a plurality of display modules to generate a display wall having a desired configuration, each display module comprising a display module controller and a port on each side of the module connected to the controller, the method further comprising the steps of:

[0072] - Install each display module until the display wall has the desired configuration,

[0073] - connect each display module to its immediate neighbor at each side port,

[0074] -Execute the method according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 5, so as to update the display module coordinates.

[0075] Preferably, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0076] - adding, removing or replacing display modules in said display wall,

[0077] - Repeat the steps of the method according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 5 to update the display module coordinates.

[0078] After replacing, removing or even adding display modules, the coordinates are automatically updated.

[0079] This may be useful, for example, when installing such a display wall for commercial purposes. For a new business, the display wall may require additional display modules. A technician updating the display wall only needs to connect the new display modules to the existing modules in the display wall without any further requirements.

[0080] Even more preferably, the method may further comprise the step of dividing the display wall into at least one block or a plurality of blocks.

[0081] The method may further comprise the steps of providing at least one display wall controller and connecting at least one display module of each tile to the at least one display wall controller.

[0082] Only if a new tile needs to be generated, one display module of the tile should be connected to the display wall processor. The technician only needs to add a connection between the display wall processor and any display module of the new tile.

[0083] The method further comprises the step of displaying the image using the display wall of the present invention by further sending a video packet to each display module, wherein for each display module, the video packet comprises the video data of each display module and the corresponding display module unique ID. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are particularly set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention itself may be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes exemplary embodiments of the invention, wherein:

[0085] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an LED display including nine LED modules connected by a serpentine wiring scheme and including two redundant processors.

[0086] Figure 1B and Figure 1A Same, where the link between the two LED modules shows a fault.

[0087] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an LED display, wherein each display module controller is configured to be connected to four adjacent LED modules.

[0088] Figure 1A Here is a schematic of the LED display and possible routing schemes.

[0089] Figure 3B Here is a schematic of an LED display with defective connections and a new routing scheme implemented.

[0090] Figure 4A Here is a schematic of an LED display with two of the connections defective.

[0091] Figure 4B is a schematic of an LED display with two connections defective and a redundant link added to the processor.

[0092] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an LED display in which a redundant processor handles a failure of one of the processors.

[0093] Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram showing possible coordinate systems.

[0094] Figure 6B and Fig. 6A Likewise, some of these modules are missing or defective.

[0095] Figure 7 The diagram shows an LED wall composed of different blocks, and the coordinates of the display modules in each block.

[0096] Figures 8A-8E The diagram illustrates the automatic routing procedure for an LED wall, and the intermediate steps during the routing of the wall.

[0097] Figures 9A-9F The figure shows the automatic routing process of the LED wall when the coordinates are assigned.

[0098] Fig. 10A The figure shows the function of the automatic array mapping procedure when a new column of tiles has been added to the left side of the display wall.

[0099] Fig. 10B The figure shows the function of the automatic array mapping procedure when a new column of tiles has been added to the right side of the display wall.

[0100] Fig.11 The figure shows a system for controlling an LED wall system, wherein the LED wall is divided into a plurality of blocks.

[0101] Fig.12 The figure shows a system for controlling an LED wall system, which also includes an LED video wall management kit, a client network and an LED wall network.

[0102] Fig.13A is a flow chart illustrating the automatic routing procedure at the tile level.

[0103] Fig. 13B is a flow chart illustrating the automatic routing procedure at the tile level.

[0104] Fig. 13C is a flow chart illustrating the automatic routing procedure at the tile level.

[0105] Fig.14 is a flow chart illustrating the automatic routing procedure at the processor level.

[0106] Figures 15A-15B is a flow chart illustrating the automatic array mapping procedure at the module level.

[0107] Figures 16A-16G The figure shows the automatic array mapping procedure of the LED wall when some modules are missing or defective. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0108] The terms used to describe specific embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to also include the plural forms. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. It should be understood that the terms "include" and / or "include" specify the presence of the features, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features. It should be further understood that, unless otherwise specified, when a specific step of a method is referred to as a subsequent step of another step, it can be directly after the other step, or one or more intermediate steps can be performed before performing the specific step. Similarly, it should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, when describing the connection between structures or components, such connection can be established directly or through intermediate structures or components.

[0109] The present invention will be described with respect to specific embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are schematic only and are non-limiting. In the drawings, for illustrative purposes, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale. Where the term "comprising" is used in this specification and claims, other elements or steps are not excluded.

[0110] In addition, the terms first, second, third, etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential order or a chronological order. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operating in other sequences than those described or illustrated herein.

[0111] The terms "about" or "approximately" and the like are synonymous and are used to indicate that the value modified by the term has an understanding range associated therewith, where the range may be +20%, +15%, +10%, +5%, or +1%. The term "substantially" is used to indicate that a result (e.g., a measured value) is close to a target value, where close may mean, for example, that the result is within 80% of a value, within 90% of a value, within 95% of a value, or within 99% of a value.

[0112] definition

[0113] The display module information ID is a unique id that identifies the display module. (e.g. MAC address in Ethernet applications). It can be, for example, an unsigned long (64-bit) ID of the display module / display wall processor. A unique serial number is associated with the MAC address.

[0114] The video data is sent to the display module in the form of individual video packets with its information ID.

[0115] A display wall is typically composed of multiple individual display modules (or tiles) that are spliced ​​together to form a larger display. Multiple display modules can be operated together so that the entire display wall appears as a larger display. The front display surface can be formed by multiple individual light-emitting elements, such as LEDs, OLEDs, micro-LEDs, etc., in which case the display modules are LED or OLED modules. Other types of displays can also be provided, such as LCD displays, reflective displays such as E-Ink displays. The display wall can be controlled by at least one processor or display wall processor.

[0116] The display modules of the display wall of the present invention are all identical and interchangeable and include a module controller connected to a port provided on each side of the display module. The side is any side of the module that is prone to have an adjacent display module. Thus, the display modules are interchangeable throughout the display wall. Thus, the display modules can have any shape, such as rectangular, square, but also hexagonal, etc.

[0117] Each display module will be automatically and dynamically assigned its own coordinates in the display wall. Each display module also has its own information ID.

[0118] A tile is a group of interconnected display modules that form a logical section of a display wall. The display wall processor sends video data in packets (video packets) dedicated only to that tile. The same display wall processor can be connected to different tiles of the LED wall. One output of the display wall processor is connected to one tile of the LED wall.

[0119] Different types of data packets can be used. The structure of different types of data packets can be implemented in different ways. The following data packets can be used: block packet, acknowledgement packet, T2T packet, video packet.

[0120] The tile packet includes the coordinates of each display module connected to that specific tile. Each display module will calculate its own coordinates and check if it belongs to the tile, and if it is included, select the upstream port. The display module will check any incoming tile packets.

[0121] An acknowledgement packet is a communication data packet sent by the display module to the processor to indicate its presence.

[0122] The reply packet is intended to send data from the display module to the display wall processor. It lets the display wall processor know that this particular display module is still active and has not been disconnected. The display wall processor may also save a list of connected display modules (including display module information, such as, for example, display module coordinates, and, for example, their corresponding information IDs). Only by identifying the display module can the display wall processor send video data to the display module.

[0123] The reply packet may also include neighbor port information, which the display wall processor can use to add the upstream information ID to the component information and find the redundant display wall processor connected to the wall.

[0124] 5 different information IDs may be returned to the display wall processor. The order may be, for example, the following: current display module, left neighbor, upper neighbor, right neighbor, and lower neighbor.

[0125] A T2T packet (Tile-to-Tile Packet) is a communication data packet sent by a display module to its immediate neighbors to communicate its current location. A Tile-to-Tile Packet includes at least information about the display module coordinates.

[0126] When no display wall processor is already connected to the display module, the display module can create maximum bandwidth full of T2T packets on this upstream and to port. These packets should be small and are only intended to update the display module communication and for the automatic array mapping routine. The tile to tile (T2T) packet may also include the information ID of the display module / display wall processor. Each display module preferably updates this field with its own information ID so that the neighbors have this information and can send it back to the display wall processor in the reply packet.

[0127] A display wall processor is a processor that is configured to connect to at least one tile of a display wall (or to at least one tile of a tile on a display wall if the display wall is divided into multiple zones). The display wall processor is responsible for reading video data from any video source or medium and sending it to the display modules in a format (video packets) adapted for that purpose. The display wall processor will also keep a list of connected display modules for each output port. It will also collect information from connected display modules and make it available to the connected video wall manager. Any video processing may also be done in the display wall processor.

[0128] A video wall manager is a program that is configured to divide the wall into multiple tiles for each display wall processor connected to the wall and provide all of this information to the display wall processor.

[0129] Port priority

[0130] The display wall processor may include ports with different priority levels, which will all send the same video data. The display module will always listen to the highest priority display wall processor port. Only in the event of a failure will it start listening to lower priority ports.

[0131] Upstream, Upstream Port

[0132] Upstream is the direction of communication toward the processor. On a display module, the upstream port is the port that sends packets to the processor. All other ports are downstream ports. A display module can have only one upstream port.

[0133] Downstream, downstream port

[0134] Downstream is the direction away from the processor. On a display module, communications from the processor are forwarded on a downstream port. A display module can have multiple downstream ports.

[0135] Incremental direction

[0136] Incremental direction generally refers to the direction in which a quantity or value increases or decreases in small incremental steps or increments.

[0137] In a collage display, the increment direction refers to the direction in which the display coordinates or arrangement are updated or changed. It is usually from left to right and top to bottom or from right to left and bottom to top, depending on the specific implementation. For example, if the increment direction of a collage display is from left to right and top to bottom, the system will first update the display modules in the leftmost column from top to bottom, then move to the second column, and so on, until all display modules are updated. This direction is called incremental because each update brings the system incrementally closer to its final state.

[0138] The reference position is the position of a display module corresponding to the display wall, which is used as a reference for finding the corresponding coordinates of all display modules of the display wall. The reference position also refers to the default value of the coordinates of all display modules during initial setup. The reference position can be any position on the display wall. Optionally, the reference position is the position of a corner display module. The direction of increment of the coordinates of the display module also depends on the coordinates of the reference position to be used during comparison.

[0139] The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. In the accompanying drawings, the absolute and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. The embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and / or cross-unit diagrams of possible idealized embodiments and intermediate structures of the invention. In the specification and drawings, the same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. Relative terms and their derivatives should be interpreted as referring to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawings in the discussion. Unless otherwise stated, these relative terms are for ease of description and do not require that the system be constructed or operated in a specific orientation.

[0140] Throughout the specification, the terms display module and tile are used interchangeably.

[0141] Figure 2The figure shows a display wall segment 200 of a display wall. A display wall segment is a group of display modules 210 connected to at least one display wall processor. Typically, a display wall segment includes 9 to 64 display modules, but more or fewer display modules may be provided. The number of display modules per segment typically depends on pixel pitch, frame rate, bandwidth, compression rate, etc. The example illustrated in this application includes 9 display modules for each display wall segment.

[0142] The first display module 211 of the display wall segment is connected to the first processor 220 via a connection cable 230. The connection cable is configured to transmit data in both directions. The connection cable may be provided by a custom fiber optic cable or any other type of data connector suitable for transmitting video data.

[0143] The display modules 210 of the display wall block are arranged in an array so that each display module can have adjacent display modules. Each display module includes a module controller having ports on each side of the display module for connecting adjacent display modules on each side of the LED module.

[0144] exist Figure 2 In the example of , the display modules are arranged in an array of 3×3 display modules. Each display module has a controller with four ports for connecting each direct neighbor via a connecting cable. Thus, in this example, the center display module 215 has four direct neighbors, one at the top 218, one at the bottom 212, one at the left side 214, and one at the right side 216, while the side display modules or corner display modules are only connected to three or two adjacent display modules, respectively.

[0145] Each controller of a display module in the array is further configured to detect the presence of an adjacent display module in each port and infer therefrom the position and coordinates of the corresponding display module in the array. This automatic array mapping method is further described below.

[0146] Each port of the display module has a dedicated position in the LED module. Each port can also have its own port ID, i.e., for a rectangular display module, top port, bottom port, left port, right port. The left port will always have to be connected to the right port, the top port will always have to be connected to the bottom port, etc.

[0147] Thus, a controller can detect if a packet on a port is sent from the expected port of a neighboring controller. A port ID can be added to each packet sent by a module controller. For example: a controller can detect that it receives a packet on its left port from the right port of another controller. When an error is detected, the user can be notified, for example, by an OSD message to correct the error.

[0148] This new connection scheme in the display wall tiles provides several advantages:

[0149] Installation is simpler because each display module needs to be connected to its direct neighbors, i.e. each controller is connected to each upper, lower, right and left neighbor controller as they are available. Therefore, no mistakes can be made when connecting various display modules together.

[0150] If the display module is rectangular, the horizontal connector can have a different size than the vertical connector. Errors can be prevented mechanically by using pigtail cables of precise lengths to make errors physically impossible, or by using cable-free solutions (wireless communication or board-to-board connections).

[0151] At each startup of the system, or each reset, or when a component of the system fails, a new routing scheme is automatically generated for the signal data so that all display modules receive the appropriate intended image of the display wall.

[0152] like Figure 2 As shown, the display wall segment may include additional display wall processors, or redundant display wall processors in the event of a processor failure. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the processor 221 is connected to the display module 219. Additional processors may also be provided, or additional connections between the processor and other display modules.

[0153] Each module will automatically select one port as the upstream port (e.g. based on priority rules) and forward all packets from the upstream port to the other three ports (downstream ports). When valid data is no longer received on the selected upstream port, the module can immediately select another upstream port with valid data flow. This will produce seamless cable redundancy and automatic routing solutions.

[0154] Figure 3A The figure shows a possible routing scheme resulting from the above considerations. All display module controllers receive signals from adjacent module controllers.

[0155] exist Figure 3B In the example above, one of the connections is defective. The system automatically recalculates a new routing scheme so that all display modules keep running as they display images. The user will not have time to notice the failure because the calculation may only take a few milliseconds. During the calculation, the previous frame can be displayed.

[0156] exist Figure 4A The middle figure shows another example where two connections are defective and the system needs to find a new routing solution.

[0157] exist Figure 4BIn the example, the connection between the processor 220 and the display module 211 is defective. Then another already existing connection 240 between the processor 220 and the display module 217 is activated.

[0158] Multiple processor links can be set up between one or different processors and the display module array. By assigning different priorities to each link, the module can seamlessly switch to a lower priority link when one of the higher priority links fails. This is the case when a link cable is broken or a processor fails.

[0159] exist Figure 5 In the example, processor 220 is also defective and processor 221 takes over with a new routing scheme.

[0160] The automatic array mapping procedure can now be described.

[0161] The different types of packets transmitted in the system, particularly tile-to-tile packets, allow the system to provide an automatic array mapping routine to automatically calculate the coordinates of each display module in the display wall, regardless of the tile.

[0162] Automatic array mapping

[0163] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The figure shows the coordinates assigned to each display module of the display wall in two scenarios, as further described below.

[0164] The display wall may include one tile or more than one tile. The automatic array mapping procedure does not require a display wall processor, but only tile-to-tile communication. The automatic array mapping procedure is executed on the entire display wall, regardless of the tile.

[0165] Each display module can calculate its own coordinate (e.g., 14-bit X and Y) position on the wall relative to a reference position (e.g., the upper left corner has the value {1; 1}). Even in a configuration where there is no physical tile at that position, other tiles can still calculate their positions relative to a reference position (such as the upper left corner) as if there was a tile at that position ( Figure 6B ).

[0166] Because each tile has specific left, top, right, and bottom ports, an algorithm is provided to determine the tile coordinates based on what packets are received from each port.

[0167] Each tile can autonomously send a tile-to-tile packet to each of its neighboring tiles (above, below, left, and right) in addition to or in addition to the video data. A simple algorithm ensures that each module knows its exact video wall coordinates or position at all times, allowing for recalculation when the display wall configuration changes (such as a new column in the display wall).

[0168] Tile-to-tile communication refers herein to communication between two adjacent or neighboring display module controllers. Communication between two adjacent display module controllers occurs via side ports connected to each other.

[0169] Each port of a tile preferably has its own port ID, which determines its position on the tile. Therefore, the position of a port on a tile can determine which other port it can communicate with.

[0170] For example, the tile coordinates can be changed from the coordinates {x c ,y c Each tile can send its own coordinates to each neighboring tile by using a tile-to-tile communication packet.

[0171] Coordinates are never decreased, only increased, except after a power outage or reset (whereupon all coordinates are set back to the default values ​​of {1; 1}).

[0172] If no processor is connected, the tile creates a full bandwidth packet on each port including its coordinates.

[0173] The method for mapping a display wall comprises the following steps: the display wall is powered on so that all display module controllers are turned on. Then, each display module begins continuous communication with its immediate neighbors via each side port by sending a tile-to-tile packet including information about at least the coordinates of the display module. Simultaneously, each display module also receives a tile-to-tile packet from each neighboring display module, the tile-to-tile packet including information about at least the coordinates of the neighboring display module.

[0174] A reference position should be defined in the display wall, which has reference coordinates and defines the incremental direction relative to the reference display module in the display wall. For example, the upper left corner has coordinates {x=1; y=1}. For the x-coordinate, the incremental direction is from left to right, and for the y-coordinate, the incremental direction is from top to bottom.

[0175] For each display module, the display module coordinates are continuously updated by comparing its coordinates relative to a reference display module position with the coordinates of each of its neighboring modules along an incremental direction.

[0176] If a display module coordinate is higher, lower, or equal to the display module coordinate of each immediate neighbor, the coordinate of the display module may be increased, decreased, or maintained depending on the increment direction and the reference position in the display wall.

[0177] In the case of a rectangular LED module, it is assumed that each LED module has a left port, a right port, an upper port, and a lower port.

[0178] For example, assuming the upper left corner is set to {1; 1}, the following rules can be implemented.

[0179] 1. When a tile receives a coordinate on its left port, it must verify its own x-coordinate x 拼贴块 equal to or higher than the received x 左 +1, if it's not the case then x 拼贴块 becomes the received x 左 +1.

[0180] 2. When a tile receives a coordinate on the right port, it must verify its own x coordinate x 拼贴块 equal to or higher than the received x 右 -1, if not, then x 拼贴块 becomes the received x 右 -1.

[0181] 3. When a tile receives coordinates on the upper or lower port, it must verify its own x coordinate x 拼贴块 equal to or higher than the received x 上 / 下 , if this is not the case, then x 拼贴块 The coordinates become the received x 上 / 下 coordinate.

[0182] 4. When a tile receives coordinates on the upper port, it must verify its own y coordinate y 拼贴块 equal to or higher than the received y 上 coordinate +1, if not, then y 拼贴块 becomes the received y 上 Coordinates +1.

[0183] 5. When the tile receives the coordinates on the lower port, it must verify its own y coordinates 拼贴块 equal to or higher than the received y 下 Coordinate -1, if not, then y 拼贴块 becomes the received y 下 Coordinates -1.

[0184] 6. When a tile receives a coordinate at the left or right port, it must verify its own y 拼贴块 Coordinates equal to or higher than the received y 左 / 右, if this is not the case, then y 拼贴块 becomes the received y 下 / 上 .

[0185] exist Figures 15A-15B The flowchart depicted in FIG. 1 shows how a processor performs an automatic array mapping procedure. The flowchart shows an exemplary embodiment for implementing the above-mentioned rules. o :Y o During the update of the display module of the left display module, information about the coordinates of the left display module, the right display module, the upper display module and the lower display module is obtained. The left display module has the coordinates {X L :Y L}, the right display module has coordinates {X R :Y R}, the upper display module has coordinates {X T :Y T}, the lower display module has coordinates {X B :Y B}.

[0186] Before executing the comparison decision procedure, information about the coordinates of the left display module, the right display module, the upper display module, and the lower display module is sent to all display modules accordingly. The comparison decision procedure is performed only when the display module being updated detects the corresponding collage block. If at least one comparison decision is satisfied after comparing with the existing adjacent display modules, the coordinates {X o :Y o However, if all adjacent display modules do not satisfy the coordinates {X o :Y o}, then the coordinates {X o :Y o} remains unchanged.

[0187] Compare the X and Y axes separately. o The coordinate comparison process is shown in Fig.15A For Y o The coordinate comparison process is shown in Fig. 15B For each iteration of the continuous update of the coordinates of the display module, the operations for updating X are performed separately. o and Y o The comparison decision process in steps 1511, 1513, 1515, 1517 and 1521, 1523, 1525, 1527 of the coordinates is performed for each iteration to update X o At least one of the processes in steps 1512, 1514, 1516, 1518, 1519 of the coordinates. For each iteration, perform oAt least one of the processes in steps 1522, 1524, 1526, 1528, 1529 of the coordinates. Figures 16A-16G It is shown how the automatic array mapping procedure of the LED wall can still work properly even when some display modules are missing or defective. As shown in the figure, the initialization of the array mapping procedure of multiple display modules does not require any specific display module to have the correct coordinates to determine the correct coordinates of the display modules.

[0188] By executing something like Fig.15A and 15B According to the above rules of the flowchart, even if there is no display module located in the reference coordinate, the coordinates of all display modules can still be determined. In this exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the reference position is the upper left corner of the display wall, and the default coordinate values ​​of all modules in the initial setting are {1:1}.

[0189] Although there is no module located at the reference position {1:1}, continuous updates using the array mapping algorithm can still determine the correct coordinates in a predefined incremental direction (i.e., from left to right and from top to bottom), and propagate from right to left and from bottom to top after the coordinates of the lower right display module have been determined.

[0190] The algorithm may be suitable if the reference position is at a different position, e.g. at a different corner of the LED wall, or in the middle of the LED wall, etc. The coordinates may also be incremented in the opposite direction. The algorithm may also be applicable to, e.g., a honeycomb array of display modules, each display module then having a hexagonal shape.

[0191] Due to the high bandwidth data link and the nature of the system, the array mapping will be completed in a very short time and will not be noticed by the user. Any type of link and speed can be used for tile to tile communication. For example, 5G over USB can be used for tile to tile communication.

[0192] The display wall processor can query the module coordinates to correctly map the video stream onto the display module. This procedure can be done without any user display wall processor as it is tile independent.

[0193] Adjacent display modules of the display wall are in continuous communication when the wall is powered on. This continuous communication between adjacent display modules allows coordinates to be updated instantly. This is independent of an external controller.

[0194] The speed of sustained communication depends on the type of cable and protocol used. For example, using a 1G Ethernet link with a minimum packet length of 64 bytes and a maximum packet length of 1518 bytes (minimum interframe gap of 12 clocks). The minimum speed will be the speed when the maximum packet length is used, which is about 81,700 times / second. The maximum speed will be the speed when the minimum packet length is used, which is about 1,645,000 times / second. Increasing the bandwidth from 1G to 5G / 10G / 100G, and using the Ethernet protocol, the speed will increase by the same relative amount.

[0195] As explained above, each tile will always automatically update its coordinates throughout the display process based on the coordinates of its neighbors.

[0196] In prior art methods, at least one master controller is responsible for initiating the enumeration process. The coordinates of each tile are transmitted from a reference display module, which is usually directly connected to the processor.

[0197] The processor is connected to the reference display module and is the initiator of each adjacent display module's communication with the first display module. The display module immediately updates its coordinates to the new coordinates and transmits the new coordinates to the next one.

[0198] Partial start of the wall

[0199] If the display wall processor is not connected, there is no problem, the coordinates can be updated as soon as the tiles start to be powered on. The problem occurs when the display wall processor is connected and already knows which coordinates the tiles should have (same wall configuration). The display wall processor will receive wrong coordinates from the connected tiles and will therefore start sending wrong video data. For example, powering on the wall from right to left will create the effect of the video moving from right to left. To solve this problem, the display wall processor is preferably able to set the correct coordinates into the tiles by using tile communication. In other words, the display wall processor can define the coordinates of the tiles as predefined coordinates. The tiles with predefined coordinates can be used to further update the coordinates of the remaining adjacent tiles.

[0200] The display wall processor may force coordinates by filling the expected coordinates into the tile communication and may set the "Force Coordinates" bit.

[0201] If the tile's current coordinates are lower than the expected coordinates, the display wall processor can only force the coordinates. When the tile's coordinates are greater than the display wall processor's expected coordinates, the tile has been added to the wall (left or top). The display wall processor can update the internal list and do nothing.

[0202] When the coordinates are actually lower, it could be due to a number of reasons: the tile is still starting, the tile has been removed from the wall, or the tile is damaged. In any case, the display wall processor will not receive a reply packet that includes the tile information, such as the information ID. After the tile is removed, user action is required to clear the current information. If the old list is used, the display wall processor may force the wrong coordinates into the input wall, and the list will never be updated.

[0203] Video Wall Management Suite

[0204] The video wall manager is configured to divide the wall into multiple zones for each display wall processor connected to the wall and provide all this information to the display wall processor. After the display wall processor has this internal table, it can start sending zone packets that include a list of all tiles that should be included in the zone. The tiles will respond with their tile information (such as, for example, coordinates and information IDs), which allows the correct video packets to be started. By specifying a list of coordinates, non-rectangular zones can be created flexibly.

[0205] The tile will send data on the boundary between two chunks, but the receiving tile should not be allowed to select that port as upstream / use that data. It can only be used to exchange coordinates. It will include the wrong chunk number, or the chunk packet will not include coordinates, so it should be ignored.

[0206] Figure 7 The figure shows the eight blocks of the LED wall and their coordinates. Each block has a different gray tone.

[0207] The following table provides Figure 7 The block list corresponding to the LED wall:

[0208]

[0209] Automatic routing program

[0210] In addition to the automatic array mapping procedure, an automatic routing procedure is also provided. When tiles receive a block packet including their coordinates, they are routed. For redundant rerouting (removing a cable), the display module will only be allowed to be routed to another port where the block number in the packet is the same.

[0211] The automatic routing process occurs within the tiles and requires at least one display wall processor connected to at least one tile.

[0212] Tiles that receive a chunk pack that does not include their coordinates should discard it upstream and wait for the correct chunk pack

[0213] When a new valid message ID is seen in a T2T or reply packet, a block packet can be sent

[0214] New valid info ID = the info ID from the neighbor tile that is included in the current block but not yet included in the "currently connected list".

[0215] Tile-to-tile packets, or T2T packets, include information for each tile, such as the coordinates and unique ID of the tile. They may also include the coordinates of neighboring tiles.

[0216] Case 1: Powered wall, unknown for display wall processor

[0217] Let's assume that the wall has been powered on long enough so that all tiles have their correct coordinates (no display wall processors force coordinates and no redundancy). For simplicity, the tile's info ID is the same as the coordinate.

[0218] No tiles will have video, and will still send full bandwidth T2T packets to each other. Tiles connected to the display wall processor will also send T2T packets (including tile coordinates and information ID) to the display wall processor. The display wall processor does not yet know this information ID, so it sends tile packets such as Fig. 8A As shown in the figure. The display wall processor saves the list shown in the following table:

[0219]

[0220] The first tile receives the packet, checks if its coordinates are in the tile list, and selects the port as upstream, thus enabling the other three ports downstream to receive the next packet. It responds to the display wall processor with a reply packet including tile information (e.g., MAC address, coordinates, and neighbor information), such as Figure 8B As shown in the figure. Now, the content of the block package is as follows:

[0221]

[0222] Now the display wall processor receives the information of the information ID (MAC address & coordinates) and also the information ID of any neighbors that are connected. So it sends a single tile packet again, to which the next two tiles (7;8), (8;7) will respond. The display wall processor can only add these tiles to the "currently connected list" once they have sent a reply packet including their coordinates, e.g. Figure 8C As shown in the figure. Now, the content of the block package is as follows:

[0223]

[0224] After only a few more iterations, most tiles are connected, e.g. Fig.8D As shown, the contents of a block pack include the following list of connected tiles:

[0225]

[0226] For this example, 15 iterations might occur before the walls are fully connected, as shown in Fig. 8E As shown. Once no new information ID has been found, the display wall processor should stop sending tile packets. Adding new tiles will cause changes in the neighbor information IDs of the connected tiles, and the display wall processor will detect this.

[0227] The tile packet now contains a list of all tiles that are now connected. Video data is sent simultaneously in the form of video packets, and each video frame will be displayed by the appropriate tile.

[0228]

[0229] Case 2: Power on wall, known for display wall processor

[0230] Because tiles are not allowed to remember which zone they belong to (to support rentals, demo kits, etc.), routing will have to be repeated. Even if routing has been done before and the display wall processor knows what will be connected, it should route in the same way. The "Currently Connected" information ID list will be empty and routing will proceed in the same way as case 1. Coordinates must not be forced because the wall will already be powered up with the correct coordinates. This case can also be handled by Fig. 8A To depict.

[0231] Case 3: Start the wall, for the display wall processor is known (forced coordinates)

[0232] For example, only the two rightmost columns are enabled. The coordinates of this part of the wall will be wrong. The display wall processor will receive a T2T packet with coordinates {1;1} and MAC address {88:88:88:88:88}, such as Fig.9A As shown.

[0233]

[0234] The display wall processor already has this information ID in the list, but knows that the coordinates are wrong. It will send a single packet to force the coordinates {8;8} into the tile, such as Fig. 9B Let's assume this is checked at one packet time, so it's easier to explain the situation.

[0235]

[0236] The next packet received by the display wall processor will be a correct T2T packet. This means the coordinates and message ID are as expected. Therefore, it sees a new valid message ID and sends a tile packet to the first tile.

[0237] Any T2T packets received before this point will include the wrong expected coordinates connected to the information ID in the display wall processor, so it will not send the tile packet. At the same time, the forced coordinates (i.e. the predefined coordinates set by the display wall processor) will be used as a reference to update the rest of the wall with its correct coordinates, such as Fig. 9C In some embodiments, the update process may use a comparison process similar to the process shown in Figures 15a and 15b, or an iteration thereof.

[0238]

[0239] The tiles will respond to the Tile Packet as before with the Info IDs of neighbors that the Display Wall Processor has not yet included in its "currently connected" Info ID list. At this point it is not a problem that some tiles have incorrect coordinates when receiving Tile Packets. The wall is much faster than the Display Wall Processor routing in updating coordinates. In this example, for easier representation, it is at the same speed, but takes several T2T packets before the next Tile Packet has been sent, such as Fig.9D , Fig.9E As shown.

[0240]

[0241]

[0242] Eventually, the activated wall will have the correct coordinates, be routed, and play the correct video. The display wall processor has not received any new information IDs, so no tile packets will be sent. Whenever tiles near a routed wall are activated, their coordinates will be updated, and the routed tiles will immediately send a reply packet including the newly discovered information ID, see Fig.9F .

[0243]

[0244] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The figure shows how the automatic array mapping works when a new column of tiles is added to the left and right sides of the display wall.

[0245] exist Fig. 10A In the original configuration, Fig. 10A -0 as shown in the figure. Fig. 10A-1, a column of tiles has been added to the left. In four steps, the automatic array mapping routine is able to update the coordinates of the display wall to the new configuration. In fact, since a column has been added to the left, and the coordinates are numbered relative to the top-left tile, it takes four steps (because there are four columns of tiles) to get the correct coordinates.

[0246] exist Fig. 10B , a column of tiles is added on the right, such as Fig. 10B Updating the coordinates to the configuration takes only one step.

[0247] Fig.11 The figure shows a possible block diagram of a system 1100 for controlling an LED display wall 1110. The LED wall is divided into a plurality of blocks 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114, 1115, 1116, 1117 and includes at least one display wall processor 1120. The display wall processor processes signals from connected video sources and transmits them to at least one display module of each block of the LED wall. Fig.11 In the example shown in FIG. 7 , 7 blocks are set up, and the display wall processor is connected to the lower right display module of each block, but any display module can be connected to the display wall processor.

[0248] As described above, for example, a redundant connection to the display wall processor may be provided from another tile of each zone. A redundant display wall processor may also be provided, connected to any other tile of the zone.

[0249] exist Fig.12 , a more complete system 1200 is shown. A video wall manager 1250 may run a video wall management suite, such as a web-based application that allows a user to create, configure, control, and monitor the video wall 1200. A client PC 1270 equipped with a web browser may be connected to the video wall manager 1260 via a client network 1240. It may be used to run a user interface (UI) that interacts with the video wall management suite 1250. The video wall manager 1260 controls one or more display wall processors 1220 depending on the size and resolution of the LED wall 1200. The video wall manager 1260 and the display wall processors are connected together in a wall network 1230. For security reasons, an additional client network 1240 may be provided. Alternatively, only the wall network 1230 may be used.

[0250] Cables 1221 may be used to route data from the display wall processor 1220 to the display modules in each tile of the LED wall. In one example, a single display wall processor may manage up to 8 output ports (8 sections of the LED wall) and may drive 2,080,000 pixels at 60Hz of the video wall. This means that the number of tiles (or display modules) handled by each display wall processor depends on the resolution, frame rate, and connection type.

[0251] Each zone of the LED wall can be defined in the video wall management suite. As described above, the display wall processor is connected to at least one tile of each zone. Redundant processors and / or connectors can also be implemented.

[0252] Furthermore, each display module or tile of the LED wall communicates with its 4 adjacent tiles via a cable connecting them together. The cable (connector) can be any type of high speed link, provided by any cable, any board to board connector, or any wireless link. For example, it can be provided by a custom USB cable. Even adjacent tiles belonging to different zones are connected.

[0253] Inter-tile connections are duplex connections, allowing data to flow in both directions at all times.

[0254] The bandwidth depends on the type of connection used. For example, the bandwidth can be in the range of 1 Gbps-100 Gbps.

[0255] Figures 13A-13C The figure shows a flow chart of the automatic routing process at the display module level. The basic module functions are shown in Fig.13A When the module is powered on 1310, it will automatically route 1312 and display the video 1320. If the video is lost due to a failure 1316, the automatic routing 1312 will try to find a new path where the video is still available.

[0256] Fig. 13B The second flow chart shown includes more details. When the display module detects a valid processor 1321 (this can be any valid packet or routing packet), the display module will select that port as the upstream and begin sending reply packets 1322. It will then begin displaying the video received from that upstream 1320. If the video is lost 1324, the upstream is discarded 1325 and the display module attempts to find a new valid processor.

[0257] exist Fig. 13CIn the third flowchart, at startup, the module creates a T2T packet 1331 and sends it to each neighbor to calculate the coordinates. When a valid block packet (which means including their coordinates) 1332 is detected, the port is selected as upstream and starts sending reply packets 1322.

[0258] If a higher priority processor 1335 is found, it will begin displaying the received video 1320 and a new upstream will be selected 1322. This can be done in a certain amount of time / in a certain amount of time (e.g. 1 minute).

[0259] After the lock time expires 1336, the upstream will be locked 1337 and can no longer be changed due to priority.

[0260] When the video upstream has been lost 1324, the tile will first check if there is another port with valid video 1338. If this is the case, then that port is selected upstream 1339, otherwise it is dropped upstream 1325.

[0261] After being dropped upstream, the routed packets must be received again before the video can be displayed.

[0262] The following reference numerals are used in the flow chart:

[0263] 1310: Start;

[0264] 1312: Automatic routing;

[0265] 1320: display video;

[0266] 1316: Video lost?

[0267] 1321: Video processor detected?

[0268] 1322: Select the upstream and start sending reply packets;

[0269] 1324: Lost upstream?

[0270] 1325: discard upstream;

[0271] 1331: Create T2T package with coordinates;

[0272] 1332: Valid block packet detected?

[0273] 1325: Found a higher priority processor?

[0274] 1336: Lock time expired?

[0275] 1337: Lock the upstream display video;

[0276] 1338: Valid video on other ports?

[0277] 1339: Select new upstream.

[0278] Fig.14 The figure shows a flow chart at the display wall processor level. The display wall processor has three processes running in parallel. The display wall processor will display the video (send it to the modules) according to the configuration map 1401 built from the list of currently connected modules.

[0279] When a new unique (module) ID is detected 1402 from T2T or in a reply packet received from a module, it will add that unique ID to the list of connected modules 1403. Depending on the implementation, a new tile packet is sent based on the received coordinates 1404. (This is not necessary if the tiles are routed without a tile packet). Afterwards, the video configuration map is updated with the new module.

[0280] For each module 1406 in the connected module list, it will keep track of how much time has passed since the last reply packet was received.

[0281] If the time is longer than, for example, 3 seconds 1407, it is removed from the list of connected modules 1408 and the video configuration map 1405 is updated.

[0282] When a reply packet is received within 3 seconds (for example), the timer resets but nothing happens.

[0283] The following reference numerals are used in the flow chart:

[0284] 1400: Start;

[0285] 1401: Display the video according to the configuration diagram;

[0286] 1402: New unique ID detected? (T2T or reply);

[0287] 1403: Add a unique ID to the list of connected modules;

[0288] 1404: Send a new block packet based on the received coordinates;

[0289] 1405: Update video configuration diagram;

[0290] 1406: for each module in the connected module list;

[0291] 1407: Receive response after 3 seconds?

[0292] 1408: Remove the unique ID from the connected list.

[0293] The following are non-limiting enumerated example embodiments of the disclosed invention.

[0294] A display wall comprises display modules arranged in an array so that each display module has an adjacent display module disposed on at least one side of the display module, wherein

[0295] - each display module includes a controller connected to a port disposed on each side of the display module, each port having a specific location on the display module, and each port being configured to connect to a port of an adjacent display module,

[0296] - Each controller of the display modules is further configured to continuously communicate with each adjacent display module via each side port upon startup of the display wall by exchanging tile-to-tile packets, the tile-to-tile packets comprising at least information about the coordinates of the display modules.

[0297] Although the present invention has been described using rectangular and square tiles, the present invention is not limited thereto and tiles having any shape may be provided, such as, for example, hexagonal tiles.

[0298] Although the invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, this is done to illustrate rather than limit the invention. The skilled person will appreciate that various modifications and different combinations of the disclosed features are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for mapping a display wall, the display wall comprising a plurality of display modules, each display module comprising a display module controller and a port on each side of the module connected to the controller, each display module also being connected to at least one directly adjacent display module via a corresponding side port, the display wall having a reference display module having reference coordinates and an incremental direction of the coordinates of the display module, the method comprising the following steps: - Powering up the display wall so that all display module controllers are turned on, - setting the coordinates of all display modules to an initial setting, wherein all display module coordinates have the same default value coordinates corresponding to the coordinates of said reference display module, - each display module continuously communicates with its directly adjacent display modules via the respective side ports by sending tile-to-tile packets including information about at least the coordinates of said display modules and by receiving from each directly adjacent display module tile-to-tile packets including information about at least the coordinates of said directly adjacent display modules, - After sending and receiving the tile-to-tile packets, for each display module, continuously update the display module coordinates by comparing its coordinates with the coordinates of each of its neighbors and following the increment direction relative to the coordinates of each of its neighbors.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The steps of updating the coordinates by comparing the coordinates of two adjacent display modules are as follows: if the coordinates of the first display module among the two adjacent display modules are higher, lower or equal to the coordinates of the second display module among the two adjacent display modules, then according to the coordinates of the second display module and the incremental direction of the display wall, the coordinates of the first display module are increased, decreased or maintained.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The default values ​​of the coordinates of the plurality of display modules are coordinates of a reference position in the display wall.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The tile-to-tile packet also includes information about the display module unique ID of the display module.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The step of continuously communicating with the directly adjacent display modules is performed at a bandwidth compatible with a bandwidth of a link cable connecting the two display modules.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The method also includes dividing the display wall into at least one block or at least two blocks.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: Also included is the step of connecting at least one display module of the tile to a display wall processor.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: For each display module, the following steps are also included: - The display module receives a packet from the corresponding display wall processor and selects the port receiving the packet as the upstream port and sets the other ports as the downstream ports, - the corresponding display wall processor receives a response packet including information about the display module from the display module, the display module being the connected display module, The display wall further includes the following steps: - when all display modules of the block are connected to the display wall processor, the display wall processor completes the list of connected display modules with their information, - Each of the connected display modules forwards the packet on at least one downstream port when available.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein: When the display wall has at least two blocks and each block has a corresponding display wall processor, for each display module belonging to the same block, the following steps are also included: - the display wall processor of the block receives a packet from the display module including its information to connect, thereby adding the display module to the list of connected display modules of the block, - the display wall processor sends a block packet to the display module connected in the block, the block packet including information about the display module and information about other display modules in the block, - the display module receives the block packet from the display wall processor and verifies whether its display module information is connected and in the list, - if in the list, the display module selects the port of the display module that receives the block packet as the upstream port, and the remaining ports as the downstream ports, - the display wall processor receives a response packet including information of the display module and information of adjacent display modules from each connected display module, For each block, the following steps are also included: - when all display modules are connected, complete the list of connected display modules with their information, - Each of the connected display modules forwards the tile packet on at least one downstream port when available.

10. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein: The display module information comprises at least the display module coordinates, preferably its unique ID, and preferably the coordinates and / or unique ID of each adjacent display module, and preferably the block number to which the display module belongs when available.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The step of selecting the upstream port for each display module is based on selecting the port having the highest operable priority.

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The step of defining the coordinates of the display modules as predefined coordinates by the display wall processor is also included.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method further comprises the step of updating the coordinates of the display modules of the display wall except the display module having the predefined coordinates relative to the predefined coordinates.

14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When a current upstream port of a display module fails, the display module autonomously selects a new upstream port.

15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Also included is the step of connecting the same display wall processor or a second display wall processor to the first display module or the second display module of the at least one tile.

16. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The display modules are at least one of rectangular and hexagonal, and wherein the display wall accordingly follows a matrix arrangement, a honeycomb arrangement, or the like.

17. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The display module is a LED, OLED, Micro-LED, LCD, e-ink, display module, (rear) projection display or any other visualization technology.

18. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each display module includes a controller and ports located on each side of the module, each port including a port ID that specifies the location of the port on the display module.

19. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Also included is the step of using the port ID to detect miswired connections.

20. A method for installing a display wall comprising a plurality of display modules to create a display wall having a desired configuration, each display module comprising a display module controller and ports on each side of the module connected to the controller, the method further comprising the steps of: - Install each display module until the display wall has the desired configuration, - connect each display module to its immediate neighbor at each side port, - Executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, so that the display module coordinates are updated.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The following steps are also included: - adding, removing or replacing display modules in said display wall, - Repeating the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 so as to update the display module coordinates.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein: The method also includes dividing the display wall into at least one block or a plurality of blocks.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein: Also included is the step of providing at least one display wall controller and connecting at least one display module of each tile to the at least one display wall controller.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: It also includes the step of executing the method according to any one of claims 6 to 19, and further includes the step of the display wall processor sending a video packet to each display module of each block to display an image using the display wall, wherein, for each display module, the video packet includes video data of each display module and a corresponding display module unique ID.

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