Modular display system

Abstract

A computer-implemented method of controlling a display module of a modular display system, the method comprising: sharing a module ID of the display module to one or more adjacent display modules, where the display module is connected to each adjacent display module using a short-range data connection, where the module ID of the display module is connected to each adjacent display module using a short-range data connection; each short-range data connection is associated with a connector ID, and the module ID is sent to each adjacent display module through the short-range data connection; wirelessly transmitting a module ID of the display module, one or more module IDs received from an adjacent display module and a connector ID of a corresponding short-range data connection to a controller module of the modular display system; and displaying the image portion wirelessly received from the controller module on the display module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to digital signage, and more particularly to large displays formed by connecting multiple adjacent display panels. Background Art

[0002] Digital signage has advantages over printed signage because it can be updated based on changes in activity (time, environment, status) and can be reused or re-purposed. This is particularly useful in events, buildings and retail environments.

[0003] Digital signage is often used outdoors, where it must be weatherproof and visible in direct sunlight. LED-based screens have become the standard for use in these outdoor scenarios. They are made of small tiles consisting of arrays of red, green, and blue LEDs that combine to form a large visible screen / display.

[0004] LED displays currently come in two forms, for example, LED displays are commonly seen next to the stage at large concerts, or LED displays that provide video walls on the sides of buildings. Both implementations present technical and practical challenges when used for non-permanent digital signage and small-scale displays.

[0005] In event venues such as concerts and exhibitions, these displays must be set up using specialized equipment that requires technical expertise. In more permanent venues such as the exterior of a building, metal prefabricated mounting structures must be used and specialized techniques must be used to connect the displays, which also requires technical knowledge and equipment. In both cases, installing the LED display requires a technician to custom program the system settings to match the correct size, proportions and shape of the display.

[0006] For temporary displays (such as outdoor digital signage), it is beneficial to provide an LED-based display that can be installed without specialized knowledge, such as in the following situations:

[0007] -Signage for events (concerts, exhibitions, festivals or sports events)

[0008] -Exterior or interior signage for retail / restaurant stores

[0009] - Construction sites for warning, information and marketing

[0010] -Celebrations and parties to create messaging or interesting visuals

[0011] - Artworks – Digital artists use monitors to create light sculptures

[0012] The object of the present disclosure is to solve or at least partially ameliorate some of the above-mentioned problems of current approaches. Summary of the invention

[0013] The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practicing the principles disclosed herein. The features and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained by the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-implemented method for controlling a display module of a modular display system. The method comprises: sharing a module ID of the display module with one or more adjacent display modules, wherein the display module is connected to each adjacent display module using a short-range data connection, wherein each short-range data connection is associated with a connector ID, and the module ID is sent to each adjacent display module via the short-range data connection; wirelessly transmitting the module ID of the display module together with one or more module IDs received from the adjacent display modules and the connector IDs of the corresponding short-range data connections to a controller module of the modular display system; and displaying on the display module a portion of an image wirelessly received from the controller module.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium being configured to store instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method for controlling a display module of a modular display system. The method comprises: sharing a module ID of the display module with one or more adjacent display modules, wherein the display module is connected to each adjacent display module using a short-range data connection, wherein each short-range data connection is associated with a connector ID, and the module ID is sent to each adjacent display module via the short-range data connection; wirelessly transmitting the module ID of the display module together with one or more module IDs received from the adjacent display modules and the connector ID of the corresponding short-range data connection to a controller module of the modular display system; and displaying the portion of the image wirelessly received from the controller module on the display module.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a display module for a modular display system is provided, the display module comprising: a shell having an upper surface, a base and three or more side walls; a light emitting diode (LED) panel comprising a plurality of LEDs, the LED panel being arranged on the upper surface of the shell; a short-range data connection on each side wall, wherein each short-range data connection is associated with a connector ID; a wireless communication unit; and a processor.

[0017] The processor is configured to perform a method for controlling a display module of a modular display system. The method includes: sharing a module ID of the display module with one or more adjacent display modules, wherein the display module is connected to each adjacent display module using a short-range data connection, wherein each short-range data connection is associated with a connector ID, and the module ID is sent to each adjacent display module through the short-range data connection; wirelessly transmitting the module ID of the display module together with one or more module IDs received from the adjacent display modules and the connector IDs of the corresponding short-range data connections to a controller module of the modular display system; and displaying the portion of the image wirelessly received from the controller module on the display module.

[0018] The method may include connecting to a Wi-Fi access point, receiving an IP address, and setting the received IP address as the module ID.

[0019] The image portion may be a portion of a first frame in a moving image.

[0020] The method may include receiving and storing a second image portion of a second frame in the moving image, and displaying the second image portion after a predefined frame duration has elapsed.

[0021] The display module may include a memory configured to store the received image portion.

[0022] The number of side walls can be the number of inlays.

[0023] Each side wall may include a mechanical butterfly connector.

[0024] The short range data connection may be a wired connector.

[0025] Each wired connector may be configured to transmit power between adjacent display modules.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-implemented method for controlling a controller module of a modular display system. The method comprises: wirelessly receiving module IDs of a plurality of display modules of the modular display system, each module ID being transmitted together with one or more module IDs of adjacent display modules and connector IDs of corresponding short-range data connections between the display modules; determining an arrangement of the plurality of display modules; scaling and segmenting an image to be displayed on the modular display system into a plurality of image portions; and wirelessly transmitting a corresponding image portion to each of the plurality of display modules.

[0027] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-readable medium configured to store instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method for controlling a controller module of a modular display system. The method comprises: wirelessly receiving module IDs of a plurality of display modules of the modular display system, each module ID being transmitted together with one or more module IDs of adjacent display modules and connector IDs of corresponding short-range data connections between the display modules; determining an arrangement of the plurality of display modules; scaling and segmenting an image to be displayed on the modular display system into a plurality of image portions; and wirelessly transmitting the corresponding image portion to each of the plurality of display modules.

[0028] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a controller module is provided, wherein the controller module includes a wireless communication unit and a processor.

[0029] The processor is configured to execute a method of controlling a controller module of a modular display system. The method includes: wirelessly receiving module IDs of a plurality of display modules of the modular display system, each module ID being transmitted together with one or more module IDs of adjacent display modules and connector IDs of corresponding short-range data connections between the display modules; determining an arrangement of the plurality of display modules; scaling and segmenting an image to be displayed on the modular display system into a plurality of image portions; and wirelessly transmitting a corresponding image portion to each of the plurality of display modules.

[0030] The method may include configuring a Wi-Fi access point and providing an IP address to each connected display module.

[0031] The method may include configuring a network server to generate and output a graphical user interface (GUI) including the determined arrangement of the plurality of display modules.

[0032] The method may include configuring a network server to receive an image to be displayed on the modular display system.

[0033] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a modular display system comprising a controller module and a plurality of display modules.

[0034] The controller module may be integrated with one of the display modules. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] In order to describe the manner in which the above and other advantages and features of the present disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be presented by reference to specific embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, therefore, should not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The principles herein will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in further detail below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a modular display system according to an embodiment is shown.

[0038] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a display module according to an embodiment is shown.

[0039] Figure 3 A wireframe diagram of a display module is shown.

[0040] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An embodiment of a modular display system is shown.

[0041] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D An exemplary embodiment of a modular display system is shown.

[0042] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D An exemplary embodiment of a modular display system is shown.

[0043] Figure 7 A flow chart of a method for controlling a display module of a modular display system is shown.

[0044] Figure 8 A flow chart of a method for controlling a controller module of a modular display system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below. Although specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] With reference to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a modular display system 1 according to an embodiment is shown in FIG. The modular display system 1 includes a controller module 10 and a plurality of display modules ( 20 a to 20 n ).

[0047] The controller module 10 includes a processor 110 and a wireless communication unit 120. The processor 110 is configured to execute a method of controlling the controller module 10 of the modular display system 1. The processor 110 may be configured to execute the method by controlling other components of the controller module 10.

[0048] The processor 110 is configured to wirelessly receive module IDs of multiple display modules 20n. The processor 110 may be configured to control the wireless communication unit 120 to receive these module IDs. The wireless communication unit 120 may be configured to receive multiple module IDs from the display modules 20n. The wireless communication unit 120 may be configured to receive a transmission from each display module 20, the transmission including at least the module ID of the display module 20.

[0049] Each display module 20 can be connected to the wireless communication unit 120 via a wireless connection. For example, the wireless communication unit 120 can be configured to communicate using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or any other suitable wireless communication protocol. The wireless communication unit 120 of the controller module 10 and the display module 20n can communicate wirelessly using a private network or mesh network that is not accessible to external devices.

[0050] The module ID of each display unit may be globally unique. The module ID of each display module 20 may be assigned by the controller module 10, for example, via the wireless communication unit 120 of the controller module 10. Alternatively, the module ID of each display device may be an existing identifier, such as an IP address, a MAC address, a Bluetooth public address, or any other suitable identifier.

[0051] The wireless communication module 120 can be configured as a Wi-Fi access point and can provide an IP address to each connected display module 20. The wireless communication module 120 can be configured as a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server to assign an IP address to each connected display module 20. Alternatively, the wireless communication module 120 can be configured as a bridge to an external network and an external DHCP server. The IP address assigned to each display module 20 can be used as the module ID of the display module 20. The wireless communication module 120 can be configured to provide wireless access and assign module IDs in an equivalent manner using any alternative wireless protocol such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.

[0052] Each module ID is transmitted together with one or more module IDs of adjacent display modules 20n. Each display module 20 can transmit the module IDs of any adjacent display modules 20n connected on all sides of the display module 20.

[0053] Alternatively, each display module 20 may transmit the module ID of any adjacent display module 20n connected on half of the sides of the display module 20. For example, each square module may transmit the module ID of any adjacent display module 20n connected to the top and left sides of the display module 20. In this way, each connection is managed by only one of the two adjacent modules, thereby reducing the transmission of redundant information.

[0054] Each module ID is transmitted along with the connector ID of the corresponding short-range data connection between the display module 20 and the adjacent display module 20n. The connector ID may be unique within a display module, such as being numbered 1 to 4 or labeled A to D, North / East / South / West, or any suitable label, or the connector ID may be globally unique, such as a longer sequence number that is not repeated in another other display module 20. Additional operational information may be transmitted in either direction between the display modules 20n and the controller module 10, such as a group ID identifying a group of display modules 20n, the panel type of one or more display modules 20n, status queries, etc.

[0055] The processor 110 is configured to determine the arrangement of multiple display modules 20n. The processor 110 can be configured to execute a discovery algorithm starting from a root module (e.g., a module with the highest / lowest module ID or a randomly selected starting module). The algorithm can be performed starting from the root module, for example, identifying and locating all connected display modules 20n before proceeding sequentially to the module with the next module ID, and repeating the process. In some examples in which each module can only transmit half of the module IDs of adjacent display modules 20n, the algorithm can be performed by, for example, checking all modules connected to the left connector, systematically checking the top side connector of each discovered module, and then repeating. Alternatively, the processor 110 can execute any other suitable discovery algorithm. The processor 110 can determine the arrangement of the display modules 20n based on at least one received panel type.

[0056] The processor 110 is configured to scale and split the image to be displayed on the modular display system 1 into multiple image portions. For example, the processor 110 can identify the maximum width and maximum height of the arrangement found, and scale the image to an aspect ratio based on these dimensions. The width and height can be determined in units based on the size of the display module 20, for example, 2 display modules high × 3 display modules wide. The processor 110 can be configured to stretch the image, scale and crop the image, or add a sidebar / top bar to fill the space. Alternatively, these options can be presented to the user for selection. The processor 110 can be configured to split the image into a grid based on the maximum width and maximum height. In the above example, the image can be split into a 2×3 grid.

[0057] Each grid section may define a portion of an image to be sent to display module 20. If a grid section corresponds to an empty space in the arrangement, the image portion may be discarded.

[0058] The processor 110 can be configured to configure a network server to generate and output a graphical user interface GUI, for example as a web application. The GUI can include a determined arrangement of multiple display modules 20n. A user can access the web application using, for example, a browser on a computer or smartphone. Alternatively or in addition, the network server can be linked to a dedicated application on one or more platforms. If the controller module 10 and the display module 20n are wirelessly connected using a private network or a mesh network, the controller module 10 can be separately connected to an external device for hosting the network server. The controller module 10 can be connected to the outside via a wireless connection or a wired Ethernet connection. For example, the process of layout discovery and image scaling / segmentation can be performed locally on the controller module 10, while the generation of the GUI is performed by an external device.

[0059] The network server can be configured to generate and output a GUI to receive images to be displayed. The images to be displayed can be uploaded to the network server by a user, for example, via a GUI. The image format can be, for example, bmp, png, jpeg, tiff, or any suitable image format. The image can be a gif, animated PNG, or other animated image format. The network server can receive multiple images to be displayed. The multiple images can be displayed sequentially or randomly according to user selection.

[0060] A Network Time Protocol (NTP) server may be configured in the wireless communication unit 120 of the controller module 10 so that the display module 20n can synchronously display an animated image or a plurality of images.

[0061] The image to be displayed may be an image frame of a video. The network server may be configured to receive video files in any format, such as mp4, mov, avi, webm, or any other suitable form. The network server may be configured to link to a video stream source using, for example, a network device interface (NDI), a real-time streaming protocol (RTSP), an HTTP live streaming protocol (HLS), or any other suitable video streaming protocol.

[0062] The GUI may be configured to display the status of one or more display modules 20n, such as power, battery, connection, etc. The GUI may allow a user to update one or more parameters of the display module 20n, such as brightness, frame rate, etc.

[0063] The processor 110 is configured to wirelessly transmit the corresponding image portion to each of the plurality of display modules 20n. The processor 110 may be configured to control the wireless communication unit 120 to transmit the image portions. The wireless communication unit 120 may be configured to transmit each image portion to one of the plurality of display modules 20n. The wireless communication unit 120 may be configured to transmit a plurality of image frame portions to each display module 20.

[0064] The controller module 10 may be integrated with one of the display modules 20n. In some embodiments, each of the display modules 20n may be capable of operating as the controller module 10. The controller module 10 may determine among the plurality of display modules 20n, for example, the first display module to be powered on.

[0065] The controller module 10 can be configured to serve several independent display module 20n groups. Each group can be identified by a group ID. The GUI can be configured to display the layout of each group of display modules 20n and allow uploading of different images to be displayed on each group of display modules 20n.

[0066] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a display module 20 of a modular display system 1 is shown. The display module 20 comprises: a housing 210; a light emitting diode (LED) panel 220; a short range data connection 230 on each side wall; a wireless communication unit 240; and a processor 250.

[0067] Housing 210 includes an upper surface, a base and 3 or more side walls. The number of side walls can be a mosaic number. For example, the number of side walls can be 3, 4 or 6. Each of the side walls can have the same length. In this way, housing 210 modules can be easily connected adjacent to each other to form a cohesive two-dimensional display surface. Other shapes of display modules are envisioned, and display modules with different shapes and / or sides can be provided and interconnected with a more complex tiled arrangement.

[0068] The LED panel 220 includes a plurality of LEDs. The LED panel 220 is arranged on the upper surface of the housing 210. The LED resolution may be 32×32 or 64×64 (based on commonly used OEM panels), or may be any other suitable resolution. The display module 20 may be implemented using any other suitable display technology (e.g., LCD, OLED, electronic paper, etc.).

[0069] Each short-range data connection 230 is associated with a connector ID. The short-range data connection 230 may include a wired connector. Each wired connector may be configured to transmit power between adjacent display modules 20n. Alternatively or in addition, the short-range data connection 230 may include a short-range wireless connection such as near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth, etc.

[0070] Display module 20 may include memory 260, as described in more detail below.

[0071] Figure 3 A wireframe diagram of the display module 20 is shown. The display module 20 may include a housing 210, an LED panel 220, a power supply 270, and a PCB 280.

[0072] The housing 210 of the display module 20 can be formed as a rectangular box structure. The housing 210 may include a base, an upper surface, and four side walls for mounting the LED panel 220. The internal cavity of the housing 210 may accommodate other components of the display module 20. When the LED panel 220 is fixed in place, the housing 210 may form a sealed box that may be substantially waterproof. Each side wall includes a short-range data connection 230, a mechanical connector 211, and a limiting element 212.

[0073] As shown, the display module 20 may include a wired connector on each side wall. Each wired connector may be a spring loaded two-pin connector. The wired connector may be an asymmetric plug and socket mating connector, which is arranged on opposite sides of the housing 210, such as so that the plug connector on the left side of the housing 210 is connected to the socket connector on the right side of the adjacent housing 210. Alternatively, the wired connector may be symmetrical.

[0074] At least one of the wired connectors on each side may be a short-range data connection 230. At least one of the wired connectors on each side may be a power connector. In some examples, power and data may be transmitted through a single connector. In some examples, a wired power connection may exist while data is wirelessly transmitted through a short-range wireless connection. In some examples, power and data may be transmitted wirelessly.

[0075] The mechanical connector 211 may be configured to connect adjacent display modules 20n, as will be explained in more detail below. The limiting element 212 may be configured to limit or restrict movement between adjacent display modules 20n, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0076] The power supply 270 may include a cable power connection. The cable power connection may receive external power. The received power may be AC ​​power or DC power. The display module 20 may include a converter, a rectifier and / or a transformer to reduce the supplied voltage. The cable power connection may supply power to a plurality of adjacent display modules 20n via a wired power connection. Alternatively or in addition, the power supply 270 may include a rechargeable battery system for autonomous operation and / or coping with power failure situations. The cable power connection may charge the battery when connected to the display module 20 or the connected display module 20.

[0077] PCB 280 may be configured to mount processor 250 and wireless communication unit 240. In some examples, PCB 280 may further include components for configuring controller module 10. PCB 280 may include, for example, one or more hardware buttons for displaying configuration / powering on / off of module 20. PCB 280 may include one or more LEDs that show status such as battery charge status, sidewall connection status, Wi-Fi connection status, etc.

[0078] The processor 250 is configured to execute a method for controlling the display module 20 of the modular display system 1. The processor 250 may be configured to execute the method by controlling other components of the display module 20.

[0079] The processor 250 is configured to share the module ID of the display module 20 with one or more adjacent display modules 20n. The module ID may be assigned by the controller module 10 of the modular display system 1.

[0080] The wireless communication unit 240 may be configured to be wirelessly connected to the controller module 10. The wireless communication unit 240 may be configured to be connected to a Wi-Fi access point established by the controller module 10. The processor 250 may control the wireless communication unit 240 to connect to the Wi-Fi access point. Alternatively, the wireless connection to the controller module 10 may use any other suitable protocol, such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.

[0081] The processor 250 may receive the module ID assigned by the controller module 10 through the wireless communication unit. The processor 250 may receive an IP address set by a Wi-Fi access point and set the received IP address as the module ID.

[0082] The display modules 20 are connected to each adjacent display module 20 using a short-range data connection 230 on the nearest side wall. The processor 250 is configured to share the module ID to each adjacent display module 20 via the short-range data connection 230. Each short-range data connection 230 can be configured to share the module ID by transmitting the module ID to the corresponding short-range data connection 230 of the adjacent display module 20. Alternatively, each short-range data connection 230 can be configured to share the module ID by broadcasting the module ID or making the module ID detectable by the corresponding short-range data connection 230 of the adjacent display module 20. Each short-range data connection 230 can be configured to listen for the module ID sent or broadcast by the adjacent display module 20.

[0083] The wireless communication unit 240 is configured to wirelessly transmit the module ID of the display module 20 to the controller module 10 of the modular display system 1. The processor 250 can be configured to control the wireless communication unit 240 to transmit the module ID. The module ID of the display module 20 is transmitted together with one or more module IDs received from the adjacent display module 20n. The module ID of the adjacent display module 20n is transmitted together with the connector ID of the corresponding short-range data connection 230. Additional operational information can be transmitted in either direction between the display module 20n and the controller module 10, for example, a group ID identifying a group of display modules 20n, a panel type indicating the size and / or shape of the display module 20n, a status query, etc.

[0084] The processor 250 is configured to display the image portion wirelessly received from the controller module 10 on the display module 20. The wireless communication unit 240 may be configured to wirelessly receive the image portion from the controller module 10.

[0085] The processor 250 may be configured to control the LED panel 220 to display the image portion. The LED panel 220 may be configured to display the image portion received from the controller module 10.

[0086] In this manner, the configuration of the display modules 20 allows for automatic detection of the layout of the display modules 20n in the modular display system 1. As part of the modular display system 1, the display modules 20n provide the layout without requiring individual addressing of the display modules 20n in the system.

[0087] Multiple display modules 20n can be easily connected together in any arrangement and the layout will be self-discovered without the need for complex addressing of individual modules.After use, the modules can be easily disassembled and removed.

[0088] The configuration of the display module 20 allows for outputting a continuous image on the display module 20n of the modular display system 1. The system enables automatic image scaling and segmentation based on the discovered layout. The system enables convenient GUI options so that the discovered layout can be conveniently presented to the user. Images uploaded by the user can be directly scaled and segmented, for example to show the user what the image will look like on the discovered layout.

[0089] The display module 20 may include a memory configured to store the received image portion. The image portion may be stored and displayed after a power cycle. The memory may be configured to store multiple image frame portions to be displayed sequentially or randomly.

[0090] The image portion may be a portion of a first frame in the moving image. The processor 250 may be configured to receive a second image portion of a second frame in the video stream and display the second image portion after a predefined frame duration has elapsed. The processor 250 may be configured to store the received second image portion in a memory until the predefined frame duration of the first frame has elapsed. Subsequent frames in the video stream may be received and displayed in the same manner.

[0091] The image frame portion in the moving image may be part of a video stream or an animated image. The processor 250 may be configured to display the image frame portion stored in the memory at a predefined frame rate, thereby specifying a predefined frame duration. The processor 250 may be configured to display the next image frame portion stored in the memory in response to a signal from a connected NTP server. Alternatively, one or more received image frame portions may be received together with a predefined frame duration for the image frame portion.

[0092] Figure 4A An embodiment of a modular display system is shown. Each of the side walls may include at least one mechanical connector, which may be referred to as a "butterfly" connector. Each mechanical connector may include a dovetail groove extending from the rear surface through at least a portion of the depth of the side wall. Mechanical connectors 211 may be arranged on each side wall so that the grooves of adjacent display modules 20n are aligned.

[0093] Each of the side walls may include at least one limiting element 212 for preventing sliding movement of the display modules 20n when adjacent, such as a protrusion from one side being received in a cavity on the other side. One or more protrusions or cavities may be formed on opposite sides of the four-sided housing 210, such that, for example, a protrusion on the left side of a display module 20 may be received by a cavity on the right side of an adjacent display module 20. Each side may have an arrangement of protrusions and cavities, wherein the protrusions and cavities are aligned in a similar manner.

[0094] Figure 4B Adjacent display modules 20n are shown in connection. A butterfly wedge 30 may be provided that slides into both slots simultaneously when adjacent. In this way, the dovetail shape of the slots may prevent the display modules 20n from being pulled apart.

[0095] Figure 5A An exemplary embodiment of a modular display system is shown. As shown, four display modules can be placed in a linear arrangement, and a butterfly wedge can be used to connect adjacent display modules. As shown, the modular display system can operate using the internal battery of each display module without any of the display modules being connected to an external source.

[0096] Figure 5B The front side of an assembled display module is shown, wherein consecutive LED panels may form a common display surface.

[0097] Figure 5C An exemplary implementation of a GUI is shown. As shown, the GUI may include an area for showing the discovered layout (in this case a 4x1 arrangement of display modules).

[0098] The GUI may include an area for selecting and uploading an image, animated image, or video file to be displayed. The GUI may include an area for showing an uploaded image to be displayed, as well as a scaled and / or segmented version of the image to show how the image will look when displayed by the modular display system. The GUI may include a selection element for sending an image portion to a display module.

[0099] The GUI may include alternative image sources. For example, the GUI may include an area for displaying any NDI video source. The GUI may include an image creator (e.g., a simple editor) to generate text-based images with static or scrolling text in a user-selected color. This option may be useful for quick setup or emergency communications.

[0100] The GUI may include configuration options for the modular display system. For example, the GUI may include an area for adjusting the absolute brightness or timed brightness of the display module. The timed brightness may be defined based on the current battery charge and expected battery life of the display module, wherein the brightness may be automatically set so that the battery will last for a desired length of time.

[0101] Figure 5D The front side of the assembled display panel is shown, showing an image uploaded using the GUI.

[0102] Fig. 6AAnother exemplary embodiment of a modular display system is shown. As shown, four display modules can be placed in an L-shaped arrangement, and a butterfly wedge can be used to connect adjacent display modules.

[0103] Figure 6B The front side of an assembled display module is shown, wherein consecutive LED panels may form a common display surface.

[0104] Figure 6C An exemplary implementation of a GUI is shown. An area for showing the discovered layout may show a 3×2 L-shaped arrangement of display modules. In some examples, more complex display module arrangements may be shown, such as with different panel sizes and / or shapes. The GUI may include an area for selecting and uploading an image to be displayed. In this case, the uploaded image may be scaled to 3×2 and segmented into a grid of 6 image portions. Four of these image portions may be transferred to the display portion forming the L-shape, and the remaining two image portions may be discarded.

[0105] Fig.6D The front side of the assembled display panel is shown, showing an image uploaded using the GUI.

[0106] Figure 7 A flow chart of a method for controlling a display module of a modular display system is shown. The method starts at step S01.

[0107] In step S02, the module ID of the display module is sent to one or more adjacent display modules. The display module is connected to each adjacent display module using a short-range data connection, and each short-range data connection is associated with a connector ID. The module ID is sent to each adjacent display module via the short-range data connection.

[0108] In step S03 , the module ID of the display module and one or more module IDs received from adjacent display modules and the corresponding connector ID of the short-range data connection are wirelessly transmitted to the controller module of the modular display system.

[0109] In step S04, the image portion wirelessly received from the controller module is displayed on the display module.

[0110] The method ends at step S05.

[0111] Figure 8 A flow chart of a method for controlling a controller module of a modular display system is shown. The method starts at step S11.

[0112] In step S12, module IDs of a plurality of display modules of the modular display system are wirelessly received, each module ID being transmitted together with one or more module IDs of adjacent display modules and a connector ID of a corresponding short-range data connection between the display modules.

[0113] In step S13, the arrangement of the plurality of display modules is determined.

[0114] In step S14, the image to be displayed on the modular display system is scaled and segmented into a plurality of image portions.

[0115] In step S15, the corresponding image portion is wirelessly transmitted to each of the plurality of display modules.

[0116] The method ends in step S16.

[0117] The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0118] For clarity of explanation, in some instances, the technology may be presented as including various functional blocks including functional blocks including devices, device components, steps or routines in methods implemented in software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0119] The method according to the above example can be implemented using computer executable instructions, which are stored in a computer readable medium or can be obtained from a computer readable medium in other ways. These instructions may include, for example, instructions and data, which enable or otherwise configure a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or a special-purpose processing device to perform a specific function or function group. The part of the computer resources used can be accessed through a network. Computer executable instructions can be, for example, binary files, intermediate format instructions, such as assembly language, firmware or source code. The example of a computer readable medium that can be used to store instructions, information used and / or information created in the method process according to the described example includes a disk or optical disk, a flash memory, a universal serial bus (USB) device provided with a non-volatile memory, a network storage device, etc.

[0120] The device implementing the method according to these disclosures may include hardware, firmware and / or software, and may take any of a variety of form factors. Typical examples of these form factors include laptop computers, smart phones, small personal computers, personal digital assistants, etc. The functions described herein may also be implemented in peripheral devices or add-on cards. As a further example, such functions may also be implemented on circuit boards of different chips, or may be implemented on different processes executed in a single device.

[0121] Instructions, media for transmitting such instructions, computing resources for executing such instructions, and other structures for supporting such computing resources are means for providing the functionality described in these disclosures.

[0122] Although a variety of examples and other information are used to explain aspects within the scope of the appended claims, limitations to the claims should not be implied based on specific features or arrangements in such examples, because a person of ordinary skill in the art will be able to derive a variety of implementations using these examples. Further, and although a subject matter may have been described in language specific to examples of structural features and / or method steps, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to these described features or actions. For example, such functionality may be distributed differently or performed in components other than those identified herein. Instead, the described features and steps are disclosed as examples of system components and methods within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for controlling a display module of a modular display system, the method comprising: sharing a module ID of the display module with one or more adjacent display modules, wherein the display module is connected to each adjacent display module using a short-range data connection, wherein each short-range data connection is associated with a connector ID and the module ID is sent to each adjacent display module via the short-range data connection; wirelessly transmitting the module ID of the display module and one or more module IDs received from adjacent display modules and the connector ID of the corresponding short-range data connection to a controller module of the modular display system; and The portion of the image wirelessly received from the controller module is displayed on the display module.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising connecting to a Wi-Fi access point, receiving an IP address and setting the received IP address as the module ID.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The image portion is a portion of a first frame in a moving image, and the method further comprises: receiving and storing a second image portion of a second frame in the video stream; and The second image portion is displayed after a predefined frame duration has elapsed.

4. A computer-implemented method of controlling a controller module of a modular display system, the method comprising: wirelessly receiving module IDs of a plurality of display modules of the modular display system, each module ID being transmitted along with one or more module IDs of adjacent display modules and a connector ID of a corresponding short-range data connection between the display modules; determining an arrangement of the plurality of display modules; scaling and dividing an image to be displayed on the modular display system into a plurality of image portions; as well as The corresponding image portion is wirelessly transmitted to each of the plurality of display modules.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, further comprising: Configure the Wi-Fi access point and provide an IP address to each connected display module.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 or claim 5, further comprising: The network server is configured to generate and output a graphical user interface GUI and receive an image to be displayed on the modular display system, the graphical user interface including the determined arrangement of the plurality of display modules.

7. A computer readable medium configured to store instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of any preceding claim.

8. A display module for a modular display system, comprising a housing having an upper surface, a base, and three or more side walls; a light emitting diode (LED) panel, the light emitting diode panel comprising a plurality of LEDs, the LED panel being arranged on an upper surface of the housing; Short-range data connections on each sidewall, where Each short-range data connection is associated with a connector ID; wireless communication unit; as well as A processor, the processor being configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The display module according to claim 8, wherein: The number of side walls is the number of inlays.

10. A display module as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising a memory configured to store the received image portion.

11. The display module according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: Each side wall includes a mechanical butterfly connector.

12. The display module according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: The short range data connection comprises a wired connector.

13. The display module according to claim 12, wherein: Each wired connector is further configured to transmit power between adjacent display modules.

14. A modular display system, comprising a controller module and a plurality of display modules according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein: The controller module comprises: a wireless communication unit; and A processor configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

15. The modular display system of claim 14, wherein: The controller module is integrated with one of the display modules.

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