Driver board for controlling display device included in modular display device and method of controlling same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a driver board included in a display device among a plurality of display devices constituting a modular display device, and a method for controlling the driver board. The driver board includes a connector, at least one non-volatile memory, and a timing controller configured to: obtain position data of the driver board based on a signal input through the connector when the driver board is activated; comparing the obtained position data with position data stored in at least one non-volatile memory, and identifying whether the driver board is newly installed in the display device; receiving, through the connector, image quality data of the modular display device stored in the remaining display devices among the plurality of display devices, based on identifying that the driver board is newly installed in the display device; and storing the received image quality data in at least one non-volatile memory.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a drive board for controlling a display device included in a modular display device and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to a drive board receiving image quality data from remaining display devices included in a modular display device and a method for controlling the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, a trend of developing and distributing various forms of display systems is formed. Specifically, as display technology is developed with an increase in size and an improvement in resolution of display systems, the screen size of display devices has become diversified. In the past, only display devices of limited sizes could be produced, but in recent years, it has become possible to produce display devices having large screens by breaking through the size limit of displays, and thus, a trend of increasing use of display devices having large screens in real life is formed. Specifically, the use of a modular display device providing an extended display screen by combining a plurality of display devices is increasing. For example, as a display device having a large screen, a digital signage billboard can be installed in places where a large number of people pass by (for example, a subway station, a bus stop, etc.), and then outdoor advertisements are displayed through the display device.

[0003] The modular display device can flexibly expand or reduce the size of the display screen according to the number of display devices and their combination relationship, thereby providing convenience to users using large-sized display devices. In the case of the modular display device, a drive board for controlling each display device is included in each display device. Here, in the case of replacing the drive board due to deterioration or defects of the drive board, a process of inputting image quality data about the modular display device into the new drive board is required. However, since the user directly performs such a process, there is a possibility of inputting erroneous data in the input process, and specifically, there is a problem of wasting time and cost because the input process of the image quality data should be repeated every time the drive board is replaced. SUMMARY

[0004] SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0005] A driving board included in a display device among a plurality of display devices constituting a modular display device according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a connector, at least one non-volatile memory, and a timing controller that controls light emission of a plurality of pixels included in a display module of the display device. The timing controller can: obtain position data of the driving board based on a signal input through the connector when the driving board is started; compare the obtained position data with position data stored in the at least one non-volatile memory, and identify whether the driving board is initially (newly) installed in the display device; based on identifying that the driving board is initially installed in the display device, receive image quality data of the modular display device stored in a remaining display device among the plurality of display devices through the connector; and store the received image quality data in the at least one non-volatile memory.

[0006] The position data stored in the at least one non-volatile memory can be initially set to "none", and the timing controller can: based on identifying that the position data of the driving board is a valid value according to a signal input through the connector, identify that the driving board is initially installed in the display device; and change the position data of the driving board stored in the at least one non-volatile memory to the identified valid value.

[0007] The timing controller can: based on the signal input through the connector being a low signal, identify that the driving board is a first driving board connected with the remaining display device through the connector; and based on the signal input through the connector being a high signal, identify that the driving board is a second driving board connected with the first driving board through the connector.

[0008] The timing controller can: based on identifying that the driving board is the second driving board, request the first driving board to transmit the image quality data of the modular display device through the connector, and the image quality data of the modular display device can have been received by the first driving board from the remaining display device through the connector of the first driving board.

[0009] The timing controller can: based on identifying that the driving board is the first driving board of the display device, request the remaining display device to transmit the image quality data of the modular display device through the connector.

[0010] The timing controller can: based on identifying that the driving board is initially installed in the display device, receive position data of a driving board included in each of the remaining display devices from each of the remaining display devices through the connector, and based on each of the received position data, select a first display device among the remaining display devices that is not requested to transmit the image quality data of the modular display device.

[0011] The timing controller can compare each of the received position data with the position data stored in the at least one nonvolatile memory, and select a first display device including the initially installed drive board among the remaining display devices, and not request the selected first display device to transmit the image quality data.

[0012] The plurality of display devices can be assigned IP addresses different from each other, and the timing controller can sequentially request the remaining display devices to transmit the position data of the drive board according to the IP addresses assigned to each of the display devices.

[0013] The at least one nonvolatile memory can include a flash memory and an EEPROM storing the position data, and the timing controller can store the received image quality data in the flash memory.

[0014] A method for controlling a drive board included in a display device among a plurality of display devices constituting a modular display device according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes the step of obtaining position data of the drive board based on a signal input through a connector of the drive board when the drive board is started. The control method can include the step of comparing the obtained position data with position data of the drive board stored in at least one nonvolatile memory, and identifying whether the drive board is initially installed in the display device. The control method can include the step of receiving, through the connector, image quality data of the modular display device stored in a remaining display device among the plurality of display devices based on the identification that the drive board is initially installed in the display device. The control method can include the step of storing the received image quality data in the at least one nonvolatile memory.

[0015] The identifying step can include the steps of identifying that the drive board is initially installed in the display device based on the identification that the position data of the drive board is a valid value according to the signal input through the connector, and changing the position data of the drive board stored in the at least one nonvolatile memory to the identified valid value, and the position data stored in the at least one nonvolatile memory can be initially set to "none".

[0016] The identifying step can include the steps of identifying that the drive board is a first drive board connected with the remaining display device through the connector based on the signal input through the connector being a low signal, and identifying that the drive board is a second drive board connected with the first drive board through the connector based on the signal input through the connector being a high signal.

[0017] The control method according to an embodiment of the disclosure can further include the steps of: based on identifying that the driving board is the second driving board of the display apparatus, requesting the first driving board to transmit image quality data of the modular display apparatus through the connector, and the image quality data of the modular display apparatus can have been received by the first driving board from the remaining display apparatuses through the connector of the first driving board.

[0018] The control method according to an embodiment of the disclosure can further include the steps of: based on identifying that the driving board is the first driving board of the display apparatus, requesting the remaining display apparatuses to transmit image quality data of the modular display apparatus through the connector.

[0019] The receiving step can include the steps of: based on identifying that the driving board is initially installed in the display apparatus, receiving position data of the driving board included in each of the remaining display apparatuses from each of the remaining display apparatuses through the connector, and based on each of the received position data, selecting a first display apparatus among the remaining display apparatuses which is not requested to transmit the image quality data of the modular display apparatus.

[0020] In the selecting step, each of the received position data can be compared with position data stored in the at least one non-volatile memory, and the first display apparatus among the remaining display apparatuses which includes the initially installed driving board can be selected, and the selected first display apparatus can not be requested to transmit the image quality data.

[0021] In the requesting step, the remaining display apparatuses can be sequentially requested to transmit the position data of the driving board according to IP addresses assigned to each of the display apparatuses.

[0022] The storing step can include the step of storing the received image quality data in a flash memory included in the at least one non-volatile memory, and the at least one non-volatile memory can further include an EEPROM which stores the position data.

[0023] In a computer-readable recording medium including a program for controlling a driving board of a display apparatus included in a modular display apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the method for controlling the driving board includes the steps of: upon starting the driving board, obtaining position data of the driving board based on a signal input through a connector of the driving board. The operations can include the steps of: comparing the obtained position data with position data stored in at least one non-volatile memory of the driving board, and identifying whether the driving board is initially installed in the display apparatus. The operations can include the steps of: based on identifying that the driving board is initially installed in the display apparatus, receiving image quality data of the modular display apparatus stored in remaining display apparatuses among a plurality of display apparatuses through the connector. The operations can include the step of storing the received image quality data in the at least one non-volatile memory. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exemplary diagram showing a modular display device;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a modular display device in which multiple display devices are combined;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a block diagram used to illustrate a modular display device;

[0027] Figure 4 It is a block diagram used to illustrate a display device;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a block diagram used to illustrate the driver board;

[0029] Figure 6 This is an exemplary diagram of a modular display device that includes multiple driver boards;

[0030] Figure 7 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method for controlling a display device using multiple driver boards; and

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a sequence of methods for controlling the driver board. Detailed Implementation

[0032] First, the terminology used in this specification will be briefly described, and then this disclosure will be described in detail.

[0033] As used in the embodiments of this disclosure, generally widely used terms have been selected to reflect the functions described herein. However, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, previous court judgments, or the emergence of new technologies. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be specified by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning of the term will be described in detail in the relevant descriptions within this disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined based on their meanings and the overall content of this disclosure, and not merely on their names.

[0034] In addition, various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the disclosure, and various types of embodiments can exist. Therefore, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and the embodiments will be described in detail in the detailed description. However, it should be noted that various embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to specific embodiments, but they should be interpreted to include all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments included within the scope of the ideas and techniques disclosed herein. Meanwhile, in describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technology can unnecessarily obscure the gist of the disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0035] In addition, various elements can be described using terms such as "first," "second," and the like, but these terms are not intended to limit the elements. The terms can be used only for the purpose of distinguishing one element from another.

[0036] In addition, singular expressions include plural expressions as long as they do not have obviously different meanings from the context. In addition, in the disclosure, terms such as "include" and "consist of" should be interpreted as specifying the presence of such features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but should not be interpreted as precluding the presence or possibility of adding one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0037] In addition, in the disclosure, a "module" or a "unit" can perform at least one function or operation, and can be implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, except for "modules" or "units" that need to be implemented as specific hardware, a plurality of "modules" or "units" can be integrated into at least one module and implemented as at least one processor (not shown).

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains can easily implement the disclosure. However, it should be noted that the disclosure can be implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the explanation are omitted for the sake of clarity of the disclosure, and throughout the specification, similar components are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0039] Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a modular display apparatus.

[0040] The modular display apparatus 10 can include a plurality of display apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4.

[0041] For example, with reference to Figure 1The modular display apparatus 10 can include a plurality of display apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4, and each of the plurality of display apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4 can be connected by various methods (e.g., daisy chain method, etc.) and constitute one display apparatus, i.e., the modular display apparatus 10.

[0042] Figure 2 is a diagram for illustrating a modular display apparatus in which a plurality of display apparatuses are combined.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2 The modular display apparatus 10 can include a plurality of display apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4, and the modular display apparatus 10 can display an image by using the plurality of display apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4.

[0044] For example, the modular display apparatus 10 can include a plurality of display apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4 arranged in a matrix form (e.g., 1x4 form). Meanwhile, the 1x4 form is merely an example for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious that the arrangement form, the number, etc. of the plurality of display apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4 constituting the modular display apparatus 10 can be variously changed according to the specifications (e.g., resolution, size, etc.) of the modular display apparatus 10, the manufacturing purposes of the manufacturer, the installation environment (e.g., indoor, outdoor, etc.) of the modular display apparatus 10, etc. However, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation of the present disclosure, the explanation will be described by assuming that four display apparatuses 100-1 to 100-4 arranged in a 1x4 matrix form are included in the modular display apparatus 10.

[0045] The modular display apparatus 10 can be implemented as a TV, but is not limited thereto, and can apply to any apparatus equipped with a display function (e.g., video wall, large format display (LFD), digital signage, digital information display (DID), projector display, etc.) without limitation.

[0046] In addition, the modular display apparatus 10 can be implemented as various forms of display, such as liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED), liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS), digital light processing (DLP), quantum dot (QD) display panel, quantum dot light emitting diode (QLED), etc. Meanwhile, the modular display apparatus 10 can also be referred to as a display system since it is implemented as a plurality of display apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4.

[0047] Each of the plurality of display apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4 can include a plurality of self-emitting elements. Here, the self-emitting elements can be at least one of a light-emitting diode (LED) or a micro LED. The micro LED is an LED having a size of about 5 to 100 micrometers, and they are micro mini light-emitting elements that self-emits light without a color filter.

[0048] Figure 3 is a block diagram for illustrating a modular display apparatus.

[0049] Referring to Figure 3 The modular display apparatus 10 includes a plurality of display apparatuses 100-1 to 100-n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) and a controller 200.

[0050] Each of the plurality of display apparatuses 100-1 to 100-n (hereinafter referred to as 100) can receive various signals from the controller 200 or transmit various signals and data to the controller 200. For example, each of the plurality of display apparatuses 100 can be connected to the controller 200 via a wired / wireless method and receive a control signal, a driving signal, etc. from the controller 200.

[0051] Specifically, the plurality of display apparatuses 100 can perform Ethernet communication with the controller 200 through a connector included in each display apparatus. To this end, a cable connecting each of the display apparatuses 100-1 to 100-4 and the controller 200 can be connected to the connector of each of the display apparatuses 100-1 to 100-4.

[0052] Here, the cable connecting each of the display apparatuses 100-1 to 100-4 and the controller 200 can also perform the function of a data path between the plurality of display apparatuses 100. That is, each of the display apparatuses 100-1 to 100-4 can perform Ethernet communication with another display apparatus and the controller 200 through the cable and transmit or receive various signals and data.

[0053] The controller 200 includes at least one processor and controls the overall operation of the modular display apparatus 10.

[0054] The at least one processor can be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, and a timing controller (TCON) that processes a digital signal. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the at least one processor can include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a controller, an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP), an ARM processor, and an artificial intelligence (AI) processor, or can be defined by these terms. In addition, the at least one processor can be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) or a large scale integration (LSI) in which a processing algorithm is stored, or in the form of a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The at least one processor can perform various functions by executing computer executable instructions stored in a memory.

[0055] The at least one processor can include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a plurality of integrated cores (MIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a neural processing unit (NPU), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. The at least one processor can control one or a random combination of other components of the electronic device, and perform operations related to communication or data processing. In addition, the at least one processor can execute one or more programs or instructions stored in the memory. For example, the at least one processor can perform a method according to an embodiment by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory.

[0056] In the case of a method according to an embodiment including a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations can be performed by one processor, or by a plurality of processors. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to an embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation can all be performed by a first processor, or the first operation and the second operation can be performed by a first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor), and the third operation can be performed by a second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence dedicated processor).

[0057] The at least one processor can be implemented as a single core processor including one core, or it can be implemented as one or more multi-core processors including a plurality of cores (e.g., a plurality of cores of the same type or a plurality of cores of different types). In the case where the at least one processor is implemented as a multi-core processor, each of the plurality of cores included in the multi-core processor can include an internal memory (e.g., a cache memory, an on-chip memory, etc.) of the processor, and a common cache shared by the plurality of cores can be included in the multi-core processor. In addition, each of the plurality of cores included in the multi-core processor (or some of the plurality of cores) can independently read program instructions for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the disclosure and execute the instructions, or all (or some of the cores) of the plurality of cores can be linked to each other and read program instructions for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the disclosure and execute the instructions.

[0058] In the case where the method according to an embodiment includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations can be performed by one core among the plurality of cores included in the multi-core processor, or they can be performed by the plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by the method according to an embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation can all be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation can be performed by the first core included in the multi-core processor, and the third operation can be performed by a second core included in the multi-core processor.

[0059] The processor can represent a system on chip (SoC) in which at least one processor and other electronic components are integrated, a single core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in the single core processor or the multi-core processor. In addition, here, the core can be implemented as a CPU, a GPU, an APU, a MIC, a DSP, an NPU, a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0060] Figure 4 is a block diagram for illustrating a display apparatus. Figure 4 The display apparatus 100 in is any one of the plurality of display apparatuses 100 described above. Meanwhile, the plurality of display apparatuses 100 included in the modular display apparatus 10 of the disclosure are apparatuses having the same configuration, and share the characteristics regarding the display apparatus explained in the disclosure.

[0061] Referring to Figure 4 The display apparatus 100 includes a plurality of display modules 110-1, 110-2, …, 110-n (hereinafter, referred to as 110, n is a natural number of 2 or more) and at least one driving board 120.

[0062] The display device 100 can be implemented as various forms of displays such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a light emitting diode (LED), a micro LED, a mini LED, a plasma display panel (PDP), a quantum dot (QD) display, a quantum dot light emitting diode (QLED), etc. Inside the display device 100, a driving circuit and a backlight unit, etc. can also be included together, which can be implemented in the form of, for example, a-Si TFT, low temperature poly-silicon (LTPS) TFT, organic TFT (OTFT), etc.

[0063] Meanwhile, the display device 100 can be implemented as a touch screen combined with a touch sensor, a flexible display, a rollable display, a 3D display, a display in which a plurality of display modules are physically connected, etc.

[0064] The plurality of display modules 110-1, 110-2, …, 110-n (hereinafter referred to as 110) according to an embodiment can include a plurality of driver ICs and a plurality of light emitting elements. Each of the plurality of driver ICs can receive a driving signal from the driving board 120 (more specifically, a timing controller included in the driving board 120) and control a corresponding light emitting element among the plurality of light emitting elements based on the received driving signal.

[0065] As an example, each of the plurality of light emitting elements can be at least one self-light emitting element among a light emitting diode (LED) or a micro LED. Here, the micro LED is an LED having a size of about 5 to 100 micrometers, and it is a micro mini light emitting element that self-emits light without a color filter.

[0066] Meanwhile, the display device 100 can further include a power supply for supplying power to components (for example, the plurality of display modules 110, the driving board 120, etc.) included in the display device 100.

[0067] The at least one driving board 120 controls the overall operation of the display device 100. Specifically, the at least one driving board 120 can receive image data from the controller 200 of the modular display device 10 and control a plurality of pixels included in the plurality of display modules 110 of the display device 100 based on the received image data.

[0068] Specifically, the at least one driving board 120 can control the brightness, the gray scale, etc. of a light emitting element corresponding to each pixel based on the image data, so that an image corresponding to the image data received from the controller 200 can be output through the plurality of display modules 110. Meanwhile, the image data received by the driving board 120 from the controller 200 can be data about an image, which divides the entire image corresponding to the position of the display device 100 in the modular display device 10.

[0069] As an example, the display apparatus 100 can include a plurality of drive boards 120. Here, the plurality of drive boards 120 included in the display apparatus 100 can respectively control the plurality of display modules included in the display apparatus 100.

[0070] Figure 5 is a block diagram for illustrating a drive board. Figure 5 The drive board 120 in is any one among at least one drive board included in each of the plurality of display apparatuses 100. Meanwhile, at least one drive board included in each of the plurality of display apparatuses 100 constituting the modular display apparatus 10 of the present disclosure is a device having the same configuration, and shares the features claimed in the present disclosure.

[0071] Referring to Figure 5 , the drive board 120 includes at least one connector 121, at least one non-volatile memory 122, and a timing controller 123. The drive board 120 can also be referred to as a timing controller board or a T-CON board, etc.

[0072] The at least one connector 121 can be a component through which the drive board 120 receives input of various signals and data from the controller 200 of the modular display apparatus 10 or a drive board of another display apparatus. As an example, the timing controller 123 can receive image data corresponding to the display apparatus 100 through the connector 121, or receive image quality data regarding the image data from a drive board included in another display apparatus. In addition, through the connector 121, the drive board 120 can transmit various signals and data to the controller 200 of the modular display apparatus 10 or a drive board of another display apparatus.

[0073] Meanwhile, the drive board 120 can include a general purpose input / output (GPIO) terminal for recognizing position data of the drive board 120. Here, the timing controller of the drive board 120 can determine whether the drive board 120 is initially installed (also referred to as "newly installed") in the display apparatus 100 according to a change in voltage level of the GPIO terminal, and also recognize the position of the drive board 120 in the display apparatus 100.

[0074] In addition, the drive board 120 can include a plurality of connectors. As an example, the drive board 120 can include a first connector and a second connector. Here, the first connector and the second connector can be arranged at different positions in the drive board 120, and can be classified according to a device (or component) to which the drive board 120 is connected through the connector. In this regard, a detailed explanation will be described in Figure 7 .

[0075] In the at least one non-volatile memory 122, an operating system (O / S) for driving the display apparatus 100, software programs, and various data can be stored. Specifically, the at least one non-volatile memory can store location data of the display apparatus 100. Here, the location data can be data for identifying a location of the driving board 120 in the display apparatus 100. Specifically, the display apparatus 100 can include a plurality of driving boards. Here, the location data can be used to identify a location of each of the driving boards in the display apparatus 100.

[0076] In addition, in the at least one non-volatile memory 122, image quality data can be stored. Here, the image quality data is compensation data for performing image quality compensation on the display apparatus 100, and can include image quality compensation data corresponding to a driving frequency of the display apparatus 100 and image quality compensation data corresponding to a frame frequency of an image input to each of the display modules 110. For example, the image quality data can include gamma correction data, color coordinate compensation lookup tables (LUTs), response speed improvement lookup tables, etc.

[0077] Meanwhile, the driving board 120 can include a plurality of non-volatile memories. Specifically, the driving board 120 can include a first non-volatile memory and a second non-volatile memory, and here, the first non-volatile memory and the second non-volatile memory can be divided according to a type of data stored. Specifically, in the first non-volatile memory, location data can be stored, and in the second non-volatile memory, image quality data can be stored. Here, the first non-volatile memory storing the location data, which has a relatively small data size, can be implemented as an EEPROM, and the second non-volatile memory storing the image quality data, which has a relatively large data size, can be implemented as a flash memory. Here, the flash memory can include a NAND flash memory, a NOR flash memory, etc.

[0078] The timing controller 123 controls overall operations of the display apparatus 100 and the driving board 120. The timing controller 123 controls light emission of a plurality of pixels included in each of the plurality of display modules 110 of the display apparatus 100. Specifically, the timing controller 123 can receive image data from the controller 200 of the modular display apparatus 10 through the connector 121 of the driving board 120, and control a plurality of pixels included in the plurality of display modules 110 of the display apparatus 100 based on the received image data.

[0079] To this end, the timing controller 123 can also be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) that processes digital signals, a microprocessor, etc.

[0080] Figure 6 is an exemplary diagram of a modular display apparatus including a plurality of driving boards. Figure 7is an exemplary diagram for illustrating a method for controlling a plurality of display devices.

[0081] In Figure 6 and Figure 7 , it is shown that the modular display apparatus 10 includes four display devices 100-1 to 100-4, but this is only for convenience of explanation of the present disclosure, and it is obvious that the number and arrangement of the plurality of display devices included in the modular display apparatus 10 can be variously changed depending on the embodiment.

[0082] Meanwhile, each of the plurality of display devices 100 constituting the modular display apparatus can include a plurality of drive boards. Specifically, each of the display devices 100-1 to 100-4 can include a plurality of drive boards that respectively control a plurality of display modules included in each of the display devices 100-1 to 100-4. That is, the plurality of drive boards included in the same display device control a plurality of different display modules among the plurality of display modules included in the display device.

[0083] Referring to Figure 6 , in the first display device 100-1, a first drive board 120-1 and a second drive board 120-2 can be included, and in the second display device 100-2, a third drive board 120-3 and a fourth drive board 120-4 can be included, and in the third display device 100-3, a fifth drive board 120-5 and a sixth drive board 120-6 can be included, and in the fourth display device 100-4, a seventh drive board 120-7 and an eighth drive board 120-8 can be included. Here, the plurality of drive boards 120-1 to 120-8 included in each of the display devices 100-1 to 100-4 can respectively drive or control the plurality of display modules included in each of the display devices 100-1 to 100-4.

[0084] That is, the first driving board 120-1 included in the first display apparatus 100-1 can control four display modules arranged in the lower portion of the first display apparatus 100-1, and the second driving board 120-2 can control four display modules arranged in the upper portion of the first display apparatus 100-1. Similarly, the third driving board 120-3 included in the second display apparatus 100-2 can control four display modules arranged in the lower portion of the second display apparatus 100-2, and the fourth driving board 120-4 can control four display modules arranged in the upper portion of the second display apparatus 100-2. In addition, the fifth driving board 120-5 included in the third display apparatus 100-3 can control four display modules arranged in the lower portion of the third display apparatus 100-3, and the sixth driving board 120-6 can control four display modules arranged in the upper portion of the third display apparatus 100-3. In addition, the seventh driving board 120-7 included in the fourth display apparatus 100-4 can control four display modules arranged in the lower portion of the fourth display apparatus 100-4, and the eighth driving board 120-8 can control four display modules arranged in the upper portion of the fourth display apparatus 100-4.

[0085] Referring to Figure 7 The first driving board 120-1 included in the first display apparatus 100-1 can be connected with the controller 200 of the modular display apparatus 10 through the first connector 121-1 of the first driving board 120-1. Specifically, the timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can perform Ethernet communication with the controller 200 and the driving boards 120-3 to 120-8 included in the other display apparatuses 100-2 to 100-3 through the Ethernet cable 300-1 connected to the first connector 121-1 of the first driving board 120-1.

[0086] Meanwhile, the first driving board 120-1 can be connected with the second driving board 120-2 through the cable 300-2 connected to the second connector 121-2 of the first driving board 120-1. That is, the second driving board 120-2 can be connected with the first driving board 120-1 through the cable 300-2 connected to the first connector 121-3 of the second driving board 120-2. Accordingly, the timing controller 123-2 of the second driving board 120-2 can perform Ethernet communication with the timing controllers 123-3 to 123-8 of the driving boards 120-3 to 120-8 included in the other display apparatuses 100-2 to 100-3 through the first driving board 120-1 and the controller 200. This is equally applicable to the plurality of driving boards 120-3 to 120-8 included in each of the second display apparatus 100-2 to the fourth display apparatus 100-4.

[0087] Meanwhile, since the first driving board 120-1 directly performs Ethernet communication with the controller 200 of the modular display apparatus 10 and the driving boards included in the other display apparatuses (i.e., the second to fourth display apparatuses 100-2 to 100-4), the first driving board 120-1 can be referred to as a primary driving board. In contrast, since the second driving board 120-2 indirectly performs Ethernet communication with the controller 200 of the modular display apparatus 10 and the driving boards (i.e., the third to eighth driving boards 120-2 to 120-8) included in the other display apparatuses (i.e., the second to fourth display apparatuses 100-2 to 100-4) through the first driving board 120-1, the second driving board 120-2 can be referred to as a secondary driving board.

[0088] That is, in the four display apparatuses 100-1 to 100-4 illustrated in FIG. 1, the first driving board 120-1, the third driving board 120-3, the fifth driving board 120-5, and the seventh driving board 120-7 can be the primary driving board of each of the display apparatuses 100-1 to 100-4, and the second driving board 120-2, the fourth driving board 120-4, the sixth driving board 120-6, and the eighth driving board 120-8 can be the secondary driving board of each of the display apparatuses 100-1 to 100-4. Figure 7

[0089] Meanwhile, in a case where the driving board 120 is newly installed in the display apparatus 100, the timing controller 123 can obtain image quality data required for controlling light emission of the plurality of pixels (more specifically, the plurality of light emitting elements corresponding to each of the plurality of pixels) included in the display module 110 from another driving board. That is, in a case where the driving board 120 is newly installed in the display apparatus 100, the image quality data is not stored in the at least one nonvolatile memory 122. Alternatively, in the driving board 120, basic image quality data can be stored. Here, the basic image quality data is compensation data for initially performing image compensation on the display apparatus 100, and it can be compensation data set without considering characteristics of the modular display apparatus 10 (specifically, characteristics of the plurality of display apparatuses 100 included in the modular display apparatus 10 (e.g., the number of the plurality of display apparatuses, the arrangement form, etc.)). This is different from the image quality data stored in the at least one nonvolatile memory of another driving board that is previously installed.

[0090] That is, in a case where the driving board 120 is newly installed in the display apparatus 100, the image quality data set by reflecting the characteristics of the modular display apparatus is not stored in the at least one nonvolatile memory 122 of the driving board 120.

[0091] ​Here, since the image quality data is applied to each drive board included in the plurality of display apparatuses as well, the data can be stored in at least one nonvolatile memory of another drive board. Accordingly, the timing controller 123 can obtain the image quality data stored in another drive board, more specifically, in the nonvolatile memory of another drive board. To this end, the timing controller 123 needs to first identify whether the drive board 120 is newly installed in the display apparatus 100. Hereinafter, an embodiment of this aspect will be explained.

[0092] Figure 8 FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram schematically illustrating a method for controlling a drive board according to an embodiment.

[0093] Referring to Figure 8 In operation S810, upon booting the drive board 120, the timing controller 123 can obtain the location data of the drive board based on a signal input through the connector 121.

[0094] Specifically, the timing controller 123 can boot the drive board 120. For example, the timing controller 123 can boot the drive board 120 by using the O / S stored in the at least one nonvolatile memory 122. To this end, in the at least one nonvolatile memory 122, a set of instructions for booting the drive board 120 can be stored. When power is supplied to the drive board 120, the timing controller 123 can execute the O / S according to the instructions stored in the at least one nonvolatile memory 122, and boot the drive board 120.

[0095] Then, when the timing controller 123 is booted upon booting the drive board 120, a signal input to the timing controller 123 is detected. Specifically, the timing controller 123 can detect a signal input through any one of a plurality of terminals (or pins) included in the timing controller 123. As an example, the timing controller 123 can detect a voltage level (or voltage value) input through a GPIO terminal included in the timing controller 123. Here, the voltage level input through the GPIO terminal can vary according to an apparatus (or cable) to which the drive board 120 is connected through the connector 121.

[0096] Here, according to whether the drive board 120 is connected to another drive board through the connector 121, different voltage levels can be detected through the GPIO terminal. More specifically, the GPIO terminal of the timing controller 123 can be electrically connected with the connector 121. For example, the GPIO terminal of the timing controller 123 can be electrically connected with the connector 121 through an electric wire connecting the GPIO terminal of the timing controller 123 and a specific pin included in the connector 121.

[0097] Specifically, in a case where a plurality of connectors are included in the driving board 120, the GPIO terminal of the timing controller 123 can be electrically connected with any one of the plurality of connectors, and according to whether the driving board 120 is connected with another driving board through the electrically connected connector, a different voltage level or a different type of signal can be input to the GPIO terminal. Hereinafter, the connector 121 among the plurality of connectors included in the driving board 120 which is electrically connected with the GPIO terminal of the timing controller 123 will be referred to as a second connector 121-2, and the connector 121 among the plurality of connectors which is not electrically connected with the GPIO terminal of the timing controller 123 will be referred to as a first connector 121-1.

[0098] As an example, if the driving board 120 is connected with another driving board of the modular display apparatus 10 through the second connector 121-2, the voltage level input to (or applied to) the GPIO terminal through the second connector 121-2 can be 0V. Here, the timing controller 123 can recognize that the signal input into the GPIO terminal (or the signal input into the GPIO terminal through the second connector 121-2) is a low level (e.g., logic low).

[0099] In contrast, if the driving board 120 is not connected with another driving board through the second connector 121, the voltage level input to (or applied to) the GPIO terminal through the second connector 121-2 can be 3.3V. Here, the timing controller 123 can recognize that the signal input into the GPIO terminal (or the signal input into the GPIO terminal through the second connector 121-2) is a high level (e.g., logic high). Meanwhile, the value of the voltage level can be set to various values other than 3.3V, as long as the two voltage levels can be distinguished as relatively low and relatively high.

[0100] Reference Figure 7When the cable 300-2 of the second connector 121-2 connected to the first driving board 120-1 is connected to the first connector 121-3 of the second driving board 120-2, the first driving board 120-1 included in the first display apparatus 100-1 is connected with the second driving board 120-2. Specifically, the GPIO terminal of the timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 included in the first display apparatus 100-1 can be electrically connected with the GND pin included in the first connector 121-3 of the second driving board 120-2 through the second connector 121-2 of the first driving board 120-1. That is, the GPIO terminal of the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can be connected with the GND. In this way, the voltage of 0V can be input to the GPIO terminal of the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1. Accordingly, the timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can recognize the signal input through the second connector 121-2 of the first driving board 120-1 into the GPIO terminal of the first timing controller 123-1 as a low level. This can be the same for the third driving board 120-3, the fifth driving board 120-5, and the seventh driving board 120-7 included in the second display apparatus 100-2 to the fourth display apparatus 100-4.

[0101] In contrast, in the case where the second driving board 120-2 is included in the first display apparatus 100-1, the second driving board 120-2 is not connected with another driving board through the second connector 121-4. Accordingly, at the GPIO terminal of the timing controller 123-2 of the second driving board 120-2, no electrical connection is performed. That is, the GPIO terminal of the timing controller 123-2 is not connected with the GND. Accordingly, the voltage of 3.3V can be input into the GPIO terminal of the second timing controller 123-2 through the second connector 121-4 of the second driving board 120-2, and the second timing controller 123-2 can recognize the signal input through the GPIO terminal as a high level. This can be the same for the fourth driving board 120-4, the sixth driving board 120-6, and the eighth driving board 120-8 included in the second display apparatus 100-2 to the fourth display apparatus 100-4.

[0102] Meanwhile, the timing controller 123 can obtain position data of the driving board 120 based on a signal input into the GPIO terminal through the connector 121. The position data can be data for identifying whether the driving board 120 is newly installed in the display apparatus 100. In addition, the position data can be data for identifying a position of the driving board 120 in the display apparatus 100. In a case where the signal input into the GPIO terminal through the connector 121 is a low level, the timing controller 123 can identify that the driving board 120 is a primary driving board, and obtain position data corresponding to the primary driving board. For example, the timing controller 123 can obtain the position data as a "primary" value. In contrast, in a case where the signal input into the GPIO terminal through the connector 121 is a high level, the timing controller 123 can identify that the driving board 120 is a secondary driving board, and obtain position data corresponding to the secondary driving board. For example, the timing controller 123 can obtain the position data as a "secondary" value. The position data can be regarded as a position flag having a value "primary" or "secondary", the value "primary" or "secondary" indicating that the driving board is a primary driving board or a secondary driving board, respectively.

[0103] In detail, referring to Figure 7 When the GPIO terminal of the first timing controller 123-1 is connected to the GND through the second connector 121-2, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 included in the first display apparatus 100-1 can detect a low level signal input into the GPIO terminal through the second connector 121-2 of the first driving board 120-1. Then, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can obtain position data "primary".

[0104] In contrast, when the GPIO terminal of the second timing controller 123-2 is not connected to the GND through the second connector 121-4, the second timing controller 123-2 of the second driving board 120-2 included in the first display apparatus 100-1 can detect a high level signal input into the GPIO terminal through the second connector 121-4 of the second driving board 120-2. Then, the second timing controller 123-2 of the second driving board 120-2 can obtain position data "secondary".

[0105] Meanwhile, after obtaining (S810) the position data, in operation S820, the timing controller 123 can compare the obtained position data with position data stored in the at least one nonvolatile memory 122, and identify whether the driving board 120 is newly installed in the display apparatus 100.

[0106] In detail, the timing controller 123 can compare the obtained position data with the position data stored in the at least one non-volatile memory 122. As an example, the position data can be stored in an EEPROM included in the at least one non-volatile memory 122, and the timing controller 123 can extract the position data stored in the EEPROM and compare the extracted position data with the obtained position data. Then, if it is identified that the position data stored in the EEPROM is different from the obtained position data, the timing controller 123 identifies that the drive board 120 is newly installed in the display apparatus 100.

[0107] As an example, the position data stored in the at least one non-volatile memory 122 can be initially set to a "none" value (in other words, "empty"), indicating that there is no valid position data or the position data is not set. Then, if the position data of the drive board 120 is identified as a valid value (also referred to as a legal value, an identified value, or an allowed value) based on the signal input into the GPIO terminal through the connector 121, the timing controller 123 can identify that the drive board 120 is newly installed in the display apparatus 100 due to the difference between the stored position data and the obtained position data. For example, in the described embodiment, the position data or flag can have values "primary", "secondary", or "none", in which "primary" and "secondary" are valid values / identified values / allowed values, and "none" indicates that there is no position data. A skilled person will appreciate that the position data is not limited thereto and can change depending on the configuration of the drive board. In addition, other flag data / values can also be used to indicate whether the drive board is a primary board or a secondary board.

[0108] For example, in the case where the position data extracted from the at least one non-volatile memory 122 is a "none" value and the obtained position data is a value "primary" or "secondary", the timing controller 123 can identify that the drive board 120 is newly installed in the display apparatus 100. Accordingly, in the case where the position data extracted from the at least one non-volatile memory 122 is a valid value (i.e., indicating primary or secondary), the timing controller 123 can identify that the drive board 120 is not newly installed in the display apparatus 100.

[0109] Reference Figure 7In a case where the first drive board 120-1 of the first display device 100-1 is newly installed in the first display device 100-1, the position data stored in the EEPROM 122-1 of the first drive board 120-1 can be a "none" value, i.e., a value indicating "none" is saved. Here, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first drive board 120-1 can obtain the position data as "primary" based on a signal input into the GPIO terminal through the second connector 121-2 of the first drive board 120-1. Then, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first drive board 120-1 can compare the stored position data ("none" value) and the obtained position data ("primary"), and recognize that the obtained position data ("primary") is different from the stored position data. Accordingly, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first drive board 120-1 recognizes that the first drive board 120-1 is newly installed in the first display device 100-1. Here, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first drive board 120-1 can receive the Ethernet IP address information of the first display device 100-1 from the controller 200 of the modular display device 10 based on the Ethernet IP protocol, and recognize that the display device 100 in which the first drive board 120-1 is installed is the first display device 100-1 based on the received IP address information.

[0110] Meanwhile, in a case where the second drive board 120-2 of the first display device 100-1 is newly installed, the position data stored in the EEPROM 122-3 of the second drive board 120-2 is a "none" value. Here, the second timing controller 123-2 of the second drive board 120-2 can obtain the position data as "secondary" based on a signal input into the GPIO terminal through the second connector 121-4 of the second drive board 120-2. Then, the second timing controller 123-2 of the second drive board 120-2 can compare the stored position data ("none" value) and the obtained position data ("secondary"), and recognize that the obtained position data ("secondary") is different from the stored position data. Accordingly, the second timing controller 123-2 of the second drive board 120-2 recognizes that the second drive board 120-2 is newly installed in the first display device 100-1. Here, the second timing controller 123-2 of the second drive board 120-2 can receive the Ethernet IP address information of the first display device 100-1 from the first drive board 120-1, and recognize that the display device 100 in which the second drive board 120-2 is installed is the first display device 100-1 based on the received IP address information.

[0111] Meanwhile, the timing controller 123 can change the position data of the drive board 120 stored in the at least one nonvolatile memory 122 to the obtained position data.

[0112] That is, if it is identified that the drive board 120 is newly installed in the display apparatus 100, the timing controller 123 changes the value of the location data ("none") stored in the at least one nonvolatile memory 122 to a valid value ("primary" or "secondary") of the location data. Accordingly, upon booting of the drive board 120 thereafter, the timing controller 123 will identify that the drive board 120 was previously installed (i.e., not newly installed) in the display apparatus 100 based on the location data having the valid value stored in the at least one nonvolatile memory 122.

[0113] Meanwhile, in operation S830, if it is identified that the drive board 120 is newly installed in the display apparatus 100, the timing controller 123 can receive, through the connector 121, the image quality data of the modular display apparatus 10 stored in other (remaining) display apparatuses among the plurality of display apparatuses included in the modular display apparatus 10.

[0114] Specifically, if it is identified that the drive board 120 is newly installed in the display apparatus 100, the timing controller 123 can request the remaining display apparatuses (or any one of the remaining display apparatuses) to transmit the image quality data required for driving the plurality of display modules 110 (or the plurality of light emitting elements corresponding to the plurality of pixels included in the plurality of display modules 110). Here, the remaining display apparatuses can be at least one display apparatus among the plurality of display apparatuses included in the modular display apparatus 10, except for the display apparatus including the newly installed drive board.

[0115] For example, referring to Figure 7 If it is identified that the first drive board 120-1 is newly installed in the first display apparatus 100-1, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first drive board 120-1 can request the second to fourth display apparatuses 100-2 to 100-4 to transmit the image quality data. Specifically, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first drive board 120-1 can request the second to fourth display apparatuses 100-2 to 100-4 to transmit the image quality data through the Ethernet communication cable 300-1.

[0116] Here, if the drive board 120 is identified as the primary drive board of the display apparatus 100, the timing controller 123 can request the remaining display apparatuses (or any one of the remaining display apparatuses) to transmit the image quality data of the modular display apparatus through the connector 121.

[0117] Specifically, referring to Figure 7, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first drive board 120-1 can identify that the first drive board 120-1 is a primary drive board of the first display apparatus 100-1 based on a low level signal input into the GPIO terminal through the second connector 121-2. Here, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first drive board 120-1 can request the drive boards (i.e., the third drive board 120-3 to the eighth drive board 120-8) included in each of the second display apparatus 100-2 to the fourth display apparatus 100-4 connected through the first connector 121-1 to transmit the image quality data. Specifically, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first drive board 120-1 can request the primary drive boards 120-3, 120-5, and 120-7 included in the second display apparatus to the fourth display apparatus to transmit the image quality data. In addition, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first drive board 120-1 can request the second drive board 120-2 installed in the same first display apparatus 100-1 to transmit the image quality data through the second connector 121-2 of the first drive board 120-1. Here, the second timing controller 123-2 of the second drive board 120-2 can transmit the image quality data stored in the flash memory 122-4 of the second drive board 120-2 to the first timing controller 123-1 of the first drive board 120-1 through the first connector 121-3 of the second drive board 120-2.

[0118] Meanwhile, if the drive board 120 is identified as a secondary drive board, the timing controller 123 can request the primary drive board to transmit the image quality data of the modular display apparatus 10 through the connector 121. Here, the image quality data of the modular display apparatus 10 can have been received by the primary drive board from the remaining display apparatuses through the connector of the primary drive board.

[0119] Specifically, referring to Figure 7 , the second timing controller 123-2 of the second drive board 120-2 can identify that the second drive board 120-2 is a secondary drive board of the first display apparatus 100-1 based on a high level signal input into the GPIO terminal through the second connector 121-4. Here, the second timing controller 123-2 of the second drive board 120-2 can request the first timing controller 123-1 of the first drive board 120-1 connected through the first connector 121-3 to transmit the image quality data.

[0120] Here, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can transmit the image quality data stored in the flash memory 122-2 of the first driving board 120-1 to the second timing controller 123-2 of the second driving board 120-2 through the second connector 121-2 of the first driving board 120-1. Alternatively, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can request the driving boards (i.e., the third driving board 120-3 to the eighth driving board 120-8) included in each of the second to fourth display apparatuses 100-2 to 100-4 to transmit the image quality data through the first connector 121-1 of the first driving board 120-1.

[0121] Specifically, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can request the main driving boards 120-3, 120-5, and 120-7 included in the second to fourth display apparatuses to transmit the image quality data. Then, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can transmit the image quality data received from the second to fourth display apparatuses 100-2 to 100-4 to the second timing controller 123-2 of the second driving board 120-2. Accordingly, the second timing controller 123-2 of the second driving board 120-2 can receive the image quality data from the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 through the first connector 121-3 of the second driving board 120-2.

[0122] Meanwhile, if it is identified that the driving board 120 is newly installed in the display apparatus 100, the timing controller 123 can receive each of the position data of the driving board included in each of the remaining display apparatuses from the remaining display apparatuses through the connector 121.

[0123] Specifically, if it is identified that the driving board 120 is newly installed in the display apparatus 100, the timing controller 123 can request the timing controller of each of the driving boards included in each of the remaining display apparatuses to transmit the position data stored in at least one nonvolatile memory of each of the driving boards through the connector 121. Then, the timing controller 123 can receive the position data from the timing controller of each of the driving boards included in each of the remaining display apparatuses through the connector 121. Meanwhile, in the position data, the IP address information of the display apparatus in which each of the driving boards is installed can be included.

[0124] For example, with reference to FIG. 1, Figure 7If it is identified that the first driving board 120-1 is newly installed in the first display apparatus 100-1, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can request the timing controllers (i.e., the third timing controller 123-3 to the eighth timing controller 123-8) of the driving boards (i.e., the third driving board 120-3 to the eighth driving board 120-8) included in each of the second display apparatus 100-2 to the fourth display apparatus 100-4 to transmit the position data stored in the EEPROM of each of the driving boards (i.e., the third driving board 120-3 to the eighth driving board 120-8) before requesting the timing controllers (i.e., the third timing controller 123-3 to the eighth timing controller 123-8) of the driving boards (i.e., the third driving board 120-3 to the eighth driving board 120-8) included in each of the second display apparatus 100-2 to the fourth display apparatus 100-4 to transmit the image quality data of the modular display apparatus 10. Here, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can request only the timing controllers (i.e., the third timing controller 123-3, the fifth timing controller 123-5, and the seventh timing controller 123-7) of the main driving boards (i.e., the third driving board 120-3, the fifth driving board 120-5, and the seventh driving board 120-7) included in each of the second display apparatus 100-2 to the fourth display apparatus 100-4 to transmit the position data.

[0125] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can request the timing controllers (i.e., the fourth timing controller 123-4, the sixth timing controller 123-6, and the eighth timing controller 123-8) of the sub driving boards (i.e., the fourth driving board 120-4, the sixth driving board 120-6, and the eighth driving board 120-8) included in each of the second display apparatus 100-2 to the fourth display apparatus 100-4 to transmit the position data through the timing controllers (i.e., the third timing controller 123-3, the fifth timing controller 123-5, and the seventh timing controller 123-7) of the main driving boards (i.e., the third driving board 120-3, the fifth driving board 120-5, and the seventh driving board 120-7) included in each of the second display apparatus 100-2 to the fourth display apparatus 100-4.

[0126] Then, the timing controller 123 can select, based on each of the received position data, a display apparatus among the remaining display apparatuses that is not to be requested to transmit the image quality data of the modular display apparatus 10.

[0127] Specifically, if an error is detected in each of the received position data, or it is identified that position data is not received from a drive board, the timing controller 123 does not request the timing controller of the drive board to transmit image quality data. This is because: in a case where an error is detected in the position data received from the timing controller of a specific drive board, an error can also be included in the image quality data received by the timing controller 123. Also, this is because: in a case where position data cannot be received from the timing controller of a specific drive board, it can also become impossible to transmit image quality data.

[0128] Specifically, the timing controller 123 can compare each of the received position data with the position data stored in the at least one non-volatile memory 122, and select a display device including a newly installed drive board among the remaining display devices. Then, the timing controller can not request the selected display device to transmit image quality data.

[0129] Specifically, the timing controller 123 can compare the position data received from each drive board included in the remaining display devices with the position data stored in the at least one non-volatile memory 122. Here, the position data stored in the at least one non-volatile memory 122 can be position data that is changed to a valid value when it is identified that a drive board is newly installed in a display device.

[0130] For example, referring to Figure 7 If the first timing controller 123-1 of the first drive board 120-1 identifies that the first drive board 120-1 is newly installed in the first display device 100-1, the position data stored in the EEPROM 122-1 of the first drive board 120-1 can be a "main" value that is changed from a "none" value.

[0131] Then, the timing controller 123 can compare the position data received from the remaining display devices (more specifically, the position data received from each drive board included in the remaining display devices) with the position data stored in the at least one non-volatile memory 122, and select a display device including a newly installed drive board among the remaining display devices.

[0132] Specifically, the timing controller 123 can select a drive board that is newly installed in a display device (i.e., any one of the remaining display devices) among each drive board included in the remaining display devices.

[0133] For example, referring to Figure 7The first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can compare the position data received from the timing controllers (i.e., third timing controller 123-3 to eighth timing controller 123-8) of the plurality of driving boards (i.e., third driving board 120-3 to eighth driving board 120-8) included in the second to fourth display apparatuses 100-2 to 100-4 with the position data ("main") stored in the EEPROM 122-1 of the first driving board 120-1. Then, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can identify a driving board newly installed in a display apparatus (any one of the second to fourth display apparatuses 100-2 to 100-4) among the plurality of driving boards (i.e., third driving board 120-3 to eighth driving board 120-8). Specifically, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can identify a driving board, the position data of which transmits a "none" value, as a driving board newly installed in a display apparatus (any one of the second to fourth display apparatuses 100-2 to 100-4). To this end, in the position data received by the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1, IP address information of a display apparatus (the second to fourth display apparatuses 100-2 to 100-4) in which each driving board (third driving board 120-3 to eighth driving board 120-8) is installed can be included. Here, if it is identified that the position data (i.e., the position data stored in the EEPROM 122-9 of the fifth driving board 120-5) transmitted by the fifth timing controller 123-5 of the fifth driving board 120-5 included in the third display apparatus 100-3 is a "none" value, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can identify that the fifth driving board 120-5 is newly installed in the third display apparatus 100-3.

[0134] Then, the timing controller 123 does not request the display apparatus including the newly installed driving board to transmit the image quality data. Specifically, in at least one nonvolatile memory of the driving board newly installed in the display apparatus, the image quality data can not be stored, and thus the timing controller 123 does not request the timing controller of the newly installed driving board to transmit the image quality data. Again, based on the foregoing example, if it is identified that the fifth driving board 120-5 is newly installed in the third display apparatus 100-3, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 does not request the fifth driving board 120-5 to transmit the image quality data.

[0135] Meanwhile, the timing controller 123 can sequentially request the remaining display apparatuses to transmit the position data of the driving boards according to IP addresses allocated to each of the display apparatuses. As an example, different IP addresses can be allocated to each of the plurality of display apparatuses. Accordingly, the timing controller 123 can sequentially request the remaining display apparatuses to transmit the position data based on the allocated IP addresses of the remaining display apparatuses.

[0136] In detail, the timing controller 123 can set a request order of the position data based on the IP addresses set to the remaining display apparatuses. Then, the timing controller 123 can sequentially request the timing controllers of the plurality of driving boards included in each of the remaining display apparatuses to transmit the position data according to the set request order.

[0137] Here, in a case where it is identified based on the received position data that the received position data has a "none" value or at least one driving board included in a specific display apparatus (i.e., any one of the remaining display apparatuses) is newly installed, the timing controller 123 can request the timing controllers of the plurality of driving boards included in another display apparatus in the next order of the specific display apparatus to transmit the position data. In contrast, in a case where it is identified based on the received position data that the received position data has a valid value ("primary" or "secondary") or the plurality of driving boards included in a specific display apparatus (i.e., any one of the remaining display apparatuses) have been previously installed, the timing controller 123 can receive the image quality data from at least one driving board among the plurality of driving boards included in the specific display apparatus (i.e., any one of the remaining display apparatuses).

[0138] For example, referring to Figure 7 If it is identified that the first driving board 120-1 is newly installed in the first display apparatus 100-1, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can set a request order of the position data to be in the order from the second display apparatus 100-2 to the fourth display apparatus 100-4 based on the IP addresses allocated to the second display apparatus 100-2 to the fourth display apparatus 100-4. Accordingly, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can request the third timing controller 123-3 of the third driving board 120-3 and the fourth timing controller 123-4 of the fourth driving board 120-4 included in the second display apparatus 100-2 to transmit the position data. Then, if it is identified that any one of the third driving board 120-3 and the fourth driving board 120-4 is newly installed in the second display apparatus 100-2, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 does not request the third timing controller 123-3 of the third driving board 120-3 and the fourth timing controller 123-4 of the fourth driving board 120-4 to transmit the image quality data.

[0139] Then, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can request the fifth timing controller 123-5 of the fifth driving board 120-5 included in the third display apparatus 100-3 and the sixth timing controller 123-6 of the sixth driving board 120-6 included in the third display apparatus 100-3 to transmit the position data in the next order. Meanwhile, if it is identified that the third driving board 120-3 and the fourth driving board 120-4 have been previously installed in the second display apparatus 100-2, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driving board 120-1 can request the third timing controller 123-3 of the third driving board 120-3 and the fourth timing controller 123-4 of the fourth driving board 120-4 to transmit the image quality data.

[0140] Meanwhile, in the foregoing embodiment, it has been explained that the timing controller 123 does not request transmission of the image quality data if it is identified that at least one of the plurality of driving boards included in any one of the remaining display apparatuses is newly installed, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, if it is identified that any one of the plurality of driving boards included in any one of the remaining display apparatuses has been previously installed in the display apparatus, the timing controller 123 can request the timing controller of any one of the driving boards identified as having been previously installed to transmit the image quality data.

[0141] Meanwhile, the request order of the position data set based on the IP addresses can also be set as the order of the primary driving board and the secondary driving board in the same display apparatus. That is, referring to Figure 7 , the request order of the position data can be subdivided as the order of the third timing controller 123-3 of the third driving board 120-3 of the second display apparatus 100-2 and the timing controller 123-4 of the fourth driving board 120-4 of the second display apparatus 100-2.

[0142] Meanwhile, in operation S840, the controller 123 can store the image quality data received from the remaining display apparatuses in the at least one non-volatile memory 122. Specifically, the timing controller 123 can use the image quality data received from the timing controller of the driving board included in each of the remaining display apparatuses in the at least one non-volatile memory 122 and then use the data when controlling the display module of the display apparatus. As an example, the timing controller 123 can store the received image quality data in a flash included in the at least one memory 122.

[0143] For example, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driver board 120-1 can store image quality data received from the timing controllers (i.e., the third timing controller 123-3 to the eighth timing controller 123-8) of the driver boards (i.e., the third driver board 120-3 to the eighth driver board 120-8) of the second display apparatus 100-2 to the fourth display apparatus 100-4 in the flash memory 122-2 of the first driver board 120-1. Then, the first timing controller 123-1 of the first driver board 120-1 can correct or control the gray scale, brightness, etc. output from the plurality of pixels (and the plurality of light emitting elements corresponding to the plurality of pixels) included in the plurality of display modules corresponding to the first driver board 120-1 based on the image quality data stored in the flash memory 122-2.

[0144] Meanwhile, the above-described various embodiments can be implemented in a recording medium that can be read by a computer or a device similar to the computer by using software, hardware, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the embodiments described in the specification can be implemented as a processor itself. According to implementation by software, the embodiments such as processes and functions described in the specification can be implemented as separate software modules. Each software module can perform one or more functions and operations described in the specification.

[0145] Meanwhile, computer instructions for performing the processing operations of the electronic device according to the above-described various embodiments of the disclosure can be stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium. When the computer instructions stored in such a non-transitory computer readable medium are executed by a processor of a specific machine, the instructions cause the specific machine to perform the processing operations at the display apparatus 100 according to the aforementioned various embodiments.

[0146] The non-transitory computer readable medium refers to a medium that stores data semi-permanently and is readable by a machine, but does not refer to a medium that stores data for a short time, such as a register, a cache, and a memory. As a specific example of the non-transitory computer readable medium, there can be a CD, a DVD, a hard disk, a Blu-ray disk, a USB, a memory card, a ROM, etc.

[0147] In addition, although preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, the disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned specific embodiments, and it is obvious that those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains can make various modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention claimed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A driver board for a display device, the display device being part of a modular display device, the modular display device comprising a plurality of display devices, the driver board comprising: Connector; At least one non-volatile memory; as well as A timing controller controls the light emission of multiple pixels included in the display module of the display device. The timing controller is configured as follows: When the driver board is started, its position data is obtained based on the signal input through the connector. The obtained position data is compared with position data stored in at least one non-volatile memory, and based on the comparison, it is determined whether the driver board is newly installed in the display device. Based on the identification that the driver board is newly installed in the display device, the image quality data of the modular display device stored in other display devices within the modular display device is received via the connector. The received image quality data is stored in at least one non-volatile memory.

2. The driver board according to claim 1, in, The timing controller is configured to: identify that the driver board is newly installed if the stored position data includes a value indicating that no valid position data exists, and the obtained position data, based on a signal input through the connector, includes a valid value for that position data. The timing controller is further configured to change the position data of the drive board stored in the at least one non-volatile memory to the obtained position data.

3. The driver board according to claim 1 or 2, in, The timing controller is configured as follows: Based on the fact that the signal input through the connector is a first signal, it is identified that the driver board is a first driver board connected to the other display device through the connector, and Based on the fact that the signal input through the connector is a second signal that is different from the first signal, the driver board is identified as a second driver board that is connected to the first driver board through the connector.

4. The driver board according to claim 3, in, The timing controller is configured as follows: Based on the identification that the driver board is the second driver board, the system requests the first driver board to send image quality data of the modular display device via the connector, wherein... The image quality data of the modular display device is received by the first driver board from at least one of the other display devices through the connector of the first driver board.

5. The driver board according to claim 3, in, The timing controller is configured as follows: Based on the identification that the driver board is the first driver board of the display device, the image quality data of the modular display device is requested to be sent to the other display devices through the connector.

6. The driver board according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The timing controller is configured as follows: Based on the identification that the driver board is newly installed in the display device, the system receives position data of the driver board included in each of the other display devices from each of the other display devices via the connector, and Based on the received location data, select a first display device among the other display devices that is not requested to send image quality data of the modular display device.

7. The driver board according to claim 6, in, The timing controller is configured as follows: Each of the received location data is compared with the location data stored in the at least one non-volatile memory, and a first display device is selected from the other display devices, including the newly installed driver board, without requesting the selected first display device to send the image quality data.

8. The driver board according to claim 6, in, Assign different IP addresses to the multiple display devices, and The timing controller is configured as follows: The other display devices are sequentially requested to send the driver board location data based on the IP address assigned to each of the display devices.

9. The driver board according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The at least one non-volatile memory includes: Flash memory; and EEPROM stores the location data, and The timing controller is configured as follows: The received image quality data is stored in the flash memory.

10. A method for controlling a driver board included in a plurality of display devices, the plurality of display devices constituting a modular display device, the method comprising: When the drive board is started, the position data of the drive board is obtained based on the signal input through the connector of the drive board; The obtained position data is compared with position data stored in at least one non-volatile memory of the driver board, and the comparison is used to identify whether the driver board is newly installed in the display device. Based on the identification that the driver board is newly installed in the display device, the image quality data of the modular display device stored in other display devices of the modular display device is received through the connector; as well as The received image quality data is stored in at least one non-volatile memory.

11. The control method according to claim 10, in, Identifying that the driver board is newly installed in the display device includes: Based on the signal input through the connector, it is identified that the position data of the driver board is a valid value, and it is also identified that the data stored in the at least one non-volatile memory indicates that there is no valid position data. It also includes: in response to recognizing that the driver board is newly installed in the display device, changing the position data of the driver board stored in the at least one non-volatile memory to the value of the obtained position data.

12. The control method according to claim 10 or 11, comprising: Based on the fact that the signal input through the connector is a first signal, the driver board is identified as a first driver board that is connected to the other display device through the connector; as well as Based on the fact that the signal input through the connector is a second signal that is different from the first signal, the driver board is identified as a second driver board that is connected to the first driver board through the connector.

13. The control method according to claim 12, further comprising: Based on the identification that the driver board is the second driver board of the display device, the system requests the first driver board to send image quality data of the modular display device via the connector, wherein... The image quality data of the modular display device is received by the first driver board from at least one of the other display devices through the connector of the first driver board.

14. The control method according to claim 12, further comprising: Based on the identification that the driver board is the first driver board of the display device, the other display devices are requested to send the image quality data of the modular display device through the connector.

15. The control method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising: Based on the identification that the driver board is newly installed in the display device, the position data of the driver board included in each of the other display devices is received from each of the other display devices through the connector; as well as Based on the received location data, select a first display device among the other display devices that is not requested to send image quality data of the modular display device.

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