Method for displaying display data on a display device and display device

Abstract

To provide a system capable of transmitting data from each printable data processor to a display device, saving paper, quickly and easily performing a change and saving time and energy for moving to a job site.SOLUTION: In order to simplify the display of the content on the display device 20, the display device 20 is connected to the data processing device 10 via an interface 30, so that the data processing device 10 can communicate with the display device 20 via the printer driver 14 and can reproduce the information on the screen 23 by outputting the image to be displayed from any software with a printing function on the screen 23 by means of a simple output and can centrally update the information even in the case of decentralized information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for displaying display data stored in a data processing device on a display device comprising at least one screen, the display device being data-connected to the data processing device. The present invention likewise relates to such a display device.

[0002] In the fields of data processing and information display, it is common for data processing devices, such as computers or servers, to be connected to display devices, such as monitors or screens, to display visual information. Known systems typically involve a direct connection between the data processing device and the display device, with data being transmitted and displayed in real time. These systems often utilize various types of interfaces, such as HDMI, VGA, or DVI, to enable data transmission. In many cases, the display is controlled by a specialized software product, a so-called graphics driver, that is installed on the data processing device and provides display data in a format that can be interpreted by the display device.

[0003] According to known techniques, control of display data is often performed by dedicated applications or drivers specifically designed for each piece of hardware. These applications offer numerous functions, such as resolution matching, management of multiple screens, and configuration of display settings. However, despite the flexibility and wide range of functionality of such systems, some limitations exist. For example, direct connections between data processing devices and display devices often require specialized cables and connectors, which limit the flexibility and mobility of the system. Furthermore, installing and configuring the necessary software can be complex and time-consuming, especially in environments with multiple display devices or screens.

[0004] In particular, such display devices require that the respective data processing device remains switched on and available at all times.

[0005] Despite considerable advances in the fields of data processing and information display, there remains a need for improved systems that allow for easy and flexible coupling between data processing devices and display devices. In particular, there is a need for solutions that reduce installation and configuration complexity while ensuring reliable and efficient transmission and display of display data. Known systems often fail to fully meet these demands, thereby limiting ease of use and functionality.

[0006] The technical problem underlying the present invention is therefore to provide a system which at least partially overcomes the drawbacks of known systems and allows transmission from each print-capable data processing device to a display device.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, these problems are solved by the features of independent claims 1 and 15. Further advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] Therefore, a method is provided for displaying display data stored in a data processing device on a display device having at least one screen. The display device is connected to the data processing device, enabling seamless communication between the two devices. A key component of this method is an interface connecting the display device to the data processing device. This interface is operationally controlled by the data processing device via a printer driver, which is an innovative use of a traditional printer driver in a new context. The printer driver generates a print image, which is stored in a printer memory in a display file. The display file is then transmitted to the display device and displayed on the screen. The use of a printer driver and printer memory helps address the challenges of efficient data transmission and data display by utilizing existing technology in a new way. This arrangement enables faster display of display data, since the printer driver was developed specifically for the rapid and accurate generation of print images. The positioning of the interface between the data processing device and the display device is important because the interface plays a central role in data transmission and ensures that the display data is accurately and high-quality displayed on the screen. Storing the print image in the printer memory as a display file also ensures that the data is stored temporarily and can be quickly recalled as needed, thereby improving the efficiency of the overall system. This technical arrangement can therefore address the problem of fast and accurate display of display data on the screen, and provides an innovative solution by utilizing existing printing technology in new application areas.

[0009] A method for displaying display data stored in a data processing device on a display device having at least one screen contemplates that the display device is data connected to the data processing device, the data connection allowing display data to be transmitted from the data processing device to the display device, thereby allowing information stored in the data processing device to be displayed on the screen of the display device.

[0010] According to an embodiment in which the display device retrieves a display file from the printer memory and reproduces it on at least one screen of the display device, a specific mechanism of communication between components is established that improves the efficiency and functionality of the illustrated method. The display device, connected to the data processing device via an interface, plays an active role in retrieving a display file previously stored in the printer memory by the printer driver. This retrieval process allows the display device to directly access the stored data without requiring a new transmission from the data processing device. This reduces latency and minimizes the load on the data processing device because data processing and display are decoupled from each other. Thus, the display device functions not only as a passive receiver but also as an active participant in the data flow, which increases the flexibility and responsiveness of the system. This allows data to be displayed on the screen more quickly and reliably, optimizing the utilization of system resources and improving the user experience. The described mechanism of communication between components contributes to increasing the overall performance of the system and simplifying the interaction between the data processing device and the display device, which is particularly advantageous in environments with high demands on data processing and display.

[0011] According to another embodiment described in the dependent claim, a new print in the printer driver associated with the display device overwrites the display file in the printer memory. Therefore, the displayed print image is switched only when a new display file is available for display on the screen. Until this point, the displayed image remains unchanged. Furthermore, overwriting the display file in the printer memory prevents obsolete or unnecessary data from remaining in memory, thereby optimizing memory efficiency and capacity. Ultimately, only memory the size of the display file needs to be available to the display device.

[0012] In the first configuration, the display device can retrieve display files from the printer memory at regular intervals. This regular retrieval ensures that the display device always displays the latest data. If retrieving updates on a set clock is sufficient, the display device does not need to be constantly receiving them. The data processing device only needs to generate print images and store them in the printer memory in display files, while the display device is tasked with retrieving and displaying these files at regular intervals.

[0013] In an alternative configuration, the display device may have an additional display memory into which display files are loaded from the printer memory. This extension provides several advantages, particularly with regard to the efficiency and flexibility of data processing and display. The additional display memory allows the display device to store display files locally, which reduces dependency on a continuous connection to the data processing device. This may be particularly useful in scenarios where the connection is unstable or intermittent, since the display device can continue to display the stored data even if the connection is temporarily interrupted. If the display device is temporarily switched off, it can be accessed after restarting the display device, so that a printed image is always provided even when the connection is interrupted. Conversely, the display device must still regularly communicate with the printer to determine whether a new printed image should be displayed if a new display file is present in the printer memory.

[0014] According to another embodiment including the features of the dependent claims, the display file can have multiple pages, and the multiple pages of the display file are sequentially displayed on at least one screen of a display device. This significantly expands the functionality of the method for displaying display data. This is particularly useful in scenarios where extensive data or complex documents that do not fit on a single page must be displayed. The multi-page display file is then transmitted to a display device, which sequentially displays the pages on its screen. This requires coordinated control by the display device to ensure that the pages are displayed in the correct order, with appropriate transitions, and at appropriate time intervals. Sequentially displaying multiple pages on the display device screen offers the advantage that the user can view the entire document continuously and consistently without having to manually switch between different files or screens. This also allows for the use of smaller screens to present more information. Furthermore, this feature allows for more dynamic and interactive use of the display device, since the user can actively turn pages using corresponding keys on the display device, rather than as with a physical document.

[0015] Preferably, the display duration and / or sequential progression mode of the display is stored in the display device and / or can be set in the printer driver. The adjustable display duration of the display defines the duration for which display data remains visible on the display device screen. This can be stored directly in the display device and can be set in the display device, for example, by a controller or key, or it can be set by the printer driver and stored directly in the display file. The sequential progression mode allows for determining a specific sequence of display data to be displayed. Initially, playback can be forward or backward, but once all pages have been displayed, the question arises of how to continue playback. Here, when the last page is reached, playback can start again from the first page, or the reverse sequence can be performed. This mode can also be stored in the display device or set by the printer driver. The advantage of storing these parameters in the display device is that the display can be controlled by the current viewer, independently of the data processing device, thereby increasing the autonomy and flexibility of the display device. On the other hand, the advantage of setting these parameters via the printer driver is that control is centralized and, in some cases, more easily updated. This is because the changes only need to be made in the printer driver and not in each individual display device, and this also makes the display device simpler and less vulnerable, having a smaller attack surface, for example in an open space.

[0016] In a specific configuration, the printer driver provides multiple print trays, enabling granular and flexible management of display data. These print trays function as virtual memory areas within the printer memory and are specifically configured to handle different connected display devices or screen areas of the display device. In this case, each print tray can be associated with one display device from a group of multiple connected display devices, meaning that the printer driver can route data to various display devices as desired within a single print job. This allows printed images to be displayed concurrently and independently on different display devices, thereby improving system efficiency and flexibility. Furthermore, each print tray can be associated with multiple screens of the display device, which is particularly useful when the display device has multiple screens that are to be operated in the same way. In this case, the display data can be managed so that it is synchronized or specifically distributed to the various screens to ensure a consistent and optimized display. A further feature is the ability to associate multiple print trays with different areas of the display device screen. This allows for finer control of the displayed data by allowing different areas of the individual screens to be operated independently of one another. This is particularly advantageous in complex display scenarios where different information must be displayed simultaneously and clearly separated on a single screen, potentially with different update rates.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the interface may be a parallel interface or a serial interface, in particular a Universal Serial Bus. This particular configuration of the interface offers several technical advantages and innovations. Parallel interfaces allow for the simultaneous transmission of multiple bits, which can lead to higher data transmission rates. This is particularly advantageous when large amounts of data, such as high-resolution printed images, must be transmitted quickly and efficiently from a data processing device to a display device. In contrast, serial interfaces, in particular the Universal Serial Bus (USB), offer a flexible and widespread solution for connecting various devices. The USB standard is known for its high data transmission rate, easy handling, and wide compatibility with numerous devices and operating systems. Using USB as a serial interface greatly simplifies the installation and configuration of the connection between the data processing device and the display device. Furthermore, the USB standard allows for direct power supply to the display device via the interface, thereby reducing the demand for additional current cables and power supplies. This contributes to a simplified hardware architecture and a lower overall cost. Furthermore, the USB standard allows for multiple devices to be chained together, thereby improving the scalability and flexibility of the system. The choice of parallel or serial interface allows users to select the connection technology that best suits their particular needs and application. Overall, the new features provide improved performance, ease of use, and flexibility in how display data is presented. This is done by enabling a quick, reliable, and easy connection between data processing equipment and display devices.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the interface connecting the display device and the data processing device can be a network interface operating on either a local network or the Internet. This means that communication between the data processing device and the display device is not limited to a direct physical connection but can be performed via a network protocol, significantly expanding the flexibility and scope of applications. The use of a network interface allows the display device to operate independently of its physical proximity to the data processing device, which is particularly advantageous in distributed systems or for remote data display. Furthermore, the display device has at least one communication means used to retrieve a display file from the network interface. This communication means may be, for example, a network adapter or a WLAN module that can retrieve a display file stored in the printer memory of the data processing device via a network protocol. In this case, the display file is preferably retrieved upon an intended request from the display device, thereby enabling efficient and intended data transmission. These new features offer several advantages. First, the connection via a network protocol allows for greater spatial separation between the devices, thereby increasing the flexibility of the system. Secondly, scalability is improved, since multiple display devices can access the same data processing device via the network without the need for additional physical connections. Thirdly, system maintenance and updates are easier, since changes or upgrades in the data processing device can be made centrally, without the need for physical adaptations to the display devices in a decentralized installation (think bus timetables in a route network). Finally, the use of network interfaces and communication means allows for better integration into existing IT infrastructures, thereby reducing implementation and integration costs. These features therefore essentially contribute to improving the functionality and efficiency of the described method.

[0019] Furthermore, it may be contemplated that the printer driver is a virtual printer driver. A virtual printer driver is a software component that emulates the functionality of a physical printer driver but does not generate physical printed output. Instead, a print image that would normally be sent to a physical printer is converted into a digital file. This display file is then stored in the printer memory of a data processing device and subsequently transmitted to a display device where it is displayed on a screen either immediately on the display device or after being stored in the display memory of the display device. Furthermore, a virtual printer driver facilitates integration into existing software environments because it behaves like a conventional printer driver and can therefore be used by any application that supports printing functions. This results in high compatibility and ease of use.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the interface may be a wireless interface. This wireless interface enables wireless communication between the data processing device and the display device, thereby increasing the flexibility and mobility of the device configuration. Implementing a wireless interface eliminates the need for physical cable connections, thereby reducing installation costs and improving ease of use, since the devices can communicate with each other regardless of their physical locations. This wireless communication can be achieved via various technologies such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless transmission protocols that ensure stable and fast data transmission. The wireless interface is controlled by the data processing device via a printer driver, which generates a print image and stores it in the printer memory as a display file. The display file is then wirelessly transmitted to the display device and displayed on the screen of the display device. The wireless transmission of the display file has the advantage that data can be transmitted in real time or near real time, which is particularly advantageous in scenarios where display data is frequently switched. Furthermore, the wireless connection allows multiple display devices to be controlled simultaneously without additional wiring, which increases the scalability of the system. In this manner, only a power supply is required.

[0021] In a particularly preferred configuration, the screen can be an electronic paper screen. This particular configuration offers several advantages and technical effects that significantly improve the functionality and efficiency of the described method of displaying display data on a display device. Electronic paper screens, also known as electronic paper or E-Ink displays, are advantageous in that they can display images without a continuous current supply, thereby consuming significantly less energy than traditional LCD or LED screens. This is particularly advantageous in applications where the display device must operate for relatively long periods of time, without the need for frequent charging or constant power connection. Furthermore, electronic paper screens offer excellent readability under a variety of lighting conditions, including direct sunlight, thereby expanding the usability of the display device in different environments.

[0022] In such an embodiment, communication between the data processing device and the display device via a specific interface and printer driver remains unchanged, but the printed image generated by the printer driver is now displayed on an electronic paper screen. This means that the display file stored in the printer memory and transmitted to the display device can be optimized specifically for display on an electronic paper screen. This can include, for example, matching in resolution or contrast to fully utilize the advantages of electronic paper technology. Furthermore, the use of electronic paper screens can extend the life of the display device, as these screens are less susceptible to burn-in effects and other wear phenomena that can occur with conventional screens. Electronic paper screens can be used particularly rationally and effectively, especially in applications where a static image must be displayed for a relatively long period before switching occurs.

[0023] In summary, the use of electronic paper screens as display devices in the described manner brings about significant improvements in terms of energy efficiency, readability and longevity without requiring changes to the basic communication structure between the components, which is a very particularly advantageous development of the original method that can be of great importance in particular for applications in the field of mobile and energy-sufficient display devices.

[0024] Finally, the display file can be an image file, a text file, preferably in PDF format, or an HTML file. Defining the display file as an image file, a text file, a PDF file, or an HTML file significantly increases the flexibility and compatibility of the system. Image files allow for high-quality display of graphical content, which is particularly advantageous for visually demanding applications. Text files offer an easy and efficient possibility for displaying text-based information that is easy to edit and search. Using the PDF format offers additional advantages, as PDF files are platform-independent and ensure consistent display on various devices. PDF is also widely used and supports many content types, including text, images, and vector graphics, making it a versatile format for display files. HTML files enable the display of interactive and dynamic content, which is particularly important for web applications and Internet-based content. Support for HTML files also allows display devices to display content originating from the Internet or utilizing Web-based technologies. This wide variety of file formats ensures that the system can be used for various requirements in various fields of use.

[0025] Next, the above-mentioned invention will be described in detail based on examples. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for displaying display data stored in a data processing device on a display device, the data processing device being connected to a printer driver via an interface, the printer driver generating a print image and storing it in a printer memory in a display file, which is then transmitted to the display device and displayed on the screen of the display device.

[0027] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system for displaying display data stored in a data processing device 10 on a display device 20 having at least one screen 23. The data processing device 10 is connected to the display device 20 via an interface 30. The operation of the interface 30 is controlled by the data processing device 10 via a printer driver 14.

[0028] The data processing device 10 first generates a print image 13, e.g., a bus timetable, by means of a printer driver 14. Each display device 20 in the system and connected to the data processing device 10 has its own printer driver 14, so that starting from the data processing device 10, each display device 20 can be selected by selecting it in a print dialog of the data processing device 10. In this case, a selection of an area 24 can also be made in the print dialog in the manner of selecting a paper cassette in a printer. This can be, for example, an advertisement insertion in the area 24 of the screen 23, which can be changed frequently to remain within the image of the bus timetable. To achieve such a change, multiple pages can be printed, in which case the display device 20 outputs these pages one after the other, with a parameterizable or device-configurable period elapsed before the image is changed.

[0029] The printed image 13 is now stored in a display file 12 residing in the printer memory 11. The display file 12 is then transmitted via an interface 30 to the display device 20. The display device 20 retrieves the display file 12 from the printer memory 11 and displays the printed image 13 on a screen 23. To ensure that the most recent version of the display file 12 is always displayed, the display device 20 can retrieve the display file 12 from the printer memory 11 at regular intervals.

[0030] The display device 20 has an additional display memory 21 into which the display file 12 is loaded. In this way, even after a restart of the display device 20, if the data processing device is no longer reachable, the display file 12 can be loaded anew and the desired print image 13 can be displayed again without further external communication. However, the display device 20 receives a message from the printer driver 14, if necessary, when a new display file 12 is present in the printer memory 11. This allows the displayed data to be updated automatically.

[0031] The interface 30 may comprise a parallel or serial interface, in particular a universal serial bus. Alternatively, the interface 30 may be a network interface in a local network or the Internet, optionally wirelessly, in which case the display device 20 has at least one communication means 22 for retrieving the display file 12 from the network interface. Indeed, in the case of bus timetables that are posted at different bus stops along one route, these display devices 20 being located far from one another, remote transmission to the display devices 20 is of great advantage.

[0032] In this case, the screen 23 of the display device 20 can be an electronic paper screen that displays images clearly and readably for a relatively long period of time without any further current supply. The display file 12 can be an image file, a text file, preferably in PDF format, or can be an HTML file.

[0033] Thus, what has been described above is a method and display device that allows for sending printed images to a screen from any print-capable application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 10 Data processing equipment 11 Printer Memory 12 Display File 13 Printed Images 14 Printer Drivers 20 Display equipment 21 Display Memory 22 Means of communication 23 screens 24 areas 30 Interface

Claims

1. A method for displaying display data stored in a data processing device (10) on a display device (20) comprising at least one screen (23), comprising: The display device (20) is data-connected to the data processing device (10), The display device (20) is connected to the data processing device (10) via an interface (30); The interface (30) is operationally controlled by the data processing device (10) via a printer driver (14), and a print image (13) generated by the printer driver (14) is stored in a printer memory (11) as a display file (12), and the display file (12) is transmitted to the display device (20) and displayed on the at least one screen (23) of the display device (20). A method characterized by:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the display device (20) retrieves the display file (12) from the printer memory (11) and reproduces it on the at least one screen (23) of the display device (20).

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein a new print on the printer driver associated with the display device overwrites the display file in the printer memory.

4. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the display device (20) retrieves the display file (12) from the printer memory (11) at regular intervals.

5. The display device (20) has an additional display memory (21), and the display file (12) is loaded into the additional display memory (21); 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the display device (20) receives a message from the printer driver (14) when a new display file (12) is present in the printer memory (11).

6. The display file (12) may have multiple pages, 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pages of the display file (12) are displayed sequentially on the at least one screen (23) of the display device (20).

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the progression mode for the display duration and / or sequence of the display is stored in the display device (20) and / or is configurable in the printer driver (14).

8. The printer driver (14) prepares a plurality of print trays, 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein each print tray is associated with one display device (20) from a group of multiple connected display devices and / or with multiple screens of one display device (20) and / or with multiple areas of one screen (23) of one display device (20).

9. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the interface (30) is a parallel or serial interface, in particular a Universal Serial Bus.

10. The interface (30) is a network interface in a local network or the Internet, 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the display device (20) comprises at least one communication means (22) for retrieving the display file (12) from the network interface.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the printer driver (14) is a virtual printer driver.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the interface (30) is a wireless interface.

13. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the screen (23) is an electronic paper screen.

14. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display file (12) is an image file, a text file, preferably in PDF format, or an HTML file.

15. A display device, A display device comprising a housing having at least one screen (23) for displaying display data and an interface (30) for data connection to a data processing device (10), The display device (20) is connected to the data processing device (10) via an interface (30) that can be controlled via a printer driver (14) of the data processing device (10), and has a display memory (21), in which a print image (13) generated by the printer driver (14) can be stored as a display file (12), and the display file (12) can be displayed on the at least one screen (23). A display device characterized by:

16. 16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein the housing is associated with a parallel interface, a serial interface, or a network interface.

17. 17. A display device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the screen is an electronic paper screen.

Images