Display apparatus comprising a plurality of driver ic, modular display apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

A display device is disclosed. The display device includes a communication interface and a plurality of driver ICs. When a first driver IC among the plurality of driver ICs receives a first signal transmitted by an external device through the communication interface, it transmits the first signal to a second driver IC adjacent to the first driver IC so that the first signal is sequentially transmitted to the remaining driver ICs connected in a daisy chain manner. Each of the first driver IC and the second driver IC transmits the second signal transmitted by the external device to a first other display device connected to the display device among the plurality of display devices.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, a modular display device, and a control method thereof. More specifically, it relates to a display device comprising a plurality of driver ICs, a modular display device comprising a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy-chain manner, and a control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, there has been a trend of developing and distributing various types of display systems.

[0003] In particular, as display systems become larger and higher in resolution, the number of display modules and display devices constituting the display system is increasing proportionally.

[0004] In the case of modular display devices, the size and shape of the modular display device can be varied depending on the number of display devices constituting the device, the size of the display devices, etc.

[0005] Meanwhile, in the case of multiple display devices connected in a daisy chain manner, if the connection is broken or an error occurs in signal transmission, a problem arises in which multiple continuously connected display devices fail to receive the signal.

[0006] There has been a demand for a method to enable the remaining display devices connected after a certain section to receive the driving signal even if the transmission of the driving signal fails, such as when the connection is interrupted in a section among multiple display devices. means of solving the problem

[0007] A display device included in a modular display device composed of a plurality of display devices according to an embodiment for achieving the above-described purpose of the present disclosure comprises a communication interface and a plurality of driver ICs, wherein when a first signal transmitted by an external device is received through the communication interface, the first driver IC among the plurality of driver ICs transmits the first signal to a second driver IC adjacent to the first driver IC so that the first signal is sequentially transmitted to the remaining driver ICs connected in a daisy-chain manner, and each of the first driver IC and the second driver IC transmits the second signal transmitted by the external device to a first other display device connected to the display device among the plurality of display devices.

[0008] A control method for a display device included in a modular display device composed of a plurality of display devices according to an embodiment for achieving the above-described purpose of the present disclosure comprises the steps of: when a first signal transmitted by an external device is received, transmitting the first signal to a second driver IC adjacent to the first driver IC so that the first signal is sequentially transmitted to the remaining driver ICs connected in a daisy-chain manner by the first driver IC among the plurality of driver ICs included in the display device; and transmitting the second signal transmitted by the external device by each of the first driver IC and the second driver IC to a first other display device connected to the display device among the plurality of display devices.

[0009] A computer-readable recording medium comprising a program for executing a control method for a display device included in a modular display device composed of a plurality of display devices according to an embodiment for achieving the above-described purpose of the present disclosure, wherein the control method for the display device comprises: a step of, when a first signal transmitted by an external device is received, transmitting the first signal to a second driver IC adjacent to the first driver IC so that the first signal is sequentially transmitted to the remaining driver ICs connected in a daisy-chain manner by the first driver IC among the plurality of driver ICs included in the display device; and a step of transmitting the second signal transmitted by the external device by each of the first driver IC and the second driver IC to a first other display device connected to the display device among the plurality of display devices. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a modular display device that displays an image according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a modular display device in which a plurality of display devices are combined according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a display device that transmits a signal to another display device according to a conventional embodiment. FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a display device that cannot transmit a signal because an error occurred in the connection between a display device and another display device according to a conventional embodiment. FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a display device that transmits a signal to another display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a display device that receives a signal from a first display device and transmits a signal to a second display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a display device that transmits a signal to another display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a control method of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0012] The terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure have been selected to be as widely used as possible, taking into account their functions within this disclosure; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, terms have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant explanatory section of this disclosure. Therefore, terms used in this disclosure should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0013] The embodiments of the present disclosure are subject to various modifications and may have various embodiments; therefore, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the scope of specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the scope of the disclosed spirit and technology. In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence, such detailed description is omitted.

[0014] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but components should not be limited by these terms. Terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0015] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "consisting of" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0016] In the present disclosure, a "module" or "part" performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, a plurality of "modules" or a plurality of "parts" may be integrated into at least one module and implemented by at least one processor (not shown), except for a "module" or "part" that needs to be implemented in specific hardware.

[0017] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present disclosure in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a modular display device that displays an image according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] A modular display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...).

[0020] For example, referring to FIG. 1, a modular display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...), and each of the plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) can be connected in a daisy chain manner to form a single display device, that is, a modular display device (1).

[0021] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a modular display device in which a plurality of display devices are combined according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, the modular display device (1) includes a plurality of display devices (or a plurality of display modules) (100, 200, ...), and the modular display device (1) can display images using the plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...).

[0023] For example, the modular display device (1) may include a plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) arranged in a matrix form (e.g., a 4x3 form). Meanwhile, the 4x3 form is merely an example for convenience of explanation, and the arrangement form, number, etc. of the plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) constituting the modular display device (1) can be varied depending on the specifications of the modular display device (1) (e.g., resolution, size, etc.) and the manufacturer's manufacturing purpose.

[0024] According to one example, the modular display device (1) can be implemented as a TV, but is not limited thereto and can be applied as long as it is a device equipped with a display function, such as a video wall, LFD (large format display), Digital Signage, DID (Digital Information Display), projector display, etc.

[0025] In addition, the modular display device (1) can be implemented as various types of displays such as LCD (liquid crystal display), OLED (organic light-emitting diode), LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), DLP (Digital Light Processing), QD (quantum dot) display panel, QLED (quantum dot light-emitting diodes), etc.

[0026] Each of the plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of self-emissive elements. Here, the self-emissive elements may be at least one of an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a micro LED. Here, the micro LED is an LED with a size of about 5 to 100 micrometers and is a super-small light-emitting element that emits light on its own without a color filter.

[0027] According to one embodiment, at least one display device (e.g., first display device (100)) among a plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) constituting a modular display device (1) is connected to an external device (e.g., source device, TCON (Timing controller), etc.) and can receive control signals, driving signals, etc. from the external device.

[0028] According to one embodiment, a plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) may be connected in a daisy chain manner. For example, a first display device (100) may be connected to a second display device (200), and the second display device (200) may be connected to a third display device (300). That is, a plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) may be connected in succession. In this case, the first display device (100) connected to an external device may transmit control signals, driving signals, etc. received from the external device to the second display device (200) connected to the first display device (100), and then transmit them in succession to the remaining display devices (200, 300, ...) connected in a daisy chain manner.

[0029] Additionally, a plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) are divided into a plurality of groups, and the display devices included in each of the plurality of groups may be connected according to a daisy chain method. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, if a plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) are arranged in a 4x3 shape, the plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) may be divided into first to fourth groups according to columns. However, this is not limited thereto, and the plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) may be divided into first to third groups according to rows.

[0030] At least one display device among the display devices included in each group (e.g., the bottommost display device or the leftmost display device) is connected to an external device (e.g., a source device, a TCON (Timing controller), etc.) and can receive control signals, driving signals, etc. from the external device.

[0031] For example, the first display device (100) to the third display device (300) may form a group, the first display device (100) may be connected to the second display device (200), and the second display device (200) may be connected to the third display device (300). In this case, the first display device (100) connected to the external device may sequentially transmit control signals, driving signals, etc. received from the external device to the second display device (200) and the third display device (300) included in the same group as the first display device (100).

[0032] Additionally, the fourth display device (400) to the sixth display device (600) may form a group, the fourth display device (400) may be connected to the fifth display device (500), and the fifth display device (500) may be connected to the sixth display device (600). In this case, the fourth display device (400) connected to an external device may sequentially transmit control signals, driving signals, etc. received from the external device to the fifth display device (500) and the sixth display device (600) included in the same group as the fourth display device (400).

[0033] As another example, each of the plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) included in the modular display device (1) may be connected in series with each other, and at least one display device that receives a control signal, a driving signal, etc. from an external device transmits the received control signal, a driving signal, etc. to another display device connected in series with itself, and accordingly, the control signal, a driving signal, etc. may be sequentially transmitted to all of the plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...).

[0034] For example, as the resolution, size, etc. of the modular display device (1) increases, the number of multiple display devices (100, 200, ...) equipped in the modular display device (1) also increases proportionally, and the connection relationship between the multiple display devices (100, 200, ...) (for example, the connection relationship for each of the multiple display devices (100, 200, ...) to receive control signals, driving signals, etc. from an external device) can also be varied in various ways in addition to the conventional standardized communication connection relationship.

[0035] In the present disclosure, for convenience of explanation, a plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) included in a modular display device (1) are divided into a plurality of groups, and the display devices included in each of the plurality of groups are connected according to a daisy chain method.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] In the following description, for convenience of explanation, one of the plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) is assumed to be the first display device (100), but it is understood that various examples of the present disclosure can be implemented in each of the plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...).

[0038] A first display device (100) according to one example includes a plurality of driver ICs (110) and a communication interface (120).

[0039] A communication interface (120) according to one example receives various signals and data. For example, the communication interface (120) can communicate with an external device through various wired / wireless communication methods using RF (Radio Frequency) and IR (Infrared), such as AP-based Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi, Wireless LAN network), Bluetooth, Zigbee, wired / wireless LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), Ethernet, IEEE 1394, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), USB (Universal Serial Bus), MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), AES / EBU (Audio Engineering Society / European Broadcasting Union), Optical, Coaxial, NFC (Near Field Communication), etc., and can also communicate with another display device (for example, a second display device (200) connected to a first display device (100)). For example, the communication interface can be implemented as a wired communication interface, such as V-by-One, HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable, LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signals) cable, DVI (Digital Visual Interface) cable, D-SUB (D-subminiature) cable, VGA (Video Graphics Array) cable, optical cable, etc.

[0040] According to one example, the communication interface (120) can receive a signal transmitted by an external device. Specifically, the external device may include an electronic device (e.g., a source device, etc.) and a TCON (Timing controller) provided in the control box of the modular display device (1).

[0041] For example, a TCON provided in the control box of a modular display device (1) receives a video signal from an electronic device and can generate a driving signal to drive the display device (100) based on the video signal.

[0042] For example, when a video signal is received, the TCON can determine an area corresponding to the identification information of the first display device (100) among the entire area of ​​the video corresponding to the video signal. Here, the identification information of the first display device (100) may be stored in the first display device (100). For example, if the TCON provided in the control box of the modular display device (1) is ID 1, it can determine an area corresponding to ID 1 among the entire area of ​​the video.

[0043] Next, TCON can generate a driving signal to drive a plurality of pixels included in the first display device (100) in order to display an image corresponding to the determined area through the first display device (100). Next, TCON transmits the driving signal to the first display device (100), and a communication interface (120) provided in the first display device (100) can receive the driving signal.

[0044] Here, among the plurality of driver ICs (110) provided in the first display device (100), the first driver IC (110-1) connected to the communication interface (120) receives a driving signal and can control the pixels corresponding to the first driver IC (110-1) among the plurality of pixels included in the first display device (100) based on the driving signal.

[0045] Meanwhile, a plurality of driver ICs (110) included in the first display device (100) are connected in a daisy chain manner, and the first driver IC (110-1) can continuously transmit to the remaining driver ICs (110-2, ..., 110-n) connected in a daisy chain manner.

[0046] A TCON provided in the control box of a modular display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can transmit a driving signal corresponding to the remaining display devices (i.e., display devices connected to the first display device (100) in a daisy-chain manner) to the first display device (100) since a plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) are connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0047] For example, if a plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) included in a modular display device (1) are divided into a plurality of groups and the display devices included in each of the plurality of groups are connected according to a daisy chain method, the TCON provided in the control box of the modular display device (1) can transmit a driving signal corresponding to the first display device (100), a driving signal corresponding to the second display device (200), and a driving signal corresponding to the third display device (300) to the first display device (100) included in the first group (including the first to third display devices (100, 200, 300)).

[0048] Next, the first display device (100) can control a plurality of pixels included in the first display device (100) by transmitting a driving signal corresponding to the first display device (100) to each of the plurality of driver ICs (110) included in the first display device (100) (for example, by transmitting sequentially to the plurality of driver ICs (110) according to a daisy chain method).

[0049] Meanwhile, the first display device (100) can transmit a driving signal corresponding to the second display device (200) and a driving signal corresponding to the third display device (300) to the second display device (200) which is connected to the first display device (100) in a daisy-chain manner.

[0050] A detailed explanation of this will be provided with reference to Fig. 4.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a display device that transmits a signal to another display device according to a conventional embodiment.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 4, among a plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...), a first display device (100) connected to an external device (2) (e.g., a TCON provided in the control box of a modular display device (1)) can receive a first signal (A) and a second signal (B) from the external device (2).

[0053] Here, the first signal (A) is a driving signal corresponding to the first display device (100) (i.e., a driving signal for driving a plurality of pixels included in the first display device (100)), and the second signal (B) may be a driving signal corresponding to the second display device (200) (i.e., a driving signal for driving a plurality of pixels included in the second display device (200)).

[0054] Meanwhile, for the sake of convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the first display device (100) is connected to the second display device (200) in a daisy-chain manner, but it is of course not limited thereto. For example, the first display device (100) may be connected in series with the second display device (200), and the second display device (200) may be connected in series with the third display device (300). In this case, the first display device (100) may receive a first signal (A), a second signal (B), and a third signal. Here, the third signal may be a driving signal corresponding to the second display device (200) (i.e., a driving signal for driving a plurality of pixels included in the second display device (200)).

[0055] Referring to FIG. 4, when a first display device (100) according to a conventional example receives a first signal (A) and a second signal (B) from an external device (2) through a communication interface (120), it can transmit the first signal (A) and the second signal (B) to a first driver IC (110-1) among a plurality of driver ICs (110) included in the first display device (100).

[0056] Next, the first driver IC (110-1) transmits a first signal to the remaining driver ICs (110-1, ..., 110-n) connected in a daisy-chain manner, and can transmit a second signal (B) to a second display device (200) connected in series with the first display device (100).

[0057] Subsequently, when the second signal (B) is received through the communication interface (220) included in the second display device (200), the second display device (200) can transmit the second signal (B) to the first driver IC (210-1) among the plurality of driver ICs (210) included in the second display device (200). Subsequently, the first driver IC (210-1) included in the second display device (200) can transmit the second signal (B) to the remaining driver ICs (210-1, ..., 210-n) connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a display device that cannot transmit a signal because an error occurred in the connection between a display device and another display device according to a conventional embodiment.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 5, the first display device (100) among the first to third display devices (100, 200, 300) connected according to a daisy chain method is connected to an external device (2) and can receive a driving signal corresponding to the first display device (100), a driving signal corresponding to the second display device (200), and a driving signal corresponding to the third display device (300) from the external device (2).

[0060] According to one embodiment, since the first to third display devices (100, 200, 300) are connected in a daisy-chain manner, the first display device (100) transmits a driving signal corresponding to the second display device (200) and a driving signal corresponding to the third display device (300) to the second display device (200), and the second display device (200) can transmit a driving signal corresponding to the third display device (300) to the third display device (300).

[0061] Meanwhile, since the first to third display devices (100, 200, 300) are connected in succession according to the daisy chain method, if the connection is broken in any section (e.g., between the first display device (100) and the second display device (200)) or if the transmission of the driving signal fails due to various causes such as an error, the subsequent multiple display devices (e.g., the second display device (200) to the third display device (300)) cannot receive the driving signal.

[0062] To prevent the occurrence of such problems, the first display device (100) can provide a redundancy function for driving signals corresponding to each of the plurality of display devices (e.g., the second display device (200) to the third display device (300)) connected thereafter by using a plurality of driver ICs (110) included in the first display device (100).

[0063] A detailed explanation of this will be provided with reference to Fig. 6.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a display device that transmits a signal to another display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] For convenience of explanation, the external device (2) is assumed to be a TCON provided in the control box of the modular display device (1) below.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 6, when the first display device (100) receives a first signal (A) and a second signal (B) from the TCON (2) through the communication interface (120), it can transmit the first signal (A) and the second signal (B) to the first driver IC (110-1) among the plurality of driver ICs (110) included in the first display device (100).

[0067] Next, the first driver IC (110-1) can transmit the first signal (A) to the second driver IC (110-2) so that the first signal (A) is sequentially transmitted to the remaining driver ICs (110-1, ..., 110-n) connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0068] Meanwhile, each of the first driver IC (110-1) and the second driver IC (110-2) can transmit a second signal (B) to a second display device (200) connected in series with the first display device (100).

[0069] For example, the first driver IC (110-1) can transmit the first signal (A) and the second signal (B) to the second driver IC (110-2), respectively. Subsequently, the second driver IC (110-2) can transmit the first signal (A) to a driver IC (e.g., a third driver IC (110-3)) connected to the second driver IC (110-2) in a daisy-chain manner. Additionally, the second driver IC (110-2) can transmit the second signal (B) to a second display device (200) connected in series with the first display device (100).

[0070] As another example, the communication interface (120) of the first display device (100) may include a repeater (121). According to one example, when a second signal (B) is received from the TCON (2), the repeater (121) may transmit the second signal (B) to the first driver IC (110-1) and the second driver IC (110-2), respectively. That is, the repeater (121) may transmit one second signal (B) received from the TCON (2) to each of the two driver ICs (i.e., the first driver IC (110-1) and the second driver IC (110-2)).

[0071] Subsequently, when the second signal (B) is received through the communication interface (220) included in the second display device (200), the second display device (200) can transmit the second signal (B) to the first driver IC (210-1) among the plurality of driver ICs (210) included in the second display device (200). Subsequently, the first driver IC (210-1) included in the second display device (200) can transmit the second signal (B) to the remaining driver ICs (210-1, ..., 210-n) connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0072] Meanwhile, since the first driver IC (110-1) and the second driver IC (110-2) of the first display device (100) each transmit a second signal (B) to the second display device (200), the communication interface (220) of the second display device (200) can receive two second signals (B).

[0073] A communication interface (220) of a second display device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a switch (222).

[0074] According to one example, when a second signal (B) is received from each of the first driver IC (110-1) and the second driver IC (110-2) of the first display device (100), the switch (222) can transmit the second signal (B) received from the first driver IC (110-1) to the first driver IC (210-1) of the second display device (200). Subsequently, the first driver IC (210-1) of the second display device (200) can transmit the second signal (B) to the second driver IC (210-2) of the second display device (200) so that the second signal (B) is sequentially transmitted to the remaining driver ICs (210-1, ..., 210-n) connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0075] Additionally, when the switch (222) receives a second signal (B) from either the first driver IC (110-1) or the second driver IC (110-2) of the first display device (100), it can transmit the second signal (B) received from either the first driver IC (110-1) or the second driver IC (110-2) to the first driver IC (210-1) of the second display device (200).

[0076] For example, if the switch (222) does not receive the second signal (B) from the first driver IC (110-1) of the first display device (100) and receives the second signal (B) from the second driver IC (110-2) of the first display device (100), the switch (222) can transmit the second signal (B) received from the second driver IC (110-2) to the first driver IC (210-1) of the second display device (200).

[0077] FIG. 6 describes a first display device (100) and a second display device (200) connected in a daisy-chain manner according to an example of the present disclosure, and a first display device (100) connected to a TCON (2) provided in a control box to receive a driving signal from the TCON (2), but this is an example and is not limited thereto.

[0078] Various examples of the present disclosure may be implemented in a second display device (200) that receives a driving signal from the first display device (100) and transmits a driving signal to the third display device (300), wherein the first display device (100) to the third display device (300) are connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0079] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a display device that receives a signal from a first display device and transmits a signal to a second display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a TCON provided in a control box of a modular display device (1) transmits a driving signal corresponding to the first display device (100), a driving signal corresponding to the second display device (200), and a driving signal corresponding to the third display device (300) to the first display device (100) included in the first group (including the first to third display devices (100, 200, 300)), and each of the first display device (100) to the third display device (300) provides a redundancy function.

[0081] Control Box

[0082] First, the control box can identify the area corresponding to each of the plurality of groups within the entire area of ​​the image and the connection order between the display devices included in each of the plurality of groups, based on identification information corresponding to each of the display devices included in each of the plurality of groups.

[0083] For example, the control box divides a plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) included in the modular display device (1) into a plurality of groups, and based on the identification information (e.g., ID 1, ID 2, ID 3) of each of the first to third display devices (100, 200, 300) included in the first group among the plurality of groups, the first group includes the first to third display devices (100, 200, 300), and can identify the connection order of the first display device (100) -> second display device (200) -> third display device (300). In addition, the control box can identify an area corresponding to the first group among the entire area of ​​the image corresponding to the image signal, a part of the area corresponding to the first display device (100) among the area corresponding to the first group, a part of the area corresponding to the second display device (200), and a part of the area corresponding to the third display device (300).

[0084] Subsequently, the control box can obtain a driving signal corresponding to the first display device (100) (hereinafter, the first signal (A)), a driving signal corresponding to the second display device (200) (hereinafter, the second signal (B)), and a driving signal corresponding to the third display device (300) (hereinafter, the third signal (B)) based on the connection order between the first to third display devices (100, 200, 300) and a part of the entire area of ​​the image corresponding to each of the first to third display devices (100, 200, 300).

[0085] Next, the TCON (2) provided in the control box can transmit the first signal (A), the second signal (B), and the third signal (C) to the first display device (100).

[0086] <First display device>

[0087] According to one example, when a first display device (100) receives a first signal (A), a second signal (B), and a third signal (C) from a TCON (2) through a communication interface (120), it can transmit the first signal (A) to a first driver IC (110-1) among a plurality of driver ICs (110) included in the first display device (100). Subsequently, the first driver IC (110-1) can transmit the first signal (A) to a second driver IC (110-2) so that the first signal (A) is sequentially transmitted to the remaining driver ICs (110-1, ..., 110-n) connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0088] Meanwhile, a repeater (121) included in the communication interface (120) of the first display device (100) can transmit the second signal (B) and the third signal (C) to the first driver IC (110-1) and the second driver IC (110-2), respectively, when the second signal (B) and the third signal (C) (i.e., the driving signal corresponding to the first display device (100) (e.g., the first signal (A)) are received from the TCON (2). That is, the repeater (121) can transmit each of the second signal (B) and the third signal (C) received from the TCON (2) to each of the two driver ICs (i.e., the first driver IC (110-1) and the second driver IC (110-2)).

[0089] Next, the first driver IC (110-1) can transmit the second signal (B) and the third signal (C) to the second display device (200). Additionally, the second driver IC (110-2) can also transmit the second signal (B) and the third signal (C) to the second display device (200).

[0090] <Second Display Device>

[0091] Subsequently, when a second signal (B) is received from a first driver IC (110-1) of a first display device (100), a switch (222) included in the communication interface (220) of the second display device (200) can transmit the second signal (B) to the first driver IC (210-1) of the second display device (200). Subsequently, the first driver IC (210-1) can transmit the second signal (B) to the second driver IC (210-2) so that the second signal (B) is sequentially transmitted to the remaining driver ICs (210-1, ..., 210-n) connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0092] Meanwhile, the switch (222) included in the communication interface (220) of the second display device (200) can transmit the second signal (B) to the first driver IC (210-1) of the second display device (200) when the second signal (B) is not received from the first driver IC (110-1) of the first display device (100) but is received from the second driver IC (110-2) of the first display device (100). Subsequently, the first driver IC (210-1) can transmit the second signal (B) to the second driver IC (210-2) so that the second signal (B) is sequentially transmitted to the remaining driver ICs (210-1, ..., 210-n) connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0093] Subsequently, when a third signal (C) is received from at least one of the first driver IC (110-1) of the first display device (100) or the second driver IC (110-2) of the first display device (100), the repeater (221) included in the communication interface (220) of the second display device (200) can transmit the third signal (C) to each of the first driver IC (210-1) and the second driver IC (210-2). That is, the repeater (221) can transmit at least one third signal (B) received from the first display device (100) to each of the two driver ICs (i.e., the first driver IC (210-1) and the second driver IC (210-2)).

[0094] Next, the first driver IC (210-1) can transmit the third signal (C) to the third display device (300). Additionally, the second driver IC (210-2) can also transmit the third signal (C) to the third display device (300).

[0095] <Third Display Device>

[0096] Subsequently, when a third signal (C) is received from a second driver IC (210-1) of a second display device (200), a switch (322) included in the communication interface (320) of the third display device (300) can transmit the third signal (C) to a first driver IC (310-1) of the third display device (300). Subsequently, the first driver IC (310-1) can transmit the third signal (C) to a second driver IC (310-2) so that the third signal (C) is sequentially transmitted to the remaining driver ICs (310-1, ..., 310-n) connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0097] Meanwhile, the switch (322) included in the communication interface (320) of the third display device (300) can transmit the third signal (C) to the first driver IC (310-1) of the third display device (300) when the third signal (C) is not received from the first driver IC (210-1) of the second display device (200) but is received from the second driver IC (210-2) of the second display device (200). Subsequently, the first driver IC (310-1) can transmit the third signal (C) to the second driver IC (310-2) so that the third signal (C) is sequentially transmitted to the remaining driver ICs (310-1, ..., 310-n) connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0098] Therefore, even if the transmission of the driving signal fails due to various causes such as a disconnection or an error in one section (e.g., between the first driver IC (210-1) of the second display device (200) and the third display device (300), the transmission of the driving signal is successful through the remaining section (e.g., between the second driver IC (210-2) of the second display device (200) and the third display device (300), so the third display device (300) can receive the driving signal.

[0099] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a display device that transmits a signal to another display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] In the example described above, the case was explained by assuming that a display device (e.g., a second display device (200)) receives a driving signal from an adjacent first display device (e.g., a first display device (100)) and transmits the driving signal to an adjacent second display device (e.g., a third display device (300)); however, this is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

[0101] For example, a display device (e.g., a first display device (100)) receives a driving signal from an external device (200) and can transmit the driving signal to another display device (e.g., a third display device (300)) that is not adjacent but is serially connected.

[0102] For example, the first display device (100) receives a driving signal corresponding to the first display device (100) and a driving signal corresponding to the third display device (300) from an external device (2), and each of the first driver IC (110-1) and the second driver IC (110-2) provided in the first display device (100) can transmit a driving signal corresponding to the third display device (300) to the third display device (300).

[0103] Additionally, the second display device (200) receives a driving signal corresponding to the second display device (200) and a driving signal corresponding to the fourth display device (400) from an external device (2), and each of the first driver IC (210-1) and the second driver IC (210-2) provided in the second display device (200) can transmit a driving signal corresponding to the fourth display device (400) to the fourth display device (400).

[0104] However, this is merely an example and is not limited thereto. For example, all of the multiple display devices (100, 200, ...) are connected in a daisy chain manner, and the first display device (100) among the multiple display devices (100, 200, ...) connected in a daisy chain manner can be connected to an external device (2) (e.g., a control box). Additionally, the first display device (100) may receive all driving signals corresponding to each of the multiple display devices (100, 200, ...) from the external device (2).

[0105] A total of n display devices are connected in a daisy-chain manner, and when the first display device receives a driving signal corresponding to each of the first to nth display devices, the first display device can provide a redundancy function for the driving signal corresponding to each of the second to nth connected display devices by utilizing a plurality of driver ICs included in the first display device.

[0106] Next, the n-1th display device can provide redundancy for a driving signal corresponding to the nth display device connected thereafter by using a plurality of driver ICs included in the n-1th display device.

[0107] Meanwhile, in the example described above, the control box includes one or more processors and controls the overall operation of the modular display device (1).

[0108] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) that processes digital signals, a microprocessor, or a timing controller (TCON). However, it is not limited thereto, and may include or be defined by 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), a communication processor (CP), an ARM processor, or an artificial intelligence (AI) processor. Additionally, the processor may be implemented as a System on Chip (SoC) or a large-scale integration (LSI) with embedded processing algorithms, or may be implemented in the form of a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The processor can perform various functions by executing computer executable instructions stored in memory.

[0109] One or more processors may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), MIC (Many Integrated Core), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator. One or more processors may control one or any combination of other components of an electronic device and may perform operations or data processing related to communication. One or more processors may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in memory. For example, one or more processors may perform a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in memory.

[0110] When a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by a single 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 one embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by a second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence dedicated processor).

[0111] One or more processors may be implemented as a single-core processor comprising one core, or as one or more multicore processors comprising multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multicore or heterogeneous multicore). When one or more processors are implemented as multicore processors, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor may include internal processor memory such as cache memory or on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by multiple cores may be included in the multicore processor. Additionally, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor (or some of the multiple cores) may independently read and execute program instructions for implementing a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, or all (or some) of the multiple cores may be linked together to read and execute program instructions for implementing a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] When a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one of the plurality of cores included in a multi-core processor, or may be performed by a plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first core included in a multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first core included in a multi-core processor and the third operation may be performed by a second core included in a multi-core processor.

[0113] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a processor may mean a system-on-chip (SoC) in which one or more processors and other electronic components are integrated, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, wherein the core may be implemented as a CPU, GPU, APU, MIC, DSP, NPU, hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0114] A modular display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a memory (not shown).

[0115] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory may store data necessary for various embodiments of the present disclosure. Depending on the purpose of data storage, the memory may be implemented in the form of a memory embedded in the modular display device (1) or in the form of a memory that can be attached to and detached from the modular display device (1).

[0116] For example, data for driving the modular display device (1) may be stored in memory embedded in the modular display device (1), and data for the expansion function of the modular display device (1) may be stored in memory that is detachable from the modular display device (1). Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the modular display device (1) may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one-time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash, etc.), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD). Additionally, the memory that is detachable from the modular display device (1) may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card), etc.), external memory connectable to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc. there is.

[0117] According to one example, the memory may store at least one instruction or a computer program including instructions for controlling a modular display device (1).

[0118] In particular, the memory may include identification information corresponding to each of the plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) included in the modular display device (1).

[0119] Each of the plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) of the present disclosure includes a display, and the display may be implemented as a display including a self-emissive element or a display including a non-emissive element and a backlight.

[0120] For example, it can be implemented as various types of displays such as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display, LED (Light Emitting Diodes), micro LED, Mini LED, PDP (Plasma Display Panel), QD (Quantum dot) display, QLED (Quantum dot light-emitting diodes), etc. The display (130) may also include a driving circuit, a backlight unit, etc., which can be implemented in the form of a-si TFT, LTPS (low temperature poly silicon) TFT, OTFT (organic TFT), etc. Meanwhile, the display 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 multiple display modules are physically connected, etc.

[0121] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a control method of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] A control method for a display device included in a modular display device composed of multiple display devices is, first, when a first signal transmitted by an external device is received, the first signal is transmitted to a second driver IC adjacent to the first driver IC so that the first signal is sequentially transmitted to the remaining driver ICs connected in a daisy chain manner by the first driver IC among the multiple driver ICs included in the display device (S910).

[0123] Next, the second signal transmitted by the external device by the first driver IC and the second driver IC, respectively, is transmitted to a first other display device connected to a display device among a plurality of display devices (S920).

[0124] Here, the first signal is a driving signal corresponding to a display device, and the second signal may be a driving signal corresponding to a first other display device.

[0125] A step S920 of transmitting to a first other display device according to an example of the present disclosure may include a step of transmitting a second signal to a second driver IC by a first driver IC, and a step of transmitting the second signal to the first other display device by the second driver IC when the second signal is received from the first driver IC.

[0126] A step S920 of transmitting to a first other display device according to an example of the present disclosure may include receiving a second signal transmitted by an external device by a repeater and transmitting it to each of a first driver IC and a second driver IC.

[0127] Here, the step S920 of transmitting to the first other display device may include the step of transmitting the second signal to the first other display device by the second driver IC when the second signal is received through the repeater.

[0128] An external device according to one example of the present disclosure may be a control box or any one of a second display device connected to a display device among a plurality of display devices.

[0129] Here, the control method may further include the step of identifying whether a first signal is received from each of the first driver IC and the second driver IC among a plurality of driver ICs included in the second display device by means of a switch, if the external device is a second display device.

[0130] A control method according to one example of the present disclosure may further include the step of transmitting the first signal to the first driver IC included in the display device by means of a switch when the first signal is received from the first driver IC included in the second display device, and the step of transmitting the first signal received from the second driver IC included in the second display device to the first driver IC included in the display device by means of a switch when the first signal is not received from the first driver IC included in the second display device.

[0131] A display device and a first other display device according to one example of the present disclosure are connected in a daisy-chain manner, and the first other display device may be adjacent to the display device.

[0132] However, it is obvious that the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied not only to electronic devices but also to all types of electronic devices equipped with a display.

[0133] Meanwhile, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in a recording medium readable by a computer or a similar device using software, hardware, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the embodiments described herein may be implemented as the processor itself. According to software implementation, embodiments such as the procedures and functions described herein may be implemented as separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more functions and operations described herein.

[0134] Meanwhile, computer instructions for performing processing operations of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. When computer instructions stored in such a non-transitory computer-readable medium are executed by a processor of a specific device, they cause the specific device to perform processing operations in the electronic device (100) according to various embodiments described above.

[0135] A non-transient computer-readable medium refers to a medium that stores data semi-permanently and can be read by a device, unlike media that store data for a short period of time such as registers, caches, and memory. Specific examples of non-transient computer-readable media include CDs, DVDs, hard disks, Blu-ray discs, USBs, memory cards, and ROMs.

[0136] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It is understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure. Explanation of the symbols

[0137] 1: Modular display device 2: External device 100: Display device 110: Multiple driver ICs 120: Communication interface

Claims

Claim 1 A display device included in a modular display device composed of a plurality of display devices, comprising: a communication interface; and a plurality of driver ICs; wherein, among the plurality of driver ICs, a first driver IC transmits to a second driver IC adjacent to the first driver IC so that when a first signal transmitted by an external device is received through the communication interface, the first signal is transmitted sequentially to the remaining driver ICs connected in a daisy chain manner, and each of the first driver IC and the second driver IC transmits the second signal transmitted by the external device to a first other display device connected to the display device among the plurality of display devices. Claim 2 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the first signal is a driving signal corresponding to the display device, and the second signal is a driving signal corresponding to the first other display device. Claim 3 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the first driver IC transmits the second signal to the second driver IC when the second signal is received through the communication interface, and the second driver IC transmits the second signal to the first other display device when the second signal is received from the first driver IC. Claim 4 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the communication interface comprises a repeater that receives the second signal transmitted by the external device and transmits it to the first driver IC and the second driver IC, respectively. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the display device wherein the second driver IC transmits the second signal to the first other display device when the second signal is received through the repeater included in the communication interface. Claim 6 In paragraph 1, the external device is a display device, which is a control box or one of a second display device connected to the display device among the plurality of display devices. Claim 7 In claim 6, the communication interface comprises a switch; and the switch identifies whether the first signal is received from each of the first driver IC and the second driver IC among a plurality of driver ICs included in the second display device, if the external device is the second display device. Claim 8 A display device according to claim 7, wherein the switch transmits the first signal to the first driver IC included in the display device when the first signal is received from the first driver IC included in the second display device, and transmits the first signal received from the second driver IC included in the second display device to the first driver IC included in the display device when the first signal is not received from the first driver IC included in the second display device. Claim 9 In claim 1, the display device and the first other display device are connected in a daisy-chain manner, and the first other display device is a display device adjacent to the display device. Claim 10 A control method for a display device included in a modular display device composed of a plurality of display devices, comprising: a step of, when a first signal transmitted by an external device is received, transmitting the first signal to a second driver IC adjacent to the first driver IC so that the first signal is sequentially transmitted to the remaining driver ICs connected in a daisy chain manner by the first driver IC among the plurality of driver ICs included in the display device; and a step of transmitting the second signal transmitted by the external device by each of the first driver IC and the second driver IC to a first other display device connected to the display device among the plurality of display devices. Claim 11 A control method according to claim 10, wherein the first signal is a driving signal corresponding to the display device, and the second signal is a driving signal corresponding to the first other display device. Claim 12 A control method according to claim 10, wherein the step of transmitting to the first other display device comprises: the step of transmitting the second signal to the second driver IC by the first driver IC; and the step of transmitting the second signal to the first other display device by the second driver IC when the second signal is received from the first driver IC. Claim 13 In claim 10, the step of transmitting to the first other display device comprises the step of receiving the second signal transmitted by the external device by a repeater and transmitting it to each of the first driver IC and the second driver IC; a control method. Claim 14 A control method according to claim 13, wherein the step of transmitting to the first other display device comprises the step of transmitting the second signal to the first other display device by the second driver IC when the second signal is received through the repeater. Claim 15 In claim 10, the external device is a control box or any one of a second display device connected to the display device among the plurality of display devices. Claim 16 A control method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of, if the external device is the second other display device, identifying whether the first signal is received from each of the first driver IC and the second driver IC among the plurality of driver ICs included in the second other display device by means of a switch. Claim 17 A control method according to claim 16, further comprising: a step of transmitting the first signal to the first driver IC included in the display device by the switch when the first signal is received from the first driver IC included in the second display device; and a step of transmitting the first signal received from the second driver IC included in the second display device to the first driver IC included in the display device by the switch when the first signal is not received from the first driver IC included in the second display device. Claim 18 In claim 10, the display device and the first other display device are connected in a daisy-chain manner, and the first other display device is adjacent to the display device, a control method. Claim 19 A computer-readable recording medium comprising a program for executing a control method for a display device included in a modular display device composed of a plurality of display devices, wherein the control method for the display device comprises: a step of, when a first signal transmitted by an external device is received, transmitting the first signal to a second driver IC adjacent to the first driver IC so that the first signal is sequentially transmitted to the remaining driver ICs connected in a daisy-chain manner by the first driver IC among the plurality of driver ICs included in the display device; and a step of transmitting the second signal transmitted by the external device by each of the first driver IC and the second driver IC to a first other display device connected to the display device among the plurality of display devices.

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