Display module, dodular display apparatus comprising a plurality of display module and control method thereof

Abstract

A display module is disclosed. One of the multiple display modules included in a modular display device comprises a communication interface and multiple driver ICs. When a driving signal transmitted by an external device is received through the communication interface, the first driver IC among the multiple driver ICs transmits the driving signal to a second driver IC adjacent to the first driver IC so that the driving signal is transmitted sequentially to the remaining driver ICs. It identifies whether a first other display module is connected to one of the display modules according to a daisy-chain method, and transmits the driving signal to the other display module based on the identification result.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display module, a modular display device comprising a plurality of display modules, and a control method thereof; more specifically, it relates to a display module among a plurality of display modules 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 a modular display device, the size and shape of the modular display device can be varied depending on the number of display modules constituting the device, the size of the display modules, etc.

[0005] Meanwhile, in a plurality of display modules connected in a daisy chain manner, when a display module located at the end outputs a signal, there is no display module to receive the output signal, so there was a problem in which noise exceeded a threshold due to the output signal (e.g., a radiated signal).

[0006] As the number of multiple display modules increases, noise significantly exceeds the threshold; therefore, there has been a demand for a method to efficiently control whether the display module located at the end outputs a signal. means of solving the problem

[0007] One of the display modules included in a modular display device 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 driving signal transmitted by an external device is received through the communication interface, the first driver IC among the plurality of driver ICs transmits the driving signal to a second driver IC adjacent to the first driver IC so that the driving signal is transmitted sequentially to the remaining driver ICs, identifies whether a first other display module is connected to the one display module according to a daisy-chain method, and transmits the driving signal to the other display module based on the identification result.

[0008] A method for controlling one of a plurality of display modules included in a modular display device according to an embodiment for achieving the above-described purpose of the present disclosure comprises: a step of transmitting a driving signal to a second driver IC adjacent to the first driver IC so as to sequentially transmit the driving signal to the remaining driver ICs by means of a first driver IC among a plurality of driver ICs provided in the one of the display modules; a step of identifying whether a first other display module is connected to the one of the display modules according to a daisy-chain method; and a step of transmitting the driving signal to the other display module based on the identification result.

[0009] A method for controlling one of a plurality of display modules included in a modular display device according to an embodiment for achieving the above-described purpose of the present disclosure, wherein the method comprises a computer-readable recording medium including a program to execute, the method comprising: a step of transmitting a driving signal to a second driver IC adjacent to the first driver IC so as to sequentially transmit the driving signal to the remaining driver ICs by means of a first driver IC among a plurality of driver ICs provided in the one display module; a step of identifying whether a first other display module is connected to the one display module according to a daisy-chain method; and a step of transmitting the driving signal to the other display module based on the identification result. 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 modules are combined according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a display module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a plurality of display modules connected in a daisy-chain manner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a display module that determines whether a driving signal is transmitted according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a driving protocol according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating EMI radiation noise when a display module located at the end of a plurality of display modules connected in a daisy-chain manner according to a conventional embodiment outputs a driving signal. FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining EMI radiation noise of a modular display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a plurality of display modules connected in a daisy-chain manner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a display module 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 (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...).

[0020] For example, referring to FIG. 1, a modular display device (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...), and each of the plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...) is connected in a daisy chain manner to form a single display device, that is, a modular display device (10).

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

[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, the modular display device (10) includes a plurality of display modules (100, 200, …), and the modular display device (10) can display images using the plurality of display modules (100, 200, …).

[0023] For example, the modular display device (10) may include a plurality of display modules (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 modules (100, 200, …) constituting the modular display device (10) can be varied depending on the specifications of the modular display device (10) (e.g., resolution, size, etc.) and the manufacturer's manufacturing purpose.

[0024] According to one example, the modular display device (10) may be implemented as a TV, but is not limited thereto and can be applied as long as it is a device with a display function, such as a video wall, LFD (large format display), Digital Signage, DID (Digital Information Display), projector display, etc.

[0025] Additionally, the modular display device (10) 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 modules (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 module (e.g., first display module (100)) among a plurality of display modules (100, 200, …) constituting a modular display device (10) is connected to an external device (e.g., TCON (Timing controller), other display module, etc.) and can receive a control signal, a driving signal, etc. from the external device.

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

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

[0030] At least one display module among the display modules included in each group (e.g., the bottommost display module or the leftmost display module) 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 module (100) to the third display module (300) may form a group, the first display module (100) may be connected to the second display module (200), and the second display module (200) may be connected to the third display module (300). In this case, the first display module (100) connected to an external device may sequentially transmit control signals, driving signals, etc. received from the external device to the second display module (200) and the third display module (300) included in the same group as the first display module (100).

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

[0033] As another example, each of the plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...) included in the modular display device (10) may be connected in series with each other, and at least one display module 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 module connected in series with itself, and accordingly, the control signal, a driving signal, etc. may be transmitted sequentially to all of the plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...).

[0034] For example, as the resolution, size, etc. of the modular display device (10) increases, the number of multiple display modules (100, 200, ...) provided in the modular display device (10) also increases proportionally, and the connection relationship between the multiple display modules (100, 200, ...) (for example, the connection relationship for each of the multiple display modules (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 modules (100, 200, ...) included in a modular display device (10) are divided into a plurality of groups, and the display modules 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 module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

[0038] A first display module (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 module (for example, a second display device (200) connected to the first display module (100)). For example, the communication interface (120) may be implemented as a wired communication interface, such as a 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 a TCON (Timing controller) provided in the modular display device (10), an electronic device (e.g., a source device, etc.), and other display modules connected to the first display module (100) in a daisy-chain manner.

[0041] For example, the TCON provided in the control box of the modular display device (10) generates a driving signal corresponding to the first to third display modules (100, 200, 300) connected in a daisy-chain manner according to the control of the controller, and can transmit the generated driving signal to the first display module (100) connected to the TCON.

[0042] Here, among the plurality of driver ICs (110) provided in the first display module (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 module (100) based on the driving signal. A detailed explanation thereof will be provided with reference to FIG. 4.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a plurality of display modules connected in a daisy-chain manner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of driver ICs (110) included in the first display module (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.

[0045] A driving signal generated by a TCON (11) provided in a modular display device (10) according to one example of the present disclosure can be transmitted to the remaining display modules (i.e., display modules connected in a daisy-chain manner with the first display module (100)) through the first display module (100) since a plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...) are connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0046] For example, if a plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...) included in a modular display device (10) are divided into a plurality of groups and the display modules included in each of the plurality of groups are connected according to a daisy chain method, a TCON (11) provided in the control box of the modular display device (10) can transmit a driving signal corresponding to the first group to the first display module (100) included in the first group (including the first to third display devices (100, 200, 300)).

[0047] Next, the first display module (100) can control a plurality of pixels included in the first display module (100) by transmitting a driving signal received from the TCON (11) to each of the plurality of driver ICs (110) included in the first display module (100) (for example, by transmitting sequentially to the plurality of driver ICs (110) according to a daisy chain method).

[0048] According to one example, the first display module (100) transmits a driving signal to the second display module (200), and the second display module (200) transmits the driving signal received from the first display module (100) to each of the plurality of driver ICs (210) included in the second display module (200) (for example, by transmitting sequentially to the plurality of driver ICs (210) according to a daisy-chain method) to control a plurality of pixels included in the second display module (200). In addition, the second display module (200) can transmit the driving signal to the third display module (300).

[0049] Meanwhile, among the plurality of driver ICs (110) included in the first display module (100), the first driver IC (110-1) identifies whether another display module (e.g., the second display module (200)) is connected to the first display module (100) according to a daisy-chain method, and can transmit a driving signal to the other display module based on the identification result.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 4, the first driver IC (110-1) of the first display module (100) can transmit a driving signal to the second display module (200) when the connection of the second display module (200) according to the daisy chain method is identified.

[0051] As another example, the first driver IC (110-1) of the first display module (100) may not output a driving signal externally if the connection of the second display module (200) is not identified. A detailed explanation of this will be provided with reference to FIG. 5.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a display module that determines whether a driving signal is transmitted according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 5, among the first and third display modules (100, 200, 300) connected in a daisy-chain manner, the first display module (100) can receive a connection signal from the second display module (200) connected in a daisy-chain manner. According to one example, the first display module (100) can identify whether the second display module (200) is connected based on the received connection signal.

[0054] For example, when a first driver IC (110-1) provided in the first display module (100) receives a connection signal from a first driver IC (210-1) provided in the second display module (200) (for example, when specific PIN information of the first driver IC (110-1) provided in the first display module (100) corresponds to Low information), the second display module (200) can be identified as being connected. Subsequently, when the second display module (200) connected to the first display module (100) is identified, the first display module (100) can output a driving signal to the outside. Accordingly, the first display module (100) can transmit a driving signal to the second display module (200).

[0055] As another example, if the first driver IC (110-1) provided in the first display module (100) does not receive a connection signal from the first driver IC (210-1) provided in the second display module (200) (for example, if the specific PIN information of the first driver IC (110-1) provided in the first display module (100) corresponds to High information), the second display module (200) can be identified as not being connected. Subsequently, if the second display module (200) connected to the first display module (100) is not identified, the first display module (100) may not output a driving signal to the outside.

[0056] For convenience of explanation, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by assuming an embodiment of a third display module (300) located at the end of a first internal third display module (100, 200, 300) connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0057] According to one example, the second display module (200) receives a connection signal from the third display module (300) connected in a daisy-chain manner, and can identify whether the third display module (300) is connected based on the received connection signal. Subsequently, the second display module (200) can transmit a driving signal to the third display module (300).

[0058] Meanwhile, the third display module (300) is a display module located at the end of the first to third display modules (100, 200, 300) connected according to a daisy chain method, so it cannot receive a connection signal. For example, the first driver IC (310-1) provided in the third display module (300) can identify that another display module (e.g., the fourth display module (400)) is not connected if specific PIN information corresponds to High information.

[0059] Accordingly, among the multiple display modules (100, 200, ...) connected in a daisy-chain manner, the display module located at the end (e.g., the third display module (300)) may not output a driving signal to the outside.

[0060] Meanwhile, the third display module (300) can sequentially transmit a driving signal received from the second display module (200) to a plurality of driver ICs (310) connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a driving protocol according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] A controller (12) provided in a modular display device (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure identifies the arrangement form of a plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...) and the connection relationship between the plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...) based on the layout information of the modular display device (10), and can obtain identification information for each of the plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...).

[0063] Here, the layout information may be set during the manufacturing process of the modular display device (10) or during the installation process of the modular display device (10), and may also be set according to user input.

[0064] Here, the controller (12) includes one or more processors, and one or more processors control the overall operation of the modular display device (10).

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more processors may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) that processes digital signals, a microprocessor, or a timing controller (TCON). However, they are 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, one or more processors 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). One or more processors may perform various functions by executing computer executable instructions stored in memory.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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).

[0068] 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 the 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 the method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] According to one example of the present disclosure, the TCON (11) generates a driving signal corresponding to the first to third display modules (100, 200, 300) connected in a daisy-chain manner under the control of the controller (12), and can transmit the generated driving signal to the first display module (100) connected to the TCON (11).

[0072] Next, the first driver IC (110-1) of the first display module (100) can sequentially transmit a driving signal to the remaining driver ICs (110-2, ...) connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0073] Additionally, the first driver IC (110-1) can identify whether the driving signal is externally output based on the driving signal.

[0074] Here, the driving signal received from TCON (11) may include a driving protocol in which one of the multiple display modules (100, 200, ...) connected in a daisy-chain manner, located at the end (e.g., the third display module (300)), is configured not to output the driving signal to the outside.

[0075] Here, the driving protocol can be generated by TCON (11) under the control of the controller (12).

[0076] A controller (12) according to one example identifies the arrangement of a plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...) and the connection relationship between the plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...) (e.g., connection order information) based on the layout information of the modular display device (10), and can obtain identification information for each of the plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...).

[0077] Next, the controller (12) can obtain identification information corresponding to one of the display modules located at the end of a plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...) connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0078] For example, the controller (12) can obtain identification information corresponding to a display module located at the end among the display modules included in each group, wherein a plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...) are divided into a plurality of groups based on layout information, and the display modules included in each of the plurality of groups are connected according to a daisy chain method.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 6, the controller (12) identifies the first to third display modules (100, 200, 300) included in the first group based on layout information, and can obtain identification information (e.g., ID 3) corresponding to the third display module (300) located at the end among the first to third display modules (100, 200, 300) connected according to a daisy chain method.

[0080] Next, TCON (11) can transmit a driving signal to the display module at the beginning of the group of display modules, which includes a driving protocol configured so that the display module at the end (at the very end) of the group of display modules does not output a driving signal to the outside, under the control of the controller (12).

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6, TCON (11) can transmit a driving signal to the first display module (100) that includes a driving protocol, wherein the first display module (100) and the second display module (200) are each configured to output a driving signal to the outside, and the third display module (300) is configured not to output a driving signal to the outside.

[0082] Subsequently, the first display module (100) can output a driving signal externally, that is, transmit it to the second display module (200), based on a driving protocol. Subsequently, the second display module (200) can output a driving signal externally, that is, transmit it to the third display module (300), based on a driving protocol.

[0083] However, the third display module (300) may not output a driving signal externally based on a driving protocol. Specifically, the driving protocol includes identification information (e.g., ID 3) corresponding to the third display module (300) located at the end of the first to third display modules (100, 200, 300) connected according to a daisy-chain method, and the first driver IC (310-1) of the third display module (300) may not output a driving signal externally based on the identification information corresponding to the third display module (300).

[0084] According to one example, the driving protocol includes connection depth information based on a daisy-chain method (information on the number of multiple display modules connected according to the daisy-chain method), and the display module located at the end among the multiple display modules connected according to the daisy-chain method may identify whether to output an external driving signal based on the connection depth information.

[0085] For example, among multiple display modules connected according to a daisy chain method, a display module located at the end may not output a driving signal to the outside if the reception order of the driving signal corresponds to the connection depth information.

[0086] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating EMI radiation noise when a display module located at the end of a plurality of display modules connected in a daisy-chain manner according to a conventional embodiment outputs a driving signal.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 7, a plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...) are divided into a plurality of groups, and the display modules included in each of the plurality of groups can be connected according to a daisy chain method.

[0088] Here, the driving signal output by the display module located at the end of each of the multiple groups is a radiated signal, and as the number of multiple groups increases, the number of radiated signals also increases proportionally.

[0089] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...) can be divided into first to fourth groups according to columns. When each of the third display module (300) located at the end of the first group, the sixth display module (600) located at the end of the second group, the ninth display module (900) located at the end of the third group, and the twelfth display module (1200) located at the end of the fourth group outputs a driving signal to the outside, a total of four radiated signals are generated, and there is a problem in that EMI radiation noise exceeds a threshold (or allowable limit) due to the radiated signals.

[0090] In particular, as the modular display device (10) has recently become larger, the number of groups constituting the modular display device (10) increases, and the number of radiated signals also increases proportionally, so there is a problem in that the EMI radiation noise of the modular display device (10) significantly exceeds the threshold (or allowable limit).

[0091] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining EMI radiation noise of a modular display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 8, according to the various embodiments described above, the display module located at the end of each of the plurality of groups included in the modular display device (10) does not output a driving signal, and thus a radiation signal may not be generated.

[0093] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of display modules (100, 200, ...) can be divided into first to fourth groups according to columns. Each of the third display module (300) located at the end of the first group, the sixth display module (600) located at the end of the second group, the ninth display module (900) located at the end of the third group, and the twelfth display module (1200) located at the end of the fourth group receives a driving signal from the second display module (200) of the first group, the fifth display module (500) of the second group, the eighth display module (800) of the third group, and the eleventh display module (1100) of the fourth group, but does not output a driving signal to the outside, so no radiated signal may be generated. Therefore, the problem of the EMI radiation noise of the modular display device (10) exceeding a threshold (or allowable value) due to the radiated signal may not occur.

[0094] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a plurality of display modules connected in a daisy-chain manner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] In the example described above, the case was described by assuming that a display module (e.g., a second display module (200)) receives a driving signal from an adjacent first display module (e.g., a first display module (100)) and identifies whether to transmit a driving signal to the second display device based on whether to receive a connection signal from an adjacent second display device (e.g., a third display device (300)) or a driving protocol included in the driving signal, but this is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

[0096] For example, a display module (e.g., a first display device (100)) receives a driving signal from a TCON (11) 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.

[0097] Next, other display devices may not output a driving signal externally.

[0098] For example, the third display module (300) may not output a driving signal to the outside if a connection signal is not received, and if the driving protocol included in the driving signal received from the first display module (100) includes identification information of the third display module (300) (i.e., the third display module (300) is located at the end according to the daisy chain method), the driving signal may not be output to the outside.

[0099] Additionally, the second display module (200) receives a driving signal from the TCON (11) and can transmit the driving signal to a fourth display device (400) that is not adjacent but is serially connected. Subsequently, the fourth display module (400) may not output the driving signal to the outside.

[0100] Meanwhile, a modular display device (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a memory (not shown).

[0101] 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 (10) or in the form of a memory that can be attached to and detached from the modular display device (10).

[0102] For example, data for driving the modular display device (10) may be stored in memory embedded in the modular display device (10), and data for the expansion function of the modular display device (10) may be stored in memory that is detachable from the modular display device (10). Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the modular display device (10) 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.), a hard drive, or a solid-state drive (SSD). Additionally, the memory that is detachable from the modular display device (10) may be 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.), or an external memory connectable to a USB port (e.g., a USB memory). It can be implemented.

[0103] According to one example, the memory may store at least one instruction or a computer program including instructions for controlling a modular display device (10).

[0104] In particular, the memory stores layout information of a modular display device (10), and the layout information may include connection order information of a plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...) and identification information of each of the plurality of display devices (100, 200, ...).

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a display module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] A control method for one of a plurality of display modules included in a modular display device according to one example of the present disclosure first transmits a driving signal to a second driver IC adjacent to the first driver IC so that the driving signal is sequentially transmitted to the remaining driver ICs by the first driver IC among the plurality of driver ICs provided in one of the display modules (S1010).

[0109] Next, the connection status of a first display module to one of the display modules is identified according to the daisy chain method (S1020).

[0110] Next, based on the identification result, a driving signal is transmitted to another display module (S1030).

[0111] Here, the transmitting step S1030 may not output a driving signal externally if any one of the multiple display modules connected in a daisy-chain manner is located at the end.

[0112] According to one example, the step of identifying S1020 may include receiving a connection signal from a first display module when the first display module is connected to one display module according to a daisy-chain method, and identifying whether the first display module is connected based on the received connection signal.

[0113] Here, the transmitting step S1030 includes the step of outputting a driving signal externally and transmitting it to the first display module when a connection signal is received from the first display module; and if a connection signal is not received from the first display module, the driving signal may not be output externally.

[0114] An external device according to one example of the present disclosure may be a timing controller (T-Con) of a modular display device or any one of a second display module connected to sequentially transmit a driving signal to one of the display modules according to a daisy-chain method.

[0115] According to one example of the present disclosure, the step S1020 of identification includes identifying whether a driving signal is output based on a driving signal transmitted by an external device, and the driving signal transmitted from the timing controller of the modular display device may include a driving protocol configured such that one of the display modules located at the end of a plurality of display modules connected in a daisy-chain manner does not output a driving signal.

[0116] A control method according to one example may further include the step of controlling a timing controller to set a driving protocol based on layout information of a modular display device by one or more processors of a modular display device.

[0117] Here, the layout information includes connection order information of a plurality of display modules and identification information of each of the plurality of display modules, and the driving protocol includes identification information of any one of the display modules located at the end, and the transmitting step S1030 may not output a driving signal externally based on the identification information included in the driving protocol.

[0118] According to one example of the present disclosure, a plurality of driver ICs can be connected in a daisy-chain manner.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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 according to various embodiments described above.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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

[0124] 10: Modular display device 11: TCON 12: Controller 100: First display module 110: Multiple driver ICs 120: Communication interface

Claims

Claim 1 A display module comprising a plurality of display modules included in a modular display device, wherein the display module comprises: 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 driving signal transmitted by an external device is received through the communication interface, the driving signal is transmitted sequentially to the remaining driver ICs, and transmits the driving signal to the other display module based on module connection information including whether a first other display module is connected to the display module according to a daisy-chain method, and if the display module among the plurality of display modules connected in the daisy-chain method is located at the end, the driving signal is not output to the outside. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 In claim 1, the first driver IC receives a connection signal from the first other display module when the first other display module is connected to any one of the display modules according to the daisy-chain method, and identifies whether the first other display module is connected based on the received connection signal to obtain module connection information. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the first driver IC outputs the driving signal to the outside and transmits it to the first other display module when the first other display module is connected, and does not output the driving signal to the outside when the first other display module is not connected. Claim 5 In claim 1, the external device is a display module, which is one of the second display modules connected to sequentially transmit the driving signal to any one of the display modules according to the timing controller (T-Con) of the modular display device or the daisy chain method. Claim 6 In claim 1, the first driver IC identifies whether to output the driving signal based on a driving signal transmitted by an external device, and the driving signal transmitted from the timing controller of the modular display device includes a driving protocol configured such that any one of the display modules located at the end of the plurality of display modules connected in a daisy-chain manner does not output the driving signal. Claim 7 In claim 6, one or more processors of the modular display device control the timing controller to set the driving protocol based on layout information of the modular display device, the display module. Claim 8 In claim 7, the layout information includes connection order information of the plurality of display modules and identification information of each of the plurality of display modules, the driving protocol includes identification information of any one of the display modules located at the end, and the first driver IC does not output the driving signal externally based on the identification information included in the driving protocol, the display module. Claim 9 In claim 1, the plurality of driver ICs are connected according to a daisy-chain method, forming a display module. Claim 10 A method for controlling one of a plurality of display modules included in a modular display device, comprising: a step of transmitting a driving signal received from an external device to a second driver IC adjacent to the first driver IC, by means of a first driver IC among a plurality of driver ICs provided in the one of the display modules, so as to sequentially transmit the driving signal to the remaining driver ICs; and a step of transmitting the driving signal to the other display module based on module connection information including whether a first other display module is connected to the one of the display modules according to a daisy chain method; wherein the step of transmitting to the other display module is such that if the one of the display modules among the plurality of display modules connected in the daisy chain method is located at the end, the driving signal is not output to the outside. Claim 11 delete Claim 12 A control method according to claim 10, wherein the step of transmitting to the other display module comprises: receiving a connection signal from the first other display module when the first other display module is connected to any one of the display modules according to the daisy chain method; and obtaining module connection information by identifying whether the first other display module is connected based on the received connection signal. Claim 13 In claim 12, the step of transmitting to the other display module comprises: a step of outputting the driving signal to the outside and transmitting it to the first other display module when the first other display module is connected; and a control method in which the driving signal is not output to the outside when the first other display module is not connected. Claim 14 A control method according to claim 10, wherein the external device is either a timing controller (T-Con) of the modular display device or a second display module connected to sequentially transmit the driving signal to any one of the display modules according to the daisy chain method. Claim 15 In claim 10, the step of transmitting to the other display module comprises: a step of identifying whether the driving signal is output based on a driving signal transmitted by an external device; and the driving signal transmitted from the timing controller of the modular display device comprises a driving protocol configured such that any one of the display modules located at the end of the plurality of display modules connected in a daisy-chain manner does not output the driving signal. Claim 16 A control method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of controlling the timing controller to set the driving protocol based on layout information of the modular display device by one or more processors of the modular display device. Claim 17 In claim 16, the layout information includes connection order information of the plurality of display modules and identification information of each of the plurality of display modules, the driving protocol includes identification information of any one of the display modules located at the end, and the step of transmitting to the other display module is a control method in which the driving signal is not output externally based on the identification information included in the driving protocol. Claim 18 In claim 10, the above-mentioned plurality of driver ICs are connected according to a daisy-chain method, a control method. Claim 19 A computer-readable recording medium comprising a program for executing a control method for one of a plurality of display modules included in a modular display device, wherein the control method comprises: a step of transmitting a driving signal to a second driver IC adjacent to the first driver IC so as to sequentially transmit the driving signal to the remaining driver ICs by means of a first driver IC among a plurality of driver ICs provided in the one of the display modules; and a step of transmitting the driving signal to the other display module based on module connection information including whether a first other display module is connected to the one of the display modules according to a daisy-chain method; wherein the step of transmitting to the other display module does not output the driving signal to the outside when the one of the display modules among the plurality of display modules connected in the daisy-chain method is located at the end.

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