Modular display device

Abstract

A modular display device is disclosed. The modular display device includes: a plurality of display modules; an interface; at least one driver IC arranged for each display module; a memory; and a processor. The processor, when data for a feature value for each line of the driver IC is input through the interface, normalizes the feature value for each line, acquires correction data for each line of the driver IC based on the normalized data, and adjusts the magnitude of an electrical signal for each line of at least one driver IC.

Description

modular display device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a modular display device and a method thereof.

[0002] Recent advancements in electronic technology have led to the development of a variety of electronic devices. In particular, so-called modular display devices, which combine multiple display modules to form a single screen, have been developed. Modular display devices can provide users with a visually satisfying experience by displaying images on a large screen, a size that a single display module cannot provide.

[0003] Conventional modular display devices often feature large pixel pitches, making them ideal for applications such as lobbies and exterior walls of large buildings. However, recent efforts are being made to increase the integration density of subpixel LED elements by reducing the inter-pixel distance as well as the inter-display module spacing within modular display devices, enabling them to be used in conference rooms and even homes.

[0004] However, in this process, there was a problem of vertical line-shaped noise occurring due to differences in the characteristics of the driver IC.

[0005] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a modular display device includes a plurality of display modules, an interface, at least one driver IC arranged for each of the plurality of display modules, a memory, and a processor.

[0006] When data on the line-by-line characteristic values ​​of the driver IC are input through the interface, the processor stores the data in the memory, normalizes the line-by-line characteristic values ​​to a preset range, obtains a line-by-line gain of the driver IC based on the normalized data, and adjusts the size of the line-by-line electric signal of the driver IC using the line-by-line gain, and the driver IC applies an electric signal of the adjusted size to the light-emitting element lines of each of the plurality of display modules.

[0007] A noise removal method of a modular display device including a plurality of display modules according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes, when data on characteristic values ​​for each line of at least one driver IC disposed in each of the plurality of display modules is input, a step of storing the data, a step of normalizing the characteristic values ​​for each line to a preset range, a step of obtaining a gain for each line of the driver IC based on the normalized data and adjusting the size of an electric signal for each line of the driver IC using the gain for each line, and a step of applying an electric signal of the adjusted size to light-emitting element lines of each of the plurality of display modules by the driver IC.

[0008] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor of a modular display device including a plurality of display modules, cause the modular display device to perform an operation, the operation includes the steps of: receiving current values ​​for each line of a plurality of driver ICs arranged in each of the plurality of display modules; normalizing the current values ​​for each line to a preset range; and obtaining gains for each line of the plurality of driver ICs based on the normalized data and adjusting the magnitudes of currents for each line of the plurality of driver ICs using the gains for each line.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a modular display device.

[0010] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a modular display device.

[0011] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the configuration of a display module.

[0012] Fig. 4 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a display module in which four driver ICs are arranged.

[0013] Figure 5 is a drawing specifically explaining the operation of each driver IC placed in the display module.

[0014] Figure 6 is a drawing for explaining the normalization method.

[0015] Figure 7 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a processor for noise removal.

[0016] Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining a method for removing vertical line-shaped noise.

[0017] Figure 9 is a flowchart for explaining a noise removal method of a modular display device.

[0018] The terms used in the various embodiments of this disclosure have been selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of this disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of this disclosure, rather than simply their names.

[0019] In this disclosure, expressions such as “has,” “can have,” “includes,” or “may include” indicate the presence of a corresponding feature (e.g., a component such as a number, function, operation, or part), and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0020] The expression "at least one of A and / or B" should be understood to mean either "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0021] The expressions “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second,” etc., used in this disclosure can describe various components, regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, but do not limit the components.

[0022] When it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to” or “connected to” another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled to the other component, or may be connected through another component (e.g., a third component).

[0023] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this disclosure, terms such as "comprise" or "consist of" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0024] In the present disclosure, a "module" or "part" performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, multiple "modules" or multiple "parts" may be integrated into at least one module and implemented as at least one processor (not shown), excluding any "modules" or "parts" that need to be implemented as specific hardware.

[0025] In this disclosure, the term user may refer to a person using an electronic device or a device used by the person.

[0026] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a modular display device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] A modular display device refers to a device that can provide a large screen using multiple display modules. A modular display device can be implemented as a video wall, a large format display (LFD), a digital signage, a digital information display (DID), etc. A modular display device can also be called an integrated display device, a multi-display device, etc. However, in this disclosure, it is referred to as a modular display device.

[0029] According to FIG. 1, a modular display device (100) includes a plurality of display devices (10-1 to 10-4), and each display device (10-1 to 10-4) also includes a plurality of display modules (110-1 to 110-n). Each of the display devices (10-1 to 10-4) can be combined with each other to form a single display panel. Each of the display devices (10-1 to 10-4) may alternatively be referred to as a sub-screen or a cabinet. Each of the display devices (10-1 to 10-4) can be combined with a base plate (20) and arranged adjacent to each other.

[0030] The base plate (20) is configured to be electrically coupled to and support each display device (10-1 to 10-4). The base plate (20) can be fixed to an environment in which the modular display device (100) is to be installed, for example, an outer wall or inner wall of a building, by various fastening structures (not shown). The size and shape of the base plate (20) can be manufactured to correspond to the overall size and shape of the modular display device (100). The base plate (20) may be referred to in various ways, such as a docking station, a support member, a connecting member, etc., but is described as a base plate (20) in the present disclosure.

[0031] In FIG. 1, a total of four display devices (10-1 to 10-4) are combined to implement one modular display device (100), and each display device (10-1 to 10-4) also includes four display modules, and a total of 16 display modules (110-1 to 110-n) are arranged in a matrix form of four rows and four columns. However, the modular display device (100) can be implemented in various resolutions, sizes, and forms depending on its installation location, purpose of use, use environment, etc., and accordingly, the number and combination or arrangement form of the display devices (10-1 to 10-4) and display modules (110-1 to 110-n) can also vary.

[0032] In addition, in FIG. 1, each display module (110-1 to 110-n) is grouped in a certain number to form one display device (10-1 to 10-4), and each display device (10-1 to 10-4) is connected to a base plate (20) to form one modular display device (100), but it is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, instead of being divided into multiple display devices, multiple display modules (110-1 to 110-n) may be directly connected to a base plate (20) to form one modular display device (100).

[0033] At least one driver IC is arranged in each of the display modules (110-1 to 110-n). In FIG. 1, four driver ICs (130-1 to 130-4) are arranged on the back of each of the display modules (110-1 to 110-n), but this is not limited thereto, and one driver IC or a variety of driver ICs may be arranged depending on the size and type of the display module. In addition, although FIG. 1 illustrates a case where four driver ICs (130-1 to 130-4) are arranged in a 2*2 matrix form, the four driver ICs (130-1 to 130-4) may be arranged in a horizontal or vertical line direction.

[0034] Each driver IC arranged in each display module (110-1 to 110-n) can drive pixels connected to the corresponding driver IC among all pixels of the corresponding display module. As shown in Fig. 1, when multiple driver ICs (130-1 to 130-4) are arranged in one display module (110-1), each driver IC (130-1 to 130-4) can drive multiple pixels in the display module (110-1) by dividing them into lines.

[0035] When a total of four driver ICs (130-1 to 130-4) are arranged as shown in Fig. 1, each driver IC (130-1 to 130-4) can divide the display module (110-1) into a total of four areas and be responsible for driving the light-emitting element lines within each area. A light-emitting element line refers to a line that electrically connects multiple light-emitting elements, and may also be referred to as a line or channel.

[0036] The magnitude of the current applied to the light-emitting element lines allocated from each driver IC (130-1 to 130-4) must be the same within the error range. In the present disclosure, being allocated to each driver IC (130-1 to 130-4) means being connected to each driver IC.

[0037] However, even if the same amount of current is provided within the margin of error, there may be slight current differences for each light-emitting element line. That is, during the manufacturing process of the driver IC, current deviations for each line within the margin of error may occur. Such line-by-line current deviations may commonly occur for driver ICs manufactured by the same company. The noise caused by such line-by-line current deviations may be difficult to identify with the naked eye in small display devices. In particular, even if noise is identified using a camera during the device manufacturing process, the camera may not recognize it well. Therefore, there was a problem that correction was difficult.

[0038] However, in the case of a modular display device (100), since a plurality of display modules are combined with each other to provide a single large screen, if a current that is slightly larger or smaller than that of surrounding light-emitting element lines is applied to some light-emitting element lines and noise is generated in each display module, the noise may be visible to the naked eye within the large screen. For example, if the light-emitting element lines are arranged vertically, noise in the form of vertical lines may be visible within the large screen.

[0039] In order to remove such noise in the modular display device of Fig. 1, the characteristic values ​​for each line of the driver IC can be utilized. The characteristic values ​​for each line can include data on the current value output for each light-emitting element line connected from the driver IC or the difference between the current values. That is, when the same control signal is input to the driver IC, the magnitude of the electric signal (e.g., current or voltage) output from the driver IC to each light-emitting element line must be the same, but in an actual product, there may be slight differences within the margin of error. Therefore, data on the actual output value that is precisely measured can be provided to the modular display device as the characteristic values ​​for each line.

[0040] Data on current values ​​per line can be obtained by manufacturers of modular display devices, etc., directly measuring the size of the current applied from the driver IC to each light-emitting element line, or by receiving information on driver IC product specifications from the manufacturer of the driver IC and obtaining the information from that information.

[0041] Below, a method for removing noise using data on line-by-line characteristic values ​​in a modular display device is described in detail.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a modular display device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] According to FIG. 2, the modular display device (100) includes a plurality of display modules (110-1 to 110-n), an interface (120), a plurality of driver ICs (130-1 to 130-m), a memory (140), and a processor (150). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the display device (100) may be implemented in a form in which some components are excluded, or may be implemented in a form in which other components are further included.

[0044] A plurality of display modules (110-1 to 110-n) are configured to display various screens. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a plurality of display modules (110-1 to 110-n) are grouped in a certain number to form a plurality of display devices and are coupled to a base plate (20) in that state, or a plurality of display modules (110-1 to 110-n) are directly coupled to the base plate (20), thereby forming the exterior of a modular display device (100). A plurality of display modules (110-1 to 110-n) may have the same configuration, and the following description will be based on one display module (110).

[0045] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a display module (110).

[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, the display module (110) may include a plurality of pixels (30) arranged in a matrix form. Each pixel (30) may include a plurality of sub-pixels (40-1, 40-2, 40-3). The plurality of sub-pixels (40-1, 40-2, 40-3) may include a red (R) sub-pixel (40-1), a green (G) sub-pixel (40-2), and a blue (B) sub-pixel (40-3).

[0047] The R subpixel (40-1) may include a light-emitting element that emits red light, the G subpixel (40-2) may include a light-emitting element that emits green light, and the B subpixel (40-3) may include a light-emitting element that emits blue light.

[0048] Each light emitting element may be implemented as a conventional LED, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may also be implemented as a so-called micro LED having a size of 100 micrometers (μm) or less.

[0049] Each sub-pixel (40-1, 40-2, 40-3) may include a pixel circuit for driving a light-emitting element. The pixel circuit may be provided for each light-emitting element. The pixel circuit may be composed of a transistor or the like and may be formed on a TFT (thin film transistor) layer of the display module (110). The pixel circuit is electrically connected to the light-emitting element and may provide current to the light-emitting element.

[0050] In FIG. 3, the sub-pixels (40-1, 40-2, 40-3) are arranged in an L-shape with the left and right reversed within one pixel area, but this is not limited thereto, and the R, G, and B sub-pixels (40-1, 40-2, 40-3) may be arranged in a row within the pixel area or in various other forms. In addition, in FIG. 3, it is described as an example that three types of sub-pixels constitute one pixel. However, depending on the embodiment, four types of sub-pixels, such as R, G, B, and W (white), may constitute one pixel.

[0051] Driver ICs (130-1 to 130-m) are configured to drive pixels of each display module. At least one driver IC (130-1 to 130-m) may be placed for each display module (110-1 to 110-n).

[0052] When four driver ICs are arranged in one display module as shown in Fig. 1, each driver IC can drive assigned light-emitting element lines among all light-emitting element lines in one display module.

[0053] Figure 4 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a display module in which four driver ICs are arranged according to a work.

[0054] According to FIG. 4, the display module (110) can be broadly divided into four regions (310, 320, 330, 340). Among these, pixels included in the first region (310) can be driven by a first driver IC (130-1), pixels included in the second region (320) can be driven by a second driver IC (130-2), pixels included in the third region (330) can be driven by a third driver IC (130-3), and pixels included in the fourth region (340) can be driven by a fourth driver IC (130-4).

[0055] Each driver IC (310 to 340) can adjust the size of the voltage or current applied to the pixel circuit connected to each light-emitting element according to the control of the processor (150).

[0056] Figure 5 is a drawing specifically explaining the operation of each driver IC placed in the display module.

[0057] According to FIG. 5, the display module (110) may include a scan control unit (111) and a plurality of driver ICs (130-1 to 130-4).

[0058] The scan control unit (111) can sequentially turn on a plurality of scan lines (Scan line 1 to Scan line n) during a time period corresponding to an image frame. The plurality of scan lines are lines for connecting a plurality of light-emitting elements and the scan control unit (111), respectively. If the light-emitting element lines assigned to the driver ICs are vertical lines, the scan lines can be horizontal lines connected in a direction perpendicular thereto, but the connection directions can be different from each other.

[0059] The time interval corresponding to a video frame refers to the time for displaying one video frame. For example, if the frame rate is 60 Hz, one video frame can be displayed for 1 / 60 (0.016) sec. However, this is just an example, and the time interval corresponding to a video frame may include multiple sub-frame intervals. For example, the time interval corresponding to one video frame may include 64 sub-frame intervals. In this case, the scan control unit (111) may sequentially turn on multiple scan lines during one sub-frame interval (e.g., 260.4 μsec), and may turn on each of the multiple scan lines 64 times during the time interval corresponding to the video frame.

[0060] The scan control unit (111) can divide one sub-frame section into n sections (the number of multiple scan lines), and control the LEDs corresponding to the first scan line (Scan line 1) to light up by turning on the switch of the first scan line (Scan line 1) during the first section (T0). The scan control unit (111) can turn off the switches of the remaining scan lines (Scan line 2 to Scan line n) during the first section (T1).

[0061] When the first period (T1) ends and the second period (T2) begins, the scan control unit (111) can turn off the switch of the first scan line (Scan line 1) and turn on the switch of the second scan line (Scan line 2), thereby controlling the LEDs corresponding to the second scan line (Scan line 2) to emit light. During the second period (T2), the switches of the scan lines (Scan line 1, Scan line 3 to Scan line n) other than the second scan line (Scan line 2) are also turned off. In the same manner, the scan control unit (111) can sequentially switch from the first scan line (Scan line 1) to the n-th scan line (Scan line n), thereby emitting light to all pixels during the sub-frame period.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 5, data lines of a plurality of scan lines (Scan line 1 to Scan line n), that is, light-emitting element lines, are assigned to a plurality of driver ICs (130-1 to 130-4). Each driver IC (130-1 to 130-4) applies an electric signal to the light-emitting element lines, that is, the data lines, assigned to each driver IC (130-1 to 130-4) during a time period corresponding to one image frame. When the total number of light-emitting element lines is 64, a total of four driver ICs (130-1 to 130-4) are each connected to 16 light-emitting element lines, and can drive pixels included in the light-emitting element lines.

[0063] Each driver IC (130-1 to 130-4) can adjust the brightness of each pixel connected to each driver IC (130-1 to 130-4) within the scan group by adjusting the amount of current flowing into each light-emitting element line or the amount of voltage applied to a node connected to each light-emitting element line according to a control signal of the processor (150). In order to adjust the brightness of each pixel, the processor (150) can provide PWM signals corresponding to each light-emitting element line to each driver IC (130-1 to 130-4).

[0064] The processor (150) can prevent noise caused by differences in characteristics of each line from occurring by generating different PWM signals for each line of each driver IC based on data on characteristic values ​​of each line of the driver IC. The above-described data can be generated by directly checking the current characteristics output by each line of the driver IC by the manufacturer of the display device (100), but can also be provided by the manufacturer of the driver IC or other sources.

[0065] The interface (120) is a configuration for performing communication by being connected to an external device. Specifically, the interface (120) may be implemented as at least one of various types of interfaces such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, wired / wireless LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), Ethernet, IEEE 1394, AES / EBU (Audio Engineering Society / European Broadcasting Union), HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), USB (Universal Serial Bus), etc., and may also be implemented as various other known interfaces.

[0066] The processor (150) can receive data on the characteristic values ​​of each line of the driver IC from various external devices connected through the interface (120). The processor (150) can store the input data in the memory (140).

[0067] The memory (140) is a configuration for storing various data and programs required for the operation of the modular display device (100). The memory (140) may be implemented as a volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), a non-volatile memory such as Flash Memory, ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD). The memory (140) may be accessed by the processor (150). The processor (150) may perform operations such as reading / writing / modifying / deleting / updating data on the memory (140).

[0068] The memory (140) can store specification information of driver ICs used in a plurality of display modules (110-1 to 110-n) under the control of the processor (150). The specification information can include various information such as the product name, product number, manufacturing date, manufacturer information, and characteristic values ​​for each line of the driver IC. The characteristic values ​​for each line can include information such as the current value output when the same voltage is applied or the difference in the current value.

[0069] The processor (150) is a component for controlling the operation of the display device (100). The processor (150) may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) for processing a digital signal, a microprocessor, or a timing controller (TCON). However, the processor (150) is not limited thereto, and may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a controller, an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), an ARM processor, or an artificial intelligence (AI) processor, or may be defined by the relevant terminology. In addition, the processor (150) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) having a built-in processing algorithm, a large scale integration (LSI), or may be implemented in the form of a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor (150) may perform various functions by executing computer executable instructions stored in the memory (140).

[0070] The processor (150) uses data on the characteristic values ​​of each line of the driver ICs (130-1 to 130-m) among the information stored in the memory (140) to adjust the size of the electric signal provided by the driver ICs to each allocated light-emitting element line.

[0071] For example, the processor (150) can use data on the current value output for each channel from the driver IC. As described above, a plurality of display modules (110-1 to 110-n) are included in one modular display device (100), and at least one driver IC (130-1 to 130-m) is arranged for each display module (110-1 to 110-n). Since all driver ICs (130-1 to 130-m) use the same type of product from the same company, the electric signal characteristics of one or two light-emitting element lines in one driver IC may be different from other light-emitting element lines in the vicinity. For example, when 16 light-emitting element lines are allocated to one driver IC, the characteristics of the signal line connected to the 15th or 16th light-emitting element line may be different from the signal lines connected to other light-emitting element lines. When a plurality of such driver ICs (130-1 to 130-m) are sequentially combined to implement a modular display device (100), the light-emitting element lines can be continuously and significantly displayed in the entire modular display device (100). Accordingly, noises (e.g., vertical line noise) that were not identified when testing each module unit during the manufacturing stage can be identified after being combined into the modular display device (100).

[0072] In order to remove the above-described noise, the processor (150) can normalize the characteristic values ​​of each line of each driver IC (130-1 to 130-n) to a preset range.

[0073] Normalization refers to a processing process for mapping and displaying various measurement values ​​as values ​​within an arbitrarily set range. For example, if a current value is used among the characteristic values ​​for each channel, the processor (150) can identify information about the current values ​​of each light-emitting element line among the characteristic values ​​for each channel of the driver IC (130-1 to 130-n) and calculate an average value of the current values. The processor (150) can normalize the difference between the calculated average value and the current values ​​of each light-emitting element line within a preset range.

[0074] Figure 6 is a drawing to explain an example of a normalization method.

[0075] In Fig. 6, the horizontal axis represents the order of the light-emitting element lines assigned to the driver IC, and the vertical axis represents the current value output to the light-emitting element line. As shown in Fig. 6 (610, 620), the actual current value output by each light-emitting element line from the driver IC is different.

[0076] The processor (150) can calculate an average current value by adding up each current value and then dividing it by the total number of light-emitting element lines. The processor (150) can calculate the difference between the current value of each light-emitting element line and the average current value, and normalize the difference to a value within a preset range. Fig. 6 shows a state in which the difference is normalized within a range of -1% to +1%. In the example of Fig. 6, it can be seen that the 15th line has the largest difference compared to the average value.

[0077] The processor (150) can obtain the line-by-line gain of the driver IC130-1 to 130-m based on the normalized data. The line-by-line gain may include a correction coefficient that can amplify or attenuate the size of the electric signal provided to each light-emitting element line. The line-by-line gain may also be referred to as correction data or correction value.

[0078] The processor (150) can adjust the size of the electric signal for each light-emitting element line of the driver IC using the gain for each line. Specifically, the processor (150) can generate a PWM signal having a different duty based on the gain for each line and provide the PWM signal to the driver IC. Here, the duty refers to the time for a specific cycle, and more specifically, it can represent the time of the active (On) state in the PWM signal. A PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal is a digital signal that repeats periodically and refers to pulse width modulation. Specifically, a digital signal that has only 0 and 1 does not have values ​​in the middle compared to an analog signal, so when it is connected to an LED, only an On / Off operation is possible. At this time, the PWM signal plays a role in controlling the On / Off cycle by using the width modulation of the PWM signal according to the duty value to control the brightness of the LED.

[0079] The driver IC can apply an electric signal of an adjusted size to a light-emitting element line assigned to the driver IC among a plurality of display modules based on a PWM signal.

[0080] The following table shows the current values ​​for each channel, their normalized values, and the digital gain obtained based on the normalized values, based on the driver IC to which 16 light-emitting element lines are allocated.

[0081] Line Driver IC Current Value NormalizationDigital GainABC18071001638428071001638438060.998760843-0.001239157-0.001241640348030.995043371-0.004956629-0.00496164645807100-1638468040.996282528-0.003717472-0.003721644378071001638488060.998760843-0.001239157-0.0012416403980710016 384108060.998760843-0.001239157-0.00124164031180710016384128081.0012391570.0012391570.0012416362138091.0024783150.0024783150.0024816342148101.0037174720.0037174720.0037216322158111.0049566290.0049566290.00496163011680710016384

[0082] Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that the current value characteristics vary widely for a total of 16 light-emitting element lines. When the average value of each current value is calculated, it becomes 807. The processor (150) can calculate the difference between the average value and each current value. In Table 1, column A shows the normalized value for each current value when the average value is set as the standard 1, column B shows the normalized value for the difference between each current value and the average value, and column C shows the data in column B up to 5 decimal places. The Digital gain column shows the digital gain calculated for each light-emitting element line based on the normalized values. Table 1 shows the digital gain converted to 15 bits.

[0083] When converted to 15-bit digital data, it can be expressed as various values ​​within the range of 32768, which is equivalent to 2^15. For example, integer data expressed in 15 bits can represent values ​​from -32768 to 32768.

[0084] Referring to Table 1, the processor (150) sets the case where the current value of the driver IC is 807 as the reference 1, and when this is converted to a 15-bit digital gain value, correction data of 16384 can be obtained. In the case of the third and fourth lines where the current value of the driver IC is less than 807, a darker screen than the line of 807 is displayed, and in order to display a brighter screen, digital gains of 16403 and 16464, which are greater than 16384, can be calculated.

[0085] On the other hand, for channels 12 and 13 where the current value of the driver IC is greater than 807, a brighter screen is displayed than the channel with 807, and a digital gain of 16362 and 16342, which is less than 16384, is calculated to display a darker screen.

[0086] The processor (150) removes noise caused by current deviation for each line within the display module (110) by using the calculated line-by-line gain.

[0087] For example, the processor (150) uses the generated digital gain to execute the VNR (Vertical Noise Reduction) function to remove vertical line-shaped noise. Specifically, the processor (150) uses the digital gain to execute the VNR (Vertical Noise Reduction) function to adjust the magnitude of the current applied to a plurality of light-emitting element lines.

[0088] Fig. 7 shows an example of the configuration of a processor (150) for noise removal.

[0089] According to FIG. 7, the processor (150) includes a normalized IP (151) and a VNR IP (152). IP (Intellectual Property) refers to a functional block designed to perform a specific function. The normalized IP (151) and the VNR IP (152) can be implemented as a soft IP, a firm IP, a hard IP, etc., respectively.

[0090] The normalization IP (151) receives the line-specific characteristic values ​​stored in the memory (140) and the raw data for each R, G, and B channel and performs normalization. The normalization method has been described in the above-mentioned section, so a duplicate description is omitted. The line-specific gains calculated by the normalization IP (151) are input to the VNR IP (152).

[0091] The VNR IP (152) is an IP for performing post-processing work in the FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) of the processor (150). The VNR IP (152) can compensate for lines that appear brighter or darker than their surroundings by multiplying each of the R, G, and B light-emitting element lines by a digital gain.

[0092] As described above, the processor (150) may be implemented in various forms. For example, the processor (150) may be implemented as a timing controller. The timing controller may be individually mounted on a cabinet or display device to which display modules are coupled, or, depending on the embodiment, may be mounted on a base plate to control the operation of the driver ICs mounted on all display modules.

[0093] When implemented as a timing controller, the processor (150) may include a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (SIC), a PWM control unit, etc. The PWM control unit may generate PWM control signals of different duties under the control of the VNR IP (152) and provide them to each driver IC. Consequently, each driver IC may provide electric signals of different sizes to each light-emitting line based on the PWM control signal.

[0094] Meanwhile, the processor (150) may be implemented as a separate configuration from the timing controller. In this case, the processor (150) may provide at least some of the data, such as characteristic value data, normalized data, and line-by-line gain, input through the interface (120) to the timing controller. For example, if the characteristic value data input through the interface (120) is provided to the timing controller under the control of the processor (150), the timing controller may calculate the line-by-line gain as in the operation of the processor (150) described above. As another example, the processor (150) may provide the timing controller with a normalized value based on the input data or a line-by-line gain calculated based on the normalized value.

[0095] Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining a method for removing vertical line-shaped noise.

[0096] As illustrated in Fig. 8, based on the line-by-line characteristic values ​​(810, 820, 830) of multiple driver ICs (130-1 to 130-m) responsible for R, G, and B channels, it can be seen that the current deviation is large in some lines (e.g., the 15th line). As a result, noise (71) in the form of vertical lines may be repeatedly displayed on the screen of the display module (110).

[0097] The processor (150) calculates digital gains for each R, G, and B channel as described in the various embodiments described above, and applies the digital gains to adjust the size of the electric signals for each line of each driver IC. Each driver IC provides an electric signal of the adjusted size to each light-emitting element line. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 8, vertical line-shaped noise (71) can be removed.

[0098] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a noise removal method of a modular display device according to the present disclosure.

[0099] The modular display device includes a plurality of display modules as described in FIG. 1.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 9, the modular display device receives and stores data on the line-by-line characteristic values ​​of at least one driver IC arranged for each of a plurality of display modules (S910). The modular display device normalizes the line-by-line characteristic values ​​to a preset range (S920).

[0101] The modular display device obtains line-by-line gains of multiple driver ICs based on normalized data (S930), and adjusts the size of an electric signal provided by each light-emitting element line from the multiple driver ICs using the line-by-line gains (S940).

[0102] The normalization process can be performed based on the average value of the characteristic values ​​of the plurality of light-emitting element lines assigned to each of the plurality of driver ICs, as described in the above-described section. The specific normalization method, the method for obtaining gains for each line, and the method for adjusting the size of the electrical signal have been specifically described in the various embodiments described above, and therefore, a redundant description will be omitted.

[0103] Conventionally, noise caused by channel-specific current deviations in driver ICs was resolved by visually inspecting the noise phenomenon and adjusting the digital gain of the relevant channel. However, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, noise issues can be resolved more precisely and efficiently, even without direct visual inspection.

[0104] Meanwhile, the various embodiments described above may be applied to a product as an embodiment alone, but at least some of the contents may be implemented in combination with other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0105] The various embodiments described above can be implemented as software including instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., a computer). The device is a device that can call instructions stored in the storage medium and operate according to the called instructions, and may include an electronic device (e.g., a modular display device (100)) according to the disclosed embodiments. When an instruction is executed by a processor, the processor can perform a function corresponding to the instruction directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. The instruction may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium can be provided in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' means that the storage medium does not contain a signal and is tangible, but does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storage medium.

[0106] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method according to the various embodiments described above may be provided as included in a computer program product.

[0107] Specifically, a non-transitory readable storage medium or a computer program product storing computer instructions for causing an operation to be performed, including a step of receiving current values ​​for each line of a plurality of driver ICs arranged in each of a plurality of display modules, a step of normalizing characteristic values ​​or current values ​​for each line to a preset range, and a step of obtaining gains for each line of the plurality of driver ICs based on the normalized data and adjusting the magnitudes of electric signals for each line of the plurality of driver ICs using the gains for each line, may be provided.

[0108] The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or online through an application store (e.g., Play Store™). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0109] In addition, computer instructions or programs for performing the noise removal method or the modular display device control method according to the various embodiments described above may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer instructions stored in such a non-transitory computer-readable medium, when executed by a processor of a specific device, cause the specific device to perform processing operations in the device according to the various embodiments described above. A non-transitory computer-readable medium refers to a medium that stores data semi-permanently and can be read by a device, rather than a medium that stores data for a short period of time, such as a register, cache, or memory. Specific examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium may include a CD, a DVD, a hard disk, a Blu-ray disk, a USB, a memory card, or a ROM.

[0110] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In a modular display device, Multiple display modules; interface; At least one driver IC arranged for each of the plurality of display modules; memory; and Processor; including; The above processor When data on the line-by-line characteristic values ​​of at least one driver IC are input through the interface, the data is stored in the memory, Normalizing the line-specific characteristic values ​​to a preset range, obtaining a line-specific gain of at least one driver IC based on the normalized data, and adjusting the size of the line-specific electric signal of the at least one driver IC using the line-specific gain. A display device, wherein the driver IC applies an electric signal of the adjusted size to the light-emitting element lines of each of the plurality of display modules.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor, Calculating the average value of current values ​​among the characteristic values ​​of a plurality of lines assigned to at least one driver IC, A display device that normalizes based on the produced average value.

3. In paragraph 2, The above processor, A display device that normalizes the difference between the average value and the current values ​​of the plurality of lines within the preset range.

4. In paragraph 3, A display device wherein the above line-by-line gain is a digital gain determined based on the normalized data.

5. In paragraph 4, The above gain is a digital gain converted to 15 bits, The above processor, A display device that executes a VNR (Vertical Noise Reduction) function using the digital gain converted to the above 15 bits.

6. In paragraph 4 The above processor, A display device that determines the digital gain for each of the plurality of lines based on the normalized data, and executes a VNR function using the determined digital gain to adjust the size of the current applied to the plurality of lines.

7. In paragraph 6, The above processor, A display device that compensates for the plurality of lines by using the digital gain for each of the R, G, and B light-emitting element lines through the above VNR function.

8. In paragraph 7, Further comprising a cabinet for supporting the plurality of display modules; The above processor, A display device, which is a timing controller mounted on the cabinet and controls each driver IC arranged in the plurality of display modules.

9. In paragraph 8, The above timing controller, A display device that outputs a PWM control signal having a different duty based on the above gain to each of the driver ICs.

10. A method for removing noise from a modular display device including a plurality of display modules, A step of storing the data when data on the line-by-line characteristic values ​​of at least one driver IC disposed in each of the plurality of display modules is input; A step of normalizing the above line-by-line characteristic values ​​to a preset range; A step of obtaining a line-by-line gain of the driver IC based on normalized data and adjusting the size of a line-by-line electric signal of the driver IC using the line-by-line gain; and A noise removal method, comprising: a step of applying an electric signal of the adjusted size to the light emitting element lines of each of the plurality of display modules by the driver IC; 11. In paragraph 10, The above normalizing step is, A noise removal method, comprising: a step of calculating an average value of current values ​​among the characteristic values ​​of a plurality of lines allocated to the driver IC, and normalizing based on the calculated average value.

12. In paragraph 11, The above normalizing step is, A noise removal method further comprising a step of normalizing the difference between the average value and the current values ​​of the plurality of lines within the preset range.

13. In paragraph 12, The above line-by-line gain is a digital gain changed to 15 bits based on the above normalized data, A noise removal method, comprising: a step of executing a VNR (Vertical Noise Reduction) function using the digital gain changed to the above 15 bits.

14. In paragraph 13, The step of adjusting the size of the current per line of the above driver IC is: A step of obtaining digital gain for the plurality of lines based on the normalized data; and A noise removal method, comprising: a step of executing a VNR (Vertical Noise Reduction) function based on the digital gain to adjust the size of the current applied to the plurality of lines.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor of a modular display device including a plurality of display modules, cause the modular display device to perform an operation, The above actions are, A step of storing the data when data on the line-by-line characteristic values ​​of at least one driver IC disposed in each of the plurality of display modules is input; A step of normalizing the above line-by-line characteristic values ​​to a preset range; A step of obtaining a line-by-line gain of the driver IC based on normalized data and adjusting the size of a line-by-line electric signal of the driver IC using the line-by-line gain; and A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, comprising: a step of the driver IC applying an electric signal of the adjusted size to the light-emitting element lines of each of the plurality of display modules;

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