Modular Display System Ethernet Control Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular display systems for electronic signage are complex and costly due to the need for separate video sending units and control cards, which complicate manufacturing and installation.
Innovation Solution
A modular display system that uses Ethernet connections to directly send control and display data to each display module, eliminating the need for separate video sending units and control cards, with a master control unit connected in parallel or serial configuration to multiple display modules via Ethernet, forming a local area network for data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate video sending units and control cards are used, then video and control data can be transmitted to display modules, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the video sending unit and control card functions into a single integrated Ethernet-based control system. The master control unit integrates both video data transmission and control signal delivery through Ethernet connections, eliminating the need for separate video sending units and external control cards. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining reliable data transmission to display modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet interface in the display modules serves multiple functions: it handles both video data transmission and control signal delivery, replaces the dual-functionality of separate video sending units and control cards. The universal Ethernet protocol provides both data communication and control capabilities through a single interface, reducing system complexity while maintaining transmission reliability.
2Reliability
If separate video sending units and control cards are used, then data can be sent to display modules, but manufacturing and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging video sending and control functions into a single Ethernet-based master control unit, the patent simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces assembly steps. Installation becomes easier as fewer separate components need to be configured and connected, while the integrated Ethernet protocol ensures reliable data transmission is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical connection systems (multiple separate cables and interfaces for video and control signals) with a single Ethernet interface that uses standardized network protocols. This substitution simplifies both manufacturing and installation by eliminating the need for multiple specialized connections while maintaining robust data transmission capabilities.
3Reliability
If additional hardware components are used, then video and control functions are achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple hardware functions (video sending unit and control card) into a single integrated Ethernet-based control system. This reduces the total quantity of hardware components needed while maintaining reliable video and control function implementation through the Ethernet protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet interface provides universal functionality, handling both video data transmission and control signal delivery through a single interface type. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized hardware components, reducing overall hardware quantity while achieving all required video and control functions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a modular display system that uses Ethernet connection to directly send control and display data to each display module. The modular display system includes a master control unit and a plurality of display modules that are arranged and connected together to create a larger unified display. The control unit is connected to the display modules to send display and control data, and to receive diagnostic data, all via Ethernet connection. In some embodiments, each display module has an input Ethernet connection for upstream communication and an output Ethernet connection for downstream communication. The modules in this configuration are connected together in a daisy-chain fashion and Ethernet connection between the control unit and display modules creates a local area network (LAN) where all modules are addressable by the control unit and relevant data can be transferred.