Display apparatus, control method thereof and display system

A display apparatus of a display system which includes a plurality of display apparatuses including: a display unit; a signal processor which processes an image signal supplied from outside, based on setting information stored in advance in the display apparatus, which displays an image on the display unit based on the processed image signal; a connector which is connected to an external storage device which stores the setting information of the display apparatus; and a controller which, if the external storage device is connected to the connector at a time when the setting information of the display apparatus is initially set, obtains the setting information from the external storage device and stores the setting information in the display apparatus, and updates the setting information stored in the external storage device corresponding to another display apparatus of the plurality of display apparatuses.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0084717, filed on Aug. 2, 2012 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a display apparatus and a control method, which processes an image signal supplied from outside and displays an image based on the processed image signal, and a display system including a plurality of the display apparatuses. More particularly, embodiments relate to a display apparatus and a control method, and a display system which is provided to easily set the system of display apparatuses respectively forming the display system.

2. Description of the Related Art

A related art display apparatus processes image signals/image data, which are input from outside or stored in the display apparatus, according to various processes, and displays an image on a display panel or a screen based on the processed image signals/image data. The related art display apparatus is implemented as various types, including a TV, a monitor and a portable multimedia player.

In a usage environment, such as public or outdoor places where users are at remote places, a large screen is required. Thus, a related art display apparatus with a large panel may be used. However, in the related art, implementing a large screen with a single panel may be difficult due to technology, cost, the environment, etc. To overcome these disadvantages, a plurality of display apparatuses may be arranged in a matrix to implement a single display system. The single display system may be called a video wall.

The respective display apparatuses forming the video wall may receive a same image signal from outside. However, the image signal may be divided and displayed by each display apparatus, such that an image is displayed based on the image signal. In order to divide and display the image signal, the respective display apparatuses may have information set in advance, so that the respective display apparatuses are distinguished from other display apparatuses. Based on the information set in advance, the display apparatuses may determine a part of the image to be displayed, and display the image according to the determination result.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments may provide a display apparatus of a display system which includes a plurality of display apparatuses including: a display unit; a signal processor which processes an image signal supplied from outside, based on setting information stored in advance in the display apparatus, which displays an image on the display unit based on the processed image signal; a connector which is connected to an external storage device which stores the setting information of the display apparatus; and a controller which, if the external storage device is connected to the connector at a time when the setting information of the display apparatus is initially set, obtains the setting information from the external storage device and stores the setting information in the display apparatus, and updates the setting information stored in the external storage device corresponding to another display apparatus of the plurality of display apparatuses.

The setting information may include identification information which is used to identify at least one of the plurality of display apparatuses.

The display apparatus, together with other display apparatuses of the plurality of display apparatuses, forms a video wall, and the signal processor may process the image signal to display on the display unit a part of an image frame displayed in the video wall corresponding to the display apparatus.

The setting information may include location information which indicates a relative arrangement of the display apparatus within the video wall, and the controller may determine the part of the image frame corresponding to the display apparatus, based on the location information stored in the display apparatus.

The setting information may include an IP address, and the controller may configure the display apparatus to access a network with the IP address obtained from the external storage device, and update the setting information by increasing or decreasing a number of the IP address stored in the external storage device.

The controller may do not display the image on the display unit while the setting information is initially set.

The controller may output a preset sound from the display apparatus if the initial setting of the setting information of the display apparatus is complete.

The setting information may include a number value, and the controller may update the setting information by increasing or decreasing the number value of the setting information stored in the external storage device.

Another aspect of the exemplary embodiments may provide a control method of a display apparatus of a display system which includes a plurality of display apparatuses, the control method including: connecting an external storage device, which stores setting information in advance, to a display apparatus; initially setting the setting information of the display apparatus by obtaining the setting information from the external storage device, and storing the setting information in the display apparatus; updating the setting information stored in the external storage device corresponding to another display apparatus of the plurality of display apparatuses; and displaying an image based on an image signal supplied from outside and the setting information stored in the display apparatus.

The setting information may include identification information which is used to identify at least one of the plurality of display apparatuses.

The display apparatus, together with other display apparatuses of the plurality of display apparatuses, forms a video wall, and the displaying the image based on the image signal supplied from the outside may include displaying a part of an image frame displayed in the video wall corresponding to the display apparatus, based on the image signal.

The setting information may include location information which indicates a relative arrangement of the display apparatus within the video wall, and the displaying the image based on the image signal supplied from the outside may further include determining the part of the image frame corresponding to the display apparatus, based on the location information.

The setting information may include an IP address, and the initially setting the setting information of the display apparatus may include configuring the display apparatus to access a network with the IP address obtained from the external storage device, and the updating the setting information stored in the external storage device corresponding to another display apparatus may include updating the setting information by increasing or decreasing a number of the IP address stored in the external storage device.

The initially setting the setting information of the display apparatus may include not displaying the image while the setting information is initially set.

The initially setting the setting information of the display apparatus may include outputting a preset sound if the initial setting of the setting information of the display apparatus is complete.

The setting information may include a number value, and the updating the setting information stored in the external storage device corresponding to another display apparatus may include updating the setting information by increasing or decreasing a number value of the setting information stored in the external storage device.

Another aspect of the exemplary embodiments may provide a display system including: a plurality of display apparatuses; and an external storage device which is connected to the plurality of display apparatuses and stores setting information in advance, corresponding to a first display apparatus of the plurality of display apparatuses, wherein if the external storage device is connected to the plurality of display apparatuses in a case where the setting information of the first display apparatus is initially set, the first display apparatus obtains the setting information from the external storage device and stores the setting information in the first display apparatus, and updates the setting information stored in the external storage device corresponding to the second display apparatus of the plurality of display apparatuses.

The setting information may include identification information which is used to identify at least one of the plurality of display apparatuses.

The plurality of display apparatuses may form a video wall, and the first display apparatus may display a part of an image frame displayed in the video wall corresponding to the first display apparatus, based on the image signal.

The setting information may include at least one of location information which indicates a relative arrangement of the first display apparatus within the video wall, and an IP address of the first display apparatus.

Another aspect of the exemplary embodiments may provide a display apparatus of a display system including: a connector which receives an image signal and setting information from outside; a signal processor which processes the received image signal based on the received setting information; a display unit which displays an image based on the processed image signal; and a controller which obtains the received setting information, stores the received setting information in the display apparatus, and updates the setting information from the outside corresponding to another display apparatus of the display system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1illustrates an example of a display system1according to a first embodiment.

The display system1according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400. The display system1may further include an image supply source10, which supplies an image signal to the respective display apparatuses100,200,300and400in a wired/wireless manner. However, the embodiments of the display system1are not limited. The display system1may include all of the image supply source10and the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400, or may include a plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400receiving an image signal from outside.

According to the present embodiment, the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400form a video wall. There may be several ways to display a predetermined image in a large screen. For example, a single display apparatus including a large panel may display the image. However, in this case it may be difficult to display an image on a screen that is larger than a technologically feasible panel. Further, if the panel becomes too large, there may be a delay in displaying the image on the panel.

The video wall displays an image by arranging a plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400in a matrix, rather than a single display apparatus. A single image frame is divided into areas corresponding to the respective display apparatuses100,200,300and400. The plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400individually display the respective areas of the divided image frame. Then, the display system1displays a single image frame in a large screen.

To realize a large screen, the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400are arranged on a wall, or stand on a ground, in parallel with each other. According to the present embodiment, the four display apparatuses100,200,300and400are arranged in a 2×2 matrix. However, this is merely an example, and the number and arrangement of the display apparatuses100,200,300and400may vary.

The plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400are arranged in a 2×2 matrix. In a present embodiment, a first display apparatus100is arranged in a top left side, a second display apparatus200is arranged in a top right side, a third display apparatus300is arranged in a bottom left side, and a fourth display apparatus400is arranged in a bottom right side.

The image frame is divided into 2×2 areas corresponding to the arrangement of the display apparatuses100,200,300and400, and each divided area of the image frame is displayed in the display apparatuses100,200,300and400corresponding to the arrangement of the display apparatus. In other words, of the four divided areas of the image frame, a top left area is displayed by the first display apparatus100, a top right area is displayed by the second display apparatus200, a bottom left area is displayed by the third display apparatus300and a bottom right area is displayed by the fourth display apparatus400.

Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the display apparatuses100,200,300and400will be described with reference toFIG. 2.FIG. 2is a block diagram of the first display apparatus100. According to the present embodiment, the configuration of the first display apparatus100will be described. The configuration of the first display apparatus100may apply to the second, third and fourth display apparatuses200,300and300. Thus, detailed description of the display apparatuses200,300and400will be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 2, the first display apparatus100includes a connector110which is an interface connected to an external environment and exchanging signals/data/information with the outside, a signal processor120which processes a signal received through the connector110, according to preset various processes, a display unit130which displays an image based on a signal processed by the signal processor in a case that the processed signal is an image signal, a user input unit140which is manipulated by a user and outputs a preset command, a storage unit150which stores unlimited data/information, and a controller160which controls various operations of the first display apparatus100.

The connector110transmits a signal from the outside to the signal processor120or the controller160. The connector110is implemented as various types, depending on features and standards of a received signal, an embodiment type of various external devices (not shown) or peripheral devices (not shown) connected to the connector110, and an embodiment type of the first display apparatus100. For example, the connector110may receive signals/data according to standards such as high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), universal serial bus (USB) and component, and includes at least one connector (not shown) or terminal (not shown) corresponding to the standards.

The connector110may transmit information/data/signals from the first display apparatus100to the outside, as well as receiving signals from the outside. In other words, the connector110is not limited to an element for receiving signals from the outside, and may be implemented as an interface which performs interactive communication.

The connector110may include various elements depending on the design of the first display apparatus100, as well as the connector/terminal which is connected to an external device (not shown) in a wired manner. For example, the connector110may include various additional elements, such as a wireless communication module (not shown) to be connected to the external device in a wireless manner, and a tuner (not shown) to tune a broadcasting signal.

The signal processor120performs a preset process with respect to a signal received through the connector110to process the signal. For example, if a signal received through the connector110includes an image signal, the signal processor120processes the image signal according to the image processing operation, and outputs the processed signal to the display unit130in which an image is displayed on the basis of the processed image signal.

The image processing operation of the signal processor120may include, but is not limited to, a de-multiplexing operation for dividing a predetermined signal, a decoding operation corresponding to an image format of an image signal, a de-interlacing operation for converting an interlaced image signal into a progressive image signal, a scaling operation for adjusting an image signal into a preset resolution, a noise reduction operation for improving an image quality, a detail enhancement operation, a frame refresh rate conversion, etc.

If the signal received through the connector110includes an audio signal or a data signal, the signal processor120performs a processing operation corresponding to the respective signals. The performance of the processing operation by the signal processor120may be determined at a time of designing the first display apparatus100, taking into account features of the signal received through the connector110.

The signal processor120is implemented as an image processing board (not shown) which is formed by mounting various chipsets (not shown), memories (not shown), electronic parts (not shown), wirings (not shown), etc., on a printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown) to perform the foregoing image processing operations.

The display unit130displays an image based on an image signal output by the signal processor120. The display unit130may be implemented as various display panels including liquid crystal, plasma, light-emitting diode (LED), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), surface-conduction electron-emitter, carbon nano-tube, and nano-crystal. However, embodiments of display unit are not limited.

The display unit130may further include additional elements depending on an embodiment type. For example, the display unit130, as an LCD type which does not emit light by itself, may include an LCD panel (not shown), a backlight unit (not shown) to emit light to the LCD panel, and a panel driving substrate (not shown) to drive the LCD panel (not shown).

The user input unit140outputs preset various control commands, or unlimited information by a user manipulation and input. The user input unit140may be implemented as a menu key and an input panel installed in an external part of the display apparatus100, or a remote controller which is separated/spaced from the display apparatus100.

The storage unit150is implemented as a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory or a hard disc drive. The storage unit150stores various data. The storage unit150is accessed by the controller160, and data stored in the storage unit150may be read/recorded/modified/deleted/updated by the controller160.

If an image signal is transmitted to the connector110, the controller160controls the signal processor120to process the image signal, and controls the display unit130to display an image on the display unit130based on the processed image signal. As the first display apparatus100is one of the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400forming the video wall, the controller160identifies the first display apparatus100of the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400included in the display system1, and controls the signal processor120to display an image on the display unit130according to the identification result.

FIG. 3illustrates an example of a screen of the respective display apparatuses100,200,300and400.

As shown therein, an image frame510includes a first division image511corresponding to the first display apparatus100, a second division image512corresponding to the second display apparatus200, a third division image513corresponding to the third display apparatus300, and a fourth division image514corresponding to the fourth display apparatus400. In other words,FIG. 3illustrates the 2×2 arrangement made by the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400, according to the present embodiment.

Image signals which are received by the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400are identical. In displaying an image based on the image signal, the controller160controls the first division image511, of the image frame510, to be displayed by the first display apparatus100. The controller160determines in which location the first display apparatus100of the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400is located, or determines which of the division images511,512,513and514, of the image frame510, will be displayed. This determination is made to distinguish the first display apparatus100, including the controller160, from other display apparatuses200,300and400.

The controller160refers to setting information stored in advance in the storage unit150to make the determination. The setting information is used to identify the first display apparatus100, of the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400, and is used to process an image signal by the signal processor120. The setting information may include common items with respect to the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400, but includes at least one item which distinguishes the first display apparatus100from other display apparatuses200,300and400.

In other words, identification information of the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400includes different information. For example, identification information of the first display apparatus100distinguishes the first display apparatus100from other display apparatuses200,300and400.

The stored setting information of the first display apparatus100may include the following:

The foregoing items are an example, and do not limit the concept of the present embodiment.

H_n refers to a number of the display apparatuses100,200,300and400, which are arranged in a transverse direction of the video wall, while V_n refers to a number of display apparatuses100,200,300and400, which are arranged in a vertical direction of the video wall. The video wall is formed by arranging the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400in the 2×2 matrix.

P_n refers to a relative location of the first display apparatus100, within the video wall. For example, if it is agreed in advance to arrange the image in the sequence from the top left to the bottom right side within the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400arranged in the 2×2 matrix, the first display apparatus100is located at a No. 1 location, i.e., in the top left side of the video wall.

SetIP_n refers to an IP address, 10.88.44.101, of the first display apparatus100to be connected to an external network.

ServerIP_n refers to an IP address, 10.88.44.90, of a server (not shown) to which the first display apparatus100is connected.

Of the foregoing information, the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400has identical values regarding H_n, P_n and ServerIP_n, but has different values regarding P_n and SetIP_n.

Accordingly, the controller160may access the setting information stored in the storage unit150, determine the relative location of the first display apparatus100within the video wall based on P_n value, and set the IP address of the first display apparatus100based on a SetIP_n value.

The plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400forming the display system1employ an identical model, and the arrangement of the respective display apparatuses100,200,300and400may vary depending on the implementation method of a user. For example, the device used as the first display apparatus100according to the present embodiment may also be used as the second display apparatus200, the third display apparatus300or the fourth display apparatus400, by a user who initially forms the display system1.

Accordingly, setting the setting information of the respective display apparatuses100,200,300and400during a manufacturing phase is not preferable from an efficiency perspective. A timing at which the setting information is initially set with respect to the display apparatuses100,200,300and400would preferably be after the display system1is formed by the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400, and before an image is displayed by the display system1.

FIG. 4illustrates an example of a method of initially setting information of the respective display apparatuses100,200,300and400.

As shown inFIG. 4, the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400includes connectors110,210,310and410, respectively, The respective connectors110,210,310and410may be connected to an external storage device20which is implemented as a USB memory.

The external storage device20stores setting information of the first display apparatus100. As shown inFIG. 4, after the video wall is formed by the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400, a user connects the external storage device20to the connector110of the first display apparatus100to set setting information of the respective display apparatuses100,200,300and400.

The method of storing the setting information of the first display apparatus100in the external storage device20may vary, e.g., inputting setting information through a computer (not shown).

If the external storage device20is connected to the connector110, the controller160of the first display apparatus100obtains, and stores in the storage unit150, the setting information stored in the external storage device20to initially set the setting information of the first display apparatus100.

The setting information of other display apparatuses200,300and400may be set by a same method as that of the first display apparatus100. Further, the setting information of all display apparatuses100,200,300and400forming the display system1may be stored in the external storage device20, and the respective display apparatuses100,200,300and400may selectively obtain setting information from the external storage device20. However, in this case, the data stored in the external storage device20increases. Thus, the selection of the setting information by the display apparatuses100,200,300and400from the external storage device20may raise a data storage capacity issue.

A following method is suggested according to the present embodiment.

The external storage device20stores the setting information of the first display apparatus100, of the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400forming the display system1.

If the external storage device20is connected to the connector110at the phase of initially setting the setting information, the controller160of the first display apparatus100obtains the setting information stored in the external storage device20, and sets the obtained setting information as the setting information of the first display apparatus100. The controller160updates the setting information stored in the external storage device20corresponding to the second display apparatus200.

A user may simply connect the external storage device20to the respective connectors110,210,310and410in the order of the first display apparatus100, the second display apparatus200, the third display apparatus300and the fourth display apparatus400, to easily set the setting information of the respective display apparatuses100,200,300and400.

As a user connects the external storage device20to the respective connectors110,210,310and410by this method, there is no need to display an image showing the setting process through the display apparatuses100,200,300and400. If the setting of the setting information is completed, the controller160may output a sound, such as a beeping sound, to notify a user of completion.

As described above, an order of the respective connectors110,210,310and410is the same as an order agreed in advance. The order agreed to advance may be the order of the top left to the bottom right in the video wall.

Hereinafter, the method of initially setting the setting information of the first display apparatus100according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 5.FIG. 5is a control flowchart showing the setting process. The case where the setting information is not stored in the first display apparatus100, and the external storage device20stores the setting information of the first display apparatus100is referred to as the initial state.

As shown inFIG. 5, if the external storage device is connected to the connector110(S100), the controller160obtains the setting information from the external storage device20(S110). The controller160stores the obtained setting information, as the setting information of the first display apparatus100(S120).

As described above, the setting information of the first display apparatus100stored in the external storage device20includes the following:

Each item of the setting information has a value defined in advance.

The first display apparatus100is arranged in the No. 1 position, in the video wall type display system1arranged in the 2×2 matrix, and is set to be connected to a server (not shown) 10.88.44.90 by an IP address 10.88.44.101.

If the setting of the setting information of the first display apparatus100is complete, the controller160updates the setting information stored in the external storage device20corresponding to the second display apparatus200(S130).

The updating method may be set in various manners, e.g., the controller160updates the setting information by increasing or decreasing the value of P_n and SetIP_n defined in advance, excluding H_n, V_n, ServerIP_n, which are commonly set in the respective display apparatuses100,200,300and400. H_n, V_n, P_n, SetIP_n, and ServerIP_n are items of the setting information, stored in the external storage device20.

For example, in the case of P_n, if the relative location of the display apparatuses100,200,300and400within the video wall is referred to as 1, 2, 3 and 4, the controller160may modify the location information of the first display apparatus100from 1 to 2.

In the case of SetIP_n, an IP address assigned to a single group like the display system1is adjacently assigned. If the IP address assigned to the display system1is 10.88.44.101 to 10.88.44.104, the controller160may modify the IP address assigned to the first display apparatus100from 10.88.44.101 to 10.88.44.102.

By adding a predetermined value to the value representing the location information, or adding a predetermined value to the last digit of the IP address, the controller160may update the setting information stored in the external storage device20corresponding to the second display apparatus200.

If the initial setting of the setting information of the first display apparatus100is complete, a user may disconnect the external storage device20storing the setting information of the second display apparatus200, from the first display apparatus100, and connect the external storage device20to the second display apparatus200to initially set the setting information of the second display apparatus200.

The method of setting the setting information of the second display apparatus200and other display apparatuses300and400may employ the foregoing method. Thus, detailed description will be omitted.

If an image signal is received from outside (S140), the controller160accesses the setting information that has been set and stored at the initial setting phase of the setting information (S150). The controller160controls the image signal to display an image based on the setting information (S160).

The display system1according to the present embodiment may enable a user to easily perform the initial setting phase of the setting information of the plurality of display apparatuses100,200,300and400.

The controller160updates the setting information by increasing the number of the setting information, but may also update the setting information by decreasing the number of the setting information.

The display system1forms the video wall, but the concept of the embodiment may also apply to a display system3which does not form the video wall.

FIG. 6illustrates an example of the display system3according to a second embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 6, the display system3includes a plurality of display apparatuses101,201,301and401. Unlike the first embodiment, the plurality of display apparatuses101,201,301and401do not form a video wall. The plurality of display apparatuses101,201,301and401may receive an image signal from various types of external device11, such as a server or an image supply source.

For example, if the external device11includes a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP), it assigns an IP address to each of the plurality of display apparatuses101,201,301and401, so that the respective display apparatuses101,201,301and401may access a network.

However, if the IP is an address described above, it is not easy to assign a particular IP address to a desired display apparatus, among the plurality of display apparatuses101,201,301and401.

According to the present embodiment, the particular IP address may be assigned to the respective display apparatuses101,201,301and401by a method which is similar to the first embodiment.

For example, the IP addresses assigned to the plurality of display apparatuses101,201,301and401are 10.88.44.101 to 10.88.44.104. The IP address 10.88.44.101 is assigned to the first display apparatus101, the IP address 10.88.44.102 is assigned to the second display apparatus201, the IP address 10.88.44.103 is assigned to the third display apparatus301, and the IP address 10.88.44.104 is assigned to the fourth display apparatus401.

A second storage device21stores the value of 10.88.44.101, which is the IP address corresponding to the first display apparatus101. A user connects the external storage device21to the first display apparatus101.

The first display apparatus101obtains the value 10.88.44.101 from the external storage device21, and sets the value as the IP address of the first display apparatus101. The first display apparatus101updates the value 10.88.44.101 stored in the external storage device21to the value 10.88.44.102, which is the IP address corresponding to the second display apparatus201.

A user disconnects the external storage device21from the first display apparatus101, and connects the external storage device21to the second display apparatus201.

The second display apparatus201obtains the value of 10.88.44.102 from the external storage device21, and sets the value as the IP address of the second display apparatus201. The second display apparatus201updates the value 10.88.44.102 stored in the external storage device21to the value 10.88.44.103, which is the IP address corresponding to the third display apparatus301.

Setting the IP address of the third and fourth display apparatuses301and401is performed by a similar method.

In the display system3, which is not formed as a video wall, a user may initially set the setting information of the respective display apparatuses101,201,301and401without difficulty.

Although a few exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these exemplary embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the embodiments, the range of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.