Video display appliance and signal processing apparatus detachably connected thereto

Disclosed is a video display appliance from which a video signal processing unit and a PC signal processing unit are separated and to which the separated signal processing units are detachably connected or connected by a communication cable. The video display appliance includes an interface receiving a digital video signal to be displayed on the panel and a detection signal indicating a connection state of the signal processing apparatus from the signal processing apparatus, a microcomputer for controlling operation of the video display appliance according to the detection signal transmitted from the interface, a scaler for converting a video signal transmitted from the interface to match a resolution of the panel under the control of the microcomputer, and a driving circuit for driving the panel by using the video signal inputted from the scaler. The signal processing apparatus can be detachably connected to the video display appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a video display appliance with a separated signal processing unit receiving a video signal inputted from an external signal source, and more particularly, to a video display appliance from which a video signal processing unit and a PC signal processing unit are separated and to which the separated signal processing units are detachably connected or connected by a communication cable.

2. Description of the Related Art

Due to the recent developments to the field of the video display appliances, such as LCD projectors, several products providing new technology and various functions have been released in the market. Due to these functions that have been previously unused in the past, the dimension and weight of the product have increased.

The construction of a conventional LCD video display appliance will now be described with reference toFIG. 1.

As shown inFIG. 1, the LCD video display appliance includes three external jacks (not shown), a video signal processing unit106for processing signals each inputted from the respective jacks, a scaler/microcomputer130for converting signals transmitted from the signal processing unit106to match a resolution of the LCD panel, and a driving circuit140for driving the LCD panel.

The signal processing unit106includes a video decoder110receiving and processing a video signal100, such as CVBS, S-video or YPbPr, a deinterlacer112, an A/D converter120receiving and processing a PC signal, and a TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) receiver122receiving and processing a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) signal.

As described above, most LCD projectors are adapted to be connected to various AV appliances and PCs, as well as the ability to receive TV signals. In order to receive the input signal from various appliances, the projector is provided at a rear side or a lateral side thereof with several jacks for various input sources, such as CVBS, YPbPr, S-video, sound, PC signal, DVI signal and the like. However, due to various jacks and signal processing units for processing the various input signals, the design of the product is more complicated, and the weight and manufacturing cost of the product are significantly increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a video display appliance with a separated signal processing unit receiving a video signal inputted from an external signal source that substantially obviates one or more problems due to the limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a video display appliance with a separated signal processing unit receiving a video signal inputted from an external signal source, thereby minimizing a noise influence.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a signal processing apparatus detachably connected to a video display appliance to transmit a video signal or PC signal to the video display appliance.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a signal processing apparatus connected to a detachable video display appliance by a communication cable to transmit a video signal or PC signal to the video display appliance.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a video display appliance for displaying a video signal, which is inputted from a signal processing apparatus externally connected to the video display appliance, on a panel, the video display appliance comprising: an interface receiving a digital video signal to be displayed on the panel and a detection signal indicating a connection state of the signal processing apparatus from the signal processing apparatus; a microcomputer for controlling operation of the video display appliance according to the detection signal transmitted from the interface; a scaler for converting the video signal transmitted from the interface to match a resolution of the panel under the control of the microcomputer; and a driving circuit for driving the panel by using the video signal inputted from the scaler; wherein the signal processing apparatus is detachably connected to the video display appliance.

Preferably, the interface supplies a desired level of driving voltage from a power source of the video display appliance to a signal processing apparatus.

The signal processing apparatus includes a video signal input unit receiving a video signal from an external signal source; a video decoder for decoding the video signal inputted from the video signal input; a deinterlacer for converting the video signal for interlaced scanning inputted from the video decoder into a video signal for non-interlaced scanning; a PC signal input unit receiving a video signal and a control signal from an external PC in an analog form; an A/D converter for converting the signals inputted from the PC signal input unit into digital signals to output the converted signals to the video display appliance; and a detecting circuit for detecting the driving voltage supplied from the video display appliance and outputting the detection signal, which indicates the connection of the signal processing apparatus to the video display appliance, to the video display appliance.

The signal processing apparatus further includes a DVI signal input unit receiving a TMDS converted DVI signal from the external signal source, and a TMDS receiver for inversely converting the video signal received from the DVI signal input unit to output the inversely TMDS converted signal to the video display appliance.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a video display appliance for displaying a video signal, which is inputted from a signal processing apparatus, on a panel, the video display appliance comprising: an interface receiving a digital video signal converted in a TMDS format to be displayed on the panel and a detection signal indicating a connection state of the signal processing apparatus, from the signal processing apparatus; a TMDS receiver for inversely converting the signal transmitted from the interface; a microcomputer for controlling operation of the video display appliance according to the detection signal transmitted from the TMDS receiver; a scaler for converting a video signal transmitted from the TMDS receiver to match a resolution of the panel under the control of the microcomputer; and a driving circuit for driving the panel by using the video signal inputted from the scaler, wherein the signal processing apparatus is connected to the video display appliance through a communication cable.

The signal processing apparatus includes a video signal processing unit for converting the video signal inputted from an external signal source into a digital signal to output the converted signal to the video display appliance; a PC signal processing unit for converting a video signal and a control signal inputted from a PC into digital signals to output the converted signals to the video display appliance; and a detecting circuit for detecting the driving voltage supplied from the video display appliance and outputting the detection signal, which indicates connection of the signal processing apparatus to the video display appliance, to the video display appliance.

The video signal processing unit includes a video signal input unit receiving a video signal from an external signal source; a video decoder for decoding the video signal inputted from the video signal input; a deinterlacer for converting the video signal for interlaced scanning inputted from the video decoder into a video signal for non-interlaced scanning; and a TMDS transmitter for converting the video signal transmitted from the deinterlacer into a TMDS format to output the TMDS converted signal to the video display appliance.

The PC signal processing unit includes a PC signal input unit receiving a video signal and a control signal from an external PC in an analog form; an A/D converter for converting the signals inputted from the PC signal input unit into digital signals to output the converted signals to the video display appliance; and a TMDS transmitter for converting the signal transmitted from the A/D converter into a TMDS format to output the TMDS converted signal to the video display appliance.

According to further another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal processing apparatus detachably connected to a video display appliance, the apparatus comprising: a video signal input unit receiving a video signal from an external signal source; a video decoder for decoding the video signal inputted from the video signal input; and a deinterlacer for converting the video signal for interlaced scanning inputted from the video decoder into a video signal for non-interlaced scanning.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal processing apparatus detachably connected to a video display appliance, the apparatus comprising: a PC signal input unit receiving a video signal and a control signal from an external PC in an analog form; and an A/D converter for converting the signals inputted from the PC signal input unit into digital signals to output the converted signals to the video display appliance.

The signal processing apparatus further comprises a DVI signal input unit receiving a TMDS converted DVI signal from the external signal source, and a TMDS receiver for inversely converting the video signal received from the DVI signal input unit to output the inversely TMDS converted signal to the video display appliance.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal processing apparatus detachably connected to a video display appliance, the apparatus comprising: a video signal input unit receiving a video signal from an external signal source; a video decoder for decoding the video signal inputted from the video signal input; a deinterlacer for converting the video signal for interlaced scanning inputted from the video decoder into a video signal for non-interlaced scanning; a PC signal input unit receiving a video signal and a control signal from an external PC in an analog form; an A/D converter for converting the signals inputted from the PC signal input unit into digital signals to output the converted signals to the video display appliance; a DVI signal input unit receiving a TMDS converted DVI signal from the external signal source; and a TMDS receiver for inversely converting the video signal received from the DVI signal input unit to output the inversely TMDS converted signal to the video display appliance.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal processing apparatus connected to a video display appliance by a communication cable, the apparatus comprising: a video signal input unit receiving a desired video signal from an external signal source; a video decoder for decoding the video signal inputted from the video signal input; a deinterlacer for converting the video signal for interlaced scanning inputted from the video decoder into a video signal for non-interlaced scanning; and a TMDS transmitter for converting the video signal received from the deinterlacer to output the TMDS converted signal to the video display appliance.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal processing apparatus connected to a video display appliance by a communication cable, the apparatus comprising: a PC signal input unit receiving a video signal and a control signal from an external PC in an analog form; an A/D converter for converting the signals inputted from the PC signal input unit into digital signals to output the converted signals to the video display appliance; and a TMDS transmitter for converting the video signal received from the PC signal input unit into a TMDS format to output the TMDS converted signal to the video display appliance.

Preferably, the signal processing apparatus further includes a DVI signal input unit receiving a TMDS converted DVI signal from the external signal source, and the DVI signal inputted from the DVI signal input unit is outputted to the video display appliance.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal processing apparatus connected to a video display appliance by a communication cable, the apparatus comprising: a video signal input unit receiving a desired video signal from an external signal source; a video decoder for decoding the video signal inputted from the video signal input; a deinterlacer for converting the video signal for interlaced scanning inputted from the video decoder into a video signal for non-interlaced scanning; a PC signal input unit receiving a video signal and a control signal from an external PC in an analog form; an A/D converter for converting the signals inputted from the PC signal input unit into digital signals to output the converted signals to the video display appliance; and a TMDS transmitter for converting the video signal received from the PC signal input unit into a TMDS format to output the TMDS converted signal to the video display appliance.

Preferably, the signal processing apparatus further includes a DVI signal input unit receiving a TMDS converted DVI signal from the external signal source, and the DVI signal inputted from the DVI signal input unit is outputted to the video display appliance.

The signal processing apparatus further comprises a power supply supplied with a driving voltage from the video display appliance to which the signal processing apparatus is connected, and a detecting circuit for detecting the driving voltage supplied from the video display appliance through the power supply and outputting a desired detection signal, which indicates connection of the signal processing apparatus to the video display appliance, to the video display appliance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

The construction and operation of a video display appliance from which a signal processing apparatus is separated, according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, will now be described with reference toFIGS. 2 to 4.FIG. 2is a block diagram of a video signal processing apparatus separated from the video display appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3is a block diagram of a PC signal processing apparatus separated from the video display appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 4is a block diagram of a video display appliance from which a video signal and a PC signal processing apparatus are separated. The detachable video display appliance according to the present embodiment may be connected to a desired signal processing apparatus, such as the video signal processing apparatus or the PC signal processing apparatus, by use of a communication cable.

The construction and operation of the video signal processing apparatus according to the present invention will now be described with reference toFIG. 2.

As shown inFIG. 2, the video signal processing apparatus includes a video signal input unit205, a video decoder210, a deinterlacer212, a TMDS transmitter214, a DC-DC converter220and a detecting circuit230.

The video signal input unit205receives a video signal200, such as CVBS, S-video or YPbPr, from the external signal source. The video decoder210decodes the signal inputted from the video signal input unit205. The deinterlacer212deinterlaces the input signal by converting a video signal for interlaced scanning into a video signal for non-interlaced scanning.

The TMDS transmitter214encodes the deinterlaced video signal in a TMDS format to transmit the encoded signal to a video display appliance. The video signal processing apparatus transmits the TMDS converted signal and a clock signal216to the video display appliance through a communication cable, thereby transmitting the signals at high speed without a noise influence.

The video signal processing apparatus has no power source for driving an IC, and is supplied with a driving voltage of 12 volts from the video display appliance by means of the DC-DC converter220of a power supply. The video signal processing apparatus converts the supplied driving voltage into a desired level of voltage and applies it to each IC.

If the video signal processing apparatus is connected to the video display appliance and receives the driving voltage from the video display appliance, the detecting circuit230detects the driving voltage and outputs the detection signal240, which indicates the connection of the video signal processing apparatus to the video display appliance, to the video display appliance.

The construction and operation of a conventional PC signal processing apparatus will now be described with reference toFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 3, the PC signal processing apparatus includes a PC signal input unit242, a DVI signal input unit244, an A/D converter252, a TMDS transmitter254, a DC-DC converter260and a detecting circuit270.

The PC signal input unit242receives a video signal and a control signal from the external PC in an analog form. The A/D converter252converts the signals inputted from the PC signal input unit242into digital signals to output the converted signals to the TMDS transmitter254. The TMDS transmitter254converts the signals transmitted from the A/D converter in the TMDS format to output the converted signals to the video display appliance.

The DVI signal input unit244receives the TMDS converted DVI signal from the external signal source, and the inputted DVI signal is directly transmitted to the video display appliance, without an additional signal processing step.

The DC-DC converter260and the detecting circuit270have the same function as that of the DC-DC converter220and the detecting circuit230of the video signal processing apparatus. A description thereof will be omitted herein.

The construction and operation of the video display appliance, to which the video signal processing apparatus and the PC signal processing apparatus are selectively connected, will now be described with reference toFIG. 4.

The video display appliance includes an interface305, a TMDS receiver300, a scaler/microcomputer310, an LCD driving circuit320, R/G/B LCDs330,332and334, and a DC-DC converter340.

The interface305receives a TMDS converted video signal of a digital type and a detection signal indicative of the connection of the signal processing apparatus from the video signal processing apparatus or the PC signal processing apparatus. The interface305supplies a desired driving voltage from a power source (not shown) of the video display appliance to a signal processing apparatus connected.

The TMDS receiver300inversely converts the TMDS video signal received through the interface305to output it to the scaler/microcomputer310. The TMDS receiver300transmits a sync-detection signal to the scaler/microcomputer310, wherein the sync-detection signal determines whether the signal inputted when the PC signal processing apparatus is connected is a PC signal or a DVI signal. For example, if the input signal is the PC signal, a low signal is inputted. Meanwhile, but if the input signal is the DVI signal, a high signal is inputted.

The scaler/microcomputer310is designed by 1-chip of a scaler and a microcomputer, and converts the signal transmitted from the TMDS receiver300to match a resolution of an LCD panel to output the converted signal to the LCD driving circuit320. In addition, the scaler/microcomputer310determines whether the detection signal is inputted from the video signal processing apparatus or the PC signal processing apparatus, and commands the signal process, regardless of whether the detection signal is inputted or not. Although the scaler/microcomputer310may be utilized with 1-chip IC, the scaler and the microcomputer may be separately utilized.

The LCD driving circuit320drives the R/G/B LCDs330,332and334in response of the signal transmitted from the scaler/microcomputer310.

The DC-DC converter340converts the inputted power of 225 volts into a voltage of 3.3 volts to supply the converted voltage to each IC, and supplies the voltage of 12 volts to the video signal processing apparatus or the PC signal processing apparatus which is selectively connected to the video display appliance.

The video display appliance according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the video signal processing apparatus or the PC signal processing apparatus which is selectively connected to the video display appliance may be connected to each other though the communication cable. Since data communication via the communication cable is influenced by noise, the signal is converted in the TMDS format suitable for high transmission without being influenced by noise in order to minimize the influence of noise. After applying to the video display appliance, the signal is inversely converted.

The video signal processing apparatus and the PC signal processing apparatus includes a TMDS transmitter for converting the signals to be transmitted to the video display appliance in the TMDS format. The video display appliance includes a TMDS receiver for inversely converting the signal of TMDS format transmitted from the video signal processing apparatus or the PC signal processing apparatus.

Second Embodiment

The construction and operation of a video display appliance according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a video signal processing apparatus or PC signal processing apparatus which is selectively detached to the video display appliance will now be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 5 to 8.

FIG. 5is a block diagram of the PC signal processing apparatus detachable to the video display appliance according to the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 5, the PC signal processing apparatus includes a PC signal input unit405, a DVI signal input unit407, an A/D converter420, a TMDS transmitter430, a DC-DC converter440and a detecting circuit450.

The PC signal input unit405receives a video signal and a control signal from the external PC in analog form. The A/D converter420converts the signals inputted from the PC signal input unit405into digital signals to output the converted signals to the video display appliance. At that time, the PC signal processing apparatus according to the present invention can be detachably connected to the video display appliance without using a separate communication cable. As a result, no consideration to the influence of noise is needed. Therefore, the PC signal processing apparatus according to the present invention does not require a separate TMDS transmitter for transmitting the PC signal.

The DVI signal input unit407receives the TMDS converted DVI signal from the external signal source. The TMDS receiver430inversely converts the DVI signal inputted from the DVI signal input unit407to output the converted DVI signal to the video display appliance. At that time, since the DVI signal410is a signal converted in the TMDS format, the signal has to be inversely converted.

The DC-DC converter440receives a voltage of 12 volts from the video display appliance and converts the inputted voltage into a desired voltage suitable for driving each IC of the PC signal processing apparatus to supply the converted voltage to each IC. At that time, since each IC of the PC signal processing apparatus is generally driven by 3.3 volts, the DC-DC converter440converts the voltage of 12 volts supplied from the exterior into 3.3 volts to output it to the A/D converter420and the TMDS receiver430.

The detecting circuit450outputs the detection signal, which indicates the connection of the PC signal processing apparatus to the video display appliance, to the video display appliance. The detecting circuit450consists of a plurality of resistors, as shown inFIG. 8, and outputs the detection signal of a desired level of voltage to the video display appliance according to the voltage supplied from the video display appliance, as shown inFIG. 8.

The construction and operation of the video signal processing apparatus detachable to the video display appliance according to the present invention will now be described with reference toFIG. 6.

The video signal processing apparatus includes, as shown inFIG. 6, a video signal input unit505, a video decoder510, a deinterlacer520, a DC-DC converter530and a detecting circuit540.

The video signal input unit505receives a video signal, such as CVBS, S-video or YPbPr, from the external signal source. The video decoder510decodes the signal inputted from the video signal input unit505to output the decoded signal to the deinterlacer520.

The deinterlacer520is connected to the video decoder510, and deinterlaces the signal inputted from the video decoder to output the interlaced signal to the video display appliance.

The DC-DC converter530and the detecting circuit540have the same construction and operation as those of the PC signal processing apparatus. The description thereof will be omitted therein.

Referring toFIG. 7, the video display appliance according to the present invention includes an interface605, a scaler/microcomputer600, an LCD driving circuit610, R/G/B LCDs620,622and624, and DC-DC converter630.

The interface605receives a digital video signal and detection signals460and550from the video signal processing apparatus or the PC signal processing apparatus, and transmits a desired driving voltage from a power source (not shown) of the video display appliance.

The scaler/microcomputer600converts the video signal inputted through the interface605to match a resolution of an LCD panel, in response to the detection signals460and550transmitted from the interface605, to output the converted signal to the LCD driving circuit610. At that time, the scaler/microcomputer310may be utilized with 1-chip IC, and the scaler and the microcomputer may be separately utilized.

The LCD driving circuit610outputs the video signal transmitted from the scaler/microcomputer600to the R/G/B LCDs620,622and624to drive the LCD panel.

The DC-DC converter630converts the voltage of 220 volts inputted from the external power source into a desired level of voltage (for example, 3.3 volts) suitable for driving each IC of the video display appliance to supply the converted voltage to each IC. In addition, the DC-DC converter630supplies the voltage (for example, 12 volts) to drive the video signal processing apparatus or the PC signal processing apparatus which is selectively connected to the video display appliance.

The detection signal inputted to scaler/microcomputer600of the video display appliance according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference toFIG. 8.

The detection signal is a signal indicating the connection of the video signal processing apparatus or PC signal processing apparatus to the video display appliance, and is inputted from the video signal processing apparatus or PC signal processing apparatus to the video display appliance.

The detecting circuit540of the video signal processing apparatus and the detecting circuit450of the PC signal processing apparatus consist of a plurality of resistors, as shown inFIG. 8, and outputs a desired level of voltage to the corresponding detecting circuit if the video display appliance is connected.

Specifically, if the video signal processing apparatus or PC signal processing apparatus is connected to the video display appliance, the apparatus is supplied with 12 volts from the video display appliance. The voltage is divided by the resistors of the detecting circuit and then is supplied to the microcomputer of the video display appliance. The microcomputer recognizes the voltages550and460inputted from the video signal processing apparatus or the PC signal processing apparatus as the detection signal.

Third Embodiment

The construction and operation of a signal processing apparatus capable of being connected to a detachable video display appliance according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention via a cable will now be described in detail with reference toFIG. 9.

The signal processing apparatus according to the embodiment is provided by integrally forming the video signal processing apparatus and the PC signal processing apparatus, and is connected to the detachable video display appliance via a communication cable.

FIG. 9is a block diagram of a signal processing apparatus according to the present invention. The detachable video display appliance to which the signal processing apparatus is connected has the same construction as that shown inFIG. 4.

Referring toFIG. 9, the signal processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a video signal input unit905receiving a video signal900, such as CVBS, S-video or YPbPr, a PC signal input unit907receiving an analog PC signal902, and a DVI signal input unit909receiving a TMDS converted DVI signal904. The signal processing apparatus receives a desired signal from the external signal source through the respective signal inputs905,907and909.

If the signal processing apparatus according to the embodiment receives the video signal from the external signal source through the video signal input unit905, it transmits an encoding signal and a clock signal960to the video display appliance through the video decoder910, a deinterlacer912and the TMDS transmitter914.

If the PC signal902is inputted through the PC signal input unit907, the encoding signal and the clock signal960are transmitted to the video display appliance through the A/D converter930and the TMDS transmitter922. If the DVI signal904is inputted through the DVI signal input unit909, the signal is transmitted to the video display appliance without implementing a separate signal process.

The signal processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a detecting circuit940and the DC-DC converter930. Since the construction and operation thereof are the same as those of the other embodiments, a detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

Fourth Embodiment

The construction and operation of a signal processing apparatus capable of being connected to a detachable video display appliance according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail.

The signal processing apparatus according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided by integrally forming the video signal processing apparatus and the PC signal processing apparatus, and is adapted to be connected to the detachable video display appliance.

The detachable video display appliance to which the signal processing apparatus of the present embodiment is connected has the same construction as that shown inFIG. 7.

The signal processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a video signal input unit receiving a video signal, such as CVBS, S-video or YPbPr, a PC signal input unit receiving a PC signal, and a DVI signal input unit receiving a DVI signal. The signal processing apparatus receives a desired signal from the external signal source through the respective signal inputs.

If the signal processing apparatus according to the embodiment receives the video signal through the video signal input, it transmits an encoding signal and a clock signal to the video display appliance through a video decoder and a deinterlacer.

If the PC signal is inputted through the PC signal input, the encoding signal and the clock signal are transmitted to the video display appliance through the A/D converter. If the DVI signal is inputted through the DVI signal input, the signal is transmitted to the video display appliance through a TMDS receiver.

The signal processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a detecting circuit and a DC-DC converter. Since the construction and operation thereof are the same as those of other embodiments, a detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

With the above description of the present invention, the video signal processing apparatus and the PC signal processing apparatus may be detached from the video display, so that the video display appliance may be much leaner and lighter. In addition, after the video signal processing apparatus and the PC signal processing apparatus are separated from the video display appliance, they may be detachably connected thereto or connected thereto via the communication cable, thereby providing the detachable video display appliance having no influence to noise while decreasing the number of the devices.