GB2617667A - Electronic display apparatus and method - Google Patents

Electronic display apparatus and method Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2617667A
GB2617667A GB2301807.0A GB202301807A GB2617667A GB 2617667 A GB2617667 A GB 2617667A GB 202301807 A GB202301807 A GB 202301807A GB 2617667 A GB2617667 A GB 2617667A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
display
flip
display units
units
controller
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
GB2301807.0A
Other versions
GB202301807D0 (en
Inventor
Khuen Choo Kam
Choong Ming Goon Nicholas
Beng Chew Hoo
Lian Liew Choon
Wai Sim Hon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
MDT Innovations Sdn Bhd
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MDT Innovations Sdn Bhd
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Publication date
Application filed by MDT Innovations Sdn Bhd filed Critical MDT Innovations Sdn Bhd
Publication of GB202301807D0 publication Critical patent/GB202301807D0/en
Publication of GB2617667A publication Critical patent/GB2617667A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
    • G09F3/08—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself
    • G09F3/18—Casings, frames or enclosures for labels
    • G09F3/20—Casings, frames or enclosures for labels for adjustable, removable, or interchangeable labels
    • G09F3/208—Electronic labels, Labels integrating electronic displays
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/14—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
    • G06F3/1423—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units controlling a plurality of local displays, e.g. CRT and flat panel display
    • G06F3/1431—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units controlling a plurality of local displays, e.g. CRT and flat panel display using a single graphics controller
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/14—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
    • G06F3/1423—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units controlling a plurality of local displays, e.g. CRT and flat panel display
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/14—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
    • G06F3/1423—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units controlling a plurality of local displays, e.g. CRT and flat panel display
    • G06F3/1446—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units controlling a plurality of local displays, e.g. CRT and flat panel display display composed of modules, e.g. video walls
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
    • G09G3/00—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes
    • G09G3/20—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix no fixed position being assigned to or needed to be assigned to the individual characters or partial characters
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
    • G09G5/00—Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators
    • G09G5/12—Synchronisation between the display unit and other units, e.g. other display units, video-disc players
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
    • G09G2300/00—Aspects of the constitution of display devices
    • G09G2300/02—Composition of display devices
    • G09G2300/026—Video wall, i.e. juxtaposition of a plurality of screens to create a display screen of bigger dimensions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
    • G09G2300/00—Aspects of the constitution of display devices
    • G09G2300/08—Active matrix structure, i.e. with use of active elements, inclusive of non-linear two terminal elements, in the pixels together with light emitting or modulating elements
    • G09G2300/0809—Several active elements per pixel in active matrix panels
    • G09G2300/0842—Several active elements per pixel in active matrix panels forming a memory circuit, e.g. a dynamic memory with one capacitor
    • G09G2300/0857—Static memory circuit, e.g. flip-flop
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
    • G09G2310/00—Command of the display device
    • G09G2310/02—Addressing, scanning or driving the display screen or processing steps related thereto
    • G09G2310/0264—Details of driving circuits
    • G09G2310/0286—Details of a shift registers arranged for use in a driving circuit
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
    • G09G2330/00—Aspects of power supply; Aspects of display protection and defect management
    • G09G2330/02—Details of power systems and of start or stop of display operation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
    • G09G2360/00—Aspects of the architecture of display systems
    • G09G2360/04—Display device controller operating with a plurality of display units
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
    • G09G2370/00—Aspects of data communication
    • G09G2370/08—Details of image data interface between the display device controller and the data line driver circuit
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
    • G09G2380/00—Specific applications
    • G09G2380/04—Electronic labels

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Computer Graphics (AREA)
  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Control Of Indicators Other Than Cathode Ray Tubes (AREA)

Abstract

An electronic display apparatus (200, fig.2) that comprises a display controller 202 including a microcontroller 204 and one or more supporting components 206; and a plurality of display units 208A-N (for example Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL)) communicatively coupled to the display controller 202, wherein each display unit includes a display 210, a flip-flop 212 and supporting components 214, wherein the display controller 202 selects one display unit from the plurality of display units 208A-N to drive by shifting data into the flip-flop 212 of the selected display unit until the flip-flop 212 is HIGH, and the flip-flops of the non-selected display units of the plurality of display units 208A-N are LOW. An apparatus comprising the plurality of display units 208A-N linked together using ribbon cables is disclosed. A method for operating the apparatus through establishing communication between a display controller 202 and a plurality of display units 208A-N using a CLK clock communication pin, a DATA communication pin, and a CS (clock-set) communication pin is also disclosed. Each display unit’s flip-flops are connected to each other in serial, forming a shift register. The display controller is connected to the start of this shift-register and is able to shift data into it.

Description

ELECTRONIC DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a display apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electronic display apparatus and method.
Background of the invention
Electronic paper, also referred to as electronic ink, e-ink, are display devices that mimic the appearance of ordinary ink on paper. Electronic displays reflect light like paper, thereby providing a wider viewing angle than most light-emitting displays. Application of electronic displays may be in electronic shelf labels in supermarkets, warehouse asset labels, outdoor/indoor signals, and the like.
Advantages of electronic displays is that they are able to provide ultra-lower power displays, that duly mimic the appearance of the paper, and they have a relatively thinner design as compared to most digital displays. Further, no power is required to hold an image, which makes it highly suitable for higher end applications. Also in the retail industry, electronic displays may be used replace the traditional paper price tags with a more dynamic, simple, and effective method of updating price tags as well as updating customers with latest updates regarding discounts and promotions of products However, conventional electronic displays have certain disadvantages, due to which it is difficult to be used commercially and in a large scale. FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional electronic display (display) system 100 architecture. The conventional display system 100 architecture includes a plurality of display units 102A-N. Each display unit of the plurality of display units 102A-N Includes a microcontroller 104, an display 106, and supporting components 108. As shown in FIG. 1, each display unit 102A-N includes a separate microcontroller 104 for facilitating display changes. The use of a microcontroller 104 for each display unit 102A-N would lead to an increased manufacturing cost of the display system 100. An increased manufacturing cost may make commercialization of the display system more difficult.
Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the conventional display system. There is need of an display system in which multiple displays can be multiplexed to a single microcontroller.
These and other objects and advantages of the present 5 invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following specification and claims.
Summary of the Invention
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is an electronic display (display) apparatus. The display apparatus includes an display controller and a plurality of display units communicatively coupled to the display controller. The display controller includes a microcontroller and one or more supporting components. The plurality of display units are linked together using ribbon cables. Each display unit of the plurality of display units includes an display, a flip-flop, and one or more supporting components. The display controller selects one display unit from the plurality of display units to drive by shifting data into the flip-flop of the selected display unit until the flip-flop is HIGH, and the flip-flops of the non-selected display units of the plurality of display units are LOW.
In an embodiment, the display controller communicates with the plurality of display units using a CLK (clock) communication pin, a DATA communication pin, and a CS (clock-set) communication pin.
In an embodiment, the microcontroller of the display controller shifts data into one display unit of the plurality of display units via the CLK communication path and the DATA communication path.
In an embodiment, the microcontroller of the display controller shifts data into one display unit of the plurality of display units when the CS communication pin is HIGH.
In an embodiment, the microcontroller of the display controller stops shifting data into one display unit of the plurality of display units when the CS communication pin is LOW.
In an embodiment, each flip-flop of the plurality of display units are serially connected with each other, forming a shift register.
In an embodiment, the display controller individually drives up to 255 display units.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is a 5 method provided for operating an electronic display (display) apparatus. The method includes establishing communication between an display controller and a plurality of display units using a CLK communication pin, a DATA communication pin, and a CS (clock-set) communication pin. 10 The display controller includes a microcontroller r and one or more supporting components. Each display unit of the plurality of display units includes an display, a flip-flop, and one or more supporting documents. The method further includes selecting one display unit from the plurality of display units to drive by shifting data when the CS communication pin is HIGH. In addition, the method includes shifting data into the flip-flop of the selected display unit until the flip-flop is HIGH, and the flip-flops of the non-selected display units of the plurality of display units are LOW.
In an embodiment, the microcontroller of the display controller stops shifting data into one display unit of the plurality of display units when the CS communication pin is 25 LOW.
In an embodiment, each flip-flop of the plurality of display units are serially connected with each other, forming a shift register.
In an embodiment, the display controller individually drives up to 255 display units.
The method and apparatus of the present invention uses a single microcontroller to drive the electronic display (display) units. Each display can be individually addressed by the microcontroller. The microcontroller is present only in the display controller and not in the display units. Use of a single microcontroller for driving the display units reduces the number of required microcontrollers when multiple displays are used. This thus leads to a reduced manufacturing cost of the claimed display apparatus. Additionally, in the method and apparatus of the present invention, a single microcontroller may individually drive up to 255 display units. This thus reduces an overall hardware cost up by approximately 30 percent. Thus, the method and apparatus of the present invention is more efficient and cost-effective when compared to conventional electronic displays.
These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description when read with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote corresponding parts throughout the several views: Figure 1 depicts a conventional electronic display (display) apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary scenario; Figure 2 depicts an display daisy-system chain architecture, in accordance with an embodiment; Figure 3 depicts communications and pin-outs of the display 25 daisy-system architecture of Figure 2, in accordance with an embodiment; Figure 4 depicts an exemplary artist impression of 11.4-inch displays linked together in a daisy-chained architecture on 30 a shelf, in accordance with an exemplary scenario; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an display daisy-system chain architecture including 1.54-inch displays, in accordance with an exemplary scenario; and Figure 6 is a flow diagram depicting the steps involved in the method of operating the display apparatus of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for operating an electronic display apparatus. The present invention is applicable in the retail industry. The Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) is a typical buzzword that usually comes up amongst the retail industry leaders. These ESLs can be used to replace the traditional paper price tags with a more dynamic, simple and effective method of updating price tags.
With reference to Figure 2, Figure 2 depicts an display daisy-system chain architecture, in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 3 depicts communications and pin-outs of the display daisy-system architecture of Figure 2, in accordance with an embodiment. In an embodiment, the display apparatus 200 of the present invention may be used in shelves of stores for displaying prices of items present in the shelf.
The display apparatus 200 comprises a display controller 202 and a plurality of display units 208A-N (EPD units). In an embodiment, the plurality of display units 208A-N may be communicatively coupled with the display controller 202. Each of the plurality of display unit 208A-N includes but is not limited to a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED), light emitting diode (LED), and the like. The display (EPD) controller 202 includes a microcontroller 204 and one or more support components 206. In an example, the microcontroller 204 may be for example, 32 bits ARM cortex micro controller. The microcontroller 204 is hidden behind or placed under the shelf in which the products are placed. In an embodiment a plurality of display units 208A-N are linked together using ribbon cables. Ribbon cables are lighter, more compact, and easier to handle and splice. Ribbon cables are best suited for future expansion since they transmit data at higher transmission rates. Ribbon cables are also very cost-effective when compared to other fiber cables. In another embodiment, a plurality of display units 208A-N are cascaded side by side and connected together to form a large display.
Further, each display unit of the plurality of display units 208A-N include an display 210, a flip-flop 212, and one or more supporting components 214. The display 210 may be a flexible electronic display or a non-flexible electronic display. The flexible electronic display may use plastic substrates for displaying the content and may be bent unlike other normal screens. The non-flexible electronic display is stiff and cannot be bent like any other normal screen. The flip-flop 212 acts as shift register to select individual ESLs to update the display and is used for storing state information. In an example, the flip-flop 212 may be a D flip-flop, a T flip-flop, or a JK flip-flop.
The display controller 202 establishes communication with the plurality of display units 208A-N using three main communication pins. The communication pins are a CLK communication pin, a DATA communication pin, and a CS (clock-set) communication pin. An display unit receives instructions from the microcontroller 204 of the display 5 controller 202 via the CLK and DATA pins. These instructions received correspond to instructions for shifting data into one display unit of the plurality of display units 208A-N. A display will only execute these instructions if the display is enabled via the CS pin (if the CS pin is HIGH). The data 10 shifting will stop once the CS pin is LOW.
The display controller 202 must first select one of its connected display units 208A-N, before sending commands to that display unit. A selected display unit will have its CS pin set to HIGH. The display controller 202 sets the selected display unit's CS pin via the flip-flop 212 of the selected display unit. Each display unit's flip-flops 212 are connected to each other in serial, forming a shift-register. The display controller 202 is connected to the start of this shift-register, and is able to shift data into it. The display controller 202 selects an display unit by shifting data into this shift-register, until the selected display unit's flip-flop 212 is HIGH, and the other non-selected display unit's flip-flops 212 are LOW. For example, assuming the display daisy-chain system includes four display units. To select the third display unit, the display controller 202 would shift in the data '0010' into the shift-register. Thus, the third display unit's flip-flop has the value of 1, and the other display unit's flip-flops have the value of 0. To select the fourth display unit, the display controller 202 would shift in the data '0001' into the shift-register. The fourth display unit's flip-flop then becomes HIGH, and the other display unit's flip-flops become LOW.
The display daisy-system chain architecture of Figures 2-3 requires only a single microcontroller 204 to drive the plurality of display units 208A-N. In one embodiment, the microcontroller 204 may drive up to 255 display units.
Hence, shelves in stores would require only display controller 202 to drive all the display units 208A-N. The EPS daisy-system architecture is cost-effective because it is able to reduce the overall hardware cost by 3% (For 2 display units per display controller) up to approximately 30% (For 16 display units per display controller).
For example, assuming there are 100 display units to be deployed. The conventional display apparatus of Figure 1 would require 100 display controllers that are built into 25 the display units as a complete set. The total cost for such a setup would be 100 * USD12 = USD 1,200 (assuming that the cost of each display controller is USD12). However, using the daisy-system chain architecture of Figures 2-3 of 16 display units to 1 display controller, only 7 display controllers are required. The total cost for such setup would be (100 * USD 8) + (7 * USD 8) = USD 856. Therefore, the daisy-system chain architecture in Figures 2-3 is proven to function just as well with the conventional display apparatus of Figure 1. Furthermore, the overall hardware cost using the daisy-system chain architecture is able to reduce the overall implementation cost by up to approximately 30%.
Figure 4 depicts an exemplary artist impression of 11.4-inch displays linked together in a daisy-chained architecture on a shelf, in accordance with an exemplary scenario. The 11.4inch displays of Figure 4 may be the display units 208A-N of Figure 2. As shown in Figure 4, 15 display units are arranged in shelves of a store, where 3 display units are placed per shelf. The 15 display units are driven by a single microcontroller 204 (not shown in Figure 4). The functionality of the 15 display units driven by the microcontroller 204 is explained under the description of Figures 2-3 above.
Figure 5 depicts an exemplary daisy-chain architecture using 1.54-inch displays, in accordance with an exemplary scenario. The 1.54-inch displays of Figure 5 may be the display units 208A-N of Figure 2. As shown in Figure 5, the display units 208A-N are physically linked together using a ribbon cable 502. Ribbon cables 502 are lighter, more compact, and easier to handle and splice. Ribbon cables 502 are also very cost-effective when compared to other fiber cables.
Figure 6 is a flow diagram depicting the steps involved in the method 600 of operating the display apparatus 200, in accordance with an embodiment. In an embodiment, the display apparatus 200 of the present invention may be used in shelves of stores for displaying prices of items present in the shelf. In several exemplary scenarios the display apparatus 200 may be used to display changes in product prices, any offers/discounts/promotions available for the respective products, display name tag, medical report in a bedside card for hospital industry, and the like. The display apparatus 200 comprises an display controller 202 and a plurality of display units 208A-N. The display controller 202 includes a microcontroller 204 and one or more support components 206. In an example, the microcontroller 204 may be 16 bits, 32 bits, or 64 bits. The microcontroller 204 is hidden behind or placed under the shelf in which the products are placed. Further, each display unit of the plurality of display units 208A-N include an display 210, a flip-flop 212, and one or more supporting components 214.
At step 602, the display controller 202 establishes a communication with the plurality of display units 208A-N. The display controller 202 establishes communication with 10 the plurality of display units 208A-N using three main communication pins. The communication pins are a CLK (clock) communication pin, a DATA communication pin, and a CS (clock-set) communication pin. An display unit receives instructions from the microcontroller 204 of the display 15 controller 202 via the CLK and DATA pins.
At step 604, one display unit from the plurality of display units 208A-N is selected to drive by shifting data. An display unit receives instructions from the microcontroller 204 of the display controller 202 via the CLK and DATA pins. These instructions received correspond to instructions for shifting data into one display unit of the plurality of display units 208A-N. An display will only execute these instructions if the display is enabled via the CS pin (if the CS pin is HIGH). The microcontroller 204 of the display controller 202 stops shifting data into one display unit of the plurality of display units 208A-N when the CS communication pin is LOW.
At step 606, data is shifted in to the flip-flop 212 of the selected display unit. The selected display unit will have its CS pin set to HIGH. The display controller 202 sets the selected display unit's CS pin via the flip-flop 212 of the selected display unit. Each display unit's flip-flops 212 are connected to each other in serial, forming a shift-register. The display controller 202 is connected to the start of this shift-register, and is able to shift data into it. The display controller 202 selects an display unit by shifting data into this shift-register, until the selected display unit's flip-flop 212 is HIGH, and the other non-selected display unit's flip-flops 212 are LOW. For example, assuming the display daisy-chain system includes four display units. To select the third display unit, the display controller 202 would shift in the data '0010' into the shift-register. Thus, the third display unit's flip-flop has the value of 1, and the other display unit's flip-flops have the value of 0.
The method 600 requires only a single microcontroller 204 to drive the plurality of display units 208A-N. In one embodiment, the microcontroller 204 may drive up to 255 display units. Hence, shelves in stores would require only display controller 202 to drive all the display units 208A-N. The EPS daisy-system architecture is cost-effective because it is able to reduce the overall hardware cost by approximately 30%.
As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention may easily be produced in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered as merely illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims (11)

  1. CLAIMS1. An electronic display apparatus (200) comprising: an display controller (202) including a microcontroller (204) and one or more supporting components (206); and a plurality of display units (208A-N) communicatively coupled to the display controller (202), wherein the plurality of display units (208A-N) are linked together using ribbon cables, and wherein each display unit of the plurality of display units (208A-N) includes an display (210), a flip-flop (212), and one or more supporting documents (214), wherein the display controller (202) selects one display unit from the plurality of display units (208A-N) to drive by shifting data into the flip-flop (212) of the selected display unit until the flip-flop (212) is HIGH, and the flip-flops of the non-selected display units of the plurality of display units (208A-N) are LOW.
  2. 2. The display apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display controller (202) communicates with the plurality of display units (208A-N) using a CLK (clock) communication pin, a DATA communication pin, and a CS (clock-set) communication pin.
  3. 3. The display apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the microcontroller (204) of the display controller (202) shifts data into one display unit of the plurality of display units (208A-N) via the CLK communication path and the DATA communication path.
  4. 4. The display apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the microcontroller (204) of the display controller (202) shifts data into one display unit of the plurality of display units (208A-N) when the CS communication pin is HIGH.
  5. 5. The display apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the microcontroller (204) of the display controller (202) stops shifting data into one display unit of the plurality of display units (208A-N) when the CS communication pin is LOW.
  6. 6. The display apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each flip-flop (212) of the plurality of display units (208A-N) are serially connected with each other, forming a shift register.
  7. 7. The display apparatus (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display controller (202) individually drives up to 255 display units.
  8. 8. A method (600) for operating an electronic display (display) apparatus (200), the method (600) comprising: establishing (602) communication between an display controller (202) and a plurality of display units (208A-N) using a CLK (clock) communication pin, a DATA communication pin, and a CS (clock-set) communication pin, wherein the display controller (202) includes a microcontroller (204) and one or more supporting components (206), and wherein each display unit of the plurality of display units (208A-B) includes an display (210), a flip-flop (212), and one or more supporting documents (214); selecting (604) one display unit from the plurality of display units (208A-N) to drive by shifting data when the CS communication pin is HIGH; and shifting (606) data into the flip-flop (212) of the selected display unit until the flip-flop (212) is HIGH, and the flip-flops of the non-selected display units of the plurality of display units (208A-N) are LOW.
  9. 9. The method (600) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the microcontroller (204) of the display controller (202) stops shifting data into one display unit of the plurality of display units (208A-N) when the CS communication pin is LOW.
  10. 10. The method (600) as claimed in claim 8, wherein each flip-flop (212) of the plurality of display units (208A-N) are serially connected with each other, forming a shift register.
  11. 11. The method (600) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the display controller (202) individually drives up to 255 display units.
GB2301807.0A 2022-02-09 2023-02-09 Electronic display apparatus and method Pending GB2617667A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
MYPI2022000716 2022-02-09

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