JP2017167241A - Multiple display, display device used therein, information processing program, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

CONSTITUTION: A multiple display 1 displays an image that corresponds to image data stored in an external storage medium 40 on the whole of a screen constituted with a plurality of daisy chained display devices 10 (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d). Each of the plurality of display devices stores connection information including the general configuration of the multiple display and its own arrangement position in the multiple display, and transfers image data except for a portion displayed on a display unit (20) of its own to a display device of the subsequent stage on the basis of the general configuration and arrangement position included in the connection information. Each display device also outputs, to the display unit, the whole or part of image data, out of the image data received from a display device of the preceding stage, that corresponds to the general configuration and arrangement position included in the connection information.EFFECT: Since unnecessary image data is deleted by a display device of the subsequent stage as the data is transferred, it is possible to reduce the time needed for data transfer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a multi-display, a display device used therefor, an information processing program, and an information processing method, and more particularly, for example, a multi-display for displaying an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium, and a display used for the multi-display The present invention relates to an apparatus, an information processing program, and an information processing method.

  In the information display device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a plurality of displays are connected in a daisy chain to the video controller. The video controller is divided into a first screen configuration information holding unit that holds connection information, and a video division processing unit that divides video content into video information to be displayed by each display according to the connection information. And a first communication unit that transmits a video signal including the video information to each display. Each display includes a second communication unit that can transfer a video signal to the next display, a second screen configuration information holding unit that holds its own terminal position information, acquired information amount information, and connection information, and held information A video extraction processing unit that extracts video information to be displayed on the display from the video signal, and a display unit that displays the extracted video information.

  In addition, the multi-monitor system disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a plurality of display devices, and an arrangement position information setting unit is attached to each display device. Each of the plurality of arrangement position information setting units stores the number of horizontal monitors, the number of vertical monitors, and the monitor installation number. Therefore, each display device determines the arrangement position in the multi-monitor system by fetching the number of horizontal monitors, the number of vertical monitors, and the monitor installation number from the arrangement position information setting unit, and a screen adapted to the determined position. Is displayed.

JP 2012-124759 A WO 2014/115298 A1

  In each of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, one video (moving image) output from the video controller is displayed on a plurality of displays (multi-monitors), and an image (still image) in an external memory is displayed. There is no consideration for displaying images on a multi-monitor one by one.

  Further, in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary for a video controller to divide video content into video information to be displayed on each display according to connection information, it takes time and processing costs to divide video content. End up.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, each of a plurality of display devices constituting a multi-monitor system determines its own arrangement position among video signals output from the video controller, and displays a screen adapted to the determined position. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time and processing cost for dividing the video, but since it is necessary to transmit the video signal output from the video controller to all display devices, it takes time to transmit data. There is a problem of end.

  As described above, in either case, it takes time to display the video on the multi-monitor.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel display device, information processing program, and information processing method.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a display device, an information processing program, and an information processing method capable of shortening the time until an image stored in an external memory is displayed on a multi-display.

  A first invention is a multi-display that displays an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium on the entire screen constituted by a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy chain. Each of the plurality of display devices includes storage means, transmission / reception means, determination means, transfer means, and display control means. The storage means stores connection information including the overall configuration of the multi-display and its own arrangement position on the multi-display. The transmission / reception means transmits / receives data to / from another display device. The determining means determines whether or not a subsequent display device exists. When the determination unit determines that the subsequent display device is present, the transfer unit determines the image data excluding the portion to be displayed on its display unit based on the overall configuration and the arrangement position included in the connection information. The data is transferred to the subsequent display device using the transmission / reception means. The display control means outputs a part or all of the image data corresponding to the entire configuration and the arrangement position included in the connection information among the image data received from the display device in the previous stage to the display unit.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, unnecessary image data is deleted from the transferred image data in the subsequent display device. Therefore, the data is more than when transferring the image data stored in the storage medium to all the display devices. The time required for transfer can be reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the time required for displaying an image corresponding to the image data stored in the external memory as a single image on the multi-display.

  The second invention is the same as the first invention except that the contents of the transfer means are different. Specifically, in the transfer unit, when the determination unit determines that the subsequent display device exists, and the arrangement position of the subsequent display device satisfies a predetermined condition, the transfer unit is not displayed after the subsequent display device. The image data excluding the portion is transferred to the subsequent display device using the transmission / reception means.

  In the second invention as well, similar to the first invention, it is possible to shorten the time until an image corresponding to the image data stored in the external memory is displayed as a single image on the multi-display.

  A third invention is dependent on the first or second invention, and among the plurality of display devices, the display device connected to the foremost stage functions as a parent device, and the display devices other than the parent device are slave devices. Function as. The last slave unit further includes a reception notifying unit that, when receiving the image data transferred by the transfer unit of the preceding slave unit, transmits a reception completion notification notifying that the image data has been received to the master unit. The parent device further includes reception completion notification receiving means for receiving the reception completion notification transmitted by the reception notification means.

  A fourth invention is dependent on the third invention, and the master unit further includes display instruction means for instructing all the slave units to display image data when receiving the reception completion notification from the last slave unit. . The display control means of the slave unit outputs part or all of the image data to the display unit in accordance with the instruction from the display instruction means.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, in response to receiving the reception completion notification from the last slave unit, the master unit instructs all slave units to display image data. The time lag when displaying can be reduced as much as possible.

  A fifth invention is dependent on any one of the second to fourth inventions, and the predetermined condition is that when a plurality of display devices arranged in the horizontal direction are connected in a daisy chain in series, the display device in the rear stage is The line is different from its own line. Therefore, when the multi-display is formed in a quadrangular shape, an image corresponding to image data excluding a portion that is not displayed after the subsequent display device is also formed in a quadrangular shape.

  According to the fifth aspect, since the shape of the image corresponding to the transferred image data is a square shape, the management of the image data is simple.

  The sixth invention is dependent on any one of the second to fourth inventions, and the predetermined condition is that when a plurality of display devices arranged in the vertical direction are connected in a daisy chain in series, The lined up line is different from the lined up line.

  In the sixth invention, as in the fifth invention, management of image data is simple.

  A seventh aspect of the invention is a display device used for a multi-display that displays an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium on the entire screen composed of a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy chain. Whether there is a storage means for storing connection information including the entire configuration of the multi-display and its arrangement position in the multi-display, a transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data to / from other display devices, and a subsequent display device. An image excluding a portion to be displayed on its own display unit based on the overall configuration and the arrangement position included in the connection information when the determination unit determines whether there is a subsequent display device. Transfer means for transferring data to the subsequent display device using transmission / reception means, and image data received from the previous display device Chi, comprising display control means for outputting to the display unit part or all of the image data corresponding to the overall structure and arrangement position included in the connection information is a display device.

  An eighth invention is a display device used for a multi-display that displays an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium on the entire screen composed of a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy chain. Whether there is a storage means for storing connection information including the entire configuration of the multi-display and its arrangement position in the multi-display, a transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data to / from other display devices, and a subsequent display device. When it is determined by the determination means and the determination means that the subsequent display device exists and the arrangement position of the subsequent display device satisfies a predetermined condition, a portion that is not displayed after the subsequent display device is displayed. Transfer means for transferring image data to be removed to the subsequent display device using the transmission / reception means, and images received from the previous display device Among the data, and a display control means for outputting to the display unit part or all of the image data corresponding to the overall structure and arrangement position included in the connection information is a display device.

  A ninth invention is used for a multi-display that displays an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium on the entire screen composed of a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy chain. An information processing program executed by the display device comprising a storage means for storing connection information including the overall configuration of the display device and its arrangement position on the multi-display, and a transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data to / from another display device In the determination step for determining whether or not a subsequent display device exists in the processor of the display device, the overall configuration and arrangement included in the connection information when it is determined in the determination step that the subsequent display device exists. Based on the position, the image data excluding the portion to be displayed on its own display unit is transmitted to and received from the subsequent display device. A transfer step of transferring using the means, and a display for outputting a part or all of the image data corresponding to the entire configuration and arrangement position included in the connection information among the image data received from the display device of the previous stage to the display unit An information processing program for executing a control step.

  A tenth aspect of the invention is used for a multi-display that displays an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium on the entire screen composed of a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy chain. An information processing program executed by the display device comprising a storage means for storing connection information including the overall configuration of the display device and its arrangement position on the multi-display, and a transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data to / from another display device In the determination step for determining whether or not the subsequent display device exists in the processor of the display device, it is determined in the determination step that the subsequent display device exists, and the arrangement position of the subsequent display device is determined to be a predetermined value. If the condition is satisfied, image data excluding the portion that is not displayed after the display device in the subsequent stage is displayed in the table in the subsequent stage. A transfer step for transferring to the apparatus using a transmission / reception means, and among the image data received from the previous display apparatus, a part or all of the image data corresponding to the entire configuration and arrangement position included in the connection information is displayed on the display unit. An information processing program for executing a display control step for output.

  An eleventh aspect of the invention is used in a multi-display that displays an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium on the entire screen composed of a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy chain. An information processing method for the display device, comprising storage means for storing connection information including the overall configuration of the multi-display and its arrangement position in the multi-display, and transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data to / from another display device, (A) When it is determined whether or not a subsequent display device exists, and (b) when it is determined that a subsequent display device exists in (a), based on the overall configuration and arrangement position included in the connection information The image data excluding the portion to be displayed on its own display unit is transferred to the subsequent display device using the transmission / reception means, and (c) the previous display device Among the image data received from and outputted to the display unit part or all of the image data corresponding to the overall structure and arrangement position included in the connection information, an information processing method.

  A twelfth aspect of the invention is used for a multi-display that displays an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium on the entire screen composed of a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy chain. An information processing method executed by the display device including storage means for storing connection information including the overall configuration of the display device and its arrangement position on the multi-display, and transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data to / from another display device (A) It is determined whether or not a subsequent display device exists, and (b) or (a) is determined that there is a subsequent display device, and the arrangement position of the subsequent display device is a predetermined condition. If the above condition is satisfied, the image data excluding the portion that is not displayed after the latter display device is transferred to the latter display device using the transmission / reception means, and (C) among the image data received from the preceding display device, and outputs a part or the display unit all of the image data corresponding to the overall structure and arrangement position included in the connection information, an information processing method.

  In the seventh to twelfth inventions, similarly to the first invention, it is possible to shorten the time until an image corresponding to the image data stored in the external memory is displayed as a single image on the multi-display. .

  According to the present invention, by reducing the time required for data transfer, it is possible to shorten the time until an image corresponding to the image data stored in the external memory is displayed as a single image on the multi-display.

  The above object, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1A is an illustrative view showing an example of a connection mode of a multi-display of the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is an illustrative view for explaining a display panel of the multi-display shown in FIG. It is. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the display device of the first embodiment. 3A is an illustrative view showing an example of a display image displayed on the multi-display, and FIG. 3B is an illustrative view for explaining the image size of the display image shown in FIG. 3A. . FIG. 4A is an illustrative view showing an example of an original image read from an image file stored in the external memory by the parent device, and FIG. 4B is transferred from the first parent device to the second child device. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of a difference image. FIG. 5A is an illustrative view showing an example of a difference image transferred from the second child device to the third child device, and FIG. 5B shows transfer from the third child device to the last child device. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the difference image performed. FIG. 6A is an illustrative view showing an example of a display image displayed on the first parent device, and FIG. 6B is an illustrative view showing an example of a display image displayed on the second child device. . FIG. 7A is an illustrative view showing an example of a display image displayed on the third slave unit, and FIG. 7B is an illustrative view showing an example of a display image of the slave unit displayed on the fourth. is there. FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of the RAM shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of image transfer processing of the CPU of the parent device. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of image transfer processing of the CPU of the slave unit. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of image display processing of the CPU of the parent device. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of image display processing of the slave unit CPU. FIG. 13 is an illustrative view showing one example of a connection mode of the multi-display of the second embodiment. FIG. 14A is an illustrative view showing one example of an original image read by the first parent device and a display image displayed by the parent device shown in the second embodiment, and FIG. 14B shows the second embodiment. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the difference image received with the 2nd subunit | mobile_unit shown to this, and the display image displayed with this subunit | mobile_unit. FIG. 15A is an illustrative view showing an example of a difference image received by the third slave unit of the second embodiment and a display image displayed by the slave unit, and FIG. 15B shows the second embodiment. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the difference image received with the 4th subunit | mobile_unit of an example, and the display image displayed with this subunit | mobile_unit. FIG. 16 is an illustrative view showing an example of a display panel in the case where the display devices are multi-displays according to the third embodiment and each display device is connected in a horizontal priority manner. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of image transfer processing of the CPU of the parent device in the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of image transfer processing of the CPU of the slave unit in the third embodiment.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing a configuration of a multi-display 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 (A) is an illustrative diagram for explaining a connection mode of a plurality of display devices 10 constituting the multi-display 1. FIG. 1B is an illustrative view for explaining the configuration of the multi-display 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-display 1 includes a plurality of (in this first embodiment, four) display devices 10, and the plurality of display devices 10 are connected in series using a cable 3 (daisy chain connection). ) In the first embodiment, when viewed from the front, the four display devices 10 are daisy chain-connected in the clockwise order with the display device 10 at the upper left as the parent device. In the first embodiment, the master unit is arranged at the head (frontmost stage) when daisy chain connection is established. However, the three display devices 10 other than the master unit function as slave units.

  In the following, for convenience of explanation, in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the display device 10 arranged at the upper left is called the display device 10a or the parent device 10a, and the display device arranged at the upper right. 10 is referred to as a display device 10b or a slave device 10b, the display device 10 disposed in the lower left is referred to as a display device 10c or a slave device 10c, and the display device 10 disposed in the lower right is referred to as a display device 10d or a slave device 10d. I will decide.

  However, when it is not necessary to distinguish the display devices 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, they are simply referred to as the display device 10.

  In this manner, the display devices 10a to 10d are daisy chain connected, and data transfer is performed by the bucket relay method. Therefore, information (data) can be transmitted and received between the display device 10a and the display device 10b, between the display device 10b and the display device 10d, and between the display device 10d and the display device 10c.

  For example, the cable 3 is a cable for Thunderbolt (registered trademark) 3 and can transmit and receive not only image data but also a control signal (command). However, as the cable 3, a USB Type-C cable can also be used. In this USB Type-C, two signal lines after USB 3.0 are provided, and one USB 2.0 signal line is provided.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in the multi-display 1, two display devices 10 are arranged two by two in the vertical and horizontal directions. That is, the array of the four display devices 10 is 2 × 2. Also, the four display devices 10 are fixed using a frame (not shown), and the four display panels constituting each display unit 20 of the four display devices 10 are arranged without a gap so that one large screen is displayed. A display panel 1a is formed.

  In the first embodiment, the multi-display 1 in which four display devices 10 are connected in a daisy chain will be described. However, the multi-display 1 in which five or more display devices 10 are connected in a daisy chain may be configured. Good.

  When such a multi-display 1 is viewed from the front, if the arrangement position (position information) of each display device 10 is expressed by row and column elements as in the matrix, in the example shown in FIG. The arrangement position of the display device 10 arranged in the upper left (upper left) is set to (1, 1). Further, the arrangement position of the display device 10 arranged at the upper right (upper right) is set to (1, 2). Further, the arrangement position of the display device 10 arranged in the lower left (lower left) is set to (2, 1). Furthermore, the arrangement position of the display device 10 arranged in the lower right (lower right) is set to (2, 2).

  Such a multi-display 1 reads image data from an image file stored in an external memory 40 such as a USB memory, and one image corresponding to the read image data (hereinafter referred to as “original image”). Is displayed on the display panel 1a.

  In this case, the original image is divided into images to be displayed on each display device 10 in advance, and image data (hereinafter referred to as “divided image data”) corresponding to the divided images (hereinafter referred to as “divided image data”). It is possible to transmit to the display device 10 and display a divided image corresponding to the divided image data on each display device 10.

  Alternatively, each display device 10 constituting the multi-display 1 stores the configuration of the multi-display 1 and its arrangement position on the multi-display 1, and image data corresponding to the original image (hereinafter, referred to as “image data”) is stored in all the display devices 10. It is also conceivable to transmit “original image data”), cut out a portion (area) to be displayed on each display device 10 from the original image, and display the cut image.

  In the former case, since the original image needs to be divided in advance, when the image data is read from the image file stored in the external memory 40, for example, such a dividing process is executed by the parent device 10a. This is necessary, and the processing load of the parent device 10a is higher than that of the child devices 10b to 10d.

  In the latter case, since the original image data is transmitted to all the display devices 10, it takes time to transmit the original image data. In this case as well, until the original image is displayed on the multi-display 1. It takes a considerable amount of time. Such inconvenience becomes more pronounced as the number of display devices 10 increases.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the original image is not divided in advance, and the time required for transmitting the image data is reduced, and the time until the original image read from the image file is displayed on the multi-display 1 is reduced. It is like that.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of the display device 10 shown in FIG. In the first embodiment, the plurality of display devices 10 constituting the multi-display 1 are all configured in the same manner regardless of the parent device 10a and the child devices 10b, 10c, and 10d.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the display device 10 includes a CPU 12, which is connected to a RAM 14, a display driving unit 16, a first communication unit 18 a, a second communication unit 18 b, and a memory interface (memory I / O) via a bus 30. F) 22 is connected. A display unit 20 is connected to the display drive unit 16.

  Although not shown, the display device 10 is also provided with a nonvolatile memory such as an HDD or a ROM, and is connected to the CPU 12 via the bus 30.

  The CPU 12 governs overall control of the display device 10. The RAM 14 is used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 12.

  The display driving unit 16 is a controller for generating and outputting image data corresponding to an image displayed on the display unit 20. The display unit 20 includes a display panel and a backlight, and outputs image data given from the display driving unit 16.

  The first communication unit 18a and the second communication unit 18b are interfaces for communicating with other display devices 10 or other computers, respectively. In the first embodiment, an interface such as Thunderbolt 3 or USB Type-C is used. Can be used.

  In the first embodiment, the first communication unit 18a is connected to the display device 10 in the previous stage of the display device 10, and the second communication unit 18b is connected to the display device 10 in the subsequent stage of the display device 10. The Therefore, the display device 10 is not connected to the first communication unit 18a of the parent device 10a. Moreover, the display apparatus 10 is not connected to the 2nd communication part 18b of the subunit | mobile_unit 10c.

  The memory I / F 22 is an interface for communicating with an external memory 40 such as a USB memory.

  The external memory 40 need not be limited to a USB memory. For example, the external memory 40 may be a general-purpose memory card such as an SD card, a memory stick, a multimedia card (registered trademark), or another storage medium such as an external HDD. However, the connection part (not shown) provided in the display device 10 is appropriately changed according to the external memory 40 to be used. For example, when an SD card is used, a card slot is provided. Alternatively, a configuration in which a plurality of types of storage media can be mounted on the display device 10 may be adopted. In such a case, the display device 10 is provided with a plurality of connection portions for mounting various storage media.

  However, when an SD card, a memory card, a memory stick, or a multimedia card is used as the external memory 40, an interface corresponding to that is provided.

  The external memory 40 stores image files. This image file is data generated in a predetermined file format (for example, JPEG format). Therefore, for example, attribute information related to the original image such as the image size (image width and image height) of the original image is included in the Exif data included in the image file. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the attribute information including the image size may be stored in the external memory 40 in association with the original image data as meta information of the original image data.

  Although illustration is omitted, the display device 10 has interfaces (DisplayPort, HDMI (registered trademark), DVI, and D-SUB) for inputting video (or image) and audio data provided from another computer. Etc.) are also provided.

  Moreover, in this 1st Example, although the some display apparatus 10 which comprises the multi display 1 is set as the same structure, it does not need to be limited to this. In the base unit 10a, the first communication unit 18a can be omitted. Further, in the slave units 10b, 10c, and 10d, the memory I / F 22 can be omitted. Furthermore, the second communication unit 18b can be omitted in the last child device (the child device 10c in the first embodiment).

  In the multi-display 1 having such a configuration, when the external memory 40 is attached to the display device 10 (parent device 10a), the CPU 12 of the parent device 10a reads image data from the image file stored in the external memory 40. And once stored in the RAM 14.

  FIG. 3A is an illustrative view showing an example of a display image displayed on the multi-display 1, and FIG. 3B is an illustrative view showing an example of an image size of an original image read from an image file.

  In FIG. 3B, vertical and horizontal straight lines that divide the original image (display image) are indicated by dotted lines (the same applies to FIGS. 4A and 4B and FIGS. 5A and 5B). However, this is for easy understanding of the portion displayed on each display device 10, and such a dotted line does not actually exist.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the display image includes four different figures. This display image is an example and should not be limited. Further, in the first embodiment, four different graphics are arranged side by side in order to make it easy to understand the portion (hereinafter referred to as “partial image”) displayed on each display device 10 in the display image. The displayed image is shown. However, this display image corresponds to the original image read from the image file.

  For example, the multi-display 1 has a screen size capable of displaying an original image of a predetermined image size on the entire display panel 1a. In the first embodiment, the multi-display 1 is stored in the external memory 40 as shown in FIG. The image size of the original image corresponding to the original image data read from the read image file is 4K (3840 pixels × 2160 pixels). However, as described above, the image size is acquired with reference to the Exif data.

  Therefore, when the display image (original image) shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is divided by vertical and horizontal straight lines passing through the center thereof, the upper left partial image is shown in FIG. 1B (1, 1). Displayed on the base unit 10a. Further, when the display image is divided as described above, the upper right partial image shown in FIG. 3B is displayed on the slave unit 10b arranged at (1, 2) shown in FIG. 1B. Further, when the display image is divided as described above, the lower left partial image shown in FIG. 3B is displayed on the child device 10c arranged at (2, 1) shown in FIG. 1B. Furthermore, when the display image is divided as described above, the lower right partial image shown in FIG. 3 (B) is displayed on the slave unit 10d arranged at (2, 2) shown in FIG. 1 (B). .

  In each display device 10, the image data once stored in the RAM 14 is developed in a back buffer of the VRAM 16 b built in the display driving unit 16. Part or all of the image data developed in the back buffer is copied to the front buffer of the VRAM 16b, and the image data copied to the front buffer is output to the display unit 20, and the display device 10 in the subsequent stage is connected. In this case, the image data expanded in the back buffer is transferred to the display device 10 at the subsequent stage.

  However, since the image displayed on the subsequent display device 10 is a part of the original image corresponding to the original image data read from the external memory 40, the original image data is transferred to all subsequent display devices 10. Then, as described above, it takes time for communication, and it takes time for the display image (original image) to be displayed on the multi-display 1.

  In order to avoid such an inconvenience, in the first embodiment, the display device 10 receives the image data transferred from the preceding display device 10 and expands it in the back buffer. The image data obtained by subtracting the image data of the partial image to be transferred (hereinafter referred to as “difference image data”) is transferred to the display device 10 at the subsequent stage.

  FIG. 4A shows an original image read by the parent device 10 a from the external memory 40. As described above, in the first embodiment, base unit 10a displays the upper left partial image of the original image. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 4B, a difference image obtained by subtracting image data corresponding to a partial image displayed by itself from the original image data is connected to the parent device 10a from the parent device 10a. Is transferred to the machine 10b.

  In FIG. 4B (the same applies to FIGS. 5A and 5B), vertical and horizontal straight lines that divide the difference image are indicated by dotted lines, and part of the outline corresponding to the original image is also indicated by dotted lines. However, this is shown in order to express how the size is reduced each time an image is transferred, and such a dotted line does not actually exist.

  When receiving the difference image data from the parent device 10a, the child device 10b develops the difference image data in the back buffer of the VRAM 16b and subtracts the image data corresponding to the partial image displayed by itself from the received difference image data. Transfer to the slave unit 10d.

  When receiving the difference image data from the child device 10b, the child device 10d expands the difference image data in the back buffer of the VRAM 16b, and subtracts the image data corresponding to the partial image displayed by itself from the received difference image data. It transfers to the subunit | mobile_unit 10c.

  When receiving the difference image data from the child device 10d, the child device 10c develops it in the back buffer of the VRAM 16b. However, since the child device 10c is the last display device 10 among the plurality of display devices 10 connected in a daisy chain, the difference image data is not transferred.

  As described above, when image data (difference image data) is transferred to all the slave units (in the first embodiment, slave units 10b to 10d), the image display process is executed. For this reason, in the first embodiment, when the slave image 10c at the end receives the difference image data from the slave device 10d at the previous stage, it notifies the master device 10a of the reception. When receiving the notification from the last child device 10c, the parent device 10a executes image display processing and instructs each child device 10b to 10d to display an image (transmits a display request). Therefore, an original image (display image) corresponding to the original image data read from the external memory 40 is displayed on the multi-display 1.

  Here, the image display processing in each display device 10 will be specifically described. FIG. 6 (A) is an illustrative view for explaining a partial image displayed on the parent device 10a, and FIG. 6 (B) is an illustrative view for explaining a partial image displayed on the child device 10b. 7A is an illustrative view for explaining a partial image displayed on the slave unit 10d, and FIG. 7B is an illustrative view for explaining a partial image displayed on the slave unit 10c. is there.

  6A, 6B, and 7A, portions of the original image or the difference image developed in the back buffer that are not displayed on the display unit 20 are hatched. . Further, in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B, the outlines of the original image and the difference image are indicated by bold lines to be distinguished from the coordinate axes.

  In addition, the original image and the difference image are basically arranged so that the upper left vertex of the images is arranged at the position of the origin O set in the back buffer from the first line (the uppermost line) to the last line. The back buffer is expanded up to the line (the bottom line). However, in the difference image developed in the back buffer of the slave unit 10b, the top left vertex of the image does not exist, but since the image exists in a part of the top line, this difference image is also based on the origin O. , The first line to the last line are expanded in the back buffer.

  Further, in the coordinate system set in the back buffer, the x axis is set in the horizontal direction with respect to the origin O, and the y axis is set in the vertical direction with respect to the origin O. Further, the positive direction of the x axis is the right direction of the drawing, and the positive direction of the y axis is the downward direction of the drawing. The same applies hereinafter. Although not shown, the same coordinate system is set for the front buffer.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the base unit 10a displays the upper left partial image when the original image is divided into four. That is, in the display drive unit 16 of the base unit 10a, the GPU 16a includes a length (width) of 1920 pixels from the origin O to the x-axis direction and an origin O to the y-axis direction in the original image developed in the back buffer. A partial image having a length (height) of 1080 pixels is copied to the front buffer and displayed on the display panel of the display unit 20.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the slave unit 10b displays the upper partial image among the difference images transferred from the master unit 10a. However, this upper partial image corresponds to the upper right image when the original image is divided into four. In the display drive unit 16 of the child device 10b, the GPU 16a includes a length (width) of 1920 pixels in the x-axis direction from the 1920th pixel of the x component in the difference image developed in the back buffer, and the origin O to y A partial image having a length (height) of 1080 pixels in the axial direction is copied to the front buffer and displayed on the display panel of the display unit 20.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, in the slave unit 10d, the right partial image of the difference images transferred from the slave unit 10b is displayed. However, this right partial image corresponds to the lower right image when the original image is divided into four. In the display drive unit 16 of the child device 10d, the GPU 16a includes a length (width) of 1920 pixels in the x-axis direction from the 1920th pixel of the x component in the difference image developed in the back buffer, and the origin O to y A partial image having a length (height) of 1080 pixels in the axial direction is copied to the front buffer and displayed on the display panel of the display unit 20.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the slave unit 10c, the difference image transferred from the slave unit 10d is displayed as a partial image as it is. However, this partial image corresponds to the lower left image when the original image is divided into four. In the display drive unit 16 of the slave unit 10c, the GPU 16a is developed in the back buffer, and the length (width) of 1920 pixels in the x-axis direction from the origin O and the length of 1080 pixels in the y-axis direction from the origin O ( The difference image (partial image) having a height) is copied to the front buffer, and all the copied difference images (partial images) are displayed on the display panel of the display unit 20.

  In the first embodiment, the CPU 12 follows a range or region to be displayed on its own display device 10 according to the formulas 1 and 2, that is, a partial image read start position (display start coordinates), a partial image width, and The height of the partial image is calculated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the multi-display 1 is viewed from the front, the following Equations 1 and 2 preferentially connect the display devices 10 arranged in the horizontal direction with the parent device 10a at the top, When all of the display devices 10 in the horizontal row (column) are connected, the display devices 10 in the next row (column) are connected in a daisy chain (hereinafter referred to as “horizontal priority connection”). Applies to That is, in the horizontal priority connection, a plurality of display devices 10 arranged in the horizontal direction are connected in series. In the first embodiment, in the multi-display 1, the display device 10 arranged at the upper left is determined as the parent device 10a.

  In Equation 1, x_start is the display start coordinate of the x axis. Further, in Equation 1, sum_column is the number of horizontal columns of the multi-display 1 (the number of display devices 10 arranged in the horizontal direction), and is “2” in the first embodiment. Further, in Equation 1, width is the number of pixels of the width of the image displayed on the target display device 10. Furthermore, in Equation 1, pic_width is the number of pixels of the width of the original image (display image) displayed on the multi-display 1, and in this first embodiment, the image size of the original image is 4K, so pic_width is 3840. It is. Self_column is the number of columns in which the target display device 10 is arranged, and is determined with the parent device 10a as the first column.

In Equation 2, y_start is a display start coordinate of the y-axis. As can be seen from the above description, y_start is always 0 in the case of horizontal priority connection. In Equation 2, height is the number of pixels at the height of the image displayed on the target display device 10. Further, in Equation 2, pic_height is the number of pixels at the height of the original image (display image) displayed on the multi-display 1. In this first embodiment, the image size of the original image is 4K, so pic_height is 2160. It is. In Formula 2, sum_row is the number of vertical stages of the multi-display 1 (the number of display devices 10 arranged in the vertical direction), and is “2” in the first embodiment.
[Equation 1]
x_start = (self_column-1) * width
width = pic_width / sum_column
[Equation 2]
y_start = 0
heigt = pic_height / sum_row
In this way, each display device 10 calculates a range or region to be displayed on its own display device 10. Therefore, as described above, when an image is transferred, the range to be displayed on its own display device 10 is also calculated according to Equation 1 and Equation 2, and an image in the range to be displayed from the received original image or difference image is obtained. Deducted.

  FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map 300 of the RAM 14 shown in FIG. However, in the first embodiment, the display device 10 is controlled to be operable as a parent device or a child device. Therefore, the program and data stored in the RAM 14 are programs and data that can operate as a parent device or a child device.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the RAM 14 includes a program storage area 302 and a data storage area 304. In the program storage area 302, a program (information processing) for reading original image data from an image file stored in the external memory 40 and displaying the original image corresponding to the read original image data on the display panel 1a of the multi-display 1 is displayed. Program). In the first embodiment, the information processing program includes a communication program 302a, a display program 302b, a decode program 302c, a data extraction program 302d, a data transfer program 302e, and the like.

  The communication program 302a is a program for communicating with another display device 10 or another computer. The display program 302b is a program for displaying an image on the display panel of the display unit 20 using the image data stored in the image data buffer 304a. Specifically, according to the display program 302b, under the instruction from the CPU 12, the GPU 16a expands the image data stored in the image data buffer 304a in the back buffer of the VRAM 16b, and part or all of the image data in the back buffer. Is output to the display unit 20 after being copied to the front buffer. However, part or all of the image data to be copied to the front buffer is calculated according to Equation 1 and Equation 2.

  The decode program 302c is a program for reading the original image data from the image file stored in the external memory 40, temporarily storing it in the image data buffer 304a, and expanding it in the back buffer of the VRAM 16b. The data extraction program 302d is a program for extracting difference image data obtained by subtracting partial image data of a partial image displayed on the display device 10 itself from image data developed in the back buffer. As described above, the partial image (range) displayed by the display device itself is calculated according to Equation 1 and Equation 2.

  The data transfer program 302e is a program for transferring (transmitting) the differential image data extracted according to the data extraction program 302d to the subsequent display device 10 by communicating according to the communication program 302a. The data transfer program 302e is a program for performing relay transmission from the end display device 10 to notify the master unit 10a that the transfer has been completed to the end display device 10 by communicating according to the communication program 302a. is there.

  Although illustration is omitted, the program storage area 302 also stores other programs necessary for displaying the original image on the multi-display 1.

  In the data storage area 304, an image data buffer 304a is provided. The data storage area 304 stores configuration data 304b. The image data buffer 304a temporarily stores image data to be transmitted / received. However, in the master unit 10a, image data read (decoded) from the image file stored in the external memory 40 is temporarily stored.

  The configuration data 304b is data about the overall configuration of the multi-display 1, the arrangement position of the display device 10 itself in the multi-display 1, and the connection method (in the first embodiment, horizontal priority connection). However, the overall configuration is the number and arrangement (the number of horizontal stages and the number of vertical stages) of the display devices 10 included in the multi-display 1. Further, the arrangement position is the number of rows and columns of the display device 10 itself in the arrangement of the multi-display 1.

  Although illustration is omitted, other data necessary for displaying the original image on the multi-display 1 is stored, or a flag and a timer (counter) necessary for displaying the original image on the multi-display 1 are provided. To do.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of image transfer processing of the CPU 12 of the parent device 10a. However, as described above, a part of the image transfer process is executed by the GPU 16a under the instruction of the CPU 12.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when starting the image transfer process, the CPU 12 of the parent device 10a determines whether a display request for the image file in the external memory 40 has been received in step S1. For example, the display request command may be transmitted (input) from the external memory 40 to the parent device 10a. Although not shown, the display request command is input when the user operates an operation button provided on the parent device 10a. May be.

  If “NO” in the step S1, that is, if the display request for the image file in the external memory 40 is not received, the process returns to the same step S1. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S1, that is, if a display request for the image file in the external memory 40 is received, the original image data is decoded in a back buffer in a step S3. Here, the CPU 12 reads the image data (original image data) from the image file stored in the external memory 40, temporarily stores the read original image data in the image data buffer 304a, and then, under the instruction of the CPU 12, the GPU 16a The data is expanded in the back buffer of the VRAM 16b.

  Subsequently, in step S5, it is determined whether or not the display device 10 (in the first embodiment, the slave unit 10b) is connected in the subsequent stage. If “NO” in the step S5, that is, if the subsequent display device 10 is not connected, it is determined that the multi-display 1 is not configured, and the image transfer process is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S5, that is, if the subsequent display device 10 is connected, the difference image data obtained by subtracting the portion to be displayed by the parent device 10a itself from the original image data in a step S7. Is transferred to the subsequent display device 10 (slave unit 10b), and the image transfer process is terminated. However, the display device 10 to which the difference image data is transferred is another display device 10 connected to the second communication unit 18b. Further, as described above, the portion to be displayed by the parent device 10a itself is calculated according to Equation 1 and Equation 2. At this time, the configuration data 304b is referred to, and information necessary for calculation is acquired.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the image transfer processing of the CPU 12 of the slave unit (slave units 10b, 10c, and 10d in the first embodiment). Hereinafter, this image transfer process will be described, but the same process as the image transfer process of the CPU 12 of the parent device 10a shown in FIG. 9 will be described briefly. Further, the CPU 12 of each slave unit individually executes the image transfer process shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the CPU 12 of the slave (10b, 10c, or 10d) starts the image transfer process, it determines whether or not difference image data has been received in step S21. Here, the CPU 12 determines whether or not difference image data is stored in the image data buffer 304a.

  If “NO” in the step S21, that is, if the difference image data is not received, the process returns to the same step S21. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S21, that is, if the differential image data is received, the received differential image data is developed in the back buffer in a step S23. Here, under the instruction of the CPU 12, the GPU 16a expands the difference image data stored in the image data buffer 304a in the back buffer of the VRAM 16b.

  In the subsequent step S25, it is determined whether or not the display device 10 (in the first embodiment, the slave unit 10c or 10d) is connected in the subsequent stage. If “YES” in the step S25, the differential image data obtained by subtracting the portion to be displayed by the slave unit (10b or 10d in the first embodiment) itself from the received differential image data is displayed in the subsequent stage in the step S27. The image is transferred to the apparatus 10 and the image transfer process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S25, if the display device 10 is not connected in the subsequent stage, it is determined that the child device itself is arranged at the end, and in step S29, the reception completion is notified to the parent device 10a. The image transfer process is terminated.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing image display processing of the CPU 12 of the parent device 10a. However, as described above, part of the image display process is executed by the GPU 16a under the instruction of the CPU 12.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the CPU 12 of the parent device 10a starts the image display process, whether or not the reception completion notification is received from the last child device (the child device 10c in the first embodiment) in step S51. Judging.

  If “NO” in the step S51, that is, if the reception completion notification is not received from the last slave unit, the process returns to the step S51 as it is.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S51, that is, if a reception completion notification is received from the last slave unit, the display request is sent to all the slave units (in the first embodiment, the slave unit 10b) in a step S53. 10c and 10d).

  In the next step S55, the display start coordinates x_start on the x axis and the width width (number of dots) of the partial image are calculated according to the above-described formula 1. Subsequently, in step S57, the y-axis display start coordinate y_start and the height height (number of dots) of the partial image are calculated in accordance with Equation 2 described above. However, as described above, in the horizontal priority connection, the display start coordinate y_start is 0, and here, 0 is substituted for y_start. This is the same in the image display processing of the slave units (10b, 10c, 10d) described later.

  In step S59, under the instruction of the CPU 12, the GPU 16a follows the display information calculated in steps S55 and S57 (x-axis display start coordinates x_start, y-axis display start coordinates x_start, width width and height height). A part of the original image data in the back buffer is copied to the front buffer and output to the display unit 20, and the image display process is terminated. Therefore, of the original image, a partial image to be displayed on the display device 10 (here, the parent device 10a) is displayed on the display unit 20.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing image display processing of the CPU 12 of the slave unit (slave units 10b, 10c, and 10d in the first embodiment). However, as described above, part of the image display process is executed by the GPU 16a under the instruction of the CPU 12. Also, each of the slave units 10b to 10d starts the image display process after executing the transfer process shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when starting the image display process, the CPU 12 of the slave unit (slave unit 10b, 10c, or 10d) determines whether or not a display request has been received from the master unit 10a in step S81.

  If “NO” in the step S81, that is, if a display request is not received from the parent device 10a, the process returns to the step S81 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S81, that is, if a display request is received from the parent device 10a, the display start coordinate x_start of the x axis and the width width (dots) of the display portion are determined in accordance with the above equation 1 in a step S83. Number).

  In the next step S85, the y-axis display start coordinate y_start and the height height (number of dots) of the display portion are calculated according to the above equation 2.

  In step S87, a part of the difference image data is output to the display unit 20 according to the display information calculated in steps S83 and S85, and the image display process is terminated.

  According to the first embodiment, when image data is transferred to the subsequent display device 10, image data unnecessary for the image display processing of the subsequent display device 10 is subtracted from the image data received from the upper display device 10. Therefore, the data amount of the image data transferred to the display device 10 at the subsequent stage can be reduced. Therefore, the time until the transfer is completed can be shortened as compared with the case where the original image data read from the image file is transferred as it is to all the display devices 10. That is, the time until the original image read from the image file is displayed on the multi-display 1 can be shortened.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, in response to receiving the notification of completion of reception of image data from the last slave unit, the master unit executes its own image display process, and all the slave units receive image data. Since the display request is transmitted, the time lag when displaying images between the plurality of display devices 10 can be reduced as much as possible.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the original image read from one image file is displayed on the multi-display 1 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a slide show function in which a plurality of image files are stored in the external memory 40, original images are sequentially read from the plurality of image files, and sequentially output to the multi-display 1 can be executed.

[Second Embodiment]
Since the multi-display 1 of the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the display devices 10 constituting the multi-display 1 are connected in a vertical priority manner, the redundant description is omitted. I will explain briefly.

  FIG. 13 is an illustrative view for explaining a connection mode of a plurality of display devices 10 constituting the multi-display 1 of the second embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, when the multi-display 1 is viewed from the front, the display devices 10 arranged in the vertical direction are preferentially connected starting from the parent device 10a, and all the display devices 10 in the vertical stage (row) are connected. May be connected in a daisy chain so that the display device 10 in the next stage (row) is connected. Hereinafter, such daisy chain connection is referred to as “vertical priority connection”. That is, in the vertical priority connection, a plurality of display devices 10 arranged in the vertical direction are connected in series.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, in the second embodiment, the slave unit 10c is connected to the subsequent stage of the master unit 10a, and the slave unit 10d is connected to the subsequent stage of the slave unit 10c. And the subunit | mobile_unit 10b is connected to the back | latter stage of the subunit | mobile_unit 10d.

  However, as shown in FIG. 1B, each of the display devices 10 constituting the multi-display 1 is arranged with no gap between them, and constitutes the display panel 1a.

  As described above, in the case of the multi-display 1 connected in the vertical priority connection, as shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15A, and 15B, the difference image is transferred. In addition, a partial image is displayed on each display device 10.

  FIG. 14A is an illustrative view for explaining an original image and a partial image displayed on the parent device 10a, and FIG. 14B is a difference image transferred from the parent device 10a and displayed on the child device 10c. It is an illustration figure for demonstrating a partial image. 15A is an illustrative view for explaining a differential image transferred from the slave unit 10c and a partial image displayed on the slave unit 10d, and FIG. 16B is transferred from the slave unit 10d. It is an illustration figure for demonstrating the partial image displayed with a difference image and the subunit | mobile_unit 10b.

  In FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 15A, portions of the original image or difference image developed in the back buffer that are not displayed on the display unit 20 are indicated by hatching. It is. In FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15A, and 15B, the outlines of the original image and the difference image are indicated by bold lines to distinguish them from the coordinate axes.

  The method of developing the original image data and the difference image data in the back buffer and the front buffer of the VRAM 16b is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, the base unit 10a displays the upper left partial image when the original image is divided into four. That is, in the display drive unit 16 of the parent device 10a, the GPU 16a has a width of 1920 pixels from the origin O in the x-axis direction and 1080 pixels from the origin O in the y-axis direction among the original image data expanded in the back buffer. Are copied to the front buffer and output to the display unit 20.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, the slave unit 10c displays the left partial image of the difference images transferred from the master unit 10a. However, the left partial image corresponds to the lower left image when the original image is divided into four. In the display drive unit 16 of the child device 10c, the GPU 16a includes, in the difference image data expanded in the back buffer, a width of 1920 pixels in the x-axis direction from the origin O and a y-component from the 1081st pixel in the y component. Partial image data having a width of 1080 pixels is copied to the front buffer and output to the display unit 20.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15A, the slave unit 10d displays a lower partial image among the difference images transferred from the slave unit 10c. However, this lower partial image corresponds to the lower right image when the original image is divided into four. In the display drive unit 16 of the slave unit 10d, the GPU 16a includes, in the difference image data expanded in the back buffer, a width of 1920 pixels in the x-axis direction from the origin O and a y-component from the 1081st pixel in the y component. Partial image data having a width of 1080 pixels is copied to the front buffer and output to the display unit 20.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15B, in the slave unit 10b, the difference image transferred from the slave unit 10c is displayed as a partial image as it is. However, this partial image corresponds to the upper right image when the original image is divided into four. In the display drive unit 16 of the child device 10b, the GPU 16a has a difference image developed in the back buffer and having a width of 1920 pixels from the origin O in the x-axis direction and a width of 1080 pixels from the origin O in the y-axis direction. (Partial image) All data is copied to the front buffer and output to the display unit 20.

  Thus, in the case of vertical priority connection, since the shape of the transferred difference image is partially different from that of horizontal priority connection, as described above, the range of partial images to be copied from the back buffer to the front buffer Is also different. Therefore, in the case of vertical priority connection, the x-axis display start coordinate x_start, the y-axis display start coordinate y_start, the width width, and the height height are calculated according to Equations 3 and 4. As can be seen from the above description, x_start is always 0 in the case of horizontal priority connection.

  In the equations 3 and 4, the same variables as those used in the equations 1 and 2 are used. However, in Equation 4, self_row is the number of rows in which the target display device 10 is arranged, and is determined as the master device 10a being arranged in the first row.

[Equation 3]
x_start = 0
width = pic_width / sum_column
[Equation 4]
y_start = (self_row-1) * height
height = pic_height / sum_row
Therefore, in the case of vertical priority connection, the first processing is different except that the image display processing of the CPU 12 of the parent device shown in FIG. 11 and the image display processing of the CPU 12 of the child device shown in FIG. The same as the embodiment.

  In the image display process of the master unit (10a) shown in FIG. 11, in step S55, only the width width is calculated according to Equation 3, and 0 is substituted for start_x without calculating the x-axis display start coordinates. . In step S57, the y-axis display start coordinate y_start and the height height are calculated according to Equation 4.

  Similarly, in the image display processing of the slave units (10b, 10c, 10d) shown in FIG. 12, in step S83, only the width width is calculated according to Equation 3, without calculating the x-axis display start coordinates. 0 is assigned to start_x. In step S85, the y-axis display start coordinate y_start and the height height are calculated according to Equation 4.

  The image transfer process of the CPU 12 of the master unit and the image transfer process of the CPU 12 of the slave unit are the same as in the first embodiment except that the shape of the subsequent display device 10 to be transferred and some of the difference images to be transferred are different. It is. Therefore, description of these image transfer processes is omitted.

  However, in the second embodiment, in the image transfer process, the partial image (range) displayed on the display device 10 itself is calculated according to Equation 3 and Equation 4.

Also in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the time until one original image read from the image file stored in the external memory is displayed on the multi-display 1 can be shortened. Moreover, the time lag at the time of displaying an image between several display apparatuses can be reduced as much as possible.
[Third embodiment]
Since the multi-display 1 of the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the image data transfer method is different, a duplicate description will be omitted or simply described.

  When a plurality of display devices 10 constituting the multi-display 1 are connected in a horizontal priority manner, in the third embodiment, the image data transferred to the display device 10 in the subsequent stage is different in the number of rows at the arrangement position. Then, image data unnecessary for the display processing of the display device 10 connected after the subsequent display device 10 is subtracted.

  For example, in the multi-display 1 shown in FIG. 1, when the parent device 10a transfers image data to the subsequent child device 10b, the number of rows does not change between the parent device 10a and the latter child device 10b. Data is transferred as it is.

  When the child device 10b transfers image data to the child device 10d, the number of rows changes between the child device 10b and the child device 10d. Therefore, image data that is not necessary for image display processing of the child devices 10d and 10c. Is subtracted from the original image data. Accordingly, the difference image data corresponding to the difference image as shown in FIG. 5A is transferred from the child device 10b to the child device 10d.

  When the child device 10d transfers image data to the child device 10c, the child device 10d and the child device 10c are on the same line, and therefore the child device 10d receives the difference image data received from the child device 10b as it is. To the machine 10c.

  FIG. 16 is an illustrative view showing another configuration example of the multi-display 1 of the third embodiment. In the multi-display 1 shown in FIG. 16, nine display devices 10 are arranged in 3 × 3. In the multi-display 1, each display device 10 is connected according to the number indicated on the display panel of the display device 10 corresponding to the smallest square frame.

  In such a multi-display 1, according to the above transfer method, the original image data is transferred as it is to each of the three display devices 10 in the first row. In each of the three display devices 10 in the second row, difference image data obtained by subtracting partial image data corresponding to the partial image displayed in each of the three display devices 10 in the first row from the original image data. Is transferred. In each of the three display devices 10 in the third row, the partial images displayed on each of the three display devices 10 in the second row from the difference image data transferred to the display device 10 in the second row. Difference image data obtained by further subtracting the partial image data corresponding to is transferred.

  As described above, if image data is transferred, the transferred image has a rectangular shape and does not have a staircase (L-shape). It is easy to handle image data in each process of display on the screen.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart of image transfer processing of the CPU 12 of the base unit 10a of the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of image transfer processing of the CPU 12 of the slave units 10b, 10c, and 10d in the case of horizontal priority connection in the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the image transfer process of the master unit and the slave unit will be described, but the same processes as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted or simply described.

  Note that the image display process is the same as that shown in the first embodiment, and thus illustration and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 17, if “YES” in the step S5, the CPU 12 of the parent device 10a transfers the original image data as it is to the subsequent display device 10 in a step S7a and ends the image transfer process.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 12 of the slave units (eg, slave units 10b, 10c, 10d) determines whether image data (original image data or difference image data) has been received in step S21a. If “NO” in the step S21a, the process returns to the same step S21a. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S21a, the received image data (original image data or difference image data) is developed in the back buffer in a step S23a.

  If “YES” in the step S25, it is determined whether or not the number of lines of the display device 10 in the subsequent stage is different in a step S101. If “YES” in the step S101, that is, if the number of lines of the display device 10 in the subsequent stage is different, in a step S103, the line in which it is arranged is received from the received original image data or the received differential image data. The difference image data obtained by subtracting the partial image data corresponding to the partial image to be displayed on each of the plurality of display devices 10 is transferred to the subsequent display device 10, and the image transfer process is completed.

  On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S101, that is, if the number of rows of the display device 10 in the subsequent stage is the same, in step S105, the image data received from the display device 10 in the previous stage is used as it is. 10 to finish the image transfer process.

  According to the third embodiment, when the image data is transferred to the subsequent display device 10 and the number of rows is different from that of the subsequent display device 10, the image display processing in the display device 10 after the subsequent display device 10 is performed. Since unnecessary image data is subtracted from the image, the image corresponding to the image data to be transmitted / received is a quadrangle, and the image data can be easily handled.

  Also in the third embodiment, when the number of rows or columns is different from that of the subsequent display device to which image data is transferred, the size of the transferred image data is reduced, so that the original image data is transferred to all the display devices 10. The time required for transfer can be shortened compared with the case of transferring to. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time until one image is displayed on the multi-display 1.

  Furthermore, also in the third embodiment, the time lag when displaying images between a plurality of display devices can be reduced as much as possible.

  In the third embodiment, when the number of rows is different from that of the subsequent display device to which image data is transferred, image data unnecessary for image display processing in the subsequent display device is subtracted. In the display device 10 of this row, the number of rows is not different, but image data unnecessary for image display processing may be subtracted every time image data is transferred to the display device 10 in the subsequent stage.

  Further, as shown in the second embodiment, when the display devices 10 constituting the multi-display 1 are vertically connected, when the image data is transferred to the subsequent display device 10, the subsequent display device When the number of columns is different from 10, image data unnecessary for image display processing in the display device after the subsequent display device is subtracted.

  Although illustration is omitted, in this way, in the case of vertical priority connection, in step S101, it is determined whether the number of columns of the subsequent display device is different. If “YES”, it is received in step S103. Difference image data obtained by subtracting partial image data corresponding to a partial image to be displayed on each of the plurality of display devices 10 in the column in which the image data is arranged from the original image data or the received difference image data is displayed on the subsequent display device 10. Then, the process proceeds to step S29.

Even in the case of vertical priority connection, the image transfer processing of the CPU 12 of the master unit is the same as in the case of horizontal priority connection.
[Fourth embodiment]
Since the fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the image display process is different, the duplicated description is omitted.

  In the fourth embodiment, when the base unit 10a reads the image data from the external memory 40, the display information on each display device 10 is calculated according to the above-described equations 1 and 2, and the display on each display device 10 calculated together with the image data is displayed. The information is transferred to the subsequent display device 10. Accordingly, when receiving the display request from the parent device 10a, the child devices (10b, 10c, 10d,...) Display a partial image according to the received display information.

  That is, in the fourth embodiment, the master unit (10a) executes the process of calculating display information for each display device 10 in the transfer control process shown in FIG. Then, the calculated display information is transferred to the subsequent display device 10.

  Further, the slave units (10b, 10c, 10d,...) Receive the image data and display information transmitted from the display device 10 in the previous stage in the image transfer process of FIG. 10, and the image display device shown in FIG. When receiving the display request from the parent device 10a, the image data is output to the display unit 20 based on the received image data and display information. That is, the processes in steps S83 and S85 are omitted, and if “YES” in the step S81, a part of the image data in the back buffer is output to the display unit 20 in accordance with the received display information in a step S87.

  Also in the fourth embodiment, the time until one image is displayed on the multi-display 1 can be shortened as in the first embodiment. Moreover, the time lag at the time of displaying an image between several display apparatuses can be reduced as much as possible.

  Note that the modification of the fourth embodiment can be applied to the second and third embodiments.

  In addition, the specific numerical values and the like given in each of the above-described embodiments are examples, and can be appropriately changed according to the actual product. Moreover, when the same effect is acquired, the order of each step shown to the flowchart may be changed suitably.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Multi display 10 ... Display apparatus 12 ... CPU
14 ... RAM
16 ... display drive unit 18 ... communication unit 20 ... display unit 40 ... external memory

Claims (12)

A multi-display for displaying an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium on the entire screen composed of a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy chain,
Each of the plurality of display devices is
Storage means for storing connection information including an overall configuration of the multi-display and an arrangement position of the multi-display;
Transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the other display device;
Determining means for determining whether or not the display device in the subsequent stage exists;
The image data excluding a portion to be displayed on its own display unit based on the entire configuration and the arrangement position included in the connection information when the determination unit determines that the subsequent display device exists. Transfer means for transferring the image data to the subsequent display device using the transmission / reception means, and among the image data received from the previous display device, the image data corresponding to the overall configuration and the arrangement position included in the connection information A multi-display comprising display control means for outputting a part or all of the information to a display unit. A multi-display for displaying an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium on the entire screen composed of a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy chain,
Each of the plurality of display devices is
Storage means for storing connection information including an overall configuration of the multi-display and an arrangement position of the multi-display;
Transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the other display device;
Determining means for determining whether or not the display device in the subsequent stage exists;
When it is determined by the determining means that the subsequent display device exists, and the arrangement position of the subsequent display device satisfies a predetermined condition, the image data excluding a portion that is not displayed after the subsequent display device is excluded. Transfer means for transferring to the subsequent display device using the transmission / reception means, and among the image data received from the previous display device, the entire configuration included in the connection information and the image data corresponding to the arrangement position A multi-display comprising display control means for outputting part or all of the data to a display unit. Among the plurality of display devices, the display device connected to the front stage functions as a master unit, and the display devices other than the master unit function as slave units,
When the slave unit at the end receives the image data transferred by the transfer unit of the slave unit in the previous stage, a reception notification that transmits a reception completion notification notifying that the image data has been received to the master unit Further comprising means,
The multi-display according to claim 1, wherein the base unit further includes a reception completion notification receiving unit that receives the reception completion notification transmitted by the reception notification unit. The master unit further includes display instruction means for instructing display of the image data to all the slave units when receiving the reception completion notification from the tail slave unit,
The multi-display according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit of the slave unit outputs a part or all of the image data to the display unit in accordance with an instruction from the display instruction unit.   The predetermined condition is that when a plurality of display devices arranged in a horizontal direction are connected in a daisy chain in series, a row in which a display device in the subsequent stage is arranged is different from a row in which the display device is arranged in itself. The multi display according to any one of the above.   The predetermined condition is that, when a plurality of display devices arranged in the vertical direction are connected in a daisy chain in series, the row in which the display devices in the subsequent stage are arranged is different from the row in which the device is arranged. The multi display according to any one of the above. A display device used for a multi-display that displays an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium on the entire screen composed of a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy chain.
Storage means for storing connection information including an overall configuration of the multi-display and an arrangement position of the multi-display;
Transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the other display device;
Determining means for determining whether or not the display device in the subsequent stage exists;
The image data excluding a portion to be displayed on its own display unit based on the entire configuration and the arrangement position included in the connection information when the determination unit determines that the subsequent display device exists. Transfer means for transferring the image data to the subsequent display device using the transmission / reception means, and among the image data received from the previous display device, the image data corresponding to the overall configuration and the arrangement position included in the connection information A display device comprising display control means for outputting a part or all of the information to a display unit. A display device used for a multi-display that displays an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium on the entire screen composed of a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy chain.
Storage means for storing connection information including an overall configuration of the multi-display and an arrangement position of the multi-display;
Transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the other display device;
Determining means for determining whether or not the display device in the subsequent stage exists;
When it is determined by the determining means that the subsequent display device exists, and the arrangement position of the subsequent display device satisfies a predetermined condition, the image data excluding a portion that is not displayed after the subsequent display device is excluded. Transfer means for transferring to the subsequent display device using the transmission / reception means, and among the image data received from the previous display device, the entire configuration included in the connection information and the image data corresponding to the arrangement position A display device comprising display control means for outputting part or all of the data to a display unit. Used for a multi-display that displays an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium on the entire screen composed of a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy chain. An information processing program executed on the display device including storage means for storing connection information including its arrangement position on the display, and transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the other display device,
In the processor of the display device,
A determination step of determining whether the display device in the subsequent stage exists;
When it is determined in the determining step that the subsequent display device exists, the image data excluding the portion to be displayed on the display unit is determined based on the overall configuration and the arrangement position included in the connection information. A transfer step of transferring to the subsequent display device using the transmission / reception means, and out of the image data received from the previous display device, the entire configuration included in the connection information and the image data corresponding to the arrangement position An information processing program for executing a display control step for outputting a part or all of the information to a display unit. Used for a multi-display that displays an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium on the entire screen composed of a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy chain. An information processing program executed on the display device including storage means for storing connection information including its arrangement position on the display, and transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the other display device,
In the processor of the display device,
A determination step of determining whether the display device in the subsequent stage exists;
In the determination step, it is determined that the subsequent display device exists, and when the arrangement position of the subsequent display device satisfies a predetermined condition, the image data excluding a portion that is not displayed after the subsequent display device is removed. A transfer step of transferring to the subsequent display device using the transmission / reception means, and out of the image data received from the previous display device, the entire configuration included in the connection information and the image data corresponding to the arrangement position An information processing program for executing a display control step for outputting a part or all of the information to a display unit. Used for a multi-display that displays an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium on the entire screen composed of a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy chain. An information processing method for the display device, comprising storage means for storing connection information including an arrangement position of the display device on the display, and transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the other display device,
(A) Determine whether the display device in the subsequent stage exists,
(B) When it is determined in (a) that the display device of the subsequent stage exists, based on the entire configuration and the arrangement position included in the connection information, a portion to be displayed on the display unit is excluded. The image data is transferred to the subsequent display device using the transmission / reception means, and (c) of the image data received from the previous display device, according to the overall configuration and the arrangement position included in the connection information An information processing method for outputting a part or all of the image data to the display unit. Used for a multi-display that displays an image corresponding to image data stored in an external storage medium on the entire screen composed of a plurality of display devices connected in a daisy chain. An information processing method executed by the display device including storage means for storing connection information including its arrangement position on the display, and transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the other display device,
(A) Determine whether the display device in the subsequent stage exists,
(B) Excluding a portion that is not displayed after the display device in the subsequent stage when it is determined in (a) that the display device in the subsequent stage exists and the arrangement position of the display device in the subsequent stage satisfies a predetermined condition. The image data is transferred to the subsequent display device using the transmission / reception means, and (c) of the image data received from the previous display device, according to the overall configuration and the arrangement position included in the connection information An information processing method for outputting a part or all of the image data to the display unit.

Images