Redundant data path

• US 20090024867A1
• Filed: 05/23/2007
• Published: 01/22/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Daktronics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Daktronics Incorporated
• Inventors: Gloege, Chad N., Wendler, Brett D., Burghardt, Neil R., Mueller, Matthew R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,301,939 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 714/3
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/2007 using redundant communication media
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1446 display composed of modules, e.g. video walls
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2330/02 Details of power systems and of start or stop of display operation
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2330/08 Fault-tolerant or redundant circuits, or circuits in which repair of defects is prepared
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2330/12 Test circuits or failure detection circuits included in a display system, as permanent part thereof

Abstract

Disclosed are redundant data path(s) for transmission of graphical data between components in a graphical display system. The redundant data path(s) are used to transmit graphical data by at least two independent means, so that if a failure in one data path occurs, a data transmitted via a separate data path can be used for display. The system is particularly advantageous for multiple-serial-module configurations. The redundant data path(s) minimize disruption of data display and make repair and maintenance of the display system more efficient. The invention includes apparatus for graphical display systems, and also includes methods of data transmission for graphical display systems, and methods of maintenance of graphical display systems.

Claims

1. graphical display apparatus comprising a plurality of independent data paths for transmission of graphical data to graphical displays or components.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the graphical displays or components comprise a plurality of display modules.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein graphical data is passed from at least one of the plurality of display modules to at least one other of the plurality of display modules, and wherein the plurality of independent data paths further comprise bidirectional data paths, so that each of the plurality of display modules receives graphical data from a plurality of data paths.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising data path diagnostics for detecting a failure in transmission of graphical data along the data paths.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising apparatus for switching between data paths so that if a failure to properly supply graphical data by transmission along one of said plurality of independent data paths occurs, graphical data supplied by transmission along another of said plurality of independent data paths is utilized for display on a graphical display or component.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said apparatus for switching between data paths switches between the data paths to allow largely seamless display of graphical data despite the failure.

7. A method for transmission of graphical data for a graphical display system comprising the steps of:

a. providing a plurality of redundant data paths;

b. transmitting graphical data along a plurality of said redundant data paths; and

,

c. switching between a plurality of said redundant data paths to provide substantially seamless display of graphical data.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the steps of:

a. providing diagnostics for detecting a failure in transmission of graphical data along the data paths; and

,

b. utilizing the diagnostics to determine which of the redundant data paths should be utilized for transmission of graphical data for display.

9. The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of:

a. providing bidirectional transmission of graphical data between display modules; and

,

b. utilizing the bidirectional transmission of graphical data between display modules to provide enhanced display of graphical data.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of switching between data paths to provide largely seamless display of graphical data.

11. A method for maintenance of a graphical display system comprising the steps of:

a. providing a plurality of redundant data paths to each of a plurality of display modules;

b. using the plurality of redundant data paths to enhance display of graphical data during a graphical data transmission failure; and

,

c. repairing or replacing the failed components at a later time when display of graphical data is less important.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of utilizing the redundant data paths to determine which components have failed and thereby effect repair or replacement of the failed components in more efficiently.