Graphical data translation table

Abstract

The present invention relates to image displays and signage, and more particularly, to displays of custom or arbitrary shape. Such shaped displays include channel letter displays, logo or design displays, multiple displays in an assembly, multiple display modules, curved or round displays, or other arbitrary shaped or unusual aspect ratio displays. The present invention further relates to software, apparatus, and methods for a translation table which maps graphical data from an initial shape to an arbitrary shape for use on such displays.

1 . A method for displaying graphical data on a display of arbitrary shape, comprising:
 receiving graphical data for display on a graphical display, the graphical data having an initial rectangular organizational scheme, and the graphical display having a non-rectangular and arbitrary shape;   loading the graphical data with a preprocessing computer;   loading a translation table with the preprocessing computer; and   mapping the graphical data into a new organizational scheme with the preprocessing computer, the mapping based on the translation table, and the new organizational scheme configured for display on the graphical display having a non-rectangular, arbitrary shape.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the graphical display having a non-rectangular and arbitrary shape comprises a logo-shaped display, an angled display, a curved display, or a round display. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the new organizational scheme provides a display aspect ratio differing from the initial rectangular organizational scheme. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the initial rectangular organizational scheme includes graphical data organized as a matrix in a rectangular array of rows and columns. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the graphical display includes a plurality of LED modules. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the preprocessing computer and the translation table are each coupled to the graphical display. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein mapping the graphical data into a new organizational scheme includes transforming a first graphical data array corresponding to a first shape to a second graphical data array corresponding to the non-rectangular and arbitrary shape of the graphical display. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein transforming includes converting the first graphical data array from a rectangular graphical data array into the second graphical data array which corresponds to logical rows and logical columns of pixels, wherein the pixels define the arbitrary shape which is different than the shape of a starting rectangular image. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein transforming includes providing a map for converting rectangular rows and columns to logical rows and columns of the arbitrary shape. 
     
     
         10 . A method, for execution by one or more processors, for displaying graphical data on a display of arbitrary shape, comprising:
 providing a graphical display having an arbitrary shape;   transforming a first graphical data array corresponding to a first shape to a second graphical data array corresponding to the arbitrary shape of the graphical display; and   transmitting the transformed data to the graphical display.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the arbitrary shape is a non-rectangular shape provided within a logo-shaped display, an angled display, a curved display, or a round display. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein transforming includes use of a translation table which is stored in a memory and transformed in connection with a preprocessing computer. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the translation table is provided a first address corresponding to a pixel of the first graphical data array and translates the first address to a second address of the second graphical data array. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein transforming includes converting the first graphical data array from a rectangular graphical data array into the second graphical data array which corresponds to logical rows and logical columns of pixels, wherein the pixels define the arbitrary shape which is different than the shape of a starting rectangular image. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein transforming includes providing a map for converting rectangular rows and columns to logical rows and columns of the arbitrary shape. 
     
     
         16 . A graphical display apparatus, comprising:
 a plurality of display modules having a non-rectangular, arbitrary shape;   a memory device providing a plurality of translation tables corresponding to the plurality of display modules;   a preprocessing computer configured for loading graphical data and the plurality of translation tables, the graphical data having an initial rectangular organizational scheme; and   a set of instructions configured for execution in connection with the preprocessing computer, the instructions executed for:
 mapping the graphical data into a new organizational scheme, using the plurality of translation tables, the new organizational scheme structured for display on the plurality of display modules having a non-rectangular, arbitrary shape. 
   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the non-rectangular, arbitrary shape of the plurality of display modules is provided within a logo-shaped display, an angled display, a curved display, or a round display, and wherein a unique translation table is provided in the plurality of translation tables for each shape of the plurality of display modules. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of translation tables are stored in a memory, and wherein each translation table provides a first address corresponding to a pixel of a first graphical data array and translates the first address to a second address of a second graphical data array.