Patent ID: 6917348
Filing Date: 2005-07-12
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A dual video display controller for a digital computer system having separate first and second video output ports for connecting respectively to first and second video display units, said controller being adapted to provide said display units with data forming display images of a predetermined pixel width at both of said units; said controller comprising: a source of video data representing a logical map of a virtual display image having a display width in pixels greater than said predetermined pixel width; and first and second control elements (VC said virtual image contains private and public image areas, said private area containing private information intended to be viewed only by an immediate user of a said computer system containing said controller, and said public area containing information intended for viewing by both said immediate user and persons other than said immediate user; said portions of said video data received by said control element VC said portions of data supplied to VC said dual controller having two different modes of operation—a single image (SI) mode and a dual image (DI) mode; said controller operating in said DI mode to apply said data portions defining parts of said virtual image to VC said real image applied in said SI mode thereby being instantly viewable in its entirety at both said first and second display units, without manipulation by said immediate user; whereby said dual controller is useful: in said SI mode, to instantly display the whole of a said real image at both said first and second display units, in said DI mode, to instantly display only parts less than the whole of a said virtual image at both said first and second display units; and in both said SI and DI modes, to produce display images with a constant display width pixel resolution that needn't be adjusted when the mode is changed.