Patent ID: 7423610

Claim:
A dual display mode portable computer comprising: a flat-panel display; a display controller for generating an internal video signal; and receiving means for receiving an external video signal, the receiving means including, a dual mode display connector for receiving the external video signal, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the dual mode display connector for converting the external video signal into a digital external video signal, converter logic coupled to the analog-to-digital converter for mapping the digital external video signal into a format required by the flat-panel, a multiplexer coupled to the display controller and the converter logic for receiving the internal video signal and the external video signal, such that that in a first display mode, the multiplexer outputs the internal video signal to the flat-panel display, while in a second display mode, the multiplexer outputs the external video signal to the flat-panel display, thereby enabling the portable computer to act as a display device for an external computer, and a sensor, coupled to the dual mode display connector, the sensor configured to detect an external video signal, and in response, activate the second display mode.