Graphics and Monitor Controller Assemblies in Multi-Screen Display Systems

Abstract

A multi-monitor display system is described having an arm adapted for supporting a plurality of monitors containing display screens. The system also includes a column for supporting the arm, a monitor controller assembly for electronically controlling images displayed on the screens, and a graphics assembly for sending signals to the monitor controller assembly to produce the images. The system is used in conjunction with a central processor located in a computer housing. The monitor controller assembly is disposed outside of the monitors and/or the graphics assembly is disposed outside the computer housing.

1 . A multi-monitor display system comprising:
 an arm adapted for supporting N>1 monitors having display screens;   a column for supporting the arm; and   a monitor controller assembly for electronically controlling images displayed on the screens, wherein the monitor controller assembly is a) disposed in at least one of the column and the arm and b) connected to the monitors via N sets of electrical cables, one for each of the monitors, for sending timing signals to the display screens and for sending power to the monitors.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a base for supporting the column. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising
 a graphics assembly for sending signals to the monitor controller assembly to produce the images;   a computer housing; and   a central processor housed in the computer housing, said central processor being in electronic communication with the graphics assembly.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one the column and the arm includes a cover that can be opened to access the monitor controller assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the monitor controller assembly includes a plurality of monitor controller cards, each card associated with one of the monitors. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of monitor controller cards are disposed in the arm, such that behind each monitor there is the monitor controller card associated therewith. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the monitors are one of liquid crystal display, DLP, plasma and OLED monitors. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the timing signals transmitted use low voltage differential signaling. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each monitor includes a light source, and an inverter to supply voltage thereto, and wherein the monitor controller assembly transmits power and control signals to the inverter. 
     
     
         10 . A multi-monitor display system for use with a central processor disposed within a computer housing, the system comprising:
 a computer housing for housing a central processor;   an arm adapted for supporting a plurality of monitors having display screens;   a column for supporting the arm;   a base connected to the column;   a monitor controller assembly for electronically controlling images displayed on the screens; and   a graphics assembly for receiving signals from the central processor and for sending signals to the monitor controller assembly to produce the images, wherein at least one of the monitor controller assembly and the graphics assembly is disposed in at least one of the base, the column and the arm and wherein the at least one of the base, the column and the arm are devoid of the computer housing containing the central processor.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one of the base, the column and the arm includes a cover that can be opened to access the at least one of the monitor controller assembly and the graphics assembly. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the monitor controller assembly includes a plurality of monitor controller cards, each card associated with one of the monitors. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of monitor controller cards are disposed in the arm, such that behind each monitor there is the monitor controller card associated therewith. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the monitors are one of liquid crystal display, DLP, plasma and OLED monitors. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the monitor controller assembly transmits timing signals to the monitors for electronically controlling the images, the timing signals transmitted using low voltage differential signaling. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein each monitor includes a light source, and an inverter to supply voltage thereto, and wherein the monitor controller assembly transmits power and control signals to the inverter. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the graphics assembly is adapted for sending at least one of analog RGBhv/VGA signals and digital DVI signals to the monitor controller assembly to produce the images. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the graphics assembly and the monitor controller assembly are disposed proximal to one another in a graphics/controller module. 
     
     
         19 . A multi-monitor display system for use with a central processor disposed within a computer housing, the system comprising:
 a computer housing for housing a central processor;   an arm adapted for supporting a plurality of monitors having display screens;   a column for supporting the arm;   a base connected to the column;   a monitor controller assembly for electronically controlling images displayed on the screens; and   a graphics assembly for receiving signals from the central processor and for sending signals to the monitor controller assembly to produce the images, wherein the graphics assembly is disposed in one or more of the monitors and wherein the plurality of monitors are devoid of the computer housing containing the central processor.   
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the graphics assembly is adapted for sending at least one of analog RGBhv/VGA signals and digital DVI signals to the monitor controller assembly to produce the images.