The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 03, 1994
Filed:
Oct. 18, 1991
Robert S Horton, Hurley, NY (US);
Ralph C Mitchell, Kingston, NY (US);
Walter G Temnycky, Aberdeen, NJ (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
A programmable display controller allows reconfiguration of bit plane memory and video output connections based upon the type of display device employed. The display controller allows for the definition of multiple bit planes when the display device supports color or multiple gray shades. Simultaneous storage of images to all defined planes is accomplished through the use of multi-store logic. Multi-store logic transforms a data stream defining foreground and background portions of an image within a given display area into a form that can be simultaneously written to the bit planes as required to create the necessary output. Under processor control, a video palette may be loaded to ensure that display output signals are routed to the correct connector pins. The routing of particular signals to particular pins is reconfigured through the selection and loading of the applicable video palette. Video connector leads are connected to the palette generated data signals or to electrical ground by means of reconfigurable jumpers. The number of bit planes and display pages can be readily modified with a multi-mode controller translating the selected mode into the required bit plane memory control signals.