Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Light pen for fluid matrix display panel
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-27
2001-11-06
Jankus, Almis R. (Department: 2774)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Light pen for fluid matrix display panel
C345S182000, C345S111000, C345S111000, C345S215000, C345S545000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06313822
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to video processing. More particularly, this invention relates to modifying screen resolutions.
2. Background
The display of video images has become extremely important in the modern world, including typical computer uses, such as multimedia games and video conferencing, as well as other entertainment uses, such as movies. Modern computers, as well as other commercially available devices, typically include the ability to display video images, many of which allow display of real-time motion video. Examples of such systems include display devices designed for use with typical computer systems.
One problem encountered in many systems is the amount of memory required to display video images. Mass storage devices, such as CD-ROMs, digital video disks (DVDs) and hard disk drives are relatively inexpensive. However, the process of displaying video images typically requires transfer of these images from the mass storage device (or other source) to a more expensive random access memory (RAM), typically referred to as a frame buffer. The RAM used as the frame buffer is often video RAM (VRAM), which is particularly suited to displaying video, but which is also very expensive. The amount of VRAM within a system can often noticeably affect the overall system price. Thus, it would be beneficial to provide a way to reduce the amount of VRAM necessary for video images.
Additionally, modern computer systems typically provide users with the ability to alter screen resolution and color resolution for their display devices. The screen resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed by the display device, while the color resolution refers to the number of different colors which each pixel can have. Larger screen and color resolutions provide for more realistic video images, but also require additional memory, including VRAM, for storage and display. Thus, it would be beneficial to provide a way to reduce the amount of memory used for video images without significantly reducing the image quality.
Thus, a need exists for a method and apparatus for modifying screen resolution based on available memory.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A method and apparatus for modifying screen resolution based on available memory is described herein. According to the present invention, a first screen resolution for a display is first identified. Then, a second screen resolution for at least a portion of the display is created, wherein the creating is based on the first screen resolution and an amount of memory to be used for the at least a portion of the display.
According to one embodiment, the first screen resolution corresponds to a video signal received from a computer system while the second screen resolution corresponds to a motion video signal received from a remote video conferencing camera. In this embodiment, the second screen resolution is determined based on the amount of frame buffer memory available for the display of the motion video signal. Also, the motion video signal is overlaid on the video signal received from the computer system, allowing both images to be displayed concurrently despite the differing screen resolutions.
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Champion Mark A.
McKay Micheale Rathbun
Moore Donald Brian
Blakely & Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman
Jankus Almis R.
Sony Corporation
Tran Henry N.
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