Physically Separated Display Zones for Independent Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-monitor setups require additional space, cables, and power, and existing display segmentation techniques fail to provide independent operation of display zones, leading to interference between applications.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing display splitting firmware on a video card to physically segment a single display into multiple zones, allowing each zone to operate independently and mimic a multi-monitor setup without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple physical monitors are used to provide separate display zones, then display independence and usability are improved, but device complexity, space requirements, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple display zones into a single physical monitor, allowing the monitor to function as multiple independent displays simultaneously. The firmware creates virtual separate monitors within the single physical device, enabling independent operation of each zone while reducing the need for multiple physical monitors, cables, and power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The single monitor is designed to perform multiple functions by displaying multiple independent zones simultaneously. Each zone can run separate applications independently, making the single monitor universal enough to replace multiple specialized monitors while maintaining display independence through software-based segmentation.
2Device complexity
If display segmentation is implemented without physical separation, then device complexity is reduced, but display zone independence deteriorates due to interference between applications
Solution Approach 1:
The firmware segments the single display into multiple distinct display zones that are treated as separate virtual monitors. Each zone is isolated at the firmware level, preventing application interference while maintaining the simplicity of a single physical display device. This segmentation creates independent display contexts within the unified hardware.
3Reliability
If multiple monitors are deployed to eliminate display interference, then display zone independence is improved, but space requirements and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple display functions are merged into a single physical monitor, eliminating the need for multiple separate display devices. The firmware enables each zone to operate independently as if it were a separate monitor, thereby maintaining display zone independence while significantly reducing the total space required and power consumption associated with multiple physical monitors.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a method, the method including: receiving, at an information handling device coupled to a display, a request to display multiple display zones on the display, wherein the information handling device comprises a video card comprising display splitting firmware allowing splitting of the display into multiple display zones; identifying, based upon the request, a number of display zones to be displayed on the display; and displaying, on the display, the number of display zones on the display, wherein the displaying comprises treating each zone, via the splitting firmware, as a physically separated portion of the display. Other aspects are claimed and described.