초록 ▼

An apparatus and a method for controlling a plurality of sub monitors in a video communication system in which the same signal from a host computer or a video tape recording/reproducing device is displayed on screens of the sub monitors and a main monitor to which the sub monitors are connected in s

An apparatus and a method for controlling a plurality of sub monitors in a video communication system in which the same signal from a host computer or a video tape recording/reproducing device is displayed on screens of the sub monitors and a main monitor to which the sub monitors are connected in series. The main monitor generates control data in response to an external sub monitor control signal to set up a desired one of the sub monitors. A plurality of communication devices are included respectively in the sub monitors, for serially transferring the control data from the main monitor to the sub monitors and response data from the sub monitors to the main monitor. A plurality of microcomputers are connected respectively to the communication devices, for setting up a corresponding one of the sub monitors in response to the control data from the main monitor when the control data from the main monitor is for the control of the corresponding sub monitor and transferring the control data from the main monitor to the subsequent sub monitor when the control data from the main monitor is not for the control of the corresponding sub monitor. According to the present invention, the main monitor can control the plurality of sub monitors using the communication devices therein and a program for the control thereof.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for controlling a plurality of sub monitors in a video communication system in which the same signal from a host computer or a video tape recording/reproducing device is displayed on screens of said sub monitors and a main monitor to which said sub monitors a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for controlling a plurality of sub monitors in a video communication system in which the same signal from a host computer or a video tape recording/reproducing device is displayed on screens of said sub monitors and a main monitor to which said sub monitors are connected in series, comprising:a function key input unit for generating at least one sub monitor control signal to set up a desired one of said sub monitorssaid main monitor generating control data in response to said at least one sub monitor control signal;a plurality of communication means included respectively in said main monitor and said sub monitors, for serially transferring said control data from said main monitor to said sub monitors and response data generated by said sub monitors from said sub monitors to said main monitor; anda plurality of microcomputers provided respectively to said sub monitors and connected respectively to said communication means, for setting up a corresponding one of said sub monitors in response to said control data from said main monitor when said control data from said main monitor is for the control of the corresponding sub monitor and transferring said control data from said main monitor to a subsequent sub monitor when said control data from said main monitor is not for the control of the corresponding sub monitor, wherein each of said communication means comprises:first buffering means for transferring said response data or said control data from a corresponding one of said microcomputers to said main monitor or said subsequent sub monitor;second buffering means for transferring said control data from said main monitor or said response data from said subsequent sub monitor to said corresponding microcomputer; anda connector having an output terminal for transferring said response data or said control data from said first buffering means to said main monitor or said subsequent sub monitor, and an input terminal for transferring said control data from said main monitor or said response data from said subsequent sub monitor to said second buffering means.