Graphic output unit and a graphic output system

A graphic output unit that receives and processes an input signal to provide an image on a display in response to the input signal, said graphic output unit comprising:

• a bit stream decoder;
• a graphic controller;
• a graphic chip;
• means, for receiving the input signal and provides a received signal indicative thereof, for determining the type of data within the input signal, wherein
• (i) if said input signal includes compressed data, for providing said received signal to said bit stream decoder which decompresses the compressed data within said received signal and provides uncompressed pixel graphic data to said graphic chip;
• (ii) if said input signal includes pixel graphic data, for providing said received signal to said graphic chip;
• and
• (ii) if said input signal includes vector graphic instructions, for providing said received signal to said graphic controller which converts the vector graphic instructions to corresponding pixel graphic data and provides said corresponding pixel graphic data to said graphic chip,
• wherein said graphic chip receives pixel graphic data and provides a display output signal indicative thereof.

A graphic output system, comprising:

• A) a ring shaped optical data bus;
• B) a plurality of graphic data sources, each connected to provide graphic data onto said optical data bus;
• and
• C) a graphic output unit that receives and processes said graphic data to provide an image on a display in response to said graphic data, said graphic output unit comprising
• (1) a bit stream decoder;
• (2) a graphic controller;
• (3) a graphic chip;
• (4) means, for receiving said graphic data and providing a received signal indicative thereof, and for determining the type of data within said graphic data, wherein
• (i) if said graphic data includes compressed data, for providing said received signal to said bit stream decoder which decompresses the compressed data within said received signal and provides uncompressed pixel graphic data to said graphic chip;
• (ii) if said graphic data includes pixel graphic data, for providing said received signal to said graphic chip;
• (ii) if said graphic data includes vector graphic instructions, for providing said received signal to said graphic controller which converts the vector graphic instructions to corresponding pixel graphic data and provides said corresponding pixel graphic data to said graphic chip,
• wherein said graphic chip receives pixel graphic data and provides a display output signal indicative thereof.