Switching between internal and external display adapters in a portable computer system

Abstract

Systems and methods of switching between internal and external display adapters in a portable computer system are described. In one aspect, a graphics controller is configured to convert video output signals that are received from a processing unit into locally-generated video control signals and to selectively transmit to a local video display the video control signals that are generated locally or video control signals that are received from a docking station interface. In this way, when undocked, a portable computer unit may drive the local video display with a local adapter that is optimized for mobile usage (e.g., enhanced power management) and, when docked, the portable computer unit may drive the local video display with a higher performance external display adapter, which typically is not constrained by power management considerations.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.