Abstract: An image computing system providing at least two display modes and including a set of image coprocessors is disclosed. The system converts image data into signals representing pixel characteristics. The signals can be displayed via a video display device. In a first display mode, pixel characteristic signals are generated for related image planes of a single image by a series of display generating devices and each signal is selected from a separate display generating device. The selected signals are output to a video display device. In a second display mode, pixel characteristic signals for an independent image plane are selected from a single display generating device. The signals are output to a video display device. In this mode, each display generating device converts image data for an independent image plane. In this manner, the system provides single or multiple image display modes. The image coprocessors provide efficient image processing of the image data.