US3739347A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cursor for use in performing graphic input in a display
Assignee: Tektronix Inc
•
Filing: 1970-03-20
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Granted: 1973-06-12
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Expires: 1990-03-20
Abstract
Abstract A pair of counter-registers are employed at a computer terminal for the reception of x and y coordinate information from a remote computer, and digital to analog converter means transform the register contents into deflection voltages for a cathode ray storage tube. A cursor display employs the same counterregisters, applying a series of impulses to such registers until the corresponding digital to analog converter outputs equal analog cursor inputs. The registers operate alternately and produce a large, cross-shaped cursor intersecting at the point of interest. The counter-registers can be stopped subsequent to comparison, and will then store digital information representing the coordinate address of the cursor intersection for introduction into the computer.
Inventors
- 👤 C Forsberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:48
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09G; G09G5/00; G09G5/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
451 words
In a system for providing a cursor display in a cathode ray tube display system responsive to computer information, a cathode ray tube having deflection means, means for transforming digital information from a computer into analog deflection signals for said cathode ray tube, said transforming means including a first digital register and a first digital to analog converter means for transforming the contents of said first register into a deflection signal applied to said deflection means for producing deflection of the tube''s electron beam in a first coordinate direction, means for receiving a first electrical quantity as an independent variable representative of a first analog coordinate of a cursor, means for causing said first digital register to count for production of a first cursor display line in a first coordinate direction on said cathode ray tube, circuit means for electrically comparing the resultant output of said first digital to analog converter means with said first electrical quantity representative of a first analog coordinate of said cursor, control means, operating in response to substantial equality of comparison detected by said circuit means, for causing the first register to discontinue counting, said means for transforming digital information from a computer into analog deflection signals for said cathode ray tube further including a second digital register and a second digital to analog converter means for transforming the contents of said second register into a deflection signal applied to said deflection means for producing deflection of the tube''s electron beam in a second and substantially orthogonal coordinate direction, means for receiving a second electrical quantity as an independent variable representing a second analog coordinate of said cursor, means, responsive to said control means when said substantial equality of comparison is detected, for causing said second digital regIster to count for production of a second cursor display line in a second coordinate direction on said cathode ray tube starting from an intersection with the first cursor display line, said second register counting to an overflow value, and continuing from zero count producing two parts of said second cursor display line, and circuit means for electrically comparing the resultant output of said second digital to analog converter means with said second electrical quantity representative of a second analog coordinate of said cursor, said control means being further responsive to substantial equality of comparison of the last mentioned circuit means for causing said second register to discontinue counting, and said means for causing said first digital register to count being thereupon responsive to said control means for continuing counting in said first digital register and the production of the first cursor display line, said system continuing to alternate counting operations of said registers for providing said cursor display.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
451 words
In a system for providing a cursor display in a cathode ray tube display system responsive to computer information, a cathode ray tube having deflection means, means for transforming digital information from a computer into analog deflection signals for said cathode ray tube, said transforming means including a first digital register and a first digital to analog converter means for transforming the contents of said first register into a deflection signal applied to said deflection means for producing deflection of the tube''s electron beam in a first coordinate direction, means for receiving a first electrical quantity as an independent variable representative of a first analog coordinate of a cursor, means for causing said first digital register to count for production of a first cursor display line in a first coordinate direction on said cathode ray tube, circuit means for electrically comparing the resultant output of said first digital to analog converter means with said first electrical quantity representative of a first analog coordinate of said cursor, control means, operating in response to substantial equality of comparison detected by said circuit means, for causing the first register to discontinue counting, said means for transforming digital information from a computer into analog deflection signals for said cathode ray tube further including a second digital register and a second digital to analog converter means for transforming the contents of said second register into a deflection signal applied to said deflection means for producing deflection of the tube''s electron beam in a second and substantially orthogonal coordinate direction, means for receiving a second electrical quantity as an independent variable representing a second analog coordinate of said cursor, means, responsive to said control means when said substantial equality of comparison is detected, for causing said second digital regIster to count for production of a second cursor display line in a second coordinate direction on said cathode ray tube starting from an intersection with the first cursor display line, said second register counting to an overflow value, and continuing from zero count producing two parts of said second cursor display line, and circuit means for electrically comparing the resultant output of said second digital to analog converter means with said second electrical quantity representative of a second analog coordinate of said cursor, said control means being further responsive to substantial equality of comparison of the last mentioned circuit means for causing said second register to discontinue counting, and said means for causing said first digital register to count being thereupon responsive to said control means for continuing counting in said first digital register and the production of the first cursor display line, said system continuing to alternate counting operations of said registers for providing said cursor display.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
367 words
In a system for providing interactive graphics between a computer and a cathode ray tube display, a cathode ray tube, first counter means for receiving and registering digital signals from a computer representing data in a first display coordinate direction, first digital to analog converter means for transforming the contents of said first counter means into analog signal form for application to first deflection means of said cathode ray tube for producing deflection of the tube''s electron beam, means for receiving a first electrical quantity representing an x analog coordinate selected for a cursor as an independent variable, means for providing a series of inputs to said first counter means for stepping said first counter means producing a linear cursor display in a first coordinate direction on said cathode ray tube, circuit means for comparing the resultant output of said first digital to analog converter with the first electrical quantity, means for discontinuing said series of inputs to said first counter means when the output of said first digital to analog converter means substantially matches the said first electrical quantity, second counter means for receiving and registering a digital signal from a computer representing data in a second display coordinate direction, second digital to analog converter means for transforming the contents of said second counter means to analog signal form for application to second deflection means of said cathode ray tube for producing deflection of the tube''s electron beam in a direction orthogonal to that produced by the first deflection means, means for receiving a second electrical quantity representing a y analog coordinate selected for a cursor as an independent variable, means, operative upon said discontinuance of said series of inputs to said first counter means, for providing a series of inputs to said second counter means for stepping the second counter means and producing a linear cursor display in the orthogonal direction on said cathode ray tube, circuit means for comparing the resultant output of said second digital to analog converter means with the second electrical quantity, and means for discontinuing said series of inputs to said second counter means when the output of said second digital to analog converter substantially matches the second electrical quantity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
367 words
In a system for providing interactive graphics between a computer and a cathode ray tube display, a cathode ray tube, first counter means for receiving and registering digital signals from a computer representing data in a first display coordinate direction, first digital to analog converter means for transforming the contents of said first counter means into analog signal form for application to first deflection means of said cathode ray tube for producing deflection of the tube''s electron beam, means for receiving a first electrical quantity representing an x analog coordinate selected for a cursor as an independent variable, means for providing a series of inputs to said first counter means for stepping said first counter means producing a linear cursor display in a first coordinate direction on said cathode ray tube, circuit means for comparing the resultant output of said first digital to analog converter with the first electrical quantity, means for discontinuing said series of inputs to said first counter means when the output of said first digital to analog converter means substantially matches the said first electrical quantity, second counter means for receiving and registering a digital signal from a computer representing data in a second display coordinate direction, second digital to analog converter means for transforming the contents of said second counter means to analog signal form for application to second deflection means of said cathode ray tube for producing deflection of the tube''s electron beam in a direction orthogonal to that produced by the first deflection means, means for receiving a second electrical quantity representing a y analog coordinate selected for a cursor as an independent variable, means, operative upon said discontinuance of said series of inputs to said first counter means, for providing a series of inputs to said second counter means for stepping the second counter means and producing a linear cursor display in the orthogonal direction on said cathode ray tube, circuit means for comparing the resultant output of said second digital to analog converter means with the second electrical quantity, and means for discontinuing said series of inputs to said second counter means when the output of said second digital to analog converter substantially matches the second electrical quantity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
68 words
The system according to claim 2 wherein said cathode ray tube is of the storage tube type adapted to store information from said computer received via said counter means, and further including means to energize the electron beam of said cathode ray tube for periods corresponding to each of said series of inputs, each such period being shorter than required to store information on said cathode ray tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
298 words
In a system for providing interactive graphics between a computer and a cathode ray tube display, a cathode ray tube, an x register and a y register for receiving coordinate digital information from a computer, an x digital to analog converter responsive to said x register for providing an analog voltage applied in said cathode ray tube for producing x deflection of the cathode ray tube''s electron beam, means for receiving an x analog input as an independent variable representative of the position of a cursor display, and x comparison means for comparing said x input with the output of said x digital to analog converter, means for receiving counting pulses, a first gate means for coupling said counting pulses to said x register, a y digital to analog converter responsive to said register for providing an analog voltage applied to said cathode ray tube for producing y deflection of the cathode ray tube''s electron beam, means for receiving a y analog input as an independent variable further representative of the position of a cursor display, and y comparison means for comparing said y input with the output of said y digital to analog converter, a second gate means for coupling said counting pulses to said y register, a flip-flop characterized by two stable states and having its first output representing one state coupled as an input for operating said first gate means and a second output representing the other state coupled as an input for operating said second gate means, and further gating means responsive to said x and y comparison means for changing the state of said flip-flop when substantial equality of comparison occurs in either comparison means for operating the gate means in the alternative to produce a cross-shaped cursor on said cathode ray tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
298 words
In a system for providing interactive graphics between a computer and a cathode ray tube display, a cathode ray tube, an x register and a y register for receiving coordinate digital information from a computer, an x digital to analog converter responsive to said x register for providing an analog voltage applied in said cathode ray tube for producing x deflection of the cathode ray tube''s electron beam, means for receiving an x analog input as an independent variable representative of the position of a cursor display, and x comparison means for comparing said x input with the output of said x digital to analog converter, means for receiving counting pulses, a first gate means for coupling said counting pulses to said x register, a y digital to analog converter responsive to said register for providing an analog voltage applied to said cathode ray tube for producing y deflection of the cathode ray tube''s electron beam, means for receiving a y analog input as an independent variable further representative of the position of a cursor display, and y comparison means for comparing said y input with the output of said y digital to analog converter, a second gate means for coupling said counting pulses to said y register, a flip-flop characterized by two stable states and having its first output representing one state coupled as an input for operating said first gate means and a second output representing the other state coupled as an input for operating said second gate means, and further gating means responsive to said x and y comparison means for changing the state of said flip-flop when substantial equality of comparison occurs in either comparison means for operating the gate means in the alternative to produce a cross-shaped cursor on said cathode ray tube.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system according to claim 4 further including means responsive to x and y comparisons for inhibiting said first and second gates respectively for one counting pulse only.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system according to claim 4 further including a one-shot multivibrator also receiving said counting pulses for energizing said cathode ray tube''s electron beam for predetermined periods in response to said counting pulses.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system according to claim 4 further including a one-shot multivibrator responsive to said further gating means for inhibiting said further gating means from recognizing a comparison for a predetermined time after a comparison has been detected.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system according to claim 4 further including a counter selectively responsive to the output of said further gating means for inhibiting said counting pulses after a predetermined count by said counter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system according to claim 4 further including means for selectively inhibiting a change of state of said flip-flop.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
273 words
In a cathode ray tube display system including a cathode ray tube provided with deflection means, means for receiving a first analog signal representing a first coordinate on a screen of the cathode ray tube, a first comparator means for comparing said first analog signal with a corresponding deflection signal applied to the deflection means, means for receiving a series of clock pulses, a first counter means for counting said clock pulses, a first digital to analog converter means for transforming the output from said first counter means into analog form for application to the deflection means, means for receiving a second analog signal representing a second orthogonal coordinate on the screen of the cathode ray tube, a second comparator means for comparing said second analog signal with a deflection signal applied to the deflection means to produce orthogonal deflection in said cathode ray tube, a second counter means for counting said clock pulses, a second digital to analog converter means for transforming the output from said second counter means into analog form for application to the deflection means, first gate means for aPplying a series of said clock pulses to said first counter means until said first analog signal agrees with said corresponding deflection signal, second gate means responsive to said agreement for then applying a series of said clock pulses to said second counter means until said second analog signal agrees with the deflection signal applied to the deflection means producing orthogonal deflection, and control means for alternately energizing said first and second gate means to produce a cross hair cursor the cross point of which corresponds to said analog signals.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
273 words
In a cathode ray tube display system including a cathode ray tube provided with deflection means, means for receiving a first analog signal representing a first coordinate on a screen of the cathode ray tube, a first comparator means for comparing said first analog signal with a corresponding deflection signal applied to the deflection means, means for receiving a series of clock pulses, a first counter means for counting said clock pulses, a first digital to analog converter means for transforming the output from said first counter means into analog form for application to the deflection means, means for receiving a second analog signal representing a second orthogonal coordinate on the screen of the cathode ray tube, a second comparator means for comparing said second analog signal with a deflection signal applied to the deflection means to produce orthogonal deflection in said cathode ray tube, a second counter means for counting said clock pulses, a second digital to analog converter means for transforming the output from said second counter means into analog form for application to the deflection means, first gate means for aPplying a series of said clock pulses to said first counter means until said first analog signal agrees with said corresponding deflection signal, second gate means responsive to said agreement for then applying a series of said clock pulses to said second counter means until said second analog signal agrees with the deflection signal applied to the deflection means producing orthogonal deflection, and control means for alternately energizing said first and second gate means to produce a cross hair cursor the cross point of which corresponds to said analog signals.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system according to claim 10 including means connecting said counter means to a computer for receiving and sending digital signals therebetween.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system according to claim 1, having a pair of transition detectors connected to the outputs of said comparator means for detecting the coincidence of said analog signals applied to each comparator means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system according to claim 10, wherein said counter means comprise counters cyclic in operation to start again at zero when said counters reach their maximum counts representing at least approximately maximum vertical deflection of the cathode ray tube.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system according to claim 10, wherein said cathode ray tube is a storage type adapted to store data from a computer, and including means for energizing the electron beam of said cathode ray tube such that the cursor is not stored on said cathode ray tube.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system according to claim 10 further including a one-shot multivibrator for unblanking the electron beam of the cathode ray tube periods.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-11 | 1976-12-11 | 1977-06-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-11 | 1980-12-11 | 1981-06-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-11 | 1984-12-11 | 1985-06-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |