Patent US3750135A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3750135A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Low resolution graphics for crt displays
Assignee: LEKTROMEDIA Ltd
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Filing: 1971-10-15
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Granted: 1973-07-31
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Expires: 1991-10-15
Abstract
Abstract A system for generating and displaying graphical information for interactive computer display terminals using graphic display mediums employing a raster pattern, such as a cathode ray tube. The system uses programmable character elements for constructing graphic characters in such manner that they are highly adaptable for display by conventional television monitors. Each graphic character is constructed by the character elements in an individual cell pattern and a plurality of these adjacently located cell patterns render a continuous graphic diagram. All of the cells which make up the graphic diagram are of the same size and typically eight dots by twelve dots and a plurality of graphic element or font types may be used in these cells to generate the various graphic characters. One form of traphic element cell pattern generates the graphic characters in individual cells by means of a plural-point pattern and preferably a six-point pattern and in another form the graphic elements generates the graphic character by means of a plural-bar pattern and preferably a four-bar pattern. The system includes a mimic style keyboard along with cursor controls which are used to create the continuous graphic diagram. An eight bit word representing each character is loaded into a buffer or scanned storage and after a complete diagram has been composed a page representing this diagram may then be loaded into a permanent storage. The system is operable in an origination mode, a storage mode, a presentation mode and a modification mode. A unique programmable read-only memory and associated logic including a unique gating structure permits the display of alpha-numeric data generated at an alpha-numeric keyboard, along with the display of the above mentioned graphic character patterns.
Inventors
- 👤 P Carey
- 👤 O Holmwood
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:25
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09G; G09G5/00; G09G5/22; G09G5/222
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 35
Claim 1
Independent Claim
284 words
A system for generating graphic displays on the screen of a monitor having a plurality of raster locations thereon and being operable with a raster, said system comprising memory means, control means operatively connected to said memory means for controlling same, first pattern forming means including selected locations in said memory means and operating in conjunction with said control means for generating a first type of graphic character elements combinable in a single raster location toform a graphic character, first switch means operatively associated with said first pattern forming means to select certain of the first type of character elements in a desired arrangement and combined to form a first graphic character in a raster location, second pattern forming means including other selected locations in said memory means and operating in comprising memory means, control means with said control means for generating a second type of character elements combinable in a single raster location to form a graphic character, said second type of graphic character elements differing in appearance with respect to said first type of graphic character elements, second switch means operatively associated with said second pattern forming means to select certain of the second type of character elements in a desired arrangement and combined to form a second graphic character in another raster location, means operatively associated with said first switch means and second switch means and said first and second pattern forming means for generating a signal permitting selective generation of either said first type of graphic character elements or second type of graphic character elements, and cursor means to position the various graphic characters formed from said types of character elements in a desired arrangement to form a graphic display.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
284 words
A system for generating graphic displays on the screen of a monitor having a plurality of raster locations thereon and being operable with a raster, said system comprising memory means, control means operatively connected to said memory means for controlling same, first pattern forming means including selected locations in said memory means and operating in conjunction with said control means for generating a first type of graphic character elements combinable in a single raster location toform a graphic character, first switch means operatively associated with said first pattern forming means to select certain of the first type of character elements in a desired arrangement and combined to form a first graphic character in a raster location, second pattern forming means including other selected locations in said memory means and operating in comprising memory means, control means with said control means for generating a second type of character elements combinable in a single raster location to form a graphic character, said second type of graphic character elements differing in appearance with respect to said first type of graphic character elements, second switch means operatively associated with said second pattern forming means to select certain of the second type of character elements in a desired arrangement and combined to form a second graphic character in another raster location, means operatively associated with said first switch means and second switch means and said first and second pattern forming means for generating a signal permitting selective generation of either said first type of graphic character elements or second type of graphic character elements, and cursor means to position the various graphic characters formed from said types of character elements in a desired arrangement to form a graphic display.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system for generating graphic displays of claim 1 further characterized in that the first pattern forming means generates bar-type character elements, and that said second pattern forming means generates point-type character elements.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
70 words
The system for generating graphic displays of claim 1 further characterized in that the first pattern forming means generates bar-type character elements and that a maximum of four of such bar-type elements constitutes the graphic character in any one raster location, and said second pattern forming means generates point-type character elements and that a maximum of six of such point-type elements constitutes the graphic character in any one raster location.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system for generating graphic displays of claim 1 further characterized in that means is provided for adding alpha-numeric characters to the graphic displays in order to generate a composite informational display of graphic characters and alpha-numeric characters.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
192 words
A method for generating graphic-type displays on the screen of a monitor operable with a raster, said method comprising establishing a plurality of raster locations of predetermined font size on the screen associated with the monitor, generating and introducing first input signals to a memory, generating a first type of character elements from said first input signals and which are combinable to form graphic characters of said predetermined font size in certain of said raster locations, generating and introducing second input signals to said memory, generating a second type of graphic character elements from said second input signals which are distinct from said first type of character elements and combinable to form graphic characters of said predetermined font size in certain other of said raster locations, generating a characterization signal which characterizes either the first type of graphic character elements or the second type of graphic character elements for each particular raster location, transmitting the characterization signal to said memory and selecting the proper types of character elements for each raster location therefrom, and positioning the graphic charactErs formed in said raster locations in a desired arrangement to form a graphic display.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
192 words
A method for generating graphic-type displays on the screen of a monitor operable with a raster, said method comprising establishing a plurality of raster locations of predetermined font size on the screen associated with the monitor, generating and introducing first input signals to a memory, generating a first type of character elements from said first input signals and which are combinable to form graphic characters of said predetermined font size in certain of said raster locations, generating and introducing second input signals to said memory, generating a second type of graphic character elements from said second input signals which are distinct from said first type of character elements and combinable to form graphic characters of said predetermined font size in certain other of said raster locations, generating a characterization signal which characterizes either the first type of graphic character elements or the second type of graphic character elements for each particular raster location, transmitting the characterization signal to said memory and selecting the proper types of character elements for each raster location therefrom, and positioning the graphic charactErs formed in said raster locations in a desired arrangement to form a graphic display.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 5 futher characterized in that the first type of character elements are bar-type character elements and that the second type of character elements are point-type character elements.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 5 further characterized in that the first type of character elements are bar character elements and that a maximum of four bars can exist in any one raster location, and that said second type of character elements are points and that a maximum of six points can exist in any one raster location.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 5 further characterized in that each graphic character is stored, processed and transmitted as an eight-bit data word.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 5 further characterized in that alpha-numeric characters are generated and displayed along with the graphic characters.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
261 words
A display system for interactive computer display terminals, said system comprising a first input means capable of generating a multi-bit binary graphic word, said first input means comprising first selection means enabling generation of a first type of graphic character elements and second selection means enabling generation of a second type of graphic character elements, characterization means also operatively associated with said first input means to generate a first characterization element comprised of at least one bit to distinguish between said first and second types of graphic character elements, each of said first type and each of said second type of graphic character elements defined by one binary word being combinable in a single raster location to form a graphic character therein, second input means capable of generating a multi-bit binary alpha-numeric data word, first storage means operatively associated with said first input means to receive certain bits of said multi-bit graphic word and said first characterization element, second storage means operatively associated with said second input means to receive certain bits of said multi-bit alpha-numeric data word, means operatively associated with said first and second input means to generate a second characterization element to distinguish between said graphic words and alpha-numeric data words, selector means operatively connected to said first and second storage means to receive said graphic words and alpha-numeric data words and said second characterization element and select between alpha-numeric data words and graphic words, and clocking means for clocking either said graphic words or alpha-numeric data words to said monitor to display characters defined by said words.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
261 words
A display system for interactive computer display terminals, said system comprising a first input means capable of generating a multi-bit binary graphic word, said first input means comprising first selection means enabling generation of a first type of graphic character elements and second selection means enabling generation of a second type of graphic character elements, characterization means also operatively associated with said first input means to generate a first characterization element comprised of at least one bit to distinguish between said first and second types of graphic character elements, each of said first type and each of said second type of graphic character elements defined by one binary word being combinable in a single raster location to form a graphic character therein, second input means capable of generating a multi-bit binary alpha-numeric data word, first storage means operatively associated with said first input means to receive certain bits of said multi-bit graphic word and said first characterization element, second storage means operatively associated with said second input means to receive certain bits of said multi-bit alpha-numeric data word, means operatively associated with said first and second input means to generate a second characterization element to distinguish between said graphic words and alpha-numeric data words, selector means operatively connected to said first and second storage means to receive said graphic words and alpha-numeric data words and said second characterization element and select between alpha-numeric data words and graphic words, and clocking means for clocking either said graphic words or alpha-numeric data words to said monitor to display characters defined by said words.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
57 words
The system of claim 10 further characterized in that a main register is operatively connected to said selector means to receive either the graphic work or alpha-numeric data word selected by said selector means, and said clocking clocking means is operable with said main register to generate a video-signal from the word received by said main register.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 11 further characterized in that a mixer is provided for receiving the video-signal and a television type input signal and forming a signal complex therefrom for display through said interactive computer display terminals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 10 further characterized in that the display system for the interactive computer display terminals is a monitor having a screen operable by a raster pattern.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 10 further characterized in that the display system for the interactive computer display terminals is a television monitor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 11 further characterized in that said clocking means is a column counter for determining a particular column in a raster location, and that row counter means is operatively associated with said first and second storage means for determining the row location in any of the columns in said raster location.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 10 further characterized in that said first storage means cOmprises a first memory and a first gating circuit which are operatively connected to said selector means and said second storage means comprises a second memory and a second gating circuit which are operatively connected to said selector means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 16 further characterized in that said first memory and said second memory are read-only memories.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 10 further characterized in that said first selection means comprises first switch-type means for generating plural-bar character elements and said second selection means comprises second switch-type means for generating plural-point character elements.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
211 words
Circuit active means for determining the coordinate positions of two types of distinct character elements in a raster location on a display screen and where said character elements are combinable in a desired arrangement to form characters, said circuit active means comprisng a receiving memory device for receiving a multi-bit word defining the character elements and representing a character comprised of said character elements, a gating matrix for receiving certain of the bits of said multi-bit work defining the character elements, a character generating memory device receiving another bit from said multi-bit word characterizing the type of character elements, first location counter means operatively connected to said character generating memeory device and generating signals representing a first coordinate axis location for said elements, said last named signals being introducable into said gating matrix for gating certain of the bits representing certain of the character elements from said gating matrix, register means operatively connected to said gating matrix on receiving the gated bits, and second location counter means operatively connected to said register means and being operable with the certain gated bits to determine a second coordinate axis location which is relatively perpendicular to said first axis location to thereby define the coordinate positions of the character elements in said raster location.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
211 words
Circuit active means for determining the coordinate positions of two types of distinct character elements in a raster location on a display screen and where said character elements are combinable in a desired arrangement to form characters, said circuit active means comprisng a receiving memory device for receiving a multi-bit word defining the character elements and representing a character comprised of said character elements, a gating matrix for receiving certain of the bits of said multi-bit work defining the character elements, a character generating memory device receiving another bit from said multi-bit word characterizing the type of character elements, first location counter means operatively connected to said character generating memeory device and generating signals representing a first coordinate axis location for said elements, said last named signals being introducable into said gating matrix for gating certain of the bits representing certain of the character elements from said gating matrix, register means operatively connected to said gating matrix on receiving the gated bits, and second location counter means operatively connected to said register means and being operable with the certain gated bits to determine a second coordinate axis location which is relatively perpendicular to said first axis location to thereby define the coordinate positions of the character elements in said raster location.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The circuit active means of claim 19 further characterized in that said receiving memory device is a buffer memory and said character generating memory device is a read-only memory unit.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
The circuit active means of claim 19 further characterized in that said receiving memory device is a buffer memory and said character generating memory device is a programmable read-only memory.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
48 words
The circuit active means of claim 19 further characterized in that a plurality of different types of character elements can be used to generate the graphic characters and that the bit introduced into said receiving memory device represents the type of character elements introduced into said gating matrix.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
80 words
The circuit active means of claim 19 further characterized in that said characters are graphic characters and that a plurality of different types of character elements can be used to generate different graphic characters, one of said character element types comprising a series of bar-lik elements and the other said character element types comprising a series of point-like elements, the bit of said multi-bit word introduced into said receiving memory device characterizing between the point-like elements and the bar-like elements.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
228 words
A data output circuit for gating certain bits of multi-bit words in response to a plurality of input signals and where certain of the bits in certain of said multi-bit words represent information bearing graphical elements and certain of the bits in other of said multi-bit words represent an information bearing alpha numeric element and a characterization bit in said multi-bit words distinguishes between said two types of elements; said data output circuit comprising a plurality of first gating members receiving certain of the bits of multi-bit word, memory type signal generating means receiving the characterization bit, a plurality of second gating members also receiving certain of the bits of another multi-bit word, second memory type signal generating means also receiving said characterization bit, first clocking means for generating first clock signals and introducing said first clock signals into each said signal generating means, each said signal generating means generating a plurality of input signals in response to said clock signals upon receipt of a selected characterization bit and introducing said input signals to said gating members thereby gating certain of said bits from the gating members which have received such bits in response to certain of the input signals, register means for receiving said gated bits, and second clocking means for introducing clocking signals into said register means for transmitting said gated bits on a serial basis.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
228 words
A data output circuit for gating certain bits of multi-bit words in response to a plurality of input signals and where certain of the bits in certain of said multi-bit words represent information bearing graphical elements and certain of the bits in other of said multi-bit words represent an information bearing alpha numeric element and a characterization bit in said multi-bit words distinguishes between said two types of elements; said data output circuit comprising a plurality of first gating members receiving certain of the bits of multi-bit word, memory type signal generating means receiving the characterization bit, a plurality of second gating members also receiving certain of the bits of another multi-bit word, second memory type signal generating means also receiving said characterization bit, first clocking means for generating first clock signals and introducing said first clock signals into each said signal generating means, each said signal generating means generating a plurality of input signals in response to said clock signals upon receipt of a selected characterization bit and introducing said input signals to said gating members thereby gating certain of said bits from the gating members which have received such bits in response to certain of the input signals, register means for receiving said gated bits, and second clocking means for introducing clocking signals into said register means for transmitting said gated bits on a serial basis.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
34 words
The data output circuit of claim 24 further characterized in that each said signal generating means is a read-only memory unit and which memory unit comprises a decoding matrix and a word select matrix.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
42 words
The data output circuit of claim 24 further characterized in that said gating members are NAND gates and includes a number of NAND gates at least equivalent to the number of bits in said multi-bit word representing the first type of elements.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
43 words
The data output circuit of claim 24 further characterized in that the input signals to said gating members are signals designating a first coordinate location position and the clocking signals generated by said second clocking means are signals designating another coordinate location position.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
132 words
The method of displaying graphical information along with alpha-numeric information through computer interactive display terminals and where the graphic information comprises at least two types of character elements combinable to form at least two different types of graphical characters, said method comprising generating a multi-bit word representing each alpha-numeric character, generating a multi-bit binary word of the same binary length as the first named binary word and representing one of said two types of graphical characters, generating a multi-bit binary word of the same binary length as the first named binary word and representing the other of said two types of graphical characters, processing all of said multi-bit binary words in substantially the same manner, and displaying the multi-bit words as graphical and alpha-numeric characters on the display screen of a monitor.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
132 words
The method of displaying graphical information along with alpha-numeric information through computer interactive display terminals and where the graphic information comprises at least two types of character elements combinable to form at least two different types of graphical characters, said method comprising generating a multi-bit word representing each alpha-numeric character, generating a multi-bit binary word of the same binary length as the first named binary word and representing one of said two types of graphical characters, generating a multi-bit binary word of the same binary length as the first named binary word and representing the other of said two types of graphical characters, processing all of said multi-bit binary words in substantially the same manner, and displaying the multi-bit words as graphical and alpha-numeric characters on the display screen of a monitor.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 28 further characterized in that each of said multi-bit words comprise eight binary bits.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-30 | 1977-01-29 | 1977-07-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-30 | 1981-01-29 | 1981-07-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-30 | 1985-01-29 | 1985-07-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |