Alphanumeric display means for computer-linked typewriter consoles

Claim 3

In a device for displaying alphanumeric indicia at selected keys of a keyboard of a typewriter console forming an I/O link with a general-purpose computer, each indicium being related to a font operational characteristic resulting from depression of a selected key button under control of a human observer-user whereby said font operational characteristic is permanently recorded on paper at said typewriter console in full view of said human observer-user through mechanical button-font-paper interaction, the improvement comprising; a. an array of fiber optic, light-conducting members arranged with near ends viewable by said human observer-user to display said selected alphanumeric, light-emanating indicium adjacent to or at said selected key button, said displayed indicium being of sufficient light-emanating intensity as to be easily discernible by said observer-user irrespective of background lighting environment thereabout; b. elongated rigid cantilevered frame means attached to and supportive of said near ends of said array of fiber optic, light-conducting members, said frame means including cooperative means in gripping contact with a corresponding key button of said keyboard; c. encoding means selectively connected intermediate more remote ends of said array of light-conducting members including cooperative means for aiding in the controlled generation of a series of coded light signals falling on said remote ends of said fiber optic members in a pattern corresponding to said alphanumeric display indicium for which display is sought, said encoding means including incandescent bulb means connected to a source of energy and rotable stencil card means positioned intermediate said bulb means and said remote ends of said fiber optic, light-conducting members.

Claim 4

In a device for displaying alphanumeric indicia at selected keys of a keyboard of a typewriter console forming an I/O link with a general-purpose computer, each indicium being related to a font operational characteristic resulting from depression of a selected key button under control of a human observer-user whereby said font operational characteristic is permanently recorded on paper at said typewriter console in full view of said human observer-user through mechanical button-font-paper interaction, the improvement comprising; a. an array of fiber optic, light-conducting members arranged with near ends viewable by said human observer-user to display said selected alphanumeric, light-emanating indicium adjacent to or at said selected key button, said displayed indicium being of sufficient light-emanating intensity as to be easily discernible by said observer-user irrespective of background lighting environment thereabout; b. elongated rigid cantilevered frame means attached to and supportive of said near ends of said array of fiber optic, light-conducting members, said frame means including cooperative means in gripping contact with a corresponding key button of said keyboard; c. encoding means selectively connected intermediate more remote ends of said array of light-conducting members including cooperative means for aiding in the controlled generation of a series of coded light signals falling on said remote ends of said fiber optic members in a pattern corresponding to said alphanumeric display indicium for which display is sought, said encoding means including incandescent bulb means connected to a source of energy and rotable stencil card means positioned intermediate said bulb means and said remote ends of said fiber optic, light-conducting members.

Claim 5

Device of claim 1 in which said end array of said series of fiber optic, light-emanating members is supported interior of said one key button of said keyboard, said array being viewable at the finger-touching surface of said one key button.