US4578766A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer-aided process for generating camera-ready graphical artwork
Assignee: United States, AS REPRESENTED BY HTE SECRETARY OF NAVY
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Filing: 1983-09-01
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Granted: 1986-03-25
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Expires: 2003-09-01
Abstract
Abstract A computer-aided process is disclosed for automatically generating a camera-ready hardcopy of a graphical plot upon command instructions inputted via a conventional storage tube graphics display terminal having an addressable cross-hair cursor and a keyboard. In accordance with an interactive graphics code or program, tabular data coordinates stored in computer file form are retrieved and plotted on appropriately titled and scaled axes with the plotted coordinates being interconnected along curves formed of a smooth or linear nature by interpolation. The graphical plot viewed on the display terminal is further enhanced by inclusion of labels, shaded areas, and reference symbols and characters prior to printing out the hardcopy of an associated hardcopy unit coupled to the display terminal.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. Caddy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 03:02
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T17/00; G06T17/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
185 words
A process for generating a camera-ready hardcopy of a graphical plot of certain physical quantities or existing plots using a general purpose digital computer, a graphics display terminal having an alpha-numeric keyboard and a cursor control, and an associated printer, comprising in sequence the steps of: storing in the computer an interactive graphics code and coordinate data in tabular form associated with the physical quantities or existing plots, said code being identified by interactive command repetition and feedback for deletion, addition and transition of lines, points and labels while processing the stored coordinate data; plotting on the screen the stored coordinate data in a format according to said code; generating on the screen lines between the plotted coordinate data according to said code; revising the coordinate data and the lines plotted on the screen by manipulating the cursor and keyboard in accordance with said code, said revising step further including adding coordinate data to create new lines, deleting coordinate data to remove lines, and moving coordinate data to change the position of existing lines; and printing a hardcopy of the revised plot on the printer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
185 words
A process for generating a camera-ready hardcopy of a graphical plot of certain physical quantities or existing plots using a general purpose digital computer, a graphics display terminal having an alpha-numeric keyboard and a cursor control, and an associated printer, comprising in sequence the steps of: storing in the computer an interactive graphics code and coordinate data in tabular form associated with the physical quantities or existing plots, said code being identified by interactive command repetition and feedback for deletion, addition and transition of lines, points and labels while processing the stored coordinate data; plotting on the screen the stored coordinate data in a format according to said code; generating on the screen lines between the plotted coordinate data according to said code; revising the coordinate data and the lines plotted on the screen by manipulating the cursor and keyboard in accordance with said code, said revising step further including adding coordinate data to create new lines, deleting coordinate data to remove lines, and moving coordinate data to change the position of existing lines; and printing a hardcopy of the revised plot on the printer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A process as recited in claim 1, wherein, immediately following said step of revising the coordinate data, the following step is included: labeling appropriate areas of the revised plot on the screen by manipulating the cursor and keying the computer in accordance with the interactive code.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
A process as recited in claim 2, wherein immediately following said step of labeling, the following step is included: shading appropriate areas of the revised plot on the screen by manipulating the cursor and keying the computer in accordance with the interactive code.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
A process as recited in claim 3, wherein immediately following said step of shading, the following step is included: applying appropriate reference symbols and characters to the revised plot on the screen by manipulating the cursor and keying the computer in accordance with the interactive code.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A process as recited in claim 1, wherein said step of plotting comprises: establishing appropriately scaled and titled coordinate axes on the screen; and establishing appropriate grid lines substantially horizontally and vertically on the screen.
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) | 1989-03-24 | 1989-09-23 | 1990-03-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-24 | 1993-09-23 | 1994-03-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-24 | 1997-09-23 | 1998-03-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |