Abstract: An audio language is used to generate audio sources for an audio scene. The audio sources are patterns comprising other patterns, composed music, audio samples, instruments, MIDI instruments, and filters. The audio files can be located on a computer-readable medium or accessible over a network. An audio player is provided for executing audio sources contained in audio files having code segments for the audio sources written in the audio language. The audio player prioritizes the audio sources according to prioritization reserved variables of the audio language to determine an order of priority. The audio player executes the audio sources according to the order of priority by transferring, playing, storing, or any combination of transferring, playing, and storing the audio sources according to the order of priority of the audio sources. The audio language and the audio player are advantageously useful for executing audio sources for an audio scene in a virtual environment.

Abstract: A luminous decorative device with a melody generator is disclosed. The device includes a melody generator, a luminous source or member which is coupled to the melody generator and turned on and off or flickers in conjunction with the operation of the melody generator and a transparent decorative member which is formed with lots of reflecting recesses making the shape of a character and/or figure on the upper and/or lower surface thereof. The recess has at least one reflecting face which is oriented toward a direction in which the corresponding luminous member is disposed. The device can display the characters or figures so that they may look like flickering or twinkling.

Abstract: This device uses two solenoids to create a steady, tactile pulse. This pulse conveys a specific beat to the user and therefore conveys tempo in the manner of a metronome. A tempo-signal generating circuit feeds electric pulses to a "t" flip-flop. This flip-flop changes state with each pulse and through relays turns on or off the solenoids. The solenoids are spring loaded and return to place when power is off. This causes a jerk which is conveyed to the user through a belt clip, neck strap, or directly through the wall of the solenoid containing case. By using this invention, time may be kept in a precise manner without the intrusion of light or sound that occurs with other metronomes.

Abstract: A keyboard musical instrument having a keyboard range display device with which the positions of player's hands or fingers on a keyboard and the keys to be depressed as needed, are visually identified, comprises right hand and left hand range display means for displaying keyboard ranges to be covered by right and left hand fingers, and preferably, note-on position display means. Display data included in play data, is used to turn on each display means. A player immediately and intuitively perceives the range that is defined, so that he can easily move his fingers to correspond with the range. Even when the hands are near each other during a performance, the player can clearly identify the positions of the hands on the keyboard and the fingers to be used for key depression.

Abstract: A process for the reproduction of a starlit sky involves accompanying stars and other space bodies with acoustical tones corresponding to their optical images. Particularly individual spectral classes of the stars will each be assigned to an octave of music. The invention also includes combining a device with a telescope for providing acoustical reproduction of respectively observed stars and space bodies.

Abstract: A device (10) for producing light enhanced sound from a music source (36) producing music signals on at least a first (54) and second (56) channel is provided. The device (10) includes a speaker (18 or 20) for reproducing music from the music signals. The device (10) also includes axis-crossing detection circuitry (69) coupled to the first (54) and second (56) channels that detects when the music signal on each channel crosses the time-axis and generates an axis-crossing signal. The present device (10) further includes light control circuitry (81) coupled to the axis-detecting circuitry (69) operable to generate a light signal responsive to the axis crossing signals. The present device (10) also includes a light (42) coupled to the light control circuitry (81). The light (42) is illuminated responsive to the light signal.

Abstract: A device is provided that responds in real time, as well as in a rhythmic fashion, through amplification and processing of an audio signal. The device also will change in intensity. The electronics work off of three DC power supplies derived from a single AC source. The DC power supplies supply DC sources to the lamp voltage, audio amplifier and darlington network. The circuit takes a line (low) level signal into a capacitively coupled audio amplifier IC. The amplified output is then fed through an isolation transformer into a full-wave bridge rectifier to become a pulsed DC to drive the darlington network. The darlington network, used for voltage gain, drives the bases of the lamp driver transistors which are staggered respectively, through diodes to produce the visual effect. The circuit is not limited to driving lamps of any particular wattage or to the housing of the visual display.

Abstract: A fiberoptically illuminated electronic stringed musical instrument is disclosed that has at least one pickup. At least one light source is disposed within the body of the instrument. A plurality of optical fibers are embedded in the instrument such that each fiber extends from the light source to a predetermined location on the exterior surface of the instrument. The fibers provide a transmission path for the light rays emitted by the light source, thereby illuminating the exterior surface of the instrument while at the same time the fiber becomes part of the mechanical/composite structure of the guitar. Control circuitry, disposed within the body of the instrument, is connected to the pickup and the light source. The control circuitry selectively controls the illumination of the light source, and therefore the exterior surface of the instrument, based upon electrical signals generated by the pickup.

Abstract: A musical keyboard instruction device composed of a pianopics display device and its associated keyboard musical notation, which convey readily the information needed to play the piano and any like keyboard instrument. It does so by using a partial keyboard picture-like diagram to identify the spatial location of the keys to be pressed and the metaphor of a bouncing ball over duration numerals as a timing diagram to indicate the length of the tones and their order of play.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for displaying two-channel audio input signals in a three-color visual pattern. In general, the visual pattern may be formed on a viewing screen by an apparently moving spot having three color components. Phase shifting means is employed to phase shift one of the two audio input signals, and both audio input signals are subsequently processed by low pass filters to produce positioning signals in X-Y coordinates for the spot which forms the visual pattern. In addition, the two audio input signals are also mixed and separately processed by a high pass filter, a band pass filter and a low pass filter to produce frequency separated signals for controlling the intensity of each of three color components of the spot forming the visual pattern. Automatic color balance means utilizing negative feedback is employed to control the amplitude of the separate frequency-discriminated audio signals.

Abstract: A music information reproducing method and apparatus for reproducing music information containing character codes for displaying a plurality of characters on an optionally selected display screen of the apparatus and containing MIDI signals formatted on a basis of MIDI Standard. The MIDI signals contain timing clocks and sound source driving information for driving various sound sources and color change information containing color change timings for designating a character and its color change timing of the designated character. The positions of the characters displayed on the display screen are preliminarily determined by the apparatus before the music information is reproduced thereby, and the color change of the characters designated by the color change information is conducted in synchronization with the timing clocks of the MIDI signals by using the determined positions of the characters.

Abstract: A clear stringed musical instrument body capable of receiving a substance such that the appearance of the instrument may be altered by changing the substance contained within the body. The body comprises a front, a back and sides defining a watertight interior. The front includes at least one opening into watertight means for housing electronic control components within the body, wherein the watertight means projects into the interior of the body and merges with the body. The body also includes means for filling and draining the body which comprises at least one hole formed on the body and a plug received within the hole. The body further includes means for attaching the body to a neck and means for attaching a strap to the body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating music from color input data is disclosed. Color data extracted from a selected portion of a still or moving picture image displayed on a color graphical output means is converted by a central processing unit into a signal comprising musical information which is played by a sound output means. The images are retrieved from a storage device. The image portion converted into musical information corresponds to the location of a cursor displayed over the image. The central processing unit is programmed and controlled by a keyboard and mouse to move the cursor to varying positions on the displayed image and to generate different musical information depending on the color data at each position. The apparatus and method can also be used to transform audio input from a musical device and a MIDI interface into color data for display as an image on a color graphical output means.

Abstract: A foot-operated signal controlling pedal with a series of LED's integrated in the pedal housing to indicate signal level. The pedal may perform one or more of a variety of sound effect functions with any of the common circuits in use currently, with a parallel but separate circuit controlling the LED display. The invention is of the typical rocker pedal design with a linkage joining the foot pedal to variable resistors which control the LED's and the audio signal in a parallel and simultaneous fashion.

Abstract: A laser emitting visual display for a music system including a housing with a hollow interior and transparent window. A plurality of lasers are coupled within the housing and disposed to emit high intensity light beams generally towards the transparent window when actuated. Also included is a control mechanism situated within the housing and coupled to a current source, an output of a music system, and each of the lasers. The mechanism is adapted to actuate different lasers depending on the frequency and volume of a signal received via the output of the music system thereby effecting a coincident visual and audio spectacle.

Abstract: A plurality of image data and sequence data indicative of the sequence of displaying images are provided beforehand. The image data are sequentially read in accordance with the sequence indicated by the sequence data at the timing synchronous with automatic accompaniment. Image advancement in automatic accompaniment of a normal pattern differs from image accompaniment in automatic accompaniment of a fill-in pattern. The image display is made at the timing synchronous with chord advancement in automatic accompaniment.

Abstract: In a system for combining internally generated visual patterns and sound patterns and recording them on videocassettes and videotapes, sound is introduced into a computer as either audio signals (analog) or digitized (MIDI) signals. Through a digital microphone connected by cable to a digital signal processing port of the computer. The signals are automatically transformed into a digital data stream that is compatible with the computer. Visual images are drawn on the computer monitor and saved, then synchronized to sound signals by a custom program that breaks the sound signals into control components representative of frequency, loudness, or peak of pulse of the sound, which causes the visuals to respond by moving in specified ways. The components control the speed, brightness and rhythm of motion of the visual patterns.

Abstract: There is provided a compact, low-cost decorative light blinking device which is capable of accurately and precisely blinking illuminants of channels in response to music (the frequency of sound), and which has circuitry with reduced number of components. An audio frequency range (from 20 Hz to 20 KHz) can be divided into about 10 frequencies.

Abstract: A synthesized music, sound and light system (10) that is incorporated into articles of clothing (60) such as a pair of shoes. The system (10) when activated, allows a multiplicity of lights (32) to illuminate in synchrony with the rhythmic beat of either an internal or an external music or sound program that is heard through an audio transducer (26). When the system (10) is incorporated into a pair of shoes, a person can perform a dance routine or other form of expression in compliment with the selected music and light program. To enhance the utility of the invention, the system includes three user operated controls: a music program select switch (S1) that allows the selection of musical light programs, a control that allows the speed of the lights and rhythmic beat of the selected program to be increased or decreased, and a control that allows setting the volume of the sound.

Abstract: A device for detecting loose stones in a jewelry setting includes a pedestal against which a ring or other jewelry item is lightly held, and a vibrator for causing vibration of the pedestal and hence of the jewelry item held against it. A large magnifying lens is positioned a few inches above the pedestal so that the owner of the jewelry item may observe the stones when the setting is vibrated. This enables a jeweler's customer to see loose stones themselves without relying upon the opinion of the jeweler. The vibrator is a motor contained within a housing, and the pedestal extends upwardly through an aperture formed in a top wall of the housing. A linkage means interconnects the output shaft of the motor and the pedestal in such a way as to cause vibration of the pedestal. A light mounted above the pedestal illuminates it, and separate switch actuators are provided for the actuation of the motor and the light.

Abstract: This invention relates to a metronomic apparatus and MIDI sequence controller. The metronomic apparatus comprises a visual display which indicates not only the beat of a piece of music but also gives an indication of the occurence of preset between beat timing signals. The user who takes his cue from the between beat timing signals can vary his playing in advance of or behind the beat. The MIDI sequence controller comprises an easily triggerable switch device which allows a musician, during a performance, to edge a MIDI sequencer forward or backward to resynchronize with the playing of musicians who have fallen out of synchronization.

Abstract: A trigger circuit unit including: a forward circuit block having a pickup circuit such as a microphone for picking up a signal of music so as to convert it into an electric signal; a filter circuit for selecting a portion of the band from a picked up audible frequency band; and a limit amplifier circuit mainly composed of an inverter operation logic IC for amplifying the selected electric signal having a portion of the band and transmitting an output having a predetermined amplitude; and a waveform conversion circuit block having a time constant circuit connected to the output of the forward circuit block and composed of a capacitor having one or more diodes connected in series and a resistor in order to prevent a backflow and to obtain a forward directional voltage difference, wherein analog pulse signals transmitted from the time constant circuit are caused to perform a Schmidt operation having a previously adjusted degree of hysteresis, wherein the rectangular pulse signals transmitted from the waveform co

Abstract: A plurality of image data and sequence data indicative of the sequence of displaying images are provided beforehand. The image data are sequentially read in accordance with the sequence indicated by the sequence data at the timing synchronous with automatic accompaniment. Image advancement in automatic accompaniment of a normal pattern differs from image accompaniment in automatic accompaniment of a fill-in pattern. The image display is made at the timing synchronous with chord advancement in automatic accompaniment.

Abstract: An attachable and removable illuminated fiber optic strand adhered to the top side surface of a guitar neck and which conducts light to a plurality of predetermined proportionally etched abrasions exposed along the longitudinal length of the optically conductive fiber optic strand. The device provides multiple illuminated points of light along the top side surface of the guitar neck facing the guitarist, thereby allowing the instrument to be played in the dark and producing a pleasing visual effect.

Abstract: The music number is input through the panel switch arranged in the music accompanying apparatus. The modulated music number signal by the modulation-demodulation device is transmitted to the control apparatus through the coaxial cable. In the control apparatus, the music number data signal is received through the coaxial cable, and further demodulated into the music number data by the modulation-demodulation device. The controller reads out the various music data. At the same time, the controller controls the four video disc devices so that the four video picture data each of which is corresponded to the different music genre, are reproduced by the video disc devices. Thereafter, both the various music data and the four video picture data are mutually superimposed through the head amplifier after modulated by each of the modulators and transmitted to each of the music accompanying apparatuses through the coaxial cable.

Abstract: A dual colored LED indicator is provided for each channel of an audio mixing console to enable an operator to determine the status of at least a first and second device. Preferably, a red indication from the LED indicates a device is active and a green indication from the LED indicates that a device is set to become active or has just become inactive. The invention enables an operator to determine which device is set to next become active in a cross fade operation.

Abstract: A musical drum construction has a drum side wall comprising a relatively thin outer plastic shell or skin and a relatively thick inner foam plastic liner. The drum construction is of relatively light weight and is economical to manufacture. A fluctuating light source is provided in the drum to impart a glowing appearance to the drum exterior. Switch mechanisms on the drum respond to vibrational motion of the drum skin to control the light source, the light or lights going on and off at the frequency with which the drum skin is struck by a drumstick.

Abstract: An electronic visual music conducting device is provided which is adapted to receive electronic timing signals representative of the tempo of a piece of music, and to use these timing signals to control a visual display which indicates tempo and rhythm by simulating the movement of a conductor's baton, including the acceleration normally present as the baton approaches the point of a beat, and the deceleration normally present as the baton moves away from the point of a beat. The electronic timing signals are preferably MIDI System Exclusive Real Time Message Timing Clock signals (F8H). The electronic visual music conducting device may also be provided with a bar display to indicate numerically which bar is currently being played. The electronic visual music conducting device may also be provided with a beat display to indicate numerically the number of beats per minute associated with the bar currently being played.

Abstract: An automatic performance device includes a sound signal generation section for generating a sound signal, a loudspeaker for sounding the sound signal generated by the sound signal generation section, percussion instruments constituting a scale, a percussion instrument drive section for sounding the percussion instruments, a percussion instrument performance information output section for outputting percussion instrument performance information in synchronism with the sound signal, and a converter for converting the percussion instrument performance information to a corresponding drive signal of the percussion instrument drive section. An atmosphere of a live performance is produced and a rich and powerful musical performance as an orchestral performance can be simultaneously made as an accompanying music in a simple manner.

Abstract: A display apparatus for an electronic musical instrument according to the first invention has a display section including multiple indicators provided in association with multiple tone parts, each indicator having multiple LEDs, a register section for reading out lighting time information from a memory which has lighting time information of the LEDs stored, and a counter section for performing a countdown operation in a predetermined time interval with the lighting time information in the register section as an initial value. When generation of a musical tone is instructed, the LEDs of the indicators which are associated with tone parts of the musical tone and whose quantity corresponds to volume information of the musical tone, are lit. When a count value of the counter section reaches zero, one of the LEDs is turned off or on, and the lighting time information in the register section is reset in the counter section to re-start a countdown operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for translating audio signals and producing a visual color display that portrays music. Circuits responsive to audio signal amplitude cause the display brightness to vary in accordance with the loudness of the music source. Circuits responsive to audio signal frequency content cause the color of the display to vary in accordance with the frequency spectrum of the music source. The audio frequency spectrum is evaluated by circuits which divide the spectrum into multiple contiguous frequency bands without the use of traditional filtering techniques. A palette of preselected light colors is assigned to the frequency bands such that each band is displayed as a unique color. The display apparatus is comprised of multiple colored light sources enclosed within a curved translucent light diffusion globe. Light sources are activated singly or in combinations of two adjacent light sources to produce the most attractive color blending to appear on the surface of the globe.

Abstract: A modulized water and light performing equipment comprised of water pump and water distribution and level controller and controlled by a circuit sub-system according to built-in procedure, external sound and external specific signal input modes, to produce various spring patterns of different heights changing at different tempo and rhythm. A plurality of colored lamps are controlled by the circuit sub-system to produce color lighting effects harmoniously matching with water performance. Water performance sub-system and light performance sub-system are incorporated to produce various harmonious, color spring patterns according to the signals sent from different input modes.

Abstract: An acoustic control circuit for sequencing the flashing of a Christmas light set according to the rhythm and volume of a sound, and more particularly a flash control circuit which makes use of externally produced acoustic intensity to effect the sequence of flashing in accordance with a predetermined sequence. A user can enjoy special flashing effect produced by the light set when such a light set is connected placed near and responsive to a sound generating unit like a stereo or other device.

Abstract: A recorded music enhancement system (RMES) utilizing a recording media such as audio tape or compact disc with a separate track for a control waveform or digital code which controls secondary stimuli, such as pulsing lights, so that they pulse in time with the music, or are otherwise coordinated with the music in some artistic arrangement. This system has a triac to switch the power on and off to the lights or other secondary stimuli, and includes a tone or digital code detector which receives the input waveform from the extra track on the recording medium and operates the triac as a function of the input waveform, in essence causing lights or other stimuli to reproduce the rhythm variations of the music as it is played from the tape or other recording medium.

Abstract: A music initiated Christmas light set controller includes a casing in which is disposed a circuit board. The circuit board is connected to a plurality of light sets and includes a bridge rectifier, a voltage regulator circuit, a music generating integrated circuit (IC), a piezo-electric transducer, an alternative switch IC, and a plurality of thyristors. The casing includes a loudspeaker aperture for output of music, a volume control knob connected to a variable resistor for controlling the volume of music, and a knob for alternative selection of the lighting inside. A bridge rectifier is coupled to 110 volt A.C. power for providing full-wave rectification thereof. The output of the bridge rectifier is coupled to a voltage regulation circuit for dropping and filtering the voltage to form a stable voltage for application to a music IC and also provide a signal voltage to an alternative switch IC.

Abstract: Apparatus for flashing incandescent and fluorescent lamps in response to audio signals such as speech or music, together or individually. Apparatus employs an automatic level control to insure uniform input level to each active filter which filters the audio information by selected components into certain preferred bands of frequencies. The outputs of these active filters are thus rectified and fed into integrators. These integrators are recycled 120 times per second by transistors across the integrating capacitor. The output of the integrators are fed into transistor comparators where individual comparators compare the input signal with a reference signal and changes state also at 120 cycles per second. The outputs of the comparators are fed into triac drivers which drive the control gates of the triacs at 60 cycles per second, thus turning the load lamps on and off at such a rate eliminates any discernabale lag in light display to audio beat sounds.

Abstract: The microprocessor controlled lamp flashing system includes a plurality of flash lamp assemblies for providing lighting effects in response to input control signals from a central processor. The control signals are provided in a data packet with intensity and address signals, and each flash lamp assembly includes a microprocessor which controls a flash control circuit for a flash lamp. Each microprocessor is connected to a preset address circuit which causes the microprocessor to respond to a unique address signal in the data packet and register the intensity signal associated with the unique address signal. The microprocessor controls cooldown of the flash lamp by registering intensity values and deactivating the flash control circuit for a determined cooldown time when the intensity values registered in a time period exceed a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A color and intensity modulation system has an output to be connected to a color light projector and an input to receive a hue control signal and an intensity control signal including at least one modulation frequency component F. The system comprises a color scaling device, receiving in use the hue signal, the color scaling device producing a plurality of color component signals, the plurality of color component signals being supplied as the output to the color light projector, and an intensity control device, receiving in use the intensity control signal, the intensity control device comprising a low frequency oscillator whose output is an intensity modulation signal for varying an intensity of the plurality of color component signals between a preset minimum and a preset maximum value, the oscillator having a frequency responsive to the at least one modulation frequency component F of the intensity control signal, the plurality of color component signals to control in use the projector.

Abstract: An audio reactive display for generating a random light pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed is a decoration box which sends out music and colored flashing light beams simultaneously when played. The music comes from a conventional cylinder-type music generator, and the colored flashing light beams result from a circular dish having a plurality of openings with colored translucent sheets affixed thereto.

Abstract: A tone visualizing apparatus for visualizing an inputted audio signal to thereby display an image corresponding to this audio signal includes at least a detector, image display (such as a CRT display unit) and display controller. The detector detects characteristics of the audio signal such as envelope, chord, spectrum signal components, number of zero-cross points and energy of the audio signal. The image display displays an image based on given image information which can be generated from a video tape recorder (VTR), a video disk unit or an image memory constituted by a semiconductor memory. The display controller controls the image display so that a display parameter of the image will be controlled based on the detected characteristics of the audio signal. For example, the display parameter can be set as size, brightness or colors of the image. Thus, the image is controlled so that the impression of the image will be matched with that of the audio tone.

Abstract: An optical disc suitable for a so-called KARAOKE equipment by which a singer sings into a microphone in accordance with a music signal recorded in a compact disc or laser disc. According to one embodiment of the present invention, in an optical disc in which a synchronizing signal, digital audio data and a sub-code signal are recorded in one frame, respective codes corresponding to a hue parameter, an intensity parameter and a fade-in or fade-out parameter are recorded in predetermined bits (user's bits) of the above-mentioned sub-code signal. Thus, it is possible to provide an optical disc which can automatically control the lighting equipment without hands by means of the reproduced output from the optical disc.

Abstract: The variable color lighting system includes a plurality of lamps controlled by a central controller. The central controller has a number of control channels, and each lamp is preset to be responsive to a specific control channel. To accomplish this, a lamp includes an address circuit which can be varied to respond to a unique address signal from any of the control channels. When the proper address is received, intensity control circuitry within the lamp responds to a digital intensity control signal transmitted by the central controller. The central controller causes all light sources in a lamp to fade from one end intensity value to the next and to reach the next intensity value simultaneously.

Abstract: A color organ display device is operable to produce a unique display of light emanations in response to sound inputted thereto. The color organ display device utilizes a plurality of light bulbs arranged in discrete groups and projecting outwardly beyond a reflective backing so that the light bulbs cast a distinct image to the observer. Each group of light bulbs is illuminated in response to the existence of audio input present in a corresponding frequency range with the brightness of the light bulb illumination being directly proportional to the amplitude of the signal from the corresponding frequency channel and, therefore, directly proportional to the volume of sound in that particular frequency range. The color organ display device can be supported in a frame adaptable for mounting on a wall or for mounting on a stand. The display device can also be incorporated into a table to provide visual entertainment corresponding to the music being heard by the users of the table.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for reflecting a laser beam so that it traverses a path on a display surface defining a visible display pattern responsive to an audio frequency input signal. The input signal is provided to a speaker, and the laser beam reflects off a front surface mirror, mounted onto the speaker so that the mirror vibrates responsive to the input signal.

Abstract: A decorative illuminated wind chime apparatus used to produce audio and visual effects from the movement of air currents. The audio effects are accomplished in a conventional manner by the striking of resonant chime tubes by a clapper whose movement is caused by the movement of air. The visual effects are achieved by electrically sensing the collisions of resonant chime tubes with the clapper and illuminating a respective light which is associated with each resonating chime tube. The overall effect is a wind activated audio "chime" which is synchronously accompanied by an associated light display.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for illuminating a light source in real time response to an event of changing magnitude. A pulsed electrical signal is generated which has a pulse repetition frequency corresponding to the magnitude of the event. The pulsed electrical signal is then utilized to control the power provided to the light source such that the intensity of light energy provided by the light source varies in real time with changes in the magnitude of the event.

Abstract: A music translation device provides a light output pattern in response to an audio input. A divider circuit is used to provide a repeating output which commutates repeatedly among a series of output lines. Each output line is connected to a pair of output devices. The output pairs are arranged along a pair of paths, the output devices being oriented along the lines in an opposed order to create the illusion of oppositely directed motion along the paths.

Abstract: A loudspeaker has a pot-shaped permanent magnet having an aperture in its axial pole. A light source in a translucent colored plastic plug is housed in the aperture. The light source is driven in accordance with the frequency and strength of the signal fed to the speaker. A translucent colored membrane or filter is glued to the speaker cone.

Abstract: Improvements to visual display units for producing aesthetically pleasing abstract lighting effects which employ light baffles to produce compartments which contain at least three light sources of different colors are disclosed. The benefits of a baffle arrangement defining compartments forming isosceles triangles with adjacent hypotenuses is described. Color range and fidelity are improved by employing four light sources with a combination of relatively broadband pigmented filters of red, yellow, and green and a relatively narrowband interference-type filter of blue. Improvements to the control system for visual display units of this type are also disclosed. A memory means is provided to record desired color values for each compartment in each of a number of patterns. A single arbitrary color number and a separate intensity value are recorded and at least one conversion table is employed to convert the color number and intensity to average power levels for the sources in the display.