Abstract: A video monitor color control system including means for calibrating the intensity response of CRT phosphor sets to each of a plurality of electron gun control levels. Provided is a processor (24) that generates a sequence of discrete DAC signals, each DAC signal identifying an electron gun and a DAC value for driving the electron gun at a selected control level. Also provided is a monitor driver (22) connected to the processor (24) and to the monitor (20) and controllable in response to a DAC signal for driving the electron gun identified by the DAC signal at the control level identified by the DAC signal. The driven electron gun excites the associated phosphor set. A sensor (28) is provided for detecting the luminous intensity level of the phosphor excited by the electron gun, and for converting the detected intensity into a representative signal.

Abstract: A trackball-type input device (10) uses a retainer (114) to secure a ball (80) to a housing (12) so that a large segment (164) of the ball (80) protrudes from the housing (12) for manipulation by the user, thereby affording precise control over rotational movement of the ball (80).

Abstract: A high brightness panel display (20) includes a plurality of discrete gas discharge cells (24) sealed against a phosphor-carrying front panel section (26) and operable to produce a high brightness display. Gas discharges are ignited and extinguished in selected gas discharge cells (24) to excite or extinguish associated pixels P.sub.m,n that are formed in portions of phosphor strips (35) on the front panel section (26). The gas discharge cells (24) are controlled with electrodes that are common to several cells but driven so that a gas discharge can be ignited or extinguished in one cell without effecting any other cell. Consequently, the pixels may have a 100% per-frame duty cycle, thereby producing very high brightness.

Abstract: A flat panel liquid crystal display (12) with an integrated touch panel has a multitude of pixels (28) arranged in multiple columns and multiple rows. The pixels (28) of the first column (54) and last column (66), and of the first row (60) and of the last row (72) are controlled in conjunction with emitters (52, 58) and detectors (64, 70) with associated mirrors (74, 80, 82, 84) to create a sequence of light beams that extend across the display panel (12) in both the X and Y directions. Whenever a stylus (86) is placed near the display panel, two orthogonal light beams are interrupted corresponding to the X and Y positions of the stylus (86) relative to the display panel (12).

Abstract: The colorimetric parameters of a color sample (42) that is illuminated by a reference light are processed for reproduction by a video monitor (20) or the like. A color filter assembly (40) and associated sensor (28) are used to generate signals indicative of the colorimetric parameters of the illuminated color sample (42). A computer (24) transforms the signals into a form suitable for driving a video monitor (20) to reproduce the color sample (42) on the monitor screen.

Abstract: A computer terminal work station having multiple peripheral units simultaneously interconnected into the terminal. A micro processor controller is provided in the terminal and a micro processor slave is provided in each of the peripheral units. Each unit is provided with a bus segment and means to interconnect the bus segments to each other. A single cable extends from the terminal to one of the peripheral units to be connected to the bus segment of that unit, and thereby to the bus segments of all the interconnected units. The units are selectively mechanically interlocked as desired.

Abstract: A tensed shadow mask assembly is adapted for repeated precise registration relative to a display screen in order to facilitate processing of the phosphor deposits on the display screen, wherein the registration of the shadow mask relative to the display screen is unaffected by the subsequent permanent sealing of the CRT. A display panel (36) is associated with the CRT faceplate (26) and has an outer edge (38) and a surface that carries a pattern of cathodoluminescent phosphor deposits (44). A rigid band (48) is permanently fastened around the outer edge of the display panel (36). A shadow mask frame (56) having a tensed shadow mask (58) fastened thereto is removably mounted to the band (48). The shadow mask frame (56) and band (48) carry registration mechanisms (70, 72, 76, 78) for orienting the frame (56) at a predetermined position relative to the band (48) (hence, relative to the display panel (36)) whenever the frame (56) is mounted to the band (48).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reversibly transforming color, which is selected from a gamut of colors producible by the primaries of a color display device (20), into a perceptually uniform color space. The coordinates of the color space are readily convertible into internationally accepted standards for color measurement. Also provided, is a method for transforming the color space coordinates of a selected color into the corresponding relative primary intensity levels of the display device (20).