Abstract: Apparatus and method for including color control with an apparatus producing "black-and-white" signals for a television receiver. Logic circuits, which activate circuits for the generation of the color-carrying video signals, are responsive to coded or uncoded control information included in a chroma control word which comprises a predetermined number of data bits. This control information includes information for color selection and may provide for sequencing of colors across each horizontal line of display of the receiver. This control information may be updated by a micro-processor which controls image movement on the television screen.

Abstract: A bi-directional data transmission system in which the magnitude of the data signals transmitted from a data device is monitored and data transmission to and from the data device is interrupted when the magnitude of the signal exceeds a pre-selected level is disclosed. The system includes a protective network coupling a data device and a data transmission circuit. The protective network includes a conductor providing a path for data signals which enter and leave the data device via the transmission circuit. A control circuit is positioned in the data path for receiving the data signals entering and leaving the data device via the transmission circuit and for providing a binary control signal which is dependent solely on the magnitude of the data signal leaving the data device.

Abstract: Keyboard-controlled apparatus for producing video signals for standard television receivers includes a random access memory having a multiplicity of storage positions each of which corresponds to a preselected discrete portion of the TV raster. Data stored in the random access memory is sequentially read from memory in synchronism with the scanning of the television receiver so that a desired video signal is generated at each discrete position of the cathode ray beam. Data is read into the random access memory at preselected storage positions depending upon a particular image to be displayed. The data writing process is under the control of a micro-processor which is programmed to cause the stored image data to be varied in accordance with the condition of the user-controlled keyboard.