Abstract: Front end processors in a graphics architecture execute parallel scan conversion and shading to process individually assigned primitive objects for providing update pixels. A crossbar along with groups of first-in-first-out registers (FIFOs) accommodates data flow to parallel pixel processors with associated memory capabilities (frame buffer banks) where visibility and blending operations are performed on predetermined sequences of update pixels to provide frame buffer pixels and ultimately display pixels. The pixel processors identify with sequences of pixels in the display in patterns designed to equalize processor loads for pixels located along scan lines of a raster, or distributed over an area. Update pixel data is tagged to identify FIFO groups (pixel processors) individual FIFO selection and output sequence. Temporal priority is accomplished so that primitive data is entered in the frame buffer banks (components) restored to the same order as generated at the central processor (CPU) level.

Abstract: A head-mounted projection display system featuring a beam splitter displays a simulated environment to an observer using a light-weight, low-cost, head-mounted projector and a retro-reflective screen. The display system optically co-locates the projector with the observer's eyes for effective use of either curved or flat retro-reflective screens. High screen gain achieved by the head-mounted projection display system makes inexpensive projector sources such as a cathode ray tube feasible. An alternative head-mounted display system also incorporating beam splitters produces an unlimited horizontal field of view, but with limited binocular overlap, while using multiple head-mounted image sources for each eye. A method of providing the head-mounted display system also is disclosed.

Abstract: In a computer graphics system, wherein three-dimensional data is processed to produce dynamic displays, two-dimensional texture images are sequentially mapped onto objects in the display to form movable animated figures. Objects receiving two-dimensional texture maps may be transparent and take specific forms for certain effects, for example, intersecting planes, stamps, moving objects, and so on. Texture maps are composed utilizing a variety of source devices including: computer graphics systems, video cameras, two-dimensional scanners.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method which enable the performance of vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) without the use of staples. Further, a laparoscopic instrument which can be used in combination with the VBG apparatus and method is also disclosed.The laparoscopic instrument can also be used in combination with surgically functional elements other than the VBG apparatus. A particular advantage of the laparoscopic instrument is that surgically functional elements attached at the leading edge of levered jaws of the instrument can be rotated at least 180 degrees in a plane which is substantially parallel to a plane passing horizontally through the longitudinal centerline of the levered jaws.

Abstract: Objects contending for representation in pixels of a graphics display selectively are awarded a fractional area within a pixel on the basis of: coarse calculations in the Z dimension, aggregate demands of the objects and blending techniques free of binary position resolutions. Specifically, the area occupied by a polygon within a pixel is represented using a single number .alpha., which may variously be defined, for example, a value of "0" indicates no area occupied within the pixel, while a value of "255" indicates full pixel coverage. Fine calculations in the Z dimension for binary resolutions are avoided by the blending techniques with attendant antialiasing. A chain of mixer units for storage and blending in pipeline processing compensate the non-associative characteristic of repeated blending.

Abstract: Front end processors in a graphics architecture execute parallel scan conversion and shading to first process individually assigned primitive objects for providing update pixels. A crossbar accommodates data rearrangement whereby parallel pixel processors with associated memory capabilities (frame buffer banks) perform visibility and blending operations on predetermined sequences of update pixels to provide display pixels. The pixel processors identify with sequences of pixels in the display in patterns designed to equalize processor loads for pixels located along scan lines or distributed over an area. Specific distribution criteria are disclosed for patterns. One form of pixel processor organization incorporates a distributed frame buffer with FIFO memory and control stacks. Display pixels are received by a multiplexer to supply a digital-analog connector with display data in raster sequence.

Abstract: Primitive data in the form of defined lines for a computer graphics display is processed as by interpolating triangles, as during scan conversion, and by treating lines as triangle edges. An offset point is selected, e.g. offset perpendicularly from the line midpoint a distance of one-half the line length to define a triangle vertex along with the line endpoints. The resulting triangle is interpolated for example as with barycentric coordinates. Accordingly, the line may be interpolated, e.g. shaded, as though it were an edge of the defined triangle. For lines, sample points are coerced to lie on the triangle edge.

Abstract: Barycentric coordinates are determined using data readily available in computer graphics systems and defining polygons in world space so as to interpolate such polygons with regard to pixels selected by scan conversion. The barycentric coordinates are employed to interpolate the polygons, for example to accomplish smooth shading or texture mapping. The process of the system involves defining primitive data (e.g. polygons) in a space not subject to nonlinear distortion (e.g. world space), transforming select primitive data to a space that is subject to nonlinear distortion, calculating in the space subject to nonlinear distortion (e.g. screen space) a set of areas (e.g. pixels) within a defined primitive (e.g.

Abstract: In an area of interest (AOI) display, a detailed image is projected on a screen at the area of interest while a background image is projected on the surrounding area such that the boarder between the two areas varies in an orbital oscillating pattern to accomplish visual blending. A combiner includes a transparent portion to accommodate projection of the background image at the area of interest. The opaque portion carries a mirror to reflect the detailed image filling the area of interest. The combiner is oscillated in an orbital pattern at a resonant frequency, e.g. 210 Hertz by a three phase electromechanical drive unit.

Abstract: A computer-aided design system and a process generates a graphic display of a blend between a plurality of geometric primitive shapes including other blends. An interactive terminal controls a geometric modeler to generate and modify visual graphic displays of primitive geometric shapes at a display screen of the interactive terminal. Logic structures generate both a blend and blends. Each logic structure is implemented with an individual distinct blending algorithm to accomplish a localized superelliptical blend and blends according to user selections including: a plurality of geometric primitive shapes to be blended, a blend operation, and a blend function. A memory, registers and gates in the system store and manage data.

Abstract: A graphics system provides color image displays including a low resolution, wide field background and a contained high resolution area of interest, by projecting three component color images at wide angle, one of which (green) is blanked at the area of interest and is filled by a separate projection of a high resolution image (green). Simulator apparatus utilizing the graphics system responsively actuates a vehicle platform supplying data signals to an image generator apparatus whereby the area of interest may be variously displaced responsive to movements by of the viewing platform.

Abstract: Preferably, instant-winner lottery tickets are sold by the machine. The machine includes a bill acceptor to receive the money of the purchaser. It has from one to four windows in a front panel. Lottery tickets are displayed in the window and move past the window as they are being dispensed, thus allowing the buyer to see the messages and terms on the tickets themselves. When more than one window is provided in the machine, the buyer can select among a plurality of different instant-winner lottery games. The machine is connected electrically to a central computer for accounting and control functions. In another embodiment, representations of the tickets are displayed in a movable array on a video screen.

Abstract: The ticket dispenser is usable to dispense a wide variety of tickets, but is particularly beneficial in dispensing lottery tickets, and other tickets stored in panels in fan-folded stacks. The leading edge of the ticket panel is thrust against a curved guide which serves as a barrier. This causes the lead ticket to bend along a perforation line and be thrust out of the outlet of the ticket dispenser at an angle to the rest of the panel. The rest of the panel is held firmly, and the ticket easily can be torn free on the perforated line along which the panel is bent. A swinging gate is provided for closing the outlet opening and swinging away to permit bending of the ticket panel, and pushing and/or guiding the ticket through the outlet opening. The dispenser is fast, simple, compact and accurate, and does not cut tickets in half, and yet does not permit strips of tickets to be pulled out of the machine by the user who has not paid for them.

Abstract: For a raster-scanned, video display apparatus, individual pixel display data is stored in a double image frame buffer. A valid count buffer then holds a count for each pixel. Current valid counts are stored, as at times of image buffer updating which updating includes storing display data changes and a fraction of the total display (background). At times of display, current counts from the count buffer are tested against valid counts as stored for each pixel in the valid count buffer to determine the selection of display data from the image frame buffer or alternate background data. A window frame buffer resolves the display into windows that are accommodated by the system with valid counts for each window.

Abstract: A task status word (TSW) is created for each task indicating, the instant location of the task, its priority and a record of synchronizing signals. Task status words are accessible from an addressable memory section for delivery to a TSW register. From the TSW register, a selected TSW effects control functions to synchronize tasks in different processors or computational units as well as input-output processors. A physical memory manager locates TSWs in response to signals, then checks the location of the task and the nature of the signal to determine signal routing to a processor. If a task is not in a processor, an interrupt manager resolves priority and signal significance indicated by the TSW to determine an interrupt.

Abstract: A display system is disclosed utilizing a cathode ray display device utilizing three electron beams which are directed through a shadow mask to excite three-color phosphor dots, and which is incorporated in a system to alternately provide raster scan display signals and calligraphic display signals to obtain the benefits of both raster scan and calligraphic displays (dot or line drawings). A deflection unit is disclosed with the X and Y deflection coils each driven by two pairs of transistor circuits. The transistor circuits are controlled so that alternatively one transistor in each set passes current to provide bi-directional currents at desired levels to obtain specific beam displacement. A resistive element between individual deflection coils provides an indication of deflection current, which indication is processed by a differential amplifier to indicate displacement. In accordance with the instant position of the beam, a convergence unit is controlled to reflect spherical considerations.

Abstract: In a pipeline computer, current instructions executed in sequence are monitored for conditional and unconditional branch commands, as well as the readiness of condition codes, the meeting of branch conditions and split commands. A branch command initiates an interval of delay which affords prefetching target instructions while using pipeline contents to prevent a pipeline break and avoid lost time. Detection of a branch command actuates a register to store a sequence of target instructions. Unless a branch command is conditional, subsequent detection (delayed) of a split command shifts the stored target instructions into operation as the current instructions. For a conditional branch command, a jump or split to the target instructions is performed only if the condition is met. Otherwise the current instruction sequence is restored pending another branch command.

Abstract: A display system is disclosed utilizing a cathode ray display device utilizing three electron beams which are directed through a shadow mask to excite three-color phosphor dots, and which is incorporated in a system to alternately provide raster scan display signals and calligraphic display signals to obtain the benefits of both raster scan and calligraphic displays (dot or line drawings). A deflection unit is disclosed with the X and Y deflection coils each driven by two pairs of transistor circuits. The transistor circuits are controlled so that alternatively one transistor in each set passes current to provide bi-directional currents at desired levels to obtain specific beam displacement. A resistive element between individual deflection coils provides an indication of deflection current, which indication is processed by a differential amplifier to indicate displacement. In accordance with the instant position of the beam, a convergence unit is controlled to reflect spherical considerations.

Abstract: For use in a computer graphics apparatus, a data management system drives a multiple-window dynamic display. The display is formed by areas, e.g. pixels, and windows are variously defined in a display by assigning window codes to groups of areas. Image data for each area provided from a picture system is selectively registered in an image frame buffer in accordance with the defined windows. Valid data binary signals, designating currently valid image data in the image frame buffer are registered in three valid data buffers. The image data for each area is provided for a display from the selectively registered signals in the image frame buffer under control of the window codes and the valid data binary signals. Techniques are thus available for rapidly swapping portions of the frame buffer and selectively clearing and loading the image frame buffer. Areas not specified by signals from the image frame buffer are treated as background and driven with an appropriate display.

Abstract: To accommodate computer graphics delays, the future position and orientation of a simulated vehicle are predicted in an operating sequence by separate coordinated models that are fed data signals indicating the operator's control actions. The control actions are extrapolated to provide further data signals. A suspension model and a nonlinear chassis model operate sequentially with a road model to provide one reference-state input to a prediction model. Other inputs to the prediction model are from the drive train and steering extrapolation units controlled by driver inputs.