Abstract: A character display system which generates analog signals to write sequentially specified strokes forming a character on a display device is described. The character strokes are stored as digital words in a Read Only Memory (ROM) and are sequentially read out in response to instructions to write a specified character. The ROM also contains address words that specify a group of words elsewhere in the ROM that together constitute the instructions for writing the character designated. The address words include fields controlling incrementing within the addressed word group, movement on the display device to a new character space, and positioning of the character space on that display device. Each word in a character word group includes fields representing the X- and Y-end points of the stroke signal, the slope of the X- and Y-components, the blanking and unblanking of the stroke signal, and, in some cases, a pause in movement where a change in slope occurs during execution of a single word.

Abstract: A high speed vector generating electrical system is provided which provides the deflection voltages required to draw a vector line from one point to another on the screen of a cathode-ray tube. The system is particularly useful for drawing images in any desired pattern on the screen of the cathode-ray tube, whereby the images are composed of a multitude of vector lines. The system of the invention is simplified as compared with the prior art systems of the same general type, and it requires less adjustments and exhibits greater stability. The system also has a readily programmable drawing rate, and it requires shorter drawing time for short vectors.