Abstract: A display system employs electronic components for deriving and supplying display control signals, preferably in the form of multi-bit display control words, to control a display device. The display device is formed of a plurality of individual display units preferably arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns. Each of the display units is controlled by at least one bit of a multi-bit display control word. Each vertical column of the display device is collectively controlled in whole or in part by one multi-bit display control word. Control and memory elements control the display device in accordance with a plurality of display control words received. The intensity of the display units is controlled by energizing the units in predetermined fractions of the periods of the periodic waveform which energizes the display units. The system includes a system memory for recording and holding a plurality of display control words which define a selected pattern or patterns to be presented.

Abstract: A display system employs electronic components for deriving and supplying display control signals, preferably in the form of multi-bit display control words, to control a display device formed of a plurality of individual display units preferably arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns. Each of the display units is controlled by at least one bit of a multi-bit display control word. Each vertical column of the display device is collectively controlled in whole or in part by one multi-bit display control word. Control and memory elements control the display device in accordance with a plurality of display control words received. The control and memory elements include a first level memory such as a shift register, and a second level memory such as a latch. Display control words are shifted sequentially into the first level memory until the plurality of display control words is positioned at desired memory locations.