Abstract: A method and display control apparatus includes a display controller for supplying display information indicative of images to be displayed, to a display device, which, in turn, displays images in accordance with the display information. The controller is arranged to receive selectively control commands encoded in the display information received from a remote video signal producing system, such as a personal computer, for control purposes. In one form of the invention, the control commands are used to freeze the image being displayed by the display device, so that the personal computer can determine the next images to be displayed by the display device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitates the alignment and light sensitivity adjustment of an optical computer input system, which includes a user generated light directed onto a screen bearing a computer generated image, to convey information to the computer interactively by the user, even in a darkened room. The system discriminates between the user generated image, and the computer generated image. Devices facilitate the proper alignment of the system with the screen, as well as proper light sensitivity adjustments.

Abstract: A new and improved software development system which can be utilized to create a presentation program includes a high speed memory device for storing data files indicative of an untested presentation program and a processor coupled to the storage unit for sending desired data files in place of target files at a start time corresponding to actual access time exhibited by a low speed drive unit in retrieving the target files from an associated storage media device for transfer to a host computer. Subsequently, after a user has developed a tested presentation program, the development system retrieves and supplies the tested presentation program to a low speed drive unit which causes the program to be stored on a master storage media device.

Abstract: The game includes a device for randomly selecting a sequence of musical notes for game playing purposes. Another device enables a player to preview a recognition sequence of a portion of the sequence of musical notes prior to game play. A switch device actuated by the player causes a signal to be generated indicative that the player identified the recognition sequence of notes embedded within sequence of musical notes during game play.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact display projector and method of using it to project images under the control of image generating equipment, such as computers and television systems. An optical input device is built into the projector to enable optical control signals directed onto the projected image, to be discriminated for causing the image generating equipment to modify the projected image. A positionally adjusted mirror device is disposed in optical alignment with the optical input device to reflect the optical control signals back thereto, whereby the optical input device is readily aligned with the projected image to monitor it for the occurrence of any optical control signals.

Abstract: A multiple color display system employing a high speed display panel adapted for positioning on a conventional photographic projector for displaying large video images. The high speed display panel is coupled to an interface unit for converting conventional NTSC signals into analog signals for driving a controller employing a modulation or duty cycle circuit coupled between the high speed display panel and a memory which is drive by the interface unit. The controller also employs a scan modulator for formatting the NTSC signal so that it may be displayed on a 640 by 480 matrix array employed by the high speed display device.

Abstract: A novelty device and method of using it, include the generation of an attention attracting signal, under the control of the performer but not by the spectator. A secret disabling arrangement causes a spectator to be unable to re-activate the attention attracting device. A resetting device causes the novelty device to be reset in a surreptitious manner to permit the performer to re-activate the attention attracting device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitates the alignment and light sensitivity adjustment of an optical computer input system, which includes a user generated light directed onto a screen bearing a computer generated image, to convey information to the computer interactively by the user, even in a darkened room. The system discriminates between the user generated image, and the computer generated image. Devices facilitate the proper alignment of the system with the screen, as well as proper light sensitivity adjustments.

Abstract: A computer auxiliary viewing system that enables a rapid review of previously entered information, in a similar manner to the retrieval of information using a microfiche reader so that by the simple manual turning of a control knob, all previously entered data can be scrolled for review on a screen. The system includes videographics generating devices responsive to stored information signals in buffer devices for causing the reproduction of the desired scrolling image, and control devices for retrieving selectively the stored information signals in the buffer devices to cause the generation of the image signals by an auxiliary monitor device, independently of information signals being transferred from the input device to the computer processor unit.

Abstract: An image is projected in gray scale on a large screen without any flicker, the different colors or shades being indicated on the screen by individual shades of gray. The image is defined by a plurality of pixels which are raster scanned. At each pixel position, a plurality of first digital signals are generated each representing an individual primary color (e.g. red, green and blue) or shade in the image at the position. Second digital signals individually representing such different colors or shades are also produced on a pseudo-random basis -e.g. by producing video clocked signals not only at the pixel positions but also during the horizontal and vertical retraces. The second signals are repetitively counted to a particular value to correspond to successive frames in the video image. In each successive frame, the first signals are compared in value with the second signals at each individual pixel position.

Abstract: This logic array programmer which comprises a random access memory for storing a library of programmable array logic JEDEC files, including given device codes. The programmer also includes a permanent memory for storing a device code conversion table, for matching a device code to a different generic device. The programmer further comprises a conversion device for converting the programmable array logic JEDEC file into a generic array logic JEDEC file, and to program a generic array logic device therewith.

Abstract: A computer accessory is disclosed that includes a module. The computer accessory comprises a module having an input port and an output port and a microprocessor circuit that generates an output signal in keyboard character code at the output port that is of selected correspondence to an input signal in keyboard character code received at the input port. Coupling components enable insertion of the module in a data transmission path between a selected keyboard and an associated computer system.

Abstract: A device for generating an output information message by the manipulation of a single switch, to form a sequence of switch closures of varying duration. The device includes dot feedback circuitry responsive to a switch closure, for generating a human-sensible dot feedback signal to alert an operator that the switch closure should be discontinued if a dot signal is intended. Dot generation circuitry responds to the switch closure being discontinued within a preselected first timing interval following detection of the switch closure, and generates a dot information signal. Dash feedback circuitry responds to a switch closure that is not discontinued within the first timing interval, for generating a human-sensible dash feedback signal, to alert an operator that the switch closure is of sufficient duration to be interpreted as a dash. Dash generation circuitry responds to the switch closure being continued beyond the preselected first timing interval, and generates a dash information signal.

Abstract: An electronic game in which each player controls his own moving image on a visual display to change the direction of movement of the image as it advanced on the display. As each player's image moves, changing direction on command, it forms a visual "barrier" trail on the display of the path traversed. This barrier trail cannot be crossed by the moving image of another player or a "crash" occurs. A crash of a player's moving image with a barrier trail, generated by movement of his own image or by any of the other player images, or with a fixed barrier surrounding the field of play, eliminates the player from the round. A winner of the game or round results when all but one player has been eliminated.