Abstract: A plurality of letter output devices (workstations, printers) are connected to a letter data control device by a transmission path. The control device stores letter data for transmission to the letter output devices, and is able to convert that letter data to a desired layout (e.g. from a vector font to a dot font) and then transmits the converted letter data to one or more of the letter output devices. The control device is able to select part of its stored letter data for transmission so that only commonly used letter data need be transmitted during start up of the system. Since a large amount of letter data may be stored in the control device, and only part may be transmitted to the letter output devices, those output devices can have a relatively small memory.

Abstract: A plurality of letter output devices (workstations, printers) are connected to a letter data control device by a transmission path. The control device stores letter data for transmission to the letter output devices, and is able to convert that letter data to a desired layout (e.g. from a vector font to a dot font) and then transmits the converted letter data to one or more of the letter output devices. The control device is able to select part of its stored letter data for transmission so that only commonly used letter data need be transmitted during start up of the system. Since a large amount of letter data may be stored in the control device, and only part may be transmitted to the letter output devices, those output devices can have a relatively small memory.

Abstract: A train control system includes an equipment for issuing, to a train under control based on a predetermined train schedule, an operational target to be attained in terms of the aimed position, aimed time and aimed speed. Once a target is issued, a possible run region of the train is determined, and another target may be set within the possible run region such that the train is not subjected to the ATC-based speed limitation or the like, thereby minimizing the cause of delay of the train operation.

Abstract: A plurality of letter output devices (workstations, printers) are connected to a letter data control device by a transmission path. The control device stores letter data for transmission to the letter output devices, and is able to convert that letter data to a desired layout (e.g. from a vector font to a dot font) and then transmits the converted letter data to one or more of the letter output devices. The control device is able to select part of its stored letter data for transmission so that only commonly used letter data need be transmitted during start up of the system. Since a large amount of letter data may be stored in the control device, and only part may be transmitted to the letter output devices, those output devices can have a relatively small memory.

Abstract: A prefetch buffer adapted to be installed between a cache memory and a main memory in a computer system having a CPU. The prefetch buffer includes a buffer storage having at least one entry for storing prefetched data and an address tag, which is to be used for searching the data, as a pair; a data searcher for searching, from the data stored in the buffer storage, for data having an address requested by the CPU; and an address estimator for determining an address of data to be prefetched next from the main memory, based on the address requested by the CPU and also on a history of the addresses of data prefetched in the past from the main memory; and an address generator for generating an address of data to be prefetched from the main memory. With this arrangement, it is possible to improve the hit ratio of the prefetch buffer regardless of the direction in which the access address varies.

Abstract: A graphic processing device is composed of a main storage device, a drawing control device and a drawing device. The main storage device stores data relative to the coordinates of plural graphics. The drawing control device reads out the data relative to the coordinates of the plural graphics stored in the main storage device, scans the coordinate data to calculate the coordinates of intersecting points of a scanning line and the plural graphics for each position of the scanning line. The drawing control device also determines an overlapping area (AND area) or a common area (OR area) of the plural graphics on the basis of the coordinates of the intersecting points of the plural graphics and the scanning line. The drawing device draws the overlapping area (AND area) and the common area (OR area) of the plural graphics as a graphic.

Abstract: An LSI parallel image processor in which line buffers and data-flow switching circuits each requiring a larger amount of hardware in the prior art are incorporated into an LSI circuit, the image data delayed by the line buffers is output from an image data output port, shift registers each having a variable number of steps for preserving local image regions are intermittently shifted-in in accordance with applied clocks, and the contents of the shift registers are sequentially read out.

Abstract: A conversational picture processing system having a temporary memory for storing picture processing commands inputted by an operator. The system executes picture processing commands inputted by the operator, displays processed picture as a result of execution of each command, and stores the commands in the temporary memory. The system reads out a picture processing command specified by the operator from the temporary memory and stores the command as a registered command in a command list memory within the system.