Abstract: A system for supporting graphics display sessions on remote terminals contains a processing subsystem dedicated to graphics support. Applications execute on a central processor, and display related graphics commands are executed on the separate graphics controller subsystem. The graphics subsystem is preferably connected to multiple remote terminals over a network, and communicates with them without requiring all work to be performed by the central processor which is executing the applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for incorporating windowing techniques into computer systems having a host processor executing applications programs, and interconnected through a plurality of controllers to a number of non-programmable and programmable terminals, by distributing the processing steps required for windowing between the host processor and the controllers; the host processor generates a data stream defining the window parameters, the data stream is receivable by controllers for either programmable or non-programmable terminals, each controller being adapted to construct and display the window on the display screen(s) which it controls.

Abstract: A dependent, nonprogrammable, character-based workstation terminal (DWS) supports a mouse. A terminal controller entirely within the DWS processes and displays mouse motions, but sends mouse button actuations, with the current mouse position, to a single workstation controller (WSC) handling many DWS'. The WSC processes the actuations according to a set of rules, and sends data streams to a main processor (MP) serving multiple WSCs. The MP executes user application programs, partially in response to data streams representing mouse events. The MP executes user application programs, partially in response to data streams representing mouse events. The MP may also send mouse rule sets to the WSCs in data streams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing edit mask entry fields for display panel data, in a system including a host processor, a workstation controller, and a number of workstations, each workstation having a keyboard and display screen. The edit mask entry field mask positions are protected when display panel information is modified, by special hardware and software operations performed within the workstation controller. In particular, certain keyboard edit function keystrokes are processed by the workstation controller to permit the edit functions to be performed, without disturbing the position or display panel presentation of preselected edit mask characters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing the processing of cursor-independent scrolling functions, between a host processor and a workstation via a workstation control interface, the workstation control interface being connected to a plurality of workstations, wherein the host processor formulates a data stream incorporating scrollable panel data, definitions of cursor-independent scrolling keys, definitions of scrolling increments, and definitions of scroll indicators; the data stream is transmitted to the workstation control interface, which may be embodied in a workstation controller (or PWS), and the workstation controller (or PWS) formulates a display screen image for transmission to a workstation to which it is connected. A cursor-independent scrolling request received from a workstation is received by the workstation controller (or PWS) and processed for scrolling without further communication with the host processor.

Abstract: In a computing system including a host processor, a workstation controller, and a number of nonprogrammable workstations connected to the workstation controller, a method and apparatus to enable the workstation controller to construct and present action bars and pull-down menus for display at any designated workstation, and to process user interactions generated by keyboard signals at the workstation to control the selection and presentation of action bars and pull-down menus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying entry fields on a workstation display screen, wherein a single entry field may be constructed having selectively positionable segments, and wherein each of the segments are linked together for processing, so that an entry field modification made in any of the segments will result in processing all of the segments for accommodating the modification; the method and apparatus are practiced in a system having a host processor, at least one workstation control interface, and a plurality of workstations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing the processing of certain remote terminal keystroke signals, and formatting of display panels according to user interface rules, to a workstation control interface in a system having a host processor connected to a large number of remote keyboard/display terminals through an intermediate workstation control interface.

Abstract: A process for controlling cursor display information for a plurality of dependent workstations from a remote processor or workstation controller, including the steps of prestoring format tables for each dependent workstation in the remote workstation controller, processing cursor movement keystroke signals received from any of the plurality of dependent workstations within the workstation controller to define and position the cursor at an input-capable position for any dependent workstation when a cursor movement keystroke is made in that workstation, and transmitting commands from the remote workstation controller to the keystroke-initiating dependent workstation to display and position either a text cursor or a selection cursor.

Abstract: A process for displaying cursor information for a plurality of dependent workstations from a remote processor or controller. Prestoring format tables for each dependent workstation in the controller or processor, processing cursor movement keystroke signals within the controller to define and selectively position the cursor for any dependent workstation when a cursor movement keystroke is made in that workstation, and commanding the dependent workstation to display either a selection cursor or a text cursor at the selected position.

Abstract: A process for controlling cursor-scrollable display information for a plurality of dependent workstations from a single workstation controller, including the steps of prestoring format tables and scrollable panel areas for each dependent workstation in the workstation controller, processing cursor movement keystroke signals within the workstation controller to cause scrolling to occur for any dependent workstation when a cursor movement keystroke is made in that workstation when the cursor is displayed at a beginning or an end position of a scrollable area.