Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for supporting multiple display sessions through a single address on a non-programmable-terminal (NPT) attached to a host computer by a work station controller (WSC). The WSC enables shared addressing of multiple display sessions on the NPT. The WSC changes focus to a selected one of the multiple display sessions responsive to receiving from the host computer a data stream for a requested display session not having the focus and responsive to receiving a change focus request from the NPT. The NPT may have one display session active for the user interface and a different display session having the focus communicating with the host computer, which is transparent to the user and to the host computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for displaying image and facsimile data on a host-based application display. A host computer generates control and download command data for displaying the image or facsimile data. The image and facsimile data is processed by a non-programmable-terminal (NPT) or a programmable work station (PWS) for presentation of a display screen. When a user requests another function, the NPT or PWS stores image information and sends image information to the host computer. The save image information includes cache image counter data, scaling and viewed image screen location data that is used to restore the displayed image and facsimile data when the user returns to the previous function. Both the user and host application can specify a foreground color and a background color for the image and facsimile data display.

Abstract: A computer system automatically senses characteristics of diverse peripheral devices connected to a common communications port, and automatically maximizes the communications speed with the devices. Coupled in daisy chain fashion to the communications port, all peripheral devices receive every signal issued from the controller port, each device responding only to signals addressed to that device or signals addressed to a universal address. The controller first receives an identifier from peripheral devices attached to the controller port. The controller then interprets the received identifiers to determine a maximum communications speed for each device. Next, the controller and the attached peripheral devices are configured to communicate at the maximum communications speed of the slowest device. This guarantees that all messages sent by the controller are compatible with all peripheral devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for displaying image and facsimile data on a host-based application display. A host computer generates control and download command data for displaying the image or facsimile data. The image and facsimile data is processed by a non-programmable-terminal (NPT) or a programmable work station (PWS) for presentation of a display screen. When a user requests another function, the NPT or PWS stores image information and sends image information to the host computer. The save image information includes cache image counter data, scaling and viewed image screen location data that is used to restore the displayed image and facsimile data when the user returns to the previous function.