Abstract: An apparatus and method for manipulating scanned documents using computer aided design (CAD) commands includes a link program which receives the CAD commands and displays all or selected portions of a raster-based image, which is created by scanning a hard copy document. The link program will display the portion of the raster image which fits within a predetermined CAD window and will scale the raster image up or down as necessary to fit within the display window. The raster image is displayed on a computer screen and provides a useful reference for an operator to create a CAD image which is a duplicate of the raster image by tracing directly over the raster image or, alternatively, to implement desired changes in the raster image using CAD commands. An edit program merges the CAD image and the original raster image to create a new, updated raster image, which includes all CAD-generated changes made by the operator. The updated raster image can be reproduced in hard copy form by a raster plotter.

Abstract: In an electronic data processing system a system and method for providing an audible sound and a tactile feedback for a user. In one embodiment the data processing system includes a manually operable input device, a control circuit responsive to a first electrical signal indicative of the operation of the input device for generating a control signal and a sound generating device responsive to the control signal for being excited into mechanical motion to generate an audible sound and provide a tactile feedback for the user. In another embodiment, the data processing system includes a timekeeping circuit for providing a plurality of time-related functions and a control circuit which is responsive to a second electrical signal generated periodically at selected time intervals by the timekeeping circuit for activating the sound generating device to provide an audible sound periodically at the selected time intervals, such as, for example, at one second intervals, during the operation of the system.