Abstract: According to the invention, a television receiver system comprises selector equipment for selecting information in the form of coded characters, received separately from any picture signals, from a single information channel or a small number of information channels and routing the selected information to a storage device, and a reading device operable, when actuated, to read the information from the storage device repeatedly and feed it, via a character generator, for display by an intensity modulated raster.

Abstract: An ink-jet printer which blows ink drops to the surface of the printing paper so that the contours formed by the ink drop dots are letters, numerical figures and signs. The printer includes pairs of deflection plates with the amount and timing of the deflection being controlled by synchronized digitally controlled voltages.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a dot-matrix type impact printer for printing each line of characters and/or graphic data in a selective one of a plurality of character fonts and/or formats. In one preferred embodiment, a manual selection is made corresponding to either a normal or compressed spacing between adjacent dot columns by selection of a registration array from a group of such arrays. Dual-channel reading means cooperate with the registration arrays for determining the position of a print head as it moves across a print line and for enabling a plurality of print wires to be selectively impacted against the paper document whenever the print head is in proper registration as determined by the selected array. Spacing between registration slits of each array is uniform but is different as between arrays. The selected array may be changed either manually or remotely. Upon completion of the printing of a line, control logic means returns the printer to a "selected" format.

Abstract: A device for recording characters on a recording carrier uses mosaic recording mechanisms. In addition to the recording of the characters in the required character height, additional recording members are arranged in the recording head and a control device for the mosaic recording mechanism is constructed in an expanded manner so that alternately a height-extended character formation can be executed over all recording members. The device is suitable for recording capital and small letters, and the control apparatus is constructed so that all alternatively the capital letters and numerals can be recorded in an extended manner by an additional amount provided for the short heights of the small letters. The control apparatus for each of the two character heights to be formed by the mosaic recording head has its own character generator and switching means are provided so that the two character generators can be alternately effective for activating the mosaic recording head.

Abstract: In an apparatus which supplies characters or symbols and which is intended for service in different countries, some characters or symbols must have different forms for different countries or groups of countries. In the case of read-out apparatus which reproduces in dots, such as matrix printers or displays, the character forms are usually stored in a read-only store, a given address being assigned to each character. In order to achieve simple addressing in the case of a character which has different forms in different countries, not the character form is stored in the corresponding storage location, but rather one or more addresses which indicate in which location in the character store the relevant, country-dependent character form is present. To this end, each storage location comprises an additional storage (bit) position which indicates whether or not address information is concerned and which is read and interrogated first.

Abstract: A printing device, for example of the needle impact type, is equipped with lectrical means controlling the operation of the needles to produce alternative forms of printed data, for example letters of different degrees of inclination.

Abstract: A printer responds to channel commands including coded data received over a channel from a data processing unit by printing characters represented by the coded data using an electrophotographic printing arrangement. The coded data received by the printer is first translated into corresponding graphic codes or addresses by a translate table employing a predetermined translation code, following which the addresses are used to locate sets of character image bits stored within a plurality of character generator modules. Each set of character image bits is used to modulate a laser scan of a printing drum to effect printing of desired characters. Both the translate table and the character generator modules are program alterable, and the data stored therein can be loaded directly from or changed in response to data and instructions from the data processing unit.

Abstract: An incremental impact printer of the dot matrix type. Binary words representative of data to be printed along a line of print may be accepted from either the printer keyboard or the output of a computer or other source. The printer electronics provides for either a single character or a burst of characters to be substantially instantaneously printed upon receipt. The print head is always moved to the right of the last character printed to facilitate observation of that character. The next character is printed by first moving the print head to the left of the last character printed and then abruptly reversing the print head to print one or a burst of characters "on the fly". A novel registration system serves the dual function of accurately locating the proper position for a character to be printed and determining the direction of movement of the print head at any given instant.

Abstract: A matrix printer hammer repetition rate control is disclosed for varying the print hammer repetition rate in accordance with printing speed, thereby maintaining constant width of printed characters without dot column sensing. A master clock is counted over each character period to generate a digital code which, after conversion to an analog signal, serves as the control voltage for a voltage controlled oscillator. The VCO output is a variable clock from which the timing for various print heads is derived. Printing data is gated to the hammer drive circuits at a variable rate proportional to the speed of the printing heads across a printing medium.

Abstract: A hand held pager is disclosed which displays a transmitted message in hard copy form on a tape to permit a written record of the message for readout at the convenience of the recipient of the message. The hard copy pager is provided with a printing system in which the printing medium is continually moved past the printing head without significant degradation of the information recorded so that indexing of either the head or the printing medium is avoided.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for displacing characters representing an image content on the screen of a data viewing device, in which the characters are represented in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and in which a electron beam is moved over the screen by a first deflecting signal in the vertical direction and by a second deflecting signal in the horizontal direction, employs a deflecting stage which produces a further saw-tooth shaped deflecting signal which, in consecutive intervals of time, uniformly adds parts of the image content at one edge of the screen and at the same time removes corresponding parts at the opposite edge of the screen, and an adder which adds the further deflecting signal to the first and/or second deflecting signal.

Abstract: Intermixing of line heights in a buffered printer is accomplished by storing a different byte in a forms control buffer for each line of coded character data in a page to be printed. As the coded data of each line is advanced for printing by an arrangement which modulates a laser beam during scanning across a printable medium to effect the printing, the byte within the forms control buffer corresponding to the line about to be printed causes selection of the number of scans of the laser beam to be used in printing the line, thereby determining the height of each line independently of the other lines in the page. Blank lines in the page are formed by channel commands to the printer which instruct an address register associated with the forms control buffer to be incremented to cause skipping to a particular channel number identified by one of the bytes in the forms control buffer or to cause spacing by a specified number of lines.

Abstract: In a buffered printer in which lines of character code bytes representing characters to be printed are translated into lines of graphic code bytes by a translate table, assembled into a page format in a page buffer and applied to a character generator module to select sets of character image bits in storage locations within the module corresponding to the graphic code bytes, the selected sets of character image bits being applied to modulate a scanning laser beam to effect printing of the desired characters, each line of graphic code bytes provided by the translate table is entered into the page buffer in a selected location determined by a channel command associated with the previously entered line. Each "write and no space" command accompanying a line of graphic code bytes stored in the page buffer results in the immediately following line of graphic code bytes being stored in the same location. The two different lines are combined in accordance with a merge algorithm.

Abstract: A character generator for full page, raster scan printing is controlled to sequentially generate parts of different characters in a single scan. Further the character generation control independently stores for each row of text to be generated, the order position of a character or symbol being generated and the remaining number of raster scans required to complete generation of the symbol. Use of this control permits the sequential generation of parts of symbols even though the symbols have different relative widths and the full page raster scans are in a direction normal to the lines of text on the page. Use of the control also permits text assembly in a page memory to be generated in printed lines of text that extend either parallel or normal to the direction of light spot scanning by selecting predetermined alternative page memory access sequences.

Abstract: In a printer in which character code bytes representing characters to be printed are translated into graphic code bytes, assembled into lines and pages, and thereafter used to select character image bits which are applied to modulate a scanning laser beam and thereby effect printing of the characters, the pitch of each character is determined independently of other characters in each line being printed by pitch bits included in the sets of character image bits. As each scan line of modulation bits from a set of character image bits is selected for use in modulating the laser beam, the pitch bit included within the bits is examined to determine whether the width of the charactor is to be a maximum or some value less than the maximum. For the maximum width all of the modulation bits are applied to modulate the laser beam, while for a character cell width less than the maximum, only a selected number of the modulation bits are used to modulate the laser beam.

Abstract: In any television transmission system there are periods during which the wide-band picture signals are absent. The invention provides a signal generator system for the transmission of digital information representing a series of pages of alphanumeric or graphical symbols piecewise during these periods. At least one peripheral generating device is provided for supplying digitized data to a main storage device (conveniently of the magnetic disc type) and transfer means is operable to read out portions of the data from the main storage device and store them temporarily in a second storage device. Discharge means is operable to discharge portions of the data from the second storage device at intervals to provide output signals for insertion in a television signal during periods as aforesaid.

Abstract: A hand held pager is disclosed which displays a transmitted message in hard copy form on a tape to permit a written record of the message for readout at the convenience of the recipient of the message. The hard copy pager is provided with a printing system in which the printing medium is continually moved past the printing head without significant degradation of the information recorded so that indexing of either the head or the printing medium is avoided. In one embodiment, the pager package includes a cover which is slipped over the main body of the package for providing part of the tape threading channel, with at least a portion of the sliding cover being transparent so that characters imprinted on the tape are readily visible through the cover. Also in this embodiment, a unique address and group call decoder includes a number of normally-off timer decoding elements which are actuated upon receipt of a decoded tone and are cross-inhibited to provide improved shock protection.

Abstract: A printer of the dot matrix type for printing, single, double and triple sized characters. Normal sized characters are printed in the conventional fashion. Double and triple sized characters are printed through a segmented technique in which segments of the double and triple sized characters are stored within readable memories (ROMS). For double sized characters which occupy two adjacent character lines, the segmented patterns for the upper portions of the characters are printed along the first normal sized character line. The lower half of the double sized characters is printed on the next adjacent character line by selection of the appropriate segmented patterns. Triple sized characters are printed in a similar manner, utilizing three lines of conventional sized characters. The same technique may be employed to create other graphic patterns of 1 to N lines, where N is a real integer equal to or greater than 2. The technique permits the utilization of either unidirectional or bidirectional printers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the print rate of a column-sequential dot matrix printer actuated by an input signal comprising a sequence of code words occurring at a given maximum input rate, a print head and a print head drive operating at a speed determined by the frequency of a print rate timing signal, and a multi-stage FIFO input storage register. A multiplicity of constant-frequency print rate timing signals are generated, ranging in frequency from substantially below to substantially above a normal print rate frequency Fn approximately matched to the input rate, and a variable print rate timing signal progressively increasing in frequency from well below Fn to well above Fn is also generated; these signals are applied to the printer in accordance with a predetermined schedule, determined by the number of code words in storage at the beginning of each spacing character cycle, and in accordance with a program affording relatively smooth acceleration and deceleration of the print head.

Abstract: A device for analogous representation of alpha-numerical signs digitalized in columns has a sign generator for column digitalizing and a sample device for removing digital column informations from the sign generator and for supplying informations columnwise to an analogous representation device. The invention is particularly characterized by a control device for steering the sign generator and/or the sample device in such manner that the digital informations of each column are supplied at least twice in direct time sequence to the analogous representation device for analogous representation.

Abstract: A keyboard for generating alpha-numeric character data for an output device such as a printer or display or transmission line or memory or the like. A keyboard with five sets of keys for operation with one hand to produce an eight bar matrix character code, with the sets positioned in a row and with the central sets selectively providing upper, lower and combination of upper and lower bars of the matrix.

Abstract: An electrostatic imaging system is disclosed having an imaging head characterized by a plurality of discretely chargeable areas. The charge on each discrete area is controlled by a separate binary circuit. The imaging head is preferably a monocrystalline semiconductor substrate with the discretely chargeable areas being either metallized plates or regions of one conductivity type that are individually isolated by regions of the other conductivity type. The binary circuit associated with each chargeable area is formed in the semiconductor substrate using conventional integrated circuit technology. One embodiment of the imaging head is used in an electrostatic line printer programmed by the output from a digital system to produce matrix type characters. Another embodiment of the imaging head may also be used in an electrostatic half tone facsimile system.

Abstract: An electrostatic imaging system is disclosed having an imaging head characterized by a plurality of discretely chargeable areas. The charge on each discrete area is controlled by a separate binary circuit. The imaging head is preferably a monocrystalline semiconductor substrate with the discretely chargeable areas being either metallized plates or regions of one conductivity type that are individually isolated by regions of the other conductivity type. The binary circuit associated with each chargeable area is formed in the semiconductor substrate using conventional integrated circuit technology. One embodiment of the imaging head is used in an electrostatic line printer programmed by the output from a digital system to produce matrix type characters. Another embodiment of the imaging head may also be used in an electrostatic half tone facsimile system.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for displaying subscript and superscript characters on the screen of a cathode ray tube. The encoded characters are selectively read from a memory which also provides two extended level outputs relating to the subscript and superscript features. In response to the readout of a superscript character from memory, a superscript signal, at the related extended memory output, is fed to an amplifier which, in turn, drives a superscript coil positioned about the neck of the cathode ray tube. This superscript coil generates a flux which reacts with the flux generated by the tube's vertical deflection coil during readout of the selected character thereby raising the position of that character on the screen. Correspondingly, a subscript signal at the related extended memory output results in the generation of a magnetic flux which reacts the vertical deflection coil field during readout of the selected character thereby lowering the position of that character on the screen.

Abstract: An all-electronic print rate control system for a high-speed column sequential dot matrix printer, using a permutation code input signal, an input storage register with a capacity of at least three code words, for storing the input data and a print timing oscillator. The control system comprises a print clock, including a plurality of countdown circuits connected to the oscillator, for generating a normal print rate timing signal and a fast print rate timing signal; the print clock can also generate a variable print rate timing signal in which the initial column intervals are longer than in the normal print rate timing signal and the concluding column intervals are preferably shorter than in the normal signal. A print clock control selects one of these print rate timing signals to control the printing speed in each print cycle, depending on printer conditions in the prior cycle; the variable signal is used whenever the printer has actually come to rest for any appreciable interval.

Abstract: A non-interlaced raster-type display includes interface circuitry for displaying character patterns indicative of data signals manipulated by a processor under the control of a manually-operable keyboard. The displayed character patterns are enhanced by half-shifting or delaying a raster line of display signals for a given character in order to improve the legibility of displayed alphanumeric character patterns. A blinking pointer or cursor is manually movable via keyboard control to the character spaces desired and the blinking cursor display is inhibited during movement thereof in order to maintain an invariant display of the cursor during repositioning.

Abstract: A switched communications system including store and forward facilities is provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention wherein, in an exemplary embodiment, any of a plurality of teleprinter or teletypewriter peripherals may be given access to the communication system and input information thereto destined for one or more peripherals thereof. Input information from a transmitting peripheral is stored under the control of a central switching system which acts to inspect the destination information associated therewith. If a destination peripheral employing facsimile equipment has been designated, a facsimile controller is enabled and destination information associated with the facsimile peripheral defined is provided thereto from the central switching system.

Abstract: A display (or printing) device is dynamically capable of displaying an output numeral from a register in a time division manner. The display device is controlled by a control circuitry adapted to provide a blank time between display times of adjacent digit places in a group of display units so that the decrease of display brightness, the display flicker, an overlapped display and instantaneous display disturbance and so on may be prevented. The control circuitry further adapts to suppress insignificant zero which is not to be displayed by the group of display units.

Abstract: A printing head provides an array of stylii and stylii drivers for forming characters in accordance with a desired matrix of dots. Each driver comprises a flat piezoelectric ceramic wafer and a levered beam having a stylus secured to one end and providing at the stylus end a multiplication of the movement of the wafer of approximately 4 to 1 to 7 to 1. The wafers and supporting structure are circular and structured to nest preferably coaxially, with each levered beam lying at a small angle relative to its adjacent beams so that the printing ends of the stylii may be constrained to lie along a straight line perpendicular to the direction of movement of the head.

Abstract: Apparatus for reproducing characters from cathode ray tubes wherein a beam is deflected onto alpha/numeric characters occupying a selected area of a font. The beam is deflected by relatively high speed linear vertical strokes which are displaced horizontally by a slower speed stroke advance waveform and each scan is positioned relative to one of the selected areas. The vertical linear strokes of the beam are at a variable rate and the vertical strokes are terminated by time interval pulses at an amplitude corresponding to the area height of the font character. The rate of the strokes is determined by the time interval pulses which in turn are regulated by point size control selection means. A resultant two level output signal representative of the successive selected characters controls another cathode ray tube, the scanning of which is identical to that of the first cathode ray tube.

Abstract: Remotely controlled electric printer, to which each character to be printed is applied as m groups of n bits, comprising a set of n rulers or print bars, the total thickness of which is equal to the height of said character or a line thereof, each character having a width of m bits. Electromagnetic means are provided capable of shifting the print bars transversely with respect to one another, and there is a cross bridge or anvil that can be moved along said bars. Paper or some other printing carrier is provided between the cross bridge anvil and the bars. The electromagnetic means are so arranged that they can shift the rulers or bars transversely with respect to one another in accordance with the n-bit groups so that the rulers thereby strike the paper against the cross bridge anvil.This anvil is stepped along the line in m equal steps for each character by a pawl and rack mechanism which also is operated electromagnetically by a separate electromagnetic means.

Abstract: Techniques are described for producing superscripts (half indexing), subscripts, and character height reduction for an ink jet printer.

Abstract: A paging system, or the like, having a transmitting station and a plurality of pocket sized subscriber units is disclosed. The transmitting station has a keyboard for encoding alphanumeric characters of a message and a subscriber code, a storage means for a predetermined number of characters of a message, means for converting a binary character code, such as ASCII, to a binary code representative of the character to be displayed in matrix form, and a format circuit for transmitting successive columns of the successive matrix code with blank columns and timing spaces therebetween to facilitate reconstruction of the subscriber code and message. Each of the subscriber units is battery powered and sized to be carried in a pocket of the user's clothing.

Abstract: An alphanumeric display system including an array of sixteen electrically energizable, light-emitting elements capable, when selectively energized, of forming legibly all numerals and a substantial number of upper and lower case alphabet letters and/or mathematical and punctuation symbols. A similar array is disclosed having a maximum of twenty four light-emitting elements and capable of providing all numerals, upper and lower case alphabet letters and a majority of the symbols employed for punctuation and in mathematics. Both of the arrays disclosed are characterized by arrangement of the light-emitting elements in closely nested relation to form horizontal rows and columns inclined to the right and left at 60.degree. with respect to the horizontal. A solid state system including light-emitting diodes and switching transistors is disclosed.