DRAWING BOARD, A GRAPHICAL INPUT-OUTPUT DEVICE FOR A COMPUTER

• US 3,618,029 A
• Filed: 05/01/1970
• Issued: 11/02/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Robert M. Graven
• Original Assignee: Robert M. Graven
• Inventors: Graven, Robert M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shaw, Gareth D.
• Application Number:
  US05/033,855
• Time in Patent Office: 550 Days
• Field of Search: 340/172.5 235/157 315/169,161 313/18D
• US Class Current: 345/183
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0386 for light pen

Abstract

A two-dimensional matrix of semiconductors is arranged in ordered array as a flat, light-emitting and light-sensing device for input and readout of information from a computer. A penlight is used to activate the light-sensing semiconductors to achieve a graphical input. Operation of the device can be either incremental or random.

Claims

1. A graphical input-output device for a computer comprising a plurality of light emitter-sensor pairs juxtaposed in a common plane and arranged in ordered array to permit emission and reception of light energy on one common side of said plane, means for activating and deactivating said light emitter-sensor pairs, and means for connecting said light emitter-sensor pairs to a computer.

2. The graphical input-output device for a computer as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for activating said light sensors comprises a penlight.

3. The graphical input-output device for a computer as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for connecting light emitter-sensor pairs to a computer compRises means for sequentially connecting each of said emitter-sensor pairs to said computer.

4. The graphical input-output device for a computer as claimed in claim 3 wherein said means for sequentially connecting each of said emitter-sensor pairs to said computer comprises a timing chain circuit and means for activating said circuit.

5. The graphical input-output device for a computer as claimed in claim 1 wherein said light emitter of said light emitter-sensor pair comprises a Ga-As-P light-emitting diode, and said light sensor of said light emitter-sensor pair comprises a photosensitive diode.

6. The graphical input-output device for a computer as claimed in claim 1 further comprising means for maintaining said emitters in the activated and inactivated condition whereby information is stored in said device.

7. The graphical input-output device for a computer as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for connecting said light emitter-sensor pairs to said computer include means for coupling said device to telephone lines connected to said computer.