Interface device for encoding a digital image for a CRT display
First Claim
1. An interface device for connection between a computer and a CRT device for processing predetermined blocks of display data from predetermined locations in a memory in the computer to form pixels having predetermined characteristics in the display fields of the CRT device, the interface device comprising:
- means for storing format data which defines the dimensions and number of fields displayed, and the characteristics of the pixels displayed therewithin;
control means responsive to the format when read out from the means for storing for coordinating the data processing cycle of the computer memory and the data display cycle of the CRT device;
pixel controller responsive to the read out format data for controlling the pixel characteristics and responsive to the control means for processing the display data;
video means for converting the processed display data from the pixel controller into analog signals and adapted to apply the analog signals to the video circuit of the CRT device; and
memory address means for addressing blocks of display data corresponding to the display fields of the CRT device, having a first address counter responsive to the format data for incrementing the least significant bit (LSB) portion of the memory address to the computer memory which defines the first dimension of each field displayed on the CRT device, and a second address counter responsive to the format data for incrementing the next LSB portion of the memory address to the computer memory which defines the second dimension of each field displayed on the CRT device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A display interface connected between a computer and a CRT device processes predetermined blocks of display data from predetermined locations in a memory of the computer to form pixels having predetermined characteristics in the display fields of the CRT device. A CRT display format of parameters such as color, pixel shape and size, and field shape and size, is controlled by input FORMAT DATA. The display resolution can be varied to accommodate the amount of data to be displayed within the desired field dimensions. The display data is retrieved from memory in data blocks, each of which is identified by a BLOCK ADDRESS. A single data block may occupy the entire display field; or may be displayed in a subfield simultaneously with other data blocks, or portions of data blocks, in the remaining subfields. The FORMAT DATA determines the subfield number and arrangement.
112 Citations
31 Claims
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1. An interface device for connection between a computer and a CRT device for processing predetermined blocks of display data from predetermined locations in a memory in the computer to form pixels having predetermined characteristics in the display fields of the CRT device, the interface device comprising:
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means for storing format data which defines the dimensions and number of fields displayed, and the characteristics of the pixels displayed therewithin; control means responsive to the format when read out from the means for storing for coordinating the data processing cycle of the computer memory and the data display cycle of the CRT device; pixel controller responsive to the read out format data for controlling the pixel characteristics and responsive to the control means for processing the display data; video means for converting the processed display data from the pixel controller into analog signals and adapted to apply the analog signals to the video circuit of the CRT device; and memory address means for addressing blocks of display data corresponding to the display fields of the CRT device, having a first address counter responsive to the format data for incrementing the least significant bit (LSB) portion of the memory address to the computer memory which defines the first dimension of each field displayed on the CRT device, and a second address counter responsive to the format data for incrementing the next LSB portion of the memory address to the computer memory which defines the second dimension of each field displayed on the CRT device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification