Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Plural physical display element control system – Display elements arranged in matrix
Patent
1991-06-25
1994-02-01
Oberley, Alvin E.
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Plural physical display element control system
Display elements arranged in matrix
345146, 345902, G09G 514
Patent
active
052835600
ABSTRACT:
A computer display control system displays semi-transparent control menus superimposed over other images. The computer system has a central processing unit, a program memory that stores an application or operating system program that generates and displays a first set of images on the display, and a menu generating program that displays a control menu having a list of menu items. The displayed control menu is a stippled image that is partially transparent. When the control menu is superimposed over the first set of images, the first set of images remains visible on the display below the control menu. The menu generating program logically ANDs predefined control menu images with a halftone screen so as to generate a stippled control menu image comprising an array of interleaved transparent and non-transparent pixels. In the preferred embodiment, the menu generating program displays a first version of the control menu when the control menu is unselected and a second version when said control menu is selected. The first version has a higher percentage of transparent pixels than the second version, making the control menu less intrusive during normal use when the menu is unselected, and also making the control menu easier to see distinctly when it is selected.
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MacPaint, Macintosh, 1983, 3 sheets of MacPaint user manual.
Digital Equipment Corporation
Oberley Alvin E.
Saras Steve
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