An information retrievel system includes a video display terminal controlled by a local microcomputer which controls the major functions thereof and is connectable in a network with other such video display terminals which function as selected purpose variable function terminals by utilizing the instructions for the local microcomputer which come from a remote central data source as data so that the user can request a particular function, that is a program or set of instructions for the microcomputer as well as being able to request certain data from the data source. This set of instructions is transmitted over the same media as data and has the same format as the data, such as a pseudo video digital scan line when utilized with a row grabbing video display terminal transmitted over cable. The set of instructions is locally stored until erasure at the terminal, such as in a RAM, for locally controlling the functioning of the microcomputer. This program may be replaced or modified by requesting a different program to select a different purpose for the terminal. A ROM permanently stores the loader and executive program for the terminal and may normally operate the terminal as a row grabbing video display terminal except when a program is requested for selecting a different purpose for the terminal in which instance the called program or set of instructions is stored in the RAM and, when the entire requested program has been loaded, control is turned over from the ROM stored loader program to the newly entered called program which operates the terminal in accordance with the selected purpose. This RAM stored program may be erased to enable normal functioning as a row grabbing video display terminal if desired or may be replaced by a different selected program by depression of the appropriate keys on the keyboard. The system could be a one way communication system in which instance the data and programs are continuously transmitted in repetitive fashion from the remote data source including updated information in a real time environment or, if desired, could be implemented in a two way system.
A terminal apparatus for handling data by the field. Each field comprises a field defining character for defining an attribute of the field and a certain number of field data following the character. Information for determining the meaning of the field defining character is retained in the terminal apparatus and the attribute of the field is determined by the combination of the information and the field defining character. As a result, many field attributes can be specified.
This discloses a system operating on a general purpose digital computer which produces securities portfolio valuation schedules for multiple simultaneous users. The computer maintains securities information in system-wide files which are updated, both electronically and manually, on a daily basis. The system permits each user to store information about his portfolios, as well as information about supplemental securities not contained in the system-wide files.
A display terminal of the type which is dependent on a remote processor for its operation and for its main data storage, comprising an interactive language interpreter (24) (e.g. for BASIC), terminal processor, local storage, display and a switch for switching between a session (90) associated with the remote processor and a session (91) dedicated to servicing the interactive language interpreter (24). During an interactive language session screens of data associated with the host session may be displayed and then saved which enables host data to be processed using user programs in the interactive language.
There is disclosed herein an apparatus for displaying data and communicating with another data processing device via a parallel port or over a long distance communications network via a full duplex modem, said computer terminal utilizing a microprocessor for programmed control of the terminal. The terminal is capable of displaying information on a standard black and white television set and utilizes a keyboard for entering information to be displayed or sent to the main data processing system. Limited graphics with sixty four graphics patterns are also available by using the microprocessor chip to scan the keyboard and communicate with the modem and parallel ports, and by utilizing a standard television set instead of a cathode ray tube, substantial material cost savings can be made in building the terminal which could be built for under $250 in parts in 1979.
In order to simulate the appearance of a different age on a person's face, a picture of an old face and a corresponding young face are recorded and the differences between the old and young face found and recorded. A picture of the person's face to be simulated at a different age is then recorded, modified with the differences and the image resulting after modification is displayed.
