Method for using interactive computer graphics to control electronic instruments

Patent 5309556 Issued on May 3, 1994. Estimated Expiration Date:

May 18, 2012. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

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Inventor

Sismilich, Robert C.

Application

No. 887574 filed on 05/18/1992

US Classes:

315/383Intensity control of ray

Examiners

Primary: Nguyen, Phu K.

International Class

G06F 015/24

Abstract

A system which uses interactive graphics displayed on a viewing means to control and indicate the operating parameters of an instrument. The interactive graphics which are displayed at any point in time depend on the present state of the instrument. Only those controls and indicators which are relevant to the present state will be displayed, which simplifies the display and reduces operator confusion. When the state of the instrument changes, controls and indicators will be redisplayed so as to be relevant to the new state. A control means allows the operator to interact with controls so as to change the state of the instrument. The controls and indicators can be displayed on the viewing means in a way that simulates their physical appearance. A plurality of instruments may be present in the system; if so, the operator can choose which to control, while a subset of parameters of the other instruments can be viewed simultaneously. The preferred method uses a computer program to display the graphics and control the instruments.