Importance

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Abstract

Computer graphics for an industrial process installation or other computer-controlled system in which the system is graphically displayed on the screen of the computer terminal. Each controllable element in the system, such as a valve, a control dial or a switch, is marked on the display by an action point. In order for an operator to select any desired action point on the display to carry out an action appropriate thereto, a cursor is provided which can be manipulated by a key matrix to occupy a position coinciding with any action point thereon. The key matrix is a three-by-three-matrix constituted by a home key surrounded by eighty arrow keys whose arrows are directed to the major axes of a compass rose. Only one action point can be selected at a time. The selected point then effectively becomes the compass center, the previously selected point being then de-selected. To select a new action point from among the various points dispersed on the display, the arrow key which most closely points in the compass direction of the desired action point is pressed, and the cursor then jumps one step from the home point to the newly-selected point. If, however, more than one action point lies along a given compass axis extending between the home point and the desired point, the operator must then repeatedly press the arrow key for that direction to cause the cursor to jump one step at a time from point to point until the cursor rests at the desired action point.

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First Claim