Computer graphics display processor for generating dynamic refreshed vector images

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides a low cost vector graphics display processor capable of being driven by a relatively small processor (host computer).
Indicia of predetermined sequence of endpoints defining a figure, and move/draw indicia indicative of connections in the figure between successive endpoints are stored in a coordinate memory.
Drive signals for a display are generated in accordance with the contents of respective position counters.
In accordance with the value of the move/draw indicia, the contents of current position counters are selectively varied from values corresponding to a first endpoint to values corresponding to a second successive endpoint in a gradual manner to effect generation of drive signals corresponding to a line between the first and second endpoints, or the current position counters are loaded with values corresponding to the second endpoint, thus effecting a move on the display without generating a human perceivable line.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, indicia of a transformation matrix are stored and utilized to provide indicia of transformed coordinates in respect of the endpoints.
The transformed coordinate indicia are utilized in the place of the original coordinates of the endpoints in generating the display.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a CPU capable of calculating an arithmetic result and sensing the sign of the result in the same CPU state is utilized to facilitate extremely rapid line generation.
Further, the line generation is effected with a minimum of operations.