MiniModule/Private Eye®

Technical Manual

Revision 03
(April 16, 1992)

NOTICES

WARRANTY

Reflection Technology Inc. (RTI) warrants that the products delivered hereunder shall be free from defective material and workmanship for a period of 90 days from the date of delivery when given normal, proper and intended usage, and agrees to repair or replace (at RTI’s option) the product without cost, when returned freight and insurance prepaid to RTI’s facility. This warranty does not apply to failures which result from catastrophe, fault of Buyer, or use of the products in a manner for which they were not designed, or by causes external to the products.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS WARRANTY ARE IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTY (INCLUDING
ANY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE), AND RTI’S LIABILITY
ARISING OUT OF THE MANUFACTURE OF THE PRODUCT SHALL NOT EXCEED THE ORIGINAL
COST OF THE PRODUCT. IN NO EVENT SHALL RTI BE LIABLE FOR UNINTENDED, INCIDENTAL,
SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS-IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, AND RTI EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. RTI DOES
NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE OR THE
RESULTS OF THE USE OF THE SOFTWARE OR ANY ACCOMPANYING WRITTEN MATERIALS IN
TERMS OF THEIR CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, CURRENTNESS, OR OTHERWISE. THE
ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE AND WRHTEN
MATERIALS IS ASSUMED BY YOU.

SAFETY
RTI does not recommend, condone, or assume any liability for the use of a Private Eye display while performing any operation in which the operator may injure himself or others or cause property damage.

The Private Eye display unit has been tested and found to meet UL 478 and CSA C22.2 safety standards by Dash, Straus and Goodhue, Inc., a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

WARNING.’ In order to avoid fire hazard the Private Eye display unit must be powered from a D.C. power source whose output is either protected by a “UL Listed” 5 Amp fuse or is not capable of providing greater than 42.4 Volts peak nor more than 8 Amps for 1 minute under any load conditions.

COPYRIGHTS

Copyright © 1992 Reflection Technology Inc. All rights reserved.

Software created using Turbo C and Turbo Assembler, Copyright © Borland 1987, 1988.

Private Eye Font Copyright © 1988 by Bitstream Inc., Cambridge, MA. This product is the sole property of Bitstream Inc. and contains its proprietary and confidential information. U.S Government Restricted Rights: This software product is provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in FAR 52.227-19(c)(2)(June, 1987) when applicable or the applicable provisions of the DOD FAR supplement 252.227-7013 subdivision(b)(3)(ii)(May, 1981) or subdivision (c)(l)(ii) (May, 1987). Contractor/manufacturer is Bitstream Inc./215 First Street/Cambridge, MA 02142.

TRADEMARKS

Private Eye: ® Reflection Technology, Inc.

MiniModule, CoreModule, Little Board: Ampro Computers, Inc.

IBM, AT, PC/AT, XT, PCIXT, Color Graphics Adapter, CGA: International Business Machines Corporation.

PATENTS

The Private Eye display is covered by U. S. Patents Number: 4,902,083, 4,934,773, 5,003,300 and 5,009,473. Other U. S. and foreign patents pending.

CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION
1.1	General Description		1-1
1.2	Operational Modes		1-1
1.3	Memory		1-1
1.4	Interfaces		1-2
1.5	Features		1-2
1.6	How the Private Eye Works		1-2
1.7	Specifications		1-3
	1.7.1	Memory and I/O Addressing	1-3
	1.7.2	Physical	1-3
CHAPTER 2- CONFIGURATION AND INSTALLATION
2.1	Introduction	2-1
2.2	Jumper Settings	2-2
2.3	Character Generator	2-2
2.4	Interface Connector and Cable	2-3
2.5	Installation to the Parent Device	2-3
CHAPTER 3- MMIPRIVATE EYE OPERATION
3.1	Introduction		3-1
3.2	Hardware/Software Compatibility		3-1
	3.2.1	Operational Modes	3-1
	3.2.2	Software Available	3-2
	3.2.3	Memory Space	3-2
	3.2.3	Memory Space	3-2
	3.2.4	1/0 Space	3-2
	3.2.5	Interrupts	3-2
	3.2.6	DMA	3-2
3.3	Using	Multiple Displays	3-2
	3.3.1	Private Eye and a Monochrome CR1’	3-3
	3.3.2	Private Eye and a Color CR1’	3-3
	3.3.3	Two Private Eyes	3-3
3.4	Downloadable Character Sets		3-3
3.5	Demo	Disk Instructions	3-4
CHAPTER 4- PRIVATE EYE DISPLAY OPERATION
4.1	Using the Private Eye Display	4-1
4.2	Using the Headset	4-2
4.3	Eye Fatigue	4-4

APPENDIX A - TRANSITION CABLE
APPENDIX B - PRIVATE EYE DISPLAY CONTROLLER (ASIC) SPECIFICATION
APPENDIX C - DISPLAY CONTROLLER LIMITATIONS

FIGURES
Figure 1-1	Mechanical Dimensions	1-4
Figure 2-1	Connector, Jumper, and Selected Component Locations	2-1
Figure 4-1	Headset Adjustments and Features	4-2
Figure 4-2	Headset Position	4-3
Figure 4-3	To Remove the Display from the Headset	4-4

TABLES
Table 2-1	Shadow Mode Jumper (Wi)	2-2
Table 2-2	Partial List of Applicable SRAMS	2-2
Table 2-3	J3 Pinout and Signal Definitions	2-3

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1	GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The MiniModule/Private Eye® (MM/Private Eye) is a compact, low power, display controller module which drives the Private Eye virtual display made by Reflection Technology, Inc. of Waltham, MA, The display produces a high-quality full-screen image which appears to the viewer be much larger than the unit itself. The MM/Private Eye can be installed directly on CoreModule(tm) or Little Board(tm) single board systems from Ampro Computers, Inc. of Sunnyvale, CA. When configured with an Ampro single board system, the MM/Private Eye and companion display are ideal for applications where display portability, small size, low power consumption, high reliability, and PC and PC/AT software compatibility are critical.

The MiniModule/Private Eye provides PC compatible, monochrome (red-on-black) graphics or character display capability. IBM CGA text or graphics software will execute and display without modification. The MiniModule/Private Eye can be configured to allow shadow display of information displaying on another CGA monitor in the system. This feature would be particularly useful in an educational setting, allowing the instructor to follow on a monitor the virtual image seen by the student in the Private Eye.

1.2 OPERATIONAL MODES

Because the MM/Private Eye display controller emulates an IBM CGA controller, CGA compatible application software will drive the Private Eye display without modification. In CGA text-mode the standard 80-columns x 25 lines are displayed using a built-in 9 x 11 font, producing more readable characters than with the standard 8 x 8 font. In CGA graphics mode the 320 x 200 or 640 x 200 pixel image will be centered in the 720 x 280 screen.

A jumper-selectable SHADOW mode allows the MiniModule/Private Eye to be used as a second CGA controller in the system. When SHADOW mode is selected, the MiniModule/Private Eye will not respond to PC bus read commands, and will, therefore, not conflict with the primary CGA controller. It will respond to write commands, and will, therefore, display the same information as the primary CGA controller.

1.3	MEMORY

The character generator memory can be either an EPROM or a 256K bit (32Kx8) static RAM. With the optional SRAM, character fonts are software downloadable.

There are 32K bytes of display memory. It is possible to read and write characters into any part of this display memory, whether or not the part that is accessed is displayed at the time. This allows one screen to be formatted while another is displayed, so that the new screen of text can be displayed instantly by changing the start address.

1-1

1.4 INTERFACES

The MiniModule/Private Eye display controller is implemented in low power CMOS logic and requires less than 0.4 watts of power. The module conforms to the Ampro MiniModule standard (3.6”x3.8”), and it attaches directly to a CoreModule, LittleBoard, or Ampro expansion board, in any onboard expansion module location. When installed, the MiniModule/Private Eye fits entirely within the parent board’s space envelope. A PC bus “passthrough” connector allows additional external expansion.

An adapter cable interfaces the external 8-pin mini DIN connector used by the Private Eye to the 8-pin header on the MiniModule/Private Eye board.
1.5	FEATURES
	 	Highly integrated, portable display controller module
	 	CGA text and graphics emulation
	 	720 x 280 graphics resolution with custom software
	 	Supports multiple display controllers in one system
	 	Software downloadable fonts
	 	32K byte frame refresh memory
	 	Ideal for applications requiring small size, low power consumption, and
		+5V only operation.
1.6	HOW THE PRIVATE EYE WORKS

The basic display mechanism of the Private Eye consists of a linear array of 280 LEDs (light emitting diodes), a magnifying lens, and a vibrating mirror. At any instant, the user, looking into the mirror, sees a magnified vertical line of LEDs. These correspond to one column of the full image. As the mirror swings, the apparent location of the vertical line of LEDs sweeps horizontally from one edge of the virtual screen to the other. Electronic timing illuminates the LEDs for each column as the mirror swings. Although only one column of the screen is visible at any instant, the user’s eye perceives a full screen of information.

The mirror is driven at resonance by a tiny voice-coil motor, and is counterbalanced to absorb nearly all of the mechanical vibration. A closed-loop servo compensates for external forces applied to the display.

Do not disassemble your Private Eye display! You will void the warranty, and it is impossible for you to open the case without damaging internal components.

1-2

1.7	SPECIFICATIONS

1.7.1	Memory and 110 Addressing

	Memory Space Used -- B8000h-BFFFFh

	1/0 Space -- 3DOh-3DFh

	On-Board Character Generator memory:
--Fixed font: 16K x 8 EPROM
--Downloadable font: 32K x 8 static RAM

	On-board frame refresh memory: 32K x 8 static RAM

1.7.2 Physical

	Size: 3.6” x 3.8” x 0.5”

	Power:
--MM/Private Eye board: +5.0 volts ±5% at 160 mA (typ.)
--Private Eye display: +5.0 volts ±5% at 100 mA (average image, typ.)

	Operating Environment:
--Temperature: 0 to 70 deg C
--Humidity: 0-95% relative (non-condensing)

	Storage temperature: -55 to +85 deg C

1-4

CHAPTER 2

CONFIGURATION AND INSTALLATION

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter show’s how to confi gure and install the Mi niModule/Private Eve (NI M/Private Eve). Any or all of the following steps could be involved in a complete configuration and installation in an A mpro CoreModule or Little Board sin gle board system:

	Verify and/or adjust the jumper settings.

	Install the MM/Private Eye board to its parent device.

	Attach t he NI N 1/Private Eve to interface cable.

	Attach the interface cable to Private Eve device cable.

Fi gure 2- 1 shows the locations of the u mper pins and connector on the MM/Private Eye.

2.2 JUMPER SETTINGS

This section describes how to set the Shadow mode jumper on your MM/Private Eye board. The MM/Private Eye has an optional mode of operation called Shadow mode. In this mode, the Private Eye operates simultaneously with another CGA display, shadowing that display. In order to do this, the Shadow mode jumper installation configures the Private Eye Display Controller such that the display memory and registers will not respond to read signals. Thus the contents of these locations do not conflict with the other (primary) CGA controller. The controller will respond to write commands in shadow mode, so the Private Eye will display the same information as the Primary CGA display. For further information consult the Private Eye Display Controller ASIC Specification in Appendix B of this manual.

NOTE:	One (and only one) Primary CGA display board must be present. It can be either an
MM/Private Eye with Shadow mode OFF or an MM/CGA board. All additional MM/Private
Eye boards must be installed with Shadow mode ON.

Set the Shadow Mode jumper as shown in Table 2-1:

PAIR SHORTED:	1-2 j	2-3 (Default)	
SHADOW MODE:	ON	OFF	

Table 2-1. Shadow Mode jumper (Wi)

2.3	CHARACTER GENERATOR

The MM/Private Eye uses a Character Generator in socket U4 on the board. This device can be a 128K bit (16K x 8) 200nS EPROM with a predetermined character set. Typically, the character set will be one required to support CGA alphanumeric mode. Alternately, the Character Generator can be a 256K bit (32K x 8) lOOnS static RAM with the character set downloaded from elsewhere. The standard EPROM is a 27C256. The static RAM can be any compatible 32K x 8 lOOnS SRAM such as indicated in Table 2-2. For detalls of downloading characters, consult the Private Eye Display Controller ASIC Specification in Appendix B of this manual.

VENDOR	PART NUMBER	
NEC	uPD43256AC-1OL	
Sony	CXK58257P-1OL	
Toshiba	TC55257P-1O	
Hitachi	HM62256P- 10	
Mitsubishi	M5M5256P- 10	

Table 2-2. Partial List of Applicable SRAMS

2-2

2.4 INTERFACE CONNECTOR AND CABLE

The output of the MM/Private Eye appears on an 8-pin header (J3) on the edge of the card. Table 2-3 gives the pinout and signal definitions of the J3 header connections. A transition cable assembly is supplied with the MM/Private Eye board. One end of this cable plugs onto the 8-pin header (J3) of the board. (Be certain to insert it properly by following the cable color code in Table 2-3.) The other end of the transition cable mates with the 8-pin mini-DIN connector of the Private Eye display. This connector should be mounted to a panel or case to provide strain relief. Details of the transition cable are provided in Appendix A.

J3 PIN	SIGNAL	COLOR	
1	-RTSIRDY	Brown	
2	±5V	Red	
3	-RTSIBOS	Orange	
4	GND	Black	
5	RTSIDATA	Green	
6	GND	Black	
7	RTSICLK	Violet	
8	+5V	Red	

Table 2-3. J3 Pinout and Signal Definitions

The Private Eye display device is supplied with a 5 foot cable. An optional 6 foot extension is available from Reflection Technology. To use the 6 foot extension, a +5.25V power source for the display device is required. Provision has been made for this supplementary user-supplied power supply to be mounted on the MM/Private Eye board. See Figure 1-1 of this manual for details of the available mounting holes. If the extension is to be used, a custom transition cable will have to be made to connect the +5.25V power source to pins 2 and 8 of the Private Eye display cable mini-DIN connector.

2.5	INSTALLATION TO THE PARENT DEVICE

The MM/Private Eye plugs into an Ampro CoreModule or Little Board using the 64-pin
square post bus connector. In addition, the MM/Private Eye can be combined with other
MiniModules in a Little Board based system, by using an SSD Expansion Board, a
Stackplane/MM, or a Stacker/MM.

Remove power from the system before plugging in the MM/Private Eye. Check that it is plugged in properly before applying power. If the MM/Private Eye is improperly installed, damage to it or other equipment may occur.

Screws (4-40) and standoffs are supplied for securing the MM/Private Eye to its parent device.

2-3

CHAPTER 3

MM/PRIVATE EYE OPERATION

3.1	INTRODUCTION

This chapter discusses the hardware and software considerations involved when you set up a system using the Ampro MiniModule/Private Eye. The discussion here will be brief, and is intended only as an overview of the resources available and some of the rules that apply to the use of those resources.

The MM/Private Eye is based on the Reflection Technology Private Eye Display Controller
ASIC. This chip implements all Private Eye interface functions. A complete description of its
functions can be found in Appendix B, the Private Eye Display Controller ASIC Specification.
For operational problems or further information regarding the MM/Private Eye, contact:

Reflection Technology, Inc.
230 Second Avenue
Waltham, MA 02154
Phone:	(617) 890-5905 Fax: (617) 890-5918

3.2	HARDWARE/SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY

The MM/Private Eye Display Controller is designed to emulate a Color Graphics Adapter (CGA) as closely as possible. When operating as a CGA display, the MM/Private Eye will display text in a 40- or 80-column x 25-line format, and graphics with a resolution of 320 x 200 or 640 x 200 pixels.

In addition, the MM/Private Eye board can also operate in a higher resolution graphics mode than is available on standard CGA displays. This non-standard mode offers an enhanced graphics resolution of 720 x 280 pixels.

Note:	See Appendix C regarding limitations of the current version of the MM/Private Eye.

IMPORTANT: Ampro single-board computers use writable EEPROMS to store a variety of system configuration parameters, including the video controller type. These "setup" parameters are usually accessed during installation via the keyboard and display. It is possible that the MM/Private Eye will not operate properly if the setup parameters are not appropriate (Color4O or Color8O). With some parameters values, the Private Eye display may show only “garbage” such as random flashing characters and blocks. If this happens, try temporarily installing a different display (such as a CRT) to view and change the setup appropriately. If no other display is avallable, it will be necessary to change the setup parameters by using another method. An appropriate software setup utility is provided by Ampro Computers with the single-board computer itself. Refer to the computer’s Technical Manual or contact Ampro Computers Technical Support directly for more information, if required.

3-1

3.2.1	Operational Modes

The MM/Private Eye supports all four standard CGA modes:

	320 x 200 graphics (2 bits per pixel)

	640 x 200 graphics (1 bit per pixel)

	40 x 25 text (18 x 11 pixel font built-in)

	80 x 25 text (9 x 11 pixel font built-in)

In addition, the MM/Private Eye provides a non-standard enhanced graphics mode:

	720 x 280 high-resolution graphics

Refer to the Private Eye Display Controller ASIC Specification in Appendix B for details.

1.2.2	Software Available
The MM/Private Eye and Private Eye display will operate from any software package that meets the industry standard for CGA. It is the responsibility of the user to determine the suitability of any particular software package for use with MM/Private Eye in his system. Because the Private Eye will only display red-on-black monochrome images, not all choices of background/foreground colors will be appropriate for viewing on the display.

The enhanced high-resolution mode of the MM/Private Eye is accessed only through customized software. Examples of the images formatted in this mode can be viewed with the Demonstration Disk supplied with the MM/Private Eye (See Section 3.5). For details on using this enhanced resolution mode contact Reflection Technology.

3.2.3	Memory Space

The MM/Private eye is located in standard CGA memory space B8000h to BFFFFh.

3.2.4	I/O Space
The MM/Private Eye uses standard CGA I/O space 3DOh to 3DFh. Addresses 3EOh to 3EFh are also occupied by current boards. These addresses will be eliminated in the future, so do not use them. Be sure these addresses are not used elsewhere in the system.

3.2.5	Interrupts

The MM/Private Eye does not use any interrupts.

3.2.6 DMA

The MM/Private Eye does not use Dynamic Memory Access (DMA).

3.3	USING MULTIPLE DISPLAYS

The Private Eye display may be used in conjunction with another display at the same time. Both the Private Eye display and a CRT, or two Private Eyes, may be used simultaneously.

3-2

The implementation depends on the nature of the second display. Whenever multiple displays are used, one (and only one) must be the “Primary” display adapter. The Primary display is the active one when the computer starts up. This section describes the process of using a Private Eye in conjunction with one other display. Contact Reflection Technology for assistance in other multiple-display configurations.

3.3.1 Private Eye and a Monochrome CRT:

	Jumper the MM/Private Eye board for NON-SHADOW mode (Short pins 2-3 on Wi).

	Jumper the MM/CGA card for Hercules or MDA operation.

	Just as with any PC or PC/AT using both Monochrome and Color displays at the same time, the two displays do not update simultaneously. It is possible to use the DOS MODE command to switch the active display. The command “MODE MONO” makes the MDA or Hercules display active; “MODE C080” enables the Private Eye as the active display.

3.3.2 Private Eye and a Color CRT:

	Jumper the MM/Private Eye board for SHADOW mode (Short pins 1-2 on W1).

	Jumper the MM/CGA card for normal Color mode (not Double Scan CGA).

Note:	Double Scan CGA, EGA, and VGA controllers may not be used, as these are incompatible with the MM/Private Eye.

	Both the Private Eye and the Color CRT will update at the same time.

3.3.3 Two Private Eyes:

Two Private Eye displays may be used on the same system simultaneously. This requires the use of a separate MM/Private Eye controller board for each Private Eye display.

	Jumper one MM/Private Eye board for SHADOW mode (Short pins 1-2 on Wi).

	Jumper the other MM/Private Eye board for normal mode (Short pins 2-3 on Wi).

	Both Private Eye displays will update at the same time.

3.4 DOWNLOADABLE CHARACTER SETS

As mentioned in Chapter 2, you can replace the Character Generator EPROM with a static
RAM device. If this is done, the character set must be written into the RAM every time the
system is powered up. Different character sets may be loaded into the RAM by mapping the
RAM into the frame buffer address space. For details on how to do this, refer to the Private
Eye Display Controller ASIC Specification in Appendix B of this manual.

3-3

3.5	DEMO DISK INSTRUCTIONS

The Demonstration Disk contains several programs useful for initially demonstrating the Private Eye display. Of course, any standard CGA-compatible software programs can be used in place of the Demo Disk.

The program slides . exe produces an assortment of images which use the full graphics resolution of the display (720 x 280 pixels).

The program “Space Invaders” is a good example of interactive Private Eye graphics at CGA resolution (640 x 200 pixels).

The Demo Disk also contains several utility programs useful in operating the Private Eye with standard CGA-compatible software. Executing the programs left . exe or right . exe within DOS will orient the displayed image for viewing with the corresponding eye.

Note: It is a good practice to make a backup copy of the demonstration diskette, put the original in a safe place, and work with the copy.

To run the demonstrations, insert the demonstration diskette into the floppy drive, and select that drive (a:) from the DOS command level.

Within DOS, type slides to start the slide show demo. The following keyboard commands control the demo:
r	resets to the beginning
u	toggles right/left eye mode
d	toggles bright/dim mode
a	toggles automatic/manual mode
space advances in manual mode
b	backs up in manual mode

shows this help screen
ESC	exits to DOS

If you just wish to see the rolling feature slide show, without the introduction, type demo.

Within DOS, type i to start the “Space Invaders” game demo. Instructions are on the initial screen (Hint: at the very beginning of the game, use the cursor keys to move your player all the way to the left, then down to the bottom. Then move right and left with cursor keys while firing upward with the space bar). Space Invaders does not return to DOS; you must reboot the computer to exit.

3-4

APPENDIX A

TRANSITION CABLE