Multi-item input/output device to input information to and retrieve other information from a terminal computer

A multi-item input/output device for use in combination with an external memory means, comprising:

• a sheet bearing a multiplicity of items;
• a display element array on said sheet including a plurality of light-emitting display elements, each of said display elements corresponding to a respective one of said multiplicity of items on said sheet;
• a light pen carrying a light sensor and a switch, said light pen developing output signals when said light sensor intercepts the light emitted from a corresponding one of said display elements;
• a scan control for sequentially scanning said display element array in response to an input signal from said switch;
• an output control for converting said output signals from said light pen into code signals corresponding to the respective display element, said code signals energizing said external memory means for recalling information therefrom related to the item associated with the corresponding one of said display elements;
• an input control for receiving said information from said external memory means and developing an output signal in response thereto;
• and
• a display control means responsive to said output signal from said input control for enabling and disabling said display element array according to said information received from said external memory means, said display element array serving as a sequentially scanned display array when a specific item is selected by said light pen, and serving as a display means of said information recalled from said external memory means.