That actually helps a lot. I had to do some searching but was able to wrap my mind around how it all works.
My only other question is in the line: int y = pattern* & 7;*
In this case, was 7 chosen because we know that the first four bits would be zero and that would make sure that once we use 'AND' the first 4 bits would predictably be 0, in essence making it as if only 4 bits mattered?
Thanks again for all your help.