"Strobe" means that the game sends a +5 vdc pulse down the switch column via the PIA port. One PIA output is used at a time.
"Return" is the 8 values that correspond to which rows have detected that +5 vdc pulse via a PIA port. 8 PIA inputs are used this time.
The diodes in the switch matrix prevent voltage leaking from one column to another when the strobe pulse happens.