Hewlett-packard Company

Freddie W Wenninger

Robert E Watson

Wayne F Covington

Richard M Spangler

Chris J Christopher

Eugene V Burmeister

Myles A Judd

Frank E Cada

Kent W Simcoe

John C Keith

David Steven Maitland

Donald E Morris

Douglas M Clifford

Louis T Schulte

Jindrich Kohoutek

Leo S Miller

A programmable calculator utilizes an initialization key for setting all program variables, including array variables that are stored as part of a program in the calculator memory, to a predetermined initial value.

Programmable calculator including program variable initialization means

An adaptable programmable calculator is provided by employing a modular read-write and read-only memory unit capable of being expanded to provide the calculator with additional program and data storage functions oriented towards the environment of the user, a central processing unit capable of performing both serial binary and parallel binary-coded-decimal arithmetic, and an input-output control unit capable of bidirectionally transferring information between the memory or central processing units and a number of input and output units. The memory, central processor, and input-output control units are controlled by a microprocessor included in the central processing unit. Also the calculator may be operated manually by the user from an alphanumeric keyboard input unit or automatically by a program stored within the memory unit to perform calculations and provide an output indication of the results thereof. It may also be employed to load programs into the memory unit from the keyboard input unit. Also, the computer language allows the user to enter a line comprising an alphanumeric statement into the calculator from the keyboard input unit while visually observing an alphanumeric display of that line to check for errors therein, permitting the user to cause the entered lines to be immediately executed by the calculator or stored as part of a program within the memory unit, and permitting the user to subsequently recall the executed or stored line so that it may be reinspected, reevaluated, and, if necessary, edited and executed or re-executed, or restored in edited form. The calculator employs a compiler for converting each statement entered into the calculator in BASIC language into an internal stored format. It also employs an uncompiler for regenerating in the BASIC language statement any entered line converted to the internal stored format. The compiler and uncompiler operate on a line-by-line basis.

Electronic computing apparatus employing basic language

An adaptable programmable calculator is provided by employing a modular read-write and read-only memory unit capable of being expanded to provide the calculator with additional program and data storage functions oriented towards the environment of the user, a central processing unit capable of performing both serial binary and parallel binary-coded-decimal arithmetic, and an input-output control unit capable of bidirectionally transferring information between the memory or central processing units and a number of input and output units. The memory, central processor, and input-output control units are controlled by a microprocessor included in the central processing unit. The input and output units include a keyboard input unit with a plurality of alphanumeric keys, a magnetic tape cassette reading and recording unit capable of bidirectionally transferring programs and data between a magnetic tape and the calculator, and a solid state output display unit capable of displaying every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually or in combination. All of these input and output units are included within the calculator itself. An output printer, an X-Y plotter, a typewriter, a teletypewriter, a magnetic or paper tape reading and recording unit, an extended read-write memory unit, a magnetic disc reading and recording unit, a modem for connecting the calculator via telephone lines to a remotely located computer, and many other peripheral input and output units may also be employed with the calculator. The calculator may be operated manually by the user from the keyboard input unit or automatically by a program stored within the memory unit to perform calculations and provide an output indication of the results thereof. It may also be employed to load programs into the memory unit from the keyboard input unit, to separately or collectively transfer data and programs bidirectionally between the memory unit and an external magnetic tape and to code programs or sections thereof stored in the memory unit as being secure when they are transferred to an external magnetic tape, whereby preventing users of the calculator from again transferring them to an external magnetic tape or obtaining any indication of the individual program steps once they are reloaded into the calculator. In addition, the calculator may be employed to edit programs stored in the memory unit and to print out program lists, labels, and messages. The calculator employs an extended version of BASIC computer language and allows the user to enter a line comprising an alphanumeric statement into the calculator from the keyboard input unit while visually observing an alphanumeric display of that line to check for errors therein, permitting the user to cause the entered lines to be immediately executed by the calculator or stored as part of a program within the memory unit, and permitting the user to subsequently recall the executed or stored line so that it may be reinspected, reevaluated, and, if necessary edited and executed or re-executed, or restored in edited form. Any entered or recalled information may be edited by employing the keyboard input unit to selectively delete or replace incorrect or undesired portions of the information or to selectively insert corrected or previously omitted portions thereof on a line-by-line or character-by-character basis. Syntax errors are automatically detected by the calculator when the entered statement is terminated, and execution errors are automatically detected upon attempted execution of the statement or statements. Both types of errors are indicated to the user via error messages displayed by the output display unit. In the event the calculator is being used in combination with an external printer unit indications of syntax or execution errors may, if desired, be printed. The calculator employs a compiler for converting each statement entered into the calculator in BASIC language into an internal stored format. It also employs an uncompiler for regenerating in the BASIC language statement any entered line converted to the internal stored format. The compiler and uncompiler operate on a line-by-line basis. The magnetic tape cassette reading and recording unit employed in the calculator allows the user to chain together several program segments and allows program manipulation of several blocks of data on an individual basis, thereby providing more efficient utilization of the available calculator memory. An interrupt feature of the cassette unit facilitates searching for a particular file located on a magnetic tape at the same time the calculator is performing other functions.

Programmable calculator having structure for controlling an x-y plotter

An adaptable calculator is provided by employing five MOS/LSI circuits interconnected by a multiple line bus system. They include (1) a read-only memory circuit group; (2) a control and timing circuit; (3) an arithmetic and register circuit; (4) a data storage circuit; and (5) an input/output (I/O) circuit. Input and output units include a keyboard input unit and an 18-column output printer unit for printing intermediate results of calculations, entered data, arithmetic operators, and diagnostic notes. The keyboard input unit includes a PERCENT key that may be employed in combination with any of four arithmetic operator keys. The calculator may be operated manually by the user from the keyboard input unit or automatically by a program written in user-level language and stored in a plug-in read-only memory unit (ROM), a plug-in programmable read-only memory unit (PROM) or a read/write memory unit associated with a plug-in magnetic card reading and recording unit.

Adaptable programmed calculator including a percent keyboard operator

An adaptable calculator is provided by employing five MOS/LSI circuits interconnected by a multiple line bus system. They include (1) a read-only memory circuit group; (2) a control and timing circuit; (3) an arithmetic and register circuit; (4) a data storage circuit; and (5) an input/output (I/O) circuit. Input and output units include a keyboard input unit and an 18-column output printer unit. An optional LED display unit may be plugged into the calculator mainframe. The keyboard input unit includes an AUTO DECIMAL POINT key for selecting an automatic decimal point mode of calculator operation in which the calculator automatically places the decimal point at a specified location in all entered data. Thus, the operator need not manually enter the decimal point in entered data. The calculator may be operated manually by the user from the keyboard input unit or automatically by a program stored in the calculator memory.

Adaptable programmed calculator including automatic decimal point

An adaptable programmable calculator is provided by employing a modular read-write and read-only memory unit capable of being expanded to provide the calculator with additional program and data storage functions oriented towards the environment of the user, a central processing unit capable of performing both serial binary and parallel binary-coded-decimal arithmetic, and an input-output control unit capable of bidirectionally transferring information between the memory or central processing units and a number of input and output units. The memory, central processor, and input-output control units are controlled by a microprocessor included in the central processing unit. The input and output units include a keyboard input unit with a plurality of alphanumeric keys, a magnetic tape cassette reading and recording unit capable of bidirectionally transferring programs and data between a magnetic tape and the calculator, and a solid state output display unit capable of displaying every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually or in combination. All of these input and output units are included within the calculator itself. An output printer, and X-Y plotter, a typewriter, a teletypewriter, a magnetic or paper tape reading and recording unit, an extended read-write memory unit, a magnetic disc reading and recording unit, a modem for connecting the calculator via telephone lines to a remotely located computer, and many other peripheral input and output units may also be employed with the calculator. The calculator may be operated manually by the user from the keyboard input unit or automatically by a program stored within the memory unit to perform calculations and provide an output indication of the results thereof. It may also be employed to load programs into the memory unit from the keyboard input unit, to separately or collectively transfer data and programs bidirectionally between the memory unit and an external magnetic tape and to code programs or sections thereof stored in the memory unit as being secure when they are transferred to an external magnetic tape, thereby preventing users of the calculator from again transferring them to an external magnetic tape or obtaining any indication of the individual program steps once they are reloaded into the calculator. In addition, the calculator may be employed to edit programs stored in the memory unit and to print out program lists, labels, and messages. The calculator employs an extended version of BASIC computer language and allows the user to enter a line comprising an alphanumeric statement into the calculator from the keyboard input unit while visually observing an alphanumeric display of that line to check for errors therein, permitting the user to cause the entered lines to be immediately executed by the calculator or stored as part of a program within the memory unit, and permitting the user to subsequently recall the executed or stored line so that it may be reinspected, reevaluated, and, if necessary, edited and executed or re-executed, or restored in edited form. Any entered or recalled information may be edited by employing the keyboard input unit to selectively delete or replace incorrect or undesired portions of the information or to selectively insert corrected or previously omitted portions thereof on a line-by-line or character-by-character basis. Syntax errors are automatically detected by the calculator when the entered statement is terminated, and execution errors are automatically detected upon attempted execution of the statement or statements. Both types of errors are indicated to the user via error messages displayed by the output display unit. In the event the calculator is being used in combination with an external printer unit indications of syntax or execution errors may, if desired, be printed. The calculator employs a compiler for converting each statement entered into the calculator in BASIC language into an internal stored format. It also employs an uncompiler for regenerating in the BASIC language statement any entered line converted to the internal stored format. The compiler and uncompiler operate on a line-by-line basis. The magnetic tape cassette reading and recording unit employed in the calculator allows the user to chain together several program segments and allows program manipulation of several blocks of data on an individual basis, thereby providing more efficient utilization of the available calculator memory. An interrupt feature of the cassette unit facilitates searching for a particular file located on a magnetic tape at the same time the calculator is performing other functions.

Programmable calculator having extended input/output capability

An adaptable programmable calculator is provided by employing a modular read-write and read-only memory unit capable of being expanded to provide the calculator with additional program and data storage functions oriented towards the environment of the user, a central processing unit capable of performing both serial binary and parallel binary-coded-decimal arithmetic, and an input-output control unit capable of bidirectionally transferring information between the memory or central processing units and a number of input and output units. The memory, central processor, and input-output control units are controlled by a microprocessor included in the central processing unit. The input and output units include a keyboard input unit with a plurality of alphanumeric keys, a magnetic tape cassette reading and recording unit capable of bidirectionally transferring programs and data between a magnetic tape and the calculator and, a solid state output display unit capable of displaying every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually or in combination. All of these input and output units are included within the calculator itself. An output printer, an X-Y plotter, a typewriter, a teletypewriter, a magnetic or paper tape reading and recording unit, an extended read-write memory unit, a magnetic disc reading and recording unit, a modem for connecting the calculator via telephone lines to a remotely located computer, and many other peripheral input and output units may also be employed with the calculator. The calculator may be operated manually by the user from the keyboard input unit or automatically by a program stored within the memory unit to perform calculations and provide an output indication of the results thereof. It may also be employed to load programs into the memory unit from the keyboard input unit, to separately or collectively transfer data and programs bidirectionally between the memory unit and an external magnetic tape and to code programs or sections thereof stored in the memory unit as being secure when they are transferred to an external magnetic tape, thereby preventing users of the calculator from again transferring them to an external magnetic tape or obtaining any indication of the individual program steps once they are reloaded into the calculator. In addition, the calculator may be employed to edit programs stored in the memory unit and to print out program lists, labels, and messages. The calculator employs an extended version of BASIC computer language and allows the user to enter a line comprising an alphanumeric statement into the calculator from the keyboard input unit while visually observing an alphanumeric display of that line to check for errors therein, permitting the user to cause the entered lines to be immediately executed by the calculator or stored as part of a program within the memory unit, and permitting the user to subsequently recall the executed or stored line so that it may be reinspected, reevaluated, and, if necessary, edited and executed and re-executed, or restored in edited form. Any entered or recalled information may be edited by employing the keyboard input unit to selectively delete or replace incorrect or undesired portions of the information or to selectively insert corrected or previously omitted portions thereof on a line-by-line or character-by-character basis. Syntax errors are automatically detected by the calculator when the entered statement is terminated, and execution errors are automatically detected upon attempted execution of the statement or statements. Both types of errors are indicated to the user via error messages displayed by the output display unit. In the event the calculator is being used in combination with an external printer unit indications of syntax or execution errors may, if desired, be printed. The calculator employs a compiler for converting each statement entered into the calculator in BASIC language into an internal stored format. It also employs an uncompiler for regenerating in the BASIC language statement any entered line converted to the internal stored format. The compiler and uncompiler operate on a line-by-line basis. The magnetic tape cassette reading and recording unit employed in the calculator allows the user to chain together several program segments and allows program manipulation of several blocks of data on an individual basis, thereby providing more efficient utilization of the available calculator memory. An interrupt feature of the cassette unit facilitates searching for a particular file located on a magnetic tape at the same time the calculator is performing other functions.

Programmable calculator including terminal control means

An adaptable programmable calculator is provided by employing a modular read-write and read-only memory unit capable of being expanded to provide the calculator with additional program and data storage functions oriented towards the environment of the user, a central processing unit capable of performing both serial binary and parallel binary-coded-decimal arithmetic, and an input-output control unit capable of bidirectionally transferring information between the memory or central processing units and a number of input and output units. The memory, central processor, and input-output control units are controlled by a microprocessor included in the central processing unit. The input and output units include a keyboard input unit with a plurality of alphanumeric keys, a magnetic tape cassette reading and recording unit capable of bidirectionally transferring programs and data between a magnetic tape and the calculator and, a solid state output display unit capable of displaying every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually or in combination. All of these input and output units are included within the calculator itself. An output printer, an X-Y plotter, a typewriter, a teletypewriter, a magnetic or paper tape reading and recording unit, an extended read-write memory unit, a magnetic disc reading and recording unit, a modem for connecting the calculator via telephone lines to a remotely located computer, and many other peripheral input and output units may also be employed with the calculator. The calculator may be operated manually by the user from the keyboard input unit or automatically by a program stored within the memory unit to perform calculations and provide an output indication of the results thereof. It may also be employed to load programs into the memory unit from the keyboard input unit, to separately or collectively transfer data and programs bidirectionally between the memory unit and an external magnetic tape and to code programs or sections thereof stored in the memory unit as being secure when they are transferred to an external magnetic tape, thereby preventing users of the calculator from again transferring them to an external magnetic tape or obtaining any indication of the individual program steps once they are reloaded into the calculator. In addition, the calculator may be employed to edit programs stored in the memory unit and to print out program lists, labels, and messages. The calculator employs an extended version of BASIC computer language and allows the user to enter a line comprising an alphanumeric statement into the calculator from the keyboard input unit while visually observing an alphanumeric display of that line to check for errors therein, permitting the user to cause the entered lines to be immediately executed by the calculator or stored as part of a program within the memory unit, and permitting the user to subsequently recall the executed or stored line so that it may be reinspected, reevaluated, and, if necessary, edited and executed or re-executed, or restored in edited form. Any entered or recalled information may be edited by employing the keyboard input unit to selectively delete or replace incorrect or undesired portions of the information or to selectively insert corrected or previously omitted portions thereof on a line-by-line or character-by-character basis. Syntax errors are automatically detected by the calculator when the entered statement is terminated, and execution errors are automatically detected upon attempted execution of the statement or statements. Both types of errors are indicated to the user via error messages displayed by the output display unit. In the event the calculator is being used in combination with an external printer, unit indications of syntax or execution errors may, if desired, be printed. The calculator employs a compiler for converting each statement entered into the calculator in BASIC language into an internal stored format. It also employs an uncompiler for generating in the BASIC language statement any entered line converted to the internal stored format. The compiler and uncompiler operate on a line-by-line basis. The magnetic tape cassette reading and recording unit employed in the calculator allows the user to chain together several program segments and allows program manipulation of several blocks of data on an individual basis, thereby providing more efficient utilization of the available calculator memory. An interrupt feature of the cassette unit facilitates searching for a particular file located on a magnetic tape at the same time the calculator is performing other functions.

Programmable calculator

A method and apparatus are provided for decoding digital information stored on magnetic tape. The 'zero' and 'one' bits are represented respectively on the tape by 'short' and 'long' distances between flux transitions. Decoding is accomplished by measuring the time between flux transitions and comparing that time with a reference time. Times longer than the reference time are decoded as 'ones' while time intervals shorter than the reference time are decoded as 'zeroes.' To make the decoding independent of variations in tape speed the reference time is variable and in particular is made dependent on the tape speed. This is accomplished by updating the reference time based on previous 'long' and 'short' intervals between flux transitions. Circuitry is provided in which the various times are converted to voltages which are appropriately sampled and updated in accordance with the tape speed.

Speed invariant decoding of digital information from a magnetic tape

An adaptable calculator is provided by employing five MOS/LSI circuits interconnected by a multiple line bus system. They include (1) a read-only memory circuit group in which subroutines for performing arithmetic and other functions of a basic keyboard input unit are stored; (2) a control and timing circuit for scanning the keyboard, for retaining status information relating to the condition of the calculator or of a particular subroutine, and for generating a next address in read-only memory; (3) an arithmetic and register circuit containing an adder, a group of working registers, a group of data storage registers forming a stack, and a constant storage register; (4) a data storage circuit which provides ten data storage registers, nine of which are employed by the calculator system and one of which is available to the user for storing data; and (5) an input/output (I/O) circuit for enabling the calculator to communicate with various I/O peripheral units such as a typewriter and an X-Y plotter, for performing binary arithmetic by means of a binary arithmetic logic unit contained therein, and for performing various system housekeeping operations. Input and output units include a keyboard input unit having a receptacle for accommodating a 15-key function block to enlarge the capabilities of the calculator and an 18-column output printer unit for printing intermediate results of calculations, entered data, arithmetic operators, and diagnostic notes. An optional 15-digit seven-segment light emitting diode (LED) output display unit may be inserted into the calculator mainframe. All of these input and output units are included within the calculator itself. An X-Y plotter, a typewriter, a marked sense card reader, an extended data storage memory, a magnetic card reading and recording unit, a ASCII bus for enabling the calculator to communicate with data gathering instruments, and many other peripheral input and output units may also be employed with the calculator. The calculator may be operated manually by the user from the keyboard input unit or automatically by a program written in user-level language and stored in a plug-in read-only memory unit (ROM), a plug-in programmable read-only memory unit (PROM) or a read/write memory unit associated with a plug-in magnetic card reading and recording unit.

Growing community of inventors

Loveland, CO, United States of America

Freddie W Wenninger