Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Corporation

Mitsuhiro Saiji

Isamu Washizuka

Shintaro Hashimoto

Akira Tanimoto

Kosuke Nishimura

Atsushi Asada

Hisao Morinaga

An input device for a word information storage and retrieval device such as an electronic dictionary includes a single multiconduct bar switch, a detection circuit, a shift circuit, and a display. The single bar switch corresponds to a plurality of letters or characters, such that the single bar switch is operable to input each one of the plurality of letters of characters depending on the actuated position of the bar switch. The detection circuit is responsive to the single bar switch for detecting the actuated position of the single bar switch and for detecting which of the plurality of letters or characters is input. The display is responsive to the detection circuit for displaying a detected one of the plurality of letters or characters input. The shift circuit is operable to shift the selection of the detected one of the plurality of letters or characters.

Letter input device for electronic word retrieval device

In a language translator with a speech synthesizer, fixed words and variable words messages with translation are selectable.

Audio output device with speech synthesis technique

A display device for an electronic dictionary such as an electronic translator or an electronic language dictionary is featured by displaying ornamental patterns formed with ornamental data and word data when the dictionary is left unoperated. The display device includes a memory circuit for storing the ornamental data and the word data, a mixing circuit responsive to the memory circuit for mixing the ornamental data and the word data, and a display responsive to the mixing circuit for displaying the mixed ornamental patterns. In a specific form of the present invention, the ornamental patterns are displayed by shifting or running the overall data across the display.

Ornamental display device for electronic dictionary

In a talking alarm clock, coincidence of real-time and preset alarm-time causes output of a fixed-plus-variable word message. Fixed words are stored in a ROM, while variable words are entered and stored in a circulating analog semiconductor memory.

An information retrieval system for an electronic dictionary includes the capability of displaying a selected batch of alphabetically-ordered words containing a word entered by a keyboard, and the definitions thereof on the screen of a television set. The entry word and the associated definition thereof is then automatically highlighted on the screen of the television set.

Word information retrieval system using video storage medium

Disclosed hereinbelow is an automatic graphic printer which is characterized in that; it automatically sets the scale information of the graphic axes as a function of the sample data value, and therefore, even if designation of an information related to complex scales is deleted, such a scale information based on the sample data can be automatically set, and as a result, any of the conventional graphs can be drawn within a shorter period of time than before by using simplified designation means. In addition, plotting position of the sample data can be set in any suitable position on the graph so that an optimum scale can easily be provided.

Graphic printer with automatic scale information setting device

An information retrieval system adapted for an electronic dictionary comprises an input device actuated for entering an entry word, a memory adapted for storing a word equivalent to the entry word and the number of a track related to the word a video disk for recording information related to the word and voice data related to the word, the information and the voice data being randomly accessed, and an access circuit responsive to the number of the track specified by the memory for accessing the video disk to access the information from the video disk. The access circuit is operated to automatically provide the voice data when the video disk is operated to provide the new kind of information or, otherwise, to selectively provide the voice data while the video disk is operated to display a particular picture.

Information retrieval system equipped with video disk

An improved programmable computer prevents the contents of statements previously stored from being erased inadvertently. The computer is programmed using line identifying numbers or indices. During introduction of a new index as a line identifying number it is determined whether that index has been already programmed and, if programmed, the contents of a previously programmed statement corresponding to the line number to be inputted is displayed.

Small programmable computer

An electronic translator operates to replace an old word or words in a sentence with a new word or words so as to make from an old sentence a new sentence. A cursor selector is provided for passing over part of the old word or words, such part being common to the old and new sentences. Another word or words may be altered or replaced by new words.

Electronic translator for selecting cursor position to input new words

An electronic translator of the type having an input device for inputting words and directing the output of selected words in which a first word or words represented in a first language are retrieved in response to a second word or words represented in a second language equivalent to the first word or words, wherein the improvement comprises a marking circuit for marking at least one selected data item of a plurality of data items each representing the second word or words to differentiate each selected data item from other data items in the second language, and an output circuit responsive to a command from the input device for outputting only the at least one selected data item which is marked by the marking circuit.

Electronic translator for marking words or sentences

An electronic translator is capable of preparing sentences on the basis of old sentences stored in a memory and different voice data for the new sentences are outputted, the intonations depending on the position of one or more changeable words in the new sentences and the syntax of the new sentence. A voice memory is provided for sorting different voice data for the one or more words depending on the position of the one or more words in the new sentences and the syntax of the new sentences. The new sentences are voice synthesized using the different voice data to provide audible outputs having different intonations.

Intonation-varying audio output device in electronic translator

A timepiece having a speech synthesizer output device is disclosed herein. The speech synthesizer is responsive to sound input such as human voices (e.g., what time is it?) or the sound of clapping of hands to provide an audible indication of time information. The intensity of the audible indication is varied with the intensity of the sound input.

Growing community of inventors

Kyoto, Japan

Mitsuhiro Saiji