Hewlett-packard Company

Wayne F Covington

Robert E Watson

Jack M Walden

Francis J Yockey

Fred Wenninger, Jr

Homer C Russell

Ivar W Larson

Emil E Olander, Jr

Rex L James

Chris J Christopher

Freddie W Wenninger

Richard M Spangler

Kent W Simcoe

Eugene V Burmeister

Myles A Judd

Frank E Cada

Donald E Morris

Jeffrey C Osborne

Fred W Wenninger

Jerry B Folsom

John H Nairn

Joseph W Beyers

Rex I James

Rex J James

Emil E Olander Jr

An electronic calculator includes keyboard control means for enabling the user to either immediately execute a line of one or more alphanumeric statements entered into the calculator or store that entered line of one or more alphanumeric statements in the calculator memory.

Self-contained electronic computer including means for immediately

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 electronic calculator is provided by employing read-write and read-only memory units, a central processing unit, 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 input and output units include a keyboard input unit and an alphanumeric display unit. The keyboard input unit includes means for entering a data entry statement into the read-write memory as part of a program of statements stored therein. The central processing unit includes logic means responsive to a data entry statement encountered during processing of a program stored in the read-write memory for controlling the alphanumeric display unit to indicate the nature of the data to be entered and thereby prompt the user as to the need for and nature of a data entry at the time such data entry is required during processing of that program.

Calculator including means for displaying alphanumeric prompting

An adaptable programmable calculator employs modular read-write and read-only memories separately expandable to provide additional program and data storage functions within the calculator oriented toward the environment of the user, and an LSI NMOS central processing unit, which includes the capability of bidirectionally transferring information between itself and various input/output units. The input/output units include a keyboard input unit having a full complement of alphanumeric keys, a magnetic tape cassette reading and recording unit capable of bidirectionally transferring programs and data between the calculator and a magnetic tape, a 32-character solid state output display unit capable of displaying every alphabetic and numeric character. The calculator employs a natural algebraic program language that allows the user to enter lines of one or more alphanumeric algebraic statements into the calculator from the keyboard input unit while visually observing each line as it is entered to check for errors therein. The user may immediately execute each entered line or store that line as part of a program in the read-write memory, may subsequently recall the executed or stored line so that it may be reinspected, and, if necessary, edited and re-executed or re-stored, thereby automatically replacing the previously stored line. The program language of the calculator is contained within a plug-in language read-only memory and may be changed by inserting a different language read-only memory.

Programmable calculator

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 programmable calculator is provided by employing modular read-write and read-only memory units 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, 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 sections capable of being defined by plug-in read-only memory modules and stored programs added by the user, a magnetic card reading and recording unit capable of bidirectionally transferring information between an external magnetic card and the calculator, a display unit capable of displaying every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually and in a line of one or more alphameric statements, and a printer unit capable of printing on thermally sensitive paper every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually and in alphameric statements or messages. The keyboard input unit includes a JUMP key for entering computed and uncomputed relative branch statements as part of a program stored in the calculator read-write memory. Upon execution of a relative branch statement, program execution is transferred a number of program lines forward or backward from the line containing the relative branch statement, as specified by that relative branch statement.

Programmable calculator including means for performing computed and

An adaptable programmable calculator is provided by employing modular read-write and read-only memory units 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, 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 sections capable of being defined by plug-in read-only memory modules and stored programs added by the user, a magnetic card reading and recording unit capable of bidirectionally transferring information between an external magnetic card and the calculator, a solid state output display unit capable of displaying every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually and in a line of one or more alphameric statements, and a line printer capable of printing on thermally sensitive paper every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually and in alphameric statements or messages. A printer spacing control command that may be executed either from the keyboard input unit or under control of a program stored in the read-write memory unit enables the user to introduce a blank space between printed lines on the paper, the blank space being equal to the number of lines specified in the printer spacing control command.

Programmable calculator including means for controllably introducing

An adaptable programmable calculator is provided by employing modular read-write and read-only memory units capable of being expanded to provide the calculator with additional program and data storage functions, a central processing unit, 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 processing, 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, a magnetic card reading and recording unit, a solid state multi-character display unit capable of displaying every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually and in a line of one or more alphameric statements, and an alphameric printer unit. The calculator includes a TRACE key that permits the user to manually or programmably obtain an alphameric print-out of the number of each line of alphameric statements executed by the calculator and the value of each numeric assignment made therein. The calculator includes a NORMAL key for permitting the user to manually or programmably terminate a previously established TRACE mode of operation. An alphameric listing of each line of one or more alphameric statements, as that line is being executed by the calculator or stored as part of a program in the calculator read-write memory, may be obtained when the calculator is operating in the TRACE mode.

Programmable calculator including program trace means

An adaptable programmable calculator is provided by employing modular read-write and read-only memory units 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, 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 having a plurality of alphabetic, numeric, and funtion keys for entering alphameric information, including algebraic statements, into the calculator, a magnetic card reading and recording unit capable of bidirectionally transferring information between an external magnetic card and the calculator, a solid state display unit capable of displaying every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually and in a line of one or more alphameric statements, and a printer unit capable of printing on thermally sensitive paper every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually and in alphameric statements or messages. At least one of the function keys of the keyboard input unit is a dual function key. One of the dual functions is selected by actuating the key once, and the other one of the dual functions is selected by actuating the key twice.

Programmable calculator including multifunction keys

An adaptable programmable calculator is provided by employing modular read-write and read-only memory units capable of being expanded to provide the calculator with additional program and data storage functions, a central processing unit, and an input-output control unit for 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, a magnetic card reading and recording unit, a solid state multi-character display unit capable of displaying every alphabetic and numerical character and many other symbols individually and in a line of one or more alphameric statements, and a thermal printer unit. The keyboard input unit includes a DISPLAY key that permits the user to manually or programmably display the results of an arithmetic expression, an alphameric message, or the contents of any designated data register, either singly or as a string, and without thereby altering the contents of the data register. Mnemonic representations of each key of the keyboard input unit appear in the display and are automatically scrolled to the left of the display as additional keys are actuated. Displayed strings of alphameric characters may be manually scrolled left or right across the display by selective actuation of a pair of display control keys. The display may be cleared independently of any memory registers.

Programmable calculator including scrolling alphanumeric display means

An adaptable programmable calculator is provided by employing modular read-write and read-only memory units 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, 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 sections capable of being defined by plug-in read-only memory modules and stored programs added by the user, a magnetic card reading and recording unit capable of bidirectionally transferring information between an external magnetic card and the calculator, a solid state display unit capable of displaying every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually and in a line of one or more alphameric statements, and a printer unit capable of printing on thermally sensitive paper every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually and in alphameric statements or messages. The keyboard input unit includes a MINUS arithmetic operator key that initiates either the unary minus function or the subtraction function, as the context of an entered algebraic statement employing the MINUS arithmetic operator requires.

Programmable calculator including a key for performing either a

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 solid state output display unit capable of displaying every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually and in a line of one or more alphameric statements and an output printer unit capable of selectively printing every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually and in alphameric statements or messages. Questions may be asked of the user and user instructions and other alphameric messages may be given by the output display unit. Answers to those questions and output data may be subsequently printed on the output printer unit without printing the questions, user instructions, and messages displayed by the output display unit.

Programmable calculator including alphanumeric display means

An adaptable programmable calculator is provided by employing modular read-write and read-only memory units 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, and an input-output control unit for 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, a magnetic card reading and recording unit, a solid state multi-character output display unit capable of displaying every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually and in a line of one or more alphameric statements, and a thermal printer unit. The keyboard input unit includes a display control key for entering a DISPLAY statement into the calculator and an execute control key for initiating execution of a line of alphameric statements entered into the calculator. The DISPLAY statement may be manually or programmably employed to cause the calculator to display the results of arithmetic expressions, alphameric messages, or the contents of any memory register without thereby altering the contents thereof. By means of fixed point and floating point control keys, the user may manually or programmably designate either fixed point or floating point notation for all subsequently displayed data. The notation currently in effect may be altered by the user during program execution by simply actuating either the fixed point or floating point control key.

Programmable calculator including data format display control means

An adaptable programmable calculator is provided by employing modular read-write and read-only memory units 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, 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 sections capable of being defined by plug-in read-only memory modules and stored programs added by the user, a magnetic card reading and recording unit capable of bidirectionally transferring information between an external magnetic card and the calculator, an output display unit capable of displaying every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually and in a line of one or more alphameric statements, and a printer unit capable of printing on thermally sensitive paper every alphabetic and numeric character and many other symbols individually and in alphameric statements or messages. The calculator includes a multiplicity of programmable boolean flag variables that may be designated from the keyboard input means and employed as part of an alphameric statement. Selected ones of the boolean flag variables may be manually set from the keyboard at any time during execution of a program stored in the read-write memory. A dedicated one of the boolean flag variables is automatically set by the calculator when a mathematically incorrect program statement or an arithmetic underflow or overflow is encountered during program execution.

Growing community of inventors

Loveland, CO, United States of America

Wayne F Covington