US3976975A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Prompting calculator
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1974-02-04
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Granted: 1976-08-24
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Expires: 1994-02-04
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is a self-contained data processing unit, preferably a calculator, which includes an output indicator directing the user which data or function entry the system next expects. After initial data and function entries, a permanent store memory generates successive coded representations of the next entry expected. These representations are visually indicated to the user by an output indicator such as a printer, light emitting diodes, or gas discharge tubes allowing the user to input in proper sequence a long series of inputs without referring to a user's guide.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. Cochran
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 09:22
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/02; G06F3/0227; G06F15/00; G06F15/02; G06F15/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
218 words
A calculator system comprising: a. a keyboard having numeric and function data entry keys and a plurality of response keys; b. storage means for storing data and instructions including both single function instructions and multi-function program sequences of instructions, said stored sequences of instructions including prompting messages which indicate specific information required by the respective multi-function program in order to proceed with execution of said respective multi-function program; c. control means for controlling the operation of said calculator on data in accordance with the program instructions stored in said storage means; d. an arithmetic/logic means for performing arithmetic and/or logic operations in response to the stored instructions under control of said control means; e. output display means for displaying alphanumeric data including said prompting messages; f. means selectively coupling said response keys to said control means for controlling said calculator to selectively proceed in the execution of a selected program sequence in one of a plurality of different preselected manners according to selective activation of said response keys in response to the display of said prompting messages; and g. means selectively coupling said data entry keys to said control means for controlling said calculator to selectively proceed in the execution a selected program sequence according to the data entered in response to the display of said prompting messages.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
218 words
A calculator system comprising: a. a keyboard having numeric and function data entry keys and a plurality of response keys; b. storage means for storing data and instructions including both single function instructions and multi-function program sequences of instructions, said stored sequences of instructions including prompting messages which indicate specific information required by the respective multi-function program in order to proceed with execution of said respective multi-function program; c. control means for controlling the operation of said calculator on data in accordance with the program instructions stored in said storage means; d. an arithmetic/logic means for performing arithmetic and/or logic operations in response to the stored instructions under control of said control means; e. output display means for displaying alphanumeric data including said prompting messages; f. means selectively coupling said response keys to said control means for controlling said calculator to selectively proceed in the execution of a selected program sequence in one of a plurality of different preselected manners according to selective activation of said response keys in response to the display of said prompting messages; and g. means selectively coupling said data entry keys to said control means for controlling said calculator to selectively proceed in the execution a selected program sequence according to the data entered in response to the display of said prompting messages.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The calculator system according to claim 1 wherein said storage means includes a plurality of shift register memory means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The calculator system according to claim 1 wherein said storage means includes a plurality of random access memory means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The calculator system according to claim 1 wherein said response keys include a "yes" indicating key and a "no" indicating key for indicating to said control means whether or not to proceed in the manner suggested by a prompting message displayed by said output displayed means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The calculator system according to claim 1 wherein said response keys include a "not applicable" indicating key for indicating to said control means to proceed in execution of a selected program sequence without a further response to a prompting message displayed by said output display means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
The calculator system according to claim 1 wherein said response keys include an "enter" indicating key for indicating to said control means that a complete set of data from said numeric data entry keys has been entered in response to a prompting message displayed by said output display means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The calculator system according to claim 1 including logic means coupled to said output display means for decoding the prompting messages displayed by said output display means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The calculator system according to claim 1 wherein said display means includes a plurality of light emitting diode display elements each having energizible light emitters arranged in a preselected pattern for displaying alpha and numeric characters.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The calculator system according to claim 1 wherein said display means includes a printing device for printing alpha and numeric characters on a printing medium.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The calculator system according to claim 1 including a plurality of selection keys in said keyboard for selecting one of the multi-function program sequences of instructions for execution.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-08-24 | 1980-02-23 | 1980-08-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-08-24 | 1984-02-23 | 1984-08-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-08-24 | 1988-02-23 | 1988-08-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |