Inverse/complementary function prefix key
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An input and control keyboard for use in a calculator comprising:
- a mounting panel for mounting keys;
a plurality of keys including function and numeric keys, mounted in the mounting panel, for activating input and control functions, each of said keys having more than two functions assigned thereto;
color-coded legends applied to the mounting panel adjacent to the keys for identifying one of the functions assigned thereto;
a first command key mounted in the mounting panel, having a color-coded body coloration for associating that key with functions identified by correspondingly color-coded legends; and
a command key legend affixed to the first command key for associating that key with the inverse of functions identified by the correspondingly color-coded legends;
said first command key being manually operable with one of the plurality of keys for designating the inverse of the function identified by the correspondingly color-coded legend assigned to that key.
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Abstract
A hand-held programmable calculator is specified, which has a prefix key for designating the inverse or complement of direct functions having legends on the keyboard thereof, thus expanding the utility of the keys on the keyboard.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. An input and control keyboard for use in a calculator comprising:
- a mounting panel for mounting keys;
a plurality of keys including function and numeric keys, mounted in the mounting panel, for activating input and control functions, each of said keys having more than two functions assigned thereto;
color-coded legends applied to the mounting panel adjacent to the keys for identifying one of the functions assigned thereto;
a first command key mounted in the mounting panel, having a color-coded body coloration for associating that key with functions identified by correspondingly color-coded legends; and
a command key legend affixed to the first command key for associating that key with the inverse of functions identified by the correspondingly color-coded legends;
said first command key being manually operable with one of the plurality of keys for designating the inverse of the function identified by the correspondingly color-coded legend assigned to that key.
- a mounting panel for mounting keys;
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2. The keyboard of claim 1 further including a second command key having a command key legend and a color-coded body coloration for associating that key with the direct functions identified by the correspondingly color-coded legends wherein said second command key is manually operable with one of the plurality of keys for designating the direct function assigned to that key.
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3. The keyboard of claim 1 wherein each legend on the mounting panel identifies more than one of the functions assigned to the adjacent one of the plurality of keys.
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4. The keyboard of claim 3 wherein each legend on the mounting panel identifies two functions assigned to the adjacent one of the plurality of keys.
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5. The keyboard of claim 1 wherein the first command key is operable with one of the plurality of keys for designating the complement of the function identified by the correspondingly color-coded legend assigned to that key.
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6. The keyboard of claim 5 further including a second command key having a command key legend and a color-coded body coloration for associating that key with the direct functions identified by the correspondingly color-coded legends wherein said second command key is manually operable with one of the plurality of keys for designating the direct function assigned to that key.
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7. The keyboard of claim 5 wherein the first command key is operable with some of the plurality of keys for designating the inverse of the functions identified by the correspondingly color-coded legends assigned thereto and is operable with some others of the plurality of keys for designating the complement of the functions identified by the correspondingly color-coded legends assigned to the last-mentioned keys.
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8. The keyboard of claim 7 wherein the first command key is depressed prior to depressing one of the plurality of keys.
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9. The keyboard of claim 7 further including a second command key having a command key legend and a color-coded body coloration for associating that key with the direct functions identified by the correspondingly color-coded legends wherein said second command key is manually operable with one of the plurality of keys for designating the direct function assigned to that key.
Specification