Computer keyboard displaying many operating instructions with few keys

• US 4,567,567 A
• Filed: 01/21/1983
• Issued: 01/28/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/1983
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Laitram LLC
• Original Assignee: Laitram LLC
• Inventors: Lapeyre, James M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Malzahn, David H.
• Application Number:
  US06/459,997
• Time in Patent Office: 1,103 Days
• Field of Search: 364/709, 364/200, 364/900
• US Class Current: 708/146
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 5/10 Arrangements of keyboards , e.g. key button disposition
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 5/28 Multiple-action keys, e.g. keys depressed by two or more amounts or movable in two or more directions to effect different functions or selections
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 Special purpose keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/027 for insertion of the decimal point

Abstract

The number of keys on a keyboard are reduced by employing the decimal point key as a control key when stroked the second time in the entry of a decimal number word. This eliminates the need for a key standard in the computer arts which is either designated as an "enter" key or as an "=" key depending upon the computer arithmetic process. It thereby becomes possible to use only twelve keys on a keyboard to control a modern computer with the order of 133 built-in programs or execution commands. This is done by providing in addition to ten decimal keys 0 to 9 and the decimal point key one additional control or execute key which initiates a two or more sequential key program step select mode in which any of the twelve keys are then stroked to designate a particular execution command. An accompanying graphic display of the various execution choices available makes the keyboard usable without necessity of frequent consultation of an instruction manual.

Claims

1. A computer for performing a plurality of calculations with few keyboard keys on a keyboard having a register for retaining numerical digits of a numerical word, numerical digit entry keys and a decimal point key, said computer being of the type having a numerical entry mode for entering in sequence a set of numerical digits to form a numerical word and characterized by means employing the decimal point key as a control key for terminating and entering the numerical word into said register of the computer by establishing a mode of operation of the decimal point key in response to means detecting the second occurrence of a decimal point keystroke by said decimal point key within a word to initiate a control mode for entering that word into the computer register.

2. A computer as defined in claim 1 further comprising a control key operably connected to control means for terminating a data entry mode and activating the keyboard for a function select mode, wherein the keyboard keys designate to the control means functional commands to be executed for activating the keyboard keys including the decimal point key to operate in the function select mode to initiate arithmetic calculations and data command functions on said word in the computer.

3. A computer as defined in claim 1 with said keyboard consisting of twelve keys comprising ten said digit entry keys 0 to 9, said decimal point key and a further control key, comprising means operably connected to the further control key for terminating the numerical entry mode and activating the keyboard for a program selection mode wherein the keyboard designates to the computer functional commands to be executed.

4. A computer as defined in claim 3 wherein said control key operates computer means for establishing said program selection mode responsive to select a specified one of a large number of execution selections of the order of 144 by sequential designation of two keystrokes on the keyboard to designate the next data manipulation command when in the program selection mode.

5. A computer as defined in claim 4 including a graphic chart accompanying the keyboard charting the available execution selections in the program selection mode by reference to the specific two keystroke sequence for designation of an execution step.

6. A computer as defined in claim 1 having means to change the numerical entry mode to an add mode of operation accessible by stroking keys on said keyboard with the keyboard arranged to convert the numerical entry mode of operation in response to the second occurrence of the decimal key in a word to an add function.

7. A computer as defined in claim 1 having control means operable in the numerical entry mode by a further arithmetic key to select an arithmetic mode operable on at least two successive numerical words entered into the computer, and means responsive to the decimal key in the arithmetic mode in response to a single stroke to produce a numerical word resulting from the arithmetic operation on two successive numerical words entered into the computer.