Inventors:
Richard M. Spangler - Loveland CO
Eugene V. Burmeister - Loveland CO
Frank E. Cada - Loveland CO
Wayne F. Covington - Loveland CO
Chris J. Christopher - Loveland CO
Myles A. Judd - Loveland CO
Freddie W. Wenninger - Loveland CO
Robert E. Watson - Loveland CO
Kent W. Simcoe - Loveland CO
Assignee:
Hewlett-Packard Company - Palo Alto CA
International Classification:
G06F 1502, G06F 1100, G06F 304, G06F 1300
Abstract:
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.