초록 ▼

To reduce the number of keys on a calculator keyboard (22), two symbols representing possible operations or key actions are associated with each key (24) of a plurality of keys. The calculator (20) is programmed (30) to determine which key action is selected to be performed. The symbol representing

To reduce the number of keys on a calculator keyboard (22), two symbols representing possible operations or key actions are associated with each key (24) of a plurality of keys. The calculator (20) is programmed (30) to determine which key action is selected to be performed. The symbol representing the selected key action may be displayed on a display screen (28) if appropriate. The program (30) determines which key action is selected in response to a predetermined pattern of pressing a key (24) during a pending period that begins with the initial press of the key (24). The user may adjust the length of the pending period. The presence of the pending period is indicated on the calculator display screen (28) by a cursor (61). Alpha characters may thus be entered into the calculator (20) without the need for an additional keyboard or calculator modes.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for selecting key actions to be performed, comprising: a pressable key for selecting between two key actions associated with the key; means responsive to a predetermined pattern of pressing the key during a pending time period for determining which of the key actions is selected to be perf

Apparatus for selecting key actions to be performed, comprising: a pressable key for selecting between two key actions associated with the key; means responsive to a predetermined pattern of pressing the key during a pending time period for determining which of the key actions is selected to be performed, said pending time period beginning with an initial press of the key; a pair of symbols positioned adjacent to the key, each symbol representing a key action; a display for displaying a symbol associated with a selected key action; and means for causing the display to display to first symbol of the pair in response to the initial key press to indicate which key action will be performed if a predetermined key pressing pattern is not detected during the pending period, said means causing the second symbol to be displayed in place of the first if the predetermined pattern is detected during the pending period.