Calculator-like device especially useful as an adjunct to a CB radio

A device useful in a moving vehicle to locate the position of the vehicle relative to a particular point of reference at any time the vehicle is moving along a given highway. The device resembles a calculator in form and employs storage or memory banks the elements of which are key controlled. Numerical key controlled means are provided for input to said device of numerical information respectively to identify a point of reference along a given highway and individual mileage readings referenced to spaced locations along said highway. Function keys are provided to store this numerical input in said storage or memory banks and the last to operate of said function keys is arranged to interrelate the stored numerical information and to transmit an output signal from said device which enables an accurate location of the position of said vehicle along said highway in accordance with the last numerical input. In preferred embodiments of the invention the function keys are variously provided so that the user of the device may obtain the desired information as referenced to a highway mile marker system irrespective of whether the mile marker numbers, as observed, are progressively increasing or decreasing in the direction of travel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to a calculator-like device particularly useful in 
conjunction with a Mobile Citizens Band Radio, or the like, in identifying 
for others and for one's self a highway location. 
The embodiment of the invention described herein is particularly designed 
to utilize the information provided by a normal highway mile marker system 
to determine the location of a moving vehicle on a given highway at any 
particular time after leaving a point of reference. It should be 
understood, however, the utilization of the device in the manner noted 
need not depend upon mile markers as a point of reference. 
The Mobile Citizens Band Radio, hereinafter referred to as a CB radio, is 
popular among drivers of all types of vehicles. It serves primarily as a 
ready means of communication between the drivers and is a particularly 
valuable asset when a driver wishes to reach the police or any other 
emergency service within the range of his radio transmitter. In this last 
respect it is most important that a driver be able to accurately locate 
his position when encountering or passing a problem on the highway. 
Most federal highways do have mile markers showing, in progressively 
changing numbers, the distance from the beginning of the highway at a 
state line, and these markers are normally a good means of identifying a 
location of trouble. However, such markers are not always available or 
observable from a moving vehicle. They may be either missing or obscured 
and therefore not available when needed. Another problem in dealing with 
mile marker numbers is that when a vehicle is traveling in one direction, 
such as north or east bound, the numbers progressively change in the 
different sense than when a vehicle is traveling in the opposite 
direction, namely south and west bound. As a result, in order to properly 
orient one's self as to the location of a trouble area along the highway 
the driver must be alert to this fact. This could cause problems because 
normally a driver has to be very careful in performing the mental 
calculation necessary to position the vehicle relative to a point of 
reference for the emergency service contact. If there are serious 
emergency problems, and particularly when observed while driving at 
highway speeds, quick and accurate mental calculations are not normally 
reasonably possible. Moreover these can be distracting to the driver and 
add to the problem which already exists in the trouble area. 
It is to the solution of the aforementioned problems that the present 
invention is directed. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The instant invention has in view a calculator-like device particularly 
useful, in conjunction with a CB radio, in giving a highway position. The 
device corresponds in general structural terms and in general operational 
modes to the well-known small electronic calculator. It can as presently 
adapted be an independent unit resembling a pocket calculator or it can be 
incorporated into a CB radio as an integral part thereof, or it can be 
built into the vehicle itself. The device can be solely concerned with 
location, or it can have other driver or trip related capabilities as 
well. 
In an illustrative embodiment, the device presents a display panel and a 
keyboard embodying numerical keys and keys of special function related to 
location identification. The special function keys occur in sets of keys 
selected for use according to the direction of travel. According to a 
feature of the invention, the sets of keys are provided in banks in a side 
by side relation and a plate member attached to the keyboard is 
manipulative to cover up or to block one bank of keys while exposing 
another. Under this arrangement, an operator may select one or another of 
a pair of sets of keys, according to vehicle direction, and block out the 
other set against possible misoperation. Numerical keys are used to enter 
into the device a mile marker number defining a vehicle starting position, 
and to enter into the device a starting odometer reading, and, 
subsequently, the odometer reading at the location to be identified. First 
and second special function keys of a selected set or bank are activated 
in connection with entry of the mile marker number and with entry of the 
starting odometer reading. A third special function key is activated in 
connection with entry of the subsequent odometer reading. 
Internal operations of the device are carried out by special programming in 
the characteristic manner of a small electronic calculator, with the 
addition of one or more memory registers. In one example, the mile marker 
number is stored in one memory register and the starting odometer reading 
in another, responsive to actuation of the first and second special 
function keys of a selected set. 
Upon entry of the subsequent odometer reading, and activation of the third 
special key of the selected set, starting and subsequent odometer readings 
are compared and a resultant added to or subtracted from the original mile 
marker number and the number so determined displayed. The operator or 
driver thereby has displayed before him the number, to the nearest tenth 
of a mile, of the vehicle location relative to the mile marker system. In 
his emergency CB report, therefore, he can precisely locate for others a 
particular highway position, having regard to the highway mile marker 
system and quickly locate his position relative to the emergency 
situation. 
Other uses of the device are possible, as for example one in which an 
operator quickly and easily determines the remaining distance to a 
specific destination. According to this mode of use, there is entered into 
the device a present odometer reading and a number representing the 
distance to the specific destination. A subsequently entered odometer 
reading and operation of an activating key will result in display of a 
number representing in miles the remaining distance to be traveled. This 
operation is one which may be carried out independently of CB equipment. 
The sequence could also be reversed to remind the operator of the 
approximate odometer reading to appear when the destination is reached. 
The device can also have, but is not restricted to, other features. For 
example the device can have a self-contained power source, or can derive 
its power from the vehicle or other means. The device can indicate the 
last reading continually, or can shut down the display but continue to 
hold entered data for future use and display. The device can be programmed 
to calculate, through a timing device, increasing or decreasing sequences 
established by entering approximate highway speed. It can also be 
activated through electronic, or mechanical means, from the vehicle, to 
increase or decrease the display related to actual distance traveled 
thereby becoming similar to an auxiliary or primary vehicle mileage 
indicator that is resettable for specific highway locations. In this 
connection, while reference has been made herein to a vehicle odometer, it 
will be understood that what is identified is a vehicle mileage indicator 
of whatever type may be present in the vehicle. The device can also be 
designed to serve as a clock displaying the local time when not displaying 
location numbers and while maintaining the appropriate entered data 
required for further use. As may be further seen, a number of other 
specific functions required by the complexity of driver needs can be 
designed into the calculator device. For example, the device could be used 
for log keeping, such as to record and total highway tolls paid on the 
trip, or total money expended in various other categories. A keyboard of 
the calculator device would in these various circumstances be provided 
with appropriate function keys and suitable internal programming. 
An object of the invention is to provide a calculator-like device of varied 
utility to highway users, particularly as a means of accurately locating a 
vehicle position within and relative to a highway mile marker system. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a calculator adaptation with 
function keys for determining a highway position relative to the mile 
marker system irrespective of the direction of vehicle travel. 
A further object of the invention is to facilitate selection of different 
sets of function keys in a calculator-like device using an adjustable 
means to block out one set of keys while exposing another. 
Still another object of the invention is to utilize conventional electronic 
calculator principles in the providing of a device of special use to 
highway users, particularly but not only in connection with CB radio 
equipment. 
A still further object of the invention is to provide a calculator-like 
device which can be incorporated into a CB radio for use therewith. 
With the above and other incidental objects in view as will more fully 
appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by 
Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts and 
combinations thereof, and the mode of operation as hereinafter described 
or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the 
several views. 
In this disclosure of an illustrated embodiment of the invention, the 
structure and principles of operation of a small electronic calculator are 
dealt with in only a general way. In pocket size and desk size forms, the 
small electronic calculator has been in common use for several years. Its 
organization and mode of operation are well known, at least in broad 
terms. A reasonably complete disclosure of a typical calculator is 
contained in an article entitled "The Small Electronic Calculator" by 
Eugene W. McWhorter appearing in the March 1976 issue of Scientific 
American. Reference is made to that article for an understanding of basic 
calculator components and functions. The instant invention modifies the 
typical calculator by providing special function keys and by specifically 
programming memory and control circuits to respond to actuation of such 
keys. However, except as will hereinafter be specifically commented upon, 
internal components and the routing and handling of entered data is the 
same as is found in a typical small electronic calculator as presently 
known. 
Referring to the drawings, a calculator-like device according to the 
present invention comprises a case 10 housing the internal circuitry of 
the device and presenting uppermost thereof a display panel 11 and a 
keyboard 12. The case 10 is in the illustrated instance an independent 
pocket size unit. Clearly, however, it could be built into a vehicle, as a 
part of the instrument dash or the like. Similarly, it could be an add-on 
feature of a CB radio or integrated into the radio construction for 
convenient operation in conjunction with operation of the radio. 
The display panel 11 has a horizontal series of apertures 13 through each 
of which is visible an illuminable decimal point and a pattern of other 
light emitting diode segments 14 selectively illuminable to form a numeral 
zero to 9. On the keyboard 12 is a plurality of depressible numerical keys 
15 in representations zero to 9, as well as a decimal key 16. Also on the 
keyboard are depressible keys 17 and 18 initiating "Clear" and "Clear 
Entry" functions whereby all non-permanent entries may be erased from 
holding circuits or only the last entered entry erased. Finally, and in 
accordance with the present invention, there is provided a first set of 
special function keys 19, 20, and 21 and a second set of special function 
keys 22, 23 and 24. They are for convenience arranged in side by side 
vertical rows or banks. Between the sets or banks is a hinge means 25, on 
the keyboard, providing a means by which a cover plate 26 may be pivotally 
attached to the keyboard. The plate 26 has a rectangular configuration and 
is dimensioned to cover one set only of the special function keys when 
superposed thereon. One longitudinal edge of the plate 26 is appropriately 
constructed to make a pivotal connection with hinge means 25. Using the 
hinge means 25 as a pivot, therefore, the plate 26 may be swung to 
alternative positions in which one set of the special function keys is 
exposed while the other set is covered or blocked out. The plate 26 may be 
made of any suitable lightweight but relatively rigid material and may be 
opaque, translucent or transparent. It is preferably, although not 
necessarily, held in set positions of adjustment so that vibration of 
handling will not cause the plate inadvertently to move from one adjusted 
position to another. Also, it is desirable that the plate be supported so 
that it cannot press against and cause a misoperation of underlying keys. 
Serving both these ends, in the illustrated instance, are pins 27 and 28 
upstanding from the surface of the keyboard on opposite sides of the 
vertical rows of special function keys. The plate 26 has an aperture 29 
adapted to make alternative friction engagements with upper extremities of 
the pins 27 and 28. 
For reasons which will later be obvious, the special function keys 19, 20 
and 21 are identified on their face as "NE1", "NE2", and "NE20". Similarly 
the keys 22, 23 and 24 are respectively identified as "SW1", "SW2", and 
"SW20". 
Completing the keyboard of the device according to the illustrated 
embodiment of the invention is an on-off slide member 30 by which the 
device is energized and deenergized. The device is in this regard powered 
by the same means and in the same manner as is a conventional small 
electronic calculator, that is, by a power source which may be a 
self-contained rechargeable battery or batteries or vehicle power source 
means being provided for utilizing and applying the supplied power 
including a voltage regulator and an oscillator circuit generating a clock 
signal pulsing at a selected rate of cycles per second. 
According to the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the keyboard is 
structured to perform locating functions although it could obviously be 
adapted by the provision of other special function keys and by 
arithmetical function keys to carry out other calculations. In the use of 
the illustrated device, the plate 26 is adjusted to expose a set of the 
special function keys agreeing with the direction the vehicle is traveling 
or is expected to travel. If that direction is north or east the plate 26 
is adjusted to the position of FIG. 1 where "NE" keys are exposed and "SW" 
keys are blocked out. On the other hand if the direction of travel of the 
vehicle is or is expected to be south or west then plate 26 is adjusted to 
block out keys "NE" and to expose keys "SW", as seen in FIG. 2. Having 
made this adjustment, the operator uses slide 30 to energize the 
calculator device and depresses key 17 to clear the device of previously 
entered numbers. He then takes note of the number of the nearest highway 
mile marker and enters it into the device by depressing appropriate 
numerical keys 15. The entered number appears in the display panel 
apertures and can be verified, following which function key 19 or function 
key 22, whichever one is exposed, is depressed and the mile marker number 
appropriately stored. The operator then takes note of the number shown on 
the vehicle mileage indicator, which may be the vehicle odometer. He 
enters the number in the machine and depresses the exposed key 20 or 23 
and the device effects appropriate storage. The calculator device may be 
programmed to turn off the display to conserve power while the vehicle 
proceeds along the highway and until it becomes desirable to determine the 
vehicle location. At this time, the operator, using the numerical keys 15, 
enters into the device the new or present number shown by the vehicle 
mileage indicator. This is followed immediately by depression of key 21 or 
24, whichever is exposed, and, in accordance with the programming of the 
device, this produces a display on panel 11 of a number which is the 
number identifying the vehicle location relative to the highway mile 
marker system. This position can then be transmitted over the CB radio as 
a part of whatever report or warning the vehicle operator wishes to give 
to others. Information storage, handling and computation processes within 
the calculator-like device are carried out in a generally known manner, 
and it will be evident that the process in general may be one in which the 
difference between the starting and new mileage indicator numbers is 
obtained and added to or subtracted from the mile marker number, with the 
resultant being displayed at panel 11. These processes are, of course, 
well within the capability of known pocket type calculators and it is 
merely necessary to program the circuitry thereof appropriately to respond 
to depression of the special function keys. The alternativeness involved 
in adding or subtracting results from the necessity of dealing with mile 
marker numbers which increase when the vehicle moves in a north or east 
direction and which decrease when the vehicle moves in a south or west 
direction. When traveling north or east, therefore, the operator adjusts 
plate 26 to expose the "NE" set of keys and uses these in effecting his 
entries. Activation of the "NE20" key, therefore, adds to the entered mile 
marker number the difference between the starting and new vehicle mileage 
indicator numbers to arrive at the new correct mile marker number. Should 
the vehicle be moving in a south or west direction, however, with mile 
marker numbers decreasing, the "SW" function keys are exposed and 
activation of key 24 subtracts the mileage indicator difference from the 
entered mile marker number to arrive at the new mile marker number. 
The numeral "20" as used on special function keys 21 and 24 derives from 
the 10 code as used by CB radio operators. In the language of CB, "10-20" 
relates to location and is frequently used to ask the question "What is 
your location?". Keys "1" and "2" of each set of function keys accordingly 
assume the character of preliminarily operated direction keys while the 
keys "20" become the finally activated keys yielding the desired location 
information. 
In the illustrated instance the mile marker number and the starting vehicle 
mileage indicator number are stored in separate registers representing 
additions to the physical structure of a calculator of a known type. In 
FIG. 3 the conceptual organization of a typical microelectronic system is 
shown in which the added memory registers appear as MR1 and MR2 
respectively. A detailed description of how inputs from the keyboard are 
handled within the calculator would appear to be unnecessary since these 
are disclosed in the aforementioned Scientific American article and are 
not modified by this invention. It can be noted, however, that under 
instructions programmed into the "Read-Only Memory" and as influenced by 
depression of a key "NE1" or "SW1" the mile marker number entered into the 
device is stored in memory register MR1. Similarly, the starting vehicle 
mileage indicator number as entered under activation of key "NE2" or "SW2" 
is instructed by the "Read-Only Memory" to be stored in memory register 
MR2. Under activation of a key "NE20" or "SW20" the subsequently entered 
vehicle mileage indicator number is routed along with the number from 
memory storage register MR2 to the Adder/Subtracter and the difference 
recycled in conjunction with the number in memory register MR1 to produce 
the new mile marker number, all of the process steps being in accordance 
with permanent instructions built into the "Read-Only Memory" and 
appropriate electronic connections as comprised in the "Control 
Circuitry". 
Programming of the device to require but a single memory register also is 
possible but in this instance actuation of a key " NE2" or "SW2" would 
initiate an immediate processing of the mile marker number and the 
starting vehicle mileage indicator number to add these numbers together or 
to subtract one from the other according to which key "NE2" or "SW2" has 
been depressed. This resultant is stored in the provided memory register 
and upon actuation of the location key "NE20" or "SW20" the new vehicle 
mileage indicator number is subtracted from or added to the amount in the 
memory register, yielding the correct vehicle location number, having 
regard to the mile marker system. 
In keeping with CB radio related use of the calculator-like device, it 
could be fitted with code keys having a relation to CB codes. For example, 
on-off code keys could be provided, as well as a code key to display the 
correct time, a code key for clearing and so on. Capabilities of time 
display are a part of systems using the timed impulses of a clock 
generator. The device might also include conventional arithmetical keys to 
aid in trucker or motorist in keeping track of highway tolls and other 
trip expenditures, with these being either separately or jointly 
accumulated. 
The location finding feature of the calculator device may be used also in 
determining the remaining distance to a selected destination, highway turn 
off or the like. This operation would correspond to a south and west 
position finding operation except that instead of using "SW1" to enter a 
mile marker number there would be entered a number corresponding to the 
number of miles to the destination or turn off. Now, if sometime 
subsequently, the "SW20" key is depressed, starting and new vehicle 
mileage indicator numbers will be compared and the difference subtracted 
from the "Distance To" number, leaving for display a number which is the 
number of miles remaining to the destination. Separate, appropriately 
coded keys can be provided for this operation, if desired. 
In another use of the device, a continuous display of passing miles is 
possible, which also can be used for location identification. In this 
instance, a starting mile marker is entered and there is additionally 
entered a number corresponding to the speed of the vehicle expressed in 
miles per hour. The mile marker number is displayed and under actuation of 
an appropriate code key such as "NE20" or "SW20" the clock signal is 
utilized progressively to increase or to reduce the display. For example, 
upon entry of a highway speed of 55, the illuminated display would 
increase or decrease by one-tenth of a mile every 1.0909 seconds, 
depending on whether the code key "NE" or "SW" has been activated. 
Operation of the unit can be more directly related to actual speed by 
utilizing a mechanical or electronic speed responsive means, responding 
for example to the speed of rotation of the vehicle axle or the like. 
The sets of special function keys 19-21 and 22-24 are disclosed as 
occurring in side by side banks of keys. This is a convenient arrangement 
and facilitates a blocking out of the keys of one or the other set, using 
a single hinged cover plate 26. It will be evident, however, that the 
special function keys can be variously placed on the keyboard 12 as may be 
thought most convenient or desirable. 
The display panel 11 may take any of the forms commonly seen in small 
electronic calculators, and in lieu of the light emitting diode segments 
shown there may be used a liquid crystal or other lighted number unit. 
The special function keys are identified in part by letter symbols 
representative of direction. Obviously they could be identified using 
other symbols, or numerical or alphabetical representations or the like. 
The use of code keys has been before mentioned and it will be understood 
that this concept can be extended, as for example to use a single "code" 
key in conjunction with a pair of alternatively operable directional keys. 
A cover plate could be used in this instance to cover one or the other of 
the directional keys. Under selected programming, the "code" key may then 
be used to initiate various desired function sequences. 
From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided 
a device of the character described possessing the particular features of 
advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is 
susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction 
and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or 
sacrificing any of its advantages. 
While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described 
in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be 
understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features 
shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but 
one of several modes of putting the invention into effect and the 
invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within 
the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.