Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is related to each of the following applications: “Graphical Calculator User Interface for Function Drawing” Ser. No. 10/636,752; “Function Drawing in Polar Plan Using a Calculator” Ser. No. 10/636,752; “Input and Evaluation of Fractions Using a Calculator” Ser. No. 10/636,752; and “Graphical Calculator” Ser. No. 10/636,752, each assigned to the present assignee, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, and all of which are being filed concurrently herewith. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a method of and apparatus for previous calculation reuse in a hand-held calculator. 
   BACKGROUND 
   A hand-held calculator is an important and useful device. Similar to a computer, the hand-held calculator has a processor, a memory, a display, and an input device; however, there are important distinguishing differences between the hand-held calculator and the computer. 
   The hand-held calculator is a specialized device and not a general purpose device, as is true of a computer. Because of this specialization, typically the hand-held calculator costs less, has a longer useful lifespan, and is more reliable and more portable than the computer. 
   Whereas a general purpose computer is capable of executing many different programs, a hand-held calculator typically executes a single program and less frequently supports execution of user-created programs. Normally, a hand-held calculator supports addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of numbers, either integer-based or decimal-based, entered by a user and displays the results on a built-in display. 
   A graphical calculator is a further specialized version of a hand-held calculator having a display which is typically larger than a regular hand-held calculator display in order to enable graph output. In many instances, graphical calculator displays are liquid crystal displays for more accurate representation and enhanced readability of a graph output. 
   A graphical calculator is able to display a graph of a specific expression, e.g. a sine wave representing a sinusoidal function, entered by a user. Disadvantageously, graphical capabilities on hand-held calculators are only available as part of expensive and complex, “high end” scientific calculators. These graphical calculators are more expensive than other calculators, typically costing hundreds of dollars. These graphical calculators are more complicated to operate than other calculators because of the large amount of functionality incorporated therein. 
   The increased functionality has required a corresponding increase in the number of keys required for manipulating and using the calculator. For example, currently available graphical calculators have approximately fifty (50) keys including two (2) shift or modifier keys for a user to manipulate, e.g. a Texas Instruments (TI) 83 plus calculator has 51 keys and two (2) shift keys which can be used concurrently, enabling up to four functions to be assigned per the 51 remaining keys, and a Hewlett-Packard (HP) 48G+/GX calculator has 49 keys and three (3) shift keys, enabling up to six functions to be assigned per the remaining 49 keys. 
   Additionally, and in conjunction with the larger number of keys present, a user must contend with different modes of operation of the current graphical calculator. Different modes of operation, accessible via specific keys and/or key sequences, must be utilized in order to access specific calculator functionality, e.g. a graphical calculator may include a decimal mode, a binary mode, a hexadecimal mode, a finance mode, a statistics mode, and a graph mode. 
   Further, expression input requires increasingly complicated key manipulations and combinations. For example, in order to graph an expression, there are typically three combinations to be entered: a mode specifying combination, an expression entry combination, and a completion combination. The mode specifying combination may include manipulation of a graph key to instruct the calculator to graph the following expression entry. The expression entry combination may include manipulation of multiple keys to input the expression to be graphed and the completion combination includes manipulation of a key, e.g. an enter key, to instruct the calculator to perform the preceding operations, i.e. graph the entered expression. 
   Requiring a user to manipulate multiple keys increases the need for learning, the possibility of error and may lead to frustration on the part of the user. Also, requiring additional key presses by a user requires more time and slows the entry and use of the calculator by the user. The addition of multiple modes, complicated expression input combinations, and ever-increasing numbers of keys results in a very complicated device. 
   As further evidence of increasing complexity, the user manual for a currently available hand-held graphical calculator has dramatically increased in size in order to fully explain the use of the calculator. For example, the above-cited TI-83 plus calculator manual includes 269 pages and the HP 48G+/GX calculator manual includes 506 pages. These are very long documents which are typically not read by users. Further, users are likely to be deterred from reading the manual because of the imposing size of the manual. 
   Graphical calculators are very popular and effective educational aides. School students using graphical calculators can easily visualize complex functions; however, the complexity and cost of currently available graphical calculators deters many students and schools from making a purchase. Purchasers are dissuaded by the size of the manual, multiple modes of operation, and the number of keys and key combinations required for inputting expressions. 
   Prior hand-held calculators of which the inventor is aware, enable a user to edit a previous entry input to the calculator. For example, a user may input the following two expressions for calculation by the calculator:
 
1+2*4/(5*6+4)  Expression A
 
1*7/4+58−44/56  Expression B
 
   In order to modify one of the Expressions A or B, the user manipulates, for example, an up and down key to cause the display of Expression A or B on the calculator. After displaying the Expression A or B, the user modifies the expression as desired and provides the expression as input to the calculator for calculation. 
   Disadvantageously, the above-described approach restricts the user&#39;s choice of expressions for editing to only one of Expression A or B. Even if the user has input more than one expression for calculation, the user is only able to select one of the input expressions for editing and reuse as a subsequent calculation. 
   If the user desires to combine both Expression A and B in a single calculation, the user may select one of the expressions for reuse, but the user is then forced to input again the expression which was not selected. Problematically, the user is likely to mis-key the second expression and, at a minimum, additional keystrokes are required to input both expressions. Additional keystrokes necessitates more complexity, more time for input, and increased chance of an input error and frustration for the user. 
   There is a need in the art for a method of and apparatus for previous calculation reuse in a hand-held calculator. 
   SUMMARY 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method of and apparatus for previous calculation reuse in a hand-held calculator. 
   The present invention provides a method of and apparatus for previous calculation reuse in a hand-held calculator. 
   A method of reusing an expression in a hand-held calculator includes receiving and displaying a user-entered expression. The user-entered expression is evaluated and the result displayed. A first user input requesting reuse of one of the previously displayed expressions is received and an expression displayed. A second user input requesting reuse of a previously displayed expression is received. In response to receipt of the second user input, the previously displayed expressions responsive to the first user input and second user input are displayed at the same time for editing by the user. 
   A further method aspect of reusing an expression in a hand-held calculator includes receiving a first user input requesting reuse of a previously displayed expression. Responsive to receipt of the first user input, one of the previously displayed expressions is displayed for editing by the user. After receipt of the first user input, a second user input requesting reuse of one of the previously displayed expressions is received. Responsive to receipt of the second user input, one of the previously displayed expressions responsive to the second user input is displayed at the same time as the previously displayed expression responsive to the first user input for editing by the user. 
   An apparatus aspect of a hand-held calculator enabling reuse of a previous expression includes an input area of the calculator for receiving: at least one user-entered expression; a first user input to reuse a previously displayed expression; a second user input to reuse a previously displayed expression; and a user-entered input to edit an expression. A display connected to the calculator for displaying the at least one user-entered expression received at the input area and an evaluated user-entered expression. A processor for evaluating the user-entered expression received at the input area and driving the display to display the evaluated user-entered expression. Responsive to the first user input to reuse a previously displayed expression and the second user input to reuse a previously displayed expression, the processor drives the display to display the at least two previously displayed expressions responsive to the first user input and second user input at the same time. Responsive to the user-entered input to edit an expression, the processor edits the at least two previously displayed expressions and drives the display to display the edited expressions. 
   Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein the preferred embodiments of the invention are shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, wherein elements having the same reference numeral designations represent like elements throughout and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a front face view of a graphical calculator according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a high level block diagram of a graphical calculator according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 3  is a flow of control of a process according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1  is a front face view of a graphical calculator  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
   Calculator  100  includes a display  102  and a primarily key-based input area  104  set in a front face  106 . Although front face  106  is depicted as a rounded rectangle, it is to be understood that the front face may be manufactured to be any of a number of different shapes. Further, although a specific number, type and configuration of input mechanisms are described below, it is to be understood that variations in the number, type, and configuration of input mechanisms may be found in different embodiments of the present invention. 
   Display  102  is a rectangular liquid crystal display (LCD) which is 96 pixels wide and 64 pixels in height. As shown in  FIG. 1 , display  102  displays a sine wave  102 A on a graph having an X axis  102 B and a Y axis  102 C. Input area  104  includes four keys and one directional input device  108  in a row  110  and 16 keys arranged in a four by four grid  112 . Although a four by four grid is depicted and described, it is to be understood that the input area keys may be arranged in different configurations. 
   Directional input device  108 , as described in detail below, is used to navigate menus and perform information input, recall, and editing. Directional input device  108  may be manipulated by the user to input at least four directions, i.e. up, down, left, and right to calculator  100 . The four keys in row  110  are shift key  114 , open parenthesis key  116 , close parenthesis key  118 , and power key  120 . 
   Shift key  114  is used to access a second set of functions, i.e. secondary functions, assigned to the remaining keys on calculator  100 . For example, user activating power key  120  turns on calculator  100 ; however, activation of power key  120  subsequent to activation of shift key  114  turns off the calculator. In a similar fashion, each of the remaining keys of calculator  100  has an assigned secondary function. 
   Open parenthesis key  116  inputs a beginning parenthesis in a user-entered expression. The secondary function of open parenthesis key  116  is to input a command causing calculator  100  to split a graphical output on display  102  such that one half of the display is a graph and the other half is numerical information related to the graph displayed. 
   Close parenthesis key  118  inputs an ending parenthesis in a user-entered expression. The secondary function of close parenthesis key  118  is to input a T variable in a user-entered expression. 
   Power key  120  turns on calculator  100  and, as described above, the secondary function of power key  120  is to turn off calculator  100 . Additionally, power key  120  operates as a clear key after calculator  100  is turned on, i.e. the power key may be used to clear the displayed expression on display  102 . Manipulation of shift key  114  followed by right arrow of directional input device  108  deletes input characters to the right of the current input position and manipulation of shift key  114  followed by left arrow of directional input device  108  deletes input characters to the left of the current input position. 
   Beginning in the upper left corner of four by four grid  112 , the description of the remaining keys is now provided in a row, column order. 
   Row  1 , column  1  key  122 , i.e. the seven key, inputs a seven (7) value in a user-entered expression and has a secondary function of inputting a sin function in a user-entered expression. Row  1 , column  2  key  124 , i.e. the eight key, inputs an eight (8) value in a user-entered expression and has a secondary function of inputting a cos function in a user-entered expression. Row  1 , column  3  key  126 , i.e. the nine key, inputs a nine (9) value in a user-entered expression and has a secondary function of inputting a tan function in a user-entered expression. Row  1 , column  4  key  128 , i.e. the division key, inputs a division (/) function in a user-entered expression and has a secondary function of inputting a theta (θ) variable in a user-entered expression. 
   Row  2 , column  1  key  130 , i.e. the four key, inputs a four (4) value in a user-entered expression and has a secondary function of inputting a square root function in a user-entered expression. Row  2 , column  2  key  132 , i.e. the five key, inputs a five-(5) value in a user entered expression and has a secondary function of inputting a squared function, i.e. raising a value to the second power, in a user-entered expression. Row  2 , column  3  key  134 , i.e. the six key, inputs a six (6) value in a user-entered expression and has a secondary function of inputting a value raised to the power of a subsequently entered value function, i.e. X raised to the power of Y, in a user-entered expression. Row  2 , column  4  key  136 , i.e. the multiplication key, inputs a multiplication (*) function in a user-entered expression and has a secondary function of inputting an X variable in a user-entered expression. 
   Row  3 , column  1  key  138 , i.e. the one key, inputs a one (1) value in a user-entered expression and has a secondary function of inputting an absolute value function in a user-entered expression. Row  3 , column  2  key  140 , i.e. the  2  key, inputs a two (2) value in a user-entered expression and has a secondary function of inputting a natural logarithm function in a user-entered expression. Row  3 , column  3  key  142 , i.e. the three key, inputs a three (3) value in a user-entered expression and has a secondary function of in putting eight logarithm function in a user-entered expression. Row  3 , column  4  key  144 , i.e. the minus key, inputs a subtraction (−) function in a user-entered expression and has a secondary function of inputting a NOT function in a user-entered expression. 
   Row  4 , column  1  key  146 , i.e. the execute key, inputs an execute command to calculator  100  and has a secondary function of inputting a menu command to the calculator. Row  4 , column  2  key  148 , i.e. the zero key, inputs a zero (0) value in a user-entered expression and has a secondary function of inputting an e value in a user-entered expression. Row  4 , column  3  key  150 , i.e. the dot key, inputs a decimal point in a value entry and has a secondary function of in putting a pi constant value in a user-entered expression. Row  4 , column  4  key  152 , of i.e. the plus key, inputs an addition (+) function in a user-entered expression and has a secondary function of in putting a times ten to the power of a subsequently entered value, i.e. “*10^Y”, in a user-entered expression. 
     FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary calculator  100  upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. 
   Calculator  100  includes a bus  202  or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor  204  coupled with the bus  202  for processing information. In one particular embodiment, processor  204  is a 16 bit processor. Calculator  100  also includes a main memory  206 , such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus  202  for storing data and expressions according to an embodiment of the present invention and instructions to be executed by processor  204 . Main memory  206  also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor  204 . In one particular embodiment, main memory  206  is an 8 Kilobyte RAM. Further, it is to be understood that in alternate embodiments, the components of calculator  100  may be combined onto a single integrated circuit, e.g. processor  204  and main memory  206  may be combined on a single “system on a chip.” 
   Calculator  100  further includes a read only memory (ROM)  208  or other static storage device coupled to the bus  202  for storing static information and instructions for the processor  204 . In one particular embodiment, ROM  208  is a 128 Kilobyte ROM. 
   Calculator  100  may be coupled via the bus  202  to a display  102 , such as the above-described 96*64 pixel LCD, for displaying an interface to a user. An input area  104 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , is coupled to the bus  202  for communicating information, e.g. user-entered expressions and values, and command inputs to the processor  204 . An input device  108 , as described above with respect to  FIG. 1 , is part of input area  104  and communicates direction information and command selections to processor  204  and controls cursor movement on the display  102 . This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y) allowing the device to specify positions in a plane. 
   The invention is related to the use of calculator  100 , such as the depicted calculator of  FIG. 2 , to input and apply operations, e.g. expressions, to data and graph the results of operations by driving display  102 . According to one embodiment of the invention, data is stored and accessed from main memory  206  by calculator  200  in response to processor  204  executing sequences of instructions contained in main memory  206  in response to input received via input area  104 . A user interacts with the calculator  100  via a user interface displayed (as described below) on display  102 . 
   Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the main memory  206  causes the processor  204  to perform the process steps described below. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with computer software instructions to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software. 
   According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user is able to reuse previously entered expressions and/or previously evaluated expressions, i.e. the results of evaluating user-entered expressions. With reference to Equations A and B above, an example use of a calculator according to an embodiment of the present invention is now provided. Calculator  100  receives a first user-entered expression, e.g. Equation A, entered via input area  104  and displays the user-entered expression to the user via display  102 . Calculator  100 , more specifically processor  204 , evaluates Equation A and displays the result (Result A) to the user via display  102 . 
   Calculator  100  receives a second user-entered expression, e.g. Equation B, entered via input area  104  and displays the user-entered expression to the user via display  102 . Calculator  100 , and more specifically processor  204 , evaluates Equation B and displays the result (Result B) to the user via display  102 . 
   Each displayed expression is stored in memory  206  in reverse chronological order, i.e. pushes the expressions onto a stack, in calculator  100  for reuse by the user. Storing the displayed expressions in reverse chronological order places the most recently displayed expression at the top of the stack, the next most recently displayed expression below the most recently displayed and so on. In this manner, a user can step backward through the most recently displayed expressions. 
   A user desiring to reuse either a previously entered user-entered expression, e.g. Equation A or B, or a result of evaluating one of the previously entered user-entered expression, e.g. Result A or B, manipulates directional input device  108  to input an up arrow direction. Processor  204  receives the up arrow direction input from directional input device  108  and displays the most recently displayed expression, i.e. Result B. 
   The user may then edit Result B using directional input device  108  to move a cursor to the character position at which to edit the result. After positioning the cursor, the user may (a) clear characters from the expression using the power key  120  or (b) add characters, i.e. digits or functions, to the expression using keys input area  104 . 
   Alternatively, the user may decide to choose a different recently displayed expression for use by manipulating directional input device  108  to input another up arrow direction. Processor  204  receives the up arrow direction input from directional input device  108  and displays the second most recently displayed expression, i.e. Equation B. The user may then edit the displayed expression as described above with respect to Result B. 
   Further alternatively, the user may decide to combine two previously displayed expressions into a single expression to be evaluated by processor  204 . For example, the user displays Equation B by manipulating directional input device  108  two times to input an up arrow direction twice. The user then inputs an addition function by manipulating add key  152  to add an addition symbol to the displayed expression. The user then manipulates directional input device  108  two additional times to input an up arrow direction twice to processor  204 . In response, processor  204  retrieves Equation A from main memory  206  and appends Equation A to the displayed expression after the addition symbol. The user then manipulates execute key  146  to input the displayed expression (Equation A+Equation B) to processor  204  for evaluation. 
   Based on the above, the user is able to reuse more than a single previously displayed expression using a minimal number of keys on calculator  100 . In the same manner, the user may manipulate the up arrow direction of directional input device  108  to cause processor  204  to retrieve and display the results of evaluating user-entred expressions. For example, the user may wish to add the results of Equation A and B. Instead of combining the two Equations A and B into a single user-entered expression, the user, having Result B displayed on display  102 , may input an addition function using add key  152  and manipulate the up arrow direction of directional input device  108  twice in order to add Result A to the displayed expression. The user then manipulates execute key  146  to input the displayed expression (Result A+Result B) to processor  204  for evaluation. 
   It is to be understood that a user may combine both user-entered expressions and displayed evaluated expressions, i.e. results of evaluating user-entered expressions, using the above-described method. Further, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that different functions, e.g. functions available using the keys and input device  108  of input area  104 , may be used in combination with the reused previously displayed expressions. 
   It is to be further understood that in specific embodiments, the user may effectively move forward and backward through the stack of previously displayed expressions by manipulating the up and down arrows of directional input device  108 . 
   A flow of control of a process according to an embodiment of the present invention is now described with respect to  FIG. 3 . 
   The flow of control begins at step  300 . At step  302 , a user manipulates input area  104  and inputs an expression to processor  204  for display on display  102 . The user then manipulates the execute key  146  to input the displayed expression to processor  204  for evaluation and subsequent display of the result at step  304 . 
   The user may then enter another expression by manipulating input area  104  and causing the flow of control to proceed to step  302 , as described above. Alternatively, the user may manipulate directional input device  108  and input area  104  to input commands to processor  204  to edit the result displayed in step  306 . As described above, the user manipulates input area  104  to add or remove digits and functions and to edit an existing displayed expression on display  102 . The user manipulates the execute key  146  to input the edited expression to processor  204  for evaluation and subsequent display of the result in step  304 . 
   Further, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the user may manipulate the up arrow of the directional input device  108  to reuse a previously displayed expression in step  308 . The user manipulates the execute key  146  to input the reused previously displayed expression to processor  204  for evaluation and subsequent display of the result in step  304 . 
   A high level pseudo-code listing of an embodiment according to the present invention is listed in Listing 1 below. 
   
     
       
             
           
             
           
             
             
           
             
             
           
             
             
           
             
             
           
             
             
           
             
             
           
             
             
           
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
               Listing 1 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
             
           
        
         
             
               Do 
             
             
               Wait for user key press 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
               If key is enter 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
               Display expression on display 
             
             
                 
               Clear command line 
             
             
                 
               Evaluate expression 
             
             
                 
               Display result on display 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
               If key is UP or Down and last key was not up or down 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
               Change selection in previous calculations accordingly to the 
             
             
                 
               key press 
             
             
                 
               Insert the current selection in the command line at the place of 
             
             
                 
               the cursor 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
               If key is UP or Down and last key was up or Down 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
               Change selection in previous calculations accordingly to the 
             
             
                 
               key press 
             
             
                 
               Remove from the command line the last inserted selection, and 
             
             
                 
               insert the current selection in the command line at the place of 
             
             
                 
               the cursor 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
               If key is not enter or up or down 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
               Perform actions normally associated with the key 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   It will be readily seen by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention fulfills all of the objects set forth above. After reading the foregoing specification, one of ordinary skill will be able to affect various changes, substitutions of equivalents and various other aspects of the invention as broadly disclosed herein. It is therefore intended that the protection granted hereon be limited only by the definition contained in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Technology Category: 3