Disclosed is a data entry and display system for loading any one of N digits into any position of an M position data bus where N and M are integers. The system includes a set of N pushbutton switches each of which is representative of one of the digits; and a set of M pushbutton switches each of which corresponds to one of the M positions on the data bus. The system is operated simply by first pushing one of the N pushbutton switches which corresponds to the digits to be loaded; and by subsequently pushing one of the M pushbutton switches which corresponds to the desired digit position. This sequence is repeated for each digit to be loaded. A total of M identical circuits, one circuit for each digit positions in the data bus, operate in parallel to sense the pressed pushbuttons and to take the appropriate bus loading and bus displaying action.
A visual display apparatus comprises a multisegment bar display (2) having display characters (16) divided into two groups. In the first group individual outer segment bars (17) are each associated with a respective permanent marking which indicates a specific information item or class of information items, and are connected in a closed cycle whereby the instantaneously actuated display can be advanced forward or backward in the closed cycle from one segment bar (17) to another by keys (4,5). A sequence of display patterns representing parameter values is displayed in the second group of display characters (16), which sequence and which set depends on the segment bar (17) which is instantaneously actuated in the first group, and a desired parameter value can be selected from among the sequence by depressing an "acceptance" key (6). The parameters for equipment can be adopted rapidly and under conditions of rapid surveyability, whereby a selection for each of a number of parameters can be made from a plurality of parameter values, so that the parameters can be set in advance of an operation phase.
An electronic thermometer includes a memory system for storing the body temperature data measured by a temperature sensing element. The memory system has ten memory sections for storing the temperature data of each of last ten days. A graphic display system is associated with the memory system for displaying the temperature data stored in the memory system in a bar graph fashion, thereby indicating the temperature variation of these ten days.
An electronic prize verification and display apparatus that provides an interactive interface with a consumer to receive information, such as an alphanumeric data sequence that includes a plurality of digits, indicative of a prize to be awarded to that consumer. The display apparatus compares the received alphanumeric data sequence with a predetermined series of winning sequences and displays a prize won by the consumer or a message encouraging the consumer to try again. The alphanumeric data sequence could be a prize code printed on a consumer product, such as a paper cup. Upon purchase of the product, a consumer would enter the prize code into the electronic prize verification and display apparatus to determine if the prize code was a winning code, and if so, the prize won. To facilitate entry of the prize code and display of an appropriate message to the consumer, the electronic prize verification and display apparatus preferably includes a keypad and liquid crystal display. As each digit of the alphanumeric data sequence is entered into the apparatus, it is displayed on the liquid crystal display. Upon entry of a predetermined number of digits, or upon actuation of an appropriate key by the consumer, the entered sequence is compared to the predetermined series of winning sequences for verification.
A method and apparatus for entering data into a computer including an abbreviated keyboard wherein each key represents a plurality of characters. Depression of a key of the keyboard causes the generation and transmission of a first electronic signal to a computer. The computer receives the signal and according to a predetermined algorithm, generates a best guess of which one of the plurality of alphanumeric characters represented by the key and signal sent to the computer is desired to be ultimately entered into the computer. A second electronic signal is generated by the computer and transmitted to a display to cause the display to indicate the guess. By subsequent stroke or strokes of the keyboard, the guess is either selected if correct, or if incorrect changed until the correct alphanumeric character is guessed. The computer programmed with the algorithm for making the guesses may be remote to the keyboard or contain within the keyboard such as by the incorporation of an appropriate microchip. If remote, the computer may be the same computer to which data will be transferred or may be an associated apparatus. Such associated apparatus may include display means for displaying the guess. In one embodiment the keyboard and display means are integral with a telephone. A secondary display means is provided to show an accumulation of characters previously transmitted, or accumulated in buffer for subsequent transmission.
