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Claims  |
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What is claimed is:
1. A hand held calculator for computing the earned run average of a
baseball pitcher or the batting average if a baseball player comprising:
an arithmetic logic unit having an input and an output;
a display driver having an input and output, said input connected to said
arithmetic logic unit;
a display having an input interconnected to said output of said display
driver and the output of said arithemtic logic unit; and
a plurality of depressible data input keys each having an output, the
output of said data input keys except one thereof being connected to the
output of said arithmetic logic unit and to the input of said display
driver, one of said data input keys with AB thereon has no function, two
of said plurality of data input keys have the indicia 1/3 and 2/3 thereon,
two of said plurality of data input keys provide mathematical division
functions when depressed, one of said plurality of data input keys
providing a mathematical division function when depressed, one of said
plurality of data input keys providing a mathematical multiplication
function has the indicia IP thereon, two of said plurality of input data
keys provide equal functions, one of said equal functions function keys
having the indica ERA thereon, two of said plurality of data input keys
represent the numeral 9, one of said plurality of data input keys
representing the numeral 9 has the indicia ERA thereon, other of said
plurality of data input keys provide at least the numerals 0 through 9
when depressed, whereby when an earn run average is being calculated the
following data input key depressing sequence is performed, the numerical
data input keys representing the total earned run average of a specific
pitcher to date are depressed, said ER input data key is depressed, the
data input keys representing the total innings played by said specific
pitcher are depressed, said IP data input key is depressed, the numeral 9
key is depressed and the equal input data key is depressed and when a
player's batting average is being calculated the following sequence is
preformed, data input keys representing the total number of hits of a
specific player are depressed, the input data function key is depressed,
the data input keys indicating the total times at bat are depressed, the
AB data input key is depressed and the equal function key is depressed.
2. The calculator as defined in claim 1 wherein said arithmetical logic
unit is a type MM5736 module.
3. The calculator as defined in claim 1 wherein said display is a type
NSB5931 module having six digits with one of said digits being a decimal
point.
4. The calculator as defined in claim 1 wherein said display driver is a
type SN75472 module.
5. The calculator as defined in claim 1 including an
additional circuit for providing a times 9 function when the IP input data
key is depressed.
6. The calculator as defined in claim 1 wherein a third key with BA thereon
performs the equal function.
7. The calculator as defined in claim 1 wherein said AB key has no
connection to said arithmetic logic unit or to said display drive.
8. The calculator is defined in claim 1 additionally including a BA key
which has no connection to said arithmetic logic unit or to said display
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to hand held calculators, and more particularly
to hand held calculators which have a dedicated function and specifically
to a hand held calculator for determining the earned run or batting
average of a baseball player
Dedicated calculators include the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,048,484,
4,118,783 and 4,282,580 for grade averaging that includes data input keys
for entering letter grades and determining an average letter grade
therefrom and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,142,236 and 4,367,526 for hand calculators
for determining golf scores.
These calculators generally have dedicated keys to make their performance
for specific calculations by a lay operator simple and accurate.
There is no known dedicated calculator for the purpose for which the
instant invention is dedicated. Due to the popularity of baseball by
players at all ability levels of play and spectators there is a long
standing need for a simple means and method for instantly determining the
earned run average and/or batting average of a specific player without
knowing the mathematical equation required for such a calculation. The
instant invention will satisfy that long standing need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to an easily operated hand held calculator for
determining a base ball pitcher's career, season, or game earned run
average or a baseball player's career, season, or game batting average.
Data input keys of the calculator include keys for entering numerical data
associated with total runs given up to date, total innings pitched, total
hits to date, total times at bat and for any other normal mathematical
functions not associated with the specific dedicated functions of the
calculator of the invention. The key board further includes keys for
entering specific functions such as, ER for entry of earned runs given up
to date, IP for total innings pitched to date, ERA for entry of earned run
average H for entry of total hits to date, AB for entry of total times at
bat to date, BA for entry of batting average to date and fraction keys for
partial innings played. The normal =, .multidot., +, - and C for clear
screen.
In a first preferred embodiment, the data input key board is interconnected
to a digital display, a display driver and an ALU (arithmetic logic unit).
For use as a simple mathematical calculator the normal expected operations
are preformed. For use in the earned run average (ERA) function, the
calculator is energized by a switch, the numerals indicating the total
runs given up by a particular pitcher to date are entered via the
numerical data input keys, the ER (earned run) key is then depressed which
provides a divide function, the numbers representing the total innings
pitched by that pitcher to date are then entered via the data input keys,
the IP (innings pitched) key which provides a .times. (times) function is
then depressed, the ERA (earned run average) key is then depressed. The
numerical total earned run average for the pitcher is then displayed on
the digital display. In effect the ER key is a divide function key, the IP
key is a times 9 multiplication key and the ERA key is an equal key. The
resulting function is the equivalent to the equation
ERA=(EP)/(IP).times.9.
For use in the batting average (BA) function, the calculator is energized
by the switch, the numerals indicating the batting average of a player to
date are entered via the numerical data input keys, the H key (hits) is
then depressed which provides a divide function, the numbers representing
the total times at bat to date are then entered via the data input keys,
the AB (at bat) key is then depressed, this key is a blank key and
performs no actual function and the BA (batting average) key is then
depressed, this key performs the = function. The batting average is then
read from the visual display.
In the second embodiment, the calculator function similar to the first
embodiment with the exception of the absence of the .times.9 circuit which
requires that the operator manually perform the .times. and 9 functions
separately. For the use as a simple mathematical calculator the normal
expected operations are performed. For use in the earned run average (ERA)
function, the calculator is energized by the switch, the numerals
indicating the total runs given up by a particular pitcher to date are
entered via the numeral data input keys, the ER key is then depressed
which provides a divide function, the numbers representing the total
innings pitched to date are then entered via the data input keys, the IP
key is then depressed which is an .times. (times) function, the ERA key is
then depressed which provides a 9 function and then the = key is depressed
to provide the earned run average on the display.
In a second embodiment, the use of the calculator of the invention for the
batting average (BA) function, the calculator is energized, the numeral
indicating the total hits to date are entered via the appropriately
numbered keys, the H (hits) key is then depressed, the numerical number
for the total times at bat to date is then entered via the appropriated
numeral keys, the AB (at bat) key is then depressed, the BA (batting
average) key is then depressed and the = key is then depressed to display
the batting average (BA). The resulting function is the equivalent to the
equation BA=H/(AB). The AB and BA keys are not connected to the circuitry
of the calculator of the invention but are merely used in the calculation
so as to generally follow the same number of operations and operation
logic as the ER calculation explained above.
In the first embodiment of the calculator of the invention, a dedicated
times 9 (.times.9) circuit is interconnected to the key board, display and
ALU so that when calculating ERA depressing the IP key functions as a
times 9 key thereby eliminating one of the key functions required to
arrive at the same result using the device according to the second
embodiment. When calculating the BA using the first embodiment, the BA key
is no longer a "blank" or no function key and operates as the = key again
deleting one operation required to reach the same result using the second
embodiment.
An object of this invention is to provide a hand held calculator to
calculate either the earned run average or batting average of a particular
baseball player easily and quickly by knowing certain specifics of the
playing record of that particular player.
An object of the invention is to mark the keys of a hand held calculator in
a manner so that specific desired results are achieved without knowledge
of mathematical formulas relating thereto.
Another object of this invention is to minimize calculations provided by
the calculator of the invention.
Another object of this invention is to provide a hand held calculator with
keys logically identified with letter abbreviations for certain specific
numerical inputs required to perform the calculations.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the
following description when taken together with the accompanying drawing
Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a plan viewing showing the indicia on the data input key board as
well as the digital display;
FIG. 2 is a schematic wiring diagram of a first embodiment of the instant
invention; and
FIG. 3 is a schematic wiring diagram of a second embodiment of the instant
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawing FIGURES and specifically to FIG. 1, a plan view of
the hand held calculator 10 of the invention is shown. A digital readout
or visual indicator 12 is shown located at the top of the drawing. The
digital readout contains six digits one of which is used as a floating
decimal point. More or less digits could be utilized to practice the
invention depending on the expected accuracy of the resulting
calculations. Twenty four data input keys are shown positioned in columns
extending from the top to the bottom and rows across from side to side of
the drawing. The function of each key is marked on the upper surface as
for example the key on the top of column 1 is a+input key and on the
bottom of column 1 is a 0 input key. There are five columns of keys from
the left hand side of the drawing to the right hand side. There are five
rows of keys from row 1 having only four keys with the + input key on the
left hand side thereof and the C input key on the right hand end of the
row. There are five rows from the top to the bottom of the key board of
the calculator 10.
Referring now specifically to drawing FIG. 2 which depicts the schematic
diagram of the electronic wiring and components of the first preferred
embodiment of the invention. The differences in the wiring of the second
embodiment will be herein after discussed. Rows R1-R2 and C1-C5 of
function data input keys are shown on FIG. 1 and the right hand side of
the drawing FIG. 2 which has the same positional layout as the same
function data input keys as shown in FIG. 1.
Positioned immediately above the rows and columns of the data input keys is
a times 9 circuit 14 which comprises a timer element IC 555 or equivalent.
Terminals 6 and 7 of the timer element are connected through a capacitor
C1 of 4.7 micro farads to common ground potential and to a DC power source
through a resistor R2 of 100K ohms. The power source is typically 6 volts
DC, but could have any convenient value between 1.5 and 9 volts. Terminal
1 of timer element IC 555 is connected directly to ground potential.
Terminals 4 and 8 are connected directly to the DC power source. Terminal
2 is connected to the DC power source through R1 of 100K ohms and to the
emitter of a transistor Q1 of the type 2N3906 or equivalent. Terminal 1 is
connected to ground potential. Terminal 3 is connected to one side of
resister R3 of 1 K ohm.
The base of transistor Q1 is connected to one side of a resistor R5 of 100K
ohms. The emitter of transistor Q1 is tied to ground potential. The
opposite side of R3 is connected to the connection of an electrolytic
capacitor C3 of 4.7 micro farads. The opposite side of R5 is connected to
a capacitor C2 of 5 picofarads and to one side of C4 of 0.0003 micro
farads. The opposite side of C2 is connected to the DC power supply. The
other side of C4 is connected to the anode of a diode D1. The opposite
side of capacitor C3 is connected to terminal 1 of a non-inverting buffer
of the type 74LS36T or equivalent thereto.
Terminals 2 and 16 of the non-inverting buffer are connected to the DC
power. Terminal 8 of the non-inverting buffer is connected to ground
potential. Terminal 3 of the non-inverting buffer is connected to one side
of resistor R4 of 3 meg ohms. The opposite side of R4 is connected to the
base of a transistor Q2 of the type 2N3904 or equivalent.
The collector of transistor Q2 is connected through a resistor R7 of 1K ohm
to one terminal of the keys for inputting the digits 6-9, the
multiplication function, two thirds numeral and terminal 4 of an ALU of
the type MM5736 or equivalent. The emitter of transistor Q2 is connected
to the opposite terminal of the key for inputting the numeral 9, to one
terminal of the keys for inputting the numeral 4, IP, terminal 14 of the
ALU and to terminal 14 of a display driver of the type SN75492 or
equivalent.
Terminals of the ALU and display driver are interconnected in the following
manner terminals 14, 12, 10, 5, 3 and 8 are of the display driver are
connected respectfully to terminals 14, 15, 1, 16, 17 and 2 of the ALU.
The output terminals 1, 13, 9, 6, 2 and 7 are connected respectfully to
the segments of the digital visual indicator 12 from left to right in the
FIGURE. Terminals 19, 8, 7, 13, 11, 12, 9 and 6 are connected to the
appropriate connection of the visual display each through a 30 ohm
resistor as referenced in the manufactures specifications to accomplish
the desired visual display when depressing the data input keys.
The other connections of the data input keys to the ALU and display driver
are in accordance with known principles as shown in the last mentioned
drawing Figure.
Referring again to the .times.9 circuit, the cathode of diode D1 is
connected to the cathode of a diode D2 and to one connection to the data
input key IP. The anode of the diode D2 is connected to on connection of
the data input key ER. The remaining connections of the various data input
keys are connected as shown in FIG. 2. It should be noted that in the
first embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the AB data input key is a dummy key
and has no electrical connection to the rest of the electrical circuit
OPERATION OF THE FIRST PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For example to calculate the earned run average (ERA) of complete games
pitched, the user turns the device "on" by switching the switch S1 from it
normally open position shown in FIG. 2 to a closed position (not shown)
whereby the calculator is energized. For example to calculate the earned
run average of a pitcher who has given up 58 runs and pitched 240 innings
to date, the total earned run average is then calculated in the following
steps:
EARNED RUN AVERAGE
Operation Sequence: Example--58 ER, 240 IP. Answer: 2.175 ERA
______________________________________
(1) Enter: Number of earned runs to date. 58
(2)
Press:
##STR1##
(3) Enter: Number of innings pitched to date. 240
(4)
Press:
##STR2##
(5) Press:
##STR3##
______________________________________
The device is capable of including fractions of innings of a particular
pitcher by the use of special keys indicating one third or two thirds. For
example:
If innings pitched to date include either 1/3 or 2/3 of an inning, then
Operation Sequence: Example--58 ER, 2401/3 Ip. Answer: 2.172 ERA
______________________________________
(1) Enter: Number of earned runs to date. 58
(2)
Press:
##STR4##
(3) Enter: Number of innings pitched to date. 240
(4)
Press:
##STR5##
(5)
Press:
##STR6##
(6)
Press:
##STR7##
(7)
Press:
##STR8##
______________________________________
Example--58 ER, 2402/3 IP. Answer 2.169 ERA Operation Sequence is:
______________________________________
(1) Enter: Number of earned runs to date. 58
(2)
Press:
##STR9##
(3) Enter: Number of innings pitched to date. 240
(4)
Press:
##STR10##
(5)
Press:
##STR11##
(6)
Press:
##STR12##
(7)
Press:
##STR13##
______________________________________
BATTING AVERAGE
Operation Sequence: Example--167 H, 452 AB. Answer: 0.369 BA
______________________________________
(1) Enter: Number of hits to date. 167
(2)
Press:
##STR14##
(3) Enter: Number of times at bat to date. 452
(4)
Press:
##STR15##
(5)
Press:
##STR16##
______________________________________
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF THE SECOND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The second preferred embodiment is similar to the first preferred
embodiment except that the dedicated.times.9 circuit is eliminated, the
diode D2 is removed, the out put terminal of the power switch S1 is
connected directly to terminal 11 of the display driver and the input data
key BA like AB has no connection to the calculator circuit. The
calculations equivalent to those above are as follows:
EARNED RUN AVERAGE
Operation Sequence: Example--58 ER, 240 IP. Answer: 2.175 ERA
______________________________________
(1) Enter: Number of earned runs to date. 58
(2)
Press:
##STR17##
(3) Enter: Number of innings pitched to date. 240
(4)
Press:
##STR18##
(5)
Press:
##STR19##
(6)
Press:
##STR20##
______________________________________
If innings pitched to date include either 1/3 or 2/3 of an inning, then--
Operation Sequence is: Example--58 ER, 2401/3 IP. Answer 2.172 ERA
______________________________________
(1) Enter: Number of earned runs to date. 58
(2)
Press:
##STR21##
(3) Enter: Number of innings pitched to date. 240
(4)
Press:
##STR22##
(5)
Press:
##STR23##
(6)
Press:
##STR24##
(7)
Press:
##STR25##
(8)
Press:
##STR26##
______________________________________
Operation Sequence Example--58 ER, 2402/3 IP. Answer: 2.169 ERA.
______________________________________
(1) Enter: Number of earned runs to date. 58
(2)
Press:
##STR27##
(3) Enter: Number of innings pitched to date. 240
(4)
Press:
##STR28##
(5)
Press:
##STR29##
(6)
Press:
##STR30##
(7)
Press:
##STR31##
______________________________________
BATTING AVERAGE Operation Sequence: Example--167 H, 452 AB. Answer: 0.369
BA
______________________________________
(1) Enter: Number of hits of date. 167
(2)
Press:
##STR32##
(3) Enter: Number of times at bat to date. 452
(4)
Press:
##STR33##
(5)
Press:
##STR34##
(6)
Press:
##STR35##
______________________________________
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in
the accompanying FIGURES and described in the foregoing detailed
description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to
the embodiments discussed, but is intended to embrace any alternatives,
modifications, and limitations or substitutions of parts or elements as
fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.
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Description |
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