WO2000036521A1

WO2000036521A1 - Calculator

Info

Publication number: WO2000036521A1
Application number: PCT/IB1998/001845
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Mourani
Original assignee: Paths Sal Offshore; Mogabert Mourani, Marie-Christine
Priority date: 1997-10-17
Filing date: 1998-12-17
Publication date: 2000-06-22
Also published as: GB9722034D0; GB2330432B; GB2330432A

Abstract

A calculator is disclosed which comprises: (a) a housing (1); (b) function keys (3, 4, 5a-5k, 6, 8) operably connected to logic circuitry housed within the housing, whereby mathematical operations can be performed; (c) a display panel (2) arranged to display the results of said mathematical operations; and (d) at least one other key (9) operably connected to a memory device housed within said housing and arranged to generate an output from a selection of outputs held in said memory device, said output being directed to said display panel. The calculator functions include, in addition to conventional functions (e.g. maths and a time (7) display), a 'lucky number' generating function (15, 16, 17). Also, a horoscope function is preferably provided (9, 10, 11, 12a, 12b).

Description

CAT.CTTT.ATOR This invention relates to a calculator, and, more particularly, is concerned with a calculator which combines a series of standard mathematical functions with at least one other function.

The circuitry involved in performing calculations by means of the calculator of this invention is conventional and will not be described herein since it is well known in the art and suitable circuits/components are readily available commercially .

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a calculator which comprises: (a) a housing; (b) a random number generator housed within said housing (c) function keys operably connected to logic circuitry housed within the housing, whereby mathematical operations can be performed; (d) a display panel arranged to display the results of said mathematical operations; and (e) at least one other key operably connected to a memory device housed within said housing and arranged to generate an output from a selection of outputs held in said memory device, said output being directed to said display panel, wherein said function keys comprise a "lucky number" function key or keys which is or are operably connected to said random number generator.

The calculator includes a plurality of function selection keys which select the mode of operation required by the user. These will include a "maths" key which is used to select the normal mathematical functions, e.g. addition, multiplication, square root, n^th root, etc. Another function selection may be used to give a time display. One of the function keys is used to select a "lucky number" feature; when selected, further keys on the calculator may operate to select the number of digits required in the "lucky number" or its range; and to initiate the random number generator. In a preferred embodiment, keys are provided which enable the random number generator to be controlled by the user in a more or less subjective way - for example, by allowing the random number generator to cycle continuously until the user chooses to terminate the cycle. In this way, the ser selects the moment at which the output of the random number generator is displayed.

Another preferred feature is a horoscope function. This can have one or more function selection keys; for example, the calculator may have one key linked to a memory containing a series of predictions or recommendations pertaining to the user's personal relationships; and a second key linked to another memory, or to another part of the memory, which contains a series of predictions or recommendations pertaining to the user's business affairs. The calculator may use a memory unit whose contents are provided by an astrologer; the memory unit may be replaceable so that, for example, the predictions contained in the memory may be updated at regular intervals of, typically, six months. Alternatively, the machine can utilise a fixed (non- replaceable) memory which contains sufficient data for it to run for a predetermined period - typically for 2% years. New machines will then need to be produced at regular intervals, say every six months, to enable the user to acquire a new machine just before the memory of his old machine expires.

In one embodiment, the horoscope function includes twelve birth star sign keys which function to select specific items from the memory unit according to the star sign of the person with whom the user is dealing, whether in personal matters or in business matters. The calculator may also be available in twelve versions, selected according to the birth star- sign of the owner. This enables the memory unit (s) associated with the horoscope function to be specifically oriented to the birth sign of the user.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawing, which shows one embodiment thereof .

Referring to the drawing, the calculator comprises a housing 1 which incorporates logic circuitry (not shown) and at least one memory device (not shown) . The calculator has a display panel 2, e.g. an LCD display. In the illustrated embodiment, the display is in the form of a single line display comprising up to thirty-two characters. A plurality of function keys and function selection keys are provided on the face of the housing 1, and these are operably connected to the logic circuitry and the memory device (s) to provide the user with the results of the selected functions which are then displayed at panel 2. The function keys include an ON/OFF key 3; a CLEAR key 4; mathematical function keys 5a - 5k; and a numerical keypad (0-9) and decimal point) . The maths keys are used to perform the following functions :

5a subtract memory (sub-total) ;

5b add memory (sub-total) ;

5c recall memory (sub-total) ;

5 divide ;

5≤ logarithm or root function (x^{1 n}) ;

5£ multiply;

5g - raise to power;

55hh - percentage;

5i equals;

5i add;

5k subtract .

These maths function keys are located on the right hand side of the keyboard, as shown.

A group 7-11 of function selection keys are provided just to the left of centre of the housing. These include a time display key 7; general maths operation key 8; a horoscope function key 9; a personal or emotional horoscope selection key 10; and a business or professional horoscope selection key 11. The operation of function keys 7 and 8 is self- explanatory.

Scroll keys 12a and 12b form part of a central group of keys 12. Scroll keys 12a and 12b are used in conjunction with the horoscope function key 9 and with zodiacal star sign indicator 14. Key 9 is used to display the general horoscopes for the sign mentioned at 14. This function can call up to 948 read-only horoscope files to be displayed on the screen (two and half years of daily, monthly and yearly horoscopes) . These files vary in size between 300 and 600 characters and are written by highly reputed astrologers. Scroll keys 12a and 12b are used to permit the whole of a file to be viewed. When key 9, the general horoscope function key, is pressed, the machine prompts the user to specify the data for the horoscope (any date in 2% year period covered by the machine) . When the date is entered, the horoscope file is displayed on the screen. The left-right scroll buttons 12a and 12b are then used to view the file in its entirety. A second horoscope key 10, when pressed, will put the device in "emotional compatibility" mode. Selecting one of the Sun Signs (from key group 13) and a date will display an index which measures, on that particular day, the emotional compatibility of the selected sign with the machine sign (14) .

The third horoscope key is key 11. Pressing this key will put the machine in "professional compatibility" mode. This works in the same way as the emotional compatibility key, using the group of signs 13 and a selected date.

The two types of compatibility indices and the accompanying comments are also the work of professional astrologers and are located in 25,920 files in the memory of the machine. A further group of function keys 15, 16 and 17 control a "lucky number" function which operates in conjunction with a random number generator (not shown) which forms part of the logic/memory circuitry within housing 1. Button 15 prompts the user to specify the number of digits required in the lucky number. The second button 16 prompts the user to specify the range for the lucky number. When the proper information is entered in either case, the machine prompts the user to press the "Feeler" button 17 (the half-circle below the lung-shaped keys in the Figure) but not to release it until he or she feels the lucky number is about to appear. Pressing the Feeler button 17 triggers a random number selection process which is continuously reiterated until the user releases the Feeler button. The last random number is then displayed.

When one of the horoscope keys 9, 10 or 11 is selected, the calculator uses a memory which incorporates a large number of astrological predictions/recommendations; these are preferably obtained from a respected astrologer. The user selects one of a further group of keys 13, which represent the signs of the zodiac (Aries, Taurus ... Aquarius, Pisces) , in conjunction with either key 10 or 11. The key from group 13 is selected in accordance with the birth sign of the person with whom the user is dealing or intending to deal (whether in personal or business matters) . The illustrated calculator is available in twelve versions according to the zodiacal star sign of the user; this is indicated by the star sign indicator 14. The memory units associated with function keys 9, 10 and 11 are specifically designed to be appropriate to the user's star sign 14.

An alternative embodiment (not shown) , with a larger memory, is adapted for use by anyone, i.e. it is not dedicated to a particular birth sign. In this embodiment, a birth sign selector function key is provided in place of the fixed sign indicator 14.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A calculator which comprises: (a) a housing; (b) a random number generator housed within said housing; (c) function keys operably connected to logic circuitry housed within the housing, whereby mathematical operations can be performed; (d) a display panel arranged to display the results of said mathematical operations; and (e) at least one other key operably connected to a memory device housed within said housing and arranged to generate an output from a selection of outputs held in said memory device, said output being directed to said display panel, wherein said function keys comprise a "lucky number" function key or keys which is or are operably connected to said random number generator.

2. A calculator as claimed in claim 1, wherein said "lucky number" function keys are arranged to permit the user firstly to select the number of digits required in the "lucky number"; secondly to indicate the general range required for the "lucky number" ; and thirdly to initiate the random number generator and to produce an output therefrom at a moment chosen by the user.

3. A calculator as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , wherein said function keys comprise at least one horoscope key which is operably connected to a memory containing a plurality of horoscope files.

4. A calculator as claimed in claim 3, wherein there are three horoscope function keys, one of which is operably connected to a memory containing a plurality of general horoscope files; a second of which is operably connected to a plurality of files containing data relating to emotional compatibility; and a third of which is operably connected to a plurality of files containing data relating to professional or business compatibility.

5. A calculator as claimed in Claim 3 or 4 , wherein the memory containing said horoscope files is in the form of a replaceable memory card.

6. A calculator as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said display panel comprises a single line display of 32 characters.

7. A calculator as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said function keys comprise a maths function key and a time display function key.

8. A calculator as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said "lucky number" function keys are arranged to permit selection of the number of digits required in the "lucky number" .

9. A calculator as claimed in Claims 1 or 8 , wherein said "lucky number" function keys are arranged to permit selection of the range for the "lucky number" .

10. A calculator as claimed in Claims 1, 8 or 9, wherein said "lucky number: function keys are arranged to permit initiation of the random number generator.

11. A calculator which comprises:

(a) a housing;

(b) function keys operably connected to logic circuitry housed within the housing, whereby mathematical operations can be performed;

(c) a display panel arranged to display the results of said mathematical operations; and

(d) at least two horoscope function keys connected to a memory device containing a plurality of horoscope files and housed within said housing and arranged to generate an output from a selection of outputs held in said memory device, said output being directed to said display panel .

12. A calculator as claimed in Claim 11 wherein one horoscope key selects from general horoscope files for the user and a second horoscope key selects from horoscope files relating to compatibility of the user to others .

13. A calculator as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the second horoscope key selects between emotional compatibility and business comparability.

14. A calculator as claimed in Claims 11, 12 or

13, including sign selection keys for the signs of the Zodiac .

15. A calculator substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.